This will arrest them; they will understand where you stand, and that you are ready; and they will generally yield you respect.

But whether it involve a fight or not, thus do you declare your attitude.

We may conveniently call it--putting up the flag.
IX It is well to consider something of the opposition that confronts a man who tries to fill his life with a brave purpose.

He will be told it is an illusion; he is a dreamer, a crank, or a fool.

And it may serve a purpose to see if our critics are blinded by no illusion, to contrast our folly with their wisdom.