ry existence?" exclaimed the master.
"And have not mythical beings the power to influence men! Consider
mythology, Monsieur Goubin, and you will perceive that they are not real
beings but imaginary beings that exercise the most profound and lasting
influence on the mind. Everywhere and always, beings who have no more
reality than Putois have inspired nations with hatred and love, terror
and hope, have advised crimes, received offerings, made laws and
customs. Monsieur Goubin, think of the eternal mythology. Putois is a
mythical personage, the most obscure, I grant you, and of the lowest
order. The coarse satyr, who in olden times sat at the table with our
peasants in the North, was considered worthy of appearing in a picture
by Jordaens and a fable by La Fontaine. The hairy son of Sycorax
appeared in the noble world of Shakespeare. Putois, less fortunate,
will be always neglected by artists and poets. He lacks bigness and the
unusual style and character. He was conceived by minds too reasonable,
among people who knew how to read and write, and who had not that
delightful imagination in which fables take root. I think, Messieurs,
that I have said enough to show you the real nature of Putois."

"I understand it," said Monsieur Goubin. And Monsieur Bergeret continued
his discourse.

"Putois was. I can affirm it. He was. Consider it, gentlemen, and you
will admit that a state of being by no means implies substance, and
means only the bonds attributed to the subject, expresses only a
relation."

"Undoubtedly," said Jean Marteau; "but a being without attributes is a
being less than nothing. I do not remember who at one time said, 'I am
that I am.' Pardon my lapse of memory. One cannot remember everything.
But the unknown who spoke in that fashion was very imprudent. In letting
it be understood by this thoughtless observation that he was deprived of
attributes and denied all relations, he proclaimed that he did not exist
and thoughtlessly suppressed himself. I wager that no one has heard of
him since."--"You have lost," answered Monsieur Bergeret.

"He corrected the bad effect of these egotistical expressions by
employing quantities of adjectives, and he is often spoken of,
most often without judgment."--"I do not understand," said Monsieur
Goubin.--"It is not necessary to understand," replied Jean Marteau. And
he begged Monsieur Bergeret to speak of Putois.--"It is very kind of you
to ask me," said the master.--"Putois wa