rôle for which they were never manufactured. Let us hoot them off the stage! They have no talent. The aesthetic level of our public life, which has been gloriously raised since the advent of William II, has nothing to gain from the co-operation of such persons as the witness Hessling. … And the moral level, gentlemen, rises and falls with the aesthetic. Lying ideals bring evil manners in their train; the political swindle is reflected in everyday life."
Buck's voice had become stern. Now, for the first time, he struck a note of pathos.
"I do not restrict myself, gentlemen, to the mechanical doctrine so dear to the so-called revolutionary party. The example of a great man can effect more changes in the world than all the social legislation. But beware, if the example be misunderstood! Then it may happen that a new type springs up over the country, who sees in severity and repression, not the sad transition to humane conditions, but the aim of life itself. Weak and pacifistic by nature, he strives to appear a man of iron because, in his conception, Bismarck was. Invoking without justification one higher than himself he becomes noisy and unsafe. Without a doubt the victories of his vanity will serve commercial ends. First his travesty of opinion brings a man to prison for Use-majeste. Afterwards he reaps his profit."
Buck extended his arms as if his gown were to enfold the whole world, and he had the intense expression of a leader of men. He continued his discourse, putting every ounce of his strength into it.
"You, gentlemen, wield sovereign power. Your sovereignty is first and most powerful. The fate of the individual is in your hands. You can give him life or moral death—a thing no prince can do. But a generation is created according as you approve or condemn. Thus your power extends to our future. Upon you rests the tremendous responsibility whether, in the future, men like the defendant shall fill the prisons,
