human
But if you can produce gold, as you say, why do you refuse to do so?
gpt
I respectfully submit to your majesty, replied the mountebank,
human
I quite agree with you regarding your estimation of acquisitiveness, said the king cordially, giving no heed to the murmurs of his followers.
gpt
In what does this new invention consist?
human
It is simply a pair of wings, your majesty, made from the finest silk which I import from France. They may be fitted to any human being, and they give that human being the power which birds have long possessed.
gpt
Well, said the king with a laugh,
human
I should be the last to teach a Scottish warrior to fly; still the ability to do so would have been, on several occasions, advantageous to us. Have you your wings at hand?
gpt
Yes, your majesty.
human
Then you yourself shall test them in our presence.
gpt
But I should like to spend, your majesty, some further time on preparation,
human
I thought you said a moment ago that the invention was perfect.
gpt
Nothing human is perfect, your majesty, and if I said so I spoke with the over-confidence of the inventor. I have, however, succeeded in sailing through the air, but cannot yet make way against a wind.
human
Oh, you have succeeded so far as to interest us in a most attractive experiment. Bid your assistant bring them at once, and let us understand their principle. I rejoice to know that Scotland is to have the benefit of your great genius.