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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Devil's Elixir, by E. T. A. Hoffmann
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Devil's Elixir
+       Vol. II (of 2)
+
+Author: E. T. A. Hoffmann
+
+Release Date: August 8, 2011 [EBook #37005]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Irma Špehar, Mary Meehan and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                           THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR.
+
+                           FROM THE GERMAN OF
+                           E. T. A. HOFFMANN.
+
+
+     _In diesem Jahre wandelte auch her_ DEUVEL _offentlich auf den
+     Strassen von Berlin.----_
+
+     _Haftit Microc. Berol. p. 1043._
+
+     In that yeare, the Deville was alsoe seene walking publiclie on the
+     streetes of  Berline.----
+
+
+    VOL. II
+
+    WILLIAM BLACKWOOD, EDINBURGH:
+    AND T. CADELL, LONDON.
+    1829.
+
+
+
+
+THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Who is there, over the wide world, who has not, at one period or
+another, in a more or less degree, felt the mysterious influences of
+love?--Whoever thou art, then, courteous reader, who shalt, after the
+lapse of years, turn over these papers, recall, I beseech you, to
+recollection that noontide interval of dazzling brightness--contemplate
+once more that beautiful image, which came, like an impersonization of
+the abstract spirit of love, from divine regions, to meet you.
+
+At that time, it was through her,--through her alone, that thou
+seemed'st assured of thine own existence! Canst thou not yet remember,
+how the rushing streams, the waving trees, and the balmy winds of
+evening, spoke to thee, in articulate and intelligible accents, of her,
+and of the prevailing passion which possessed thy whole heart and
+soul?--Canst thou yet behold how the flowers unfolded their bright
+beaming eyes, bearing to thine from her kisses and salutation?
+
+Yet, suppose that she herself had actually come--that she vowed to be
+thine, and thine only--to live for thee alone--then didst thou fold her
+in thy embraces, and it seemed as if Heaven opened its eternal realms to
+receive you--as if thou could'st raise thyself with her above all the
+petty sorrows or enjoyments of this every-day and earthly sphere. Yet
+scarcely hadst thou formed such hopes ere she was lost! The bland
+illusion was broken. No longer could'st thou hear the music of her
+celestial voice; and only the sorrowful complaints of the despairing and
+forsaken lover sounded amid the desolate loneliness!
+
+If then, reader, to me unknown!--if thou hast ever been persecuted by
+such a destiny, join, then, and sympathize with the grief of the
+penitent monk, who, recollecting still the sunny gleams of his youthful
+attachment, weeps on his hard couch, and whose fearful groans
+reverberate, in the stillness of night, through the gloomy aisles of the
+convent!--But thou, too, in spirit to me related, doubtless wilt concur
+in my belief, that it is not till _after death_, that the mysterious
+gifts and enjoyments of this passion can be obtained and fulfilled! This
+truth is, indeed, announced to us by many a hollow prophesying voice,
+which rises on our ears from the immeasurable depths of eternity; and as
+in those rites, celebrated by our earliest ancestors, (the children of
+nature,) death appears also to us the high festival of love!
+
+I have said before, that my leading object in these pages was rapid,
+concise narrative, without any attempt at description. But of my
+emotions on meeting Aurelia, that evening, in the palace, no words
+could, however skilfully laboured, convey any adequate impression. I was
+struck as if with a thundershock. My breast heaved--my heart beat
+convulsively--and every pulse and vein throbbed almost audibly.
+
+"To _her_!--to _her_!"--It seemed as if an over-powering impulse would
+force me to thrust aside the contemptible mob of insipid worldlings--of
+every-day flatterers, scarcely possessed of one rational idea, by whom
+she was surrounded--to crush, like webs of gossamer, those despicable
+barriers, and snatch her to my arms, in all the wild frenzy of
+undisguised passion! Methought I could have exclaimed aloud--"What,
+unhappy girl, dost thou strive against? With that supernatural power,
+which has irresistibly and unalterably chained thee to me?--Am I not thy
+fate, and art thou not indeed mine for ever?"
+
+Yet notwithstanding these emotions, I contrived, far better than
+formerly, at the Baron's castle, to conceal from the bystanders my
+agitation. Besides, the eyes of all were directed to Aurelia; and thus,
+in a circle of people, who to my concerns were perfectly indifferent, I
+contrived to move about, without being particularly remarked or spoken
+to, which to me would have been intolerable, as I could but see, hear,
+and think of her alone.
+
+Let no one insist that a truly beautiful girl appears to most advantage
+in a homely household dress. On the contrary, the beauty of woman, like
+that of flowers in a parterre, is then most attractive and irresistible
+when they are arrayed in their fullest pomp and magnificence. Say,
+then, oh lover! to whom I have before addressed myself, when thou for
+the first time beholdest the empress of thy heart--who had before worn a
+simple garb, now attired with splendour and gleaming, the _cynosure_ of
+a brilliant party--did not a new and nameless rapture vibrate through
+every nerve and vein? She would appear to you indeed so strange! but
+this, joined to the knowledge that she was in reality _the same_,
+heightened the charms by which thy soul was wholly subjected. What
+unspeakable pleasure, if thou could'st, by stealth, seize and press her
+hand in the crowd, and say to thyself, she, who is here the magnet of
+all eyes, is mine by indissoluble bonds, and lives for me alone!
+
+Thus I beheld Aurelia on that evening dressed with becoming splendour
+for her first introduction at court. Then the spirit of evil once more
+became powerful within me, and lifted up his internal voice, to which I
+now bent a willing ear--"Seest thou not now, Medardus," it began, "how
+thou triumph'st over all the conditional laws and limitations of this
+life--how Destiny now submits herself to thy will, and only knots more
+firmly the threads which thou thyself hadst spun?"
+
+There were many other women at court who might well have passed for
+beautiful, but before the dazzling charms of Aurelia, they faded away
+into utter insignificance. A kind of inspiration now seemed to take
+possession of the most insipid and common-place characters. Even the old
+courtiers gave up their usual strain of unmeaning talk, and visibly
+exerted themselves, in order to appear to the best advantage in the eyes
+of the beautiful stranger.
+
+Aurelia received all this homage with looks fixed on the ground, and
+with deep blushes; but now, when the Prince assembled the elder
+courtiers about himself, and many a handsome youth timidly and
+respectfully drew near her, she began, by degrees, to lose her
+embarrassment, and to seem more cheerful.
+
+There was, in particular, a certain Major of the _garde d'honneur_, who
+succeeded in attracting a good deal of her attention, so that she at
+last appeared occupied with him in lively discourse. I knew this Major
+to be a decided favourite of the female sex; with a fine ear, he could
+catch even the very tone, sentiment, and voice of the person whom he
+addressed, so that the deceived listener seemed to hear a miraculous
+anticipation of her own thoughts--a chord struck in perfect unison. I
+now stood not far from Aurelia, who appeared to take no notice of me.
+Many times I was on the point of going up to her, but, as if bound by
+iron fetters, I could not move from the spot on which I stood. The
+bitterness of envy and jealousy possessed my heart. At last, as I
+steadfastly gazed on Aurelia and her fortunate companion, methought that
+the Major's features were changed into those of Victorin!
+
+As if actuated by some demon, I wholly lost all self-possession. In a
+convulsed tone of bitter scorn and mockery, I laughed aloud--"Ha, ha,
+ha!--Thou _revenant_!--Thou cursed libertine!" cried I, "has thy bed
+then, in the devil's abyss, been so downy, that, in frenzied passion,
+thou darest aspire to the chosen paramour of the Monk?"
+
+I know not if I actually uttered these words, but I heard myself laugh,
+and started up as from a dream, when the old Court-Marshal, taking my
+arm, gently inquired, "What makes you so merry, Mr Leonard?" An ice-cold
+shuddering passed over my whole frame.
+
+Were not these the identical words of the pious brother Cyrillus, when,
+at the time of my investiture, he remarked my sinful laughter?--Scarcely
+was I able to utter some incoherent nonsense in reply--I felt conscious
+that Aurelia was no longer near to me, but did not venture to look up to
+see what had become of her. Instinctively, I resolved to make my escape,
+and ran with my utmost speed through the illuminated apartments.
+Doubtless, my appearance was in the utmost degree disordered, for I
+remarked how every one cleared the way for me as if seized with horror
+and affright. At length, I arrived at the outer-door, and leapt headlong
+rather than ran down the broad marble staircase.
+
+Henceforward I completely avoided the court; for to see Aurelia again,
+without betraying the mystery which it was my interest to conceal,
+seemed to me impossible. Abandoned to my own reveries, I ran through the
+fields and woods, thinking of her, and beholding her alone. My
+conviction always became more certain that some mysterious destiny bound
+up her fate indissolubly with mine, and that my pursuit of her, which
+had many times appeared to me as an unpardonable crime, was but the
+fulfilment of an eternal and unalterable decree.
+
+Thus encouraging myself, I laughed at the danger which now threatened
+me, if Aurelia should recognize in me the murderer of Hermogen! Besides,
+this appeared to me very improbable; and, meanwhile, the attentions of
+those fluttering youths who laboured to win for themselves the good
+graces of her who was altogether and exclusively mine, filled me with
+the utmost scorn and contempt for their endeavours.
+
+"What," said I, "are to me these Counts, Freyherrs, Chamberlains, and
+military officers, in their motley coats bedaubed with lace, and hung
+with orders? What are they more than gaudy impertinent insects, which,
+if they became troublesome, I could with one blow crush to
+annihilation?"
+
+Reflecting on the chapel adventure of the Cistertian Convent, it seemed
+to me as if, robed in my capuchin tunic, I could step in among them with
+Aurelia, habited like a bride, in my arms, and that this proud and
+haughty Princess should be forced even to sanction the marriage, and
+prepare the bridal festival for that conquering and triumphant monk,
+whom she now so much despised. Labouring with such thoughts, I
+frequently pronounced aloud, and unconsciously, the name of Aurelia;
+and, as before in the Capuchin Convent, laughed and howled like a
+madman!
+
+But, ere long, this tempest was laid, and I began quietly to take
+counsel with myself in what manner I was now to act. Thus I was one
+morning gliding through the park, considering whether it would be
+prudent for me to attend another evening party at court, which had been
+announced to me, when some one touched me on the shoulder. It was the
+physician.
+
+To my great surprise, after the usual salutations, he looked steadfastly
+in my face, took hold of my arm, and requested that I would allow him to
+feel my pulse. "What's the meaning of all this?" cried I, with some
+impatience.--"Nay," said he, "there is a sort of madness going about
+here, that seizes all at once upon honest Christian people, and makes
+them utter tremendous noises, though some will have it that the said
+noises are nothing more than very immoderate laughter. At the same time,
+this may be all a misconception; this devil of madness may be only a
+slight fever, with heat in the blood; therefore I beg of you, sir,
+allow me to feel your pulse."
+
+"I assure you, sir," said I, "that I am well, and by no means understand
+the drift of this discourse." The physician, however, had kept hold of
+my arm, and now taking out his watch, counted my pulse with great
+precision. His conduct, indeed, puzzled me completely, and I entreated
+of him to explain himself.
+
+"Do you not know, then, Mr Leonard," replied he, "that your behaviour
+has lately brought the whole court into the utmost confusion and
+consternation? Since that time, the lady of the upper Chamberlain has
+been almost perpetually in hysterics; and the President of the
+Consistorial Court has been obliged to put off hearing the weightiest
+causes, because it was your pleasure to tramp with all your might upon
+his gouty toes; so that, now confined to his arm-chair, he sits at home
+roaring and cursing most notably. This happened when you were running
+out of the hall, after you had laughed in such a demoniacal tone without
+any perceptible reason, that all were seized with the utmost horror."
+
+At that moment I thought of the Court-Marshal, and said that I indeed
+recollected having laughed in that sudden manner, but that my conduct
+surely could not have been attended by such consequences, as the Marshal
+had only asked me, with great coolness, "Why I was so merry?"
+
+"Nay, nay," answered the physician, "that will not prove much--The
+Marshal is such a _homo impavidus_, that the very devil himself could
+scarcely put him out of his way--He retained his ordinary placidity of
+manner, but the Consistorial President, on the other hand, was
+exceedingly disturbed in mind as well as in body, and maintained
+seriously, that none but the devil could have laughed in such a
+style.--But what is worst of all, our beautiful Aurelia was seized with
+such excessive terror, that all the efforts of the family to quiet her
+were in vain,--and she was soon obliged to retire, to the utter despair
+of the company. At the moment too, when you, Mr Leonard, so charmingly
+laughed, the Baroness Aurelia is said to have shrieked out the name,
+"Hermogen!" Now what may be the meaning of all this?--You are generally
+a pleasant, lively, and prudent man, Mr Leonard, and I cannot regret
+having confided to you the story of Francesco, which, if all suggestions
+be true, must be to you particularly intelligible and instructive!"
+
+During this discourse, the physician had continued to hold my arm, and
+to gaze steadfastly in my face. Tired of this restraint, I disengaged
+myself with some roughness--and answered--"I really know not how to
+interpret all this discourse of yours, sir; but I must confess, that
+when I saw the beautiful Aurelia surrounded by that tribe of conceited
+young gentry, a very bitter remembrance from my early life was called up
+in my mind; and that, seized with a kind of angry scorn at the behaviour
+of such empty-brained coxcombs, I forgot in whose presence I was, and
+laughed aloud in a manner that would only have been warrantable when I
+was alone. I am truly sorry that I have unintentionally brought about so
+much mischief; but I have done penance on that score, having for some
+time denied myself the pleasure of being at court. I hope that the
+Prince's family and the Baroness Aurelia will excuse me."
+
+"Alas! dear Mr Leonard," said the Doctor, "one is indeed subject to
+strange attacks and varieties of mind, which we might yet easily resist,
+if we were but pure in heart, and quiet in conscience."
+
+"Who is there," said I vehemently, "on this earthly sphere, that may
+boast of being so?"--The physician suddenly changed his looks and tone.
+Mildly and seriously he said--"Mr Leonard, you appear to me to be really
+and truly sick: your looks are pale and disordered--your eyes are sunk,
+and gleam with a strange kind of fire--your pulse, too, is feverish, and
+your voice sounds strangely.--Shall I prescribe something for you?"
+
+"Poison!" answered I, in a kind of hollow whisper.--"Ho, ho," said the
+physician, "does it stand thus with you?--Nay, nay, instead of poison,
+rather the tranquillizing and sedative remedy of pleasant society, and
+moderate dissipation. It may, however, be, that"--(hesitating)--"It is
+wonderful indeed, but----"
+
+"I must beg of you, sir," said I, now quite angry, "not to torment me in
+that manner by your broken hints, but at once to speak out."
+
+"Hold!" answered the Doctor. "Not so fast, Mr Leonard--yonder comes the
+Princess--there are in this world the strangest delusions, and for my
+part, I feel almost a conviction that people have here built up an
+hypothesis which a few minutes' explanation will dissolve into nothing.
+Yonder, as I said, comes the Princess with Aurelia.--Do you make use of
+this accidental rencontre. Offer your own excuses for your behaviour.
+Properly, indeed, your only crime is, that you have laughed--in an
+extraordinary tone it is true, and rather inopportunely. But who can
+help it, if people with weak nerves have on that occasion chosen to be
+so absurdly terrified?--Adieu!"
+
+The physician started away with that vivacity which to him was
+peculiar.--The Princess and Aurelia were coming down the walk to meet
+me. I trembled; but with my whole strength laboured to regain composure,
+for after the mysterious discourse of the physician, I felt that it was
+my duty on the instant to defend my character. Resolutely, therefore, I
+went forward to meet them; but no sooner had Aurelia fixed her eyes upon
+me than she became deadly pale, and to my utter astonishment, with a
+suppressed scream, she fell down in a fainting fit, to the ground. I
+wished to assist her, but with looks of aversion and horror, the
+Princess then motioned me away, at the same time calling loudly for
+help!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+As if hunted by a thousand devils and furies, I ran away homewards
+through the park--I shut myself up in my lodgings, and gnashing my teeth
+with rage and despair, threw myself on the bed. Evening came, and then
+the dark hours of night, and I still lay there obstinately cherishing my
+grief. At last I heard the outer gate of the house open, and many voices
+murmuring and whispering confusedly together. Then there was a noise of
+heavy steps tottering and clattering up the staircase,--and with three
+hollow knocks on my door, I was commanded to rise and open it in the
+name of the magistracy. Without clearly comprehending the danger that
+awaited me, I yet felt an instinctive conviction that I was now for ever
+lost.
+
+To save myself instantly by flight--This was my only thought, and I flew
+to the window, tearing open the lattice. This, however, availed me
+nothing,--for before the house door, I saw a troop of armed men, one of
+whom directly observed me, and at the same moment, the door of my
+apartment was burst in--several men immediately stood around me, whom I
+recognized for officers of police, and who shewed me an order of the
+Justiciary Court for my immediate imprisonment. Any attempt at
+resistance would now have been in vain. They led me down stairs, and
+placed me in a carriage, which stood there ready to receive me, and
+which immediately drove off rapidly, through the streets.
+
+When arrived at the place which seemed that of my destination, after
+being led through divers passages and corridors; also up staircases
+_that staircases were none_, but seemed (having no steps[1]) to be like
+the side of a mountain; I inquired "Where I was?" I received for answer,
+"In the prison of the upper castle." In this place, according to
+information already received on the arrestment of others, I knew that
+dangerous and treasonable criminals were shut up during the time that
+their trial was going on, or was in preparation.
+
+[Footnote 1: This is exemplified in the (old) royal palace at Berlin.]
+
+My apartment was comfortless and ghastly enough; but, in a little time,
+my bed and some other furniture were brought, and the gaoler asked if I
+wanted anything more. To get rid of him, I answered "No;" and at last
+was left alone. The receding steps through the long-sounding passages,
+with the opening and shutting of many doors, if I had not known it
+already, would have sufficiently made me aware that I was in one of the
+innermost prisons of the fortress.
+
+It was to myself inconceivable, how, during a pretty long drive, I had
+remained quite quiet, nay, under a kind of stunning and stupefaction of
+the senses. I beheld all images that passed before me, as if they
+existed only in the half-effaced colours of a faded picture. Now, too, I
+did not resign myself to sleep, but to a kind of faint or swoon,
+paralysing the faculty of clear thought, and yet leaving me awake to the
+most horrible and fantastic apprehensions.
+
+When I awoke in the bright light of the morning, I, for the first time,
+gradually took counsel with myself, and fully recollected all that had
+happened, and whither I had been brought. As to the room wherein I lay,
+its inconvenience made less impression on me than it would have done
+upon another. The vaulted roof, and want of comfort, only reminded me of
+my cell in the Capuchin Convent; and the chamber would scarcely have
+appeared to me a prison, if it had not been that the small and only
+window was strongly barred with iron, and so high, that I could scarcely
+reach it with my upstretched hands, far less look out from it on the
+prospect.
+
+Only a narrow sunbeam fell through this high loop-hole; and being
+anxious to examine the environs of my prison, I drew my bed to the wall
+under it; over this placed my table, and was just in the act of mounting
+up, when my gaoler stepped in and seemed very much surprised at my
+proceedings. He inquired roughly what I was about there; and on
+receiving for answer, that I only wished, for diversion, to look out at
+the window, he did not say a word; but, in significant silence, made the
+bed, the table, and chair, be taken away: after which, having set down
+my breakfast, he again disappeared.
+
+After about an hour, he came back, accompanied by two other men, and
+led me through long passages, up stairs and down stairs, till I entered,
+at last, into an audience-hall of moderate dimensions, where one of the
+supreme judges awaited me. By his side sat a young man as secretary, to
+whom he afterwards dictated whatever information he got from me, in
+answer to his questions. I had to thank the influence of my former
+station at Court, and the respect with which I had long been treated by
+all ranks, for the politeness now shewn to me by this judge. However, I
+was convinced that it could only be suspicions, founded on Aurelia's
+extraordinary conduct, which had led to my arrestment.
+
+The judge's first demand was, that I should give him a clear and concise
+account of my former life. Instead of answering directly to this, I
+begged to know whether I had not, in the first place, a right to know
+the cause of my sudden imprisonment. He told me that I should, in due
+time, have information of the crimes with which I was charged; but that,
+meanwhile, it was of the utmost importance that he should learn the
+exact course of my life up to that day when I first arrived at the
+_residenz_; and he must remind me that, as the court possessed ample
+means to detect the slightest deviation from truth, I should be watchful
+for my own sake, to avoid any attempt at deception.
+
+This admonishment of the judge (a little spare man, with red hair,
+staring eyes, and an absurdly croaking voice) was by no means lost upon
+me. I recollected that I had already ventured to give the name of my
+birth-place, and some account of my life, to one of the court ladies;
+and that the story which I had now to weave, must of necessity be such,
+as to harmonize with that which I had already promulgated. It was also
+requisite to avoid all marvellous and intricate adventures. Moreover, to
+lay the scene, as much as possible, in a country so distant, that
+inquiries into the reality of my references would be tedious and
+difficult. At that moment too, there came into my remembrance, a young
+Pole, with whom I had studied in the college at Königswald. I knew the
+circumstances of his life, and as the safest method now in my power,
+resolved to appropriate them as my own. Thus prepared, I set out as
+follows:--
+
+"My arrestment, no doubt, has arisen from the imputation against me of
+some heavy crime. For a considerable period, I have lived here under the
+eye of the Prince, and all the town's-people, and during that time, have
+been guilty of no crime nor misdemeanour; consequently it must be some
+stranger lately arrived here who has accused me of a crime formerly
+committed; and as my conscience assures me that I am completely free
+from any such guilt, I can only account for what has occurred, by
+supposing that an unhappy personal resemblance betwixt myself and some
+person unknown, has led to the mistake.
+
+"However, it seems to me not a little severe, that on account of
+_suppositions_ merely, (for here there can exist nothing more,) I should
+be thus thrown into prison, and brought like a criminal for examination.
+But why have I not been confronted at once with my rash, and perhaps
+malicious accuser? I doubt not that individual will be found at last to
+be some wicked impostor, or, at best, some misguided fool, who--"
+
+"Softly--softly, Mr Leonard," croaked the judge. "Correct yourself,
+otherwise your words may strike against some high personage; and,
+besides, I can assure you, that the individual by whom you, Mr Leonard,
+have been recognized as--" (here he bit himself in the lip) "is in
+truth, neither rash nor foolish, but"--(hesitating) "and besides, we
+have unquestionable intelligence from ---- in the Thuringian mountains."
+
+Here he named the residence of the Baron von F.; and I perceived
+immediately the dangers which threatened me. It was obvious that Aurelia
+had recognized in me the monk, whom she probably looked upon as the
+murderer of her brother. This monk, however, was Medardus, the preacher
+of the Capuchin Convent, and as such had been recognized by the Baron's
+steward Reinhold. The Abbess, however, knew that this Medardus was the
+son of Francesco, and thus, my resemblance to him, which had so long
+puzzled the Princess, must now probably have corroborated into certainty
+the suspicions which the sisters had, no doubt, by letter communicated
+to each other.
+
+It was possible even, that intelligence had been received from the
+Capuchin Convent; that I had been carefully watched upon my journey; and
+that they had unequivocally identified my person with that of Medardus.
+
+All these possibilities came crowding on my recollection, and forced me
+to perceive the whole hazard of my situation. The judge, while I was
+occupied in this reverie, still continued to talk on, which was very
+advantageous, for I had time to repeat to myself the almost unutterable
+name of the Polish town which I had assigned to the old lady at court as
+the place of my birth. Scarcely, then, had the judge again repeated his
+gruff demand, that I would concisely inform him as to my past course of
+life, than I once more began--
+
+"My proper name is Leonard Krczinski; and I am the only son of a Polish
+nobleman, who had sold his property, and lived privately in the town of
+Kwicziczwo."--
+
+"How--what?" said the judge, endeavouring in vain to pronounce after me
+either my name, or that of the town to which I had referred. The
+secretary had no notion how he was to set the words on paper; I was
+obliged to write down both names myself, and then went on--
+
+"You perceive, sir, how difficult it is for a German tongue to imitate
+these words of my language, which are so overburdened with consonants,
+and herein consists the reason why I have chosen to lay aside my surname
+altogether, and bear only my christian name of Leonard.
+
+"But this is, indeed, the only mystery or singularity which I have to
+unfold. The rest of my life is the simplest and most ordinary that could
+be imagined. My father, who was himself a man of good education,
+approved of my decided propensity to literature and the arts, and just
+before his death, had resolved on sending me to Cracow, to live there
+under the care of a clergyman related to him, by name Stanislaus
+Krczinski. After that event, being my father's sole heir, I was left the
+uncontrolled choice of my own actions. I therefore sold the small
+remnant that was left of a paternal property, called up some debts that
+were due to my father, and went with the pecuniary proceeds to Cracow,
+where I studied some years under the guardianship of my relation.
+
+"From thence I travelled to Dantzig and Königsberg; at last I was
+driven, as if by irresistible impulse, to make a journey towards the
+south. I trusted that the remainder of my small fortune would be
+sufficient to carry me through, and that I should at last obtain a fixed
+situation at some university; but in this town I had probably found my
+means exhausted, if it had not been that one night's luck at the
+Prince's pharo-table enabled me to live comfortably for some time, after
+which I intended to prosecute my journey into Italy.
+
+"As to anything truly remarkable or worthy of being related--no such
+adventure has ever occurred in my life. Yet perhaps, (here I recollected
+myself,) I ought not to say this, for I have at least one singular
+occurrence to record. It would have been quite easy for me to prove
+exactly the truth of all that I have now deposed, had not a very strange
+chance deprived me of my _portefeuille_, in which was contained my pass,
+my journal, and various letters, which would have supplied ample
+documents for that purpose."
+
+By this conclusion the judge was visibly surprised. It was evidently
+something unexpected; he fixed his sharp staring eyes upon me, and then,
+in a tone somewhat ironical, requested me to explain what strange
+accident had thus unluckily put it out of my power to _prove_ (as might
+have been hoped for) my assertions.
+
+"Some months ago," said I, "I was on my way hither by the road leading
+through the mountains. The fine season of the year, and the romantic
+scenery, made me resolve to perform the journey on foot. One day, being
+much fatigued, I sat in the public room of an inn at a small village. I
+had there got some refreshments, and had drawn out a leaf from my
+pocket-book, in order to take a drawing of some old houses that had
+struck my fancy.
+
+"At this time there arrived at the inn a horseman, whose extraordinary
+dress and wild looks excited in me much astonishment. He came into the
+public room obviously striving with much vain effort to look cheerful
+and unconcerned, took his place opposite to me, and called for drink,
+casting on me from time to time dark and suspicious glances. The man
+seemed to me to be half mad, or something worse. I by no means liked
+such company, and therefore, merely to avoid him, stepped out into the
+court. Soon afterwards, the stranger also came out, paid the innkeeper,
+hastily bowed to me, and remounting his horse, rode off at a rapid pace.
+
+"Afterwards, as I was in the act of setting out myself, I remembered my
+_portefeuille_, which I had left on the table of the public room. I
+went and found it lying where I had left it, and, in my hurry, believed
+all was right. It was not till the following day, that, wishing to refer
+to my pocket-book, I found the _portefeuille_ was not mine, but had, in
+all probability, belonged to the stranger, who must have, by mistake,
+put up mine into his pocket, and left his own in its place.
+
+"In the latter there was nothing but letters and cards, which to me were
+unintelligible, addressed to Count Victorin. This _portefeuille_, with
+the Count's papers, will be found still among my effects. In mine, which
+was lost, I had, as before mentioned, my pass, my journal, and, as now
+occurs to me, even my baptism certificate, the production of which would
+at once have confirmed whatever regarding myself I have alleged."
+
+The judge here desired that I would give him an accurate description,
+from head to foot, of the stranger's personal appearance. Accordingly, I
+patched up a skilful composition from the features and dress of the late
+Count Victorin, and of myself when on my flight from the Baron's castle.
+To the judge's cross-questioning as to all the minutest circumstances of
+this meeting, to which there almost seemed no end, I continued to
+answer as quietly and decisively as possible, till at last the fiction
+that I had thus invented, rounded itself in such manner in my own mind,
+that I actually believed all that I had asserted, and ran no risk
+whatever of falling into contradictions.
+
+Besides, there were other advantages; my first object indeed had only
+been to justify my possession of these letters of Count Victorin, which
+would be found in my _portefeuille_; but, by the method that I had
+chosen to fulfil this purpose, I had luckily raised up an imaginary
+personage, (one at least who no longer existed in reality,) who might
+hereafter, as need required, play the part either of the fugitive
+Medardus, or of the Count Victorin.
+
+Afterwards, it occurred to me also that probably Euphemia's papers must
+have been examined; that among them there were no doubt letters paving
+the way for Victorin's plan of appearing as a monk at the castle, and
+that this would form a fresh nucleus of clouds sufficient to wrap the
+whole affair in impenetrable mystery.
+
+Thus my internal fantasy continued to work, during the whole time of my
+examination; and there were always new methods suggesting themselves,
+by which I might avoid the risk of discovery; so that at last I believed
+myself secure against the very worst that could happen.
+
+I now waited in hopes that the judge would have recourse to the criminal
+accusation which had been entered against me, and concluded that I had
+said quite enough as to the fortune and adventures of my own past life.
+
+I was mistaken, however, for he seemed as willing to go on with his
+tiresome questions as if he had but just begun. Among other inquiries,
+he asked, "For what reason I had formed the wish of escaping out of
+prison?" I assured him that no such thought had ever entered my mind,
+and that I had only wished to look out through the window. The gaoler's
+testimony, however, as to the piled-up bed, chair, and table, seemed
+here much against me. At last, after a most tedious interview, the judge
+finally assured me, that if I attempted any prank of that sort again, I
+must, of necessity, be bound to the ground with iron chains.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+I was then led back to my prison. My bed, as before mentioned, had been
+removed, and a straw mattress in its stead laid on the ground. The table
+was firmly screwed down, and, in place of the chair, I found a very low
+wooden bench.
+
+Many days passed over in dreary captivity, without any farther
+examination, and without the slightest variety. The time of a prisoner
+is seldom or never a blank; it is filled up by horrible phantoms and
+distorted reveries, such as have often been described, though mine
+probably were of a new character. The detail of them, however, is not
+within the limits of my present undertaking; I record only simple facts,
+in the manner of an obtuse old chronicler; and if there be a colouring
+of imagination, it is not only unsought, but unwelcome and involuntary.
+
+During these three days, I did not behold the features of any living
+being, except the peevish face of an old sub-janitor, who brought my
+food, and in the evening lighted my lamp. Hitherto, I had felt like a
+warrior, who, in a mood of martial excitement, was determined, at all,
+risks, to meet danger and fight his way to the last; but such passion
+had now time enough to decline entirely away.
+
+I fell into a dark melancholy trance, during which all things became
+indifferent. Even the cherished vision of Aurelia had faded, or floated
+in dim colours before me. But unless I had been in body as much
+disordered as in mind, this state of apathy could not, of necessity,
+continue long. In a short time my spirit was again roused, only to feel
+in all its force the horrid influence of nausea and oppression, which
+the dense atmosphere of the prison had produced, and against which I
+vainly endeavoured to contend.
+
+In the night I could no longer sleep. In the strange flickering shadows
+which the lamp-light threw upon the walls, myriads of distorted visages,
+one after another, or hundreds at a time, seemed to be grinning out upon
+me. To avoid this annoyance, I extinguished my lamp, and drew the upper
+mattress over my head--but in vain! It was now dark, indeed, but the
+spectres were visible by their own light, like portraits painted on a
+dark ground, and I heard more frightfully the hollow moans and rattling
+chains of the prisoners, through the horrid stillness of the night.
+
+Often did it seem to me as if I heard the dying groans of Hermogen and
+Euphemia. "Am I then guilty of your destruction? Was it not your own
+iniquity that brought you under the wrath of my avenging arm?" One night
+I had broken out furiously with these words, when, on the silence that
+for a moment succeeded, there distinctly and unequivocally arose a long
+deep-drawn sigh or groan, differing from the noises which had disturbed
+me before. The latter might have been imaginary--this was assuredly
+real, and the sound was reverberated through the vault. Driven to
+distraction, I howled out--"It is thou, Hermogen!--the hour of thy
+vengeance is come--there is for me no hope of rescue!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It might be on the tenth night of my confinement, when, half-fainting
+with terror, I lay stretched out on the cold floor of my prison. I
+distinctly heard on the ground directly under me a light, but very
+audible knocking, which was repeated at measured intervals. I listened
+attentively. The noise was continued, as if with the determination to
+attract attention, and occasionally I could distinguish a strange sound
+of laughter, that also seemed to come out of the earth.
+
+I started from the floor, and threw myself on the straw couch; but the
+beating continued, with the same detestable variety of laughter and
+groans. At last I heard a low, stammering, hoarse voice syllabically
+pronounce my name--"Me-dar-dus!--Me-dar-dus!"--My blood ran ice cold
+through every vein; but with a vehement effort I gained courage enough
+to call out, "Who's there?"--The laughter now became louder--the beating
+and groaning were renewed; again the stammering demon addressed
+me--"Me-dar-dus!--Me-dar-dus!"
+
+I rose from bed, and stamped on the floor. "Whoever thou art," cried I;
+"man or devil, who art thus adding to the torments of an already
+miserable captive, step forth visibly before mine eyes, that I may look
+on thee, or desist from this unmeaning persecution!" The beating was now
+right under my feet. "He--he--he!--he--he--he!--Broth-er,--Broth-er!
+Open the door!--I am here--am here! Let us go hence to the wood--to the
+wood!"
+
+Now, methought I recognised the voice as one that I had known before,
+but it was not then so broken and so stammering. Nay, with a chill
+shivering of horror, I almost began to think there was something in the
+accents that I now heard, resembling the tones of my own voice, and
+involuntarily, as if I wished to try whether this were really so, I
+stammered, in imitation, "Me-dar-dus!--Me-dar-dus!"
+
+Hereupon the laughter was renewed, but it now sounded scornful and
+malicious.--"Broth-er,--Broth-er," said the voice, "do you know me
+again?--Open the door--the--the door!--We shall go hence, to the
+wood--to the wood!" "Poor insane wretch!" said I; "I cannot open the
+door for thee--I cannot enable thee to go forth into the pleasant woods,
+to hear the fresh rustling of the leaves, or breathe the fragrance of
+Heaven's pure atmosphere. I am, as thou art, shut up, hopeless and
+abandoned, within the gloomy walls of a prison."
+
+To this address I was answered only by sobs and moans, as if from the
+bitterness of despairing grief; and the knocking became always more
+faint and indistinct, till at last it ceased altogether; and from
+exhaustion, I sunk into troubled slumber.
+
+At length the morning light had broke in slanting gleams through the
+window; the locks and keys rattled, and the gaoler, whom I had not seen
+for many days, entered my room.
+
+"Through the last night," said he, "we have heard all sorts of strange
+noises in your apartment, and loud speaking. What means this?"
+
+"I am in the habit," answered I, "of talking loudly in my sleep, and
+even when awake I indulge in soliloquy. May not this much of liberty be
+granted me?"
+
+"Probably," said the gaoler, "it is known to you, that every endeavour
+to escape, or to keep up conversation with any of your fellow-prisoners,
+will be interpreted to your disadvantage?" I declared that I had never
+formed any intentions of that kind; and after a few more surly remarks,
+he withdrew.
+
+Some hours after this, I was again summoned, as before, to the hall of
+judgment. It was not, however, the judge by whom I had before been
+examined, but a very different personage, who now sat on the bench. He
+was a man apparently much younger in years, but far surpassing his
+predecessor in cleverness and versatility.
+
+Laying aside all the formality of office, he left his place, came up to
+me in the friendliest manner, and invited me to take a chair.
+
+Even at this moment his appearance is vividly present to my
+recollection. In constitution he seemed, for his time of life, to be
+much broken down; he was very bald, and wore spectacles. But in his
+whole demeanour there was so much of kindness and good-humour, that, on
+this account alone, I found it would be difficult for any one, but the
+most reckless and hardened of criminals, to resist his influence.
+
+His questions were thrown out lightly, almost in the style of ordinary
+conversation, but they were well contrived, and so precisely couched,
+that it was impossible to avoid giving him decisive answers.
+
+"In the first place, I must ask you," said he, "whether all that you
+have before deponed is perfectly consistent with truth; or, at least,
+whether many other circumstances may not have occurred to you as
+requisite to be told, in order to corroborate your former statement?"
+
+"No," said I. "I have already freely communicated every circumstance
+which I could mention, or which it can be necessary to mention, as to
+the tenor of my simple and uniform life."
+
+"Have you never associated much with clergymen, and with monks?"
+
+"Yes--In Cracow, in Dantzig, Königsberg, Frauenberg. In the latter place
+especially, with two lay monks, who officiated there as priest and
+_capellan_."
+
+"You did not state before that you were in Frauenberg?"
+
+"Because I did not think it worth while to mention a short residence
+there of about eight days, on my way from Dantzig to Königsberg."
+
+"So, you are a native of Kwicziczwo?"
+
+This question the judge put in the Polish language, and in the most
+correct dialect, (all the while looking quite unconcerned, as if his
+use of that language had been on the present occasion a matter of
+course.)
