“ When his highness sends a ship to Egypt, does he trouble his head whether the mice on board are at their ease or not? ”
Voltaire, Candide (1759). copy citation
Author | Voltaire |
---|---|
Source | Candide |
Topic | care highness mice |
Date | 1759 |
Language | English |
Reference | |
Note | |
Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/19942/19942-h/19942-h.htm |
Context
“"With what meddlest thou?" said the Dervish; "is it thy business?"
"But, reverend father," said Candide, "there is horrible evil in this world."
"What signifies it," said the Dervish, "whether there be evil or good? When his highness sends[Pg 165] a ship to Egypt, does he trouble his head whether the mice on board are at their ease or not?"
"What, then, must we do?" said Pangloss.
"Hold your tongue," answered the Dervish. "I was in hopes," said Pangloss, "that I should reason with you a little about causes and effects, about the best of possible worlds, the origin of evil, the nature of the soul, and the pre-established harmony."” source
"But, reverend father," said Candide, "there is horrible evil in this world."
"What signifies it," said the Dervish, "whether there be evil or good? When his highness sends[Pg 165] a ship to Egypt, does he trouble his head whether the mice on board are at their ease or not?"
"What, then, must we do?" said Pangloss.
"Hold your tongue," answered the Dervish. "I was in hopes," said Pangloss, "that I should reason with you a little about causes and effects, about the best of possible worlds, the origin of evil, the nature of the soul, and the pre-established harmony."” source