human
It's so hard for me to taste the pleasures of self-denial,
gpt
I don't think it is wise to attempt the extraction of sunbeams from cucumbers,
human
Dean Swift said that, but he was an egotist, replied Hengist, in his serious way, that reminded Lady Jim of Lionel at his worst.
gpt
It is more blessed to give than to receive, you know.
human
Is it, indeed? Who said so?
gpt
The wisest and most loving of mankind. And it is a true saying. I assure you, that if I deny myself something I greatly desire, and send the money which would have purchased the gratification to a charity, I feel absolutely happy.
human
I don't think I ever tried that experiment.
gpt
You will not know true happiness till you do, Lady James.
human
Then I must make a bid for Paradise,
gpt
It's a dreadful thing to be able to have the moon for the asking,
human
That's your epigrammatic way of putting it, I suppose; but the moon won't drop from her sphere for me, howl as I may. You are very lucky to command the planet, Lord Hengist.
gpt
So the world thinks, but it forgets that there is the curse of satiety.
human
Is there? I never knew it existed. I only wish I could cram the twelve hours of the day with twenty-four of pleasure.
gpt
Have you ever had everything you wished for, Lady James?
human
No! said Leah, promptly.
gpt
I'd have the sun as well as the moon, and the stars thrown in, if I had my way.
human
Only to be bored by the acquisition of the lot.
gpt
Me bored--oh dear no! I am too stupid. It is only clever people like yourself who suffer from ennui. I only wish I were a Roman empress, with provinces for a dowry. Those dear women knew how to live.
human
But in the majestic pages of Gibbon----
gpt
Who? Oh, that man who came to think he was the Roman Empire. Now his work would bore me--I'm not stupid enough to appreciate him.
human
Julia --this was Lady Hengist--
gpt
Julia and I read Gibbon during the honeymoon, and received much instruction.
human
Oh, Lord! said Lady Jim;
gpt
The idea made her laugh consumedly. In her mind's eye she saw this new Paolo and Francesca reading heavy prose in ten volumes. But Hengist did not even smile--he had absolutely no sense of humour. Besides, he considered his companion's chatter painfully frivolous, and sighed to think that she had such a light nature. Leah, still laughing, glanced sideways.
human
I shall begin to think you are discontented, Lord Hengist.
gpt
I am, that I cannot do the good I should like to do. Both Julia and I wish to benefit mankind.
human
The twelve labours of Hercules, with no thanks for their accomplishment.
gpt
We don't want thanks, but results, said Hengist, austerely;
human
Delighted, yawned Leah, for the man spoke like a copy-book;