But
although I do not believe that the Golden Age is before the door,
yet I do see a brighter future in the distance."
"I see only clouds which foretell earthquakes. France is undermined;
America is moving; all Europe is prepared to discard Christianity as
a crab its shell; Economics are reduced to a science; nature is
ransacked; we are on the verge of something novel and tremendous; I
feel it already in my corns."
"I also! My leisure-time is drawing to an end, my Tusculum will be
closed, and dreadful things are about to happen."
On the King's face at this moment there was such an indescribable
expression of pain, as though he had foreseen the Seven Years' War
which followed immediately on the seven years' of peace, and he
seemed to be bowed to the earth bearing the destiny of his country
and the future on his shoulders.
"Sire, at such moment, you need some religion."
"My duty is my religion. My God is the Providence which guides the
destinies of the nations but leaves individuals to themselves! What
are men that you should take notice of these ants?"
The conversation was interrupted by a person who appeared in the
background and resembled a judicial official. Voltaire saw who it
was, and became furious: "Your Majesty, how can you allow this
rag-tag and bob-tail to enter the castle-park? Why do you not
enclose it with iron gates and railings?"
"No," answered the King; "I am not the master of my own person,
still less of this castle, but all have rights over me!"
"But this is atrocious! Can I not drive him away?"
"No, you cannot!"
The King beckoned, and the stranger approached with his hat in his
hand.
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