human
Do you see that perpendicular black streak just above the forest there?
gpt
Yes, indeed, it is the flag-staff upon Castle Gnadeck. I saw it a few moments ago, and am now rejoicing unspeakably in the thought that there lies a spot of earth that we may call our own,—a place from which no one has the right to drive us. Thank God, we have a home!
human
And such a home! said the forester, as his beaming eyes looked around the horizon.
gpt
When I was quite a little child, how I longed for the Thuringian forest! It was all because of my grandfather’s stories. In his youth he had lived in Thuringia, and had the tales and legends of his home at his tongue’s end; and when I had reached man’s estate, I came hither. Then all the forest which we see before us belonged to the Gnadewitzes, but I would not enter their service,—my father had told me too much about them. I was the first Ferber from time immemorial who had renounced their service. I applied to the Prince of L——. The last of the Gnadewitzes divided his forests because the Prince of L—— was willing to pay an immense sum of money that he might enlarge his own woodland possessions. And thus it happened that the most ardent desire of my youth was gratified, for I live now in the house that may be called the cradle of the Ferbers. You know that we came at first from Thuringia?
human
Oh yes, I have known that from my childhood.
gpt
And do you know the story of our origin?
human
No.