Scaramouche quotes
The lines readers remember from Scaramouche, by Rafael Sabatini.
165 quotes · About the book
Standout lines
Are men and women nothing more than names? Do the souls of them count for nothing?
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He made a gesture of exasperation. “
Are men and women nothing more than names? Do the souls of them count for nothing?
Is there no joy in life, no happiness, that wealth and pleasure and empty, high-sounding titles are to be its only aims? I had set you high—so high, Aline—a thing scarce earthly. There is joy in your heart, intelligence in your mind;
Never in his life had he worked so hard; never in his life had he worked at all by comparison with his activities now.
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… of needy artists, lured them into the company to play small parts—apothecaries and notaries—and set them to beguile their leisure in painting new scenery, so as to be ready for what he called the conquest of Nantes, which was to come in the new year.
Never in his life had he worked so hard; never in his life had he worked at all by comparison with his activities now.
His fund of energy and enthusiasm was inexhaustible, like that of his good humour. He came and went, acted, wrote, conceived, directed, planned, and executed, what time M.
He is a man without charity, without humanity almost; a man who takes what he wants wherever he finds it and whether it is given willingly or not; a man who reckons nothing of the misery he scatters on his self-indulgent way; a man whose only law is force.
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“I know my world. And I know M. de La Tour d’Azyr,” he answered her. “
He is a man without charity, without humanity almost; a man who takes what he wants wherever he finds it and whether it is given willingly or not; a man who reckons nothing of the misery he scatters on his self-indulgent way; a man whose only law is force.
Ponder it, Climène, and ask yourself if I do you less than honour in warning you.”
She appeared to be instructed in all the things of which a girl is better ignorant, and ignorant of all the things that a girl should know.
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For one of her natural sweetness of disposition she had been oddly irritable of late, manifesting signs of a cynical worldliness, which convinced Mme. de Sautron more than ever that her brother Quintin had scandalously conducted the child’s education.
She appeared to be instructed in all the things of which a girl is better ignorant, and ignorant of all the things that a girl should know.
That at least was the point of view of Mme. de Sautron.
It was ever his way to do whatever he did with all the resources of his mind and energies of his body.
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It is characteristic of him that, having made that choice, he should have thrown himself into the work with enthusiasm.
It was ever his way to do whatever he did with all the resources of his mind and energies of his body.
When he was not instructing very young gentlemen in the elements of the art, showing them the elaborate and intricate salute—which with a few days’ hard practice he had mastered to perfection—and the eight guards, he was himself hard at work on those same guards, …
I should say, madame, that nothing is wise that complicates existence; and I know of nothing that so complicates it as insincerity.
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“
I should say, madame, that nothing is wise that complicates existence; and I know of nothing that so complicates it as insincerity.
Consider a moment the complications that have arisen out of this.”
All quotes
Jump to a chapter
- I: The Republican
- II: The Aristocrat
- III: The Eloquence of M. de Vilmorin
- IV: The Heritage
- V: The Lord of Gavrillac
- VI: The Windmill
- VII: The Wind
- VIII: Omnes Omnibus
- IX: The Aftermath
- I: The Trespassers
- II: The Service of Thespis
- III: The Comic Muse
- IV: Exit Monsieur Parvissimus
- V: Enter Scaramouche
- VI: Climène
- VII: The Conquest of Nantes
- VIII: The Dream
- IX: The Awakening
- X: Contrition
- XI: The Fracas at the Théâtre Feydau
- I: Transition
- II: Quos Deus Vult Perdere
- III: President Le Chapelier
- IV: Interlude
- V: At Meudon
- VI: Madame de Plougastel
- VII: Politicians
- VIII: The Spadassinicides
- IX: The Paladin of the Third
- X: Torn Pride
- XI: The Returning Carriage
- XIII: Towards the Climax
- XIV: The Overwhelming Reason
- XV: Sanctuary
- XVI: The Barrier
I: The Republican
He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad.
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He was born with a gift of laughter and a sense that the world was mad.
And that was all his patrimony. His very paternity was obscure, although the village of Gavrillac had long since dispelled the cloud of mystery that hung about it.
Nothing beastly can surprise me when done by a beast.
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“
Nothing beastly can surprise me when done by a beast.
And La Tour d’Azyr is a beast, as all the world knows. The more fool Mabey for stealing his pheasants. He should have stolen somebody else’s.”
They are just governing classes, and I never heard of governing classes that had eyes for anything but their own profit.
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“Evidently not.
They are just governing classes, and I never heard of governing classes that had eyes for anything but their own profit.
”
You must change man, not systems.
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“I assure you that I am quite serious. To do what you imply would require nothing short of divine intervention.
You must change man, not systems.
Can you and our vapouring friends of the Literary Chamber of Rennes, or any other learned society of France, devise a system of government that has never yet been tried? Surely not.
My dear Philippe, the future is to be read with certainty only in the past.
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Surely not. And can they say of any system tried that it proved other than a failure in the end?
My dear Philippe, the future is to be read with certainty only in the past.
Ab actu ad posse valet consecutio. Man never changes. He is always greedy, always acquisitive, always vile. I am speaking of Man in the bulk.”
Man never changes. He is always greedy, always acquisitive, always vile.
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Surely not. And can they say of any system tried that it proved other than a failure in the end? My dear Philippe, the future is to be read with certainty only in the past. Ab actu ad posse valet consecutio.
Man never changes. He is always greedy, always acquisitive, always vile.
I am speaking of Man in the bulk.”
Truth is so often disconcerting.
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“That startles you, eh?
Truth is so often disconcerting.
You hadn’t thought of it? Well, think of it now. Look well into this Nantes manifesto. Who are the authors of it?”
You will have exchanged an aristocracy for a plutocracy. Is that worth while?
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Already in Dauphiny we have seen blood run like water—the blood of the populace, always the blood of the populace. Now in Brittany we may see the like. And if in the end the new ideas prevail? If the seigneurial rule is overthrown, what then?
You will have exchanged an aristocracy for a plutocracy. Is that worth while?
Do you think that under money-changers and slave-traders and men who have waxed rich in other ways by the ignoble arts of buying and selling, the lot of the people will be any better than under their priests and nobles?
Acquisitiveness is the curse of mankind.
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Has it ever occurred to you, Philippe, what it is that makes the rule of the nobles so intolerable? Acquisitiveness.
Acquisitiveness is the curse of mankind.
And shall you expect less acquisitiveness in men who have built themselves up by acquisitiveness? Oh, I am ready to admit that the present government is execrable, unjust, tyrannical—what you will;
Where I delve they but skim.
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“Stimulated to it, driven to it, by their employers, the wealthy traders and shipowners of that city,” André-Louis replied. “I have a habit of observing things at close quarters, which is why our colleagues of the Literary Chamber dislike me so cordially in debate.
Where I delve they but skim.
Behind those labourers and artisans of Nantes, counselling them, urging on these poor, stupid, ignorant toilers to shed their blood in pursuit of the will o’ the wisp of freedom, are the sail-makers, the spinners, the shipowners and the slave-traders. The slave-traders!
Where there is power there will always be the abuse of it.
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“
Where there is power there will always be the abuse of it.
”
The tenure of power is power. We cannot dictate to those who hold it.
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“
The tenure of power is power. We cannot dictate to those who hold it.
”
The inevitable, tragic corollary of civilization is populace.
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You do. What power can the populace wield? It can run wild. It can burn and slay for a time. But enduring power it cannot wield, because power demands qualities which the populace does not possess, or it would not be populace.
The inevitable, tragic corollary of civilization is populace.
For the rest, abuses can be corrected by equity; and equity, if it is not found in the enlightened, is not to be found at all. M. Necker is to set about correcting abuses, and limiting privileges. That is decided.
It is a futile and ridiculous struggle—but then … it is human nature, I suppose, to be futile and ridiculous.
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“Pooh! That is nothing. Naturally the nobles will not yield without a struggle.
It is a futile and ridiculous struggle—but then … it is human nature, I suppose, to be futile and ridiculous.
