"I wonder if I could do all that."
"Of course you can, if you are strong enough—and I believe you are."
"And what else ought I to do, Princess?"
"Well, let me see—oh, yes, you should 'act towards slave or stranger exactly as you think fit.' You should be 'an intrepid experimentalist, ceaselessly looking for new forms of existence.' You must 'be able to bear the sight of others' pain, remembering that you cannot attain the height of greatness——'"
"I've grown taller lately," he interjected, "a great deal taller; haven't you noticed it?"
"'Attain the height of greatness,'" resumed Edna severely, "if you do not feel within yourself both the will and the power to inflict great suffering! And 'through it all you must exhibit the joyous innocence of a child that is amusing itself.' Do you understand?"
"I think I do. It means I must do whatever I feel inclined, without minding what people say. Shall you be pleased with me, Princess, if I do that?"
"I shall at least respect you more than I can do while you form your conduct entirely on Sunday School standards."
"Then I'll try," he said. "Yes, I will certainly try. Do you know, I think I shall rather like being what your great teacher with a name like a sneeze calls a Superman."
"Then make yourself one," she said, "for I am quite sure that you have the power."