human
Ah! my faithful Antonio, you are ever punctual to your time, he began.
gpt
Had I twenty such strenuous supporters, Portugal would quickly again lift up her head among the kingdoms of Europe. Antonio bowed, in acknowledgment of the compliment, which he valued exactly at what it was worth.
human
But tell me, my friend, what information have you collected lately?
gpt
I have seen much, and guessed more, please your Excellency, answered Antonio.
human
In the first place, the duke returned suddenly to Lisbon, and has since then renewed his acquaintance with various families with whom he was formerly at enmity. Now, a man does not do so unless he is about to repent of his sins, or, far more probably, unless he is about some mischief. Then, Senhor Policarpio has been running about in all directions, like his master, making friends with those whom he never before deigned to address; though he is insolent enough to many over whom he dares to tyrannise. The duke also constantly receives visits from that mad Jesuit Malagrida, a professed enemy of your Excellency, and from many others openly disaffected to your government; but I have brought here a list of all those who have visited the duke; and here is another, containing the names of those with whom he has had communication at other places, as far as I can learn. Saying which, he handed two papers to the Minister, adding,
gpt
With these your Excellency will be able to form a better opinion than I can venture to offer.
human
Ah! exclaimed the Minister, taking the papers eagerly, and running his eye over their contents.
gpt
Beware, my lord duke, or you will soon, methinks, be in my power; and we shall then see if you dare to scorn the lowly commoner. I see his aims, he continued, half speaking to himself.
human
He hopes to gain our sovereign's ear, and then, with an army of parasites, to hurl me to destruction; but I am prepared for his machinations, and ere long he shall feel so. I must break the pride of these arrogant fidalgos, or they will lord it over the king himself,-- base wretches, whose whole being is composed of avarice and the most sordid selfishness, without valour, honour, or patriotism,--who care not for the fate of their country, so that they can undisturbedly enjoy their own luxuries. Ah, miscreants! I will overwhelm you when you little expect it! Suddenly stopping in his soliloquy, he seemed to recollect that another person was present, and turning to Antonio, he again addressed him.
gpt
The information you bring me is valuable, my friend; but there is much yet to be learned. Continue constant to your purpose, and you shall be rewarded highly: in the meantime, take this purse. You have earned it well.
human
No, senhor; pardon me, I seek not such reward. Freely, and of my own accord, I have served you, and no gold would repay me for the days of watching and drudgery I have for this purpose undergone. Because the blood of Abraham flows in my veins, think not that I must needs be avaricious. When I was in want of money, you gave it me; if I require more, I will ask it; but such is not the recompense I seek. When the time comes, I will demand my reward, and it will be such alone as you in justice will be bound to grant.
gpt
You have a soul above your class, and deserve a higher destiny,
human
I may not be what I appear to the world, nor seek I a higher destiny than is my lot, returned Antonio.
gpt
If I have your Excellency's permission, I will depart.
human
You are at liberty; I will detain you no longer, said Carvalho.
gpt
Adeos, my friend.
human
He will serve my purpose.