+
+For a moment this overthrew all my self-possession. I rallied, however;
+tried to recollect what little Polish I had learned from my friend
+Krczinski, and made shift to answer--
+
+"On a small landed property of my father, near Kwicziczwo."
+
+"What was the name of this estate?"
+
+"Krczinzicswo--the family estate of my relations."
+
+"For a native Pole, you do not pronounce your own language remarkably
+well. To say the truth, you speak it rather like a German--How is this?"
+
+"For many years I have spoken nothing but German. Even while in Cracow,
+I had much intercourse with German students, who wished to learn from me
+our difficult language. Unawares, I may have accustomed myself to their
+accent, as one finds it very easy, when living in particular districts
+of the country, to adopt provincialisms."
+
+The judge here looked significantly on me. A slight smile passed over
+his features; and, turning to the secretary, he dictated to him
+something in a whisper, of which I could distinctly make out the words
+"visibly embarrassed." Hereupon I wished to say something farther, in
+excuse for my bad Polish, but the judge gave me no opportunity.
+
+"Have you never been in Königswald, where there is a large Capuchin
+Convent?"
+
+"Never."
+
+"The way hither from Königsberg should have led you to that town."
+
+"I took another road."
+
+"Have you never been acquainted with a monk from the convent there?"
+
+"Never."
+
+On receiving this answer, the judge rung the bell, and in a low voice
+gave an order to the attending officer.
+
+Soon afterwards, an opposite door opened, and how was my whole frame
+shaken, and my very heart withered by terror, when I beheld the old
+Brother Cyrillus! The judge asked,
+
+"Do you know this man?"
+
+"No. I have never seen him before."
+
+It was now the monk's turn to speak. He came nearer; looked at me
+stedfastly--then clasping his hands, while tears involuntarily burst
+from his eyes--"Medardus!" cried he, "Brother Medardus! In God's name,
+how comes it that I find you thus horribly changed? How came you into
+this condition of abandoned and obdurate wickedness? Brother Medardus,
+return into thyself--Confess--Repent!--The patience and long-suffering
+of God are infinite."
+
+"Can you then recognize this man," said the judge, "for the Monk
+Medardus from the Capuchin Convent in Königswald?"
+
+"As I hope for Heaven's mercy," answered Cyrillus, "it is impossible for
+me to think otherwise. I believe that this man, although he now appears
+in a lay dress, is that very Medardus, who lived under my care as a
+novice at the Capuchin Convent, and whom I attended at the altar on the
+day of his consecration. Yet Medardus had on his neck a scar, in the
+shape of a cross, on the left side, and if this man----"
+
+"You perceive," interposed the judge, turning to me, "that you are
+looked upon as a runaway monk from the town of Königswald, and you may
+rightly conjecture that the real monk alluded to has been guilty of
+serious crimes. But this man has a particular mark on his neck, which,
+according to your own account, you cannot have. This, therefore, at once
+gives you the best opportunity to prove your innocence. Untie your
+neckcloth."
+
+"There is no need of this," answered I. "It is already certain, that an
+exact personal resemblance exists between myself and the fugitive
+criminal, who is to me wholly unknown; for I do bear a slight scar on my
+throat, such as has been described."--"Remove your neckcloth," repeated
+the judge. I did so; and the scar left by the wound from the Abbess's
+diamond cross, which had never been effaced, was immediately perceived.
+Hereupon Cyrillus uttered a loud exclamation.--"It is--it is the same
+impression of the cross," he added.--"Medardus! oh Medardus! hast thou
+then renounced thy eternal weal?"--Weeping and half fainting, he sunk
+into a chair.
+
+"What answers do you now make to the assertion of this venerable man?"
+said the judge.
+
+For a moment I felt as if lifted up and inspired by supernatural
+strength. It seemed as if the devil himself came and whispered to me.
+
+"What power have these despicable weaklings over thee, who art yet
+strong and undaunted in spirit and in frame? Shall not Aurelia yet
+become thine?"
+
+"This monk," said I, with great vehemence, "who sits there fainting in
+his chair, is a fantastic, feeble-minded, drivelling dotard. In his
+absurd visions, he takes me for a runaway capuchin from his own convent,
+to whom, as it happens, I bear a personal resemblance."
+
+The judge had till now remained perfectly tranquil, without changing his
+looks, gesture, or tone. Now, however, his visage, for the first time,
+assumed a dark and lowering earnestness of expression. He rose, as if
+the better to observe me, and even the glare of his spectacles was
+intolerable to my feelings, so that I could not utter a word more of my
+intended defence. For a moment I lost all self-possession. Abandoned to
+rage and despair, I struck my clenched knuckles to my forehead, and, in
+a tone which must have sounded unearthly, almost shrieked out the name
+"Aurelia!"
+
+"What do you mean by that, sir?" said the judge, in a voice which,
+though calm, had yet the effect of thunder, and reverberated through the
+vaulted roof of the audience-chamber.
+
+"A dark and implacable destiny," said I, "dooms me to an ignominious
+death. But I am innocent--I am wholly innocent of the crimes, whatever
+they may be, that are charged against me. Have compassion, therefore;
+and for the present, at least, let me go. I feel that madness begins to
+rage through my brain, and agitate every nerve: therefore, in mercy, let
+me go!"
+
+The judge, who had resumed his seat, and become perfectly calm, dictated
+much to the secretary, of which I did not know the import. At last he
+read over to me a record, in which all his questions and my answers,
+with the evidence of Cyrillus, were faithfully set down. This record I
+was obliged to ratify by my own signature.
+
+The judge then requested me, in a careless tone, to write for him, on
+separate slips of paper, something in Polish and in German. I did so,
+without being aware what object he had in view. He then immediately gave
+the German leaf to Cyrillus, with the question, "Have these characters
+any resemblance to the hand-writing of your brother, Monk Medardus?"
+
+"It is precisely his hand even to the most minute peculiarities," said
+Cyrillus; and turning to me, was about to speak; but a look of the judge
+admonished him to silence. The latter examined carefully the leaf which
+I had written in Polish. He then rose, quitted the bench, and came down
+to me.
+
+"You are no Pole," said he, in a serious and decisive manner. "This
+writing is altogether incorrect, full of errors, both in grammar and
+spelling. No native Pole would write in that style, even if he were
+destitute of that education which you have enjoyed."
+
+"I was born," said I, "in Kwicziczwo, and therefore am most certainly a
+Pole; but even were this not really the case, and if circumstances
+compelled me to conceal my true rank and name, yet it would by no means
+follow, in consequence of this, that I must turn out to be the Monk
+Medardus, who, as I understand, came from the Capuchin Convent in
+Königswald."
+
+"Alas! Brother," interposed Cyrillus, "did not our excellent Prior send
+you to Rome, placing the fullest confidence in your fidelity, prudence,
+and pious conduct; and is it thus that you requite him? Brother
+Medardus, for God's sake, do not any longer, in this blasphemous manner,
+deny the holy profession to which you belong."
+
+"I beg of you not to interrupt us," said the judge, and, turning again
+to me, proceeded--
+
+"It is my duty to observe to you, that the disinterested evidence of
+this reverend clergyman affords the strongest presumptions, that you are
+actually that runaway monk, for whom you have been arrested. At the same
+time, I ought not to conceal, that various other persons will be brought
+forward, who also insist that they have unequivocally recognised you for
+that individual. Among them is one, to whom your escape from the due
+punishment or coercion of the law would be attended by no little danger,
+at all events, by no little fear and apprehension. Besides, many things
+have been discovered in your own travelling equipage, which support the
+allegations against you.
+
+"Finally, sir, you may rely, that inquiries will be set on foot as to
+your pretended family, on which account application is already made to
+the court at Posen. All these things I explain to you the more openly,
+because it belongs to my office to convince you how little I wish, by
+artifice, or any undue method, to extort from you the truth, which you
+wish to conceal, but which, at all events, will soon be brought to
+light. Prepare yourself, therefore, before-hand, as you best can. If you
+are really that criminal named Medardus the Capuchin, you may be assured
+that justice will soon penetrate through your deepest disguise; and you
+will learn, in due time, the precise crimes of which you are accused.
+If, on the other hand, you are Mr Leonard of Kwicziczwo, and only, by
+some extraordinary _lusus naturæ_, forced to resemble Medardus, you will
+be furnished, even by us, with clear and decisive proofs to support this
+identity.
+
+"You appeared at your first trial, in a very disordered state of mind;
+therefore I wished that you should be allowed sufficient time for mature
+reflection. After what has taken place to-day, you will again have ample
+store for meditation."
+
+"Then," said I, "you look upon all that I have said to-day as utter
+falsehood? You behold in me only the runaway monk Medardus?"
+
+To this I received merely a slight parting bow, with the words, "Adieu,
+Herr von Krczinski;" and I was forthwith led back to my prison.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Every word uttered by this judge had penetrated to my very heart, and I
+was unable to subdue my vehement agitation. All the fictions that I had
+invented seemed to me utterly absurd and insipid. That the chief person
+who was to appear as my accuser, (and who was said to entertain such
+fears of me if left at liberty,) was Aurelia, I could have no doubt. How
+could I bear this, and how counteract her influence?
+
+I considered afterwards what might have been suspicious among my
+travelling effects, and was much vexed by the recollection, that since
+my residence at the castle of the Baron von F----, I had retained in my
+_portefeuille_, a hair ring, on which Euphemia's name was enwoven, and
+which, perhaps, might be recognized by Aurelia. Besides, it had
+unfortunately occurred, that in the forest I had bound up Victorin's
+portmanteau with the knotted cord, which is part of the dress of our
+order; and this had still remained in my possession.
+
+Tormented by these thoughts, I gave myself up for lost; and unconscious
+what I did, paced backwards and forwards in despair, through my narrow
+chamber. Then it seemed as if there was a rushing and whispering in mine
+ears,--"Thou fool," said a voice, "why should'st thou despair? Canst
+thou not think on Victorin?" Hereupon, in a loud voice, I called
+out--"Ha! the game is not lost!--Nay, it may yet be won!"
+
+My heart beat, and my bosom heaved with new impulses. I had already
+thought, that among Euphemia's papers there must, of necessity, be found
+something which would point to Victorin's appearance at the castle as a
+monk. Resting on this assumption, (or probability,) I would, at my next
+examination, amplify on my former deposition as to the meeting with
+Victorin; nay, why should I not also have met with the monk Medardus? I
+could plead knowledge, also, of those adventures at the castle which
+ended so frightfully, and repeat them as if they came to me by hearsay.
+With such stories I could interweave references to myself, and to my
+resemblance with both these people.
+
+In order to attain my object, however, the most trifling circumstances
+must be maturely weighed. I resolved, therefore, that I would commit to
+writing the romance, by the incidents of which I was to be rescued. The
+gaoler supplied me with the requisite materials, and I laboured with
+great zeal till late in the night. In writing, my imagination was
+roused, until I almost actually believed whatever I had set down to be
+the truth; and I had in the closest manner spun together a web of
+falsehood, wherewith I expected completely to blind the eyes of the
+judge.
+
+The prison-clock had struck twelve, when I again heard softly,
+and as if from a distance, the knocking which, on the preceding day,
+so much disturbed me. I had resolved that I would pay no attention
+to this noise; but it approached nearer, and became louder. There
+were again, at measured intervals, the same divertisements of
+knocking, laughing, and groaning. I struck my hand with great vehemence
+on the table--"Be quiet!" cried I--"Silence below there!" Thus I
+thought that I should banish my persecutor, and recover my composure,
+but in vain! On the contrary, there arose instantly a sound of
+shrill discordant laughter, and once more the same detestable
+voice--"_Brüd-er-lein!--Brüd-er-lein!_[2] Up to thee! Open the door!
+Open the door!"
+
+[Footnote 2: Little brother. One of the German diminutives of
+familiarity or endearment.]
+
+Then right under me commenced a vehement rasping and scratching in the
+floor, accompanied by continuous groans and cachinnation. In vain did I
+try to write, and persuading myself that these were but illusions of the
+arch enemy, determined to hold them in contempt. The noise always became
+more intolerable, and was diversified occasionally by ponderous blows,
+so that I momentarily expected the gaolers to enter in alarm.
+
+I had risen up, and was walking with the lamp in my hand, when suddenly
+I felt the floor shake beneath my tread. I stepped aside, and then saw,
+on the spot whereon I had stood, a stone lift itself out of the
+pavement, and sink again. The phenomenon was repeated, but at the second
+time I seized hold of the stone, and easily removed it from the
+flooring.
+
+The aperture beneath was but narrow, and little or no light rose from
+the gulf. Suddenly, however, as I was gazing on it, a naked arm,
+emaciated, but muscular, with a knife, or dagger, in the hand, was
+stretched up towards me. Struck with the utmost horror, I recoiled from
+the sight. Then the stammering voice spoke from below--"Brother--brother
+Me-dar-dus is there--is there!--Take--take!--Break--break!--To the
+wood!--To the wood!"
+
+Instantly all fear and apprehension were lost. I repeated to myself,
+"Take--take!--Break--break!" for I thought only of the assistance thus
+offered me, and of flight! Accordingly I seized the weapon, which the
+hand willingly resigned to me, and began zealously to clear away the
+mortar and rubbish from the opening that had been made.
+
+The spectral prisoner below laboured also with might and main, till we
+had dislodged four or five large stones from the vault, and laid them
+aside. I had been occupied in this latter purpose, that is, in placing
+the large stones in a corner of my room, that they might not interrupt
+my work; when, on turning round, I perceived that my horrible assistant
+had raised his naked body as far as the middle, through the aperture
+that we had made. The full glare of the lamp fell on his pale features,
+which were no longer obscured as formerly, by long matted locks, or the
+overgrown grizzly beard, for these had been closely shaven. It could no
+longer be said that I was in vigorous health, while he was emaciated,
+for in that respect we were now alike. He glared on me with the grin,
+the ghastly laughter, of madness on his visage. At the first glance I
+RECOGNIZED MYSELF, and losing all consciousness and self-possession,
+fell in a deadly swoon on the pavement.
+
+From this state of insensibility I was awoke by a violent pain in the
+arm. There was a clear light around me; the rattling of chains, and
+knocking of hammers, sounded through the vault. The gaoler and his
+assistants were occupied in loading me with irons. Besides handcuffs and
+ankle-fetters, I was, by means of a chain and an iron hoop, to be
+fastened to the wall.
+
+"Now," said the gaoler, in a satisfied tone, when the workmen had
+finished, "the gentleman will probably find it advisable to give over
+troubling us with his attempts to escape for the future!"
+
+"But what crimes, then," said the blacksmith, in an under tone, "has
+this obstreperous fellow committed?"
+
+"How?" said the gaoler, "dost thou not know that much, Jonathan? The
+whole town talks of nothing else. He is a cursed Capuchin monk, who has
+murdered three men. All has been fully proved. In a few days there is to
+be a grand gala; and among other diversions, the scaffold and the wheel
+will not fail to play their part!"
+
+I heard no more, and my senses were again lost. I know not how long I
+remained in that state, from which I only painfully and with difficulty
+awoke. I was alone, and all was utter darkness; but, after some
+interval, faint gleams of daylight broke into the low deep vault,
+scarcely six feet square, into which I now, with the utmost horror,
+perceived that I had been removed from my former prison. I was tormented
+with extreme thirst, and grappled at the water-jug which stood near me.
+Cold and moist, it slipped out of my numbed hands before I had gained
+from it even one imperfect draught, and, with abhorrence, I saw a large
+overgrown toad crawl out of it as it lay on the floor. "Aurelia!" I
+groaned, in that feeling of nameless misery into which I was now
+sunk--"Aurelia!--and was it for this that I have been guilty of
+hypocrisy and abominable falsehood in the court of justice--for this
+only, that I might protract, by a few hours, a life of torment and
+misery? What would'st thou," said I to myself, "delirious wretch, as
+thou art? Thou strivest after the possession of Aurelia, who could be
+thine only through an abominable and blasphemous crime; and however thou
+might'st disguise thyself from the world, she would infallibly recognize
+in thee the accursed murderer of Hermogen, and look on thee with
+detestation. Miserable deluded fool, where are now all thy high-flown
+projects, thy belief and confidence in thine own supernatural power, by
+which thou could'st guide thy destiny even as thou wilt? Thou art wholly
+unable and powerless to kill the worm of conscience, which gnaws on the
+heart's marrow, and thou wilt shamefully perish in hopeless grief, even
+if the arm of temporal justice should spare thee!"
+
+Thus I complained aloud, but at the moment when I uttered these words, I
+felt a painful pressure on my breast, which seemed to proceed from some
+hard substance in my waistcoat pocket. I grappled with it accordingly,
+and drew out, to my surprise, a small stiletto. Never had I worn any
+such implement since I had been in the prison. It must, of necessity, be
+the same which had been held up to me by my mysterious _double_. I
+recognized the glittering heft. It was the identical stiletto with which
+I had killed Hermogen, and which, for many weeks, I had been without!
+
+Hereupon there arose in my mind an entire revolution. The inexplicable
+manner in which this weapon had been returned to me, seemed like a
+warning from supernatural agents. I had it in my power to escape at will
+from the ignominious death that awaited me. I had it in my power to die
+voluntarily for the sake of Aurelia. It seemed again as if there was a
+rushing and whispering of voices around me; and among them Aurelia's
+accents were clearly audible. I beheld her as when formerly she appeared
+to me in the church of the Capuchin Convent. "I love thee, indeed,
+Medardus," said she; "but hitherto thou understandest me not. In this
+world there is for us no hope of enjoyment; the true festival and
+solemnization of our love is--death." I now firmly resolved that I would
+demand a new audience--that I would confess to the judge, without the
+least reserve, the whole history of my wanderings, after which I would,
+in obedience to the supposed warning, have recourse to suicide.
+
+The gaoler now made his appearance, bringing me better food than usual,
+with the addition of a bottle of wine. "It is by the command of the
+Prince," said he, covering a table which his servant brought in after
+him. He then proceeded to unlock the chain by which I was bound to the
+wall.
+
+Remaining firm in my determination, I took but little notice of this,
+and earnestly requested that he would communicate to the judge my wish
+for an audience that very afternoon, as I had much to disclose that lay
+heavy on my conscience. He promised to fulfil my commission, and
+retired.
+
+Meanwhile, I waited in vain to be summoned to my trial. No one appeared
+until such time as it was quite dark, when the gaoler's servant entered
+and lighted my lamp as usual. Owing to the fixed resolution which I had
+adopted, I felt much more tranquil than before; and, as the night wore
+on, being greatly exhausted, I fell into a deep sleep.
+
+My slumber was haunted, however, by a strange and very vivid dream.
+Methought I was led into a high, gloomy, and vaulted hall, wherein I
+saw, ranged along the walls, on high-backed chairs, a double row of
+spectral figures, like clergymen, all habited in the black _talar_,[3]
+and before them was a table covered with red cloth. At their head sat a
+judge, and near him was a Dominican friar, in the full habit of his
+order.
+
+[Footnote 3: Long black robe.]
+
+"Thou art now," said the judge, in a deep solemn voice, "given over to
+the spiritual court; forasmuch as thou, obstinate and criminal as thou
+art, hast attempted to deny thy real name, and the sacred profession to
+which thou belongest. Franciscus, or, according to thy conventual name,
+Medardus, answer, Dost thou plead guilty, or not guilty, to the crimes
+of which thou hast been accused?"
+
+Hereupon I wished to confess all that I had done, which, in my own
+estimation, was sinful or blame-worthy. But, to my great horror, that
+which I uttered was not the thoughts that existed in my mind, and which
+I intended to deliver. On the contrary, instead of a sincere and
+repentant confession, I lost myself in wandering desultory gibberish,
+which sounded even in my own ears quite unpardonable.
+
+Then the Dominican rose up, and, with a frightful menacing
+look--"Away--to the rack with him," cried he, "the stiff-necked obdurate
+sinner--to the rack with him--he deserves no mercy!" The strange figures
+that were ranged along the wall rose up, stretched out their long
+skeleton arms towards me, and repeated, in a hoarse horrible
+unison--"Ay, ay!--to the rack with him--to the rack--to the rack!"
+
+Instantly I drew out my stiletto and aimed it violently towards my
+heart, but, involuntarily, it slid upwards to my throat, and striking on
+that part wherein the diamond necklace of the Abbess had left the sign
+of the cross, the blade broke in pieces as if it were made of glass, and
+left me unwounded! Then the executioner seized me, removed me from the
+audience-hall, and dragged me down into a deep subterranean vault.
+
+_There_, however, my persecutions did not cease. The man once more
+demanded of me whether I would not make a true confession? Accordingly,
+I again made an attempt to do so, but my thoughts and words, as before,
+were at variance. Deeply repentant, torn equally by shame and remorse,
+I confessed all inwardly and in spirit; but whatever my lips brought
+forth audibly, was confused, senseless, unconnected, and foreign from
+the dictates of my heart. Hereafter, upon a sign received from the
+Dominican, the executioner stripped me naked, and tied my wrists
+together behind my back. How he placed me afterwards, I know not, but I
+heard the creaking of screws and pulleys, and felt how my stretched
+joints cracked, and were ready to break asunder. In the agony of
+superhuman torture, I screamed loudly and awoke.
+
+The pain in my hands and feet continued as if I had been really on the
+rack, but this proceeded from the heavy chains which I still carried;
+yet, besides this, I found a strange pressure on my eye-lids, which, for
+some time, I was unable to lift up. At last, it seemed as if a weight
+were taken from my forehead, and I was able to raise myself on my couch.
+
+Here my nightly visions once more stepped forth into reality, and I felt
+an ice-cold shivering through every vein. Motionless like a statue, with
+his arms folded, the monk--the Dominican whom I had seen in my
+dream--stood there, and glared on me with his hollow black eyes. In
+that look, I at once recognized the expression of the horrible painter,
+and fell, half fainting, back upon my straw-bed.
+
+Yet, perhaps, thought I to myself, all this was but a delusion of my
+senses, which had its origin from a dream. I mustered courage,
+therefore--but the monk was there! He stood, as the painter had ever
+done, calm and motionless, with his relentless dark eyes fixed upon me.
+
+"Horrible man!" cried I, "Avaunt!--Away!--But no! Man thou art not. Thou
+art the devil himself, who labours to drag me into everlasting
+destruction!--Away!--I conjure thee, in the name of God, begone!"
+
+"Poor, short-sighted fool!" answered the Dominican, "I am not the fiend
+who endeavours to bind thee with his iron fetters; who seeks to turn thy
+heart from those sacred duties to which thou hast, by Divine Providence,
+been appointed!--Medardus, poor insane wanderer! I have indeed appeared
+frightful to thee, even at those moments when thou should'st have
+recognized in me thy best friend--when thou wert tottering within a
+hair's-breadth of being hurled into the eternal gulf of destruction, I
+have appeared and warned thee; but my designs have ever been perverted
+and misunderstood. Rise up, and listen to what I would now say!"
+
+The Dominican uttered this in a tone of deep melancholy and complaint.
+His looks, which I had before contemplated with such affright, were
+become relaxed and mild. My heart was roused by new and indescribable
+emotions. This painter, who had haunted me like a demon, now appeared to
+me almost like a special messenger of Providence, sent to console me in
+my extreme misery and despair.
+
+I rose from my bed, and stepped towards him. It was no phantom! I
+touched his garments. I kneeled down involuntarily, and he laid his hand
+on my head as if to bless me. Then, in the brightest colouring of
+imagination, a long train of beautiful and cherished images rose on my
+mind. I was once more within the consecrated woods of the Holy
+Lime-Tree. I stood on the self-same spot of that favourite grove, where
+the strangely-dressed pilgrim brought to me the miraculous boy. From
+hence I wished to move onwards to the church, which I saw also right
+before me. There only it appeared to me, that I might now, penitent and
+repentant, receive at last absolution of my heavy crimes. But I remained
+motionless; my limbs were powerless, and I could scarcely retain the
+feeling of self-identity.--Then a hollow voice pronounced the words,
+"The will suffices for the deed!"
+
+The dream vanished. It was the painter who had spoken these words.
+
+"Incomprehensible being!" said I, "was it then thou, who art here with
+me as a friend, who appeared leaning on the pillar on that unhappy
+morning in the Capuchin church at Königswald? At night, in the trading
+town of Frankenburg? And now----"
+
+"Stop there," said the painter; "it was I indeed who have been at all
+times near to thee, in order, if possible, to rescue thee from
+destruction and disgrace; but thy heart was hardened; thy senses were
+perverted. The work to which thou wert chosen, must, for thine own weal
+and salvation, be fulfilled."
+
+"Alas!" cried I, in a voice of despair, "why, then, didst thou not
+withhold mine arm from that accursed deed, when Hermogen----"
+
+"That was not allowed me," said the painter. "Ask no farther. The
+attempt to resist the eternal decrees of Omnipotence is not only sinful,
+but hopeless presumption. Medardus, thou now drawest near to thy
+appointed goal--_To-morrow_!"
+
+At these words I shuddered; for I thought that I completely understood
+the painter. I believed that he knew and approved my premeditated
+suicide. He now retreated towards the door of my prison.--"When," said
+I, with great earnestness, "when shall I see you again?"--"AT THE GOAL,"
+said he, in a deep, solemn tone, that reverberated through the
+vault.--"So then--_to-morrow_?" He would not answer. The door
+opened--turned silently on its hinges--and the painter had vanished.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+The faint gleams of daylight had long since made their way through the
+gloom of my wretched prison, when at last the gaoler made his appearance
+with a train of attendants, who carefully and obsequiously took off the
+fetters from my wounded arms and ankles. They announced also that I
+should be very soon led up for a final audience in the judgment-hall.
+
+The summons came accordingly. Deeply reserved, and wrapt up in my own
+thoughts, becoming always more and more accustomed to the idea of
+immediate death, I stepped into the audience-chamber. I had inwardly
+arranged my confession in such manner, that I had only a short story to
+tell, which would yet embrace every circumstance that was of importance.
+
+To my astonishment, the judge, directly on my entrance, left the bench,
+and came to meet me. I must have looked greatly emaciated and
+disfigured; for a cheerful smile, that had been at first on his
+countenance, changed itself obviously into an expression of the most
+painful sympathy and compassion. He shook hands, and made me take
+possession of a large arm-chair.
+
+"Herr von Krczinski," said he, in a solemn diplomatic tone, "I am happy
+in being able to announce to you some very agreeable intelligence. By
+the Prince's commands, all proceedings against you are this day brought
+to an end. It appears that people have hitherto confounded you with
+another person; and of their mistaken accusations, your exact personal
+likeness to that individual must bear the blame. Your innocence is now
+established beyond the possibility of doubt. Mr Krczinski, _you are
+free_!"
+
+A frightful giddiness now attacked me. The room, with all its furniture,
+seemed turning round. The figure of the judge was multiplied a thousand
+fold before mine eyes, and I fell into a swoon. When I awoke, the
+servants were rubbing my temples with eau de cologne; and I recovered so
+far, as to hear the judge read over a short _Protokoll_, stating that he
+had duly informed me of the process being given up, and of my final
+release from prison. But some indescribable feelings arising from that
+last interview with the painter, repressed all joy in my bosom. It
+seemed to me as if now, when people believed me innocent, I should
+voluntarily make a full confession of my crimes, and then plunge the
+dagger into my heart.
+
+I wished to speak; but the judge seemed to expect that I would retire,
+and I retreated towards the door. He came after me a few steps. "I have
+now," said he, in a low voice, "fulfilled my official duties, and may
+confess that, from the first time of our meeting, you interested me very
+much. Notwithstanding that appearances (as you must yourself allow) were
+so greatly against you, yet I sincerely wished that you might not turn
+out to be the horrible monster of wickedness for whom you had been
+stigmatized. I may now repeat to you, in confidence, my conviction, that
+you are no Pole: you were not born in Kwicziczwo: your name is not
+Leonard von Krczinski."
+
+With composure and firmness I answered, "No."--"Nor are you a monk,"
+said the judge, casting his eyes on the ground, that he might not seem
+to play the part of an inquisitor; but by this question I was
+irresistibly agitated.--"Listen, then," said I, in a resolute tone, "and
+I shall explain _all_."--"Nay, nay, be silent," said the judge. "What I
+surmised at first is, according to my present belief, wholly confirmed.
+I see that there is here some dark and deep mystery; and that, by some
+inexplicable game of chances, your fate is involved with that of certain
+personages of our court. But it is no longer my vocation to make
+inquiries; and I should look upon myself as a presumptuous intermeddler,
+if I wished to extort from you any of the real adventures of your life,
+of which the tenure has probably been very peculiar.
+
+"There is but one suggestion which I cannot help offering. Would it not
+be well if you were to tear yourself away from this _residenz_, where
+there is so much that is hostile to your mental repose? After what has
+happened, it is almost impossible that your abode here can be agreeable
+to you."
+
+When the judge spoke in this manner, my mind again underwent an entire
+revolution. All the dark shadows that had gathered around me were
+suddenly dissolved. The spirit of life once more, with all its
+enjoyments, vibrated through every nerve.--"Aurelia! Aurelia!--Should I
+leave this place and forsake her for ever!"
+
+The judge looked on me with an expression of the greatest
+astonishment.--"God forbid, Mr Leonard," said he, "that a very frightful
+apprehension, which has now risen up in my mind, should ever be
+fulfilled. But you know best the nature of your own plans. I shall say
+no more."
+
+The hypocritical calmness with which I now answered him, was a proof
+that my short-lived repentance was over and gone.--"So then," said I,
+"you still look upon me as guilty?"--"Permit me, sir," said the judge,
+"to keep my present fears to myself. They are, I must confess,
+unsubstantiated by proof, and are perhaps the result of imaginary
+apprehensions. It has been in the most conclusive manner proved, that
+you are not the Monk Medardus; for that very man is in his own person
+here among us, and has been recognized by the old Father Cyrillus,
+though the latter had been deceived at the trial, by the exactitude of
+your resemblance. Nay, this man does not deny that he is the Capuchin
+Medardus, for whom you were arrested. Therefore everything has happened
+that could have been desired, in order to free you from that first
+imputation."
+
+At that moment an attendant called the judge away, and thus the dialogue
+was interrupted at the very time when it began to be disagreeable to me.
+I betook myself forthwith to my old lodgings in the town, where I found
+my effects placed carefully in the same order in which I had left them.
+My papers had been put up in a sealed envelope. Only Victorin's
+_portefeuille_ and the Capuchin's hair-rope were wanting. My
+suppositions as to the importance that would be attached to the latter
+article were therefore correct.
+
+But a short time elapsed, when an equerry of the Prince made his
+appearance, with a card from the Sovereign, and the present of a very
+elegant box, set with diamonds. The card was in his usual familiar
+style. "There have been very severe measures taken against you, Mr
+Krczinski, but neither we ourselves, nor our court of justice, can
+rightly be blamed. You are inconceivably like in person to a very wicked
+and dangerous man. All now, however, has been cleared up to your
+advantage. I send you a small token of my good will, and hope that we
+shall see you soon."
+
+The good will of the Prince and his present were at this moment both
+indifferent to me. My long imprisonment had greatly enfeebled my bodily
+strength, and the extreme excitement which I had undergone, was followed
+by lassitude and relaxation. Thus I had sunk into a deep and dark
+melancholy, and looked on it as very fortunate when the physician came
+to visit me, and prescribed some remedies, which he judged absolutely
+requisite for the restoration of my health. He then, as usual, entered
+into conversation.
+
+"Is it not," said he, "a most extraordinary chance, and concatenation of
+circumstances, that, at the very moment when every one felt himself
+convinced that you were that horrible monk, who had caused such
+misfortunes in the family of the Baron von F----, this monk should
+_himself_ actually appear, and rescue you at once from the impending
+danger?"
+
+"It would oblige me," said I, "if you would inform me of the minuter
+circumstances which led to my liberation; for as yet I have only heard
+generally that the Capuchin Medardus, for whom I had been taken, had
+been found here and arrested."
+
+"Nay, it is to be observed," answered the physician, "that he did not
+come hither of his own accord, but was brought in, bound with ropes, as
+a maniac, and delivered over to the police at the very time when you
+first came to the _residenz_. By the way, it just now occurs to me that,
+on a former occasion, when I was occupied in relating to you the
+wonderful events which had happened at our court, I was interrupted,
+just as I had got to the story of this abominable Medardus, the
+acknowledged son of Francesco, and his enormous crimes at the castle of
+the Baron von F----. I shall now take up the thread of my discourse
+exactly where it was then broken off.
+
+"The sister of our reigning Princess, who, as you well know, is Abbess
+of a Cistertian monastery at Kreuzberg, once received very kindly, and
+took charge of a poor deserted woman, who, with her infant son, was
+travelling homeward, towards the south, from a pilgrimage to the Convent
+of the Holy Lime-Tree."
+
+"The woman," said I, "was Francesco's widow, and the boy was Medardus."
+
+"Quite right," answered the physician; "but how do you come to know
+this?"
+
+"The events of this Medardus's life," said I, "have indeed become known
+to me in a manner the strangest and most incredible. I am aware of them
+even up to the period when he fled from the castle of the Baron von
+F----; and of every circumstance that happened there I have received
+minute information."
+
+"But how?" said the physician; "and from whom?"
+
+"In a dream," answered I; "in a dream I have had the liveliest
+perception of all his sufferings and adventures."
+
+"You are in jest," said the physician.
+
+"By no means," replied I. "It actually seems to me, as if I had in a
+vision become acquainted with the history of an unhappy man, who, like a
+mere plaything in the hands of dark powers,--a weed cast on the waves of
+a stormy sea, had been hurled hither and thither, and driven onward from
+crime to crime. In the Holzheimer forest, which is not far from hence,
+on my way hither, the postilion, one stormy night, drove out of the
+right track, and there, in the _forst-haus_----"
+
+"Ha! now I understand you," said the physician, "there you met with the
+monk."
+
+"So it is," answered I; "but he was mad."
+
+"He does not seem to be so now," observed the physician. "Even at that
+time, no doubt, he had lucid intervals, and told you his history."
+
+"Not exactly," said I. "In the night, being unapprized of my arrival at
+the _forst-haus_, he came into my room. Perhaps it was on account of the
+extraordinary likeness existing betwixt us, that my appearance
+frightened him extremely. He probably looked upon me as his _double_,
+and believed that such an apparition of necessity announced his own
+death. Accordingly, he began to stammer out strange confessions, to
+which I listened for some time, till at last, being tired by a long
+journey, I fell asleep; but the monk, not aware of this, continued to
+speak on. I dreamed, but know not where the reality ended and the dream
+began. So far as I can recollect, it appears to me that the monk
+maintained that it could not be he who had caused the death of the
+Baroness von F---- and Hermogen, but that they had both been murdered
+by the Count Victorin."
+
+"Strange, very strange!" said the physician. "But wherefore did you
+conceal this mysterious adventure at your trial?"
+
+"How could I imagine," answered I, "that the judge would attach any
+importance to such a story? At best, it must have appeared to him a mere
+romance; and will any enlightened court of justice receive evidence
+which even borders on the visionary and supernatural?"
+
+"At least," replied the physician, "you might have at once supposed that
+people were confounding you with this insane monk, and should have
+pointed out him as the real Capuchin Medardus?"
+
+"Ay, forsooth," answered I; "and in the face of the venerable Father
+Cyrillus, (such, I believe, was his name,) an old dotard, who would
+absolutely have me, right or wrong, to be his Capuchin brother? Besides,
+it did not occur to me either that the insane monk was Medardus, or that
+the crime which he had confessed to me was the object of the present
+process. But the keeper of the _forst-haus_ told me the monk had never
+given up his name. How, then, did people here make the discovery?"
+
+"In the simplest manner," said the physician. "The monk, as you know,
+had been a considerable time with the forester. Now and then, it seemed
+as if he were completely cured; but at last he broke out again into
+insanity so frightful, that the forester was obliged to send him hither,
+where he was shut up in the mad-house. There he sat night and day, with
+staring eyes, and motionless as a statue. He never uttered a word, and
+must be fed, as he never moved a hand. Various methods were tried to
+rouse him from this lethargy, but in vain; and his attendants were
+afraid to try severe measures, for fear of bringing back his outrageous
+madness.
+
+"A few days ago, the forester's eldest son came to the _residenz_, and
+desired admittance into the mad-house, to see the monk, which,
+accordingly, was granted him. Quite shocked at the hopeless state in
+which he found the unhappy man, he was leaving the prison, just as
+Father Cyrillus, from the Capuchin Convent in Königswald, happened to be
+going past. He spoke to the latter, and begged of him to visit a poor
+unhappy brother, who was shut up here, as, perhaps, the conversation of
+one of his own order might be beneficial to the maniac.
+
+"To this Cyrillus agreed; but as soon as he saw the monk, he started
+back, with a loud exclamation--'Medardus!' cried he; 'unhappy Medardus!'
+And at that name the monk, who before scarcely shewed signs of life,
+began to open his eyes, and attend to what went forward. He even rose
+from his seat; but had scarcely done so, when, seemingly overpowered by
+his cruel malady, (of which he was himself not unconscious,) he uttered
+a strange hollow cry, and fell prostrate on the ground.
