“We will make a revolution before we have the Republic.”
“It will be awful to do that, Joseph,” said Gilbert, hanging his head.
“Awful indeed, if we meet many such as you on the road.”
“I am not strong, but honest,” said the doctor.
“That is worse: so I want to bring you over.”
“I am convinced—not that I shall prevent you in your work, but will stay you.”
“You are mad, Gilbert; you do not understand the mission of France in Europe. It is the brain of the Old World, and must think freely so that the world will be the happier for its thought. Do you know what overthrew the Bastile?”
“The people.”
“No: public opinion. You are taking the effect for the cause.”
“For five hundred years they have been imprisoning nobles in the Bastile and it stood. But the mad idea struck an insane monarch one day to lock up thought—the spirit which must be free, and requires space unto immensity, and crack! it burst the walls and the mob surged in at the breach.”