human
A plague on ye, the priest grumbled as he stumbled into his box.
gpt
Why are ye all such miserable sinners? Ha! is it you that I see, Michel Ferraud? What sin now, you rogue?
human
The former wickedness. I am driven to the act, my father. Wine is scarce, as your holiness knows, and great is the demand therefor. I must eke out the supply against the coming of each ship, and it has ever been but a little aqua puralis added to each keg; but to-day, father, the devil jogged my elbow, and that which is blended cannot be separated. The wine remains a rich colour, holy father, as you shall see, and none shall know----
gpt
Vile and shameless sinner that you are, the priest interrupted.
human
To dilute a wine which is already too thin to gladden the heart of man and make him a cheerful countenance--to do so, I say, is to commit a most deadly sin.
gpt
Exact not so heavy a fine as at last confession, good father. Would not have me close my tavern? The wine is a good wine, Michel added professionally,
human
Art so fond of water? replied the confessor grimly.
gpt
Water you shall have. Go down now to the river, swim across, and return in like manner, and afterwards come to me again. Go now! I have lesser sinners to absolve.
human
The river will be villainous cold, my father. And I cannot swim.
gpt
Learn, said the inexorable priest.
human
Come not to me again till you have crossed the river as I have said. May you take into your evil stomach an abundance of cold water while learning.
gpt
The confession was ill-timed, he muttered.
human
His reverence is in an evil humour. The devil shall seize me body and soul before I set one foot into that accursed river. But there is Father St Agapit. I will go forthwith and confess to him.