+
+"Cyrillus, accompanied by the forester's son and others, went directly
+to the judge by whom you had been tried, and announced this new
+discovery. The judge went back with them to the prison, where they found
+the monk in a state of great weakness; but (judging by his conversation)
+not at all under the influence of delirium. He confessed that he was
+Medardus, from the Capuchin Convent in Königswald; and Cyrillus agreed
+on his side, that your inconceivable resemblance to this Medardus had
+completely deceived him.
+
+"Now, however, he remarked many circumstances of language, tone, and
+gesture, in which Mr Leonard differed from the real Capuchin. What is
+most of all remarkable is, that they discovered on the neck of the
+madman the same mark, in the form of a cross, to which so much
+importance was attached at your trial. Several questions also were now
+put to the monk, as to the horrid incidents at the castle of the Baron
+von F----, to which the only answers they could then obtain were in
+broken exclamations. 'I am, indeed,' said he, 'an accursed and abandoned
+criminal; but I repent deeply of all that I have done. Alas! I allowed
+myself to be cheated, by temptations of the devil, out of my own reason,
+and out of my immortal soul. Let my accusers but have some compassion on
+me, and allow me time--I shall confess all.'
+
+"The Prince being duly advised of what had happened, commanded that the
+proceedings against you should be brought to an end, and that you should
+be immediately released from prison. This is the history of your
+liberation. The monk has been brought from the mad-house into one of the
+dungeons for criminals."
+
+"And has he yet confessed all? Is he the murderer of Euphemia, Baroness
+von F----, and of Hermogen? How stands public belief with regard to the
+Count Victorin?"
+
+"So far as I know," said the physician, "the trial of the monk was only
+to begin this day. As to Count Victorin, it appears that nothing farther
+must be said of him. Whatever connection those former events at our
+court may seem to have with the present, all is to remain in mystery and
+oblivion."
+
+"But," said I, "how the catastrophe at the Baron's castle can be
+connected with these events at your Prince's court, I am unable to
+perceive."
+
+"Properly," answered the physician, "I allude more to the dramatis
+personæ than to the incidents."
+
+"I do not understand you," said I.
+
+"Do you not remember," said the physician, "my relation of the
+circumstances attending the Duke's death?"
+
+"Certainly," answered I.
+
+"Has it not then become clear to you," resumed the doctor, "that
+Francesco entertained a criminal attachment towards the Italian
+Countess? That it was he who made his entrance secretly into the bridal
+chamber, and who poniarded the Duke? Victorin, as you know, was the
+off-spring of that crime. He and Medardus, therefore, are sons of one
+father. Victorin has vanished from the world, without leaving a trace of
+his fate. All inquiries after him have been in vain."
+
+"The monk," said I, "hurled him down into the Devil's Abyss, amid the
+Thuringian mountains. Curses on the delirious fratricide!"
+
+Softly, at the moment after I had pronounced these words, there came on
+my ears, from underneath the floor whereon we stood, the same measured
+knocking which I had heard in my dungeon. Whether this were imagination
+or reality, the effect on my feelings was the same. I could not contend
+against the horror which now seized me. The physician seemed neither to
+remark my agitation, nor the mysterious noise.
+
+"What!" said he, "did the monk then confess to you that Victorin also
+fell by his hand?"
+
+"Yes," answered I. "At least I drew this conclusion from various
+passages in his confused and broken confessions--connecting them also in
+my own mind with the sudden disappearance of Victorin. Woe--woe to the
+relentless fratricide!"
+
+The knocking was now more powerful. There was again a
+moaning and sobbing. Methought a shrill laughter sounded
+through the air, and I heard the same stammering
+voice--"Me-dar-dus--Me-dar-dus!--He--he--he--Help,
+help!--He--he--he--Help, help!"--I was amazed that the physician
+took no notice of this, but he quietly resumed.
+
+"An extraordinary degree of mystery seems to rest upon Francesco's
+appearance at our court. It is highly probable that he also was related
+to our Prince's house. This much; at least, is certain, that Euphemia,
+Baroness von F----, was the daughter----"
+
+With a tremendous stroke, so that the bolts and hinges seemed broken
+into splinters, methought the door flew open, and I heard the voice of
+the spectre absolutely scream with laughter. I could not bear this any
+longer. "Ho--ho--ho! _Brüd-er-lein!_" cried I. "Here am I--Here am
+I!--Come on--come on quickly, if thou would'st fight with me--Now the
+owl holds his wedding-feast, and we shall mount to the roof, and contend
+with each other. There the weather-cock sings aloud, and he who knocks
+the other down, is king, and may drink blood!"
+
+"How now?" cried the physician, starting up, and seizing me by the arm.
+"What the devil is all that? You are ill, Mr Leonard, dangerously ill.
+Away--away with you to bed!"
+
+I continued, however, staring at the open door, momentarily expecting
+that it would open, and that my horrible _double_ would enter _in
+propria persona_. Nothing appeared, however, and I soon recovered from
+the delirium and horror which had seized upon me.
+
+The physician insisted that I was much worse than I supposed myself to
+be, and attributed all the mental derangement and wildness that I had
+betrayed, to the effects of my long imprisonment, and the agitation
+which, on account of my trial, I must have undergone.
+
+I submissively used whatever sedative remedies he prescribed; but what
+most of all contributed to my recovery was, that the horrible knocking
+was not heard any more, and that the intolerable _double_ seemed to have
+forsaken me altogether.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+The delightful season of spring had now once more returned. Every
+morning the birds serenaded me at the window of my lodgings, which were
+in a garden-house, near a street called the Parterre, not far from the
+river. Doubtless, the year is never so delightful and interesting as
+when all things are yet undeveloped, and in their prime; when the
+gardener is yet going about, with his hatchet, and bill-hook, and large
+sheers, lopping the branches, though the flourishing boughs are already
+redolent of green buds, that give out their fresh odours in the warm
+sun. One says to himself--Let the gardener, or pruner, do his worst--let
+him remove every unprofitable branch, so that the daylight may fall into
+the most secret recesses, where the loves of a former year have been
+celebrated and are gone by, yet the trees will, ere long, be in their
+full luxuriance--all that he has lopped away will soon be more than
+amply replaced.
+
+It is the season of hope and bright anticipations. Every new flower that
+rises from the teeming earth, and every bright green leaf that breaks
+forth along the southern slope of the forest, calls forth responsive
+feelings of buoyancy and delight in the soul.
+
+Thus it happened, that one morning the vernal sun darted his unclouded
+golden gleams into my chamber. Sweet odours of flowers streamed through
+the open window, for the wind was in the south-west. The birds, as
+usual, cheered me with their songs.
+
+An irresistible longing urged me to go forth, and wander at will through
+the open country. Despising, therefore, the directions of my physician,
+I dressed, went down stairs, and betook myself, in the first place, to
+the Prince's park. There the trees and shrubs, rustling with their
+new-born green leaves, greeted the weakly convalescent. It seemed as if
+I had just awoke from a long and heavy dream; and deep sighs were the
+inexpressive tokens of rapture which I breathed forth, amid the joyous
+carolling of birds, the humming of insects, and gladness of all nature.
+
+Ay, life itself now appeared to me like a heavy and frightful dream, not
+only for the time lately passed, but through the whole interval since I
+had left the convent. I now found myself in a walk, shaded by dark
+platanus trees, which give out their green leaves very early in the
+year; and gradually I became lost in reverie. Methought I was once more
+in the garden of the Capuchin Convent at Königswald. Out of the distant
+thickets rose already the well-known lofty crucifix, at which I had so
+often prayed with fervent devotion for strength to resist all
+temptation.
+
+The cross seemed to me to be now that only goal, after which I ought to
+strive; _there_, prostrate in the dust, to do penance for the sinful
+dreams in which I had indulged, for the guilty delusions into which I
+had been led by the Arch-fiend. I stepped forward, therefore, with my
+clasped hands lifted up, and with my eyes fixed upon the cross.
+Methought I heard the pious hymns of the monks borne upon the air; but
+it was only the mysterious voice of the woods, where the wind was up
+amid the yet dry branches and the verdant foliage.
+
+Its influence was more than in my weakly condition I could yet bear. I
+was soon obliged to support myself against a tree, and even to lie down
+on the turf: yet I never lost sight of the cross, but collecting my
+whole strength, rose again, and tottered on. However, I could only reach
+a rustic moss-seat, in front of the consecrated thicket, where, like a
+weak old man, I sat languidly down, and in hollow groans tried to
+lighten the anguish of my oppressed heart.
+
+How long I remained in this situation, I know not. But at last I heard a
+rustling, and the sounds of light steps on the walk. Instinctively, I
+knew whom I was to expect--AURELIA! Scarcely had I formed the thought,
+when, turning the corner of an opposite walk leading towards the seat,
+she stood visibly before me!
+
+Description here fails me, nor indeed have I in this narrative often
+attempted to describe. Tears glistened in her heavenly blue eyes; but
+through those tears gleamed a kindling light of love, which was,
+perhaps, foreign to the saint-like character of Aurelia. This
+expression, however, reminded me at once of that mysterious visitant of
+the confessional, whom in my cherished dreams I had so often beheld.
+Aurelia advanced towards me. She accepted my proffered hand. "Can you,"
+said she in a low voice--"Can you ever forgive me?"
+
+Then losing all self-possession, I threw myself on the ground before
+her. I seized her hand, and bathed it with my tears.--"Aurelia,
+Aurelia!" cried I, "for thy sake, gladly would I endure martyrdom!--I
+would die a thousand deaths!" I felt myself gently lifted up. It was
+Aurelia who raised me, and who afterwards sunk into my arms. I scarcely
+know how these moments passed. Probably our interview was short, for I
+remember only these words--"All my best hopes are now fulfilled--all the
+mysterious fears that have haunted me are at an end!--But see! we are
+observed." She quickly disengaged herself from my embrace, and I saw the
+Princess coming up one of the walks. Not wishing at present to venture
+an interview with one whom I had never dared to look on as a friend, I
+retired into the thicket, where I discovered that the object which I had
+mistaken for a crucifix, was only the grey withered stem of an old
+pollard willow.
+
+From that moment, I no longer felt any effects of my severe illness, far
+less any influence of melancholy. The kiss of reconciliation which I had
+thus received from Aurelia, inspired me with new life; and it seemed as
+if, for the first time, I enjoyed the mysterious raptures of which even
+this our terrestrial existence is susceptible. For the first time, I
+knew the happiness of mutual love! I stood upon the highest pinnacle of
+worldly fortune, and my path must, from henceforth, lead downwards, in
+order to conduct me to that goal which the powers of darkness had seemed
+to mark out for my final destination.
+
+It was a dream of happiness like this to which I alluded, when I before
+painted the delights of my first meeting again with Aurelia at the
+Prince's court. Then I addressed myself to thee, oh stranger! who may
+one day read these pages. I requested thee to recall the bright sunny
+days of thy first love, and to imagine that dark disappointment had
+annihilated every prospect painted for thee by the fairy hands of
+Hope--then would'st thou be able to sympathize with the unhappy monk,
+who, in his solitary prison, moaning over the remembrance of his early
+visions, lay the victim of despair. Yet once more I beg of you to
+recall that happy time--but now let there be no thought nor apprehension
+of disappointment--and I need not then attempt to describe to thee the
+supernatural light that was now shed on my path by my fortunate love. No
+gloomy thoughts had longer any influence over my mind; I began even to
+entertain a firm conviction that I was not the reckless criminal who, at
+the Baron's castle, had killed Hermogen and Euphemia, but that it was
+actually the delirious monk whom I had met at the _forst-haus_, that had
+been the culprit.
+
+All, therefore, that I had said to the physician appeared to me no
+longer the fiction of my own brain, but the true narrative of events
+which to myself remained mysterious and inexplicable. The Prince had
+received me with the utmost kindness as a valued friend, whom he had
+believed lost, and by whose unexpected return he had been greatly
+rejoiced. This conduct of the Sovereign naturally gave the tone to that
+of all my former acquaintances at court; only the Princess seemed still
+to look upon me with coldness and reserve.
+
+I had now the opportunity of daily meetings with Aurelia, nor did any
+one venture remarks on our attachment. Many times our interviews were
+without witnesses; but on these occasions her saint-like purity,
+mildness, and timidity of character, which I could not but observe,
+inspired me with an involuntary awe and reverence. I felt that she
+placed in me implicit confidence, and with no one, not even with the
+nearest relation, could such meetings have been more safe.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For several days I had not seen Aurelia. She had gone with the Princess
+to a neighbouring summer-house in the forest. At last I could not bear
+her absence, but determined on a pedestrian excursion thither.
+
+When I arrived, it was already late in the evening. The sun had declined
+in red effulgence in the west. The air was filled with the odoriferous
+breath of young leaves and flowers, and the woods resounded with the
+sweetest notes of unnumbered nightingales. The approach to the
+Princess's country-house was through a very long avenue of magnificent
+pine-trees, whose massy down-hanging branches swept the ground, waving
+in the balmy evening breeze with a mysterious murmur; and,
+notwithstanding all the enchantments of the hour and scene, methought I
+almost heard a warning voice pronounce the word, "Beware!" whereupon I
+only quickened my pace, and with a beating heart arrived at the
+garden-gate of the summer-house.
+
+In the garden I met with one of the maids of honour, who pointed out to
+me the wing of the chateau in which were Aurelia's apartments, for I by
+no means wished to encounter the Princess. Softly I opened the door of
+the anti-room, from which the warm breath of flowers and exotic plants
+greeted me with their almost too-powerful fragrance. Remembrance was
+busy with her dim illusions. "Is not this," said I, "the _identical_
+chamber of Aurelia at the Baron's castle, where, on that fatal
+night----" Scarcely had I formed this idea, when methought a dark form
+reared itself up in gigantic height behind me, and, with terror that
+shook my inmost heart, I heard a voice pronounce the name, "Hermogen!"
+
+Losing all self-possession, I tottered onwards. I intended to knock, but
+the door of the cabinet was ajar, and I saw Aurelia kneeling at a
+_tabourett_, on which there was an open book, and above it a crucifix. I
+looked back trembling, to see if the spectre was yet there, but it was
+now vanished; then, in a tone of rapture, though not such as to alarm
+her, I called out, "Aurelia--Aurelia!" "Is it possible," said she,
+softly--"Leonard, my beloved, how came you hither?" She arose, and in
+the next moment was folded in my arms. Her luxuriant hair hung
+dishevelled over my head and shoulder. I felt her heart beat, and saw
+her eyes gleam with unwonted fire; but at that moment there was a noise
+behind us as if from the strong and powerful beating of wings. A moan
+like the death-cry of one mortally wounded, sounded through the chamber.
+"Hermogen!" cried Aurelia, and sunk fainting out of my arms. I placed
+her on the sofa, but, in a voice of horror, she cried to me,
+"Away--away! I command, I beseech you, begone!"
+
+Scarcely knowing what I did, I left the room, and soon afterwards found
+myself, unawares, in the entrance-hall of the ground-floor, where I was
+met by the Princess. She looked at me gravely and haughtily. "Mr
+Leonard," said she, "I am indeed not a little surprised to find you
+here--What means this intrusion?" By a violent effort, combating my
+distraction, I stammered out some incoherent apologies, by which I
+perceived, from the looks of the Princess, that she was by no means
+satisfied. On the contrary, I durst not venture to remain longer in the
+house, but, after a hasty obeisance, betook myself to the front-gate,
+and departed.
+
+As I passed once more through the darkness amid the waving pine-trees,
+methought I no longer walked alone! On the contrary, it seemed to me as
+if some person ran all the way very near me, keeping time with my steps,
+and as if I heard a stammering voice, which pronounced the words,
+"Ev-er--ev-er am I with thee! Broth-er--broth-er Me-dar-dus! Go whither
+thou wilt, east, north, or south, I am ever with thee!"
+
+Hereupon I paused and looked round me; I became convinced that this
+horrible _double_, by whom I was haunted, had his existence only in my
+own disturbed imagination. However, I could by no means get rid of the
+frightful image; he continued to run along by my side, and to speak with
+me at intervals, till at last it seemed to me as if I must actually
+enter into conversation, and relate to him the recent adventures of my
+life. Accordingly, I confessed that I had just now been very foolish,
+and had allowed myself once more to be terrified by the insane Hermogen;
+however, that St Rosalia should now very soon be irrevocably mine, and
+that, for her sake only, I had become a monk, and received the
+investiture and consecration.
+
+Then my detestable _double_ laughed and groaned as he had before done,
+and stuttered out--"But lose no time--lose no time--Quick-ly, quick-ly!"
+
+"Nay, have a little patience," said I, "and all will go well. Only, the
+blow that I struck Hermogen has not been deep enough. He has got one of
+those damned protecting crosses in the throat, even as thou hast, and I
+have! But my stiletto, which thou hast preserved for me, is still sharp
+and bright!"--"He--he--he!--He--he--he!--Strike him well, then--strike
+him well!" Such were the accents of my infernal companion, amid the dark
+rushing of the pine-tree woods; nor did they end there. The same
+persecution accompanied me almost the whole way homeward into town,
+until at last, the fresh morning wind cooled the burning fever of my
+brow, and a roseate splendour advancing in the east, announced the dawn
+of a new vernal day.
+
+I had enjoyed only about two hours' broken rest at my lodgings, when I
+received a summons to attend the Prince. I betook myself immediately to
+the palace, where he received me very cordially.
+
+"In truth, Mr Leonard," he began, "you have won my good opinion in the
+highest degree. I cannot conceal from you that my prepossessions in your
+favour have ripened into real friendship. I should be sorry to lose you,
+and would rejoice in contributing to your happiness. Besides, it is our
+duty to atone to you as much as possible, for all that you have been
+made to suffer among us. By the way, Mr Leonard, do you know what was
+the direct cause of the process against you--that is, who first accused
+you?"
+
+"No, sire," answered I.
+
+"Baroness Aurelia," said the Prince,--"you are astonished. Nay, it is
+very true, Baroness Aurelia, Mr Leonard, mistook you for a
+Capuchin."--(He laughed heartily.)--"Now, if you are a Capuchin, you are
+certainly the politest and best-favoured of that order that has ever
+fallen under my notice. Say, in truth, Mr Leonard, have you ever been a
+monk?"
+
+"Sire," answered I, "I know not by what wicked fatality I am always to
+be transformed into a monk; but----"
+
+"Well, well!" interrupted the Prince, "I am no inquisitor. It would be a
+serious disaster, however, if you were bound by any clerical vows. But
+to the point--Would you not like to have your revenge on Aurelia for the
+mischief that she has brought on you?"
+
+"In what mortal's breast," said I, "would such a thought as that of
+revenge arise against the amiable Baroness?"
+
+"Do you not love Aurelia?" said the Prince.
+
+I was silent, but replied by an expressive gesture, laying my hand on my
+heart.
+
+"I know it," resumed his highness. "You have loved this young lady since
+that moment when she, for the first time, made her appearance here with
+the Princess. Your affection is returned, and indeed with a fervour of
+which I scarcely believed the mild Aurelia to be capable. The Princess
+has told me all, and I know that she lives only for you. Would you
+believe, that after your imprisonment, Aurelia gave herself up to a mood
+of utter despondency, and became at last so ill, that we entertained
+serious apprehensions for her life? She at that time looked upon you as
+the murderer of her brother, and her grief, therefore, appeared to us
+unaccountable; but the truth was, that even then she loved you.
+
+"Now, Mr Leonard, or Mr von Krczinski, (for you are by birth noble,) I
+shall fix you at the court in a manner that will be agreeable to you.
+You shall marry Aurelia, and in a few days we shall solemnize the
+betrothment. I myself will act in place of the bride's father.
+Meanwhile, adieu!" The Prince, in his usual abrupt manner, then left the
+audience-chamber.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+Aurelia my wife!--the wife of a perjured and apostate monk! It may seem
+incredible that my mind could undergo so many changes; but it is
+nevertheless true, that though this idea had so long been cherished, and
+had been familiar to myself, yet now, when I for the first time heard it
+announced by another, it was attended by a clear perception of its
+unfitness, and the almost utter unfeasibility of its realization. No!
+said I to myself, the dark powers by whom my actions have been
+instigated, whatever else of evil they may have in store, cannot have
+resolved on this! I endeavoured to combat these fears, but in vain; and
+yet to determine on voluntary separation from Aurelia was impossible.
+
+It was the idea of the marriage ceremony, which filled me with a degree
+of terror to myself inexplicable. I believed, indeed, that if the
+perjured monk dared to kneel before the altar, making a mockery of
+sacred vows, then, of necessity, the figure of that spectral omnipresent
+painter, not with a demeanour mild and friendly as in the prison, but
+announcing vengeance and destruction, would appear--as at Francesco's
+marriage--to overwhelm me with disgrace and misery.
+
+But then methought I heard, in a deep solemn tone, the words, "And yet
+must Aurelia be thine! Weak-minded fool! How durst thou think of
+changing that destiny which hangs over her and thee?" Scarcely were
+these words uttered, when another voice rose within me--"Down--down!
+throw thyself into the dust, thou blind wicked mortal! Never can she be
+thine!--It is the blessed St Rosalia herself, whom thou madly think'st
+to clasp in the embraces of terrestrial passion!"
+
+Thus utterly at variance with myself, tost hither and thither by
+contending impulses, I had left the palace, and wandered through the
+park, in a state of such distraction, that, to arrive at any rational
+plan for my future conduct, was wholly impossible. Past and gone was now
+that happier mood, in which I had looked upon my whole former life, and
+especially on my adventures at the Baron's castle, as a frightful
+dream! On the contrary, I saw in myself only a base criminal, and
+hypocritical deceiver. All that I had said to the physician and the
+judge was only a collection of foolish and badly invented falsehoods, by
+no means inspired, as I had before persuaded myself, by any supernatural
+voice, but the off-spring of my own feeble ingenuity.
+
+Lost and wrapt up in these bitter reflections, I was hurrying through
+the streets towards my lodgings, when I was overtaken by one of the
+Prince's carriages, which immediately stopped. I heard my own name
+pronounced aloud, and saw that I was beckoned to by the physician, who
+alighted, and immediately took me with him to his apartments.
+
+"What means all this?" said he, "you violent unreasonable man! You have
+thought proper, it seems, to make your appearance like a ghost to the
+Baroness Aurelia, in the gloom of night too, so suddenly, that the poor
+nervous young lady has been almost frightened out of her senses, and has
+been attacked by serious indisposition--Well, well," (continued he,
+perceiving a change in my countenance,) "I must not frighten you. Her
+illness has not lasted long. She has again been out walking, and will
+return to-morrow with the Princess into town. Of you, Mr Leonard, the
+Baroness has in confidence said much to me. She longs greatly to see you
+again, and to excuse herself; for she allows, that her conduct at your
+last visit, must have appeared to you both childish and silly."
+
+When I reflected on what had really passed at the summer-house, I was at
+a loss how to interpret these expressions of Aurelia. The physician,
+however, gave me no time to brood over this, but indulged in his usual
+vein of loquacity. He gave me to understand, that he was perfectly aware
+of the Prince's views for my advancement in rank, and marriage with
+Aurelia. Hereupon reverting to her late fit of nervous irritability, he
+gave, wickedly enough, such a caricature (for he was an excellent mimic)
+of her conduct and expressions, when he had arrived express at the
+summer-house, contrasting these also, with the grave ceremonious
+_hauteur_ of the Princess, that I was forced, even against my will, to
+laugh, (for the good humour of the physician was infectious,) and
+gradually recovered a degree of cheerfulness, which, but a few minutes
+before, I had supposed lost for ever.
+
+"Could the imagination of any man," said the physician, "have
+anticipated, when you came to our _residenz_, that so many wonderful
+events would, in so short a time, have taken place: First, the absurd
+misunderstanding which brought you as a criminal before the Justiciary
+Court--Then the truly enviable fortune which has acquired for you the
+special friendship and patronage of the Prince!"
+
+"His highness," said I, "no doubt treated me from the first with marked
+condescension and politeness. As to the advances that I have lately made
+in his good graces, I ascribe this to his recollection of the unjust
+prosecution by which I suffered, and which he is now desirous to atone
+for."
+
+"The Prince's favour," said the physician, "perhaps is not owing so much
+to this, as to another circumstance, which you, no doubt, can guess."
+
+"I cannot," answered I.
+
+"The people, it is true," resumed the physician, "continue to give you
+the same name which you assumed on your first arrival. Every one knows,
+however, that you are by birth noble, as the intelligence which has been
+received from Poland confirms all that you had asserted!"
+
+"Admitting this intelligence to have been received," said I, "I know not
+why it should have any influence on my reception at court, since, at my
+first introduction there, I declared that I had no pretensions to any
+rank beyond that of a citizen _particulier_, and yet was treated by all
+with kindness, and even respect."
+
+To this the physician replied, by a harangue, which lasted nearly an
+hour, on the true principles which regulate the distinction of ranks;
+and the lecture being delivered with his usual vivacity, had at least
+the beneficial effect of engaging my attention, and putting to flight
+the gloomy thoughts by which I had been overwhelmed. I could not but
+feel also a kind of triumph at the manner in which I had again seemed to
+rule over my own destiny, as by accidentally choosing the Polish name of
+Kwicziczwo in conversation with the old lady, on the evening of my first
+presentation at court, I had created for myself that patent of nobility
+which induced the Prince to bestow on me the Baroness in marriage.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+As soon as I ascertained that the Princess was returned to the palace, I
+hastened to Aurelia, and immediately obtained an interview. The desire
+to excuse herself for the needless and capricious agitation, to which
+she had given way on my last visit, gave a new tone to her voice and
+manner, and new expression to her eyes, so that her timidity being less,
+I could once more say to myself, "The prize will yet be thine!" Tears
+glistened in her beautiful eyes, and her tone was that of earnest and
+plaintive supplication.
+
+Still haunted by the idea of my spectral _double_, I wished to learn
+from her explicitly what had been the real cause of her terror.
+"Aurelia," said I, "I conjure you by all the saints, tell me what
+horrible phantom was it that then appeared to you?" At this question she
+gazed at me with obvious astonishment--her looks became always more and
+more fixed, as if in deep thought--then suddenly started up as if to go,
+but stood irresolute. At last, with both hands pressed on her eyes, she
+sobbed out--"No--no--no;--It is not--it cannot be he!"--
+
+Unconsciously she allowed me to support her to a chair, into which she
+sank down exhausted. "For God's sake, Aurelia, who is it that you mean?"
+cried I, though I had already dark anticipations of what was passing
+through her mind. "Alas!" said she, "my beloved friend, were I to
+confess to you the whole truth, would you not look on me as an insane
+visionary? A horrible phantom accompanies me through life, and mars, by
+its irresistible influence, every enjoyment, even at the times when I
+should otherwise be most happy. At our very first meeting, this
+frightful dream hovered, as if on dark wings, over me, spreading an
+ice-cold atmosphere of death around us, where there should have
+prevailed only a buoyant spirit of cheerfulness and hope.
+
+"In like manner, when you came into my room at the Princess's
+country-house, the same evil power acquired its full dominion over me.
+But this persecution is not without its especial cause. Precisely in the
+same manner in which you entered my apartments, though at a later hour
+of the night, an accursed monk of the Capuchin order once surprised me.
+Spare me the repetition of what then occurred. Suffice it, that he
+became the murderer of my brother; and _now_, your features--your tone
+of voice--your figure--But no more--no more of this--let me be silent on
+that subject for ever, and forgive, if possible, my weakness in this
+betrayal!"
+
+Aurelia reclined on the sofa on which I had placed her, and seemed
+unconscious of that freedom with which I now contemplated the exquisite
+contour of her shape, and the angelic beauty of her features. Once
+more--all better inspirations--all doubts and fears vanished from my
+mind--with a fiendlike scorn and contempt, I said in a low voice--"Thou
+unhappy _fated_ girl! Thou bought and sold of Satan! Thou, forsooth,
+believest that thou hast escaped from thine old enemy--from the Capuchin
+monk, who long ago would have led thee on to ruin and despair! But
+_now_, thou art his bride; and in unconscious mockery of the religion
+which thou cherishest, art doomed to kneel with him at the altar of the
+Most High!"
+
+The powers of darkness had, for a time, acquired over me supreme
+dominion. I exulted over Aurelia as my devoted prey, and began to think,
+like a professed libertine, that her destruction would form the noblest
+epoch in my life. Our present interview, however, was not suffered to be
+of long duration, for Aurelia was summoned to attend the Princess, and I
+was left alone. Her expressions in apologizing for her conduct at the
+Princess's _chateau_, had convinced me that there existed some mystery
+betwixt us, of the nature of which I was yet unaware, and which I had
+not the means of unravelling, for I perceived that there was no chance
+of inducing Aurelia to speak more explicitly on the subject.
+
+Accident soon after revealed to me that which she had been so determined
+to conceal. One day I happened to be in the apartment of that officer of
+the court, whose business it was to take charge of the receipt and
+delivery of letters. He was suddenly called out, when Aurelia's
+waiting-maid came with a large packet, and placed it among others which
+were already on the table. A fleeting glance confirmed me that the
+hand-writing was that of the Baroness, and I perceived that the
+superscription was to the Abbess of the Cistertian Nunnery at
+Kreuzberg. With the rapidity of lightning the thought vibrated through
+me, that this packet would afford the key to many yet unexplored
+mysteries, and before the officer returned, I had retired, and taken
+with me Aurelia's letter--of which now follows a transcript--
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+
+     "BARONESS AURELIA VON F----, to the Abbess
+     of the Cistertian Convent at Kreuzberg:--
+
+     "My dear kind Mother--How shall I find adequate words to announce
+     to you that your daughter is fortunate and happy--that at length
+     the horrid spectre is banished, whose terrific influence, blighting
+     every flower, and clouding every sun-gleam, had, for a long
+     interval, rendered her existence utterly wretched!
+
+     "But now self-reproach falls heavy on my heart. When after my
+     unhappy brother's death, and when my father perished from grief and
+     disappointment, you received and supported me during my otherwise
+     hopeless affliction, I ought then, not only to have confessed my
+     sins, but to have acquainted you fully and explicitly with the
+     strange and mysterious impressions, by which my tranquillity had
+     been broken.
+
+     "I was unwilling, however, to disturb you by a detail, which would
+     have seemed rather like the fantastic illusions of a disordered
+     imagination, than reality, and of which the malignant influence
+     then admitted of no cure nor antidote. Circumstances are now
+     changed, and I can freely write to you of that secret, which has so
+     long been deeply concealed in my own breast. It seems to me,
+     indeed, as if that mysterious power by whom I have been haunted,
+     had mocked, like a demon, at my every prospect of happiness! I have
+     been tost about hither and thither, as if on the waves of a stormy
+     sea, and left ever and anon to perish without hope of rescue! Yet
+     Heaven has almost miraculously assisted me, even at the moment when
+     I was on the point of being irrecoverably lost.
+
+     "In order to render my disclosures intelligible, I must look back
+     to the period of my earliest recollections, for even at that time,
+     the foundation was laid in my heart of those apprehensions which
+     have since grown with my growth, and strengthened with my strength.
+
+     "It happened when I was only about four years old, that one day,
+     when the spring season was at its brightest and loveliest, I was
+     busily engaged with Hermogen at play in the castle gardens.
+     Hermogen had run about supplying me with a thousand varieties of
+     flowers, which he also assisted me to weave into garlands, with
+     which I adorned myself, till being completely decked out like a
+     fairy queen, and covered with flowers, I said, 'Now, let me go!--I
+     must shew myself to my mother!'
+
+     "Hermogen, as you know, was older than I was, and exercised a kind
+     of authority over his sister. At these words of mine, he started
+     up, 'Stay here, Aurelia,' said he, in a commanding voice--'Thy
+     mother is in her blue closet, and speaks with the devil!' I could
+     not tell what my brother meant by this, but, quite overcome with
+     terror, I began to weep bitterly--'Foolish Aurelia,' said Hermogen,
+     'wherefore weepest thou?--Your mother speaks every day with the
+     devil. But let us keep out of his way, and he will do us no harm!'
+     He spoke, and looked angrily, so that I was obliged to be silent.
+
+     "My mother was even then in very feeble health--she was attacked
+     often by frightful convulsions, which left her in a state of
+     deathlike weakness. This happened once in presence of Hermogen,
+     and myself. We were ordered out of the room, and I wept bitterly;
+     but Hermogen only said, 'It is the devil that has done this to
+     her!'
+
+     "Thus the belief was firmly impressed on my mind, that my mother
+     every day held conversations with some frightful spectre, whom,
+     even to look upon, would, to any one else, be death. (As to
+     religious instructions, they were, of course, yet wholly beyond my
+     comprehension.) One day, after rambling through the castle, I was
+     horrified to find myself alone in the blue cabinet which had been
+     alluded to by Hermogen.
+
+     "I should instantly have taken refuge in flight, but my mother came
+     in with a deadly paleness on her countenance, and without observing
+     me, (for I stood in a corner,) in a deep melancholy tone, she
+     pronounced the name, 'Francesco--Francesco!' There was then a
+     strange rustling and rattling behind the oak pannels of the wall.
+     The boards began to move, and drew themselves asunder. I then saw a
+     full-length portrait, so admirably painted, that it had all the
+     animation of life, representing a man in a foreign dress, with a
+     dark violet-coloured mantle.
+
+     "The figure and expressive countenance of this unknown, made on me
+     an indescribable impression, which I never afterwards forgot. My
+     admiration was such that I could no longer be silent, but uttered
+     an exclamation of joy, which, for the first time, made my mother
+     aware of my presence. Her temper, which was generally mild and
+     equable, was now more ruffled than on any former occasion.--'What
+     would'st thou here, Aurelia?' said she, in an angry tone; 'who
+     brought thee hither?'--'They left me all alone,' cried I, bursting
+     into tears. 'I know not how I came hither, and had no wish to be
+     here!'
+
+     "Meanwhile the pannels were again put in motion, and the portrait
+     disappeared.--'Alas!' said I, 'the beautiful picture--Mother,
+     dearest mother, why is it gone?'--The Baroness lifted me up in her
+     arms, and caressed me.--'Thou art my dear good child,' said she;
+     'but no one must see that picture, nor speak of its having been
+     there. It is now gone, Aurelia, and will never come again!'
+
+     "Accordingly, as long as I remembered this warning, I intrusted to
+     no one what I had observed in the mysterious blue cabinet. Only to
+     Hermogen, I once said--'Dearest brother, it is not with the devil,
+     as you supposed, that our mother speaks, but with a young handsome
+     man. However, he is only a picture, and starts out of the wall when
+     she calls for him.'--'The devil,' answered Hermogen, with a fixed
+     serious look, 'may look as he will,--so says our father confessor.
+     But as to the Baroness, he dare no longer trouble her!'--Horror
+     seized on me at these words, and I begged of Hermogen, that he
+     never would speak of the devil again.
+
+     "Soon after this we went to the _residenz_, and the picture
+     _almost_ vanished from my remembrance; nor did I think of it till
+     after my mother's death, when we came back to the country. The wing
+     of the castle in which was that blue cabinet, remained uninhabited.
+     Here had been my late mother's favourite apartments; and my father
+     could not enter them without suffering from the most painful
+     recollections.
+
+     "At last, after an interval of several years, it became necessary
+     to order some repairs in that wing; and being now in my fourteenth
+     year, restless and wild, I happened to come into the blue cabinet,
+     just at the time when the workmen were about to tear up the floor.
+     When one of them was in the act of lifting a heavy table, which
+     stood in the middle of the room, there was a strange noise heard
+     behind the wall, the pannels burst asunder, and the portrait of the
+     unknown again became visible.
+
+     "On examination, they discovered a spring in the floor, which being
+     pressed down, brought into motion certain machinery behind the
+     wainscot, which was accordingly drawn aside, as already described,
+     so as to exhibit the picture. Once more that extraordinary event of
+     my childhood was brought vividly to my remembrance; and, at the
+     recollection of my beloved mother, tears started into my eyes. Yet
+     I could not turn away my looks from the expressive and interesting
+     features of the unknown, which were so admirably painted, that they
+     seemed more like life and reality, than any work of art. Above all,
+     his eyes were so animated, that their glance seemed to penetrate
+     into my very soul.
+
+     "Probably the workmen had sent word to my father, of the discovery
+     which they had made; for while I yet stood gazing on the unknown,
+     he hastily entered the room. He had scarcely cast a fleeting
+     glance on the picture, when he appeared almost petrified by some
+     mysterious emotion, and murmured to himself, in a deep tone, the
+     name '_Francesco!_'--
+
+     "Then suddenly, as if awoke from a painful reverie, he turned round
+     to the workmen, and, with a stern voice, commanded them, that they
+     should directly tear the painting from the wall, roll it up, and
+     give it in charge to Reinhold. I was greatly distressed by this
+     order. It seemed to me as if I should never more behold that form,
+     so heroic, noble, and interesting; who, in his foreign garb,
+     appeared to me almost like some prince of the spiritual world! Yet
+     an unconquerable timidity prevented me from requesting of my
+     father, that he would not allow the portrait to be destroyed.
+
+     "In a few days, however, these impressions altogether vanished; nor
+     did they recur till after a long interval. I was now carried away
+     by the volatility and light-heartedness of youth. A thousand
+     sports, of my own devising, every day engaged my attention; and my
+     father often said, that Hermogen, at this time, had the quiet,
+     timid manners of a well-behaved girl; while I, on the contrary,
+     behaved like a wild romping boy!
