In fact, the larger part of eminent men, instead of being inspired by any lofty desire to benefit their species or enrich the human mind, have acted or composed, without any definite object beyond the satisfying a restless appetite for excitement, or indulging the dreams of a selfish glory.

And when nobler aspirations have fired them, it has too often been but to wild fanaticism and sanguinary crime.

What dupes of glory ever were animated by a deeper faith, a higher ambition, than the frantic followers of Mahomet,--taught to believe that it was virtue to ravage the earth, and that they sprang from the battle-field into paradise?
Religion and liberty, love of country, what splendid motives to action! Lo, the results, when the motives are keen, the action once commenced! Behold the Inquisition, the Days of Terror, the Council of Ten, and the Dungeons of Venice!" Evelyn was scarcely fit to wrestle with these melancholy fallacies; but her instinct of truth suggested an answer.
"What would society be if all men thought as you do, and acted up to the theory?
No literature, no art, no glory, no patriotism, no virtue, no civilization! You analyze men's motives--how can you be sure you judge rightly?
Look to the results,--our benefit, our enlightenment! If the results be great, Ambition is a virtue, no matter what motive awakened it.

Is it not so ?" Evelyn spoke blushingly and timidly.

Maltravers, despite his own tenets, was delighted with her reply.
"You reason well," said he, with a smile.