human
Thus the word 'wash' is translated by one hand tapping on the other; the word 'vegetable' by scratching the left forefinger; sleep is feigned by leaning the head upon the fist; drink by raising a closed hand to the lips. And for more spiritual expressions they employ a like method. Confession is translated by a finger kissed and laid upon the heart; holy water by five fingers of the left hand clasped on which a cross is made with the thumb of the right hand; fasting by fingers which close the mouth; the word 'yesterday' by turning the arm back towards the shoulder; shame by covering the eyes with the hand.
gpt
But supposing they wished to indicate me, who am not one of themselves, how would they set about it?
human
They would use the sign of 'guest,' which they make by stretching out the hand and bringing it near the body.
gpt
That means that I come to them from far, an open and even transparent fact if you like.
human
I have not noticed Brother Anacletus or old Simeon among these monks,
gpt
They are not occupied on the farm; Brother Anacletus is employed in the chocolate factory, and Brother Simeon looks after the pigs; both are working in the immediate neighbourhood of the monastery. If you like, we will go and wish Simeon good-morning.
human
You can tell them, when you go back to Paris, that you have seen a real saint, such as existed in the eleventh century; he carries us back to the time of St. Francis of Assisi; he is in some sense the reincarnation of that astonishing Juniper whose innocent exploits the Fioretti celebrate for us. You know that work?
gpt
Yes; after the Golden Legend it is the book on which the soul of the Middle Ages is most clearly impressed.