+
+     "These characteristics, however, were soon to be changed. Hermogen
+     was already past the years of adolescence, and began to devote his
+     whole attention to his own professional pursuits as a young
+     soldier. He thought only of hardening his frame to endure every
+     possible fatigue--of parades and reviews--of military
+     tactics--above all, of actual service in time of danger; and in
+     these views, his father (having determined on his son's
+     destination) wholly concurred.
+
+     "For my part, my whole existence now underwent a complete
+     revolution, which I was then unable to interpret, and which I yet
+     cannot adequately describe. The solitude in which I lived probably
+     contributed to heighten every fantastic impression. If any new
+     feeling arose within me, being wholly undiverted by any external
+     influence, or by the usual dissipations of society to which others
+     can have recourse, it naturally grew into excess. I became
+     thoughtful, melancholy, nervous, and discontented. By night, I was
+     visited by strange and unaccountable dreams; and during the day, I
+     was, by fits, extravagantly merry, or, on the slightest
+     provocation, burst into a passion of tears.
+
+     "My father observed these changes, which he ascribed to
+     irritability of nerves, and called in a physician, who prescribed
+     for me all sorts of remedies, without the slightest good effect. At
+     this time--I know not myself how it could have happened--but one
+     night the half-forgotten image of the unknown appeared before me,
+     in colours so vivid and lively, that he was no longer a dead
+     phantom on canvass, but a corporeal and living being, who gazed on
+     me with an aspect of kindness and compassion.
+
+     "'Alas!' cried I, 'must I then die? What is it by which I am thus
+     so unspeakably tormented?'--'Thou lovest me, Aurelia,' said the
+     vision, 'and this is the cause of thy present illness and
+     distraction. But canst thou dissolve the vows of one already
+     devoted to heaven?' To my astonishment, I now perceived that the
+     unknown wore the robes of a monk.
+
+     "Summoning my whole strength, I endeavoured to break the spells
+     with which the detestable dream had fettered my senses; and, for
+     the present moment, I succeeded in this; but I could not prevent
+     the same phantom from recurring to my imagination, and persecuting
+     me with tenfold power. I perceived only too well, that for me the
+     mysteries of a first love were revealed,--that, with a passionate
+     fervour, of which only the youthful heart is capable, I was
+     attached to the nameless and visionary unknown! My indisposition
+     seemed, however, to have attained its crisis, and I became
+     perceptibly better. My nervous irritability decreased, and I was
+     able again to mix in society; only the constant presence of that
+     image, my fantastic love of a being who existed only in my own
+     brain, rendered me so _distraite_, that I frequently gave absurd
+     answers when questioned; and being wholly wrapt up in my own
+     reveries, must have appeared to others either an affected prude, or
+     an unidea'd simpleton.
+
+     "About this time, I had found, among other romances, in my
+     brother's room, one containing the history of a monk, who, being
+     overcome by temptations of the devil, renounced his vows, and fell
+     in love with a young lady, who in consequence perished miserably.
+     This I read with avidity, and though the lessons that it contained
+     might have been expected to open my eyes to the dangers which I was
+     drawing on myself, yet it had an effect directly the reverse, by
+     fixing my attention more and more on those visions which I ought to
+     have banished for ever from my mind. Frequently I thought of
+     Hermogen's words--'Thy mother speaks with the devil;' and began to
+     think, that the unknown was, in truth, an agent of the Arch-fiend,
+     employed to entice me to destruction. Yet I could not cease to love
+     him; and when Reinhold came back, on one occasion, from a journey,
+     and talked much of a certain Brother Medardus, whom he had heard
+     preach in the town of Königswald, there arose within me an obscure
+     dim apprehension, that the original of the beloved and yet dreaded
+     vision might be that very Medardus; and this belief Reinhold's
+     description of the preacher's features and person seemed amply to
+     sanction. Thereafter, the wild dreams and internal conflicts by
+     which I was persecuted, were increased tenfold. It happened that a
+     monk (as was often the case) came to visit at my father's house;
+     and this person chose, in a very diffuse lecture, to describe the
+     manifold temptations of the devil, and the wretched delusions to
+     which especially youthful minds were subjected, if they did not
+     sufficiently resist his influence. My father seemed to approve of
+     this discourse, and I believed it was aimed particularly at
+     me.--'Only unbounded trust and confidence,' said the clergyman,
+     'not only in religion, but in her servants, and submissive
+     obedience to their injunctions and advice, can afford hopes of
+     rescue.'
+
+     "Not long after this, I accompanied my father to the town of
+     Königswald, whither he went to attend a law process which Reinhold
+     had been unable to finish alone. We lived at the garden-house of
+     the Graf van M----, which is close by the celebrated chapel of the
+     Capuchin Convent; and remembering the lecture which I had heard
+     just before leaving home, I resolved not to lose that opportunity
+     of fulfilling the sacred duty of confession."
+
+[Aurelia's letter is very long, and contains a recapitulation, in a
+diffuse rambling style, of events that are already known to the reader.
+In the first place, there is her interview with Medardus in the church,
+which has been described already in the first volume of these Memoirs.
+After this, it appears that Aurelia was seized by a long and dangerous
+illness, by which her passion for Medardus was, for a time, completely
+subdued and alienated. To this change his vehement exhortation to her
+in the confessional had also contributed; but, for the future, she
+looked on the whole transaction as a dream, with which she had been
+visited, in order that her eyes should be opened to the errors into
+which she had, by a youthful imagination, been led.
+
+Secondly, there is a full explanation of her conduct at the time when
+Medardus appeared at the castle of her father the Baron von F----.
+Though she at once recognized the former object of her affections, yet,
+with an unshaken perseverance, she persisted in her determination, on no
+occasion whatever to betray this recognition. Many times, however, she
+now underwent severe conflicts on account of a transient recurrence of
+her not yet wholly conquered passion; but against these her mind was
+fortified by the constant presence and advice of Hermogen.
+
+Thirdly, and lastly, comes a detail of recent circumstances which are
+already sufficiently intelligible. No sooner had Medardus, in
+consequence of Aurelia's representations, been thrown into prison, and,
+by the opinion of every one, already prejudged to the scaffold, than
+she became dreadfully agitated; and, although conscious that her conduct
+was but the fulfilment of imperious duty, and feeling the utmost
+abhorrence for him as a criminal, yet with these feelings was blended a
+share of compassion, so that she almost regretted what she had done. At
+this period, the discovery of the insane monk, in whom Cyrillus
+recognized the true Medardus--the proofs received from Posen, that the
+individual who had, in consequence of her accusations, been imprisoned,
+was a Polish nobleman, and never had been a monk--effected an entire
+revolution in her mind. Regret for the sufferings which she had so
+unwarrantably inflicted, led naturally to the revival of her early
+passion, which had now found a legitimate and innocent object.
+
+She dwells with satisfaction on many attributes of character and
+demeanour, in which her beloved Leonard differs from, and contrasts
+with, the detestable monk, by whom her brother had been put to death.
+Only the adventure at the Princess's country-house had, for a time,
+broken in upon this confidence, and given rise to many harassing doubts
+and fears, with an oppressive feeling of mystery, by which her mind is
+still clouded, and against which she earnestly entreats the prayers and
+maternal blessing of the Abbess for herself and her betrothed husband.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+Repeatedly, and with the greatest attention, I read over this letter of
+Aurelia, especially the latter pages, in which there was obviously
+displayed so much of true piety and confiding simplicity of heart, that,
+at our next meeting, I was unable to continue my addresses in the tone
+and manner in which I had before indulged. Aurelia remarked this change
+in my conduct; and, struck with remorse, I penitentially confessed to
+her my robbery of her letter addressed to the Lady Abbess--(which,
+however, I had duly sealed and forwarded)--excusing myself on the
+principle, that some mysterious and supernatural impulse had forced me
+to this deed, against which it was impossible to contend. I insisted
+also, that a similar influence, emanating from some high and
+inexplicable source, had already shadowed forth to me in visions some of
+the principal incidents in her life, which the perusal of the letter,
+therefore, had only confirmed and realized.--"As a proof," said I, "of
+the intellectual sympathy existing betwixt us, I could long ere now have
+informed you of a wonderful dream by which I was myself visited, in
+which you confessed to me your love; but methought I was transformed
+into a miserable monk, whose heart, instead of being rejoiced by such
+good fortune, was torn by remorse and self-reproach. I loved you,
+indeed, with the utmost fervour; but my love was mortal sin; for I had
+regularly taken the vows of a Capuchin; and you, Aurelia, were
+metamorphosed into the blessed St Rosalia."
+
+At these words Aurelia started up in affright. "For God's sake,
+Leonard," said she, "say no more! Our lives are mutually obscured by
+some frightful and impenetrable mystery; and the less we endeavour to
+break through the veil by which it is now wrapt in darkness, the better.
+Who knows what insupportable horrors may be therein concealed? Let us
+think no more of such frightful inquiries, but rely firmly on each
+other. That you have read my letter to the Abbess no doubt surprises
+and vexes me. But what is done cannot be retrieved. As to its contents,
+I would willingly have imparted them to you _viva voce_, if I had known
+that it was to serve any good purpose, for no secrets dare exist betwixt
+us. But to say the truth, Leonard, it appears to me that you yourself
+struggle against the evil influence of much that is wrapt up in your own
+bosom, and which, on account of false shame, you do not allow to pass
+your lips. If possible, be for the future sincere! How much would your
+heart be lightened by a free confession, and as to our attachment, its
+bonds would thereby be strengthened tenfold!"
+
+At these words of Aurelia, I felt in all its bitterness the torment of
+conscious deception and hypocrisy. I reflected with the keenest
+self-reproach, how, only a few moments before, I had voluntarily
+practised imposition against this pious simple-hearted girl; and an
+almost unconquerable impulse arose within me to confess to her
+_all_--even the worst that I could utter against myself, and yet
+methought I should not even then lose her affection!
+
+"Aurelia! my guardian angel, who rescued me from----" I had thus even
+begun my confession, when the Princess abruptly entered the room, and
+produced an entire change, not only in my behaviour, but in my feelings.
+Her manner, as usual, was haughty and ceremonious. I met her with all
+the outward forms of respect, but internally with emotions of scorn and
+defiance. As the acknowledged bridegroom of Aurelia, she was now obliged
+to bear with me, and I boldly kept my place, though I perceived that her
+aversion to me was by no means abated. In truth, it was only when alone
+with Aurelia that I was now free from all wicked thoughts and impulses.
+At such moments, the beatitude of Heaven seemed to descend on me, and I
+began once more to wish anxiously for our marriage, in despite of every
+obstacle.
+
+About this time it came to pass that a remarkable dream one night
+greatly disturbed my rest, by the recollection of which I continued for
+several days to be haunted. Methought the figure of my mother stood
+vividly before me, and when I wished to salute and welcome her, I
+perceived it was but an aerial phantom which assumed her features, and
+mocked my filial embrace. "To what purpose this absurd deception?" cried
+I, angrily--"Thou delusive shadow, what would'st thou here?"
+
+Then methought my mother wept bitterly. The tears that she shed were
+changed into bright dazzling stars which floated through the air, and
+began to form a circle round my head; but ever and anon, a black
+frightful hand, like that of a demon, with long claws, broke the circle
+as soon as it was nearly formed. "Thou, whom I brought pure and sinless
+into the world," said my mother, "and whose infancy and youth I watched
+over with such care, hast thou lost all energy and self-command, that
+thou submittest, like a grovelling slave, to every enticement of Satan?
+Now, indeed, I can look into thine inmost heart, since the load of
+earthly existence, under which I have long struggled, is taken from my
+shoulders. Rouse thyself, Franciscus! Resist the fiend that besets thee,
+and he will flee! I shall once more adorn thee, as in early days, with
+ribbons and flowers, for St Bernard's day is come, and thou shalt again
+be a pious and happy child!"
+
+Now it seemed to me as if, in obedience to my mother's admonition, I
+must once more begin singing one of the lovely anthems which I had
+learned in my youth, but frightful and indescribable noises overpowered
+my voice. My attempts at music were like the howling of a wild beast;
+and betwixt me and my phantom visitant there fell, rustling and
+undulating, the folds of a massy black veil, supported by the spectral
+arms of demons, with long hideous talons. Thus ended my dream.
+
+Two days afterwards, I happened to meet in the park the chief judge of
+the criminal court, who came up to me in a very friendly manner, and
+entered into conversation.
+
+"Do you know," said he, "that the final issue of Medardus's trial has
+again become very doubtful? Judgment of death had nearly been pronounced
+against him, indeed was all but carried into effect, when he again
+shewed symptoms of madness. The court received intelligence of the death
+of his mother. I made this known to him. Then he laughed aloud like a
+maniac, and in a tone which would have inspired the stoutest heart with
+horror--'The Duchess of Neuenburg!' said he, (naming the wife of the
+late Duke, brother of our Sovereign,)--'She is long since dead. If this
+is all the intelligence you had to bring, the trouble might have been
+spared!'
+
+"In consequence of this paroxysm, the execution of the sentence is
+delayed, and a new medical inquiry set on foot. However, it is
+generally believed that his madness is only pretended, and that his
+condemnation is therefore inevitable."
+
+I afterwards obtained information of the day and hour of my mother's
+death, and found that these corresponded exactly with the time at which
+she had appeared to me in that remarkable vision.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The day which the Prince had appointed for our marriage was at last
+arrived; and the ceremony was to take place in the morning, at the altar
+of St Rosalia, in the church of a neighbouring convent, which (I know
+not for what reason) Aurelia preferred to the Prince's chapel. I passed
+the preceding night in watching and prayer.--Alas! I did not reflect
+that prayer under such circumstances, and cherishing such intentions in
+my heart, was only adding by blasphemy to my previous guilt.
+
+When I went to Aurelia, she came, dressed in white, and wearing roses as
+her only ornament, to meet me. Never had she looked more beautiful; but
+in the fashion of her dress, and in the flower wreaths that she had
+chosen, there was something that inspired me with strange and mysterious
+recollections, which I knew not how to define. At the same moment I
+remembered that the painting over the altar, at which the marriage
+ceremony was to take place, represented the martyrdom of St Rosalia, and
+that the saint was there dressed precisely as Aurelia now appeared,
+whereupon my whole frame was shaken with horrid and uncontrollable
+apprehensions, which it was hardly in my power to conceal.
+
+We had no time for conversation, however. Scarcely had I saluted
+Aurelia, when a servant of the Prince announced that we were waited for
+by the wedding-party. She quickly drew on her gloves, and gave me her
+arm. Then one of her attendants remarked that some ringlets of her hair
+had fallen loose, and begged for a moment's delay. Aurelia seemed vexed
+at the interruption, but waited accordingly.
+
+At that moment a hollow rumbling noise, and a tumult of voices on the
+street, attracted our attention. At Aurelia's request I hastened to the
+window. There, just before the palace, was a _leiter-wagen_, which, on
+account of some obstacle, had stopped in the street. The car was
+surrounded by the executioners of justice; and within it, I perceived
+the horrible monk, who sat looking backwards, while before him was a
+capuchin, earnestly engaged in prayer. His countenance was deadly pale,
+and again disfigured by a grizzly beard, but the features of my
+detestable _double_ were to me but too easily recognizable.
+
+When the carriage, that had been for a short space interrupted by the
+crowd, began to roll on, he seemed awoke from his reverie, and turning
+up his staring spectral eyes towards me, instantly became animated. He
+laughed and howled aloud--"_Brüd-er-lein_--_Brüd-er-lein!_" cried
+he.--"Bride-groom!--Bride-groom!--Come quickly--come quickly.--Up--up to
+the roof of the house. There the owl holds his wedding-feast; the
+weather-cock sings aloud! There shall we contend together, and whoever
+casts the other down, is king, and may drink blood!"
+
+The howling voice in which he uttered these words, the glare of his
+eyes, and the horrible writhings of his visage, that was like that of an
+animated corse, were more than, weakened as I was by previous
+agitation, I was able to withstand. From that moment I lost all
+self-possession; I became also utterly insane, and unconscious what I
+did! At first I tried to speak calmly. "Horrible wretch!" said I; "what
+mean'st thou? What would'st thou from me?"
+
+Then I grinned, jabbered, and howled back to the madman; and Aurelia, in
+an agony of terror, broke from her attendants, and ran up to me. With
+all her strength, she seized my arms, and endeavoured to draw me from
+the window. "For God's sake," cried she, "leave that horrible spectacle;
+they are dragging Medardus, the murderer of my brother, to the scaffold.
+Leonard!--Leonard!"
+
+Then all the demons of hell seemed awoke within me, and manifested, in
+its utmost extent, that power which they are allowed to exercise over an
+obdurate and unrepentant sinner. With reckless cruelty I repulsed
+Aurelia, who trembled, as if shook by convulsions, in every
+limb.--"Ha--ha--ha!" I almost shrieked aloud--"foolish, insane girl! I
+myself, thy lover, thy chosen bridegroom, am the murderer of thy
+brother! Would'st thou by thy complaints bring down destruction from
+heaven on thy sworn husband?--Ho--ho--ho! I am king--I am king--and will
+drink blood!"
+
+I drew out the stiletto--I struck at Aurelia,--blood streamed over my
+arm and hand, and she fell lifeless at my feet. I rushed down
+stairs,--forced my way through the crowd to the carriage--seized the
+monk by the collar, and with supernatural strength tore him from the
+car. Then I was arrested by the executioner; but with the stiletto in my
+hand, I defended myself so furiously, that I broke loose, and rushed
+into the thick of the mob, where, in a few moments, I found myself
+wounded by a stab in the side; but the people were struck with such
+terror, that I made my way through them as far as to the neighbouring
+wall of the park, which, by a frightful effort, I leapt over.
+
+"Murder--murder!--Stop--stop the murderer!" I had fallen down, almost
+fainting, on the other side of the wall, but these outcries instantly
+gave me new strength. Some were knocking with great violence, in vain
+endeavours to break open one of the park gates, which, not being the
+regular entrance, was always kept closed. Others were striving to
+clamber over the wall, which I had cleared by an incredible leap. I
+rose, and exerting my utmost speed, ran forward. I came, ere long, to a
+broad _fosse_, by which the park was separated from the adjoining
+forest. By another tremendous effort, I jumped over, and continued to
+run on through the wood, until at last I sank down, utterly exhausted,
+under a tree.
+
+I know not how the time had passed, but it was already evening, and dark
+shadows reigned through the forest, when I came again to my
+recollection. My progress in running so far had passed over like an
+obscure dream. I recollect only the wind roaring amid the dense canopy
+of the trees, and that many times I mistook some old moss-grown pollard
+stem for an officer of justice, armed and ready to seize upon me!
+
+When I awoke from the swoon and utter stupefaction into which I had
+fallen, my first impulse was merely to set out again, like a hunted wild
+beast, and fly, if possible, from my pursuers to the very end of the
+earth! As soon, however, as I was only past the frontiers of the
+Prince's dominions, I would certainly be safe from all immediate
+persecution.
+
+I rose accordingly, but scarcely had I advanced a few steps, when there
+was a violent rustling in the thicket; and from thence, in a state of
+the most vehement rage and excitement, sprung the monk, who, no doubt in
+consequence of the disturbance that I had raised, had contrived to make
+his escape from the guards and executioners.
+
+In a paroxysm of madness he flew towards me, leaping through the bushes
+like a tiger, and finally sprung upon my shoulders, clasping his arms
+about my throat, so that I was almost suffocated. Under any other
+circumstances, I would have instantly freed myself from such an attack,
+but I was enfeebled to the last degree by the exertions I had undergone,
+and all that I could attempt was to render this feebleness subservient
+to my rescue. I fell down under his weight, and endeavoured to take
+advantage of that event. I rolled myself on the ground, and grappled
+with him; but in vain! I could not disengage myself, and my
+infernal double laughed scornfully. His abominable accents,
+"He--he--he!--He--he--he!" sounded amid the desolate loneliness of the
+woods.
+
+During this contest, the moon broke, only for a moment, through the
+clouds, for the night was gloomy and tempestuous. Then, as her silvery
+gleam slanted through the dark shade of the pine trees, I beheld, in all
+its horror, the deadly pale visage of my _second self_, with the same
+expression which had glared out upon me from the cart in which he had
+been dragged to execution. "He--he--he--Broth-er, broth-er!--Ever, ever
+I am with thee!--Leave thee, leave thee never!--Cannot run as thou
+canst! Must carry--carry me! Come straight from the gallows--They would
+have nailed me to the wheel--He--he--he!--He--he--he!"
+
+Thus the infernal spectre howled and laughed aloud as we lay on the
+ground; but ere the fleeting moonbeam had passed away, I was roused once
+more to furious rage. I sprang up like a bear in the embraces of a
+boa-constrictor, and ran with my utmost force against trees and
+fragments of rock, so that if I could not kill him, I might at least
+wound him in such manner that he would be under the necessity of letting
+me go. But in vain. He only laughed the more loudly and scornfully; and
+my personal sufferings were increased tenfold by my endeavours to end
+them.
+
+I then strove with my whole remaining strength to burst asunder his
+hands, which were firmly knotted round my throat, but the supernatural
+energies of the monster threatened me with strangulation. At last, after
+a furious conflict, he suddenly fell, as if lifeless, on the ground: and
+though scarcely able to breathe, I had run onwards for some yards, when
+again he sat upon my shoulders, laughing as before, and stammering out
+the same horrible words. Of new succeeded the same efforts of despairing
+rage! Of new I was freed! Then again locked in the embraces of this
+demoniacal spectre!
+
+After this I lost all consciousness.--I am utterly unable to say
+distinctly how long I was persecuted by my relentless _double_. It seems
+to me as if my struggles must have continued at least during a whole
+month; and that during this long period I neither ate nor drank. I
+remember only _one_ lucid interval. All the rest is utter darkness.
+
+I had just succeeded in throwing off my double, when a clear gleam of
+sun-light brightened the woods, and with it a pleasant sound of bells
+rose on mine ear. I distinguished unequivocally the chimes of a convent,
+which rung for early mass. For a moment I rejoiced; but then the thought
+came like annihilation upon me--"Thou hast murdered Aurelia!" and once
+more losing all self-possession and recollection, I fell in despair upon
+the earth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+Methought the air in which I breathed had a mildness and fragrance such
+as now I had never known; but, as yet, I was labouring under the
+influence of a deep and morbid slumber. I felt a strange irritation, a
+shooting prickly pain in every vein and fibre, till it seemed as if my
+frame was split and divided an hundred fold, and every division thence
+arising assumed a peculiar and individual principle of life, while the
+head in vain strove to command the limbs, which, like unfaithful
+vassals, would not submit themselves to its dominion.
+
+Then, methought, each of these separated parts became a glittering fiery
+point, which began to turn itself round in a circle, till hundreds of
+them, whirling rapidly together, formed at last the appearance of a
+fixed ball of fire, which darted forth flames and coruscations. "These
+are my limbs which are thus moving," said I to myself; "now I am for
+certain about to awake."
+
+At that moment, when the fiery ball was turning round, I felt sudden and
+violent pain, and distinctly heard the sound of a clear chime of bells.
+"Away, away--Onward, onward!" cried I, believing myself still in the
+wood, and making a vehement effort to rise up, but I fell back powerless
+on my couch. Now, for the first time, I was restored to perfect
+consciousness, and saw, with great surprise, that I was no longer in the
+forest. In the dress of a Capuchin monk, I lay upon a well-stuffed
+mattress. The room was vaulted and lofty; a pair of rush-bottomed
+chairs, and a small table, stood beside my bed.
+
+I concluded that my state of unconsciousness must have continued for a
+long time, and that, while in that unhappy situation, I must have been
+brought to some convent or other, where the monks were, by their rule,
+obliged to receive the sick. Probably my clothes had been torn, and they
+had been obliged, for the meanwhile, to supply me with a cowl. However
+this might be, there was no doubt that I had escaped from all immediate
+danger. I was also free from pain, though very weak, therefore continued
+quite tranquil, having no doubt that my protectors would, in due time,
+look after their charge.
+
+Accordingly, it was not long before I heard steps that seemed, from
+their sound, to approach through a long stone-floored gallery. My door
+opened, and I saw two men, of whom one had a lay dress, the other wore
+the habit of the brethren of charity. They came up to me in silence; the
+man in the lay dress fixed his eyes on me, and seemed much astonished.
+"I am again come to myself, sir," said I, in a weak voice. "Heaven be
+praised, who has restored to me my reason. But will you be so good as to
+inform me where I am, and how I have been brought hither?"
+
+Without answering me, the physician (as I supposed him to be) turned to
+the clergyman, and said, in Italian, "This is indeed very extraordinary.
+His looks are, since our last visit, completely changed. His speech is
+quite clear, only weak. Some particular crisis must have taken place in
+his malady."
+
+"For my part," said the monk, "I have no doubt that he is completely
+cured."
+
+"Of that," said the physician, "we cannot judge, until we have seen how
+he may conduct himself for the next few days. But do you not understand
+as much German as to speak with him?"
+
+The monk answered in the negative.
+
+"I understand and speak Italian," interrupted I. "Tell me, then, I
+beseech you, where I am, and how I found my way hither?"
+
+"Ha!" cried the physician, "our difficulties are then at an end. You
+find yourself, reverend sir, in a place where every possible precaution
+has been, and will be taken, for your perfect recovery. Three months ago
+you were brought hither in a very critical and dangerous situation; but,
+under our care and attention, you seem to have made great progress
+towards convalescence; and if we shall have the good fortune to complete
+your cure, you may then freely pursue your journey, for, as I have
+understood, you wish to go to Rome."
+
+"Did I come to you, then," said I, "in this Capuchin dress which I now
+wear?"
+
+"Truly you did so," said the physician; "but give over, I pray you, this
+asking of questions, and do not disquiet yourself--everything shall, in
+due time, be explained to your satisfaction. Our business at present is
+to attend to your bodily health."
+
+He then felt my pulse, and the monk, who had for a moment disappeared,
+returned with a cup full of some liquid, which the physician desired me
+to drink, and then to tell him what I thought it was. I obeyed, and told
+him that what I had drunk seemed to me a strong and nourishing
+meat-broth. "Good--very good," said the monk, with a smile of
+satisfaction. They then left me alone, with a promise of returning in a
+short time.
+
+Through the next three days, I was attended with the utmost skill and
+kindness by the brethren and the physician. I continued rapidly to
+improve, and at the end of that time was able to rise up, and, leaning
+on the monk's arm, to walk through the room. He led me to the window and
+opened the lattice. A delightfully warm and fragrant (but not sultry)
+air, such as till then I had never breathed, came in at the window.
+Without, I beheld an extensive garden, wherein all sorts of fruit-trees
+grew, and flourished in the highest luxuriance. There were also
+delightful arbours, bowers, and temples; while, even around the window
+from which I looked, the grapes hung in rich massy clusters. Above all,
+however, it was, with the clear cloudless blue of the sky that I was
+altogether enchanted. I could not find words to express my admiration.
+
+"Where am I then?" cried I. "Have the blessed saints granted to a
+wretched sinner to dwell in their Elysium?"
+
+The monk smiled contentedly at my raptures. "You are in Italy, brother,"
+said he.
+
+"In Italy!" repeated I, with the utmost astonishment. I then urged the
+clergyman to explain to me more particularly how I could have found my
+way to such a distance. He referred me to the physician, who just then
+entered, and who at last informed me, that a strange man of most
+eccentric manners had brought me hither about three months ago, and
+begged that I might be taken into their house; that, finally, I was in a
+regular hospital, which was taken charge of by the brethren of charity.
+
+As I gradually gained more strength, I found that the monk and physician
+willingly entered into conversation with me on various subjects of
+literature and the arts. The latter, as if in order to obtain
+information for himself, even requested me to write down many things
+which he afterwards read over in my presence; but I was puzzled by
+observing that, instead of praising what I had written on its own
+account, he only said, "Indeed?--This looks well!--I have not been
+deceived--Excellent--excellent!"
+
+I was now allowed at certain hours to walk in the garden, where,
+however, I was greatly discomposed by the sight of strange spectral
+figures, who, as if quite unable to take care of themselves, were led
+about by the monks. Once, in particular, I was struck by the appearance
+of a tall haggard man, in a dingy yellow mantle, who was led by two of
+the brethren, one on each side, and in this manner met me as I was
+returning to the house. At every step, he made the most absurd
+gesticulations, as if he were about to commence a _pas seul_, at the
+same time whistling shrilly an accompaniment.
+
+Astonished at this, I stood gazing on the man, but the monk by whom I
+was attended drew me suddenly away. "Come, come, dear brother Medardus!"
+said he, "that is no business of yours!"
+
+"For God's sake," said I, "tell me how is it that you know anything of
+my name?"
+
+The vehemence with which I put this question seemed to discompose my
+attendant. "For what reason," said he, "should we not know your name?
+The man by whom you were brought hither, named you without hesitation,
+and you were accordingly entered in the list of the house--Medardus,
+brother of the Capuchin Convent at Königswald."
+
+Once more I felt the ice-cold shuddering of terror vibrate in every
+limb. But whoever was the unknown by whom I had been brought to the
+hospital, whether he were or were not initiated in the horrible
+mysteries of my life, he certainly had not cherished any evil intentions
+towards me, for I had been treated with the greatest care and
+tenderness, and was, besides, at liberty to go whereever I wished.
+
+After this walk, I had returned to my chamber, and was leaning out at
+the open window inhaling the delightful fragrance of the air, which
+seemed to inspire me with new life and energy in every fibre, when I
+beheld in the garden a man coming up the middle walk, whom I thought
+that I had seen before, but could not immediately recollect where.
+
+He was a diminutive withered figure, had upon his head a small hat with
+a long peaked crown, and was dressed in a miserable weather-beaten
+surtout. In his gait, he rather danced than walked; nay, every now and
+then cut a caper right up into the air; and anon, started off to one
+side, as if he were possessed by the demon of St Vitus. Occasionally he
+made a full stop, and at one of these intervals, perceiving me at the
+window, he took off his high-peaked hat, and waved it in the air, then
+kissed his hand repeatedly, with an emphasis of gesticulation which at
+once confirmed and cleared up my recollection. There was but one
+individual in the world who could have practised these manoeuvres, and
+that was Belcampo! He vanished, however, among the trees; but, not long
+afterwards, I heard a particular rap at the door, of which the style and
+manner immediately taught me whom I was to expect.
+
+"Schönfeld!" said I, as he indeed made his appearance; "how, in the name
+of wonder, have you found your way hither?"
+
+"Ach--ach!" said he, twisting his face, as if he were about to
+weep--"how should I have come hither otherwise than driven and hurled
+onwards as I was by that malignant and relentless destiny, which never
+fails to persecute every man of true genius. On account of a murder, I
+was obliged to fly from the rich and flourishing town of Frankenburg."
+
+"On account of a murder!--What would'st thou say?" interrupted I, with
+considerable agitation.
+
+"Ay, truly," answered he--"on account of a murder. I had, in a fit of
+wrath, immolated the left whisker of the youngest _Commerziensrath_ in
+that free town, and had also dangerously wounded the right mustachio."
+
+"Once more," said I, "I must beg of you to give up these absurd and
+unmeaning jokes, and to tell your story connectedly, otherwise you had
+better leave the room."
+
+"Nay, dear brother Medardus," he resumed, "this is indeed unforeseen and
+unaccountable; now that you are restored to health, you would send me
+from you in disgrace; but, as long as you were ill, you were glad to
+have me for a companion in your room, and to be always near to you."
+
+"What does all this mean?" cried I, quite confounded; "and how have you
+got to the knowledge of my name Medardus?"
+
+"Look," said he, with an ironical smile, "if you please, at the
+right-hand lappelle of your monk's cowl."
+
+I did so, and became almost petrified with terror and astonishment, for
+I found the name "Medardus" embroidered thereupon; and, on more accurate
+inspection, I could discover also that this was the identical tunic
+which, on my flight from the castle of the Baron von F----, I had thrown
+into a hollow tree in the forest.
+
+Schönfeld did not fail to remark my agitation, over which he seemed
+wickedly to triumph. With his fore-finger on his nose, and lifting
+himself on tiptoe, he looked stedfastly in my face. I remained
+speechless; then, in a low and pensive tone, he resumed--
+
+"Your excellency, no doubt, wonders at the handsome dress which has been
+chosen for you. To say the truth, it seemed in every respect to fit and
+become you better than the nut-brown suit, with plated buttons, which
+my wise friend Damon supplied for you. It was I, the banished, the
+despised and misunderstood Belcampo, who provided for you this dress, in
+order to cover your nakedness. Brother Medardus, you were then, indeed,
+but in a sorry plight, for, instead of great-coat, vest, pantaloons,
+English frock, &c. &c. you wore, in the simplest, and most unpretending
+manner, your own skin. As to a proper friseur, you thought as little of
+him as you did of a tailor, performing his functions with your own ten
+fingers, in a style which was by no means to be commended."
+
+"Give over these disgusting follies," said I, much incensed;
+"Schönfeld--I insist on your being rational, otherwise I will hear no
+more!"
+
+"Pietro Belcampo is my name," interrupted he, with great vehemence; "Ay,
+Pietro Belcampo; for we are now in Italy, and you must know, reverend
+sir, that I, simple as I here stand, impersonize that folly, which
+luckily has been present on every disastrous occasion, to assist your
+wisdom; and without which, you would have found yourself miserably
+deficient. It is from Folly alone that you have derived protection. By
+this alone your boasted reason, which is unable to hold itself upright,
+but totters about like a drunk man or a child, has been supported, and
+instructed to find the right road home, that is to say, to the
+mad-house, where we are both happily arrived."
+
+By these last words I was much agitated. I thought on the strange
+figures that I had seen, especially on the tall haggard man in the dingy
+yellow mantle, who had made such absurd gesticulations; and could
+entertain no doubt that Schönfeld had told me the truth. "Ay, dear
+brother Medardus," resumed Schönfeld, with solemn voice and gestures;
+"Folly is, indeed, on this earth, the true intellectual queen. Reason,
+on the other hand, is only a pitiful viceroy, who never troubles himself
+with what happens beyond his own narrow boundaries, who, from sheer
+_ennui_, indeed, makes his soldiers be exercised on the _parade-platz_,
+though the said soldiers afterwards, in time of danger, cannot fire a
+single volley in proper time. But Folly, the true queen of the people,
+marches in with kettle-drums and trumpets--Huzza! Huzza!--before and
+behind her, triumph and rejoicing! The lieges straightway emancipate
+themselves from the constraint in which Reason would have held them, and
+will no longer stand or walk as their pedantic tutor would have them to
+do. At last he calls the roll, and complains,--'Lo! Folly hath robbed me
+of my best recruits--hath driven them away--driven their wits a
+wool-gathering--ay, driven them mad.' That is a play of words, dear
+brother Medardus, and such play is like a glowing pair of curling-irons
+in the hand of Folly, with which she can twist such a thought!"
+
+"Desist, I once more entreat of you," said I, "desist from this childish
+clatter of unmeaning words, and tell me concisely how you came hither,
+and what you know regarding the dress which I now wear!" Hereupon I
+seized him by both arms, and forced him into a chair, where he seemed to
+recollect himself, fixed his eyes stedfastly on the ground, and with a
+deep sigh resumed,--
+
+"I have saved your life," said he, "for the second time. It was I who
+enabled you to escape from the town of Frankenburg. It was I, too, who
+brought you hither."
+
+"But, in the name of Heaven," said I, "where did you last find me?"
+
+I had let him go, and he instantly bolted up--"Ha, brother Medardus,"
+said he, "if I, weak and diminutive as I seem, had not contrived to bear
+you on my shoulders, your limbs would by this time, have lain the food
+of ravens on the wheel!"
+
+I shuddered as if ready to faint, and sunk into a chair. At that moment
+my attendant monk entered the room. "How hast thou come hither? Who gave
+thee liberty now to enter this room?" said he, very angrily, to
+Belcampo.
+
+"Alas! venerable father," said the latter, in a supplicating tone, and
+pretending to burst into tears, "I could no longer resist the vehement
+impulse to visit my dearest friend, whom I had rescued from danger of
+death!"
+
+I now recovered myself. "Tell me, brother," said I to the monk, "did
+this man really bring me hither?"
+
+The monk hesitated.
+
+"I scarcely know," said I, "in what sort of hospital I am now protected,
+but I can easily suppose that I have been in the most frightful of all
+conditions. You perceive, however, that I am now quite well, and
+therefore, I may hear all which was before intentionally concealed from
+me, when you supposed that my nerves were yet too irritable."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+"It is, indeed, quite true," said the monk, "this man brought you hither
+about three months and a half ago. He had, according to his own account,
+found you in the Lovanian forest, (which separates the dominions of the
+Prince of Laguria, from our district,) and had recognized you for the
+Capuchin Medardus from Königswald, who had before, on a journey to Rome,
+passed through a town where he then lived.
+
+"When first brought among us, you were in a state of utter apathy. You
+walked when you were led, remained standing if one let you alone, and
+seated or laid yourself down according as you were put into the required
+position. Food and drink we were obliged to pour down your throat; as to
+words, you were able only to utter hollow unintelligible sounds, and
+your eyes appeared to stare, without the power of distinguishing any
+object. Belcampo then never left you, but was your faithful attendant.
