Page:The genius - Carl Grosse tr Joseph Trapp 1796.djvu/72

 guides it more and more to less rigorous measures. The covenant chose the wisest heads of the people, and those initiated in its secrets, feel themselves happy."

"And was the tendency of the covenant always general?"

"As general as the world. All countries are ours by our members; and this is but the secret centre of our collective force."

"Was the universal government of the world its destination?"

"No; but the happiness of the world in universal government."

"And what were the means?"

"Behold the symbols on this table! Faith, the dagger, and the poison-cup."

I shuddered violently.

"Why shrinks our new adopted brother?"

"Tt was but the effect of a horrid recollection. Alas! I had a wife; a sweet and tender consort!You write with blood! Three crosses are your signet!—Accursed be your covenant—accursed be it for ever!You have robbed me of her."