Page:Anna Karenina.djvu/342

 forest. The forest has grown of itself in Europe; but I cannot on my soul have any faith in our birch sprouts, or water them."

Sergyeï Ivanovitch only shrugged his shoulders again, as a sign of astonishment that birch twigs should be mingled in their discussion, although he understood perfectly what his brother meant.

"Excuse me," said he. "That is no way to reason."

But Konstantin Levin was eager to explain his self-confessed lack of interest in matters of public concern, and he went on to say:—

"I think that there can be no durable activity if it is not founded in individual interest: this is a general, a philosophical truth," said he, laying special emphasis on the word "philosophical," as if he wished to show that he also had the right, as well as any one else, to speak of philosophy.

Again Sergyeï Ivanovitch smiled. "He also," thought he, "has his own special philosophy for the benefit of his inclinations."

"Well, have done with philosophy," he said. "Its chief problem has been in all times to grasp the indispensable bond which exists between the individual interest and the public interest. This is not to the point, however. But I can make your comparison fit the case. The little birch twigs have not been merely stuck in, but have been sowed, planted, and it is necessary to watch them carefully. The only nations which can have a future, the only nations which deserve the name of historic, are those which feel the importance and the value of their institutions, and prize them."

And Sergyeï Ivanovitch transferred the question over into the domain of the historico-philosophical, which Konstantin was by no means able to appreciate, and showed him all the erroneousness of his views.

"As to your distaste for affairs, excuse me if I refer it to our Russian indolence and gentility and I trust that this temporary error of yours will pass away."

Konstantin was silent. He felt himself routed on