+After an interval of about a month, you fell into a state of outrageous
+madness, and we were obliged to place you in one of the cells
+appropriated for persons in that frightful malady. You were then like a
+ferocious wild beast; but I dare not describe your sufferings more
+minutely, as the picture might be too painful. After some weeks, your
+state of apathy again returned, and seemed more obstinate than ever, but
+at last, God be praised, you awoke from your stupefaction, into your
+present convalescence."
+
+Schönfeld had, during this narrative of the monk, seated himself, as if
+in deep reflection, leaning his head on his hand. "Ay, truly," he
+resumed, "I know that I am sometimes little better than a self-conceited
+fool; but the air of the mad-house, destructive to reasonable people,
+has on me had a very beneficial influence. I begin to speculate on my
+own errors, which is no bad sign. If, generally speaking, I exist only
+through my own self-consciousness, it is only requisite that this
+consciousness should pull off the fool's motley coat, and I shall shew
+myself to the world, a very wise, rational gentleman. But, oh, heavens!
+is not a genial friseur, according to the principles of his character
+and profession, a privileged fool and coxcomb? Such folly is, in truth,
+a protection from all madness; and I can assure you, reverend sir, that
+in a north-west wind, I can distinguish very well between a church-tower
+and a lamp-post!"
+
+"If this be really the case," said I, "give us a proof of it now by a
+quiet rational narrative, how you discovered me in the wood, and brought
+me to this house."
+
+"That shall immediately be done," said Belcampo, "though the reverend
+father on my right hand looks at me with a very suspicious aspect. You
+must know, then, that on the morning after your escape from Frankenburg,
+the foreign painter, with his collection of pictures, had also, in an
+inconceivable manner, vanished; and although the disturbance that you
+had raised at first excited a good deal of notice, yet, in the stream of
+other events, and the bustle of the fair, it was ere long forgotten. It
+was not till after the murder at the castle of the Baron von F----
+became generally talked of, and the magistracy of that district
+published handbills, offering a reward for the arrest of Medardus, a
+Capuchin monk in Königswald, that people were reminded of the painter
+having indeed told the whole story, and recognized in you the said
+brother Medardus.
+
+"The landlord of the hotel wherein you had lodged, confirmed a
+supposition that had already got afloat, of my having been accessory to
+your flight. The people, therefore, fixed their attention on me, and
+would have thrown me into prison. Having long wished to quit for ever
+the miserable course of life that I had been dragging on, my resolution
+was, in consequence, very speedily adopted. I determined to go into
+Italy, where there are _Abbatés_ with powdered wigs, and encouragement
+is yet afforded to an accomplished _friseur_. On my way thither I saw
+you in the _residenz_ of the Prince von Rosenthurm. The people there
+talked of your marriage with the Baroness Aurelia, and of the
+condemnation and execution of the monk Medardus.
+
+"I had also an opportunity of seeing this criminal monk, and whatever
+his history might have been, I was convinced at once that you were the
+true Medardus. I placed myself in your way, but you did not observe me,
+and I left the Prince's _residenz_, in order to follow out my own plans.
+
+"After a long and fatiguing journey, I had taken up my night's rest at a
+small obscure hamlet. In the morning I rose very early, as was the
+custom of the inhabitants there, and prepared to continue my laborious
+progress through a forest, which lay in gloomy darkness before me. Just
+as the first gleams of the morning had begun to break through the clouds
+of the east, there was a rustling in the thickets, and a man, with his
+hair matted, and staring out in various directions, his beard, too, in
+the same disorder, but wearing an elegant modern suit of clothes, leaped
+past me!
+
+"His looks were wild and outrageous, and I gazed after him with the
+greatest astonishment, but in a moment he had disappeared again in the
+thick of the tangled coppice, and I could see no more of him. I walked
+onwards, therefore; but what words can express the horror that I felt,
+when right before me I saw a naked human figure stretched out flat upon
+the ground! There seemed to me no doubt that a murder had been
+committed, and that the fugitive whom I had before seen was the
+murderer.
+
+"I knelt down beside the naked man, recognized at once your features,
+and perceived that you still breathed. Close beside you lay the Capuchin
+habit, which at this moment you are wearing. With much labour and
+stratagem I contrived to dress you in it, and to drag you along with me.
+At last you awoke out of your deep swoon, but you remained in that
+frightful state of apathy in which this reverend gentleman has described
+you.
+
+"It cost me no little exertion to get you dragged along, and
+consequently it was not till late in the evening that I was able to
+reach an ale-house, which was situated in the middle of the forest. Here
+I placed you upon a bench of turf at the door, where you lay as if
+utterly overcome and drunk with sleep. I then went into the house to
+procure you food and drink, and, found (as I suspected might be the
+case) a party of hussars, who, as the hostess informed me, were in
+pursuit of a monk, who, in an inconceivable manner, had escaped at the
+moment when, on account of his enormous crimes, preparations were making
+for his death on the scaffold.
+
+"It was to me an inexplicable mystery how you could have escaped out of
+the _residenz_ into the forest; but the entire conviction that you were
+the Medardus whom they now sought after, made me exert myself to the
+utmost to rescue you from the danger which now hovered over you. Of
+course, I brought you away directly from the ale-house, in which
+undertaking I was favoured by the increasing darkness; and thereafter
+choosing always the by-roads and most unfrequented tracks, I succeeded
+at last in conducting you over the frontiers.
+
+"Finally, after long and incredible wanderings, I came with you to this
+house, where the inhabitants received us both, as I declared that I was
+not willing to separate from you. Here I was convinced that you were
+perfectly secure, for by no means would the venerable fathers give up a
+sick person whom they had once received, to any criminal court.
+
+"In this very chamber, then, I faithfully attended and nursed you; for
+as to your own five senses, you were indeed but very indifferently
+provided. Nor were the movements of your limbs to be commended. Neither
+Vestris nor Noverre would have given you much encouragement, for your
+head hung down on your breast, and when any one wished you to stand
+upright, then you tumbled about like a capotted nine-pin or skittle. As
+to your celebrated eloquence, too, you fared still worse, for you were
+d----d _monosyllabic_, and in your lucid intervals, only said, 'Hu--hu!'
+and 'Me--me!' out of which expressions your thoughts and wishes were not
+to be very clearly divined: Indeed, it was to be supposed, that your
+rational faculties had become unfaithful to you, and were gone
+a-vagabondizing on their own private account.
+
+"At last you became all of a sudden extravagantly merry, cut inordinate
+capers in the air, and roared aloud with sheer exuberance of delight,
+tearing your habit at the same time, in order, we supposed, to escape
+even from the smallest restraint. Your appetite was then----"
+
+"Stop, stop, Schönfeld," cried I, "give over this horrible and cruel
+raillery--you have already sufficiently informed me of the frightful
+situation into which I had fallen. Thanks and praise to the
+long-suffering and mercy of Heaven, and the intercession of the saints,
+that I am now rescued!"
+
+"Alas! reverend sir," resumed Schönfeld, "in what respect are you the
+better of all that you have gained, I mean of this peculiar attribute of
+the soul, which is called self-consciousness? Methinks it might well be
+compared to the cursed activity of a pettifogging toll-keeper, or
+excise-officer, at best, or a controller of customs, who has established
+his damnable _comptoir_ in the brain, and upon the last indication of
+goods coming forth from hence, cries out 'Hey day! The export is
+forbidden. These wares must remain in the country.' The richest jewels,
+like contemptible grains of seed, remain stuck in the earth, and at
+last, all that rises above the surface are _runkelrüben_,[4] from an
+hundred thousand weight of which, perhaps a quarter of an ounce of bad
+sugar is afterwards extracted; and yet this pitiful export is, forsooth,
+to lay the foundation of trade with the glorious city of the New
+Jerusalem in the realms above, where all is magnificence and splendour.
+Oh, heavens! I would have given all my dearly bought powder _à la
+Marchalle_, or _à la Pompadour_, or _à la Reine de Golconde_,--would
+have cast it into the river, where it is deepest, if by transi-to-trade,
+I could have obtained from thence but a _quentlein_ of the golden dust of
+the sun's rays, to dress the wigs of reverend professors, and men of
+learning, but in the first place, mine own! What do I say? If my
+excellent friend Damon, reverend sir, had, instead of the flea-coloured
+frock, contrived to hang about your shoulders one of those robes made of
+the morning light, in which the burgesses of the holy city walk to
+church, then, as to dignity and gentility, we should have come off very
+differently; but as the matter stood, the world held you for a common
+_glebæ adscriptus_, and the devil for your cousin-german!"
+
+[Footnote 4: Beet-roots.]
+
+Schönfeld had risen up, and walked, or rather hopped, about the room,
+with vehement gesticulations, and twisting his features into incredible
+contortions. He was in the plenitude of his vein, kindling up one folly
+by another. I therefore seized him again by both arms. "Art thou
+resolved," said I, "to secure thyself a place in this hospital instead
+of me? Is it impossible for thee to talk more than five minutes
+together without falling into these absurdities?"
+
+"Is then all that I utter," said he, "so very foolish, when thus the
+spirit comes upon me?"
+
+"That is precisely what renders your talk so intolerable," said I.
+"There is often good sense at the bottom of all this gibberish, but so
+abominably metamorphosed, that a thought, good in itself, is like a fine
+dress hung over with party-coloured rags. Like a drunk man, thou canst
+not proceed in a straight direction, but art everlastingly floundering
+away hither and thither. Thy conduct is never consistent or
+consecutive."
+
+"What is conduct?" said Schönfeld, with a contemptuous smile--"What is
+conduct, most venerable Capuchin? Doth not that term imply the
+preconception in the mind of some fixed and certain object, for the
+attainment of which we shape and adapt our procedure? Are you, reverend
+sir, sure of your own object? Are you not rather afraid that you may
+have occasionally admitted too little alloy in your spirituous
+potations, and now, like a giddy tower-watcher, see two goals, without
+knowing the right one? Besides, sir, let it be forgiven to one of my
+profession, if he is apt, perhaps too often, to have recourse to the
+humorous and the _outré_, in order to season the insipidity of this
+life, as we add Spanish pepper to cauliflower; without this, an artist
+of my vocation would be but a pitiful _dummkopf_,[5] who carries his
+privilege in his pocket, without ever daring to make use of it."
+
+[Footnote 5: Blockhead.]
+
+The monk had remained in the room, and had looked attentively at
+Belcampo and at me; but as we spoke German, he did not understand a
+single word. At last, he resolutely interrupted our dialogue. "Excuse
+me, gentlemen," said he, "if I put an end to a discourse from which it
+is impossible for either of you to derive any advantage. Your health,
+brother, is yet much too weak to bear with a conversation which probably
+awakens painful recollections as to your past life. Besides, you will
+have time enough to learn all that your friend has to inform you of, as
+when you leave our establishment, he will no doubt accompany you.
+Belcampo has a strange manner of speaking; and by his eloquence and
+gesticulations together, never fails, when he tells a story, to bring
+every adventure vividly before the eyes of his listener. In Germany he
+must, I suppose, be looked on as mad. Here in Italy, he would be valued
+as a capital buffoon, and on the stage might make a fortune."
+
+Schönfeld stared with all his might at the clergyman, then lifted
+himself on tiptoe, clasped his hands over his head, and called out in
+Italian, "Thou warning voice from the world of spirits--thou voice of
+omnipotent destiny! To me thou hast spoken at last through the organs of
+this reverend father. Belcampo--Belcampo! How could'st thou mistake so
+long thy true vocation? It is now resolved!" He then ran out of the
+room, and for that day I saw no more of him.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Next morning he made his appearance, equipt for a journey. "Dear Brother
+Medardus," said he, "you are now quite recovered; you do not any longer
+require my assistance. I therefore take my departure, in order to go, as
+the spirit moves me, into the world. Farewell, then! Yet permit me that
+I exercise on you, for the last time, my art, although in my own
+estimation it has now become utterly contemptible."
+
+Hereupon he drew out his razors, comb, and scissars, and with a thousand
+grimaces, _more suo_, brought my hair and visage into proper order. At
+last he took his leave, with many tears; and as the man, notwithstanding
+his fidelity, had become very strange and mysterious, and knew more of
+my history than I could have wished, I was not sorry to find myself free
+from his tiresome conversation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The physician's remedies had been of great service to me; and as, by
+taking every day longer and longer walks, I had quite recovered my
+strength, I became convinced that I was able for the fatigues of a
+pedestrian journey, and resolved to leave a house, which, however
+suitable to the sick, was by no means a congenial abode for those who
+were in health.
+
+The plan of going to Rome had been, without any volition of my own,
+brought so far into execution. I had always been advancing farther
+towards the place of my destination, and resolved, therefore, that I
+would now persevere in the same course.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+At last I had taken leave of the charitable brethren, and set out as a
+pilgrim on that high road, which I was told was the proper route to the
+great city. Notwithstanding that my health was now thoroughly
+reinstated, yet I was conscious of a strange apathy of mind, which threw
+a dark shade on every image, rendering the prospects before me grey,
+withered, and cloudy. Without even any clear remembrance of my past
+life, I was completely occupied by cares for the present moment. Towards
+evening, I always looked out anxiously for some place, (generally a
+convent or private house,) where I would be able to extort food and
+shelter for the night. I rejoiced not a little, when I met with persons
+sufficiently devout to fill my knap-sack and wine-bottle, in return for
+which I mechanically repeated, according to monastic form, the customary
+blessings. In short, I had sunk in spirit, as well as in outward
+observances, into an ordinary, stupid, and depraved mendicant friar.
+
+At last, after many adventures, no one of which deserves particular
+commemoration, (for they were all of a similar character,) I came at
+last to a great Capuchin Convent, which, surrounded only by houses
+belonging to the establishment, and forming in itself a little town, is
+situated not far from Rome. This convent, though within itself large and
+populous, is, in other respects, lonely and insulated. The monks are by
+their rule obliged to receive others of the same order, and I imagined
+that I should live for some time with much comfort among them.
+
+Accordingly I made up a story, such as I thought would sound favourably
+in their ears. I pretended that the convent to which I belonged in
+Germany had been recently broken up; that consequently I had been thrown
+on the wide world, and wished to be received into some other monastery,
+under the same laws.
+
+With that hospitality and cheerfulness which are peculiar to the Italian
+clergy, they, in the first place, entertained me sumptuously, and the
+Prior formally said, that if no fulfilment of a sacred vow obliged me
+to travel farther, I was welcome to remain there as long as I chose.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was now the hour of vespers. The monks went to their appointed places
+in the choir, and I walked into the church. I was deeply impressed by
+the bold and magnificent architecture of the great aisle--but, alas! my
+spirit could now no more be exalted by those raptures which in early
+days attended me in the church of the Holy Lime-Tree, to which this bore
+a marked and mysterious resemblance!
+
+When I had completed my devotions at the high altar, I indulged myself
+in walking through the different subsidiary aisles, contemplating the
+paintings at various shrines, which, as usual, represented the
+martyrdoms of the saints, to whom they were severally consecrated. At
+last I was attracted by a small and retired chapel, where the altar was
+exquisitely illuminated by the beams of the now setting sun, that
+streamed in through the painted window.
+
+I wished to examine the picture, and devoutly making the sign of the
+cross, mounted up the marble steps. Oh, heaven! It was precisely the
+same, the fatal altar-piece of my own convent--the martyrdom of St
+Rosalia! Methought, however, the figure was yet more beautiful, more
+exquisitely attractive and seducing. It was Aurelia, in her fullest
+bloom of beauty, that I beheld; and my whole past life, which I had
+begun to forget, with all its wanderings and crimes--the murder of
+Euphemia, of Hermogen, and of Aurelia, revived on my recollection, as if
+concentrated instantaneously into one horrible thought, that penetrated
+my heart and brain, like a burning hot implement of torture.
+
+I threw myself prostrate on the stone floor. I was convulsively shook
+and torn by my inward conflicts, as if I had been laid on the rack of
+the most cruel and relentless inquisition. Death would have been
+welcome--but, alas! death would not come to my relief! Hereupon I began
+to tear my garments, in the furious rage of despair. I howled in
+hopeless anguish, so that my voice resounded through the vaulted aisles
+of the church.
+
+"I am cursed," cried I aloud--"I am cursed for ever. There is for me no
+grace, no consolation more--neither in this world nor in the next. To
+hell--to hell am I doomed! Sentence of eternal damnation has gone forth
+against me--an accursed and abandoned sinner!"
+
+My cries of course alarmed the whole community. People came, lifted me
+up, and carried me from the altar of St Rosalia. The service was now
+over, and the monks assembled in the chapel. At their head was the
+Prior. He looked at me with an indescribable mildness and gravity of
+expression, which reminded me of Leonardus. He then advanced and took me
+by the hand, while to me it seemed as if some blessed saint, hovering in
+the air, held up the miserable sinner above the fiery and bottomless
+pool of destruction into which he was about to plunge.
+
+"You are ill and feverish, brother," said the Prior; "the fatigues of
+your long pilgrimage have been too great a trial of your strength, but
+we shall carry you safely into the sick ward of the convent, where you
+will be faithfully attended by our physician, and restored to health."
+
+I could not make any articulate answer to this address. I knelt before
+him in abject misery, and even kissed the hem of his garment.
+Deep-drawn sighs, which I could not repress, betrayed the frightful
+condition of my soul. The monks again lifted me up, and brought me into
+the refectorium, where they insisted on my accepting of some
+refreshments.
+
+On a sign from the Prior, the brethren then retired, and I remained with
+him alone.
+
+"Brother," he began, "your conscience seems to be loaded with some heavy
+sins; for nothing but repentance almost without hope, on account of some
+extraordinary crime, could have given rise to such conduct as you have
+this evening exhibited. Yet great and boundless are the mercy and
+long-suffering of God; very powerful, too, is the intercession of the
+saints. Therefore, take courage! You shall confess to me; and when this
+duty is fulfilled, the consolations of the church shall not be wanting."
+
+These words in themselves were not remarkable; but the tone and manner
+of the Prior made on me such an impression, that at this moment
+methought the mysterious pilgrim of the Holy Lime-Tree stood beside me,
+and as if he were the only being on the wide earth to whom I was bound
+to disclose the horrors of my life, and from whom I must allow nothing
+to remain concealed. Still I was unable to speak. I could only prostrate
+myself again upon the earth before the old man.
+
+"I am now obliged," said he, "to return to the chapel. Should you
+resolve to follow my counsel, you will find me there."
+
+My determination was already fixed. As soon as I had, by a great effort,
+recovered some degree of composure, I hastened after the Prior, and
+found him waiting in the confessional. Acting according to the impulse
+of the moment, I began to speak, for the first time since a very long
+period, without the slightest attempt at disguise. On the contrary, I
+confessed all the adventures of my life, from first to last, without
+mitigating a single circumstance, which the severest censor could have
+suggested against me!
+
+Horrible was the penance which the Prior now imposed upon me! Forbid to
+appear again in the church--shut out like an alien from the society of
+the monks, I was henceforth confined to the charnel vaults of the
+convent--miserably prolonging my life by a stinted portion of tasteless
+roots and water, scourging myself with knotted ropes, and mangling my
+flesh with various implements of martyrdom, which the ingenuity of
+demoniacal malevolence had _first_ invented, lifting up my voice only in
+bitter accusations against myself, or in the most passionate and abject
+supplications for deliverance from that hell whose flames already seemed
+to burn within me!
+
+But when my blood streamed from an hundred wounds--when pain, in a
+hundred scorpion stings, assailed me--and nature yielded at last, from
+inability to continue the conflict, so that I fell asleep like an
+exhausted child, even in despite of my torments--then the horrid imagery
+of dreams molested me with a new and involuntary martyrdom.
+
+Methought I saw Euphemia, who came floating towards me in all the
+luxuriance of her beauty, and casting on me the most seductive glances.
+But I cried out aloud, "What would'st thou from me, thou accursed sinful
+woman? No! hell shall not triumph over the truly penitent!" Then
+methought her form, before so wanton and luxurious, shook and shivered.
+She threw aside her robes, and a horror, like that of annihilation,
+seized upon me; for I saw that her body was dried up into a skeleton,
+and through the ribs of the spectre I saw not worms, but numberless
+serpents that twined and twisted within and without, thrusting out their
+heads and forked burning tongues towards me.
+
+"Away!--begone!" cried I, in delirium; "thy serpents are stinging my
+already wounded flesh. They would fatten on my heart's-blood,--but
+then--I should die--I should die--Death would release me from thy
+vengeance!"
+
+"My serpents," howled out the spectre, who now seemed like an infernal
+fury,--"my serpents may nourish themselves from thy heart's-blood, but
+herein consists not thy torment, oh wretched sinner! Thy pain is within
+thine own bosom, and in vain hopest thou for release in death. Thy
+torment is the thought of thine own crimes, and this thought is
+eternal!"
+
+Hereafter the figure of Hermogen, streaming with blood, rose up out of
+the dusky void, and Euphemia fled before him. He, too, staid not; but
+rushed past, with an hideous groan, and pointing to a wound in his
+throat, which had the form of the cross.
+
+I now wished to pray; but my senses were lost and overcome in the
+confusion that ensued. At first the whole air was animated, and filled
+with rustling and flapping of wings, and gibbering of unearthly voices.
+Then mortals, whom I had before known in the world, appeared
+metamorphosed into the most insane caricatures. Heads, with well-known
+features, came crawling about me on scarecrow legs, which grew out of
+their own ears. Strange winged monsters, too, which I knew not, and
+could not name, came floating through the air. Among these were ravens,
+and other birds, with human faces. But at last, these gave place to the
+Bishop's choir-master, at Königswald, with his sister. The latter
+wheeled herself about in a wild and furious _walz_, to which her brother
+supplied the music; but he kept all the while strumming on his own
+breast, which had become a violin.
+
+Belcampo, whom I recognised, although he wore a hateful lizard's head,
+and sat upon a disgusting winged serpent, came driving up towards me. He
+wanted to comb my beard with a red-hot iron comb; but could not succeed
+in his attempt. The tumult always became wilder and wilder. More strange
+and indescribable were the figures, from the smallest beetle, dancing on
+large human feet, up to the long drawn-out horse skeleton, with blazing
+eyes, and with his own hide made into a pillion, upon which sat a rider,
+with a gleaming owl's head. A gigantic bottomless beaker served for his
+coat of mail, and an inverted funnel was his helmet.
+
+"Hell," cried a voice, "is in a mood of mirth, and triumphs!" Hereupon I
+heard myself laugh aloud; but the exertion of laughter tore my breast;
+my pain became more scorching, and my wounds bled more fiercely.
+
+At last the rabble rout vanished, and there came forward the glorious
+form of a woman more beauteous than the fairest of the boasted
+Circassians on earth! She walked up towards me.--"Oh, heaven, it is
+Aurelia!"--"I live," said she; "I live, and I am now for ever thine!"
+
+Then the raging fires of sinful passion once more arose within me. I
+flew to Aurelia, seized and embraced her with fervour. All weakness and
+exhaustion were utterly forgotten; but instead of her light and
+sylph-like form, methought I felt the weight and the torture of burning
+lead or iron laid on my breast. My visage and eyes, too, were scratched
+and wounded as if with rough bristles, like a wool-dresser's comb; and
+Satan roared aloud, with thrilling laughter--"Now, _now_ art thou wholly
+mine!"
+
+With a shriek of terror I awoke, and anon my blood flowed anew in
+streams, from the strokes of the knotted whip, with which, in hopeless
+agony, I chastised myself. For the crime of that interview with Aurelia,
+though but in a dream, demanded double penance, and I was resolved to
+run the risk even of committing indirect suicide, rather than omit one
+iota of the prescribed inflictions.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At last, the period appointed by the Prior for my seclusion in the
+vaults was over, and, by his express command, I was obliged to remove
+from thence, in order to finish the remainder of my penance in the
+convent, although my cell was yet to be separated from all the other
+brethren; for, by such gradations, I was at last to arrive at his
+permission to return to the church, and to the society of the monks.
+
+But with the latter gradations of penance I was not myself satisfied. I
+was enjoined only solitude and a daily use of the knotted rope; but I
+stedfastly refused every better sort of food which was now offered to
+me; and when at last allowed to enter the church, I lay for whole days
+on the cold marble floor, before the shrine of St Rosalia, and chastised
+myself in my cell in the most cruel and immoderate degree. By these
+outward sufferings, I thought that I should overcome the more fearful
+pains by which I was inwardly tormented, but in vain! Those phantoms,
+the off-spring of my own perturbed imagination, always returned, and I
+believed myself given up a helpless prey to Satan, who thus, for his own
+special divertisement, assailed me, and enticed me to commit those sins
+in _thought_, which in _deed_ were no longer in my power.
+
+The severe penance imposed upon me, and the unheard-of perseverance with
+which it was fulfilled, excited in the highest degree the attention of
+the monks. They contemplated me with a kind of reverential awe, and many
+times I heard whisperings among them--"He is indeed a saint!" This
+expression was to me unspeakably distressing, for it reminded me vividly
+of that moment in the Capuchin Convent of Königswald, when, in my
+outrageous delirium, I had called out to the spectral painter, "I am the
+blessed St Anthony!"
+
+The very last and concluding stage of the penance imposed by the Prior,
+had now passed away, yet I had never desisted from self-martyrdom.
+Nature seemed unable to bear up any longer against the violence which I
+inflicted. My eyes were dim and sunk in their sockets. My bleeding frame
+was become a mere skeleton, so that, when for hours I had lain on the
+marble floor, I was not able to raise myself till the monks came to
+assist me.
+
+At last, the Prior one day sent for me to his consulting-room.
+"Brother," said he, "do you now feel, after the severe penance you have
+undergone, your mind soothed and lightened? Have the consolations of
+Heaven been poured upon you?"
+
+In the hollow tone of despair, I answered him, "No!"
+
+"Brother," he resumed, "when, after your confession of horrid crimes, I
+inflicted on you that severe penance, I satisfied the laws of the
+church, which demand that a malefactor whom the arm of justice has not
+reached, but who voluntarily confesses his evil actions, should also,
+by his outward conduct, prove the _reality_ of his repentance. Yet I
+believe, (and the best authorities are on my side,) that the most
+excruciating torments which the penitent can inflict on himself, do not,
+as soon as he himself grounds any confidence on these exercises,
+diminish, by one fraction, the amount of his guilt. To no human
+intellect is it given to explain how the omniscient and eternal Ruler
+measures and weighs the deeds of mankind; but lost for ever must that
+mortal be, who deludes himself with expectations of taking Heaven by
+storm, through the force of penitential infliction.
+
+"Moreover, the individual who believes that, by the fulfilment of such
+duties, the crimes of which he has been convicted are, of necessity,
+blotted out and atoned, proves, by this very belief, that his inward
+repentance has neither been true nor complete. But as for you, dear
+brother Medardus, you have yet experienced no consolation, and _this_,
+in my opinion, proves the truth of your conversion. Give up now, I
+command you, all chastisements--allow yourself better food, and no
+longer avoid the society of your brethren.
+
+"Learn, besides, that your extraordinary life, with all its complicated
+involvements, is better known to me than it is even to yourself. A
+fatality from which you could not escape, gave to the devil a certain
+influence over you; and, while you committed crimes which to your own
+nature were abhorrent, you were only his tool, or implement.
+
+"Dream not, however, that you are on this account less sinful in the
+eyes of Heaven, or of the church, for on you was bestowed ample power,
+if you had had the resolution to exert it, to conquer in a spirited
+battle the fiend who beset you. In what mortal heart has not this
+influence of our arch-enemy raged like a tempest, resisting every
+impulse of good? But without this conflict, virtue could have no
+existence--For in what doth virtue consist, but in the triumph (after a
+hard-fought battle) of good over evil?
+
+"But, as one source of consolation, I can inform you, that you have
+accused yourself of a crime wherein you have been guilty in intention,
+but not in effect. Aurelia yet lives. In your madness you probably
+wounded yourself, and it was your own blood that streamed over your
+hands. Aurelia still lives;--this fact I have amply ascertained."
+
+Hereupon I fell on my knees, with my hands uplifted in fervent prayer,
+and burst into tears.
+
+"Know farther," said the Prior, "that the strange old painter, of whom,
+in your confession, you spoke so much, has, as long as I can remember,
+been an occasional visitor at our convent, and probably may, before
+long, again appear among us. Long ago he gave me a parchment book to
+take charge of, in which are numerous drawings, but more especially a
+kind of chronicle, to which, as often as he came hither, he always added
+a few lines or pages. He has not left me under any injunctions not to
+shew this book to any one whom its contents may interest, and, of
+course, I shall not hesitate to intrust it with you. Indeed, this now
+becomes my indispensable duty, and hence you will learn the wonderful
+entanglements of your own destiny, which at one time led you as if into
+a higher world of visions and miracles, and, at another, into the most
+ordinary and most depraved scenes of what is called the world.
+
+"It has been said that miracles have now wholly vanished from the earth;
+but this is a doctrine which I, for one, am by no means inclined to
+accede to. Miracles, if by that name we understand only that which we
+by no means can explain or account for, certainly have continued among
+us, though it is true, that by the observance of a few fixed and limited
+rules, our philosophers seem (in their own conceit at least) to give
+laws to nature; yet, nevertheless, there are phenomena every now and
+then recurring, which put all their boasted wisdom to shame, and which,
+in our obstinate stupidity, because they are not explainable, we
+therefore reject, as unworthy of belief.
+
+"In this manner we deny, among other things, the possibility of a
+spiritual apparition, inasmuch as it is impossible for an incorporeal
+figure to be mirrored on the surface of the human eye, which is
+corporeal, the absurd fallacy and sophism of which reasoning is obvious.
+To tell the truth, I look upon this ancient painter as one of those
+extraordinary apparitions, which put to the blush all ordinary rules and
+theories. I am doubtful even if his corporeal figure is such as we can
+properly call real. This much is certain, that no one here ever
+discovered in him the ordinary functions of life. He would neither eat,
+drink, nor sleep; nor did I ever observe him either writing or drawing,
+though it was obvious, notwithstanding, that in the book, in which he
+only appeared to read, there were always more leaves written or painted
+on when he went away, than there had been before.
+
+"I should observe, also, that all which the book contains, appeared to
+me to be mere _griffon-age_, or fantastic sketches of an insane artist,
+until you came to our convent. Then, for the first time, its pages came
+to be legible and intelligible, after you, dear brother Medardus, had
+confessed to me.
+
+"I dare not give utterance more particularly to my own suppositions, or
+apprehensions, regarding the real character of this old painter, and his
+relationship to you. You will yourself guess at the truth, or, more
+probably, it will develope itself in the clearest light before you, when
+you have attentively perused this book. Go then, take every proper
+method and precaution to restore your bodily, as well as mental
+energies, and, in a few days, if you feel yourself recovered, as I hope
+will be the case, you shall receive from me the mysterious volume,
+which, meanwhile, I retain, as you have not strength at present for the
+task of deciphering it."
+
+Henceforward, I was of course under the necessity of acting according to
+the injunctions of the Prior. I ate with the brethren at their public
+table, and omitted all chastisements, confining myself to fervent and
+prolonged prayer at the altars of the saints. Although my heart
+continued to bleed inwardly, and my mind was still much disturbed, yet
+at last those horrible phantoms and diabolical temptations by which I
+had been persecuted, came to an end. Often, when tired to death, I
+passed sleepless nights on my hard couch, there was around me a waving
+as if of seraphs' wings; and I beheld the lovely form of the living
+Aurelia, who, with her eyes full of tears and celestial compassion, bent
+down over me. She stretched out her hand, as if protectingly, and
+diffusing blessings over my head. Then my eye-lids sank down, and a mild
+refreshing slumber poured new strength into my veins.
+
+When the Prior observed that my mind and frame had once more regained
+some degree of healthy excitement, he again sent for me in private, and
+gave me the painter's parchment book, admonishing me to read it with
+attention in my own cell.
+
+I opened the volume, and the first of its contents which struck my eye
+were drawings for those paintings which still exist in the Church of the
+Holy Lime-Tree, and which had, from earliest youth, possessed so
+mysterious an influence over my whole life. Formerly, the possession of
+this book would have agitated me almost to madness, from the degree of
+anxiety which it would have excited. Now, however, after the discipline
+which I had undergone, I was perfectly calm. Besides, there was scarcely
+any degree of mystery left which I had not by anticipation already
+developed. That which the painter had here, in a small scarcely-legible
+hand, set down, intermixed with sketches both in black lead and in
+colours, was but a distinct and clear delineation of my own dreams and
+apprehensions, brought out indeed with a degree of precision and
+accuracy of which I could not have been capable.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+After mature reflection, I have judged it superfluous to transcribe in
+this place the parchment book of the old and supernatural painter;
+though I might be tempted to do so by the consideration, that no one
+else could ever be enabled to understand and follow out its intricate
+details, or even to decipher the hand-writing. He sets out by speaking
+of himself in the third, but afterwards, or towards the close of his
+narrative, uses the first personal pronoun.
+
+He was the eldest son of a certain Prince Camillo di Rosoli, (who had in
+early life been distinguished for his bravery and military talents,) and
+had been sent by his father, at an early age, into the world, where, to
+the great surprise of his noble friends and relations, he devoted
+himself almost exclusively to the study of painting, under a celebrated
+master of that art in Rome. Here he had already been for a considerable
+time, when his father, having been requested by the Republic of Genua to
+take the command of a powerful fleet against the Algerine corsairs, sent
+an abrupt and peremptory order for the young prince to return home. To
+this, Francesco, for that was his name, returned for answer, that a
+prince, surrounded by all the pomp and dignity incident to high rank,
+was, in his estimation, a mere cipher, in comparison with the character
+of an independent man of genius, whose wants were few, and who could
+supply these wants by the exercise of his art. A prince, he said, was,
+by the circumstances under which he lived, much more subdued and slavish
+than even the poorest artist:--for his own part, he knew well enough how
+to wield the pallet and pencils, but by no means the sceptre. Finally,
+that as to exploits in warfare, whether by sea or land, they were
+barbarous and abhorrent to his nature; whereas the creations of the
+painter were like reflections on canvass of the divine spirit, of which
+a share sometimes descends on favoured mortals.
+
+Thus he sent back his father's messengers with contumely and disgrace,
+and the old prince, being thereby violently incensed, dispatched other
+ambassadors, who had no better success; whereupon, they informed him,
+that, if he did not obey his father's orders, they were commissioned to
+say, that he would be disinherited, and never more permitted to assume
+that rank which he had now virtually, though not formally, resigned.
+
+To these conditions Francesco made no objections whatever;--on the
+contrary, he gave up to his younger brother, in a regular charter, all
+claims on the family estates; and as the old prince soon after lost his
+life in battle, Zenobio succeeded to the government, and Francesco
+continued to live poorly enough on a small pension, which his brother
+voluntarily bestowed upon him.
+
+Francesco was originally of a proud and overbearing temper; but his
+instructor in the art of painting, the celebrated Leonardo di Rovino,
+was one of the most pious and ingenious of men. Finding that his pupil
+had actually renounced the fortune and rank to which he had been born,
+he gave him such good counsel and example, that for some years Francesco
+behaved as a very obedient and faithful disciple, assisting his master
+in the completion of several great works, which were almost wholly
+devoted to the illustration of the Christian miracles, and the glorious
+lives of the Saints.
+
+After some time, however, it came to pass that Francesco raised himself
+to the rank of a master on his own account, and was engaged to paint
+many altar-pieces for churches, &c., in which Leonardo continued kindly
+to assist him, until at length, being very far advanced in years, he
+died.
+
+Then like a fire long with difficulty suppressed, the native pride and
+insolence of Francesco's character again broke forth. He looked on
+himself as the greatest painter of his time, and joining with this
+notion of his own pre-eminence, the recollection of his hereditary rank,
+he assumed for himself the title of the Noble Painter. Of his once
+revered master, Leonardo, he now spoke with contempt, and invented for
+himself a new school of art, which was well adapted to attract the
+admiration of the multitude. He diligently studied the works of the
+ancient statuaries; among which, a certain renowned figure of Venus,
+above all others, engaged his attention; and henceforth no one could
+equal him in representing the luxurious seductions of the female form,
+which he always introduced naked, giving to his figures, by means of
+dark shadows in the back ground, and a brilliance of colouring, which
+were particularly his own, the most magical effect of _alto relievo_.
+
+It happened that in the great city he fell into the society of a set of
+wild young men, most of them of high rank, who were delighted to have
+for their companion a man in birth equal to themselves, though, as an
+artist and man of genius, more interesting than men of mere fortune and
+family can generally pretend to be. Francesco was but too willing to
+attend their feasts and festivals, and was delighted by the praise with
+which they constantly fed his vanity, insisting, in particular, on the
+high advantages which he possessed over the artists of that age, by his
+preference of the ancient models, and his correctness as to drawing and
+anatomy.
+
+Being all of them unable or unwilling to submit to any degree of
+restraint, and cherishing no other principle than that of yielding to
+the extravagance of youthful imagination, and the indulgence of their
+own passions, they formed a plan of renouncing altogether the Christian
+Religion, and adopting fantastically the creed and manners of the
+ancient Romans.
