human
Suppose I don't,
gpt
If you refuse, I shall be more unhappy than ever, and I know your disposition is too sweet to permit that. Tell me a story, Bilbil.
human
One would think you are but four years old, Rinkitink! But there--I will do as you command. Listen carefully, and the story may do you some good--although I doubt if you understand the moral.
gpt
I am sure the story will do me good,
human
Once on a time,
gpt
When was that, Bilbil?
human
Don't interrupt; it is impolite. Once on a time there was a King with a hollow inside his head, where most people have their brains, and--
gpt
Is this a true story, Bilbil?
human
And the King with a hollow head could chatter words, which had no sense, and laugh in a brainless manner at senseless things. That part of the story is true enough, Rinkitink.
gpt
Then proceed with the tale, sweet Bilbil. Yet it is hard to believe that any King could be brainless--unless, indeed, he proved it by owning a talking goat.
human
This empty-headed man was a King by accident, having been born to that high station. Also the King was empty-headed by the same chance, being born without brains.
gpt
Poor fellow! quoth the King.
human
Did he own a talking goat?
gpt
He did,
human
Then he was wrong to have been born at all. Cheek-eek-eek-eek, oo, hoo! chuckled Rinkitink, his fat body shaking with merriment.
gpt
But it's hard to prevent oneself from being born; there's no chance for protest, eh, Bilbil?
human
Who is telling this story, I'd like to know,
gpt
Ask someone with brains, my boy; I'm sure I can't tell,