"With all my heart," said Martin." They say Venice is agreeable to none but noble Venetians, but that, nevertheless, strangers are well received there when they have plenty of money. Now I have none, but you have; therefore I will attend you whither you please." "Now we are upon this subject," said Candide, "do you think that the earth was originally sea, as we read in that great book which belongs to the captain of the ship?" "I believe nothing of it." replied Martin, "any more than I do of the many other chimeras which have been related to us for some time past." "But then to what end," said Candide, "was the world formed?" "To make us mad," said Martin. "Are you not surprised," continued Candide, "at the love which the two girls in the country of the Oreillons had for those two monkeys? You know I have told you the story." "Surprised!" replied Martin, "not in the least; I see nothing strange in this passion. I have seen so many extraordinary, things that there is nothing extraordinary to me now." "Do you think," said Candide, "that mankind always massacred each other as they do now? Were they always guilty of lies, fraud, treachery, ingratitude, inconstancy, envy, ambition, and cruelty? Were they always thieves, fools, cowards, gluttons, drunkards, misers, calumniators, debauchees, fanatics, and hypocrites?" "Do you believe," said Martin, "that hawks have always been accustomed to eat pigeons when they came in their way?" "Doubtless," said Candide. "Well, then," replied Martin, "if hawks have always had the same nature, why should you pretend that mankind change theirs?" "Oh!" said Candide, "there is a great deal of difference; for free will" And reasoning thus, they arrived at Bourdeaux. CHAPTER XXII. What happened to Candide and Martin in France. CANDIDE stayed no longer at Bourdeaux than was necessary to dispose of a few of the pebbles he had brought from El Dorado, and to provide himself with a post-chaise for two persons, for he could no longer stir a step without his philosopher Martin. |
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