Ha! Pennyloaf was
happy! The last trace of tears vanished. She too was sensible of the
influences of music; her heart throbbed as she let herself lean
against her husband.
Well, as every one must needs have his panacea for the ills of
society, let me inform you of mine. To humanise the multitude two
things are necessary--two things of the simplest kind conceivable.
In the first place, you must effect an entire change of economic
conditions: a preliminary step of which every tyro will recognise
the easiness; then you must bring to bear on the new order of things
the constant influence of music. Does not the prescription recommend
itself? It is jesting in earnest. For, work as you will, there is no
chance of a new and better world until the old be utterly destroyed.
Destroy, sweep away, prepare the ground; then shall music the holy,
music the civiliser, breathe over the renewed earth, and with
Orphean magic raise in perfected beauty the towers of the City of
Man.
Hours yet before the fireworks begin. Never mind; here by good luck
we find seats where we can watch the throng passing and repassing.
It is a great review of the People.
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