All people are sick; they are afraid to live; they
wander about as in a mist. Everyone feels only his own toothache.
But lo, and behold! Here is a Man coming and illuminating life with
the light of reason, and he shouts: 'Oh, ho! you straying roaches!
It's time, high time, for you to understand that all your interests
are one, that everyone has the need to live, everyone has the desire
to grow!' The Man who shouts this is alone, and therefore he cries
aloud; he needs comrades, he feels dreary in his loneliness, dreary
and cold. And at his call the stanch hearts unite into one great,
strong heart, deep and sensitive as a silver bell not yet cast.
And hark! This bell rings forth the message: 'Men of all countries,
unite into one family! Love is the mother of life, not hate!' My
brothers! I hear this message sounding through the world!"
"And I do, too!" cried Pavel.
The mother compressed her lips to keep them from trembling, and shut
her eyes tight so as not to cry.
"When I lie in bed at night or am out walking alone--everywhere I
hear this sound, and my heart rejoices. And the earth, too--I know
it--weary of injustice and sorrow, rings out like a bell, responding
to the call, and trembles benignly, greeting the new sun arising in
the breast of Man.
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