what art is worth, apart from the sentiments which it expresses, but,
in fine, at the present day, it is the custom to adore the form, not
the idea. God preserve me from undertaking to discuss this question with
Senor Don Jose, who knows so much, and who, reasoning with the admirable
subtlety of the moderns, would instantly confound my mind, in which
there is only faith."

"The determination which you all have to regard me as the most learned
man on earth annoys me exceedingly," said Pepe, speaking in his former
hard tone. "Hold me for a fool; for I would rather be regarded as a fool
than as the possessor of that Satanic knowledge which is here attributed
to me."

Rosarito laughed, and Jacinto thought that a highly opportune moment had
now arrived to make a display of his own erudition.

"Pantheism or panentheism," he said, "is condemned by the Church, as
well as by the teachings of Schopenhauer and of the modern Hartmann."

"Ladies and gentlemen," said the canon gravely, "men who pay so fervent
a worship to art, though it be only to its form, deserve the greatest
respect. It is better to be an artist, and delight in the contemplation
of beauty, though this be only represented by nude nymphs, than to be
indifferent and incredulous in every thing. The mind that consecrates
itself to the contemplation of beauty, evil will not take complete
possession of. _Est Deus in nobis_. _Deus_, be it well understood. Let
Senor Don Jose, then, continue to admire the marvels of our church; I,
for one, will willingly forgive him his acts of irreverence, with all
due respect for the opinions of the bishop."