During the
past winter my master and myself warmed ourselves over our projects,
and chewed the end of our illusions. . . . Well, madame, he is now in
prison, for he has been accused of being on too friendly terms with
the devil; and, unfortunately, the Holy Office is right, this time,
for we have constantly seen him at the bottom of our purse. And now,
madame, I implore you, inspire the king with curiosity to see a man
who will give him a dominion as extended as that which Columbus gave
to Spain.
The Marchioness
But since Columbus gave a new world to Spain, new worlds are being
offered to us once in every fortnight!
Quinola
Ah! madame, every man of genius has one of his own to offer. By
heavens, it is so rare that a man can make honestly a fortune both for
himself and the state that the phenomenon deserves to be favored.
The Marchioness
But what is the project about?
Quinola
I must once more beg you not to laugh, madame. His plan is to make
ships travel without sail or oar, against the wind, by means of a pot
filled with water, which is kept boiling.
The Marchioness
What an idea! Where do you come from? What do you mean? Are you
dreaming?
Quinola
That is just what they all say! Ah, common herd, ye are so constituted
that the man of genius, who is right ten years before everybody else,
passes for a madman for twenty-five years. I am the only one who
believes in this man, and it is on this account I love him; to
understand another is to be his equal.
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