I would, I confess," he continued, in a more kindly tone, "that it were your affair also, Messer Blondel.

I would I could have made you see things as they are and as I see them.

As, believe me, Messer Petitot would see them were he in your place; as Messer Fabri and Messer Baudichon--I warrant it--do see them; as--pardon me--all who rank themselves among the wise and the illuminate, see them.

For all such, believe me, these are times of enlightening, when the words which past generations have woven into shackles for men's minds fall from them, and are seen to be but the straw they are; when men move, like children awaking from foolish dreams, and life----" The Syndic's eyes glowed dully.
"Life," Basterga continued sonorously, "is seen to be that which it is, the one thing needful which makes all other things of use, and without which all other things are superfluities! Bethink you a minute, Messer Blondel! Would Petitot give his life to save yours ?" The Syndic smiled after a sickly fashion.

Petitot?
The stickling pedant! The thin, niggling whipster! "Or Messer Fabri ?" Blondel shook his head.
"Or Messer Baudichon ?" "I called him but now--a fat hog!" It was Basterga's turn to shake his head.