”
I love you too well to quarrel with you over other men’s affairs.
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“I vow,” said he, “that this is the last time ever I shall consent to talk law or politics with you, Philippe.
I love you too well to quarrel with you over other men’s affairs.
”
II: The Aristocrat
Are men and women nothing more than names? Do the souls of them count for nothing?
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He made a gesture of exasperation. “
Are men and women nothing more than names? Do the souls of them count for nothing?
Is there no joy in life, no happiness, that wealth and pleasure and empty, high-sounding titles are to be its only aims? I had set you high—so high, Aline—a thing scarce earthly. There is joy in your heart, intelligence in your mind;
I am not to be bartered like a turnip.
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“You are indelicate,” said she, and though she frowned her eyes laughed. “And you go headlong to conclusions. My uncle will not consent to more than to allow my consent to be sought. We understand each other, my uncle and I.
I am not to be bartered like a turnip.
”
Thus argued vanity and ambition with her better self and to her vast annoyance her better self would not admit entire conviction.
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Not again would she suffer it; not again would she be so weak and childish as to permit André-Louis to utter his ribald comments upon a man by comparison with whom he was no better than a lackey.
Thus argued vanity and ambition with her better self and to her vast annoyance her better self would not admit entire conviction.
Meanwhile, M. de La Tour d’Azyr was climbing into his carriage. He had spoken a word of farewell to M. de Kercadiou, and he had also had a word for M. de Vilmorin in reply to which M. de Vilmorin had bowed in assenting silence.
He was suffering from the loss of an illusion.
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He had no wish to remain. He was angry with Aline for her smiling reception of M. de La Tour d’Azyr and the sordid bargain he saw her set on making.
He was suffering from the loss of an illusion.
III: The Eloquence of M. de Vilmorin
What have I to do with the laws of humanity?
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The Marquis sighed wearily. “
What have I to do with the laws of humanity?
” he wondered.
Will naught content you but that your shadow must lie like a curse upon the land?
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Is not that enough, M. le Marquis? Must you also demand his wretched life in payment for the least infringement of your sacred privileges, careless of what widows or orphans you dedicate to woe?
Will naught content you but that your shadow must lie like a curse upon the land?
And do you think in your pride that France, this Job among the nations, will suffer it forever?”
Human rights are contemporary with man.
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“Humanity, monsieur,” Philippe replied, “is more ancient than nobility.
Human rights are contemporary with man.
”
IV: The Heritage
God after all, reflected André-Louis, was not a grand-seigneur.
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It was horrible. Yet God would see the righteousness of that anger. And in no case—be man’s interpretation of Divinity what it might—could that one sin outweigh the loving good that Philippe had ever practised, the noble purity of his great heart.
God after all, reflected André-Louis, was not a grand-seigneur.
V: The Lord of Gavrillac
I have never set much store by books, André; and I have never known anything but trouble to come out of learning.
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“Which he himself provoked by his revolutionary language. The poor lad’s head was full of this encyclopaedist trash. It comes of too much reading.
I have never set much store by books, André; and I have never known anything but trouble to come out of learning.
It unsettles a man. It complicates his views of life, destroys the simplicity which makes for peace of mind and happiness. Let this miserable affair be a warning to you, André.
‘Thou shalt not kill,’ is the King’s law as well as God’s.
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“
‘Thou shalt not kill,’ is the King’s law as well as God’s.
”
I swore an oath today which it would damn my soul to break.
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“
I swore an oath today which it would damn my soul to break.
”
VI: The Windmill
Even more difficult than it is for a man to be a hero to his valet—who has witnessed the dispersal of the parts that make up the imposing whole—is it for a man to be a hero to the student of Man who has witnessed the same in a different sense.
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André-Louis found him ridiculous. He knew pretentiousness for the mask of worthlessness and weakness. And here he beheld pretentiousness incarnate. It was to be read in that arrogant poise of the head, that scowling brow, the inflection of that reverberating voice.
Even more difficult than it is for a man to be a hero to his valet—who has witnessed the dispersal of the parts that make up the imposing whole—is it for a man to be a hero to the student of Man who has witnessed the same in a different sense.
André-Louis stood forward boldly—impudently, thought M. de Lesdiguières.
He knew pretentiousness for the mask of worthlessness and weakness.
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André-Louis found him ridiculous.
He knew pretentiousness for the mask of worthlessness and weakness.
And here he beheld pretentiousness incarnate. It was to be read in that arrogant poise of the head, that scowling brow, the inflection of that reverberating voice.
Is it a duel, monsieur, where one of the combatants alone is armed?
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André-Louis took him literally. “I thank you, sir,” he answered, solemnly, and submitted his argument. “It can be shown that M. de Vilmorin never practised fencing in all his life, and it is notorious that M. de La Tour d’Azyr is an exceptional swordsman.
Is it a duel, monsieur, where one of the combatants alone is armed?
For it amounts to that on a comparison of their measures of respective skill.”
VII: The Wind
Of assassins what shall you look for but assassination?
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“
Of assassins what shall you look for but assassination?
I have a tale to tell which will show that this is no new thing that you have witnessed here today; it will reveal to you the forces with which you have to deal. Yesterday …”
Let them assassinate me. It is a trade they understand.
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“Let them!” He flung wide his arms in a gesture supremely theatrical, and laughed. “I stand here at their mercy. Let them, if they will, add mine to the blood that will presently rise up to choke them.
Let them assassinate me. It is a trade they understand.
But until they do so, they shall not prevent me from speaking to you, from telling you what is to be looked for in them.” And again he laughed, not merely in exaltation as they supposed who watched him from below, but also in amusement.
If he had failed with the windmill, at least he was now master of the wind.
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Again a great roar, mingled now with some approving laughter, was his answer. He had wrought them up to a pitch of dangerous passion, and they were ripe for any violence to which he urged them.
If he had failed with the windmill, at least he was now master of the wind.
“To the Palais!” they shouted, waving their hands, brandishing canes, and—here and there—even a sword. “To the Palais! Down with M. de Lesdiguières! Death to the King’s Lieutenant!”
Violence on your part will call for violence on theirs.
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“You have seen often already the result of premature violence elsewhere in Brittany, and you have heard of it elsewhere in France.
Violence on your part will call for violence on theirs.
They will welcome the chance to assert their mastery by a firmer grip than heretofore. The military will be sent for. You will be faced by the bayonets of mercenaries. Do not provoke that, I implore you.
He had played upon their emotions—each in turn—as a skilful harpist plays upon the strings of his instrument.
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He had finished. He had said all—perhaps more than all—that could have been said by the dead friend with whose voice he spoke. But it was not their will that he should thus extinguish himself. The thunder of their acclamations rose deafeningly upon the air.
He had played upon their emotions—each in turn—as a skilful harpist plays upon the strings of his instrument.
And they were vibrant with the passions he had aroused, and the high note of hope on which he had brought his symphony to a close.
VIII: Omnes Omnibus
I am a herald, a mouthpiece, a voice; no more.
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He could not answer that excited mob as he had answered the president. It was necessary to compromise, and he did so, happily. “My name,” said he, “is Omnes Omnibus—all for all. Let that suffice you now.
I am a herald, a mouthpiece, a voice; no more.
I come to announce to you that since the privileged orders, assembled for the States of Brittany in Rennes, resisted your will—our will—despite the King’s plain hint to them, His Majesty has dissolved the States.”
If it might be said of André-Louis that he had that day lighted the torch of the Revolution in Nantes, it might with even greater truth be said that the torch itself was supplied by the opulent bourgeoisie.
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… based had their source in thinkers extracted from the bourgeoisie, so the need to adopt those philosophies to the practical purposes of life was most acutely felt at present by those bourgeois who found themselves debarred by Privilege from the expansion their wealth permitted them.
If it might be said of André-Louis that he had that day lighted the torch of the Revolution in Nantes, it might with even greater truth be said that the torch itself was supplied by the opulent bourgeoisie.
I need not dwell at any length upon the sequel. It is a matter of history how that oath which Omnes Omnibus administered to the citizens of Nantes formed the backbone of the formal protest which they drew up and signed in their thousands.
