33/50 He pursued his studies at Troyes, the capital of Champagne. Rebellious against discipline, idle at study, beloved by his masters and fellow pupils, his rapid comprehension kept him on an equality with the most assiduous. His instinct sufficed without reflection. He learned nothing; he acquired all. His companions called him Catiline--he accepted the name, and sometimes played with them at getting up rebellions and riots, which he excited or calmed by his harangues--as if he were repeating at school the characters of his after life. |