human
So was it said of me, replied the prisoner,
gpt
There is not a braver man in Europe, or the Indies either, than the First Consul.
human
Brave towards foes without and sufferings to come. But bravery gives no help against enemies harboured within, and evils fixed in the past. What will his bravery avail against the images of France corrupted, of Europe outraged, of the blacks betrayed and oppressed--of the godlike power which was put into his hands abused to the purposes of the devil!
gpt
But perhaps he would not view his affairs as you do.
human
Then would his bravery avail him no better. If he should be so blind as to see nothing higher and better than his own acts, then will he see no higher nor better hope than he has lost. Then will he suffer and die under the slow torment of personal mortifications and regrets.
gpt
You say you are sinking under your reverses. You say you are slowly dying.
human
I am. I shall die of the sickening and pining of sense and limb--of the wasting of bone and muscle. Day by day is my eye more dim, and my right arm more feeble. But I have never complained of evils that the bravery you speak of would not meet. Have I ever said that you have touched my soul?