human
So you have been looking over my collection, the old man said.
gpt
Do you wish to buy anything?
human
Buy? said Raphael, with a strange smile.
gpt
I am utterly penniless. I have been examining your treasures just to while away the time till I could drown myself quietly and secretly at night. You will not grudge this last pleasure to a poet and man of learning, will you?
human
Penniless? said the old man.
gpt
But you do not want to die because you are penniless! A young, handsome, intellectual lad like you could pick up a living somehow. What is it? Some woman, eh? Now let me help----
human
I want no help or advice or consolation,
gpt
And I will give you none, said the old man.
human
But as you are resolved to die, will you do something for me. I want to get rid of this.
gpt
Ah! said Raphael.
human
A wild ass's skin engraved with Sanscrit characters. Why, here's the mark that some of the Eastern races call the Seal of Solomon!
gpt
You are truly a man of learning, said the strange old merchant, his breath coming in quick pants through his nostrils.
human
No doubt you can read the inscription.
gpt
I should translate it thus,