is thrilled, divided between sympathies for the va-
rious nations, and lamenting that it cannot choose
freely between them, nor even express them. I
understand its torment; but I know that this is
salutary. I hope it will rise thence to that supe-
rior joy of a harmony of races, which may be a
noble example for the rest of Europe. It is the
duty of Switzerland now to stand in the midst of
the tempest, like an island of justice and of peace,
where, as in the great monasteries of the early
Middle Ages, the spirit may find a refuge from
unbridled force; where the fainting swimmers of
all nations, those who are weary of hatred, may
persist, in spite of all the wrongs they have seen
and suffered, in loving all men as their brothers.

I know that such thoughts have little chance of
being heard today. Young Europe, burning with
the fever of battle, will smile with disdain and show
its fangs like a young wolf. But when the access
of fever has spent itself, wounded and less proud
of its voracious heroism, it will come to itself again.

Moreover, I do not speak to convince it. I speak
but to solace my conscience . . . and I know that
at the same time I shall solace the hearts of thou-
sands of others who, in all countries, cannot or dare
not speak themselves.

Journal de Genève, September 15, 1914.

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