'But does he not rather avail himself of it?' inquired Coningsby.

'Parvenus do,' rejoined his companion; 'but not prophets, great
legislators, great conquerors. They destroy and they create.'

'But are these times for great legislators and great conquerors?' urged
Coningsby.

'When were they wanted more?' asked the stranger. 'From the throne to the
hovel all call for a guide. You give monarchs constitutions to teach them
sovereignty, and nations Sunday-schools to inspire them with faith.'

'But what is an individual,' exclaimed Coningsby, 'against a vast public
opinion?'

'Divine,' said the stranger. 'God made man in His own image; but the
Public is made by Newspapers, Members of Parliament, Excise Officers, Poor
Law Guardians. Would Philip have succeeded if Epaminondas had not been
slain? And if Philip had not succeeded? Would Prussia have existed had
Frederick not been born? And if Frederick had not been born? What would
have been the fate of the Stuarts if Prince Henry had not died, and
Charles I., as was intended, had been Archbishop of Canterbury?'

'But when men are young they want experience,' said Coningsby; 'and when
they have gained experience, they want energy.'

'Great men never want experience,' said the stranger.

'But everybody says that experience--'