IX: The Aftermath
But I like my madness. There is a thrill in it unknown to such sanity as yours.
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“Possibly.
But I like my madness. There is a thrill in it unknown to such sanity as yours.
By your leave, Aline, I think I will ride on to Gavrillac.”
It is your life against mine, Fresnel; and you’ll not find it strange that if one of us must die I prefer that it shall be you.
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“I want the key of the boat. That is all, Fresnel. And you can either give it me at once, or I’ll take it after I have burnt your brains. I should regret to kill you, but I shall not hesitate.
It is your life against mine, Fresnel; and you’ll not find it strange that if one of us must die I prefer that it shall be you.
”
I would rather depend upon your silence than your assurances.
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“
I would rather depend upon your silence than your assurances.
Still, you shall have your chance. I am a fool, perhaps, but I have a reluctance to shed blood. Go into the house, Fresnel. Go, man. I follow you.”
I: The Trespassers
Most of this world’s misery is the fruit not as priests tell us of wickedness, but of stupidity.
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With increasing fatigue came depression and self-criticism. He had stupidly overshot his mark in insultingly denouncing M. de Lesdiguières. “It is much better,” he says somewhere, “to be wicked than to be stupid.
Most of this world’s misery is the fruit not as priests tell us of wickedness, but of stupidity.
” And we know that of all stupidities he considered anger the most deplorable. Yet he had permitted himself to be angry with a creature like M. de Lesdiguières—a lackey, a fribble, a nothing, despite his potentialities for evil.
And we know that of all stupidities he considered anger the most deplorable.
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He had stupidly overshot his mark in insultingly denouncing M. de Lesdiguières. “It is much better,” he says somewhere, “to be wicked than to be stupid. Most of this world’s misery is the fruit not as priests tell us of wickedness, but of stupidity.”
And we know that of all stupidities he considered anger the most deplorable.
Yet he had permitted himself to be angry with a creature like M. de Lesdiguières—a lackey, a fribble, a nothing, despite his potentialities for evil. He could perfectly have discharged his self-imposed mission without arousing the vindictive resentment of the King’s Lieutenant.
It was, he supposed, the sort of thing to be expected of a sex that all philosophy had taught him to regard as the maddest part of a mad species.
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So her father was marrying her to a marquis! That implied birth on her side. And yet she was content to pair off with this dull young adventurer in the tarnished lace!
It was, he supposed, the sort of thing to be expected of a sex that all philosophy had taught him to regard as the maddest part of a mad species.
“It shall never be!” M. Leandre was storming passionately. “Never! I swear it!” And he shook his puny fist at the blue vault of heaven—Ajax defying Jupiter. “Ah, but here comes our subtle friend …” (André-Louis did not catch the name, M.
Moreover, sir, Nature imposes her limits upon us, and Nature conquers respect for law as she conquers all else.
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“Ah, but then, you see, I am a lawyer. And lawyers are notoriously unable to observe the law, just as actors are notoriously unable to act.
Moreover, sir, Nature imposes her limits upon us, and Nature conquers respect for law as she conquers all else.
Nature conquered me last night when I had got as far as this. And so I slept here without regard for the very high and puissant Marquis de La Tour d’Azyr. At the same time, M.
And lawyers are notoriously unable to observe the law, just as actors are notoriously unable to act.
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“Ah, but then, you see, I am a lawyer.
And lawyers are notoriously unable to observe the law, just as actors are notoriously unable to act.
Moreover, sir, Nature imposes her limits upon us, and Nature conquers respect for law as she conquers all else. Nature conquered me last night when I had got as far as this.
The French are a very loyal nation, as you will have observed. They love their King—and his portrait even better than himself, especially when it is wrought in gold.
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“The magic that is to be worked in France with a King’s portrait.
The French are a very loyal nation, as you will have observed. They love their King—and his portrait even better than himself, especially when it is wrought in gold.
But even in silver it is respected. The sergeant was so overcome by the sight of that noble visage—on a three-livre piece—that his anger vanished, and he has gone his ways leaving us to depart in peace.”
II: The Service of Thespis
They seemed, indeed, to belong to a world apart, a world of unreality which became real only on the planks of their stage, in the glare of their footlights.
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They affected to have no cares, and made merry over the trials and tribulations of their nomadic life. They were curiously, yet amiably, artificial; histrionic in their manner of discharging the most commonplace of functions; exaggerated in their gestures; stilted and affected in their speech.
They seemed, indeed, to belong to a world apart, a world of unreality which became real only on the planks of their stage, in the glare of their footlights.
Good-fellowship bound them one to another; and André-Louis reflected cynically that this harmony amongst them might be the cause of their apparent unreality. In the real world, greedy striving and the emulation of acquisitiveness preclude such amity as was present here.
Each one, as you perceive, is designed by Nature for the part he plays.
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“That is the delusion proper to Pierrot,” said Pantaloon, contemptuously. “This heavy, beetle-browed ruffian, who has grown old in sin, and whose appetite increases with his years, is Polichinelle.
Each one, as you perceive, is designed by Nature for the part he plays.
This nimble, freckled jackanapes is Harlequin; not your spangled Harlequin into which modern degeneracy has debased that firstborn of Momus, but the genuine original zany of the Commedia, ragged and patched, an impudent, cowardly, blackguardly clown.”
In my humble way I am a student of man, and some years ago I made the discovery that he is most intimately to be studied in the reflections of him provided for the theatre.
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“
In my humble way I am a student of man, and some years ago I made the discovery that he is most intimately to be studied in the reflections of him provided for the theatre.
”
III: The Comic Muse
You were born for love, my dear, not criticism.
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“You are wrong,” quoth Harlequin. “
You were born for love, my dear, not criticism.
”
You see what a debater was lost in him; how nimble he was in the art of making white look black.
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André-Louis came off with flying colours after that.
You see what a debater was lost in him; how nimble he was in the art of making white look black.
The company was impressed, and no one more that M. Binet, who found himself supplied with a crushing argument against those who in future might tax him with the impudent plagiarisms which he undoubtedly perpetrated.
If you will be blind to your interests, you will presently be a head without a body.
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“
If you will be blind to your interests, you will presently be a head without a body.
And what use is that? Can the shoulders of Pantaloon carry the mantle of Figaro? You laugh. Of course you laugh. The notion is absurd. The proper person for the mantle of Figaro is Scaramouche, who is naturally Figaro’s twin-brother.”
IV: Exit Monsieur Parvissimus
You never miss a chance to gibe. It’ll bring you trouble before you’re done with life.
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“Of course you will be gibing.
You never miss a chance to gibe. It’ll bring you trouble before you’re done with life.
Come; here we are back at the inn, and you have not yet given me your decision.”
V: Enter Scaramouche
In the course of one week he had been lawyer, mob-orator, outlaw, property-man, and finally buffoon.
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He reflected that his life, which until lately had been of a stagnant, contemplative quality, had suddenly become excessively active.
In the course of one week he had been lawyer, mob-orator, outlaw, property-man, and finally buffoon.
Last Wednesday he had been engaged in moving an audience of Rennes to anger; on this Wednesday he was to move an audience of Guichen to mirth. Then he had been concerned to draw tears; today it was his business to provoke laughter.
Then he had been concerned to draw tears; today it was his business to provoke laughter.
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In the course of one week he had been lawyer, mob-orator, outlaw, property-man, and finally buffoon. Last Wednesday he had been engaged in moving an audience of Rennes to anger; on this Wednesday he was to move an audience of Guichen to mirth.
Then he had been concerned to draw tears; today it was his business to provoke laughter.
There was a difference, and yet there was a parallel. Then as now he had been a comedian; and the part that he had played then was, when you came to think of it, akin to the part he was to play this evening.
For it is the first time in my life that I look what I am.
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“That is a truth that does not at present apply to me,” said André-Louis. “
For it is the first time in my life that I look what I am.
”
But the others thought him very witty—probably because he was obscure.
