King Leopold's Soliloquy

“Throws do down pamphlets which he has been reading. Excitedly combs his flowing spread of whiskers with his fingers; pounds the table with his fists; lets off brisk vol­leys of unsanctified language at brief intervals, repen­tantly drooping his head, between volleys, and kissing the Louis XI crucifix hanging from his neck, accompanying the kisses with mumbled apologies; presently rises, flus­hed and perspiring, and walks the floor, gesticulating.”