+
+In this manner they for some time continued to lead a shameless and most
+dissolute life, in consequence of which, it happened that Francesco,
+neglecting the orders which were from time to time sent to him from
+convents and other religious institutions, fell into grievous distress
+for want of ready money. Added to this it so happened, that the salary
+usually allowed him by his brother Zenobio, was not paid at the regular
+time. He now recollected that the monks of a certain Capuchin convent
+had some months before offered a large sum for an altar piece,
+representing the martyrdom of St Rosalia, which commission he had, under
+the influence of his dissolute pleasures, and apostacy from the
+Christian faith, refused to execute. Now, however, he resolved to
+perform the work required of him, wholly for the sake of the reward with
+which it would be attended.
+
+Accordingly he began, intending to paint the martyrdom of St Rosalia, in
+his usual glaring and seductive manner, modelling her form and features
+after those of the favourite Venus which has already been mentioned. In
+the pencil drawing which he made in the first place, he succeeded well
+enough, and the wicked young men, his companions, were highly delighted
+with the notion of setting up a heathenish idol, instead of a real
+picture of a Christian saint, in the church.
+
+But when Francesco came actually to paint, lo! by some inexplicable
+influence, the work turned out very differently from what he had
+intended.--A more powerful inspiration overcame that of wicked deceit,
+and hatred to the Christian faith, by which he had been till then
+actuated. It seemed as if the countenance of an angel, from the realms
+of the blest, began to dawn on his perceptions, out of the dark clouds
+which he had laid for the ground-work on his canvass. Involuntarily a
+kind of religious terror took possession of his mind. He became fearful
+of offending the blessed martyr whom he was employed to represent, and
+around the body, which, according to the original design, he had painted
+naked, were at last thrown the elegant folds of a dark-red dress, with a
+sky-blue shawl or mantle.
+
+The Capuchin monks had, in their letter to the painter, only expressed
+their wish for a portrait of St Rosalia, that is to say, for a single
+figure, and for this purpose had his drawing been prepared; but now, led
+on by the workings of his own creative spirit, he invented a grand
+historical design, and introduced many figures, grouped with great
+skill, and which blended very harmoniously with that of the principal
+personage. In short, Francesco's attention was wholly absorbed by this
+work, so that the shameful course of life which he had before led was
+completely broken of, or at least interrupted.
+
+It came to pass, however, that he found himself quite unable to finish,
+according to his own notions, the countenance of the saint; and this
+disappointment tormented him so exceedingly, that he had no rest by
+night or by day. He no longer thought of having recourse to his
+favourite statue of Venus, but it seemed to him as if he beheld his old
+master Leonardo, who looked at him mournfully, and addressed him in
+these words--"Alas! I would willingly assist you, but I dare not! You
+must first renounce all your sinful and shameless propensities, and, in
+deep repentance and contrition, pray for the interposition of the
+saints, against whom you have so fearfully offended."
+
+The wicked young men, whose society had been long neglected by
+Francesco, once more sought him out, and found him in his painting
+room, but wholly unemployed; for, in consequence of his mental anxiety,
+he had fallen sick, and was lying powerless and despairing on his couch.
+On the appearance of his friends he complained to them bitterly of his
+misfortune, and expressed his belief that some malignant demon had
+interfered to rob him of his former reputation, and would prevent him
+altogether from completing his picture of St Rosalia.
+
+At this they all laughed aloud. "Ha, brother," cried one among them, "it
+is easy to perceive that solitude and fasting have been the demons that
+have brought this illness upon you. Come then, my friends, let us devote
+a libation of good old wine to Esculapius, and the benevolent Hygeia, in
+order that this feeble youth may again be restored!"
+
+They sent immediately for Syracusan wine, which these fantastic young
+men drank out of antique-fashioned horns, and silver beakers, pouring
+forth, as they expressed it, their libations to Hygeia, before the
+unfinished picture. Afterwards, when they began to drink stoutly, and
+insisted on Francesco joining in their orgies, the latter resolved
+positively not to taste a drop of their wine, and would take no share in
+their merriment; although they drank the health of his favourite
+goddess, and tried every stratagem to flatter his vanity, and engage his
+attention.
+
+At last, one of them exclaimed, "Our _penseroso_ comrade there is
+perhaps really sick, and cannot so easily be cured as we had supposed.
+Yet, methinks, he hath acted very wrongfully in refusing to taste the
+remedies that have been already prescribed for him. Be this as it may,
+seeing that he is so very ill, I shall directly go hence, and obtain for
+him the assistance of a learned physician." The youth then threw his
+mantle around him, girted on his sword, and marched out. Scarcely,
+however, had he got beyond the door, when he returned again.--"Look you
+now, comrades," he exclaimed, "I am myself the man who will effectually
+cure this poor despairing artist!"
+
+He then put on, as well as he could, the character of an old ridiculous
+physician,--bent himself half double,--walked with his knees knocking
+together, and twisted his face into an hundred wrinkles,--so that, in
+truth, he looked like an hideous old man; and his companions, greatly
+diverted, cried out, "See what learned physiognomies the doctor cuts!"
+
+The doctor went up to Francesco, and pretended to feel his pulse. Then,
+in a pompous rough voice, "Why, thou poor devil!" cried he, "what has
+brought it into thine addled brain to fall sick in this manner? Thy
+pulse beats regularly; what then is the matter with thee? Be that as it
+may, I must make haste to cure thy distemper, whether real or imaginary,
+and thou must submissively follow all my prescriptions; for in the state
+in which thou now art, thy Donna Venus will never be pleased with thee.
+It might be, however, that, if thy visage were less pale, and thy looks
+not so downcast, the Lady Rosalia herself would receive you kindly.
+Here, then, thou poor desponding shepherd! sip up a little of that
+miraculous cordial which I always carry about with me. As you wish to
+paint portraits of saints and angels, my drink will probably be of
+especial service to you; for it is wine from the celebrated cellar of St
+Anthony."
+
+With these words, the pretended doctor had pulled out a small and
+oddly-shaped flask from underneath his mantle, from which flask he now
+drew the cork. Instantly there spread itself all around, an
+extraordinary stupifying vapour, by which most of the youths were so
+confused and overcome, that, one by one, in the course of a few seconds,
+they all dropt in their chairs, closed their eyes, and fell asleep.
+
+Francesco, meanwhile, as if tired of this mummery, and vexed to have
+been mocked and flouted at, snatched the bottle with violence from the
+doctor, intending at first to dash it against the wall. On the contrary,
+however, the odour attracted him so much, that he put it to his lips,
+and instantly swallowed a copious draught.
+
+"Much good may it do you!" said the doctor, who now assumed his former
+countenance and youthful demeanour. But, at that moment, the door
+opened, and the youth, who had before departed in order to bring a
+physician, reappeared _in propria persona_. His double, who must have
+been the devil, stepped forward, and made him a formal bow, whereat the
+whole party were so affrighted, that they all (having been awoke from
+sleep by the noise of his entrance) started up, ran away, and tumbled
+headlong down stairs.
+
+Even like the raging of a volcano was now the tempest which arose within
+the heart and soul of Francesco! All the Heathen stories which he had
+before painted, revived once more, in tenfold force, on his imagination,
+and their _dramatis personæ_ floated around him in forms as seductive,
+and colours as brilliant, as if they had been alive, and corporeally
+present.--"But thou, my beloved goddess!" he exclaimed, addressing
+himself to the favourite Venus whom he had so often painted--"thou must
+assume also life, and a tangible form, and become mine, otherwise I
+shall devote myself from henceforth to Pluto, and the subterranean
+powers of darkness!"
+
+Then he beheld, according to his distempered phantasy, the animated
+figure of his admired statue, with an exquisite bloom on her complexion,
+standing right before the unfinished picture, and kindly nodding towards
+him.
+
+Hereupon, seized with a sudden fit of inspiration, he started from his
+couch, ran to his _easel_, and began to paint at the head of St Rosalia;
+for he thought that he would now be able to make an exact copy from the
+features of his Venus. It seemed to him, however, as if the firmest
+efforts of volition could not command his hand--as if, in spite of all
+his endeavours, the pencil glided away from the unfinished countenance
+of Rosalia, to the profane figures by which the rest of the canvass was
+tenanted--and the heavenly aspect of the saint, unfinished as it was,
+and that came there he knew not how, always broke out more visibly and
+powerfully into view, till at last the eyes seemed to move, and look
+into his very soul. Finally, he was overcome with such agitation, that
+he dropped his pallet and pencils, and fell to the ground as if dead, in
+a state of utter despair and insensibility.
+
+When, after a long interval, he awoke from his trance, and had with
+difficulty raised himself up, he did not venture to look at the picture,
+which had now become so terrific, but crawled, with his eyes fixed on
+the ground, towards the table, where he still found the doctor's
+extraordinary bottle of wine, out of which he indulged himself with a
+long and powerful draught.
+
+Francesco was, by this means, completely restored and energized. New
+life and spirit vibrated through every limb and fibre of his frame. He
+mustered up courage enough to look at his picture; and, behold! it was
+now completed, even to the finest touches of the pencil which in his
+best days he could have been able to bestow! But what appeared most
+remarkable, was, that not the saintly countenance of Rosalia, but that
+of his old favourite Venus, now smiled with the most seductive
+expression and glances of love upon him.
+
+Accordingly, Francesco, from that moment, became the victim of the most
+sinful and delirious passion. He thought of the Pagan statuary
+Pygmalion, whose history had supplied him with a subject for one of his
+former profane works, and like him, he implored the gods, that they
+would infuse life into the creations of his art. Very soon it appeared
+to him as if the principal figures in his picture began to move and to
+swell forward in _alto relievo_; but when he tried to clasp the phantom
+in his arms, he found that the dead, cold canvass still mocked at his
+embrace! Thereupon he tore his hair, and behaved like one possessed by
+the devil.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+Already two days and two nights had Francesco passed in a state of
+raging delirium. On the third day, when he, as if petrified, and
+motionless like a statue, was standing before the picture, the door of
+his chamber opened, and there was a rustling behind him as if of female
+garments. He turned round, and beheld a very beautiful woman, whom he
+recognized at once as the original of his picture.
+
+His astonishment was now beyond all description when he beheld that
+form, which he had so long contemplated as a marble statue, living,
+breathing, and blooming, before him. Nay, he was seized with a kind of
+mysterious terror, when he looked from his beautiful visitant back to
+the picture, of which the resemblance was so accurate, that it appeared
+like the reflection of her features in a mirror.
+
+He felt the fullest conviction, that this event was the effect of
+supernatural agency; he could not utter a word, but, overcome by his
+fears, fell on his knees before the strange lady, whom he scarcely
+believed to be more than an aerial phantom.
+
+This living Venus raised him up, however, and immediately proceeded to
+relate to him her own history.
+
+She had seen Francesco at the time when he was yet a pupil in the school
+of Leonardo di Rovino. She was then but very young, but had conceived
+for him a passion so ardent, that it had never lost possession of her
+heart; and at last she had determined on leaving her parents and
+friends, who resided in the country, and wandering away to find him in
+Rome, as an inward voice had told her that he loved her very much; and
+that, merely from the force of that attachment, had been led to paint
+her portrait, which warning she now found to have been strictly true.
+
+Francesco now believed all that she told him. He became persuaded that a
+secret mental sympathy existed between himself and this stranger, which
+had given rise to the passion by which he had so long been haunted. He
+forgot the statue, and gave himself no trouble with inquiries as to how
+the resemblance betwixt it and his new visitor had been produced. Indeed
+such questions would have been very needless, as they admitted not of
+any satisfactory answer.
+
+The consequence of this visit was the solemnization (not by Christian,
+but by heathen rites) of a marriage betwixt the strange woman and
+Francesco, which was attended by all his libertine friends and
+associates. As it was found that his bride had brought with her a casket
+filled with jewels and ready money, he immediately hired servants, and
+purchased a house, where they lived in great splendour and luxury for
+many months.
+
+At the close of this period the paramour of Francesco gave birth to a
+son, which event was followed by her death, attended by circumstances so
+mysterious and horrible, that Francesco was obliged to fly from Rome,
+being accused of sorcery and witchcraft, also of divers other crimes
+peculiarly odious and abhorrent to the spirit and laws of the Christian
+religion. In consequence of all this, he was obliged to make his escape
+suddenly during the night, taking with him his child; and, as if
+endowed with supernatural energies, he made his way onwards to a wild
+and mountainous district of country, which he had before visited in his
+days of extravagance and pleasure, and where he knew that there was a
+cavern cut in the rock, in which he was now glad to take refuge with the
+child from a violent thunder storm.
+
+As to the child, he could not have himself explained by what influence
+he was induced to bear it along with him; for, in truth, he only wished
+for its destruction. On being thrown on the hard floor of the cave,
+however, the infant, for the first time, uttered some fearful and
+melancholy cries, which penetrated to Francesco's heart; and hereupon,
+he, being moved with compassion, tried every method in his power for its
+preservation.
+
+For this purpose, indeed, he was not well provided. At first he could
+only offer the child an orange to suck; but afterwards he recollected
+the doctor's extraordinary flask, of which the contents seemed
+inexhaustible, and which he had found on his departure, and brought with
+him. From this bottle he administered a few drops to the infant, who
+thereupon seemed miraculously strengthened and tranquillized; and he
+made for it, as well as he could, a bed of heather and soft moss,
+protecting it from damp and cold with his mantle.
+
+Hereafter, Francesco passed several weeks in the cavern, living like a
+penitent hermit; and, incredible as it may seem, the child lived also,
+being supplied with food from the contributions that his father received
+from pious and compassionate neighbours. But Francesco's mind,
+meanwhile, became quite wandering and irrational. He prayed, indeed,
+with great zeal, to the blessed saints, that they would intercede for
+him, a miserable sinner; for his heart was now wholly alienated from his
+profane and blasphemous errors. Above all, he preferred many
+supplications to St Rosalia.
+
+Thus it happened, that the wretched man, one beautiful and serene
+evening, was prostrate on his knees, in the wilderness. He watched the
+receding sun, which, at last, was slowly lost in the water, leaving the
+western sky like a sea of red dazzling waves; and that ruddy light faded
+ere long into the sombre grey tints of evening, the forerunner of dark
+night. Then Francesco perceived in the atmosphere the roseate gleam of
+an extraordinary light, which at first he noticed only as a strange
+phenomenon, because the sun had now departed. But the red light assumed
+a particular form, and floated always nearer and nearer to the penitent,
+till at last he recognized the figure of St Rosalia, kneeling on a
+bright cloud, and surrounded by angels. Then he heard a voice like that
+of soft and articulate music, which pronounced the words, "Forgive, oh
+Lord! this mortal, who, in his weakness, was not able to escape the
+deeply-laid snares, and resist the manifold temptations, of Satan!"
+
+Hereupon lightnings quivered through that roseate cloud, and there was a
+deep and reverberating thunder-clap. A fearful voice answered the prayer
+of the saint,--"Oftentimes mortals have sinned and been forgiven; but
+what habitant of earth hath ever transgressed like this one? NO
+HAPPINESS IN LIFE, NOR PEACE IN THE GRAVE, SHALL BE GRANTED TO HIM, SO
+LONG AS THE SINFUL RACE TO WHICH HE HATH GIVEN RISE, SHALL EXIST UPON
+THE EARTH!"
+
+Francesco now sunk down, as if annihilated in the dust; for he
+thoroughly knew that his irrevocable doom had been pronounced; and that,
+by the most horrible destiny, he would now be driven, like a second
+Ahasuerus, through the realms of life, without hope of enjoyment here,
+or confidence of salvation hereafter.
+
+Of course, he now fled, without thinking of the child in the cave; for
+though he could not now wish for its existence, yet he dared not add to
+his already heavy crimes, by that of child-murder. He lived, being no
+longer able to paint, in extreme and abject misery. Many times it came
+into his mind, as if, for the glory of the Christian religion, he must
+yet execute extensive and magnificent works; and, consequently, he made
+out in his thoughts grand designs, both as to drawing and colouring,
+which should illustrate and represent the history of the blessed Virgin,
+and St Rosalia. But how could he begin those paintings, as he now did
+not possess a single _scudo_ to supply himself with canvass and colours,
+and only supported himself by the small pittance of alms, which he
+received at the doors of churches?
+
+Into the churches also, like other mendicants, he was allowed freely to
+enter; and thus it befell, that one bright and beautiful evening, though
+at a late hour, when the sun had gone down, he sat staring on an
+opposite empty wall, and filled it in imagination with the paintings
+which his genius was yet fully competent to execute. While he sat thus
+absorbed in reverie, he saw two female figures, who, silently and with
+noiseless steps, approached him. Their countenances were veiled, so that
+he had no perception of their features; but, with a voice that rose on
+his ears like celestial music, one of them addressed to him the
+following admonition:--
+
+    "In the remote land of East Prussia is the celebrated
+    Convent of the Holy Lime-Tree, wherein
+    Providence has vouchsafed to shew many miracles;
+    but the magnificent chapel there erected is yet
+    without any ornaments of painting. Go thither,
+    then! Let the practice of your art as a painter
+    become to you an exercise of devotion, and your
+    now desponding soul will be refreshed with heavenly
+    consolation!"
+
+With these words, the two female figures melted away in a gleam of
+light, and left the air filled with the fragrance of roses and lilies.
+Francesco was convinced of the supernatural character of these
+visitants, and resolved that he would on the following day begin his
+pilgrimage. On that same evening it happened, that a servant of
+Zenobio's, after much trouble, found him out, paid him two years'
+arrears of his allotted income, and invited him kindly to his brother's
+court.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus far the old painter had written of himself in the third person,
+which, in his later memoranda, he exchanges for the first. I consider it
+needless to transcribe his historical account of the various fortunes
+and intricate relationships of that illegitimate race which he had
+founded, and of which I am a descendant. No reader would take the
+trouble of following out a detail which could scarcely be understood,
+unless thrown into the form of a genealogical tree. Besides, the mind
+revolts from the contemplation of enormous and complicated guilt!
+Suffice it to say, that the child which had been left in the cave was
+accidentally found and preserved; that a small ivory cup, which, along
+with the bottle of the devil's elixir, was discovered at the same time,
+bore, for an inscription, the painter's name, Francesco, by which the
+boy was afterwards baptized.
+
+Many years passed away, and, according to the curse which had been
+pronounced against him, the painter's life was miraculously prolonged,
+in order that, by unheard-of penitence, he might expiate his own crimes.
+Meanwhile, he beheld the powers of darkness unceasingly employed against
+him. The boy who had been found in the cave, and who was protected and
+educated, first in the palace of Count Philippo di Saverno, in Italy,
+afterwards in the Court of Prince Zenobio, had several children, among
+whom were two, a son and daughter, who especially inherited their
+father's wicked propensities, and yielded to the temptations of the
+devil.
+
+The family afterwards branched out so widely, that the painter's book
+alone would supply materials for many volumes. To this family belonged
+the Princess von Rosenthurm, the Abbess of the Cistertian Convent, both
+the first and second Baroness von F----, and the Count Victorin, who,
+notwithstanding the mystery under which he had been reared and educated
+in Italy, I now ascertained to be my brother. After the horrible crimes
+which my father had perpetrated at the court of Rosenthurm, he was
+arrested in his flight by an attack of severe illness, which detained
+him long at the house of a benevolent countryman, whose daughter (my
+mother) he afterwards married. For some time after this event, by his
+knowledge of literature and the arts, he contrived to obtain employment
+in the world, having assumed a fictitious name, and established himself
+under a principality where his person and features were wholly unknown.
+But sooner or later, sin is, even in this world, visited by punishment,
+and the just anger of the Almighty. My father was again attacked by
+sickness, so that the remnant of the once considerable legacy left him
+by his father, was wholly spent. He fell into the bitterest poverty, and
+was at the same time assailed by such horrors of conscience, that his
+life became a continued miserable penance.
+
+At last Heaven, by means of an extraordinary vision, sent to him a gleam
+of consolation. He was warned that he should make a pilgrimage to the
+Convent of the Holy Lime-Tree in Prussia, and that the birth of a son
+should there announce to him the grace and forgiveness of Heaven.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The last words in the manuscript are as follows. More, indeed, seems to
+have been written, but in a scrawl half obliterated, and so faint that
+it could not be deciphered.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"In the forest by which the Convent of the Lime-Tree is surrounded, I
+appeared to the melancholy mother as she wept over her lately born, and
+fatherless infant, and revived her almost annihilated spirit with words
+of consolation. Miraculously sometimes has the favour of Heaven seemed
+to be won for children who are born within the limits of a blest
+sanctuary. They have even been visited by supernatural and celestial
+visions, kindling up in their infant minds the fires of divine love, and
+the holiest aspirations. The mother has, in holy baptism, given to this
+child his father's name, Francesco, or, according to conventual
+language, Franciscus.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Wilt thou then, oh Franciscus! prove to be that long-wished-for
+descendant, who, born on consecrated ground, will atone, by the piety
+of his earthly pilgrimage, for the crimes that were heaped up by his
+ancestors? And wilt thou procure for the wretched penitent refuge in the
+grave?
+
+"I have taken such precautions, that the boy will remain for many years
+far from the world and its seductive delusions; nay, I have resolved
+that he shall become a monk. This destination, the same blessed saint
+who poured divine consolation into my soul announced to his mother, and
+this event may, indeed, be the forerunner of divine grace, and
+forgiveness, which, with the splendour of the morning light, has at last
+beamed forth upon me, so that I seem, in my inward mind, to observe
+clearly, by anticipation, every event of the future.
+
+"Methinks I already behold this youth undergo the deadly strife with the
+fiends of darkness, who, with the most fearful weapons, press in upon
+him. He falls a victim to their infernal artifices, yet a beatified
+female elevates over his head the crown of victory. It is the blessed St
+Rosalia herself, by whom he is rescued. As often as the mercy of Heaven
+allows it to me, I shall be near him in infancy, in youth, and in
+manhood, and will protect him to the utmost of my limited power."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+The fame of my sanctity had now spread in such a manner abroad, that
+when I allowed myself to be seen in the streets of Rome, there were
+passengers who begged me for a moment to speak with them, and then, with
+the humblest prostration, implored my blessing. No doubt, my severe
+penitence must excite attention, for I had renewed in their utmost
+extent all my devotional exercises; but even my strange appearance, my
+neglect of my dress, &c. might be enough to excite the imagination of
+the lively Italians, who are ready at all times to fix on any remarkable
+individual for the hero of a religious legend. Often, when unconscious
+of all that passed around me, I had thrown myself on the steps of an
+altar, I was awoke from my inward contemplation by the murmur of prayer,
+and groans of repentance, from those who had collected around me, as if
+wishing to implore my saintly intercession with Heaven.
+
+As in the Capuchin Convent, I frequently heard it called out in the
+streets behind me--"There goes the saint!" and such words never failed
+to strike like daggers to my heart. I wished, therefore, to leave Rome,
+and had made my arrangements for this purpose, when, to my utter
+astonishment, and indeed terror, the Prior of the Convent wherein I
+lodged, announced to me that the Pope had ordered me to appear before
+him.
+
+Dark apprehensions arose within me, that perhaps the powers of hell were
+more than ever on the watch, and laboured by new stratagems to draw me
+into destruction. Meanwhile, I summoned up all my courage, and at an
+hour which was duly announced to me, repaired to the Vatican.
+
+I was to have a private audience, and the Pope, who was still a handsome
+man, and looked as if he had been in the prime of life, received me
+sitting on a richly ornamented elbow-chair. Two very beautiful boys, in
+the dress of Sacristans, attended to serve him with iced water; and as
+the weather was very hot, they were constantly employed in cooling the
+atmosphere with large fans made of herons' feathers.
+
+I went up to his Holiness with the utmost humility, and paid to him the
+customary homage of kneeling. He fixed his eyes sharply on me, but
+instead of the grave severity, which, from a distance, seemed to me
+before to characterize his features, his looks displayed much good
+humour, and he welcomed me with a very agreeable smile.
+
+His first inquiries were only common-place questions, as to whence I
+came, what had brought me to Rome, &c. He then rose from his chair, and
+assuming a more serious tone, "Brother Medardus," said he, "I have
+summoned you hither, because I had received extraordinary accounts of
+your piety. But wherefore do you perform your devotional exercises
+openly before the people, and in the most public churches? You probably
+wish to be looked on as a chosen saint, a pre-elect of Heaven, and to be
+worshipped by the fanatical mob. But inquire into thine own heart,
+whence this idea first arose, and by what means it has acquired such
+ascendancy. If your intentions are not pure before the eye of the
+Almighty, and before me, his appointed Viceroy, then, Brother Medardus,
+your now flourishing sanctity will soon come to a shameful end."
+
+These last words the Pope uttered in a deep powerful voice, and his eyes
+gleamed as if in anger. For the first time, since a very long period, I
+felt myself accused, without being guilty of the faults with which I was
+charged. On this account I was not only able to retain perfect
+composure, but even to answer him with some degree of fervour and
+eloquence.
+
+"Heaven," said I, "has indeed granted to your Holiness to look into my
+inmost heart, which is loaded and oppressed with a weight of unspeakable
+crimes, of which my deep consciousness may perhaps prove the sincerity
+of my repentance. Far from my thoughts is any attempt at hypocrisy. I
+never had any ambition to influence the minds of the people; on the
+contrary, the attention which they direct to me is abhorrent to my
+feelings, and causes to me the utmost pain and regret. In support of
+what I have now said, will your Holiness grant to a wretched penitent an
+opportunity of relating the events of his life, that he may prove the
+sincerity of his contrition, and his utter self-annihilation at the
+remembrance of the sins which he hath committed?"
+
+On receiving permission, I accordingly went on to narrate, as concisely
+as I could, the whole circumstances and adventures of my life, only
+omitting names, which were of no consequence as to the facts that I
+related against myself. The Pope listened with the greatest attention,
+appearing always more and more interested. At last, by many
+extraordinary looks and gestures, he evinced the astonishment that I had
+excited.
+
+"Your history, Brother Medardus," said he, "is, indeed, the most
+mysterious that I have ever heard. Do you then believe in the immediate,
+and _visible_ agency of the devil?" I was about to answer, but he went
+on. "Do you believe that the wine which you stole from the
+relic-chamber, and drank, really impelled you to the crimes which you
+have committed?"
+
+"Like a water distilled from pestilential herbs," said I, "it gave new
+strength to the seeds of vice and wickedness which lurked within me,
+till at length they burst from their concealment, and spread into
+luxuriant and multiplying growth!"
+
+Upon this answer, the Pope seemed to sink into reflection, and said,
+more as if communing with himself, than addressing me,--
+
+"What if the same rules of nature by which corporeal life is usually
+governed, applied also to the mind? If every seed or scion must bring
+forth and perpetuate that which is like to itself? There are whole
+families of murderers, and of robbers. In such cases this was the
+hereditary sin, entailed on a race followed by some inexpiable curse!"
+
+"If he who is descended from a sinful ancestor," said I, "must of
+necessity sin again, it follows from this doctrine, that there is no
+sin!"
+
+"Nay," said the Pope, "the Almighty created a gigantic power, who can
+yet tame and control the appetite for crime, which, like a furious wild
+beast, rages within us. This giant is named Conscience, and from his
+combat with the beast, arise our independence and volition. In the
+victory of the giant consists virtue; in the victory of the beast
+consists sin." The Pope was silent a few moments. He then added in a
+milder voice, "Do you believe, Brother Medardus, that it is becoming for
+the Viceroy of Heaven, to reason thus with you on virtue and vice?"
+
+"Your Holiness," said I, "has condescended to allow the humblest of your
+servants to hear your opinions on this matter; and it well becomes the
+warrior to speak freely on that combat, whose dangers he has himself
+encountered, and in which he has long since obtained the palm of
+victory!"
+
+"You have a favourable opinion of me, Brother," said the Pope; "or do
+you look upon the Tiara, as the laurel crown, announcing my victory to
+the world?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     [_The Editor has here left out two or three pages of this
+     conversation, as it seems irrelevant to the general tenure of the
+     narrative._]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Hereupon the Pope again rose from his chair. "Thou art an excellent
+orator, Brother Medardus," said he, "and hast spoken after my own
+heart--we shall, as I perceive, understand one another better ere long
+than we now do. Remain at Rome. In a few days you will be promoted to
+the dignity of Prior of the Capuchin Convent, where a situation is now
+vacant, and afterwards, perhaps, you will be chosen for my Father
+Confessor. Go then, behave yourself with more prudence in the churches,
+and think not of raising yourself to canonization. The calendar is
+already crowded!--Farewell!"
+
+Our interview ended here, and by these last words of the Pope, I was not
+a little astonished, as indeed I had been by his whole behaviour
+throughout, which was completely at variance with the picture which I
+had previously drawn of him. I had imagined not only that he was a
+worthily appointed Vicegerent of Heaven on this earth, but that he was
+gifted with every virtue, and all mental energies. He had, on the
+contrary, falsely supposed that I was actuated by the base ambition of
+being looked on as a saint, and now wished to excite in my mind a desire
+for other temporal distinctions, which was, in truth, not less sinful.
+
+Notwithstanding my perplexity and dissatisfaction, I was led to conform
+to what the Pope had enjoined, as to the intermission of my penitential
+exercises; and I wandered for some days idly through the streets of
+Rome, meditating chiefly on my past life, on the penitence which I had
+undergone, and the career which was yet before me.
+
+On the last of these idle days, as I passed through the Spanish Square,
+there was a mob assembled round the stage of a puppet-player. My
+attention was at once attracted by the croaking voice of Pulcinello, and
+the laughter of the audience. The first act was ended as I came up--the
+curtain dropped, and the audience stood in anxious expectation of the
+second.
+
+The little curtain again drew up. The youthful King David appeared with
+his sling and his sackful of pebbles. With the most ludicrous gestures,
+he proved that the monstrous giant should now be slain, and Israel
+rescued. Then there was heard a fearful hollow roaring and rustling
+under the stage, whereupon the giant mounted up, with a huge and most
+absurdly ill-proportioned head. How was I astonished, when, at my first
+glance of this giant's head, I recognized the features of my old friend
+Belcampo. Right under his head he had, by means of an ingenious
+apparatus, contrived to fit on a small body, conformable to those of the
+other puppets, while his own person was concealed by the stage drapery,
+which last served, at the same time, for the mantle of the giant.
+Goliah, with most hideous grimaces of visage and contortions of his
+dwarfish body, held a proud and threatening discourse, which King David
+only now and then interrupted by a shrill and contemptuous laughter.
+
+The mob were diverted out of all measure, and I myself being wonderfully
+attracted by this new apparition of Belcampo, allowed myself to be
+carried away by the impression of the moment, and broke out into the
+unrestrained and hearty laughter of boyish delight. Alas, how often
+before was my laughter only the convulsive vibration of that internal
+torment which preyed upon my heart!
+
+Hereafter, the combat with the giant was preceded by a long disputation,
+wherein King David demonstrated, with great erudition and eloquence,
+wherefore he must and would smite his frightful antagonist to death.
+Belcampo made all the muscles of his countenance writhe and play with
+the most inconceivable vivacity, indicating extreme rage. His gigantic
+arms stretched themselves out against the less than little David, who,
+meanwhile, saved himself by incredible leaps and bendings, vanishing
+altogether, and then coming into sight again--now here, now there, even
+from the folds of the giant's own mantle. At last the pebble flew from
+David's sling against Goliah's head. He fell down lifeless, and the
+curtain dropped.
+
+I laughed always more and more, excited not merely by the absurdity of
+Pulcinello, but by my previous recollection of Belcampo's grotesque
+genius. Probably I laughed too loud, for the people seemed to notice my
+conduct; and, when I turned round, there was a dignified Abbot standing
+near me.
+
+"I rejoice, reverend sir," said he, "to find that you have not
+altogether lost your relish for terrestrial enjoyments. After I had
+witnessed your most extraordinary penitence and devotion, I believed
+that it would be wholly impossible for you to be diverted with follies
+such as these."
+
+While the Abbot spoke thus, it seemed to me as if I ought to feel
+ashamed of my levity, but involuntarily I answered him in a way of which
+I directly afterwards repented. "Believe me, Signor _Abbate_," said I,
+"the man who has once combated, like a stout swimmer, with the stormy
+waves of this changeful life, never loses altogether the power of
+lifting up his head bravely from the dark flood!"
+
+The Abbot looked at me with significant glances. "Indeed!" said he, "I
+know not which to praise most, the poetry or logic of your illustration.
+I believe that I now understand you completely, and admire you, reverend
+sir, from the bottom of my heart!"
+
+"I know not, for my part, Signor _Abbate_," replied I, "how a poor
+penitent monk can have excited your admiration."
+
+"Excellent!" said the Abbot. "You do not, most reverend father, run any
+risk of forgetting the part you have to play!--You are worthy to be the
+favourite of the Pope!"
+
+"His Holiness," answered I, "has indeed been pleased to honour me with
+an audience. I have done homage before him in the dust, as is becoming
+towards him, whom, on account of his tried virtues, Omnipotence has
+chosen for his vicegerent on earth."
+
+"Well, then," replied the Abbot, "you, too, are no doubt a well-chosen
+vassal of the triple-crowned, and will nobly fulfil the duties required
+of you. But, believe me, the present Pope is a jewel of virtue, compared
+to Alexander the Sixth, and you may perhaps have erred sadly in your
+reckoning. Go on with your part, however--What is well begun is half
+ended!--Farewell, most reverend father!"
+
+With a laugh of unrepressed scorn, the Abbot started away, leaving me
+confounded and almost petrified at his conduct. When I connected his
+expressions with my own remarks on the Pope, I became convinced that the
+latter was by no means that conqueror deservedly crowned "after his
+combat with the beast," such as I had supposed him to be; and, at the
+same time, I could no longer entertain any doubt that my penitential
+exercises must, to the majority of the public, have appeared but as a
+hypocritical and artificial system, adopted only to force myself into
+notice. Astonished and bitterly mortified, I returned home to my
+convent, and going into the church, had recourse to long and zealous
+prayer.
+
+Then the scales seemed to fall from my hitherto blinded eyes, and I
+recognized at once the temptation of the powers of darkness, who had of
+new endeavoured to involve me in their snares. Only rapid and instant
+flight could save me from destruction. And I determined with the first
+rays of the next morning to set out on my way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+It was already night when I heard the gate-bell of the convent forcibly
+rung. Soon after, the brother who officiated as porter, came into my
+cell and told me there was a strangely-dressed man without, who insisted
+on speaking with me. I went accordingly to the parlour. It was Belcampo,
+who, in his usual mad style, capered up to me, seized me by both arms,
+and drew me, with an air of great mystery, aside into a corner.
+
+"Medardus," said he, in a low and hurried tone, "you may make what
+arrangements you please for your own destruction; but Folly is once more
+come on the wings of the west wind to the rescue of your helpless
+wisdom. If there is but the slightest corner or thread of your habit
+remaining in sight, this arm will yet draw you back from out the yawning
+and bottomless abyss. Oh, Medardus! remember and acknowledge once more
+the power of love and of friendship. Think on David and Jonathan,
+dearest Capuchin!"
+
+"I have admired you as Goliah, no doubt," answered I; "but what can have
+brought you hither at this time, I have yet to learn."
+
+"What brought me hither!" said Belcampo, with great fervour. "What else
+could have impelled me, but an unreasonable, a boundless attachment to a
+Capuchin, whose head I once set to rights (in more senses of these words
+than one) when it was in very formidable disorder; who threw about him
+his blood-red golden ducats, with lavish profusion; who had intercourse
+with abominable _revenants_; who, finally, after he had committed a few
+trifling murders, was about to marry the most beautiful woman in the
+world, with whom----"
+
+"Stop--stop there!" cried I--"no more of this, thou cruel-hearted and
+reckless fool. Heavily have I already done penance for all with which
+thou hast now, in thy wicked humour, reproached me!"
+
+"Ha! Brother Medardus," said Belcampo, "are the scars then so tender and
+sensitive of those wounds with which the powers of darkness assailed
+you? This proves that your recovery is not yet perfect; so, then, I
+shall be as mild and quiet as a child--I shall tame the wildness of my
+fantasy--shall no more cut caprioles either mentally or corporeally--but
+only inform you, that as my attachment and friendship, chiefly on
+account of your sublime madness, which you call wisdom, are very great,
+I am determined to preserve your life as long as possible, and protect
+you from every danger that you bring upon yourself.
+
+"Concealed in my puppet-show theatre, I have chanced to overhear a
+discourse relating to you. The Pope has determined to make you the Prior
+of one of the most distinguished Capuchin Convents, and also to appoint
+you his own Father Confessor. Fly, then, quickly--fly from Rome, for
+dagger and poison are already prepared for you. I know one bravo who has
+even now got his retaining fee for sending you in all haste to the other
+world. In a word, you have come in the way of a certain famous
+Dominican, who has hitherto been the Pope's confessor. You are obnoxious
+to him and all his adherents; and, to conclude, to-morrow morning you
+must no longer be found within the walls of Rome!"
+
+This new occurrence I was at no loss to connect in my mind with the
+expressions of the unknown _Abbate_. The two warnings were exactly in
+keeping with each other, and I stood so lost in thought, that I scarcely
+noticed the absurd conduct of Belcampo, who embraced me with great
+fervour, and then with hideous grimaces and contortions took his
+departure.
+
+It might now be past midnight, when I heard the hollow rolling of a
+carriage over the pavement of the Court. Soon afterwards, I observed
+steps on the stone-stairs. There was a knocking at my door, which I
+opened, and beheld the Father Guardian of the Convent, who was followed
+by a man in disguise, masked, and carrying a torch in his hand.