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Mademoiselle curled her lip a little further, and turned her shoulder to him.
But the others thought him very witty—probably because he was obscure.
Columbine encouraged him with a friendly smile that displayed her large white teeth, and M. Binet swore yet once again that he would be a great success, since he threw himself with such spirit into the undertaking.
He realized that he was being laughed at, and remembered that his Scaramouche was a creature to be laughed with, and not at.
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But they never did discover it. Scaramouche’s bewildered paralysis lasted but a few seconds.
He realized that he was being laughed at, and remembered that his Scaramouche was a creature to be laughed with, and not at.
He must save the situation; twist it to his own advantage as best he could. And now his real bewilderment and terror was succeeded by acted bewilderment and terror far more marked, but not quite so funny.
To cull fortune from misfortune, to turn loss into profit, that is to have genius.
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Polichinelle smacked fist into palm. “Superb!” he said, fiercely. “
To cull fortune from misfortune, to turn loss into profit, that is to have genius.
”
Polichinelle, you are a fellow after my own heart. I love a man who can discern my merit.
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Scaramouche made a leg. “
Polichinelle, you are a fellow after my own heart. I love a man who can discern my merit.
If Pantaloon had half your wit, we should have Burgundy tonight in spite of the flight of Cordemais.”
VI: Climène
“I am an artist,” said M. Binet, with pride. “I am not a merchant.”
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“In the same degree. From today, if you please, we will conduct the affairs of this company in a proper manner, and we will keep account-books.”
“I am an artist,” said M. Binet, with pride. “I am not a merchant.”
“There is a business side to your art, and that shall be conducted in the business manner. I have thought it all out for you. You shall not be troubled with details that might hinder the due exercise of your art.
Never in his life had he worked so hard; never in his life had he worked at all by comparison with his activities now.
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… of needy artists, lured them into the company to play small parts—apothecaries and notaries—and set them to beguile their leisure in painting new scenery, so as to be ready for what he called the conquest of Nantes, which was to come in the new year.
Never in his life had he worked so hard; never in his life had he worked at all by comparison with his activities now.
His fund of energy and enthusiasm was inexhaustible, like that of his good humour. He came and went, acted, wrote, conceived, directed, planned, and executed, what time M.
I do not hate anybody. It is the most stupid of all the emotions.
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“Hate you, mademoiselle?
I do not hate anybody. It is the most stupid of all the emotions.
I have never hated—not even my enemies.”
I dare not suppose myself the first man to whom you have been cruel. That were an assumption too flattering to myself.
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“
I dare not suppose myself the first man to whom you have been cruel. That were an assumption too flattering to myself.
I must prefer to think that the others suffered in silence.”
I place the confession as an offering on the altar of your vanity.
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“
I place the confession as an offering on the altar of your vanity.
”
Therefore I have laughed. I often do when I am hurt.
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“How could you? Am I not what your father calls a natural actor? I was an actor long before I became Scaramouche.
Therefore I have laughed. I often do when I am hurt.
When you were pleased to be disdainful, I acted disdain in my turn.”
Were I a woman and had I your loveliness and your grace, Climène, I should disdain to use them as weapons of offence.
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“In response to the change in you. You have grown weary of your part of cruel madam—a dull part, believe me, and unworthy of your talents.
Were I a woman and had I your loveliness and your grace, Climène, I should disdain to use them as weapons of offence.
”
Shall I be slower in love than in work? Would it be reasonable to expect it?
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“I do. Haven’t you observed it? I am a man of sudden impulses. See what I have made of the Binet troupe in less than a couple of months. Another might have laboured for a year and not achieved the half of it.
Shall I be slower in love than in work? Would it be reasonable to expect it?
I have curbed and repressed myself not to scare you by precipitancy. In that I have done violence to my feelings, and more than all in using the same cold aloofness with which you chose to treat me. I have waited—oh!
It is only the conviction that I am not commonplace that has permitted me to hope as I have hoped.
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“I am,” he agreed with her. “
It is only the conviction that I am not commonplace that has permitted me to hope as I have hoped.
”
The next moment her slight, lithe body was in his arms, and he was kissing her, murmuring her name as if it were a prayer.
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By the hand he continued to hold, he drew her towards him. She came unresisting. He took the candle from her, and set it down on the sideboard by which she stood.
The next moment her slight, lithe body was in his arms, and he was kissing her, murmuring her name as if it were a prayer.
“Am I cruel now?” she asked him, panting. He kissed her again for only answer. “You made me cruel because you would not see,” she told him next in a whisper.
Excitations of the bile invariably impair the fine sensitiveness of the palate.
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We are going to have a bottle of Burgundy at my expense, and it shall be the best bottle of Burgundy to be found in Rédon. Compose yourself to do fitting honour to it.
Excitations of the bile invariably impair the fine sensitiveness of the palate.
”
VII: The Conquest of Nantes
But at your time of life you should have learnt that in this world nothing succeeds like audacity.
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“I admit that it is audacious,” said Scaramouche. “
But at your time of life you should have learnt that in this world nothing succeeds like audacity.
”
The announcement was joyously received, for the world of the theatre loves a lover as dearly as does the greater world.
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It was a felicity of which he was the first to acknowledge his utter unworthiness. It was to bring him into still closer relations with his good friend M. Binet, to whom he owed all that he had achieved for himself and for them.
The announcement was joyously received, for the world of the theatre loves a lover as dearly as does the greater world.
So they acclaimed the happy pair, with the exception of poor Leandre, whose eyes were more melancholy than ever.
VIII: The Dream
In fact, your hypocrisy was so consummate that I never suspected it.
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“So I perceive. But you misled me. You talked so much morality of a kind, you made philosophy so readily, that I came to be deceived.
In fact, your hypocrisy was so consummate that I never suspected it.
With your gift of acting I wonder that you haven’t joined Mlle. Binet’s troupe.”
Like other ideologists, I find it easier to preach than to practise.
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“That was only one of the inducements. There was another. Finding myself forced to choose between the stage and the gallows, I had the incredible weakness to prefer the former. It was utterly unworthy of a man of my lofty ideals, but—what would you?
Like other ideologists, I find it easier to preach than to practise.
Shall I stop the carriage and remove the contamination of my disgusting person? Or shall I tell you how it happened?”
Finding myself forced to choose between the stage and the gallows, I had the incredible weakness to prefer the former.
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“That was only one of the inducements. There was another.
Finding myself forced to choose between the stage and the gallows, I had the incredible weakness to prefer the former.
It was utterly unworthy of a man of my lofty ideals, but—what would you? Like other ideologists, I find it easier to preach than to practise. Shall I stop the carriage and remove the contamination of my disgusting person?
If you cannot judge, it is that you do not wish to judge.
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“Why not? You are well able to do so. The more since you have heard two sides. For my godfather would tell you the truth.
If you cannot judge, it is that you do not wish to judge.
” His tone became harsh. “Wilfully you close your eyes to justice that might check the course of your unhealthy, unnatural ambition.”
Honour and virtue are possible to a theatre girl; they are impossible to a lady who sells herself to gratify ambition; who for position, riches, and a great title barters herself in marriage.
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“If these were the dregs of life I might still speak from them to counsel you out of my respect and devotion, Aline.” He was very, stiff and stern. “But they are not the dregs of life.
Honour and virtue are possible to a theatre girl; they are impossible to a lady who sells herself to gratify ambition; who for position, riches, and a great title barters herself in marriage.
”
IX: The Awakening
In fact I have no name, unless it be Scaramouche, to which I have earned a title.
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He restrained his own rising indignation to answer her question calmly: “Moreau. It was given me, so I am told, from the Brittany village in which I was born. But I have no claim to it.
In fact I have no name, unless it be Scaramouche, to which I have earned a title.
So that you see, my dear,” he ended with a smile, “I have practised no deception whatever.”
I am just Scaramouche. My castles are all in Spain.
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“Not even a chevalier, unless it be of the order of fortune.
I am just Scaramouche. My castles are all in Spain.
”
Towards M. Binet a tolerant contempt was the only feeling that complete acquaintance could beget.
