“Spinoza thought that Luther, Kant and Leibnitz ought also to be allowed to speak for her.”
“But those names are not on the register.”
“Several of the brethren pointed that out, sir, but the Master said if the Court decided that Germany was entitled to call them, there would be no difficulty in causing them to appear.”
“Then I hope the Court decided in Spinoza’s favor,” said Dr. Thorp. “It will be interesting to see how the Master contrives to make good his promise.”
“When I left them, sir, they were arguing the question. But it will not surprise me if they decide against the proposal.”
“What reason have you for thinking so?” asked Brandon.
“It’s Plato’s opinion, sir,” said Boswell, very impressively, “that Germany, having betrayed her religion, and having perverted her science, neither Luther nor Leibnitz has any locus standi, and as far as Kant is concerned he agrees with Aristotle that the Court has too many philosophers already.”
“And he carries great weight, I presume?” said Brandon.
“If Plato’s against the proposal, sir,” said the head attendant still very impressively, “they’ll rule it out, unless the Master himself intervenes.”
“Yes, and rightly,” said Dr. Thorp. “Before his mental breakdown, some years ago, he was a man of great parts, a professor of Greek at Cambridge, a beautiful speaker. Now that John Smith has taken him in hand we are delighted to think that his fine powers are being reawakened. When he is in his best form it is well worth anyone’s while to hear him. What is he like this afternoon, Boswell?”