But you whom I dare to interrupt in your business or in your retirement,--ye ministers and governors-general,--do not calculate too much upon the inexperience of my pen. I could exercise it, and perhaps by dint of some exertion, attain to that skill which would make the truth heard by the people. Then I should ask of that people a place in the representative chambers, were it only to protest against the certificates which are given _vice versa_ by Indian functionaries.
To protest against the endless expeditions sent, and heroic deeds performed against poor miserable creatures, whose ill treatment has driven them to revolt.
To protest against the cowardice of general orders, that brand the honor of the nation by invoking public charity on behalf of the victims of inveterate piracy.
It is true those rebels were reduced by starvation to skeletons, while those pirates could defend themselves.
And if that place were refused me, ... if I were still disbelieved, ... then I should translate my book into the few languages that I know, and the many that I yet can learn, to put that question to Europe which I have in vain put to Holland.
And in every capital such a refrain as this would be heard: "There is a band of robbers between Germany and the Scheldt!"
And if this were of no avail, ... then I should translate my book into _Malay_, _Javanese_, _Soudanese_, _Alfoer_, _Boegi_, and _Battah_.
And I should sharpen _Klewangs_, the scimitars and the sabres, by rousing with warlike songs the minds of those martyrs whom I have promised to help--I, _Multatuli_, would do this!
Yes! delivery and help, _lawfully if possible_;--_lawfully with violence_ if need be.
And that would be very pernicious to the COFFEE AUCTIONS OF THE DUTCH TRADING COMPANY!
For I am no fly-rescuing poet, no rapt dreamer like the down-trodden Havelaar, who did his duty with the courage of a lion, and endured starvation with the patience of a marmot in winter.
I shall increase in strength and sharpness of weapons, according as it may be necessary.
Heaven grant that it may not be necessary!...
No, it _will_ not be necessary! For it is to thee I dedicate my book: WILLIAM THE THIRD, King, Grand Duke, Prince, ... more than Prince, Grand Duke, and King, ... EMPEROR of the magnificent empire of INSULIND, which winds about the equator like a garland of emeralds!...