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London, Jack, 1876-1916

"Revolution, and Other Essays"

How good the outside air was!
I only prayed that neither my best friend nor my worst enemy should
ever become aware of what had just transpired. Ere I had gone a
block I noticed that the sun had brightened perceptibly, the street
become less sordid, the gutter mud less filthy. In people's eyes the
cabbage question no longer brooded. And there was a spring to my
body, an elasticity of step as I covered the pavement. Within me
coursed an unwonted sap, and I felt as though I were about to burst
out into leaves and buds and green things. My brain was clear and
refreshed. There was a new strength to my arm. My nerves were
tingling and I was a-pulse with the times. All men were my brothers.
Save one--yes, save one. I would go back and wreck the
establishment. I would disrupt that leather-bound volume, violate
that black skullcap, burn the accounts. But before fancy could
father the act, I recollected myself and all which had passed. Nor
did I marvel at my new-horn might, at my ancient dignity which had
returned.


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