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“You are what you are.” Still was he not concerned. He perceived the source of her ill-humour; understood, whilst deploring it; and, because he understood, forgave. He perceived also that her ill-humour was shared by her father, and by this he was frankly amused.
Towards M. Binet a tolerant contempt was the only feeling that complete acquaintance could beget.
As for the rest of the company, they were disposed to be very kindly towards Scaramouche. It was almost as if in reality he had fallen from the high estate to which their own imaginations had raised him;
Those lesser gentlemen had all withdrawn before the Marquis, as jackals withdraw before the lion.
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de La Tour d’Azyr. He had her entirely to himself, a privilege none of the men of fashion who were in the habit of visiting the coulisse had yet enjoyed.
Those lesser gentlemen had all withdrawn before the Marquis, as jackals withdraw before the lion.
André-Louis stared a moment, stricken. Then recovering from his surprise he became critical in his study of the Marquis. He considered the beauty and grace and splendour of him, his courtly air, his complete and unshakable self-possession.
He is a man without charity, without humanity almost; a man who takes what he wants wherever he finds it and whether it is given willingly or not; a man who reckons nothing of the misery he scatters on his self-indulgent way; a man whose only law is force.
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“I know my world. And I know M. de La Tour d’Azyr,” he answered her. “
He is a man without charity, without humanity almost; a man who takes what he wants wherever he finds it and whether it is given willingly or not; a man who reckons nothing of the misery he scatters on his self-indulgent way; a man whose only law is force.
Ponder it, Climène, and ask yourself if I do you less than honour in warning you.”
Almost you make me lose my temper, which is a thing that I detest above all others!
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“Decent?” André-Louis’ smouldering eyes turned to discharge upon M. Binet such a fulmination of contempt that the old scoundrel shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “Did you mention decency, Binet?
Almost you make me lose my temper, which is a thing that I detest above all others!
” Slowly his glance returned to Climène, who sat with elbows on the table, her chin cupped in her palms, regarding him with something between scorn and defiance.
X: Contrition
She appeared to be instructed in all the things of which a girl is better ignorant, and ignorant of all the things that a girl should know.
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For one of her natural sweetness of disposition she had been oddly irritable of late, manifesting signs of a cynical worldliness, which convinced Mme. de Sautron more than ever that her brother Quintin had scandalously conducted the child’s education.
She appeared to be instructed in all the things of which a girl is better ignorant, and ignorant of all the things that a girl should know.
That at least was the point of view of Mme. de Sautron.
“Tell me, madame,” quoth Aline, “are all men beasts?”
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She appeared to be instructed in all the things of which a girl is better ignorant, and ignorant of all the things that a girl should know. That at least was the point of view of Mme. de Sautron.
“Tell me, madame,” quoth Aline, “are all men beasts?”
Unlike her brother, Madame la Comtesse was tall and majestically built. In the days before her marriage with M. de Sautron, ill-natured folk described her as the only man in the family.
Perhaps it is because I find life disconcerting and improper.
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“
Perhaps it is because I find life disconcerting and improper.
”
Why not, since I am alive? You do not suggest that it is an impropriety to be alive?
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“
Why not, since I am alive? You do not suggest that it is an impropriety to be alive?
”
Who ever heard of a girl being left to decide the matter of her own marriage?
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“That,” said madame with complete conviction, “is the last and most outrageous of his errors.
Who ever heard of a girl being left to decide the matter of her own marriage?
It is … indelicate almost to expose her to thoughts of such things.” Mme. de Sautron shuddered. “Quintin is a boor. His conduct is unheard of. That M.
At moments you shock me by the indecency of your expressions; at others you amaze me by the excess of your prudery.
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“Aline, you are so extraordinary a mixture.
At moments you shock me by the indecency of your expressions; at others you amaze me by the excess of your prudery.
You have been brought up like a little bourgeoise, I think. Yes, that is it—a little bourgeoise. Quintin was always something of a shopkeeper at heart.”
My child, since you know so much that you ought not to know, there can be no harm in my adding that a gentleman must have these little distractions.
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And then Mme. de Sautron did violence to her feelings. She realized that here great calm and prudence were required. “
My child, since you know so much that you ought not to know, there can be no harm in my adding that a gentleman must have these little distractions.
”
Each time his lips touch my fingers I find myself thinking of the last object that they touched.
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“I cannot help it, madame.
Each time his lips touch my fingers I find myself thinking of the last object that they touched.
I at once retire to wash my hands. Next time, madame, unless you are good enough to convey my message to him, I shall call for water and wash them in his presence.”
And however fine a thing it may be to become Marquise de La Tour d’Azyr, why, frankly, I’d sooner marry a cobbler who practised decency.
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“Well, there it is,” said Aline. “Something must be done to shelter me from insult. I am utterly disgusted with M. le Marquis—a disgusting man.
And however fine a thing it may be to become Marquise de La Tour d’Azyr, why, frankly, I’d sooner marry a cobbler who practised decency.
”
I have never known the need to deny myself anything I wanted.
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“You are right, Charles, I am a fool—a wicked fool! I have just enough sense left to perceive it. It is the way I have lived, I suppose.
I have never known the need to deny myself anything I wanted.
” Then suddenly he swung round, and the outburst came. “But, my God, I want Aline as I have never wanted anything yet! I think I should kill myself in rage if through my folly I should have lost her.”
XI: The Fracas at the Théâtre Feydau
It resulted from the conflict between the beast and the angel that go to make up the composition of every man.
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There is, after all, nothing very extraordinary in his frame of mind, so that I need not elaborate it further.
It resulted from the conflict between the beast and the angel that go to make up the composition of every man.
The Chevalier de Chabrillane—who in reality occupied towards the Marquis a position akin to that of gentleman-in-waiting—sat opposite to him in the enormous travelling berline. A small folding table had been erected between them, and the Chevalier suggested piquet. But M.
Letters are liable both to miscarriage and to misconstruction.
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“
Letters are liable both to miscarriage and to misconstruction.
Two risks I will not run. If she did not answer, I should never know which had been incurred. And I shall have no peace of mind until I know that I have set a term to this affair.
She was just a poor weak vessel driven helplessly by the first breath, however foul, that promised her advancement.
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However much he might affect the frame of mind of the stoics, and seek to judge with a complete detachment, in the heart and soul of him André-Louis was tormented and revolted. It was not Climène he blamed. He had been mistaken in her.
She was just a poor weak vessel driven helplessly by the first breath, however foul, that promised her advancement.
She suffered from the plague of greed; and he congratulated himself upon having discovered it before making her his wife. He felt for her now nothing but a deal of pity and some contempt.
It might be likened to the dregs of love, all that remained after the potent wine of it had been drained off.
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and he congratulated himself upon having discovered it before making her his wife. He felt for her now nothing but a deal of pity and some contempt. The pity was begotten of the love she had lately inspired in him.
It might be likened to the dregs of love, all that remained after the potent wine of it had been drained off.
His anger he reserved for her father and her seducer.
Are you quite heartless? Are you always Scaramouche?
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“My God!” said Leandre, overcome, and he stared awhile. Then he burst out afresh. “
Are you quite heartless? Are you always Scaramouche?
”
We all know the place held in the public esteem by complacent husbands. But, in God’s name, what place is there at all for complacent fathers?
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“Quarrel? You want to laugh. A man doesn’t quarrel with creatures like you.
We all know the place held in the public esteem by complacent husbands. But, in God’s name, what place is there at all for complacent fathers?
”
You have changed a certainty into a possibility, and I hate possibilities—God of God! I have lived on possibilities, and infernally near starved on them.
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he mocked her; and then with passion: “Had you acted as I advised you, he would have consented to anything that you asked, and what is more he would have provided anything that you asked—anything that lay within his means, and they are inexhaustible.
You have changed a certainty into a possibility, and I hate possibilities—God of God! I have lived on possibilities, and infernally near starved on them.
”
Knowing of what inflammable material the audience was composed, he had deliberately flung down amongst them the lighted torch of discord, to produce this conflagration.
