periods in life. Childhood ignores them and old age does not feel them any more."
"If it is thus, why not, with the help of a good education, watch out for them and destroy them as soon as they appear? Why not put ourselves at adolescence in the state where we will be some forty years later? In that way we could obtain and preserve a lasting tranquility at an early age."
"That would be possible if education could make us know the real meaning of passion; but unfortunately we do not know it until after it has had its effect on us. Passion comes to us with shy and seductive ways. A man who could, if he only knew it, floor this enemy by his own strength, through lack of this knowledge becomes feeble and cannot resist."
"It seems to me, Milady, that you have advanced the theory that man can become master of himself by reflection."
"It is true, but the examples of force are rare, and I put forth here the principle of an almost chimerical perfection. If it were necessary to analyze the motives for many virtuous actions, one would often come to the sad conclusion that they have as their basis only egoism."
"I understand. One could, for example, give a similar motive for the conduct of Krimpser?"
"No, I think that his actions can only be explained by gratitude. But to return to the passions, I will add that they take such complete possession of our soul that they do not let the more virtuous sentiments come in. That ferocious man, to whom a crime means nothing, proved to us that the most uncontrolled passions can be tempered by generosity."
"Ah," said Bathilda, "if he had only extended this feeling to Dourlach by giving him his freedom!"
"I am very sad over his refusal," said the princess, "but Krimpser, in promising me his life, leaves him the hope of coming to Thuringia where he can see me and where I will be able to reward him for the services which he has given me."
Two or three months passed in this way without our two travelers being able to change their situation and without anything important happening to them. During this time of calm, they took long boat rides around Venice, enjoyed the
107
