The Man of Destiny by George Bernard Shaw
page 33 of 72 (45%)
page 33 of 72 (45%)
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You think not.
LADY. I am sure of it. NAPOLEON. Well, well, perhaps not. (The self-complacency of his assent catches his own ear. He stops short, reddening. Then, composing himself into a solemn attitude, modelled on the heroes of classical antiquity, he takes a high moral tone.) But we must not live for ourselves alone, little one. Never forget that we should always think of others, and work for others, and lead and govern them for their own good. Self-sacrifice is the foundation of all true nobility of character. LADY (again relaxing her attitude with a sigh). Ah, it is easy to see that you have never tried it, General. NAPOLEON (indignantly, forgetting all about Brutus and Scipio). What do you mean by that speech, madam? LADY. Haven't you noticed that people always exaggerate the value of the things they haven't got? The poor think they only need riches to be quite happy and good. Everybody worships truth, purity, unselfishness, for the same reason--because they have no experience of them. Oh, if they only knew! NAPOLEON (with angry derision). If they only knew! Pray, do you know? LADY (with her arms stretched down and her hands clasped on her knees, looking straight before her). Yes. I had the misfortune to |
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