human
You saved my life, said the man, speaking in Tagalo, and understanding the movement of Ibarra.
gpt
I have not half paid my debt. Do not thank me. It is I who should thank you. I have come to ask a favor.
human
Speak!
gpt
When the justice of man tries to clear up this mystery, and your testimony is taken, I entreat you not to speak to any one of the warning I gave you.
human
Do not be alarmed, said Crisµstomo, losing interest;
gpt
I know you are pursued, but I'm not an informer.
human
I don't speak for myself, but for you, said Elias, with some haughtiness.
gpt
I have no fear of men.
human
Explain yourself!
gpt
I am not speaking enigmas. To insure your safety, it is necessary that your enemies believe you blind and confiding.
human
To insure my safety?
gpt
You undertake a great enterprise, Elias went on.
human
You have a past. Your grandfather and your father had enemies. It is not criminals who provoke the most hatred; it is honorable men.
gpt
You know my enemies, then?
human
I knew one; the dead man.
gpt
I regret his death, said Ibarra;
human
Had he lived, he would have escaped the trembling hand of men's justice. God has judged him!
gpt
Do you also believe in the miracle of which the people talk?
human
If I believed in such a miracle, I should not believe in God, and I believe in Him; I have more than once felt His hand. At the moment when the scaffolding gave way I placed myself beside the criminal.
gpt
You--you mean that you----
human
Yes, when his deadly work was about to be done, he was going to flee; I held him there; I had seen his crime! Let God be the only one who has the right over life!
gpt
And yet, this time you----
human
No! cried Elias.
gpt
I exposed the criminal to the risk he had prepared for others; I ran the risk myself; and I did not strike him; I left him to be struck by the hand of God!
human
You are not a peasant, he said at last.
gpt
Who are you? Have you studied?
human
I've need of much belief in God, since I've lost faith in men,
gpt
But God cannot speak to resolve each of the countless contests our passions raise; it is necessary, it is just, that man should sometimes judge his kind.
human
For good, yes; not for evil. To correct and ameliorate, not to destroy; because, if man's judgments are erroneous, he has not the power to remedy the evil he has done. But this discussion is over my head, and I am detaining you. Do not forget what I came to entreat; save yourself for the good of your country!
gpt
And when shall I see you again?
human
Whenever you wish; whenever I can be of use to you; I am always your debtor!
gpt
Seþores, he cried, quite beside himself,
human
His Excellency the captain-general is to honor my house with his presence!