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THE TRIUMPH OF THE KING.
THE things that men call presages, presentiments, and so forth, are, to my mind, for the most part idle nothings: sometimes it is only that probable events cast before them a natural shadow which superstitious fancy twists into a Heaven sent warning; oftener the same desire that gives conception works fulfilment, and the dreamer sees in the result of his own act and will a mysterious accomplishment independent of his effort.

Yet when I observe thus calmly and with good sense on the matter to the Constable of Zenda, he shakes his head and answers, "But Rudolf Rassendyll knew from the first that he would come again to Strelsau and engage young Rupert point to point.

Else why did he practise with the foils so as to be a better swordsman the second time than he was the first?
Mayn't God do anything that Fritz von Tarlenheim can't understand?
a pretty notion, on my life!" And he goes off grumbling.
Well, be it inspiration, or be it delusion--and the difference stands often on a hair's breadth--I am glad that Rudolf had it.

For if a man once grows rusty, it is everything short of impossible to put the fine polish on his skill again.