memoirs of carwin the biloquist(卡尔维恩)-第12章
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surpassed in extent； and perhaps in populousness； those with which we
were familiar。 The order of Jesuits had furnished an example of all the
errors and excellencies of such a scheme。 Their plan was founded on
erroneous notions of religion and policy； and they had absurdly chosen a
scene* within reach of the injustice and ambition of an European tyrant。
It was wise and easy to profit by their example。 Resting on the two
props of fidelity and zeal； an association might exist for ages in the heart
of Europe； whose influence might be felt； and might be boundless； in some
region of the southern hemisphere； and by whom a moral and political
structure might be raised； the growth of pure wisdom； and totally unlike
those fragments of Roman and Gothic barbarism； which cover the face of
what are called the civilized nations。 The belief now rose in my mind
that some such scheme had actually been prosecuted； and that Ludloe was
a coadjutor。 On this supposition； the caution with which he approached
to his point； the arduous probation which a candidate for a part on this
stage must undergo； and the rigours of that test by which his fortitude and
virtue must be tried； were easily explained。 I was too deeply imbued
with veneration for the effects of such schemes； and too sanguine in my
confidence in the rectitude of Ludloe； to refuse my concurrence in any
scheme by which my qualifications might at length be raised to a due
point。
Our interview was frank and affectionate。 I found him situated just
as formerly。 His aspect； manners； and deportment were the same。 I
entered once more on my former mode of life； but our intercourse became
more frequent。 We constantly breakfasted together； and our conversation
was usually prolonged through half the morning。
For a time our topics were general。 I thought proper to leave to him
the introduction of more interesting themes： this； however； he betrayed
no inclination to do。 His reserve excited some surprise； and I began to
suspect that whatever design he had formed with regard to me； had been
laid aside。 To ascertain this question； I ventured； at length； to recall his
attention to the subject of his last letter； and to enquire whether subsequent
reflection had made any change in his views。
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MEMOIRS OF CARWIN THE BILOQUIST ＇A fragment＇
He said that his views were too momentous to be hastily taken up； or
hastily dismissed； the station； my attainment of which depended wholly on
myself； was high above vulgar heads； and was to be gained by years of
solicitude and labour。 This； at least； was true with regard to minds
ordinarily constituted； I； perhaps； deserved to be regarded as an exception；
and might be able to accomplish in a few months that for which others
were obliged to toil during half their lives。
Man； continued he； is the slave of habit。 Convince him to…day that
his duty leads straight forward： he shall advance； but at every step his
belief shall fade； habit will resume its empire； and tomorrow he shall turn
back； or betake himself to oblique paths。
We know not our strength till it be tried。 Virtue； till confirmed by
habit； is a dream。 You are a man imbued by errors； and vincible by slight
temptations。 Deep enquiries must bestow light on your opinions； and the
habit of encountering and vanquishing temptation must inspire you with
fortitude。 Till this be done； you are unqualified for that post； in which
you will be invested with divine attributes； and prescribe the condition of a
large portion of mankind。
Confide not in the firmness of your principles； or the stedfastness of
your integrity。 Be always vigilant and fearful。 Never think you have
enough of knowledge； and let not your caution slumber for a moment； for
you know not when danger is near。
I acknowledged the justice of his admonitions； and professed myself
willing to undergo any ordeal which reason should prescribe。 What； I
asked； were the conditions； on the fulfilment of which depended my
advancement to the station he alluded to？ Was it necessary to conceal
from me the nature and obligations of this rank？
These enquiries sunk him more profoundly into meditation than I had
ever before witnessed。 After a pause； in which some perplexity was
visible； he answered：
I scarcely know what to say。 As to promises； I claim them not from
you。 We are now arrived at a point； in which it is necessary to look
around with caution； and that consequences should be fully known。 A
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MEMOIRS OF CARWIN THE BILOQUIST ＇A fragment＇
number of persons are leagued together for an end of some moment。 To
make yourself one of these is submitted to your choice。 Among the
conditions of their alliance are mutual fidelity and secrecy。
Their existence depends upon this： their existence is known only to
themselves。 This secrecy must be obtained by all the means which are
possible。 When I have said thus much； I have informed you； in some
degree； of their existence； but you are still ignorant of the purpose
contemplated by this association； and of all the members； except myself。
So far no dangerous disclosure is yet made： but this degree of
concealment is not sufficient。 Thus much is made known to you； because
it is unavoidable。 The individuals which compose this fraternity are not
immortal； and the vacancies occasioned by death must be supplied from
among the living。 The candidate must be instructed and prepared； and
they are always at liberty to recede。 Their reason must approve the
obligations and duties of their station； or they are unfit for it。 If they
recede； one duty is still incumbent upon them： they must observe an
inviolable silence。 To this they are not held by any promise。 They must
weigh consequences； and freely decide； but they must not fail to number
among these consequences their own death。
Their death will not be prompted by vengeance。 The executioner will
say； he that has once revealed the tale is likely to reveal it a second time；
and； to prevent this； the betrayer must die。 Nor is this the only
consequence： to prevent the further revelation； he； to whom the secret
was imparted； must likewise perish。 He must not console himself with
the belief that his trespass will be unknown。 The knowledge cannot； by
human means； be withheld from this fraternity。 Rare； indeed； will it be
that his purpose to disclose is not discovered before it can be effected； and
the disclosure prevented by his death。
Be well aware of your condition。 What I now； or may hereafter
mention； mention not again。 Admit not even a doubt as to the propriety
of hiding it from all the world。 The
