Page:Dawn of the Day.pdf/214

178 law which he himself has established, of exercising his power, the power of the legislator, in punishing himself? may for once offend, but, by his voluntary punishment, he raises himself above his offence; he not only wipes out his offense by candour, greatness and calmness, but he adds to it a public benefit. Such would be the criminal of a possible future, if, indeed, we presuppose at the same time a future legislation founded on the idea, "I will yield in great things as in small only to that law which I myself have given." How many experiments will yet have to be made! How many a future will yet have to dawn upon mankind! —The nations are so often deceived because they are constantly on the look out for a deceiver, that is, in the form of a stimulating wine for their senses. If they can but have that, they are quite content with inferior brend. They value stimulants more highly than sustenance, this is the bait they will always bite at. What are men, chosen from their midst—though they may be the most practical experts—to them, as compared with the brilliant conquerors or the old and magnificent princely houses. The demagogue at least is obliged to hold out conquests and luxury to them, then perlaps he may encounter faith. They will always obey and more than obey, provided they may at the same time get intoxicated. We may not even offer repose and