"As anti-Semitism is the Socialism of fools...."
"I told you we are approaching perfection!... So is rationalism the wisdom of fools. The wise man goes further. The ratio constitutes the holiday dress of a fool. It is the coat he dons in the presence of others, but he really lives, sleeps, works, loves and dies without any ratio at all. Do you fear death, Mr. Wondergood?"
I did not feel like replying and remained silent.
"You need not feel ashamed, Mr. Wondergood: one should fear death. As long as there is _death_...."
The features of the monkey's face suddenly contracted and in his eyes there appeared horror and wrath: as if some one had seized him by the back of his neck and thrust him into the darkness and terror of a primeval forest. He _feared_ death and his terror was dark, evil and boundless. I needed no words of explanation and no other evidence: One look upon this distorted, befogged and confused _human_ face was sufficient to compel reverence for the Great Irrational! And how weak is _their_ steadiness: My Wondergood also grew pale and cringed...ah, the rogue! He was _now_ seeking protection and help from Me!
"Will you have some wine, Your Eminence?"
But His Eminence was himself again. He curved his thin lips into a smile and shook his head in the negative. And suddenly he broke out again with surprising fury:
"And as long as there is death, the Church is unshakable! Let all of you who seek to undermine her, tear her, and blow her up--you cannot conquer her. And even if you should succeed in destroying her, the first to perish beneath her ruins would be yourselves. Who will then defend you against death? Who will give you sweet faith in immortality, in eternal life, in everlasting bliss?... Believe me, Mr. Wondergood, the world is not seeking your ratio. It is all a misunderstanding!"
"What does it want? _Mundus vult decipi_...you know our Latin? the world wants to be fooled!"
And the old monkey again grew merry, begun to wink, to beam with satisfaction, slapped his knee and burst into laughter. I also laughed. The rascal was so funny!
"And is it you," said I, "who wants to fool it?"
The Cardinal again grew serious and replied sadly:
"The Holy See needs funds, Mr. Wondergood. The world, while it has not grown rational, has become weaker in its faith and it is somewhat difficult to manage it."