human
You have been very kind to me, sir--very kind--and I shall never forget it; and I hope I shall deserve it--but--Mr Drummond, and Mrs Drummond, and Sarah, were also kind to me--very kind to me--you know the rest. I will remain as I am, if you please; and if you wish to do me a kindness; if you wish me to love you, as I really do, let me be as I am--free and independent. I beg it of you as the greatest favour that you can possibly confer on me--the only favour which I can accept, or shall be truly thankful for.
gpt
I see it is useless, and I will not tease you any more; but, Jacob, do not let the fire of injustice which you have received from your fellow-creatures prey so much upon your mind, or induce you to form the mistaken idea that the world is bad. As you live on, you will find much good; and recollect, that those who injured you, from the misrepresentation of others, have been willing, and have offered, to repair their fault. They can do no more, and I wish you could get over this vindictive feeling. Recollect, we must forgive, as we hope to be forgiven.
human
I do sometimes, said I,
gpt
But you ought to forgive, for other reasons, Jacob.
human
I know I ought--but if I cannot, I cannot.
gpt
Nay, my boy, I never heard you talk so--I was going to say--wickedly. Do you not perceive that you are now in error? You will not abandon a feeling which your own good sense and religion tell you to be wrong--you cling to it--and yet you will admit of no excuse for the errors of others.
human
I feel what you say--and the truth of it, sir, replied I
gpt
No, that I acknowledge; but what I dislike in the choice is, that it is dictated by feelings of resentment.
human
Very true, Jacob; but I follow that up with another of your remarks, which is, `Better luck next time.' God bless you, my boy; take care of yourself, and don't get under the ice again!
gpt
For you I would to-morrow, replied I, taking the proffered hand:
human
You'd not push him in?
gpt
Indeed I would,
human
Jacob, you would not, I tell you--you think so now, but if you saw him in distress you would assist him as you did me. I know you, my boy, better than you know yourself.