Page 389 - the-idiot

every noble and honest man—that is, every man of sane
judgment—because it is not to be found in miserable legal
codes. If we come here without fear of being turned out (as
was threatened just now) because of the imperative tone of
our demand, and the unseemliness of such a visit at this
late hour (though it was not late when we arrived, we were
kept waiting in your anteroom), if, I say, we came in with-
out fear, it is just because we expected to find you a man of
sense; I mean, a man of honour and conscience. It is quite
true that we did not present ourselves humbly, like your
flatterers and parasites, but holding up our heads as befits
independent men. We present no petition, but a proud and
free demand (note it well, we do not beseech, we demand!).
We ask you fairly and squarely in a dignified manner. Do
you believe that in this affair of Burdovsky you have right
on your side? Do you admit that Pavlicheff overwhelmed
you with benefits, and perhaps saved your life? If you ad-
mit it (which we take for granted), do you intend, now that
you are a millionaire, and do you not think it in conformity
with justice, to indemnify Burdovsky? Yes or no? If it is yes,
or, in other words, if you possess what you call honour and
conscience, and we more justly call common-sense, then
accede to our demand, and the matter is at an end. Give us
satisfaction, without entreaties or thanks from us; do not
expect thanks from us, for what you do will be done not
for our sake, but for the sake of justice. If you refuse to sat-
isfy us, that is, if your answer is no, we will go away at once,
and there will be an end of the matter. But we will tell you
to your face before the present company that you are a man

The Idiot