"I am not a Buddhist," the Prince continued; "because I cannot believe the soul goes to nothingness after death."
The Father Confessor clapped his hands.
"I am not a Confucian; because I cannot reduce religion to philosophy or elevate philosophy into religion."
The blood of the audience began to warm.
"I am not a Jew; because I believe God loves all peoples alike, or if he makes distinctions, it is for righteousness' sake."
Here the chamber rang with clapping.
"I am not an Islamite; because when I raise my eyes to Heaven, I cannot tolerate sight of a man standing between me and God—no, my Lord, not though he be a Prophet."
The hit was palpable, and from hate of the old enemy, the whole assemblage broke into an uproar of acclamation. Only the Emperor kept his gravity. Leaning heavily on the golden cone at the right of his chair, his chin depressed, his eyes staring, scarcely breathing, he waited, knowing, that having gone so far, there was before the speaker an unavoidable climax; and seeing it in his face, and coming, he presently aroused, and motioned for silence.
"I am not"—
The Prince stopped, but when the hush was deepest went on—"I am not a Christian; because—because I believe—God is God."