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A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court | Mark Twain | |
The Battle Of The Sand Belt |
Page 2 of 9 |
Yes, it was now "Death to the Republic!" everywhere -- not a dissenting voice. All England was marching against us! Truly, this was more than I had bargained for. I watched my fifty-two boys narrowly; watched their faces, their walk, their unconscious attitudes: for all these are a language -- a language given us purposely that it may betray us in times of emergency, when we have secrets which we want to keep. I knew that that thought would keep saying itself over and over again in their minds and hearts, ALL ENGLAND IS MARCHING AGAINST US! and ever more strenuously imploring attention with each repetition, ever more sharply realizing itself to their imaginations, until even in their sleep they would find no rest from it, but hear the vague and flitting creatures of the dreams say, ALL ENGLAND -- ALL ENGLAND! -- IS MARCHING AGAINST YOU! I knew all this would happen; I knew that ultimately the pressure would become so great that it would compel utterance; therefore, I must be ready with an answer at that time -- an answer well chosen and tranquilizing. I was right. The time came. They HAD to speak. Poor lads, it was pitiful to see, they were so pale, so worn, so troubled. At first their spokesman could hardly find voice or words; but he presently got both. This is what he said -- and he put it in the neat modern English taught him in my schools: |
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A Connecticut Yankee In King Arthur's Court Mark Twain |
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