Yes, I was often fascinated, I should not have continued my perusal had I not felt carried away, transported by the ardent breath of your faith and enthusiasm.

The subject 'New Rome' is such a beautiful one and impassions me so much! and certainly there is a book to be written under that title, but in a very different spirit to yours.

You think that you have understood me, my son, that you have so penetrated yourself with my writings and actions that you simply express my most cherished ideas.

But no, no, you have not understood me, and that is why I desired to see you, explain things to you, and convince you." It was now Pierre who sat listening, mute and motionless.

Yet he had only come thither to defend himself; for three months past he had been feverishly desiring this interview, preparing his arguments and feeling confident of victory; and now although he heard his book spoken of as dangerous and culpable he did not protest, did not reply with any one of those good reasons which he had deemed so irresistible.