) But we must
not live for ourselves alone, little one. Never forget that we
should always think of others, and work for others, and lead and
govern them for their own good. Self-sacrifice is the foundation
of all true nobility of character.
LADY (again relaxing her attitude with a sigh). Ah, it is easy to
see that you have never tried it, General.
NAPOLEON (indignantly, forgetting all about Brutus and Scipio).
What do you mean by that speech, madam?
LADY. Haven't you noticed that people always exaggerate the value
of the things they haven't got? The poor think they only need
riches to be quite happy and good. Everybody worships truth,
purity, unselfishness, for the same reason--because they have no
experience of them. Oh, if they only knew!
NAPOLEON (with angry derision). If they only knew! Pray, do you
know?
LADY (with her arms stretched down and her hands clasped on her
knees, looking straight before her). Yes. I had the misfortune to
be born good. (Glancing up at him for a moment.) And it is a
misfortune, I can tell you, General. I really am truthful and
unselfish and all the rest of it; and it's nothing but cowardice;
want of character; want of being really, strongly, positively
oneself.
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