human
A fair day, master. Eh! but a black cassock's a rare bird nowadays upon the Palace Road.
gpt
Is it not wide enough for us both?
human
Oh, of a most noble broadness; I've no complaint to make on that score. It's the length of the way that is troubling me just now--this cursed leg of mine! Might I be so bold to ask the loan of your arm so far as the fortress? An old sailorman with a sprung spar navigates but badly on these icy stones.
gpt
A fair day, as I have said, but I should prefer a leaden sky and the fighting-deck of the _Black Swan_, with the oars ripping through the yeast of a north-wester.
human
The _Black Swan_!
gpt
Ay, master, and I may well curse my luck in missing the chance, continued the fellow grumblingly.
human
There is always fat picking to be had under that same bird's beak, but this bad knee of mine has kept me out of it for twice a twelvemonth. Perhaps it might be worth my while, he added, hesitatingly,
gpt
The Shining One makes no bargains, answered Constans, sternly, in virtue of his assumed office.
human
Submit yourself to his will, and then perchance our lord may deign to hear. He grants his favors to his obedient children; he sells them to none.
gpt
But, my father----
human
Our ways part here, said Constans, decidedly, for they had now reached the north gate of the citadel and he was beginning to feel more and more uncomfortable under those sharp eyes.
gpt
Farewell, my son, and remember that penitence precedes healing, whether of soul or of body.