human
I lost not a moment, my dear Luis, in hastening hither, when I heard of your arrival. Say, you have come to aid us; you have come to join the noble cause of justice and honour, arrayed against the overbearing tyranny of the plebeian Minister, and his profligate tool--the so-called King of Portugal?
gpt
I came to offer my aid, if necessary, in rescuing my cousin Theresa from the persecutions of the King, answered the young Count;
human
What! can you, one of the purest of our class, speak thus? exclaimed the young Tavora.
gpt
Is not our honour paramount to every other consideration? Surely we ought not for a moment to weigh it with the interests of the base plebeians,--the scum of the earth,--wretches beneath our notice. In that creed have I been educated, and in that will I die.
human
answered Luis.
gpt
Let us endeavour to maintain our position in the scale of society, as did our noble ancestors, by being the foremost in every danger, the most upright, and the most honourable; then no one will venture to molest or insult us; but, by following any other course, we may, in a moment, find ourselves hurled from our high posts, and trampled on in the dust damp with our gore.
human
In Heaven's name, my dear Luis, where did you gain these extraordinary ideas? cried his visitor.
gpt
I did not suppose such could exist in the brain of any fidalgo in Portugal.
human
They are taught by the study of every history, from the earliest times to the present day, answered Luis, smiling at his own vehemence.
gpt
But we will not now discuss the subject. Tell me, where are Donna Theresa and your brother?
human
She is at their palace; but he,--you know his temper,--is not there. He is offended at her conduct, and vows he will not return to her till she promises never again to exchange a word with the King. This she, being equally firm, will not do; so that they are not exactly on the best terms for husband and wife; but I suppose that they will, before long, get tired of being separated, and so make up their quarrel, as other people do.
gpt
Alas! I regret to hear this, said Luis.
human
She is thus left exposed to the persecutions of the King.
gpt
So I tell my brother, interrupted the young Tavora;