Poland had
lost its significance in the geographical economy of Europe; it was
Russianised, and the role it had played was taken over by the
Sarmatian.... Silesia was ours, and thank God that the Swedes did
not obtain it, as they at first wished. Moreover, we have sent the
Goths home to their own country, and look after our own affairs
ourselves.'"
"And so on! Then he says something about Rousseau."
"'You call Rousseau a swindler; that is a somewhat severe
expression. Even if he did really steal a piece of ribbon, or a
silver spoon, it is not worth talking about. I share his love for
nature and his hatred of mankind. One evening lately, as the sun
went down, I thought: "God! how beautiful are Thy natural creations,
and how hideous are Thy human creatures!" We men, I mean--for
I except neither myself nor you, Monsieur. This cursed race truly
belongs to the Iron Age as described by Hesiod. And we are asked to
believe that they are created after God's image! After the image of
the Devil, I would rather say! Rousseau is right when he believes in
a past Golden Age.'
"What do you say to that, Monsieur l'Abbe?"
"It is what the Church teaches regarding the lost Paradise and the
Fall, and also agrees with the Greek legend of Prometheus, who ate
of the tree of knowledge, and thereby brought misfortune on men.
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