The Duke
And what if you had abused it?
Saint-Charles
That would have been impossible, for such a course would ruin me.
The Duke How is it that men endowed with such faculties are found employing them in so lowly a sphere?
Saint-Charles Everything is against our rising above it; we protect our protectors, we learn too many honorable secrets, and are kept in ignorance of too many shameful ones to be liked by people, and render such important services to others that they can only shake off the obligation by speaking ill of us. People think that things are only words with us; refinement is thus mere silliness, honor a sham, and acts of treachery mere diplomacy. We are the confidants of many who yet leave us much to guess at. Our programme consists in thinking and acting, finding out the past from the present, ordering and arranging the future in the pettiest details, as I am about to—and, in short, in doing a hundred things that might strike dismay to a man of no mean ability. When once our end is gained, words become things once more, and people begin to suspect that possibly we are infamous scoundrels.
The Duke There may be some justice in all this, but I do not suppose you expect to change the opinion of the world, or even mine?
Saint-Charles I should be a great fool if I did. I don't care about changing another man's opinion; what I do want to change is my own position.
The Duke
According to you that would be very easy, wouldn't it?
Saint-Charles Why not, your grace? Let some one set me to play the spy over cabinets, instead of raking up the secrets of private families. Instead of dogging the footsteps of shady characters, let them put me in charge of the craftiest diplomats. Instead of pandering to the vilest passions, let me serve the government. I should be delighted to play a modest part in a great movement. And what a devoted servant your grace would have in me!
The Duke I am really sorry to employ such talents as yours in so petty an affair, my friend, but it will give me an opportunity of testing, and then we'll see.
Saint-Charles (aside)
Ah—We shall see? That means, all has already been seen.