CHAPTER VI

RED AND WHITE CLOUDS

68. NOT, therefore, to lean on our own sense, but in all the strength it has, to use it; not to be captives to our private thoughts, but to dwell in them, without wandering, until, out of the chambers of our own hearts we begin to conceive what labyrinth is in those of others,-thus we have to prepare ourselves, good reader, for the reading of any history.

If but we may at last succeed in reading a little of our own, and discerning what scene of the world’s drama we are set to play in,-drama whose tenor, tragic or other, seemed of old to rest with so few actors; but now, with this pantomimic mob upon the stage, can you make out any of the story?-prove, even in your own heart, how much you believe that there is any Playwright behind the scenes?

69. Such a wild dream as it is!-nay, as it always has been, except in momentary fits of consciousness, and instants of startled spirit,-perceptive of heaven. For many centuries the Knights of Christendom wore their religion gay as their crest, familiar as their gauntlet, shook it high in the summer air, hurled it fiercely in other people’s faces, grasped their spear the firmer for it, sat their horses the prouder; but it never entered into their minds for an instant to ask the meaning of it! “Forgive us our sins”:-by all means,-yes, and the next garrison that holds out a day longer than is convenient to us, hang them every man to his battlement. “Give us this day our daily bread,”-yes, and our neighbour’s also, if we have any luck. “Our Lady and the Saints!” Is there any infidel dog that doubts of them?-in God’s name, boot and spur-and

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