All in a garden fair; the simple story of three boys ... - University Library

ALL IN A GARDEN FAIR. 113
of mercy or forgiveness, or any virtue at all.
Wlierefore I now think tliat noble thoughts
descend not to the iLniorant and tlie unlearned.'
ing.
The young men li.steiied without interru[)t-
'When a man gets the idea of humanity
into liis liead it never leaves him. Never,
never, lie is henceforth doomed to think of
his brotlier-man. To comprehend, even but a
little, humanity is to till tlie brain. As for us,
we meant well, but we hoped too much from
governments. That is the mistake we always
make ; the thing we search for lies at our feet,
we may stoop and pick it up, l)ut we expect
a government to do it for us. The llepublic
follows the Empire, yet the people remain the
same, for even a llepubhc brings us no nearer
the dream.'
' Yet if it is a noble dream,' said Will, ' you
would not have it die.'
' It cannot die.'
' Will you tell us what it is—the dream ? '
asked Allen.
VOL. I. I