I sat in gloom: you came: I saw my goddess and worshipped.

The world, Lutece, the world is a variable monster; it rends the weak whether sincere or false; but those who weld strength with sincerity may practise their rites of religion publicly, and it fawns to them, and bellows to imitate.

Nay, I say that strength in love is the sole sincerity, and the world knows it, muffs it in the air about us, and so we two are privileged.

Politically also we know that strength is the one reality: the rest is shadow.
Behind the veil of our human conventions power is constant as ever, and to perceive the fact is to have the divining rod-to walk clear of shams.
He is the teacher who shows where power exists: he is the leader who wakens and forms it.

Why have I unfailingly succeeded ?--I never doubted! The world voluntarily opens a path to those who step determinedly.
You--to your honour ?--I won't decide--but you have the longest in my experience resisted.