human
It is very true, said he again;
gpt
And travel, I rejoined courteously,
human
Oh, nothing, rejoined the man, with a broad strong smile,
gpt
(and here the man swore a hearty English and somewhat seafaring oath, which a little astonished me in the streets of Petersburg),
human
I wish it were as easy to lop off all old customs! that it were as easy to clip the /beard of the mind/, Sir! Ha! ha!
gpt
But the Czar must have found a little difficulty in effecting even this outward amendment; and to say truth, I see so many beards about still that I think the reform has been more partial than universal.
human
Ah, those are the beards of the common people: the Czar leaves those for the present. Have you seen the docks yet?
gpt
No, I am not sufficiently a sailor to take much interest in them.
human
Humph! humph! you are a soldier, perhaps?
gpt
I hope to be so one day or other: I am not yet!
human
Not yet! humph! there are opportunities in plenty for those who wish it; what is your profession, then, and what do you know best?
gpt
Sir, said I,
human
Sir, my profession is to answer no questions; and what I know best is--to hold my tongue!
gpt
Well, well, that is what all Englishmen know best! said he;
human
I am very much obliged for the offer, but business obliges me to decline it; good morning, Sir.
gpt
Good morning!
human
Ha! you have lost your way: I can put you into it better than any man in Petersburg!