human
inquired Clara.
gpt
Indeed I sent to request she would come hither.
human
It is, lady,
gpt
Set a chair for her here beside the window, and wait on her in.
human
They tell me she is soon to be wedded, said the attendant, as she brushed the chair with her apron,
gpt
I have heard as much, said the lady;
human
I have sent for you, Anne, said Clara, as soon as the damsel entered,
gpt
I hope so, lady,
human
And do you _think so_?
gpt
Wherefore should I not, lady?
human
There are one or two things, continued the lady,
gpt
I have heard of your betrothed, which leads me to ask the question, Anne; and also because we are old friends, and I love you. In the first place, I hear your suitor is younger than yourself. Is't not so?
human
It is, lady,
gpt
And I hear also that he is of no calling; that he is poor, and his friends needy.
human
All that you have said is true, said Anne Hathaway;
gpt
But you are in love, said Clara.
human
Well, I suppose there is no advice I can give you which will avail against that argument. I would have you, however, consider well; and (as I know neither of the parties) I cannot judge in how far your own judgment is right in this matter.
gpt
I would you could see the two together, said Anne, smiling,
human
Indeed! said Clara, smiling;
gpt
Shakespeare, said Anne,
human
William Shakespeare.
gpt
Well, then, I hear that this lover of yours--this young Shakespeare, is of a daring spirit; that he associates with youths as reckless as himself; and that, in very sooth, he bears altogether a character for idleness even in the town where he dwells.
human
What do you charge him with in particular?
gpt
Nay, nothing more than I have hinted at, said Clara.
human
He is slightly regarded by the townsfolk of Stratford, from his idle propensities. If there be a bear to be baited at Kenilworth Green, who so sure to be there as this younker. If there is a wrestling-match and a bull-baiting at Coventry, thither is your swain sure to go. If there be, in short, a wake or fair, or revel, in this or the adjoining county, young Shakespeare is as certain to be seen upon the Green as those resident on the spot. Nay, I have been told that he hath himself beaten one of our Warwickshire champions here at Shottery last Christmas, and that he is giving to poaching withal.
gpt
In respect ye have named his delight in all sort of out-door sports, you are right, lady, said Anne;
human
Well, said Clara,
gpt
I see your affections are set upon this match, and far be it from me to oppose your will. I too well know the misery of blighted love. Heaven guard you, Anne. Ere you wed, it would please me to see _the youth_.
human
You have seen him,
gpt
I remember him not,
human
said Anne.
gpt
William hath told me he met you on the night of that unhappy ball, and that Master Walter Arderne shewed you to him in the room.
human
Did your lover know Walter, then?
gpt
They were sworn friends, lady,
human
Shakespeare! said Clara.
gpt
Indeed, said Clara;
human
and Clara remained for some time lost in deep thought.
gpt
I have a relic, she said,