THE SUPREME HOMAGE 203 



have as yet learned only the first secrets. And I 

 say to all of you, whatever your career may be, 

 guard yourselves from the taint of destructive and 

 sterile scepticism, refuse to be discouraged by the 

 sadness of certain hours which pass over a nation. 

 Live in the serene peace of laboratories and libra- 

 ries. Say to yourselves at first: What have I done 

 towards my own education? And then, in propor- 

 tion as you advance: What have I done for my 

 country? Do so up to the moment when, perhaps, 

 you may have the immense happiness of thinking 

 that you have contributed in some measure to the 

 progress and well-being of humanity. But, whether 

 life favours your efforts to a greater or a less extent, 

 one must have earned the right to say when the 

 great goal draws near: 'I have done what I could/ 

 "Gentlemen, I wish to express my profound emo- 

 tion and my deepest gratitude. Just as the great 

 artist, Roty, on* the reverse side of this medal, has 

 hidden under roses the date of heavy years that 

 weigh upon my life, so you, my dear colleagues, 

 have wished to give to my old age a spectacle to 

 gladden it immensely, the spectacle of all this eager 

 and affectionate youth." 



The ceremony, notwithstanding that it was 

 official, ended in an outburst of enthusiasm that 

 gave it a high human significance. 



