CHAPTER XVIII. THE TRIUMPH OF THE KING
THE things that men call presages, presentiments, and so forth,
are, to my mind, for the most part idle nothings: sometimes it is
only that probable events cast before them a natural shadow which
superstitious fancy twists into a Heaven sent warning; oftener
the same desire that gives conception works fulfilment, and the
dreamer sees in the result of his own act and will a mysterious
accomplishment independent of his effort. Yet when I observe thus
calmly and with good sense on the matter to the Constable of
Zenda, he shakes his head and answers, "But Rudolf Rassendyll
knew from the first that he would come again to Strelsau and
engage young Rupert point to point. Else why did he practise with
the foils so as to be a better swordsman the second time than he
was the first? Mayn't God do anything that Fritz von Tarlenheim
can't understand? a pretty notion, on my life!" And he goes off
grumbling.
Well, be it inspiration, or be it delusion--and the difference
stands often on a hair's breadth--I am glad that Rudolf had it.
For if a man once grows rusty, it is everything short of
impossible to put the fine polish on his skill again.
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