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One of these hurled by the hand of a gentleman in one of the boxes narrowly missed Scaramouche where he stood, looking down in a sort of grim triumph upon the havoc which his words had wrought.
Knowing of what inflammable material the audience was composed, he had deliberately flung down amongst them the lighted torch of discord, to produce this conflagration.
He saw men falling quickly into groups representative of one side or the other of this great quarrel that already was beginning to agitate the whole of France. Their rallying cries were ringing through the theatre.
I: Transition
It seems to be my part always to stir up strife and then to slip away before I am caught in the crash of the warring elements I have aroused.
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“You may agree,” wrote André-Louis from Paris to Le Chapelier, in a letter which survives, “that it is to be regretted I should definitely have discarded the livery of Scaramouche, since clearly there could be no livery fitter for my wear.
It seems to be my part always to stir up strife and then to slip away before I am caught in the crash of the warring elements I have aroused.
It is a humiliating reflection. I seek consolation in the reminder of Epictetus (do you ever read Epictetus?) that we are but actors in a play of such a part as it may please the Director to assign us.
But if I am not brave, at least I am prudent; so that where I lack one virtue I may lay claim to possessing another almost to excess.
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It does not, however, console me to have been cast for a part so contemptible, to find myself excelling ever in the art of running away.
But if I am not brave, at least I am prudent; so that where I lack one virtue I may lay claim to possessing another almost to excess.
On a previous occasion they wanted to hang me for sedition. Should I have stayed to be hanged? This time they may want to hang me for several things, including murder;
To deal justice by death has this disadvantage that the victim has no knowledge that justice has overtaken him.
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I would not have you take satisfaction in the thought that I regret your escape. I do not. I rejoice in it.
To deal justice by death has this disadvantage that the victim has no knowledge that justice has overtaken him.
Had you died, had you been torn limb from limb that night, I should now repine in the thought of your eternal and untroubled slumber. Not in euthanasia, but in torment of mind should the guilty atone.
Not in euthanasia, but in torment of mind should the guilty atone.
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To deal justice by death has this disadvantage that the victim has no knowledge that justice has overtaken him. Had you died, had you been torn limb from limb that night, I should now repine in the thought of your eternal and untroubled slumber.
Not in euthanasia, but in torment of mind should the guilty atone.
You see, I am not sure that hell hereafter is a certainty, whilst I am quite sure that it can be a certainty in this life; and I desire you to continue to live yet awhile that you may taste something of its bitterness.
You see, I am not sure that hell hereafter is a certainty, whilst I am quite sure that it can be a certainty in this life; and I desire you to continue to live yet awhile that you may taste something of its bitterness.
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Had you died, had you been torn limb from limb that night, I should now repine in the thought of your eternal and untroubled slumber. Not in euthanasia, but in torment of mind should the guilty atone.
You see, I am not sure that hell hereafter is a certainty, whilst I am quite sure that it can be a certainty in this life; and I desire you to continue to live yet awhile that you may taste something of its bitterness.
“You murdered Philippe de Vilmorin because you feared what you described as his very dangerous gift of eloquence, I took an oath that day that your evil deed should be fruitless; that I would render it so;
Regret of neglected opportunity is the worst hell that a living soul can inhabit, particularly such a soul as yours.
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You will be regretting by now that you did not kill me too, as I invited you on that occasion. I can picture to myself the bitterness of this regret, and I contemplate it with satisfaction.
Regret of neglected opportunity is the worst hell that a living soul can inhabit, particularly such a soul as yours.
It is because of this that I am glad to know that you survived the riot at the Feydau, although at the time it was no part of my intention that you should.
Surely a man who lived by the sword should have a weakness for the romantic.
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“I don’t think so.” And then he lied romantically.
Surely a man who lived by the sword should have a weakness for the romantic.
“You see, my enemy is a swordsman of great strength—the best blade in the province, if not the best blade in France. That is his repute.
But, if André-Louis would hope to dine, he must begin by eating his pride as an hors d’oeuvre.
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The position, you see, had its humiliations.
But, if André-Louis would hope to dine, he must begin by eating his pride as an hors d’oeuvre.
“And so,” he said, controlling a grimace, “the robe yields not only to the sword, but to the broom as well. Be it so. I stay.”
It was ever his way to do whatever he did with all the resources of his mind and energies of his body.
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It is characteristic of him that, having made that choice, he should have thrown himself into the work with enthusiasm.
It was ever his way to do whatever he did with all the resources of his mind and energies of his body.
When he was not instructing very young gentlemen in the elements of the art, showing them the elaborate and intricate salute—which with a few days’ hard practice he had mastered to perfection—and the eight guards, he was himself hard at work on those same guards, …
I have been working hard; and it happens that I fence with my brains.
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“No,” said André-Louis. “
I have been working hard; and it happens that I fence with my brains.
”
I have no intention of having an assistant who is superior to myself.
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“So I perceive. Well, well, I think I have taught you enough, my friend.
I have no intention of having an assistant who is superior to myself.
”
II: Quos Deus Vult Perdere
And whilst these, despising the canaille, and envying the privileged, talked largely of equality—by which they meant an ascending equality that should confuse themselves with the gentry—the proletariat perished of want in its kennels.
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Looking on, André-Louis smiled grimly. So far he was right. The sufferers were ever the proletariat. The men who sought to make this revolution, the electors—here in Paris as elsewhere—were men of substance, notable bourgeois, wealthy traders.
And whilst these, despising the canaille, and envying the privileged, talked largely of equality—by which they meant an ascending equality that should confuse themselves with the gentry—the proletariat perished of want in its kennels.
At last with the month of May the deputies arrived, André-Louis’ friend Le Chapelier prominent amongst them, and the States General were inaugurated at Versailles.
Man being what he is, and labouring under his curse of acquisitiveness, will never willingly surrender possessions, whether they be justly or unjustly held.
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But he had reckoned without the power of the privileged orders over the proud Austrian queen, and her power over the obese, phlegmatic, irresolute monarch. That the privileged orders should deliver battle in defence of their privileges, André-Louis could understand.
Man being what he is, and labouring under his curse of acquisitiveness, will never willingly surrender possessions, whether they be justly or unjustly held.
But what surprised André-Louis was the unutterable crassness of the methods by which the Privileged ranged themselves for battle. They opposed brute force to reason and philosophy, and battalions of foreign mercenaries to ideas. As if ideas were to be impaled on bayonets!
They opposed brute force to reason and philosophy, and battalions of foreign mercenaries to ideas. As if ideas were to be impaled on bayonets!
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Man being what he is, and labouring under his curse of acquisitiveness, will never willingly surrender possessions, whether they be justly or unjustly held. But what surprised André-Louis was the unutterable crassness of the methods by which the Privileged ranged themselves for battle.
They opposed brute force to reason and philosophy, and battalions of foreign mercenaries to ideas. As if ideas were to be impaled on bayonets!
The war between the Privileged and the Court on one side, and the Assembly and the People on the other had begun.
But how to conceive that the closing of a hall is to cripple the deliberations of an assembly! Are there no other halls, or failing halls, the broad canopy of heaven itself?
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“Again brute force against ideas. Again the manner of La Tour d’Azyr. The Assembly no doubt had too dangerous a gift of eloquence.
But how to conceive that the closing of a hall is to cripple the deliberations of an assembly! Are there no other halls, or failing halls, the broad canopy of heaven itself?
”
Yet Privilege, as barren of invention as of foresight, contented itself with repeating its former tactics.
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… at large, harmonising their loyalty to the throne with their duty as citizens, when he moved “that His Majesty be informed that the enemies of the country obsess the Throne, and that their counsels tend to place the monarchy at the head of a party.”
Yet Privilege, as barren of invention as of foresight, contented itself with repeating its former tactics.
M. le Comte d’Artois, having announced that on the morrow he would play tennis, the members of the Third found themselves on that Monday, the twenty-second of June, excluded from the tennis-court as on the Sunday they had been excluded from the Menus Plaisirs.
