human
Father, do you know why I am sorry I cannot see?
gpt
Well?
human
Because I should so like to see you for once with the beautiful curls which Arsinoe makes with the irons.
gpt
Have you thought any more about the Emperor's arrival, father? I smarten and dress you so fine every day--but to-day you ought to think of dressing me.
human
We will see about it, said Keraunus evasively.
gpt
Do you know, said Arsinoe, after a short pause, as she twisted the last lock in the freshly-heated tongs,
human
I thought it all over last night again. If we cannot succeed any way in scraping together the money for my dress, we can still--
gpt
Well?
human
Even Selene can say nothing against it.
gpt
Against what?
human
But, you will be angry!
gpt
Speak out.
human
You pay taxes like the rest of the citizens.
gpt
What has that to do with it?
human
Well then, we are justified in expecting something from the city,
gpt
What for?
human
To pay for my dress for the festival which is got up for the Emperor, not by an individual, but by the citizens as a body. We could not accept alone, but it is folly to refuse what a rich municipality offers. That is neither more nor less than making them a present.
gpt
You be silent, cried Keraunus, really furious, and trying in vain to remember the argument with which, only yesterday, he had refused the same suggestion.
human
Be silent, and wait till I begin to talk about such matters.