Page 466 - les-miserables

that this passed under the Restoration.
‘Brevet,’ said the President, ‘you have undergone an ig-
nominious sentence, and you cannot take an oath.’
Brevet dropped his eyes.
‘Nevertheless,’ continued the President, ‘even in the man
whom the law has degraded, there may remain, when the
divine mercy permits it, a sentiment of honor and of equity.
It is to this sentiment that I appeal at this decisive hour. If
it still exists in you,—and I hope it does,—reflect before re-
plying to me: consider on the one hand, this man, whom a
word from you may ruin; on the other hand, justice, which
a word from you may enlighten. The instant is solemn; there
is still time to retract if you think you have been mistaken.
Rise, prisoner. Brevet, take a good look at the accused, re-
call your souvenirs, and tell us on your soul and conscience,
if you persist in recognizing this man as your former com-
panion in the galleys, Jean Valjean?’
Brevet looked at the prisoner, then turned towards the
court.
‘Yes, Mr. President, I was the first to recognize him, and
I stick to it; that man is Jean Valjean, who entered at Toulon
in 1796, and left in 1815. I left a year later. He has the air of a
brute now; but it must be because age has brutalized him; he
was sly at the galleys: I recognize him positively.’
‘Take your seat,’ said the President. ‘Prisoner, remain
standing.’
Chenildieu was brought in, a prisoner for life, as was
indicated by his red cassock and his green cap. He was serv-
ing out his sentence at the galleys of Toulon, whence he had

466 Les Miserables