Were I another, I would take my broken
faith to the darkest corner of the jungle and eat out my life in
despair and sorrow. But I have another task before me--my duty to my
people."
"And that duty, Rajah--?"
"A great people must rule mine," was the high answer. "I thought you a
great people, and I used my strength, my wealth and influence to
further your power. But you are not worthy. Who are you that dare to
assume authority over millions--you who can not rule yourselves, you
who idle away your lives in folly and self-seeking? Well may you crown
yourselves with the laurels which your fathers won! You have none of
your own--and see to it that those faded emblems from a high past are
not snatched from your palsied fingers. I at least have flung from me
a yoke which I despise. Parasites shall not feast upon my country!"
A low murmur arose from the serried ranks and grew and deepened as
Nicholson retorted passionately:
"Thou canst not measure thyself against an Empire!"
"Empire against Empire!"
"Marut is no Empire!"
"All India shall answer me!"
At another moment Nicholson might have smiled at so vain a boast, but
it did not seem to him vain as he faced that towering figure. There
was destiny written in the blazing eyes. So might a prophet have
called upon his nation--so might a nation, inspired by an absolute
belief, have answered him as this swaying crowd answered--with wild,
triumphant shouts.
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