human
Poor devil,
gpt
He had to bite the dust pretty early, the other sighed.
human
But it was better so both for him and for myself. I could not have held him above water much longer.
gpt
When did you ever hold me above water?
human
I often found it hard enough to aid him with my counsel without wounding his vanity. For we know how vain he was and how taken with himself.
gpt
And yet he achieved little enough, the other answered.
human
He ran after women and sought the society of inferior persons for the sake of their flattery. It always astonished me anew when he managed to produce something of approximately solid worth. For neither his character nor his intelligence gave promise of it.
gpt
In your wonderful charity you are capable of finding something excellent even in his work, the other replied.
human
But let us be frank: The only thing he sometimes succeeded in doing was to flatter the crude instincts of the mob. True earnestness or conviction he never possessed.
gpt
I never claimed either for him, the first eagerly broke in.
human
Only I didn't want to deny the poor fellow that bit of piety which is demanded. _De mortuis_----
gpt
O you grave-robbers! I cried and shook my fist after them.
human
Now I know what your friendship was worth. Now it is clear to me how you humiliated me upon all my ways, and how when I came to you in hours of depression you administered a kick in order that you might increase in stature at my expense! Oh, if I could only.
gpt
What silly wishes, old boy! I admonished myself.
human
Even if you could master your friends; your enemies would drive you into the grave a thousand times over.
gpt
_ or
human
Death by Worms.
gpt
That's where what's his name is buried,
human
Quite right, said the other.
gpt
I gave him many a good hit while he was among us--more than I care to think about to-day. But he was an able fellow. His worst enemy couldn't deny that.