s covered with dust wave
above the princely throne, why could you not rise in hero form to
seize these banners and to thunder out to this irresolute modern
generation: 'The exiles demand of you their home, you must win back
for the homeless their fatherland by war!'" . . . .

* * * * *

Here Teleki paused, as if he awaited objections. Everybody was wrapped
in silence, feeling that thus far it was only a matter of rhetorical
figures. This silence constrained Teleki to avoid the bombastic in his
speech.

"You meet my speech with silence. This is the same as, 'Qui tacet,
negat.' I will not believe that your heart is cold and that it is for
that reason you do not become excited. You waver because you are
taking counsel with your strength, but you must know that not alone
shall we move to the field of battle; the confiscated churches, the
fate of the clergy dragged away to the galleys, has forced weapons
into the hands of all the Protestant princes of Europe. Even the King
of Belgium, who has least concern for our fate, has by force rescued
the clergy of our faith from Neapolitan galleys. The sword of Gustavus
Adolphus too has not yet rusted in its scabbard. Yes, even the
Catholic princes and those who acknowledge Mohammed are ready to grant
their assistance in our affairs. See, the King of France, at present
the mightiest ruler of Europe, not only in his own land but also in
Poland recruits armies for us. If it should be necessary the Sultan
will not hesitate to break the enforced peace; or if he should not do
this, still it will be an easy matter to assure ourselves of his
border troops for pay. And now when the noise of battle roars about us
on all sides, when everybody has seized his sword, ought we alone to
leave ours in the sheath? We, who have the most duties to fulfil
toward our brothers and even toward ourselves? What happened to them
yesterday, may happen to us to-day. What country shall then give us
refuge? therefore, sons of my fatherland, listen to the entreaties of
the exiled as if you were in the same position; for I tell you the
time may come when you will be in the position of your brothers, and
as you treat them Fate will treat you."

With these words Teleki came to an end; he fixed his eyes on Dionysius
Banfy as if he knew in advance that he would be the first to oppose
him. Banfy arose; it was evident from his countenance that he had done
violence to his feelings in ord