Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/67

 What an elevated scene! A society of beings whose faces shone with patriarchal softness. The old man and Jago were among them; but a seriousness bordering on melancholy sat on their countenance. Their looks were steadily fixed on the venerable chief.

"What wouldst thou have of us, Carlos?"

"As you said before: to learn to know your society."

"And to be admitted one of its members, I suppose?"

"I have duties to fulfil as a man, and if you will not impede them I am yours."

"And what are those duties?"

"To love mankind; to be their friend and benefactor; to forgive mine enemies; and love those that wish me well: in short to live in peace and love with every one."

"With every one?—Ponder well what you have spoken!"

"Yes—venerable Sire, with every one."

"Are these duties from which no circumstances will make thee deviate; against which thy reason's conviction shall not sometimes avail?"