human
Have you been there again?
gpt
Yes,
human
And what do you think of her now?
gpt
What I think? I have not yet found out the riddle. So much, however, I know, that she is not a flesh and blood girl, but a water-nixie, a Melusina, 'cold even to her heart,' and who knows whether her very figure does not end like a mermaid's '_desinit in piscem_?'
human
I must beg you not to speak in such a tone!
gpt
Patience, old boy, said I.
human
Do not go and suppose that I think lightly of her. A past history she has that is quite clear. But why need there be any harm in it? Suppose there were only some misfortune, a great grief, or a great love?
gpt
You think so?
human
I should not be at all surprised, I continued,
gpt
I should like to copy out this song,
human
What for? asked I.
gpt
Bastel, I half suspect you want to pass it off as your own.
human
Shame upon you! returned he with a deep flush,
gpt
Look out something better and more cheerful. What could you make of that feeble-minded whimper? That song is half a year old