Скорбь сатаны / The sorrows of Satan. Уровень 4

“True! Very true! There is no compelling force in the whole Universe. Man is the supreme and independent creature, master of all save his personal desire. True – I forgot! Let us avoid theology, please, and psychology also. Let us talk about the only subject that has any sense or interest in it – money. I perceive your present plans are definite, – you wish to publish a book that will make you famous. Have you no wider ambitions?”

I laughed,

“No. I know there is some intellect in my book, and some originality too.

“I doubt it!” he answered. “I very much doubt it. It will be received as a production of a rich man amusing himself with literature. But, as I told you before, genius seldom develops itself under the influence of wealth. You, my dear Tempest, are not a Shakespeare, but your millions will give you a better chance than he ever had in his life, as you will not have to sue for patronage. The exalted personages will be delighted to borrow money of you if you lend it.

“I shall not lend,” I said.

“Nor give?”

“Nor give.”

“I am very glad,” he observed, “that you are determined not to �go about doing good’ as the humbugs say, with your money. You are wise. Spend on yourself! As for me, I always help charities, and put my name on subscription-lists[14 - subscription-lists – подписные листы], and I assist a certain portion of clergy.”

“I rather wonder at that,” I remarked.

“Yes, it seems strange, doesn’t it?” he said with a derision. “But many of the clergy are doing their best to destroy religion, – by cant, by hypocrisy, by sensuality, by shams. When they seek my help in this noble work, I give it, – freely!”

I laughed. At that moment Amiel entered, bearing a telegram for me on a silver salver. I opened it. It was from my friend the publisher, and ran as follows,

“Accept book with pleasure.

I showed this to Rimanez with a kind of triumph. He smiled.

“Of course! What else did you expect? It actually means: �Accept money for publishing book with pleasure’. Well, what are you going to do?”

“The book must be published as quickly as possible, and I shall personally attend to all the details concerning it. For the rest of my plans…”

“Leave them to me!” said Rimanez.