I was vexed by his reflections, which I misinterpreted as sneering at us.
So I only answered rather sharply:
"I was listening to you."
"Well-and what do you say?" inquired the old man.
"Nothing."
"Why are you rude to me? Is it the right thing to be rude to a man older than yourself?"
I was silent, acknowledging in my heart that it really was not the right thing.
"Won't you have something more to eat?" continued the old shepherd.
"No, I can't eat any more."
"Well, don't have any, if you don't want it. Perhaps you'll take a bit of bread with you to eat on the road?"
I trembled with joy, but would not betray my feelings.