human
What shall we do now, Caroline?
gpt
What shall we do, Robert? repeated she playfully.
human
You decide.
gpt
Not play at chess?
human
No.
gpt
Nor draughts, nor backgammon?
human
No, no; we both hate silent games that only keep one's hands employed, don't we?
gpt
I believe we do. Then shall we talk scandal?
human
About whom? Are we sufficiently interested in anybody to take a pleasure in pulling their character to pieces?
gpt
A question that comes to the point. For my part, unamiable as it sounds, I must say no.
human
And I too. But it is strange, though we want no third--fourth, I mean (she hastily and with contrition glanced at Hortense), living person among us--so selfish we are in our happiness--though we don't want to think of the present existing world, it would be pleasant to go back to the past, to hear people that have slept for generations in graves that are perhaps no longer graves now, but gardens and fields, speak to us and tell us their thoughts, and impart their ideas.
gpt
Who shall be the speaker? What language shall he utter? French?
human
Your French forefathers don't speak so sweetly, nor so solemnly, nor so impressively as your English ancestors, Robert. To-night you shall be entirely English. You shall read an English book.
gpt
An old English book?
human
Yes, an old English book--one that you like; and I will choose a part of it that is toned quite in harmony with something in you. It shall waken your nature, fill your mind with music; it shall pass like a skilful hand over your heart, and make its strings sound. Your heart is a lyre, Robert; but the lot of your life has not been a minstrel to sweep it, and it is often silent. Let glorious William come near and touch it. You will see how he will draw the English power and melody out of its chords.
gpt
I must read Shakespeare?
human
You must have his spirit before you; you must hear his voice with your mind's ear; you must take some of his soul into yours.
gpt
With a view to making me better? Is it to operate like a sermon?
human
It is to stir you, to give you new sensations. It is to make you feel your life strongly--not only your virtues, but your vicious, perverse points.
gpt
Dieu! que dit-elle?