human
Are you not going to eat your supper, Perico?
gpt
I am not hungry,
human
Are you sick, my son?
gpt
No, mother,
human
Mother, I am going to Utrera tomorrow to enlist with the loyal Spanish who are preparing to defend the country.
gpt
To the war? That is to say that you are going to abandon us. But it cannot be! You must not do it! You ought not to leave your mother and sister, and I will not give my consent.
human
Mother, said the young man, exasperated,
gpt
he proceeded, growing excited, and impelled by the two greatest motives which can rule a man--patriotism in all its purity, and love in all its ardor,
human
What! is there no alternative between a marriage which will make you wretched and the war which will cost you your life?
gpt
None, mother, said Perico, drawn out of his natural character, and hardened by the dread that he should yield in the contest now fairly entered upon.
human
Either I remain to marry, or I go to fulfil the duty of every young Spaniard.
gpt
Marry, then, said the mother in a grave voice.
human
Between two misfortunes I choose the least bitter; but remember, Perico, what your mother tells you to-day; Rita is vain and light {504} an indifferent Christian, and an ungrateful daughter. A bad daughter makes a bad wife--your blood and hers will repel each other. You will remember what your mother now says, but it will be too late.