_He._--Not at all; I am in your eyes an abject and most despicable creature; and I am sometimes the same in my own eyes, though not often: I more frequently congratulate myself on my vices than blame myself for them; you are more constant in your contempt. _I._--True; but why show me all your turpitude? _He._--First, because you already know a good deal of it, and I saw that there was more to gain than to lose, by confessing the rest. _I._--How so, if you please? _He._--It is important in some lines of business to reach sublimity; it is especially so in evil. People spit upon a small rogue, but they cannot refuse a kind of consideration to a great criminal; his courage amazes you, his atrocity makes you shudder. In all things, what people prize is unity of character. _I._--But this estimable unity of character you have not quite got: I find you from time to time vacillating in your principles; it is uncertain whether you get your wickedness from nature or study, and whether study has brought you as far as possible. _He._--I agree with you, but I have done my best. Have I not had the modesty to recognise persons more perfect in my own line than myself. Have I not spoken to you of Bouret with the deepest admiration? Bouret is the first person in the world for me. _I._--But after Bouret you come. _He._--No. _I._--Palissot, then? _He._--Palissot, but not Palissot alone. _I._--And who is worthy to share the second rank with him? _He._--The Renegade of Avignon. _I._--I never heard of the Renegade of Avignon, but he must be an astonishing man. _He._--He is so, indeed. _I._--The history of great personages has always interested me. _He._--I can well believe it. This hero lived in the house of a good and worthy descendant of Abraham, promised to the father of the faithful in number equal to the stars in the heavens. _I._--In the house of a Jew?