Page:Auerbach-Spinozanovel.djvu/433

Rh "The world?" Meyer could contain himself no longer. "What have a set of rabbis in an obscure synagogue to do with the world? They send you into exile; into a world that is much more beautiful and greater than the one from which they banish you."

"You maybe right; but remember I received there my deepest awakenings of pleasure and pain. There was a time when honor and dishonor there were to me the honor and dishonor of the whole world. That is past."

"Now, my friend!" cried Oldenburg, "you will go out into the real world, into the wide, great world, and you will go with me. I must leave Amsterdam in a few days."

"You, and just now?"

"I am sent by my native town on an embassy to London. Come with me."

"What should I do there with you?"

" A great scientific society is to be founded in London. I am appointed a member, and you shall work with me."

In bright, attractive colors Oldenburg drew a picture of the great world. Honor, renown, pleasure and enjoyment sparkled in unknown splendor, and Spinoza's countenance became suddenly brighter and happier. He saw himself in the midst of the great striving crowd, and amidst it all played a scene of domestic happiness in which Olympia ruled.