human
Where are they all going? asked the Fir Tree.
gpt
They are not greater than I--indeed, one of them was much smaller. Why do they keep all their branches? Whither are they taken?
human
We know that! We know that! chirped the Sparrows.
gpt
Yonder in the town we looked in at the windows. We know where the fir trees go. We have looked in at the windows and have seen that they are planted in the middle of a warm room and dressed up in the greatest splendor with the most beautiful things--gilt apples, honey-cakes, playthings, and many hundreds of candles.
human
And then? asked the Fir Tree, trembling through all its branches.
gpt
And then? what happens then?
human
Why, we have not seen anything more. But it was wonderful!
gpt
Perhaps I may be destined to this glorious end one day! cried the Fir Tree, rejoicing.
human
That is even better than traveling across the sea. How I long for it! If it were only Christmas! Now I am great and grown up like the rest who were led away last year. Oh, if I were only on the wagon! If I were only in the warm room amidst all the pomp and splendor! And then? Yes, then something even better will come, something far more charming, else why should they adorn me so? There must be something grander, something greater still to come; but what? Oh! I'm suffering, I'm longing! I don't know myself what is the matter with me!
gpt
Rejoice in us, said Air and Sunshine.
human
Rejoice in thy fresh youth here in the woodland.
gpt
That's a handsome tree!