human
When the wind is in the east, 'Tis neither good for man or beast.
gpt
A fine day, Doctor!
human
No day is a fine day, sir, with an easterly wind,
gpt
Easterly wind? said his visitor, walking toward the window;
human
I don't think the wind is east--yes it is, indeed.
gpt
Ay, sir, and has been for these six weeks, answered Parr, sharply.
human
I could tell it by my own sensations, without looking at the weather-cock.
gpt
Why, Doctor, answered the other,
human
Then you thought like a fool, sir, answered Parr.
gpt
A man who can not tell when the wind is in the east, has no right to think at all. Let him look at the weather-cock.
human
But the weather-cock may be rusty, answered the other;
gpt
Do you think I am a fool, sir: do you think I am a liar?
human
No; but you may be mistaken, Doctor, replied the other.
gpt
Even Solomon, as you know, made a mistake sometimes; and you are mistaken now; and the weather-cock too. Look at the clouds: they are coming rapidly from the west. If you would take my advice, you would look to our friend there on the top of the steeple.
human
I will, sir--I will this moment, replied Parr; and ringing the bell violently, he ordered his servant to take the village carpenter and a bottle of oil, and have the weather-cock examined and greased. He and his visitor watched the whole proceeding from the window--the bringing forth of the ladders, the making them fast with ropes, the perilous ascent, and then the long operations which seemed much more complicated than the mere process of greasing the rusty weather-cock.
gpt
What can the fools be about? said Parr. In the end, however, the deed, whatever it was, was done; and the servant and the carpenter descended, and came toward the house. By this time the weather-cock had whirled round, pointing directly to the west, and the Doctor asked eagerly, as soon as the men appeared.
human
Well, sir--well: what prevented the vane from turning?
gpt
A large nail, sir,
human
I will never trust a weather-cock again,
gpt
Nor your own sensations either, Doctor, said his friend,
human
Fancy is as good for a fool as physic,