human
What is it, Sahib--what disturbs you? If it is a question, ask me.
gpt
Just nothing that a man should bother over--that he should ask a woman about.
human
Just that, Gulab--that it's like burying one's nose in a rose.
gpt
The attar, Sahib? I love it because it's gentle.
human
Ah, that's why you wore the rose that I came by at the _nautch_?
gpt
Yes, Sahib. Though I am Bootea, because of a passion for the rose I am called Gulab.
human
Lovely--the Rose! that's just what you are, Gulab. But the attar is so costly! Are you a princess in disguise?
gpt
No, Sahib, but one brought me many bottles of it, the slim, long bottles like a finger; and a drop of it lasts for a moon.
human
Ah, I see, and Barlow smiled;
gpt
What is he like, the one that you love? A swaggering tall black-whiskered Rajput, no doubt, with a purple vest embroidered in gold, clanking with _tulwar_, and a voice like a Brahmini bull--full of demand.
human
Confess, Gulab, it will pass the time; a love story is sweet, and Brahm, who creates all things, creates flowers beautiful and sweet to stir love,
gpt
Sahib, when a girl dances before the great ones to please, it is permitted that she may play at being a princess to win the favour of a raja, and sing the love song to the music of the _sitar_ (guitar), but it is a matter of shame to speak it alone to the Presence.
human
Tell me, Gulab,