“What kind of a rebellion do you refer to?”
“Well, there are only two kinds, though there’s no difference between them.”
“And what are they?”
“Rebellions with a reason and rebellions without a reason.”
“And why should there be rebellions at all?”
“Well, because when people get tired of being good they become bad, and when they get tired of being bad they become good.”
“I hope I’ll never be in a rebellion,” said Micus.
“Rebellions are the salt of life,” said Padna. “Only for the rebellion in Heaven, we wouldn’t be here to-day enjoying ourselves at the expense of our neighbors. Don’t you know that we are to take the place of the fallen angels and that we must win the respect of St. Peter and St. Patrick by our courageous behavior? I’m never happy only when I’m in the thick of battle, and the only music that charms me is the thunderous cannonading of the enemy. That’s the time that I have the courage of a lion, the grace and power of an elephant, and the fire of hell withal in my eye, ready to conquer or die for my convictions. The man who can’t feel and act like a hero should—What noise is that?”
“Only your wife scolding some one outside the door,” answered Micus.
“’Tis her voice, surely. Then be off with yourself by the back door, for ’tis ten by the clock, and mind the dog in the haggard while I’ll put out the light and go to bed,” said Padna.