human
But doesn't it happen that what you call the 'something-to-tell-you' tells you now and then to do things that most people would call rather wild--or crazy?
gpt
I dare say.
human
So what then?
gpt
Then you do them.
human
Oh, but--
gpt
If there's an 'Oh, but', you don't. That's all. You belong to the many called, but not to the few chosen.
human
But if things _are_ wild--I'm thinking of something in particular--
gpt
Then you'd better leave it alone, unless you're prepared to be considered a wild man. What Paul did was wild--and Peter--and Joan of Arc--and Columbus--and a good many others. True they were well punished for their folly. Most of them were put in irons, and some of them got death.
human
I shouldn't dream of classing myself in their company.
gpt
Every one's in their company who feels a big impulse and has the courage of it. The trouble with most of us is that we can do the feeling all right; but when it comes to the execution--well, we like to keep on the safe side, among the sane.
human
So that, Davenant began, stammeringly,
gpt
I shouldn't advise him at all. Some things must be spontaneous, or they're of little use. If a good seed in good ground won't germinate of its own accord, words of counsel can't help it. But here we are at home. You won't come in just yet? Very well; you've got your latch-key.
human
Good-night, sir. I hope you're not going to think me--well, altogether an idiot.
gpt
Very likely I shall; but it'll be nothing if I do. If you can't stand a little thing like that you'd better not have come back with the ideas that have brought you.