human
Signor, said he, calmly,
gpt
I am not to be duped by these solemn phrases and these mystical sympathies. You may have power which I cannot comprehend or emulate, or you may be but a keen impostor.
human
Well, sir, your logical position is not ill-taken; proceed.
gpt
I mean then, continued Glyndon, resolutely, though somewhat disconcerted,
human
I mean you to understand, that, though I am not to be persuaded or compelled by a stranger to marry Isabel di Pisani, I am not the less determined never tamely to yield her to another.
gpt
So bold! well, it becomes you. You have courage, then; I thought it. Perhaps it may be put to a sharper test than you dream of. But take my advice: wait three days, and tell me then if you will marry this young person.
human
But if you love her, why, why--
gpt
Why am I anxious that she should wed another? To save her from myself! Listen to me. That girl, humble and uneducated though she be, has in her the seeds of the most lofty qualities and virtues. She can be all to the man she loves,--all that man can desire in wife or mistress. Her soul, developed by affection, will elevate your own; it will influence your fortunes, exalt your destiny; you will become a great and prosperous man. If, on the contrary, she fall to me, I know not what may be her lot; but I know that few can pass the ordeal, and hitherto no woman has survived the struggle.
human
What is this mystery which surrounds you? exclaimed Glyndon, unable to repress his emotion.
gpt
Are you, in truth, different from other men? Have you passed the boundary of lawful knowledge? Are you, as some declare, a sorcerer, only a--
human
Hush! interrupted Zicci, gently, and with a smile of singular but melancholy sweetness:
gpt
Well, then, if we are to be rivals, our swords must settle our rights; till then I would fain be friends.
human
Friends! Pardon me, I like you too well to give you my friendship. You know not what you ask.
gpt
Enigmas again!
human
Enigmas! cried Zicci, passionately,
gpt
Nay: can you dare to solve them! Would you brave all that human heart can conceive of peril and of horror, so that you at last might stand separated from this visible universe side by side with me? When you can dare this, and when you are fit to dare it, I may give you my right hand and call you friend.
human
I could dare everything and all things for the attainment of superhuman wisdom,
gpt
He may be worthy, he muttered;
human
He broke off abruptly; then, speaking aloud,
gpt
Go, Glyndon, said he;
human
Where?
gpt
Perhaps where you can least anticipate. In any case, we shall meet.