Go back and tell those who sent you that we are here by the will of the people, and that we shall not leave save by force of bayonets.
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“We have heard the intentions that have been suggested to the King, and it is not for you, sir, who have here no place, or voice, or right to speak, to remind us of his words.
Go back and tell those who sent you that we are here by the will of the people, and that we shall not leave save by force of bayonets.
”
Privilege wanted conclusive measures, and conclusive measures it would have—conclusive to itself.
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He did not know that at the very moment in which he was speaking so confidently, the oft-dismissed and oft-recalled M. Necker had just been dismissed yet again by the hostile cabal about the Queen.
Privilege wanted conclusive measures, and conclusive measures it would have—conclusive to itself.
And at the same time yet another philanthropist, also a doctor, one Jean-Paul Mara, of Italian extraction—better known as Marat, the gallicized form of name he adopted—a man of letters, too, who had spent some years in England, and there published several works on sociology, …
III: President Le Chapelier
I have a poor head for heights, and I find the atmosphere too rarefied.
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“
I have a poor head for heights, and I find the atmosphere too rarefied.
Indeed, you look none too well on it yourself, Isaac. You are pale.”
Poor slave of duty with your gospel of liberty!
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“
Poor slave of duty with your gospel of liberty!
”
IV: Interlude
His loving people desired to have him in their midst—as a hostage for their own safety. If they must starve, he should starve with them.
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The King was to come and live among his people.
His loving people desired to have him in their midst—as a hostage for their own safety. If they must starve, he should starve with them.
André-Louis observed these things, and began to wonder where they would end. The only sane nobles appeared to him to be those who had crossed the frontier before the hotheads constituting the large majority of their party should have brought destruction upon the whole class.
V: At Meudon
It was a saying of André-Louis’ that if these people could only have been induced to put the paper on their walls and the gold into their pockets, the finances of the kingdom might soon have been in better case.
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Never, indeed, was there a time in which so much gold was employed decoratively as in this age, when coined gold was almost unprocurable, and paper money had been put into circulation to supply the lack.
It was a saying of André-Louis’ that if these people could only have been induced to put the paper on their walls and the gold into their pockets, the finances of the kingdom might soon have been in better case.
The Seigneur—furbished and beruffled to harmonize with his surroundings—had risen, startled by this exuberant invasion on the part of Bénoît, who had been almost as forlorn as himself since their coming to Meudon.
Having wantonly set fire to their house, they now try to put it out by throwing water on it; and where they fail they put the entire blame on the flames.
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“Oh, no.
Having wantonly set fire to their house, they now try to put it out by throwing water on it; and where they fail they put the entire blame on the flames.
”
To understand is always to forgive.
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“Far from it. I have come, if possible, to explain myself.
To understand is always to forgive.
That is a great saying of Montaigne’s. If I could make you understand …”
What a man dares to do, he should dare to confess—unless he is a coward.
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“
What a man dares to do, he should dare to confess—unless he is a coward.
”
Dead, I might have forgiven you, as one who had paid for his evil, and his folly. Living, I never can forgive you.
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He beat his hands together, and raised his shrill voice to call “Bénoît!” He strode away towards the fireplace, scarlet in the face, shaking with the passion into which he had worked himself. “
Dead, I might have forgiven you, as one who had paid for his evil, and his folly. Living, I never can forgive you.
You have gone too far. God alone knows where it will end.
His excessive honesty had burnt all his boats.
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He had come there so joyously, in such yearning, merely to receive a final dismissal. He looked at Aline. Her face was pale and troubled; but her wit failed to show her how she could come to his assistance.
His excessive honesty had burnt all his boats.
“Very well, monsieur. Yet this I would ask you to remember after I am gone. I have not come to you as one seeking assistance, as one driven to you by need. I am no returning prodigal, as I have said.
It is for liars only—who are first cousin to thieves—that there is no hope. It is in falsehood only that there is real loss of honour.
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“Nothing is as vile,” she interrupted, speaking from the code by which she had been reared. “
It is for liars only—who are first cousin to thieves—that there is no hope. It is in falsehood only that there is real loss of honour.
”
Angels do not mate with devils. His wife you might become, but never his mate, Aline—never.
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“Because you are what you are, Aline—utterly good and pure and adorable.
Angels do not mate with devils. His wife you might become, but never his mate, Aline—never.
”
VI: Madame de Plougastel
I should say, madame, that nothing is wise that complicates existence; and I know of nothing that so complicates it as insincerity.
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“
I should say, madame, that nothing is wise that complicates existence; and I know of nothing that so complicates it as insincerity.
Consider a moment the complications that have arisen out of this.”
Man, madame, is the child of his own work. Let there be no inheriting of rights but from such a parent.
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He answered her with an epigram. “
Man, madame, is the child of his own work. Let there be no inheriting of rights but from such a parent.
Thus a nation’s best will always predominate, and such a nation will achieve greatly.”
On the contrary, madame, I tremble to think what they might have made of me, and I am grateful to have had the fashioning of myself.
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He laughed, sweeping aside her sweet charitable concern that was so superfluous. “
On the contrary, madame, I tremble to think what they might have made of me, and I am grateful to have had the fashioning of myself.
”
VII: Politicians
Patriotism knows no scruples.
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“I would not!” Danton broke in, bellowing. He swung upon Le Chapelier, brandishing his great arms. “You told me monsieur was a patriot.
Patriotism knows no scruples.
You call this mincing dancing-master a patriot?”
I am just a rascal who tries to be honest—Scaramouche always, in fact; a creature of sophistries.
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It would give me a legitimate place in the Assembly. If your Tour d’Azyrs choose to seek me out then, why, their blood be upon their own heads. I shall certainly do nothing to discourage them.” He smiled curiously. “
I am just a rascal who tries to be honest—Scaramouche always, in fact; a creature of sophistries.
Do you think that Ancenis would have me for its representative?”
VIII: The Spadassinicides
The gentlemen of the Right notoriously do not like the truth.
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“The gentlemen of the Right, M. le President, do not appear to like my words. But that is not surprising.
The gentlemen of the Right notoriously do not like the truth.
”
For there are some who want, it seems, not laws, but blood; I solemnly warn them that this blood will end by choking them, if they do not learn in time to discard force and allow reason to prevail.
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… who will not understand that the purpose for which we are assembled here is the making of laws by which France may be equitably governed, by which France may be lifted out of the morass of bankruptcy into which she is in danger of sinking.
For there are some who want, it seems, not laws, but blood; I solemnly warn them that this blood will end by choking them, if they do not learn in time to discard force and allow reason to prevail.
”
André-Louis had made him ridiculous, which was altogether unforgivable.
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A roar of laughter rose from all who witnessed the fine gentleman’s downfall. He rose, mud-bespattered, in a fury, and in that fury sprang at André-Louis.
André-Louis had made him ridiculous, which was altogether unforgivable.
“You shall meet me for this!” he spluttered. “I shall kill you for it.”
I thought gentlemen of your profession invariably conducted these affairs with decency, decorum, and a certain grace. Had you done so, you might have saved your breeches.
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“Oh, is that what you wanted? But why didn’t you say so before? You would have spared me the trouble of knocking you down.
I thought gentlemen of your profession invariably conducted these affairs with decency, decorum, and a certain grace. Had you done so, you might have saved your breeches.
”
I am afraid, monsieur, you will have to kill me first, and I have a prejudice against being killed before nine o’clock.
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“
I am afraid, monsieur, you will have to kill me first, and I have a prejudice against being killed before nine o’clock.
”
IX: The Paladin of the Third
He was the actor always, a man ever calculating the effect he would produce, ever avoiding self-revelation, ever concerned to overlay his real character by an assumed and quite fictitious one.
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Not quite to such an extent was he the incarnation of Scaramouche. But sufficiently was he so ever to mask his true feelings by an arresting gesture, his true thoughts by an effective phrase.
He was the actor always, a man ever calculating the effect he would produce, ever avoiding self-revelation, ever concerned to overlay his real character by an assumed and quite fictitious one.
There was in this something of impishness, and something of other things.
