human
No doubt it is as you state, Jeff, said Nicholas, in reply to my last remark;
gpt
That does not follow, said I, quickly;
human
But you don't expect to do away with war altogether?
gpt
Certainly not; I am not mad, I am only hopeful. As long as sin reigns in this world we shall have more or less of war, and I don't expect universal peace until the Prince of Peace reigns. Nevertheless, it is my duty to `seek peace,' and in every way to promote it.
human
Come, now, let us have this matter out,
gpt
You are as fond of argument as a Scotsman, Nic,
human
Suppose, now, continued Nicholas,
gpt
Arbitration, said I, promptly;
human
I would have the nations of Europe to band together and agree _never_ to fight but _always_ to appeal to reason, in the settlement of disputes. I would have them reduce standing armies to the condition of peace establishments--that is, just enough to garrison our strongholds, and be ready to back up our police in keeping ruffians in order. This small army would form a nucleus round which the young men of the nation would rally in the event of _unavoidable_ war.
gpt
Ha! exclaimed Nicholas, with a smile of sarcasm,
human
Defend myself,
gpt
What! with your peace-nucleus, surrounded by your rabble of untrained young men?
human
Nicholas, said my mother, in a mild voice, pausing in her work,
gpt
Bravo! mother; thank you, said I, as the dear old creature dropped her mild eyes once more on her work;
human
With your peculiar views, that would be rather difficult, I should fancy,
gpt
You fancy so, because you misunderstand my views, said I;
human
It is my friend U. Biquitous,
gpt
Ah, Jeff, my boy, glad I've found you all together, cried my friend, wringing my hand and raising his hat to the ladies.
human
Just come over to say good-bye. I'm engaged again on the _Evergreen Isle_--same salary and privileges as before--freer scope, if possible, than ever.
gpt
And where are you going to, Mr Biquitous?
human
To Cyprus, madam,--the land of the--of the--the something or other; not got coached up yet, but you shall have it all _in extenso_ ere long in the _Evergreen_, with sketches of the scenery and natives. I'll order a copy to be sent you.
gpt
Very kind, thank you, said my mother;
human
Fond of it! exclaimed my friend;
gpt
Why, Mr Biquitous, said Bella, looking up from her drawing, with a slight elevation of the eyebrows,
human
I thought you were a married man.