His impressions had been modified in the same direction concerning many other forms and many other thoughts.

And what was cruelest of all to him, he regarded himself as not so great, not so splendid, as he had believed.
And he reflected: "You considered yourself sublime when you had but candour and good-will.
Of what were you proud, Bidault-Coquille?
Of having been one of the first to know that Pyrot was innocent and Greatauk a scoundrel.

But three-fourths of those who defended Greatauk against the attacks of the seven hundred Pyrotists knew that better than you.

Of what then did you show yourself so proud?
Of having dared to say what you thought?
That is civic courage, and, like military courage, it is a mere result of imprudence.

You have been imprudent.