These are the lessons by which I corrupt the youth, as you say.
Then, by the gods, Meletus, of whom we are speaking, tell me and the court, in somewhat plainer terms, what you mean!
I mean the latter--that you are a complete atheist.
Then I can see that you
are only a trifler," she said contemptuously.
"In a way," she continued thoughtfully, "I should like to get rid of it, and yet--how old are you, Wingrave?
"What is past is past, but there are the days to come!
How lovely your primroses are looking, by-the-bye"!
"'They are certainly very lovely,' said Hans, 'and it is a most lucky thing for me that I have so many.
I shall know, anyway, that you are fond of me, that will be enough for me.
"Mother, whatever happens, whatever you hear about me, whatever you are told about me, will you always love me as you do now?" he asked suddenly from the fullness of his heart, as though not thinking of his words and not weighing them.
And I remember what another pessimist of sentiency has uttered: "Transient are all.
Some will even interpret the very dream they are dreaming; and only when they awake do they know it was a dream....