+
+"Brother Medardus," said the guardian, "we are informed that a dying man
+desires your spiritual assistance, and the last unction. Do then what
+the rule enjoins. Follow this man, who will lead you to the person who
+requires your attendance."
+
+Hereupon, a cold shuddering ran through my limbs. The apprehension rose
+vividly within me, that they were leading me to my own death; yet I
+dared not refuse, but instantly rose, put on my habit, and followed the
+stranger, who lighted me down stairs, opened the door of the carriage,
+and forced me to enter it.
+
+In the carriage there were two other men, also disguised, who placed me
+betwixt them. I inquired whither I was to be led, and who it was that
+wished for my prayers and last services? No answer. In deep silence, we
+drove on through several streets. For some time, I believed, by the
+sound of the wheels, that we were already beyond the city walls; but
+again, I perceived that we came through an arched gate-way, and then
+drove once more over paved streets.
+
+At last, the carriage stopped, and I felt that they immediately bound up
+my hands; and that a thick night-cap was drawn over my face, by which I
+was completely blinded. At this I expressed some dissatisfaction and
+anxiety.
+
+"No evil shall befall you," said a rough voice, "only you must be silent
+as to all that you see and hear, otherwise your death is inevitable."
+
+They now lifted me out of the carriage. There was a rattling of keys and
+locks. Then a gate opened that groaned heavily, and creaked on its rusty
+and unoiled hinges. We entered, and they led me at first through long
+corridors, and at last down stairs deeper and deeper. The echoing sounds
+of our steps convinced me that we were in vaults, and the abominable and
+oppressive air proved that these vaults were destined for the reception
+of the dead.
+
+At last we stood still. My hands were untied, and the cap taken from my
+head. I found myself in a large apartment, dimly lighted by a lamp hung
+from the ceiling.
+
+There was a man in black robes, and wearing a mask, probably the same
+who had come for me to the Capuchin Convent. He stood next to me; and
+along the walls of the room, seated on two benches, I beheld many
+Dominican monks.
+
+The horrible dream already narrated, which occurred to me in the prison
+at the _residenz_ of the Prince von Rosenthurm, came back vividly on my
+remembrance. I held it for certain, that I was now to meet an immediate
+and cruel death; yet I remained silent, and only prayed inwardly, not
+for rescue from the danger that awaited me, but for a religious and
+sanctified end.
+
+After some moments of gloomy silence and expectation, one of the monks
+came to me, and said, with a hollow voice, "Medardus, we have here
+doomed to death a brother of your order. His sentence is this night to
+be carried into execution. From you he expects absolution and admonition
+in his last moments. Go, then, and fulfil what belongs to your office."
+
+The mask in black robes, who stood near me, now took me by the arm, and
+led me from the audience-chamber through a narrow passage, into a small
+vaulted cell.
+
+Here I found lying in a corner, on a straw-bed, a pale and emaciated
+spectre--properly speaking, a mere skeleton--half-clothed, or rather
+hung like a scarecrow, with rags. The mask placed the lamp which he had
+brought with him on a stone-table, in the middle of the vault, and
+retired.
+
+I then approached nearer the wretched couch of the prisoner. My name had
+been announced, and with great difficulty he turned himself round
+towards me. I was confounded when I recognized the features of the
+venerable Cyrillus. A smile as of celestial beatitude came over his
+countenance, though I knew not wherefore he was thus rejoiced.
+
+"So then," said he, "the abominable ministers of hell, who dwell in this
+building, have for once not deceived me. Through them I learned that
+you, dear Brother Medardus, were in Rome; and as I expressed a great
+wish to speak with you, they promised me to bring you here at the hour
+of my death. That hour is now arrived, and they have not forgotten their
+contract."
+
+Hereupon, I kneeled down beside the venerable and pious old man. I
+conjured him, in the first place, to tell me, how it was possible that
+he could have been doomed by any society, calling themselves religious,
+either to imprisonment or death?
+
+"No, no! dear Brother Medardus," said Cyrillus, "not till after I have
+confessed my manifold crimes, and, in the first place, those which I
+have through inadvertence committed against you; not till after you
+have, according to the holy institutes of our church, reconciled me with
+Heaven, dare I speak any farther as to my own earthly misery, and
+worldly cares. You already know, that I myself, as well as all the rest
+of our community, looked upon you as the most hardened and most
+unpardonable of sinners. According to our belief, you had, by a
+continued chain of errors, heaped up the most enormous guilt on your
+head, so that we expelled you from our society. Yet your chief crime was
+but in yielding to the impulse of one fatal moment, in which the devil
+cast his noose round your neck, and dragged you away from the holy
+sanctuary, into the distractions of this sinful world.
+
+"Then an abominable swindler, assuming your name, your dress, and, as if
+he were the devil incarnate, also your corporeal figure, committed those
+crimes, which had almost drawn upon you the shameful death of a
+murderer. It has indeed been proved against you, that you have on one
+occasion sinned, inasmuch as you wished to break your monastic vows; but
+that you are unstained by those enormities which were imputed to you,
+there can be no doubt. Return then to our convent, Medardus, where the
+brethren will receive him whom they believed for ever lost, with
+redoubled kindness and rejoicing."
+
+Here the old man, overcome by weakness, sank back, fainting on his
+couch; and resisting the excitement which his words had produced upon
+me, I remembered that my present duty was to attend to Cyrillus only,
+and the welfare of his soul, which he had intrusted to my care.
+Therefore I laboured as well as I could, by friction, and raising him in
+the bed, to recover the unhappy prisoner from his insensibility.
+
+At last he was restored, and went regularly through his confession; he,
+the pious and almost blameless old man, humbling himself before me, the
+depraved sinner! But when I absolved the self-accusing monk, whose only
+fault seemed to be that he had on many subjects _doubted_, and by these
+doubts had been driven hither and thither, it seemed to me as if,
+notwithstanding my own manifold offences, a divine spirit were kindled
+up within me--as if I were but the unworthy instrument, the corporeal
+organ, by which Omnipotence spoke temporally to souls not yet released
+from their temporal bondage.
+
+"Oh, Brother Medardus," said Cyrillus, lifting his eyes full of devotion
+to Heaven, "how have your words refreshed and strengthened me! Gladly
+shall I now go to meet death, which the traitors residing here have
+prepared for me. I fall a victim to that abominable treachery and
+concealed wickedness, by which the throne of the Pope is now
+surrounded.----"
+
+I heard hollow sounding steps, that always came nearer and nearer. Then
+keys rattled in the door-lock.
+
+Cyrillus raised himself up with a violent and fearful effort.--"Return,"
+said he, "return, Medardus, to the happiness and security of our own
+convent. Leonardus is already informed as to all that has occurred; he
+knows in what manner I am now about to die. Conjure him to be silent as
+to this last event; for how soon, even without this, would death have
+claimed a weak and tottering old man! Farewell, my brother! Pray for the
+salvation of my soul! My spirit shall be with you, when, in our convent
+at Königswald, you read for me the prayers over the dead. Above all, I
+beseech you to be silent as to whatever you have witnessed here; for
+otherwise you will bring on yourself certain destruction, and involve
+our community in endless disputes."
+
+On this point I made him a solemn promise. The disguised men had come
+into the room. They lifted up the old monk out of bed, and, as he had
+not strength enough to walk, dragged him through the corridor towards
+the vaulted hall, or audience-chamber, in which I had before been.
+
+On a signal from the masks, I had followed the prisoner, and now found
+that the Dominicans had arranged themselves in a circle, within which
+they brought the old man, and then commanded him to kneel down upon a
+small heap of earth, which they had laid in the centre of the circle.
+
+A crucifix was now placed by one of the masks in his hands, and he
+grasped it with great fervour. According to the duty of my office, I had
+also gone within the circle, and prayed aloud. Before I had ended, one
+of the Dominicans pulled me by the arm, and spoke to me aside. At that
+moment I observed a sword gleam in the hand of one of the masks; and in
+an instant, at a single blow, the head of Cyrillus was dissevered, and
+rolled down, streaming a torrent of blood, at my feet.
+
+I could not endure the horror of this spectacle, but threw myself on the
+earth, in a state of half fainting and half consciousness. On my
+recovery, I found that I was in a small apartment fitted up like a cell.
+A Dominican came up to me.
+
+"You are terrified perhaps," said he; "yet, brother, methinks you
+should rather rejoice to have beheld with your own eyes this perfect
+martyrdom. By that name, of course, it must be distinguished, if a
+brother of your convent undergoes the execution of his sentence; for, no
+doubt, you are, to a man, _all_ saints!"
+
+"We are not saints," replied I; "but we can at least say this
+much--Never was an innocent man within the walls of our convent
+murdered--Let me now go! I have fulfilled my duty faithfully, and with
+self-satisfaction. The spirit of my departed brother, who is now in
+Heaven, will, as I trust, be near to me, if I should fall into the hands
+of accursed murderers!"
+
+"I do not doubt," said the Dominican, "that your departed brother,
+Cyrillus, will, in such case, be able to assist you. Methinks, however,
+you ought not to call the judgment which has been executed against him,
+a murder. Cyrillus had committed enormous misdemeanours against the now
+reigning Vicegerent of the Almighty; and it was by his (I mean by the
+Pope's) express command, that your brother was condemned to death. But
+as he must have confessed all to you, it is needless to speak with you
+any farther on this subject. Rather take, before you go, a little of
+this cordial for your bodily refreshment; for you look quite pale, and
+much agitated."
+
+With these words, accompanied by a good-humoured smile, the Dominican
+handed to me a crystal cup, filled with a dark red-coloured and strongly
+fragrant wine, which, like champagne, foamed and mantled.
+
+I scarce knew how to interpret the obscure apprehensions which were
+within me. Surely this was the self-same wine which had once before been
+presented to me by the Baroness Euphemia von F----, which I then luckily
+refused to taste! I had no time for reflections, however; for the monk
+was attentively watching me. Involuntarily, and without thought, I put
+up my left hand over my face, as if blinded by the glare of the lamp;
+and with the other, lifting my glass, poured the wine into the wide
+sleeve of my habit.
+
+The Dominican was effectually deceived.--"Much good may it do you!" said
+he; at the same time hastily opening the door, and making signs for my
+departure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+I was again brought into the carriage, which, to my surprise, was now
+empty; and they drove me rapidly away. The terrors of the night--the
+violent excitement which I had undergone, and my grief for the
+unfortunate Cyrillus, combined to produce a deep gloomy reverie, in
+which I scarcely remembered where I was, or knew what was passing around
+me. When the carriage stopped, I took no notice; but from this trance I
+was awoke by two men, who lifted me (as if I had been unable to help
+myself) out of the carriage, and then threw me down, roughly enough,
+upon the ground.
+
+The morning had already broke, and I found myself before the gate of my
+own convent, of which I immediately rang the bell. The porter was
+terrified at my pale and disordered aspect; and, of course, had
+announced his apprehensions to the Prior, for, immediately after early
+mass, the latter came with anxious looks into my cell.
+
+To his questions I only answered generally, that the death of the person
+whom I had been sent for to absolve had been very horrible, and that,
+consequently, I could not help being much agitated. The Prior was
+satisfied with this answer, but soon afterwards, from the insupportable
+torment which I felt in my left arm, I could not contain myself, but
+screamed out aloud.
+
+The surgeon of the convent was sent for, and, meanwhile, the sleeve of
+my habit ripped open; but the cloth had already grown into my flesh, and
+the whole arm was found withered, and eaten away to the very bone, by a
+deleterious caustic.
+
+"I was to have drunk wine," said I to the Prior, "but allowed the
+contents of the glass to run thus into my sleeve." I said no more,
+remembering the injunctions of Cyrillus to secrecy.
+
+On the arrival of the physician, he declared that the wine had been
+impregnated with the most destructive and corrosive of all poisons; but
+by the remedies which he applied, my torment was lessened, at least,
+though by no means assuaged. My recovery was slow and tedious; for it
+was considered doubtful whether the limb ought not to be amputated. I
+escaped that misfortune, however; but my arm remains to this hour
+withered and powerless.
+
+"I am now perfectly aware," said the Prior, one morning after I became
+convalescent, "of the peculiar circumstances by which you have lost the
+use of your arm. The pious Brother Cyrillus vanished in the most
+mysterious manner from our convent and from Rome; and you, dear Brother
+Medardus, will in the same manner be lost, if you do not immediately
+change your residence. During your illness, many suspicious inquiries
+were made after you, and had it not been for my watchfulness, and the
+faithful attachment of your brethren, probably you would not now have
+been in life.
+
+"To me you appeared from the first an extraordinary man, under the
+influence of a destiny, whose final decrees are yet inscrutable; but
+however this may be, you have certainly, since your arrival in Rome,
+attracted far too much attention, to escape the animosity and
+watchfulness of certain people, who, no doubt, wish you to be removed
+out of their way. My advice is, therefore, that you should return home
+to your own country, and to your own convent. May all happiness, and,
+above all, the grace of God, be with you!"
+
+Even without this admonition of the Prior, I should have clearly felt,
+that so long as I remained in Rome, my life must be in constant danger.
+To this painful thought, others were added. I was haunted still by the
+recollection of my numberless and enormous crimes; then, above all,
+there was the immediate torment of my festering and withered arm. I
+could not value a life which was so useless and miserable, but, on the
+contrary, reverted frequently to the thoughts of suicide, which only the
+terror of committing a new crime prevented me from carrying into
+execution. But even without this, I might soon fall in the way of
+obtaining for myself a timely and welcome martyrdom, and whether this
+should occur at Rome or elsewhere was to me indifferent.
+
+More and more, however, I accustomed myself to dwell on the thoughts of
+a speedy and violent death, to which, by my penitence, I considered
+myself entitled. Methought I saw the figure of the monk Medardus, _of
+myself_, issuing from the gates of the convent, and passing along the
+road. Then there appeared behind him a dark and indefinable form, who
+stabbed him with a stiletto to the heart. A crowd immediately collected
+round the bloody corpse. "Medardus!" cried they; "the pious and blessed
+penitent Medardus is murdered!"
+
+These words were spread and repeated hundred-fold through the streets;
+and the crowd always became more numerous, lamenting the loss of a saint
+so gifted and distinguished. Women kneeled down, and reverentially dipt
+their handkerchiefs in the blood which flowed from my wounds. In doing
+this, one of them remarked the scar of the cross on my neck, whereupon
+she exclaimed aloud--"He is indeed a martyr--a glorified saint! See here
+the impress of Heaven, which he has borne on his earthly frame!"
+Hereupon all the multitude threw themselves on their knees, and happy
+were those who could touch the mortal remains of the saint, or even the
+hem of his garment! Then a new impulse was given. There was an opening
+made in the crowd. A bier was brought forward, ornamented with a
+profusion of flowers, and in triumphant march, with prayer, and the
+choral voice of divine music, the attendant youths carry on it the dead
+body of the saint onwards to the church of St Peter!
+
+Thus my still wandering and deluded fantasy elaborated, in the most
+vivid colours, a picture, representing my own martyrdom. Without once
+apprehending how the deceitful demon of pride led me on, and by new
+methods laboured to ensure my destruction, I resolved, after my perfect
+recovery, to remain in Rome; to continue the same penitential life which
+I had hitherto adopted, and then either to die in the full odour and
+splendour of sanctity, or else, being rescued by the Pope, to raise
+myself up to high dignities and power in the church.
+
+My convalescence, as I have already mentioned, was very tedious, but the
+powerful energies of my constitution enabled me at first to bear up
+against the torture, and at last triumph over that abominable poison,
+which had not only destroyed one limb, but threatened, by sympathy, to
+injure my whole vitals. The physician, however, had no doubts of my
+perfect restoration. Indeed, it was only at those moments of mental
+confusion which usually precede sleep, that I was liable still to
+feverish attacks and delirium.
+
+In one of these paroxysms I was visited by an extraordinary dream, of
+which the circumstances were far too wild and confused to be faithfully
+described. Methought I again looked on my own dead body, but not as
+before in a public street of Rome. It was now laid in a lonely _berceau_
+walk of the convent at Königswald, where every object in the landscape
+came in vivid colours to my remembrance. Methought I was conscious of my
+own separate existence, as a self-subsisting idea, and then I ascended,
+as if borne up by my own buoyancy, from the realms of earth, and ere
+long found myself floating in a cloud of a beautiful roseate colour.
+There I beheld a magnificent array of wood-crowned mountains and rocky
+cliffs, gleaming in the morning sun, but far more beautiful than those
+of the earth. Anon, methought I stood at the lofty gate of a gorgeous
+palace, and wished to enter; but fearful bolts of lightning crossed and
+re-crossed each other, like fiery lances, betwixt me and the entrance,
+till I was struck down into the bosom of a damp, obscure, and colourless
+cloud. As I fell down deeper and deeper, I again beheld the dead body,
+which raised itself up and stared upon me with ghastly, lustreless eyes,
+and howled out some accents of lamentation, like the north wind in a
+narrow ravine. Anon, methought the face of all nature became dead and
+withered. The flowers declined their heads, sank down, and faded away.
+The trees lost every leaf, and their dry branches rattled like the
+marrowless joints of a skeleton. I saw men and women too, no longer like
+living beings, but like pale, hideous spectres, and they threw
+themselves in despair on the earth, calling out, "Mercy! mercy! Is then
+the guilt of our crimes so enormous, that thou, oh Lord, givest unto our
+Arch-Enemy power to destroy, and render vain the sin-offering of our
+blood?"
+
+I wished for annihilation, though, being a disembodied idea, this was
+impossible. Then methought I was, as if by an electrical shock, roused
+up from my sleep. The great clock of the convent struck twelve. "The
+dead raise themselves up," said a voice; "they rise out of their
+graves, and are gone to divine worship." Accordingly, I began to pray.
+Then I heard a slight knocking at my door, and believed it was one of my
+brethren, who wished to come into the room, till, with
+unspeakable horror, I recognized the voice of my ghostly
+DOUBLE.--"Broth-er--Broth-er!" said the voice--"I am here--I am
+here!--Come with me--Come with me!"
+
+I wished thereupon to start up from my couch, but a shuddering coldness
+had fettered every limb, and every attempted movement produced only a
+convulsive inward struggle. My only refuge was in prayer; and I heard,
+in a strange manner, the audible effect of my own voice. Now it
+gradually triumphed over the renewed knocking and stammering of the
+spectre; but at last all was confused and lost in the hum of ten
+thousand voices, as when the air is filled with myriads of insects. Anon
+this humming changed to articulate lamentations as before, and methought
+I was again wrapt in the dark cloud; but suddenly there came over it a
+gleam of the most exquisite morning red. Through the dark vapours
+descended a tall and dignified form, on whose bosom a cross shone with
+dazzling effulgence. The features were those of St Rosalia!
+
+The lamentations were now turned to an exulting hymn of praise; and from
+afar I beheld the landscape again blooming in all the luxuriance of
+spring. Only my own voice was now heard, lamenting--"Shall I then alone,
+of all these rejoicing inhabitants of earth, be given a prey to
+everlasting torments?"--Then a change came over that beautiful phantom.
+Its awe-striking dignity was transformed into mild grace and
+beneficence, and a sweet smile was diffused over her features.
+
+"AURELIA!" cried I aloud, and with that name I at last in reality awoke,
+and saw the clear morning light beaming into my cell.
+
+By this introduction of Aurelia I clearly recognized the new endeavours
+of the restless powers of darkness against me; and no sooner was this
+perception aroused, than I understood also the nature of those delusions
+by which I had been induced to remain in Rome. I hastened down to the
+church, and prayed with great fervour, leaving out, however, all bodily
+chastisements, having need of all the strength that I could muster for
+my long and fatiguing journey. Before the mid-day sun shot down his
+perpendicular and insupportable beams, I was already far from Rome,
+taking precisely the same road by which I had come thither.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+I determined to avoid the _residenz_ of the Prince; not because I was
+afraid to be recognized and punished, but because I could not bear to
+look on the scene of my horrible offences. Moreover, should Aurelia
+still reside there, I felt that I had no certainty of avoiding new
+temptations; and this apprehension, perhaps, proved, more than any other
+circumstance, the reality of my penitence and conversion. The conviction
+afforded me some consolation, that at least the diabolical spirit of
+pride was annihilated within me, and that I no longer wished to throw
+myself into danger, from a vain confidence in my own strength.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+My long pilgrimage was without any incidents deserving of record. At
+last I had arrived amid the well-known Thuringian mountains; and one
+morning, through the dense vapours that lingered in a valley before me,
+I beheld a castle, which I instantly recognized to be that of the late
+Baron von F----. As I came nearer, alas! how was the scene now changed
+from what it had been! The walks and ornaments of the parks were become
+a wilderness of ruin and devastation. The shrubberies, parterres, and
+young plantations, were either torn up by the cattle, or converted into
+ploughed fields. The road on which I walked, after entering the path,
+was overgrown with moss and weeds; and even the beautiful lawn before
+the mansion-house, that used to be so carefully kept, was now covered
+with a herd of cattle, and another of swine, that had rooted up all its
+verdure. The windows of the castle, too, were broken, and looked
+ghastly. The steps leading up to the principal entry were ruinous, and
+covered with lichens and grass that waved in the wind. Through the whole
+domain there seemed not to be one living being. All was neglected and
+lonely.
+
+On passing through a dense thicket, which had once been my favourite
+walk, I heard an obscure sound of moaning and lamentation. Then I
+perceived a grey-headed old man at some distance, who, though his
+countenance was turned towards me, did not seem in the least to notice
+my presence or approach. On the contrary, when I came almost close to
+him, he uttered, as if talking to himself in deep reverie, the
+words,--"Dead--dead and gone,--all dead and gone, whom I once loved in
+this world. Oh, Aurelia! thou, too, the last, art dead to all sublunary
+enjoyments!"
+
+I now recognized Reinhold, the old intendant, though grief had so much
+changed his appearance, that at first I knew not who he was. I had do
+wish to speak with any one, but now remained as if involuntarily rooted
+to the spot.
+
+"Aurelia dead!" cried I. "No, no, old man, thou art misinformed. The
+power of the all-seeing and omniscient Judge protected her from the
+stiletto of the murderer!"
+
+The old man started at these words as if he had been struck by
+lightning. "Who is here?" cried he, vehemently--"Who is here?--Leopold!
+Leopold!" A boy now sprung out from the thicket, and on perceiving me,
+pronounced the customary salutation--"_Laudetur Jesus Christus!_"--"_In
+omnia sæcula sæculorum_" answered I. Then the old man raised himself up.
+"Leopold! Leopold!" said he, with great energy; "Who is among us? What
+is this man?"
+
+Now, for the first time, I perceived that Reinhold was blind. The boy
+answered him. "A reverend monk, Herr Intendant; a monk of the Capuchin
+order." Upon these words, it seemed as if the old man was seized by the
+utmost terror and abhorrence.
+
+"Away--away!" cried he. "Boy, lead me from hence--To my room--to my
+room! Peter shall close all the doors, and keep watch.--Away--away!"
+With these words, he seemed to exert his utmost strength to escape from
+me, as from a furious wild beast. The boy looked at him and me
+alternately, as if quite confounded, and at a loss how to act; but the
+old man, instead of allowing himself to be led, forced on his attendant,
+and they soon disappeared through a gate, which, as I perceived, was
+immediately locked behind them.
+
+I was much shocked at this adventure, and fled as quickly as I could
+from this place, the scene of my greatest crimes, which now appeared to
+me more abominable than ever. I soon afterwards found myself in dense
+thickets of the forest, and but for the direction which the sun
+afforded, would not have known what path to choose, or whither
+to turn. I sank into a deep reverie, in which I almost lost all
+self-consciousness of what was immediately around me; till at last,
+being much fatigued, I laid myself down on a mossy couch, formed on the
+spreading roots of a wild oak tree, not far from which I saw a small
+artificially formed eminence, on which was planted a cross. Gazing on
+this, I soon fell into a profound sleep, and the bodily exertions that I
+had undergone were such, that I now slumbered without ever being visited
+by any of my former visions.
+
+On awaking from my sleep, I was surprised to perceive an old countryman
+seated near me, who, as soon as he saw that I raised myself up,
+respectfully took off his cap.
+
+"No doubt, reverend father," said he, "you have travelled a far way, and
+are greatly fatigued, otherwise you would not have chosen _this_ as your
+resting-place. Or it may be that you are an entire stranger, and know
+not the peculiar circumstances connected with this spot?"
+
+I assured him, that being a stranger, a pilgrim from the most distant
+parts of Italy, I could not possibly have any knowledge of the
+circumstances to which he alluded.
+
+"Well," said the countryman, "the warning which I wished to give you is
+particularly applicable to all brethren of your order; for it is said
+that some years ago a Capuchin monk was murdered in this very part of
+the forest; consequently, when I saw you sleeping on the grass, I
+determined to station myself here, and be ready to defend you from
+whatever danger you might be threatened with. Whether the story of your
+brother's death at this place be true or false, this much is certain,
+that at the time alluded to, a Capuchin came as a passing guest to our
+village, and after staying all night, walked away in the morning,
+through these mountains. On that very day, a neighbour of mine going as
+usual to big work through the deep valley below what is called the
+'Devil's Ground,' suddenly heard a piercing hideous cry, which continued
+for a few seconds, and then strangely died away in the air. He insists,
+(though to me this appears very improbable,) that at the same time when
+he heard the cry, he saw the form of a man shoot down from the
+jutting-out point of rock above, into the bottomless abyss.
+
+"This evidence was so circumstantial, that all the village began to
+think it possible that the Capuchin who had left us that morning might
+really have fallen down from the cliff, and we tried every method in our
+power, without endangering our own lives, to find out his dead body in
+the chasm.
+
+"Our labour proved fruitless, however; we laughed at the man who had put
+us to much trouble, and ridiculed him still more when he afterwards
+insisted, that in returning home at night, he had plainly seen the
+figure of a man rising out of the water.
+
+"This last must have indeed been mere imagination; but afterwards we
+understood that the Capuchin, God knows wherefore, had been murdered by
+a man of rank, who had afterwards thrown down the body from that point
+of rock which we call the Devil's Chair.
+
+"That the murder must have been committed near the spot where we now
+are, I am fully persuaded; for, as I was once sitting quietly after hard
+work, and looking at an old hollow oak-tree, methought I saw something
+like a corner of dark-brown cloth hanging out, which excited my
+curiosity. Accordingly, when I went to the tree, I drew out of it, to my
+great surprise, a Capuchin tunic, quite fresh and new, which I therefore
+took home to my cottage. I perceived that one of the sleeves was stained
+with blood, and in one corner found embroidered, the name 'Medardus.'
+
+"It occurred to me that it would be a pious and praise-worthy action if
+I sold the habit, and give the money that it would bring to our priest,
+requesting him to read prayers for the benefit of the poor murdered man.
+Consequently, I took the dress with me to town, but no old-clothesman
+would purchase it, and there was no Capuchin Convent in the place.
+
+"At last there came up to me a man, who, by his dress, must have been a
+_chasseur_, or forester. He said that he was just then in want of such a
+garment, and gave at once the money that I had demanded for it.
+Returning home, I made our priest say several masses, and as I could not
+contrive to station a cross in the Devil's Abyss, I placed one here, as
+a memorial of the Capuchin's cruel fate.
+
+"However, the deceased father must have had not a few sins to answer
+for; his ghost is said to wander about here still, and has been seen by
+divers people, so that the priest's labours have been of no great
+service in his behalf. Therefore, reverend father, I would earnestly
+entreat of you, when you have returned safe to your own convent, to read
+prayers now and then for the soul of your unfortunate brother, Medardus.
+Will you promise me this?"
+
+"You are in a mistake, my good friend," said I; "the Capuchin Medardus,
+who some years ago passed through your village, is not murdered; there
+is no need of masses for him, since he still lives, and must by his own
+labours and repentance work out the salvation of his soul. I am myself
+this very Medardus.--Look here!"
+
+With these words I threw open my tunic, and shewed him my name
+embroidered, as he had described, on the outside of the lapelle.
+Scarcely had the _bauer_ looked at the name, when he grew deadly pale,
+and stared at me with every sign of the utmost horror. Then suddenly he
+started up, and without uttering a word, ran as if he had been pursued
+by fiends into the wood.
+
+It was obvious that he took me for the ghost of this murdered Medardus,
+and all endeavours would have failed to convince him of his error. The
+remoteness of the place, and the deep stillness, broken only by the
+roaring of the not far distant river, were well suited to awake in my
+mind the most horrible imagery. I thought once more of my detestable
+_double_, and infected almost with the terror of the countryman, I felt
+myself agitated to my inmost heart, and believed that the frightful
+spectre of my second self would start out from some dark thicket against
+me.
+
+Summoning my utmost courage, I again stepped forward on my journey, but
+so much was I disturbed by the revived notion of my ghostly _double_,
+that not till after a considerable time had I leisure to recollect that
+the countryman's narrative had completely cleared up to me the mystery
+how the delirious monk had first got possession of the tunic, which, on
+our flight into Italy, he had left with me, and which I had recognized
+as unquestionably my own. The forester whom he had applied to for a new
+dress, had, of course, purchased it from the countryman in the
+market-town.
+
+I was deeply impressed by the confused and broken manner in which the
+_bauer_ had told the fatal events of the Devil's Ground, for I thus
+perceived the intricate web--the concatenation of circumstances, in
+which the powers of darkness seemed to have done their utmost to produce
+that fearful exchange of characters betwixt myself and Victorin. The
+strange sight that had been seen by the _bauer_, too, of a man rising
+out of the abyss, which his companions believed only a vision, appeared
+to me of no little importance. I looked forward with confidence to an
+explanation of this also, though without knowing where it could be
+obtained.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+After a few days more of restless walking, it was with a beating heart,
+and eyes swimming in tears, that I once more beheld the well-known
+towers of the Cistertian Monastery, and village of Heidebach. Anxious as
+I now am to wind up this long and painful narrative, I shall not pause
+to describe and analyze my feelings at thus visiting once more the
+scenes of my youth, which, in the yellow light of a still autumnal day,
+lay in all their wonted calmness and beauty before me.
+
+I passed through the village, went up the hill, and came to the great
+square shaded by tall trees before the gate of the convent. Here, for
+some time, I paused, seating myself on a stone bench in a recess,
+reviving all my oldest and most cherished recollections, that came over
+my mind like shadows of a dream. Scarcely could I now believe that I was
+the same Francesco who had there spent so many years with a heart
+unclouded by care, and to whom guilt and remorse were yet known only by
+name.
+
+While thus occupied, I heard at some distance a swelling voice of
+melody--it was an anthem sung by male voices. A large crucifix became
+visible, and I found that a procession was coming up the hill. The monks
+walked in pairs, and at the first glance I recognized that they were my
+own brethren, and that the old Leonardus, supported by a young man whose
+name I did not know, was at their head. Without noticing me, they
+continued their anthem, and passed on through the convent gate.
+
+They were followed by the Dominicans and Franciscans, also from the town
+of Königswald, and walking in the same order of procession. Then several
+coaches drove up, in which were the nuns of St Clare. From all this I
+perceived that some remarkable festival was now to be solemnized.
+
+The church doors were opened, and I went in. People were adorning the
+altars, and especially the high altar, with flower garlands, and a
+sacristan gave directions for a great quantity of fresh roses, as the
+Abbess had particularly desired that they should predominate. Having
+resolved that I would immediately request permission to join my
+brethren, I first strengthened myself by fervent prayer, after which I
+went into the convent, and inquired for the Prior Leonardus.
+
+The porteress then led me into a hall, where the Prior was seated in an
+arm-chair, surrounded by his brethren. Agitated to the utmost degree,
+and indeed quite overpowered, I could not refrain from bursting into
+tears, and falling at his feet. "Medardus!" he exclaimed, and a murmur
+sounded immediately through the ranks of all the brethren. "Brother
+Medardus!" said they--"Brother Medardus, the long-lost, is returned!"
+
+I was immediately lifted up from the prostration into which I had
+involuntarily sunk, and all the brethren, even those with whom I was
+before unacquainted, fervently embraced me.--"Thanks and everlasting
+praise," they exclaimed, "to the mercy and long-suffering of Heaven,
+that you have thus been rescued from the snares and temptations of that
+deceitful world. But relate, dearest brother--tell us your
+adventures--all that you have encountered!"
+
+Thus there arose among them a murmur of confused and anxious inquiries;
+but, meanwhile, the Prior rose up and made a sign for me to follow him
+privately into another room, which was regularly appropriated for his
+use when he visited the convent.
+
+"Medardus," he began, "you have in the most wicked manner broken your
+monastic vows, and deceived that faith which was reposed in you by all
+our community. Instead of fulfilling the commissions with which I
+intrusted you, you became a disgraceful fugitive, no one knows why, nor
+whither. On this account, I could order you to be imprisoned for life,
+or to be immured, and left to perish without food or drink, if I chose
+to act according to the severe laws of our order."
+
+"Judge me, then, venerable father," interrupted I--"judge me according
+as the conventual law directs. I should resign with pleasure the burden
+of a miserable life; for indeed I feel but too deeply that the severest
+penance to which I could subject myself, would to me bring no
+consolation."
+
+"Recover yourself," said Leonardus; "be composed and tranquil. I have
+now fulfilled my duty in speaking to you as an abbot; but, as a friend
+and father, I have yet to address you, and to hear what you have to say
+in your own justification. In a wonderful manner you have been rescued
+at Rome, from the death with which you was threatened. To the disorders
+which prevail there, Cyrillus has been the only sacrifice."
+
+"Is it possible, then," said I, "that you already know----"
+
+"I know it all," answered the Prior; "I am aware, that you rendered
+spiritual assistance to the poor man in his last moments; and I have
+been informed of the stratagem of the Dominicans, who thought they had
+administered deadly poison in the wine which they offered you as a
+cordial drink. Had you swallowed but a single drop, it must have caused
+your death in a few minutes; of course you found some opportune method
+of evading this."
+
+"Only look here," said I, and, rolling up the sleeve of my tunic, shewed
+the Prior my withered arm, which was like that of a skeleton; describing
+to him, at the same time, how I had suspected the fate that was intended
+me, and found means to pour all the liquor into my sleeve.
+
+Leonardus started as he beheld this frightful spectacle, and muttered to
+himself--"Thou hast indeed done penance, as it was fitting, for thou
+hast committed many crimes.--But Cyrillus--the good and pious
+Cyrillus!"----
+
+He paused, and I took this opportunity of remarking, that the precise
+cause of my brother's death, and the accusation which had been made
+against him, remained, up to that day, unknown to me.
+
+"Perhaps you too," said the Prior, "would have shared the same fate, if,
+like him, you had stepped forward as a plenipotentiary of our convent.
+You already know, that the claim of our house, if admitted, and carried
+into effect, would almost annihilate the income of the Cardinal
+von ----; which income he at present draws without any right to its
+appropriation. This was the reason why the Cardinal suddenly made up a
+friendship with the Pope's father confessor, (with whom he had till then
+been at variance,) and thus acquired, in the Dominican, a powerful ally,
+whom he could employ against Cyrillus.
+
+"The latter was introduced to the Pope, and received with particular
+favour; in such manner, that he was admitted into the society of the
+dignitaries by whom his Holiness is surrounded, and enabled to appear as
+often as he chose at the Vatican. Cyrillus, of course, soon became
+painfully aware, how much the Vicegerent of God seeks and finds his
+kingdom in this world, and its pleasures,--how he is made subservient as
+the mere tool of a mob of hypocrites, who turn him hither and thither,
+as if vacillating between heaven and hell. Doubtless this seems
+inconsistent with the powerful talents and energetic spirit, of which he
+has, on various occasions, shewn himself possessed; but which they
+contrive, by the most abominable means, to pervert and to subdue.
+
+"Our pious brother Cyrillus, as might have been foreseen, was much
+distressed at all this, and found himself called on, by irresistible
+impulses, to avert, if possible, the misfortunes which might thus fall
+upon the church. Accordingly, as the spirit moved him, he took divers
+opportunities to rouse and agitate, by the most fervid eloquence, the
+heart of the Pope, and forcibly to disengage his soul from all
+terrestrial pleasures or ambition.
+
+"The Pope, as it usually happens to enfeebled minds, was, in truth, much
+affected by what Cyrillus had said; and this was precisely the
+opportunity which his wicked ministers had watched for, in order to
+carry their plans into execution. With an air of great mystery and
+importance, they revealed to his Holiness their discovery of nothing
+less than a regular conspiracy against him, which was to deprive him of
+the triple crown. For this purpose, Cyrillus had been commissioned to
+deliver these private lectures, and induce the Pope to submit to some
+public act of penance, which would serve as a signal for the open
+out-break of the rebellion that was already organized among the
+cardinals.
+
+"Accordingly, on the next appearance of our zealous and excellent
+brother, the Pope imagined that, in his present discourse, he could
+detect many concealed and treacherous designs. Cyrillus, however, did
+not hesitate to persist in his attempts, assuring his Holiness, that he
+who did not wholly renounce the pleasures of this world, and humble his
+heart, even as the most submissive and self-accusing penitent, was
+wholly unfit to be the Vicegerent of God, and would bring a load of
+reproach and shame on the church, from which the latter should make
+itself free.