He intended to be terrible; and he knew that the more flippant and casual his tone, the more terrible would be its effect.
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Nobody laughed now at his flippancy. He did not intend that anybody should.
He intended to be terrible; and he knew that the more flippant and casual his tone, the more terrible would be its effect.
He produced exactly the effect he desired.
Those who wish to overhear frequently contrive to do so.
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“
Those who wish to overhear frequently contrive to do so.
”
But I resent having hands violently laid upon me, especially when they are hands that I cannot consider clean.
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“Oh, but you are mistaken, M. le Marquis. I have no wish to be offensive.
But I resent having hands violently laid upon me, especially when they are hands that I cannot consider clean.
In the circumstances I can hardly be expected to be polite.”
But surely the good God would not have the presumption to damn a gentleman of M. le Marquis’ quality on that account?
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“
But surely the good God would not have the presumption to damn a gentleman of M. le Marquis’ quality on that account?
Ah, well, Isaac, please arrange for Monday, if it is not a feast-day or monsieur has not some other pressing engagement. I leave it in your hands.”
X: Torn Pride
He desired her as we desire Heaven.
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… at Meudon, and the sight of Aline, so sweet and fresh, so bright and of so lively a mind, had caused those embers smouldering under the ashes of the past, embers which until now he had believed utterly extinct, to kindle into flame once more.
He desired her as we desire Heaven.
I believe that it was the purest passion of his life; that had it come to him earlier he might have been a vastly different man.
In all our actions it must be the intention alone that counts.
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“Mademoiselle, until this moment I had no knowledge—no suspicion of this thing. But …” He broke off, considered, and then shrugged. “If I wronged him, I did so unconsciously. It would be unjust to blame me, surely.
In all our actions it must be the intention alone that counts.
”
Retreat, he conceived, was impossible without shame; and shame was to him an agony unthinkable.
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Thus a brief second, while the battle was fought within him, the bitter engagement between his desires and what he conceived to be the demands of his honour, never perceiving how far his honour was buttressed by implacable vindictiveness.
Retreat, he conceived, was impossible without shame; and shame was to him an agony unthinkable.
She asked too much. She could not understand what she was asking, else she would never be so unreasonable, so unjust. But also he saw that it would be futile to attempt to make her understand.
XI: The Returning Carriage
I am not easily disturbed. It is a vanity of mine.
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“
I am not easily disturbed. It is a vanity of mine.
”
Have you never noticed that most reputations are undeserved?
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“
Have you never noticed that most reputations are undeserved?
Chabrillane was a dangerous swordsman, and Chabrillane is underground. La Motte-Royau was an even more dangerous swordsman, and he is in a surgeon’s hands. So are the other spadassinicides who dreamt of skewering a poor sheep of a provincial lawyer.
I am not so very obscure. Not nearly so obscure as I can be.
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“
I am not so very obscure. Not nearly so obscure as I can be.
Turn it over in your mind. It may help to comfort you presently.” He consulted his watch again. “Pray use this house as your own. I must be going.”
XIII: Towards the Climax
Today one group of Frenchmen had dispossessed another; tomorrow another group might dispossess those who had come forward to purchase the last dispossessions.
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He purchased during those two years some considerable property in the neighbourhood of Dresden. He would have preferred his native country. But the tenure of land in France appeared to him, and rightly, to be insecure.
Today one group of Frenchmen had dispossessed another; tomorrow another group might dispossess those who had come forward to purchase the last dispossessions.
And now we come to what is perhaps the bulkiest portion of the Confessions and in some ways the most interesting—being that portion which takes rank among the mémoires pour servir of this epoch.
XIV: The Overwhelming Reason
He was there, he would have told you, to perform the duties of his office, not to give dancing-lessons.
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“Your name, madame?” he had asked brusquely. A rude fellow of the most advanced republican type, he had not even risen out of deference to the ladies when they entered.
He was there, he would have told you, to perform the duties of his office, not to give dancing-lessons.
“Plougastel,” he repeated after her, without title, as if it had been the name of a butcher or baker. He took down a heavy volume from a shelf on his right, opened it and turned the pages.
She had a sense of being trapped, of being taken in a net that had been cast unseen.
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Madame felt herself turning cold. There was something ominous in all this. To what end had the sections informed themselves so thoroughly of the comings and goings of their inhabitants? What was preparing?
She had a sense of being trapped, of being taken in a net that had been cast unseen.
“I do not know, monsieur,” she said, her voice unsteady.
He must ever be playing something. That was in his nature.
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Followed, for a long moment, utter silence. This thing that he was told was not immediately understood. When understanding came at last André-Louis’ first impulse was to cry out. But he possessed himself, and played the Stoic.
He must ever be playing something. That was in his nature.
And he was true to his nature even in this supreme moment. He continued silent until, obeying that queer histrionic instinct, he could trust himself to speak without emotion. “I see,” he said, at last, quite coolly.
After all, a mother is an indispensable necessity to getting one’s self born.
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“And how would you have me take it? Should it surprise me to discover that I had a mother?
After all, a mother is an indispensable necessity to getting one’s self born.
”
But, of course, I am not the sort of man a woman could love.
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“You are not. I was Thérèse’s cousin and also, as she well knew, her truest friend. She knew that she could trust me; and it was to me she came for help in her extremity. Once, years before, I would have married her.
But, of course, I am not the sort of man a woman could love.
She trusted, however, to my love for her, and I have kept her trust.”
Is filial piety to be called into existence by the mere announcement of relationship?
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“What difference should the knowledge make?
Is filial piety to be called into existence by the mere announcement of relationship?
Am I to risk my neck through lack of circumspection on behalf of a mother so very circumspect that she had no intention of ever revealing herself? The discovery rests upon the merest chance, upon a fall of the dice of Fate.
It is grotesque; but all life is grotesque.
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“I mean that I consent. Since I cannot decide what it is that I should do, it only remains for me to do what a son should.
It is grotesque; but all life is grotesque.
”
XV: Sanctuary
My remaining in Paris is the crowning folly of a life full of follies and mistakes.
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“This, my dear, is the end of us. Plougastel is lucky in being across the frontier at such a time. Had I not been fool enough to trust those who today have proved themselves utterly unworthy of trust, that is where I should be myself.
My remaining in Paris is the crowning folly of a life full of follies and mistakes.
That I should come to you in my hour of most urgent need adds point to it.” He laughed in his bitterness.
Here in France there is no longer any room for us—at least, not above ground.
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“It only remains to get away as soon as may be, if it is still possible.
Here in France there is no longer any room for us—at least, not above ground.
Today has proved it.” And then he looked up at her, standing there beside him so pale and timid, and he smiled. He patted the fine hand that rested upon the arm of his chair.
We were timid when we should have been resolute, and resolute at last when it was too late.
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“Oh, it was all most ill done,” he ended critically. “
We were timid when we should have been resolute, and resolute at last when it was too late.
That is the history of our side from the beginning of this accursed struggle. We have lacked proper leadership throughout, and now—as I have said already—there is an end to us.
XVI: The Barrier
The motherhood that bears and forsakes is less than animal.
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It sprang entirely from the consciousness that she was his mother; as if, all things considered, the more or less accidental fact that she had brought him into the world could establish between them any real bond at this time of day!
The motherhood that bears and forsakes is less than animal.
He had considered this;
When we know all of whatever it may be, we can never do anything but forgive, madame.
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“
When we know all of whatever it may be, we can never do anything but forgive, madame.
That is the profoundest religious truth that was ever written. It contains, in fact, a whole religion—the noblest religion any man could have to guide him. I say this for your comfort, madame my mother.”
“I come when I am wanted,” was his answer. “Which is the only time in which one can be sure of being received.”
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I am sorry if …” She broke off, and looked at André-Louis long and curiously. She was pale, but quite composed. She held out her hand to him. “And so you have come at last, André,” said she. “You might have come before.”
“I come when I am wanted,” was his answer. “Which is the only time in which one can be sure of being received.”
He said it without bitterness, and having said it stooped to kiss her hand.
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