human
This wall, he said, standing up straight and waving his hand around with curious enthusiasm, and speaking in a vibrating but refined voice which ill befitted his rags and mouldering beard,
gpt
Oh, I have heard the story, said Norman.
human
Milord is impatient, said the beggar.
gpt
But I am glad that after so short a stay in Alsander he should know at least one story of Kradenda the Great. There are, of course, many other stories. My lord, have you heard how King Kradenda recultivated the plain?
human
Well, I will tell you. It was like this. Malaria had gripped those good rich lands, and not a soul would reclaim them for fear of disease. The Great King ordered his people to recultivate the plain. But so many died of fever that they murmured against the order. Thereupon he called to them and told them that they were soldiers and would they run from an enemy? 'Never,' they said, 'if he led them,' 'Do you not see, then,' said the King, 'that fever is our enemy now that I have driven off the infidel: you must fight it and die for your country if needs be.' 'We will! obey,' said the old chief who had led the deputation, 'but only if you lead us.' Whereupon? the King laughed and bade them follow him, and there and then he pitched his tent in the filthiest part of the marsh and began to dig a channel for the waters with his own hands. In that way the marsh was soon drained and dry, and such a man was the first Kradenda.
gpt
That is a good story, said Norman,
human
What of them? said the guide.
gpt
The summer-houses are crumbling, the garden is a wilderness and the fountains play no more.
human
Weird talk from a beggar, thought Norman.
gpt
But who built them? he inquired aloud.
human
They are quite beautiful.
gpt
They were built by King Basilandron: he was quite beautiful, too.
human
I have never heard of him, though my landlady, who is a wise woman, has told me much of the history of your charming country.
gpt
Ah, we do not talk much of him in Alsander. Here is his name, cut in the wood.
human
But why is it in Greek letters?
gpt
He would have everything in Greek. He it was who called the river Ianthe. It was known as Vorka before.
human
You know the history of Alsander well,
gpt
I love Alsander, said the old man.
human
I know all the stones of this castle and all the stories of Alsander's past.
gpt
Then tell me the story of King Basilandron, said Norman,