“Cato was one of those men whose example can be followed, no matter to what party they belong.”
“And suppose I were to tell you that I hold the Vendée in the hollow of my hand?”
“You!”
“And that within three months, she will lay down her arms if I choose?”
The young man shook his head.
“You don’t believe me?”
“I hesitate to believe you.”
“If I affirm to you that what I say is true; if I prove it by telling you the means, or rather the men, by whom I shall bring this about?”
“If a man like General Bonaparte affirms a thing, I shall believe it; and if that thing is the pacification of the Vendée, I shall say in my turn: ‘Beware! Better the Vendée fighting than the Vendée conspiring. The Vendée fighting means the sword, the Vendée conspiring means the dagger.’”
“Oh! I know your dagger,” said Bonaparte. “Here it is.”