"
"Oh yes," said Hessel with a sneer, "that is the standpoint of the
Church--the standpoint of the Middle Ages. You would give us alms.
No, thank you, we accept no presents. We demand our rights, not
charity."
Wilhelm thought to himself that he had not always found the
Socialists so proud, but kept the thought to himself, not wishing to
hurt Hessel's feelings, who seemed to be an honest fanatic.
"Do not let that be your last word," Hessel went on. "You are
probably but slightly acquainted with our doctrines and writings.
Come nearer to us. Come to our meetings--talk to our workmen. You
will find that many of us have very clear heads, and know exactly
what we want, although the majority do still cling a good deal to
phrases. You will assuredly soon begin to interest yourself in the
emancipation of the proletariat. And what a future to look forward
to! You might be another Lassalle, famous powerful, adored by
thousands, received as a savior wherever you show yourself--make a
triumphal progress through all Germany, perhaps through the world.
And over and above, the consciousness of having rendered such mighty
service to your fellow-men."
Wilhelm rose.
"I seem to myself to be playing a rather ridiculous part in this
scene," he said; "it is a parody of the Gospel story of the
Temptation.
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