Page 76 - les-miserables

which I hold over you in the debate; but good taste dictates
that I shall not make use of them. I promise you to make no
use of them in the future.’
‘I thank you,’ said the Bishop.
G—— resumed.
‘Let us return to the explanation which you have asked
of me. Where were we? What were you saying to me? That
‘93 was inexorable?’
‘Inexorable; yes,’ said the Bishop. ‘What think you of
Marat clapping his hands at the guillotine?’
‘What think you of Bossuet chanting the Te Deum over
the dragonnades?’
The retort was a harsh one, but it attained its mark with
the directness of a point of steel. The Bishop quivered un-
der it; no reply occurred to him; but he was offended by this
mode of alluding to Bossuet. The best of minds will have
their fetiches, and they sometimes feel vaguely wounded by
the want of respect of logic.
The conventionary began to pant; the asthma of the ag-
ony which is mingled with the last breaths interrupted his
voice; still, there was a perfect lucidity of soul in his eyes.
He went on:—
‘Let me say a few words more in this and that direction;
I am willing. Apart from the Revolution, which, taken as a
whole, is an immense human affirmation, ‘93 is, alas! a re-
joinder. You think it inexorable, sir; but what of the whole
monarchy, sir? Carrier is a bandit; but what name do you
give to Montrevel? Fouquier-Tainville is a rascal; but what
is your opinion as to Lamoignon-Baville? Maillard is ter-

76 Les Miserables