Pagina 617 di 1294

In fact, all have equal rights with me--and _vive la guerre

eternelle_--till the New Jerusalem, of course!"

"Then you believe in the New Jerusalem, do you?"

"I do," Raskolnikov answered firmly; as he said these words and

during the whole preceding tirade he kept his eyes on one spot on

the carpet.

"And... and do you believe in God? Excuse my curiosity."

"I do," repeated Raskolnikov, raising his eyes to Porfiry.

"And... do you believe in Lazarus' rising from the dead?"

"I... I do. Why do you ask all this?"

"You believe it literally?"

"Literally."

"You don't say so.... I asked from curiosity. Excuse me. But let

us go back to the question; they are not always executed. Some,

on the contrary..."

"Triumph in their lifetime? Oh, yes, some attain their ends in

this life, and then..."

"They begin executing other people?"

"If it's necessary; indeed, for the most part they do. Your

remark is very witty."