human
Why, it is a shadow glimmering faintly, I say.
gpt
That is the blackness from a shadow, but thou mistakest it for a man.
human
Nothing of the sort!--And I see his eyes: now he is rolling up the whites, now he is raising his hand, he is calling me.
gpt
Yákoff, Yákoff, thou shouldst try to pray; this obsession would disperse. Let God arise and His enemies shall be scattered!
human
I have tried, says he,
gpt
Wait, wait, Yákoff, do not lose thy courage. I will fumigate with incense; I will recite a prayer; I will sprinkle holy water around thee.
human
I believe neither in thy incense nor in holy water; they don't help worth a farthing. I cannot get rid of him now. Ever since he came to me last summer, on one accursed day, he has been my constant visitor, and he cannot be driven away, Understand this, father, and do not wonder any longer at my behaviour--and do not torment me.
gpt
On what day did he come to thee? I ask him, and all the while I am making the sign of the cross over him.
human
Was it not when thou didst write about thy doubts?
gpt
Let me alone, dear father, says he,
human
How have I deserved such wrath from the Lord?