But instead of this heroic deed I propose to you another one, even greater than that, something that’s unmistakably great…’ Nikolay Vsevolodovich said nothing. ‘You are struggling with a desire for martyrdom and self-sacrifice. Subdue this desire of yours as well, lay aside these pages, and your intention — and then you will succeed in overcoming everything. You will put all your pride to shame, and your demon! You will end as a conqueror, you will attain freedom…’