+
+"After one of these interviews, the iced-water which the Pope was in the
+habit of drinking, was found to have been poisoned. That Cyrillus was
+perfectly guiltless on that score, it is needless for me to make any
+assertion to you, who knew him. His Holiness, however, was convinced of
+his guilt; and the order for his imprisonment and execution in the
+Dominican Convent was the consequence.
+
+"The hatred of the Dominicans towards you, after the attention which you
+had received from the Pope, and his intentions openly expressed of
+raising the Capuchin penitent to high dignities, requires no
+explanation. You had thus become more dangerous, in their estimation,
+than Cyrillus had ever been; and they would have felt the less remorse
+at your destruction, as they doubted not that your penitential
+observances were the result of the basest hypocrisy, and a desire of
+temporal advancement.
+
+"With regard to my accurate knowledge of all that occurred to you in
+Rome, there is in this no mystery. I have a friend at the metropolis,
+who is thoroughly acquainted even with the most secret occurrences which
+take place in the Vatican, and who faithfully informs me of them by
+letters, written in a cypher which has hitherto baffled all attempts at
+discovery.
+
+"But on my side, there are many questions to be asked, of which the
+solution yet appears to me an inscrutable mystery. When you lived at the
+Capuchin Convent, near to Rome, of which the Prior is my near relation,
+I believed that your penitence was genuine, and from the heart. Yet, in
+the city, you must have been actuated by very different motives. Above
+all, why did you seek to gain the Pope's attention by an incredible and
+marvellous story? Why accuse yourself of crimes which you had never
+committed? Were you, then, ever at the castle of the Baron von F----?"
+
+"Alas, venerable father!" said I, "that was indeed the scene of my most
+horrible crimes. Is it possible that, in your eyes also, I have appeared
+a liar and hypocrite?"
+
+"Truly," said the Prior, "now that I speak with, and see you, I am
+forced to believe that your repentance and self-inflicted sufferings
+have been sincere. Still there are difficulties, which I am wholly
+unable to clear up.
+
+"Soon after your flight from the _residenz_ of the Prince von
+Rosenthurm, and after the monk, with whom Cyrillus had confounded you,
+had, as if by miracle, escaped, it was proved by the discovery of
+letters, and other concomitant testimony, that the Count Victorin,
+disguised as a monk, had been at the Baron's castle, and must have been
+the perpetrator of the crimes charged against you. Reinhold, his old
+steward, indeed, vehemently disputed this notion. But suddenly
+Victorin's _chasseur_ made his appearance, and explained that his master
+had lived long concealed in the Thuringian forest; that he had allowed
+his beard to grow, and had said that he would take the first opportunity
+of providing himself with a Capuchin tunic, which he intended to wear
+for at least twelve months, in order to carry on certain adventures.
+Finally, he declared, that, after having been for some days absent from
+his master, on business, he had, on his return, found him completely
+disguised in a monk's dress, at which he was not surprised, as he, the
+day before, observed, at some distance, the figure of a Capuchin pilgrim
+in the forest, from whom he doubted not that his master had supplied
+himself with the masquerade attire. He insisted that he knew the Count
+far too well to have been deceived, and, besides, had spoken with him
+frequently betwixt the period of that occurrence and his disappearance
+from the castle. This deposition of the _chasseur_ completely
+invalidated the opinion of Reinhold; but the utter vanishing of the
+Count, of whom not a single trace could be found, remained quite
+incomprehensible.
+
+"In the _residenz_, the Princess von Rosenthurm started the hypothesis,
+that the pretended Herr von Krczinski, from Kwicziczwo, had been really
+the Count Victorin; and was the more inclined to this belief, on account
+of the resemblance that she had found between this pretender and
+Francesco, of whose guilt no one now entertained any doubt. The story of
+the Prince's forester, describing a maniac, who had wandered about in
+this forest, and afterwards lived in his house, almost sanctioned the
+hypothesis. The madman had been recognized as Medardus. Victorin, in
+order to possess himself of his tunic, had cast him down into the abyss
+below the Devil's Chair. Here, by some chance or other, he had not been
+killed in the fall, but only wounded on the head. The pain of his wound,
+with hunger and thirst, made him delirious; and he ran about, perhaps
+obtaining a morsel of food now and then from some compassionate
+countryman, and half clothed with miserable rags, till he was kindly
+received into the house of the forester.
+
+"Two things, however, remained here inexplicable, namely, how this
+Medardus could have run away to such a distance out of the mountains
+without being arrested, and how, even in his lucid intervals, he should
+confess to the judges and the physician crimes which he had never
+committed. Hereupon some individuals insisted that these lucid intervals
+were delusive--that he never had been free from his madness, and that as
+there are no limits to the varieties of that malady, it was possible
+that he had, by the force of his own perverted imagination, invented all
+the circumstances which he related, and that the belief of them was the
+one, fixed, and obstinate idea, (the characteristic of insanity,) which
+never left him.
+
+"The judge of the criminal court, on the other hand, (whose wisdom was
+held in great reverence,) declared that the pretended Herr von Krczinski
+was not only no Pole, but also no count, and certainly not the Count
+Victorin. Moreover, that the monk assuredly was, and continued mad on
+every occasion, on which account the Court had intended that his
+sentence should be that of constant imprisonment, in order that he might
+be prevented from committing more crimes; but the Prince, who was much
+shocked by the calamities brought on the family of the Baron von F----,
+changed this decision into that of execution on the scaffold.
+
+"Such is the nature of mankind in this transitory life, that every
+impression, however vivid, loses, after a short time, almost all its
+influence, and fades away into pale and dusky colours. But now the
+notion that Aurelia's fugitive bridegroom had been Count Victorin,
+brought the story of the Italian Countess fresh into the remembrance of
+every one. Even those who before knew nothing of the matter, were
+informed by others who thought there was no longer any need for keeping
+the secret, and all agreed in considering it quite natural that the
+features of Medardus should resemble those of Victorin, as they had both
+been sons of one father.
+
+"The Prince at last determined that no farther attempt should be made to
+break the veil of mystery. He wished rather that all these unhappy
+involvements, which no one could be found to unravel, should be allowed
+to rest, and be forgotten. Only Aurelia----"
+
+"Aurelia!" cried I, with vehemence, "for God's sake, reverend sir, tell
+me what has become of Aurelia?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Some pages are here left out by the Editor.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+
+"You are sincere, Medardus," said the Prior; "your silence on this point
+is to me better than the most fervid eloquence. I felt the most perfect
+conviction that it was you only who had in the _residenz_ played the
+part of a Polish nobleman, and wished to marry the Baroness Aurelia.
+Moreover, I had traced out pretty accurately your route. A strange man,
+by name Schönfeld, or Belcampo, who called himself a professor and an
+artist, called here, and gave me the wished-for intelligence. At one
+period I was indeed quite convinced that you had been the murderer of
+Hermogen and Euphemia, on which account I entertained, if possible, the
+more horror at your plan of seizing and involving Aurelia in your own
+destruction.
+
+"I might indeed have arrested you, and perhaps it was my duty to have
+done so; but, far from considering myself as a minister of vengeance, I
+resigned you and your earthly conduct to the eternal decrees and
+guidance of Providence. That you were, in a manner, little less than
+miraculously preserved and carried through so many dangers, proved to
+me, that your destruction, so far as this life is concerned, was not yet
+resolved.
+
+"But now, it is most important for you to hear the circumstances by
+which I was afterwards led, and indeed forced to believe, that Count
+Victorin had actually appeared as the Capuchin, in the Thuringian
+mountains, at the castle of Baron von F----.
+
+"Some time ago, Brother Sebastian, our porter, was awoke from his sleep
+by an extraordinary noise of sobbing and groaning at the gate, which
+sounded like the voice of a man in the last agony.
+
+"The day had just dawned, and he immediately rose. On opening the
+outward gate, he found a man lying on the steps, half petrified with
+cold, and miserably exhausted. With great effort the stranger brought
+out the words, that he was Medardus, a monk who had fled from our
+monastery.
+
+"Sebastian was much alarmed, and immediately came to me with accounts of
+what had happened below. I summoned the brethren around me, and went to
+inquire into the matter. The stranger seemed to have fainted, whereupon
+we lifted him up, and brought him into the refectorium. In spite of the
+horribly disfigured countenance of the man, we still thought that we
+could recognize your features. Indeed, several were of opinion that it
+was the change of dress, more than any other circumstance, which made a
+difference. The stranger had a long beard, like a monk, and wore a
+lay-habit, now much torn and destroyed, but which had at first been very
+handsome. He had silk stockings, a gold buckle still on one of his
+shoes, a white satin waistcoat----"
+
+"A chesnut-coloured coat," interrupted I, "of the finest cloth; richly
+embroidered linen, and a plain gold ring upon his finger."
+
+"Precisely so," said Leonardus; "but, in God's name, how could you know
+these particulars?"
+
+Alas! it was the identical dress which I had worn on that fatal day of
+my marriage in the _residenz_. My horrible double again stood vividly
+before mine eyes. It was no longer the mere phantom of my own disturbed
+brain that had seemed to follow me through the woods, but the real and
+substantial madman, or demon, by whom my strength had been overpowered,
+and who had at last robbed me of my clothes, in order to represent me in
+this manner at the convent. I begged of Leonardus, that, before asking
+any other questions, he would proceed with his narrative, from which,
+perhaps, a perfect explanation of the mysteries in which I had been
+involved would at last dawn upon me.
+
+"After a trial of several days," said Leonardus, "we began to perceive
+that the man was utterly and incurably mad; and, notwithstanding that
+his features resembled yours very closely, and he incessantly cried out,
+'I am Medardus, and have come home to do penance among you,' we all
+concluded that this was but an obstinately fixed delusion of the maniac.
+
+"To this change of opinion we were led by divers proofs. For example, we
+brought him into the church; where, as he endeavoured to imitate us in
+the usual devotional exercises, we perceived plainly that he had never
+before been in a convent. The question then always gained more and more
+influence over my mind--'What if this madman, who has, according to his
+own account, fled from the _residenz_ of Rosenthurm, and escaped the
+punishment of the scaffold, were actually the Count Victorin?'
+
+"The story which the maniac had before told to the forester was already
+known to me, but I was almost of opinion with the judge at Rosenthurm,
+that the discovery and drinking out of the Devil's Elixir, his residence
+in a convent, where he was condemned to prison, and all the rest, might
+be mere visions, the off-spring of his own malady, aided perhaps by some
+extraordinary magnetic influence of your mind over his--I was the more
+inclined to this notion, because the stranger had, in his paroxysms,
+often exclaimed that he was a Count, and a ruling sovereign. On the
+whole, I resolved, as he could have no claim on our care, to give him up
+to the hospital of St Getreu, where it was not impossible that the skill
+and tenderness with which he would be treated, might at last effect his
+recovery, after which his rational confessions might clear away that
+load of uncertainty under which we laboured.
+
+"This resolution I had not time to put in practice. During the following
+night I was awoke by the great bell, which you know is rung whenever
+any one is taken dangerously ill and requires my assistance. On inquiry,
+I was informed that the stranger had asked for me so calmly and
+earnestly, that it was probable his madness had left him, and that he
+wished to confess. But, however this might be, his bodily weakness had
+so much increased, that it was scarcely possible for him to survive
+through the night.
+
+"'Forgive me, venerable father,' said the stranger, after I had
+addressed to him a few words of pious admonition--'forgive me, that I
+have hitherto attempted to deceive you--I am not Medardus, the monk who
+fled from your convent, but the Count Victorin. _Prince_, indeed, I
+should be called, since I derive my birth from princes. This I advise
+you to notice, with due respect, otherwise my anger may yet overtake
+you!'
+
+"'Even if you are a ruling prince,' said I, 'that circumstance, within
+our walls, and in your present condition, is not of any importance
+whatever; and it would, in my opinion, be much more suitable, and more
+for your own advantage, if you would now turn your thoughts altogether
+from such vain and terrestrial considerations.'
+
+"At these words he stared on me, and his senses seemed wandering; but
+some strengthening drops having been administered, he revived, and began
+again to speak, though, to my great disappointment, in a style so wild
+and delirious, that his discourse scarce admits of repetition.
+
+"'It seems to me,' said he, 'as if I must soon die, and that before
+leaving this world I must lighten my heart by confession. I know,
+moreover, that you have power over me; for, however you attempt to
+disguise yourself, I perceive very well that you are St Anthony, and you
+best know what misfortunes your infernal Elixirs have produced in this
+world. I had indeed grand designs in view when I first resolved to
+become a monk with a long beard, a shaven head, and a brown tunic tied
+with hair ropes. But, after long deliberation, it seemed to me as if my
+most secret thoughts played false with him to whom they owed their
+birth--as if they departed from me, and dressed themselves up in a
+cursed masquerade, representing MYSELF. I recognized the likeness--the
+identity--it was my _double_, and I was horrified.
+
+"'This _double_, too, had superhuman strength, and hurled me down from
+the black rocks, through the trees and bushes, into the abyss, where a
+snow-white radiant princess rose out of the foaming water to receive me.
+She took me in her arms and bathed my wounds, so that I no longer felt
+any pain. I had now indeed become a monk, but that infernal second-self
+proved stronger than I was, and drove me on in the paths of wickedness,
+till I was forced to murder the princess that had rescued me, along with
+her only brother. I was then thrown into prison; but you yourself, St
+Anthony, know better than I, in what manner, after I had drunk up your
+cursed Elixir, you brought me out, and carried me away through the air.
+
+"'The green forest king received me badly enough, although he knew very
+well that I was a prince, and therefore of equal rank; but my
+second-self interfered betwixt us, telling the king all sorts of
+calumnies against me, and insisted, that because we had committed these
+damnable crimes together, we must continue inseparable, and enjoy all
+things in partnership.
+
+"'This happened accordingly, but when the king wanted to cut off our
+heads, we ran away, and on the road at last quarrelled and separated. I
+saw that this parasitical _double_ had resolved on being perpetually
+nourished by my powerful spirit, though I had then not food enough for
+myself; and I therefore knocked him down, beat him soundly, and took
+from him his coat.'
+
+"So far the ravings of the man had some resemblance, however distant and
+shadowy, to the truth; but afterwards he lost himself in the sheer
+absurdities of his malady, out of which not a word could be understood.
+About an hour afterwards, as the first bell was rung for early prayers,
+he started up with a hideous cry, then fell back on his couch, and, as
+we all believed, instantly expired.
+
+"Accordingly, I made the body be removed into the dead-room, and gave
+orders, that, after the usual interval, he should be buried, not in the
+convent vaults, but in a spot of consecrated ground in our garden. But
+you may well imagine our utter astonishment, when, on returning to the
+dead-room, we found that the supposed lifeless body was no longer to be
+seen! All inquiries after him were in vain, and I was obliged to despair
+of gaining any farther information as to the strange involvements that
+subsisted betwixt you and this man.
+
+"No doubt, however, remained on my mind that he was Count Victorin.
+According to the story of the chasseur, he had murdered a Capuchin monk
+in the forest, and put on his tunic in order to carry on some intrigue
+in the castle. The crimes which he had thus begun, ended perhaps in a
+way that he did not expect--with the murder of the Baroness and of the
+young Baron Hermogen. Perhaps he was then mad, as Reinhold maintained,
+or became so upon his flight, being tormented by a reproving conscience.
+The dress which he wore, and the murder of the Capuchin, gave rise in
+his mind to the fixed delusion that he was a monk, and that his
+individuality was split into two hostile and contending powers.
+
+"Only the period betwixt his flight from the Baron's castle and that of
+his arrival at the forester's house remains obscure. We know not how he
+could have lived all that time; nor is it conceivable how the story of
+his living in a convent, and being rescued from prison, had originated.
+Again, the time of his appearing to the forester will by no means answer
+with the date which Reinhold fixes for Victorin's departure from the
+Thuringian mountains."
+
+"Stop, stop, father," said I; "every hope of obtaining, notwithstanding
+the fearful load of my crimes, forgiveness through the mercy and
+long-suffering of Heaven, must perish in my soul, if I do not, with the
+deepest repentance and self-condemnation, relate to you all the
+circumstances of my life, as I have before narrated them in holy
+confession!"
+
+When I now went through this detail, the Prior's astonishment increased
+beyond all bounds. At last he said, "I must believe all that you have
+told, Medardus, if it were for no other reason than that, while you
+spoke, I perceived in your tone and looks the most unequivocal proofs of
+sincere and heartfelt repentance. Who can explain, but, at the same
+time, who can deny or disprove, the extraordinary mental sympathy and
+connection that has thus subsisted between two brothers, sons of a
+wretched sinner, and themselves both acted on and misled by the powers
+of darkness?[6]
+
+[Footnote 6: According to the devil's assertion, if two individuals
+should drink out of the same flask, they would henceforth possess a
+wonderful reciprocity of thoughts and feelings, though mutually and
+unconsciously acting for the destruction of each other. See Vol. I. pp.
+46, 68.--EDIT.]
+
+"It is now certain that Victorin had rescued himself from the rocky
+abyss into which you had thrown him, (his fall probably having been
+broken by the water,) that he was the delirious monk whom the forester
+protected, who persecuted you as your _double_, and who died, or seemed
+to die, in our convent. He was an agent of our Arch-Enemy, placed in
+your way for the express purpose of misleading you from the path of
+virtue, or veiling from your sight that light of truth which otherwise
+might have dawned upon you. Or shall we look upon him not as Victorin,
+but as an incarnate demon, who, for his own hellish purposes, had
+availed himself of your unhappy brother's bodily frame?
+
+"Alas! it is too true that the devil yet wanders restless and watchful
+through the earth, offering, as of yore, to unwary mortals, his
+deceitful Elixirs! Who is there that has not, at one period or another,
+found some of these deadly drinks agreeable and seductive to his taste?
+But such is the will of Heaven. Man must be subjected to temptations;
+and then, by the reproaches of his own conscience, being made aware of
+the dangers into which a moment of levity and relaxation has betrayed
+him, summon up strength and resolution to avoid such errors for the
+future. Thus, as the natural life of man is sometimes prolonged by
+poison, so the soul indirectly owes its final weal to the dark and
+destructive principle of evil.--Go now, Medardus, and join the
+brethren."
+
+I was about to retire, but the Prior called me back.--"You have no doubt
+observed," said he, "the preparations for a great festival. The Baroness
+Aurelia is to-morrow to take the veil, and receives the conventual name
+of Rosalia!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+
+The agitation which I felt at these words was indeed indescribable. As
+if struck by a thunderbolt, I had almost fallen to the ground, and could
+make no answer. Hereupon the Prior seemed greatly incensed.--"Go to your
+brethren!" said he, in a tone of sternness and anger;--and I tottered
+away, almost senseless, or totally unable to analyze my own sensations,
+to the refectorium, where the monks were assembled.
+
+Here I was assailed by a storm of anxious inquiries; but I was no longer
+able to utter a single word on the adventures of my own life. Only the
+bright and beaming form of Aurelia came vividly before mine eyes, and
+all other imagery of the past faded into obscurity. Under pretext of
+having devotional duties to perform, I left the brethren, and betook
+myself to the chapel, which lay at the further extremity of the
+extensive convent garden. Here I wished to pray; but the slightest
+noise, even the light rustling of the wind among the faded leaves, made
+me start up, and broke every pious train of contemplation.
+
+"It is she--I shall see her again!--Aurelia comes!"--In these words a
+voice seemed to address me, and my heart was at once agitated with fear
+and with rapture. It seemed to me as if indeed at some distance I heard
+the sounds of soft whispering voices. I started up, left the chapel,
+and, behold! there were two nuns walking through an _allée_ of lime
+trees, and between them a person in the dress of a novice. Certainly
+that was Aurelia. My limbs were seized with a convulsive shuddering; my
+heart beat so violently, that I could hardly breathe; and I wished to go
+from the place; but, being unable to walk, I fell, not fainting, but
+overcome with the vehemence of my internal conflict, powerless to the
+ground. The nuns, and with them the novice, vanished into the thickets.
+
+What a day and what a night I had to encounter! I strove to diversify
+the emotions under which I laboured, by a visit to the house in which my
+mother had lived; but, alas! it no longer existed. The garden--the
+tower--the old castle--all were gone; and the ground on which they once
+stood had been converted, by a new proprietor, into a ploughed field. I
+was but slightly affected by this change, for my whole heart and soul
+were devoted to that one object. I wandered about repeating her
+name--"Aurelia! Aurelia!" This distraction continued also through the
+long night. There was, for the time, no other thought--no other image,
+but hers, that could gain any influence over my attention.
+
+As soon as the first beams of the morning had begun to break through the
+autumnal wreaths of white vapour that hovered in the valley, the convent
+bells rung to announce the festival of a nun's investiture and
+dedication. Soon afterwards, the brethren assembled in the great public
+hall, where, too, in a short time, the Abbess appeared, attended by two
+of her sisterhood.
+
+Undescribable was the feeling which filled my heart, when I once more
+beheld her, who, towards my father, had been so deeply attached, and,
+after he had through his crimes broken off a union which promised him
+every happiness, had yet transferred her unconquerable affection to his
+son.
+
+That son she had endeavoured to rear up to a life of virtue and piety;
+but, like his father, he heaped up crime on crime, so that every hope of
+the adoptive mother, who wished to find in the one consolation for the
+profligacy of the other, was annihilated.
+
+With my head hung downwards, and eyes fixed on the ground, I listened to
+the discourse, wherein the Abbess once more formally announced to the
+assembled monks, Aurelia's entrance into the Cistertian Convent; and
+begged of them to pray zealously at the decisive moment of the last vow,
+in order that the Arch-Fiend might not have any power at that time to
+torment the pious virgin, by his abominable delusions.--"Heavy and
+severe," said she, "were the trials which this young woman had already
+to resist. There was no method of temptation which the great adversary
+of mankind did not employ, in order to lead her unawares into the
+commission of sins, from which she should awake when it was too late, as
+if from a hideous dream, to perish in shame and despair!
+
+"Yet Omnipotence protected this truly pious votary of the church; and if
+on this day, too, the adversary should approach her, and once more aim
+at her destruction, her history now will be the more glorious. I
+request, then, your most zealous prayers--not that this chosen votary
+may be firm and unchanged in her resolve, for her mind has long been
+devoted wholly to Heaven; but that no earthly misfortune may interrupt
+the solemn act of her investiture, or disturb her thoughts in that
+sacred act. I must confess that a mysterious timidity--an apprehension,
+has got possession of my mind, for which I am unable to account, but
+which I have no power of resisting."
+
+Hereupon it became clear and obvious, that the Abbess alluded to me
+alone, as that evil adversary--that destructive demon, who would
+probably interrupt the ceremony. She had heard of my arrival, and, being
+aware of my previous history, had imagined that I came with the fixed
+intention of committing some new crime to prevent Aurelia from taking
+the veil. The consciousness how groundless were these suspicions, and of
+the change which my mind had undergone, caused, for the moment, a sinful
+feeling of self-approbation, which I ought to have repressed, but
+which, like other vices, obtained a victory before I was on my guard.
+The Abbess did not vouchsafe towards me a single look, or the slightest
+sign of recognition. Hereupon I felt once more that proud spirit of
+scorn and defiance, by which I had been formerly actuated towards the
+Princess in the _residenz_; and when the Abbess spoke these words,
+instead of wishing, as of yore, to humble myself before her in the dust,
+I could have walked up to her, and said:--
+
+"Wert thou then always so pure and elevated in soul, that the pleasures
+of terrestrial life never had for thee any attraction? When thou daily
+sawest my father, wert thou so well guarded by devotion, that sinful
+thoughts never entered into thy mind? Or, when adorned with the _infula_
+and crosier, in all thy conventual dignity, did his image never wake
+within thee a longing desire to return into the world? Hast thou
+contended with the dark powers as I have done? Or canst thou flatter
+thyself with having gained a true victory, if thou hast never been
+called into a severe combat? Deem not thyself so proudly elevated that
+thou canst despise him, who submitted indeed to the most powerful of
+enemies, yet again raised himself up by deep repentance, and the
+severest penance."
+
+The sudden and demoniacal change that I had undergone, must have been
+visible in my exterior looks and deportment; for the brother who was
+next to me, inquired, "What is the matter with you, Brother Medardus?
+Why do you cast such angry looks towards the truly sanctified Abbess?"
+
+"Ay, indeed," answered I, almost audibly; "she may indeed be sanctified,
+for she carried her head always so high, that the contamination of
+profane life could not reach her; and yet, methinks, she appears to me
+at this moment less like a Christian saint than a pagan priestess, who,
+with the bloody knife in her hand, prepares to immolate before an idol
+her human victim!"
+
+I know not how I came to pronounce these blasphemous words, which were
+out of the track of my previous ideas, but with them arose in my mind a
+multitude of the most horrible and distracting images, which seemed to
+unite and harmonize together, as if for the purpose of gaining more
+strength, and effectually obtaining the victory over any degree of
+rational self-possession I had left.
+
+Aurelia was for ever to forsake and renounce this world!--She was to
+bind herself, as I had done, by a vow, that appeared to me only the
+invention of religious fanaticism, to renounce all earthly enjoyments!
+Old impressions, which I had believed for ever lost, revived on me with
+tenfold strength and influence. My attention was again wholly engrossed
+by the one idea, that Aurelia and the monk should yet be united, though
+it were but for a moment, and then perish together, a sacrifice to the
+subterranean powers of darkness. Nay, like a hideous spectre, like Satan
+himself, the thought of murder once more rose on my mind. I beheld
+myself with the bloody dagger in my hand!--Alas, poor blinded wretch! I
+did not perceive that at the moment when I had conceived such resentment
+against the Abbess for her supposed allusions, I was given up a prey to
+perhaps the severest trial to which the power of the devil had ever
+subjected me, and by which I was to be enticed to the most hideous crime
+of which I had yet even dreamed!
+
+The brother to whom I had spoken looked at me terrified. "For the love
+of God, and all the saints," said he, "what words are you muttering
+there?" The Abbess was now about to leave the hall. On her retreat, her
+eyes accidentally encountered mine. I perceived that she immediately
+grew pale, that she tottered, and must lean on the attendant nuns.
+Methought also I could distinguish the words,--"Merciful Heaven, my
+worst fears then are confirmed!"
+
+Soon after, she summoned the Prior Leonardus to a private audience; but,
+meanwhile, the bells were again rung, and with them was united the deep
+thundering notes of the organ. The consecration anthem was just begun,
+and was distinctly heard from the church, when the Prior returned into
+the hall. Now the monks of the different orders arranged themselves all
+in solemn processions, and advanced towards the church, which was now
+just as crowded as it used formerly to be at the anniversary of the
+blessed St Bernard. On the right side of the high altar, which was
+richly adorned with red and white roses, were elevated seats placed for
+the clergy opposite to the tribune, whereon the Bishop's _capelle_
+performed the music of the high mass, at which he himself was the
+officiating priest.
+
+One of the monks with whom I had formerly been acquainted, and to whom
+probably Leonardus had given directions, called me to take my place next
+to him. I perceived that he watched even my slightest movements, and he
+insisted that I should pray without ceasing out of my Breviary.
+
+The decisive moment was now drawing near. The nuns of St Clare assembled
+themselves within the small square, enclosed by an iron railing, before
+the high altar, while, through a private door from behind the altar, the
+Cistertians brought forward Aurelia.
+
+A whispering rustled through the crowded church on her appearance; the
+organ was silent, and only the simple anthem of the nuns in the choir
+vibrated to the very heart of every listener. Till now, I had not
+ventured to lift up mine eyes, and on doing so, I trembled convulsively,
+so that my Breviary fell to the ground. I bent down to take it up, but a
+sudden giddiness seized me, and I should have fallen after my book, had
+not my watchful brother seized and held me back. "What is the matter
+with you, Medardus?" said he--"Resist the demon that besets you, and he
+will flee!"
+
+I made a violent effort to be tranquil, looked up again, and saw Aurelia
+kneeling at the high altar. Oh, heavens! her beauty of countenance, and
+symmetry of form, were more than ever dazzling and seductive! She was
+dressed, too, as a bride, precisely as she had been on that fatal day of
+our intended marriage, with wreaths of myrtle and roses twisted in her
+luxuriant and skilfully-plaited hair. The devotion--the solemnity and
+agitation of the moment, had heightened the bloom on her cheeks; and in
+her eyes, uplifted to heaven, lay an expression of desire, which, in
+another place, or on another occasion, might have been very differently
+interpreted.
+
+What were those moments, after I had recognized Aurelia at the
+_residenz_ of the Prince von Rosenthurm, compared to this? I said that
+my feelings then were indescribable, but my passions now raged and
+burned within me with a violence which I had never before known. Every
+vein and fibre in my frame was convulsed and swollen by the vehemence
+of my conflict, and I grasped the reading-desk with such force, that the
+boards cracked and broke beneath the pressure.
+
+Meanwhile, I prayed internally with great fervour--"Oh, merciful
+Heaven--Oh, ye blessed saints, intercede for me!--Let me not become
+mad!--only not mad!--Save me--save me from this hellish torment!--Save
+me from utter frenzy, otherwise I must commit the most horrible of
+crimes, and give up my soul to everlasting destruction!" Such were my
+inward aspirations, for I felt how every moment the evil spirit was
+acquiring more and more an ascendancy over me. It seemed to me as if
+Aurelia, too, had a share in the crime which I alone was committing, as
+if the vow that she was about to take was _not_ to be the bride of
+Heaven, but to become _mine_! To rush up to the altar, to press her in
+my arms in one last delicious embrace, and then stab her to the
+heart--this impulse became almost irresistible. The demon raged more and
+more wildly in my heart--I was about to scream out, "Stop there, deluded
+fools!--Not a virgin, as you believe, pure and emancipated from earthly
+bonds and passion, but the devoted bride of the perjured monk, would
+you consecrate to Heaven!" * * * * When I heard Aurelia's voice,
+however, as she began to pronounce the vow, then it seemed as if a mild
+gleam of moonlight broke through the dark and stormy clouds by which my
+reason had been obscured. By this pure light I detected all the
+artifices of my relentless adversary, whom I was thus, with tenfold
+vigour, enabled to resist. Every word uttered by Aurelia, like the
+encouraging voice of a guardian seraph, gave me new strength, and, after
+an arduous conflict, I was left victor. That black and hideous impulse
+to new crimes was put to flight, and with it every remains of sinful
+passion. Aurelia was again the pious votary of Heaven, whose prayer
+could rescue me from eternal remorse and destruction. Her vows were to
+me the source of consolation and of hope; I could look again without
+despair into the blue unclouded vaults of heaven! The monk who had
+watched over me, immediately perceived this change. "Thou hast bravely
+resisted the adversary, Medardus. This was perhaps the last and severest
+trial which has been destined for thee by the will of the Almighty!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+
+The vow was now pronounced, and during that part of the service
+consisting of question and response, sung by the nuns of St Clare, the
+veil was to be laid on Aurelia. Already they had taken the myrtles and
+roses from her head, and were in the act of cutting off her long and
+luxuriant locks, when an extraordinary tumult arose in the church. I
+remarked how the people who stood in the aisles were thrust and driven
+about. Many of them, too, were violently knocked down, and the
+disturbance made its way always nearer and nearer, till it arrived at
+the centre of the church, before which time I could not distinguish the
+cause.
+
+With the most furious looks and gestures, striking with his clenched
+fists at all who stood in his way, and still pressing forward, there now
+appeared a half-naked man, with the rags of a Capuchin dress hung about
+his body! At the first glance, I recognized my diabolical _double_; but
+already at the moment when, anticipating some horrible event, I was in
+the act of leaving the gallery to throw myself in his way, the horrible
+wretch had leaped over the railing of the altar. The terrified nuns
+shrieked and dispersed, but the Abbess undauntedly held Aurelia firmly
+clasped in her arms. "Ha, ha, ha!" screamed the madman in a thrilling
+tone, "would'st thou rob me of my Princess?--Ha, ha, ha!--The Princess
+is my bride, my bride!"
+
+With these words he tore the fainting Aurelia from the Abbess, and with
+incredible quickness pulled out a stiletto, elevated it high over her
+head, and then plunged it into her heart, so that the blood sprung in
+torrents from the wound.--"Hurrah!--hurrah!" cried the maniac; "now have
+I won my bride--have won the Princess!" With these words he rushed
+through the private grating behind the altar, and disappeared.
+
+The church-aisles and vaults reverberated with the deafening shrieks of
+the nuns, and outcries of the people.--"Murder!--Murder at the altar of
+the Lord!" cried they, crowding to the spot.
+
+"Watch all the gates of the convent, that the murderer may not escape!"
+cried Leonardus, in a loud voice; and many accordingly left the church,
+seizing the staves and crosiers that had been used in the procession,
+and rushing after the monster through the aisles of the convent.
+
+All was the transaction of a moment, and soon after, I was kneeling
+beside Aurelia, the nuns having, as well as they could, bound up her
+wound, while others assisted the now fainting Abbess.
+
+"_Sancta Rosalia, ora pro nobis!_" I heard these words spoken near me in
+a powerful and steadfast voice; and all who yet remained in the church
+cried out, "A miracle!--A miracle!--She is indeed a martyr! _Sancta
+Rosalia, ora pro nobis!_"
+
+I looked up, the old painter stood near, but with a mild earnestness on
+his features, precisely as when he had appeared to me in the prison. It
+seemed to me already as if every earthly tie was broken. I felt no pain
+at the fate of Aurelia, nor could I now experience any apprehension or
+horror from the apparition of the painter. It seemed, on the contrary,
+as if the mysterious nets, by which the powers of hell had so long held
+me entangled, were now completely dissolved and broken.
+
+"A miracle!--A miracle!" shouted again all the people. "Do you see the
+old man in the violet-coloured mantle? He has descended out of the
+picture over the high altar!--I saw it!"
+
+"I too!"--"And I too!" cried many confused voices, till again all fell
+upon their knees, and the tumult subsided into the murmur of zealous
+prayer, interrupted occasionally by violent sobbing and weeping.
+
+The Abbess at last awoke from her faint.--"Aurelia!" cried she, with the
+heart-rending tone of deep and violent grief,--"Aurelia, my child! my
+pious daughter! But why do I complain?--Almighty Heaven, it was thy
+resolve!"
+
+A kind of bier, or couch, tied on hand-poles, was now brought, on which
+Aurelia was to be placed. When she was lifted up for this purpose, she
+opened her eyes, and seeing me beside her, "Medardus," said she, "thou
+hast indeed submitted to the temptation of our adversary. But was I then
+pure from the contamination of sin, when I placed in my affection for
+thee all my hopes of earthly happiness? An immutable decree of
+Providence had resolved that we should be the means of expiating the
+heavy crimes of our ancestors, and thus we were united by a bond of
+love, whose proper throne is beyond the stars, and the enjoyment of
+whose votaries partakes nothing in common with terrestrial pleasure.
+
+"But our watchful and cunning adversary succeeded but too well in
+concealing from us altogether this true interpretation of our
+attachment--nay, in such manner to delude and entice us, that we only
+construed and exemplified that which was in its nature heavenly and
+spiritual, by means earthly and corporeal.
+
+"Alas! was it not I myself, who, in the confessional, betrayed to you my
+affection, which afterwards, instead of kindling within you the
+celestial flames of heavenly and everlasting love, degenerated into the
+fire of selfish and impure passion, which afterwards you endeavoured to
+quench by unheard-of and enormous crimes? But, Medardus, be of good
+courage. The miserable maniac, whom our Arch-Adversary has deluded into
+the belief that he is transformed into thee, and must fulfil what thou
+hadst begun, is but the mere tool or implement of that higher Power,
+through which the intentions of the latter are fulfilled. Soon, very
+soon----"
+
+Here Aurelia, who had spoken the last words with her eyes closed, and a
+voice scarcely audible, fell again into a faint, yet death could not yet
+triumph over her. Indeed, all that she had said was but in fragments and
+single words, so broken and disjointed, that it was with much difficulty
+the sense could be collected, which I have above put together.
+
+"Has she confessed to you, reverend sir?" said the nuns. "Have you
+consoled her?"--"By no means," said I; "she has indeed poured
+consolation on my mind, but I am unable to aid her!"
+
+"Happy art thou, Medardus! Thy trials will soon be at an end, and I then
+am free!"
+
+It was the painter who still stood near me, and who had spoken these
+last words. I went up to him, and began,--"Forsake me not, then, thou
+wonderful and miraculous man, but remain ever with me!" I know not how
+my senses, when I wished to speak farther, became, in the strangest
+manner, confused and lost. I could not bring out a word, but fell into a
+state betwixt waking and dreaming, out of which I was roused by loud
+shouts and outcries.
+
+I now no longer saw the painter. My attention was directed only to a
+crowd of countrymen, citizens from the town, and soldiers, who had
+forced their way into the church, and insisted that it should be allowed
+them to search through every apartment of the convent, as the murderer
+certainly must be still within its walls. The Abbess, who was afraid of
+the disorders that would ensue, refused this; but, notwithstanding the
+influence of her high dignity, she could not appease the minds of the
+people. They reproached her, on the contrary, with a wish to conceal the
+murderer, because he was a monk, and, raging more violently, threatened
+to force for themselves that admittance which she had refused.
+
+Leonardus then mounted the pulpit, and after a few words of
+admonishment, on the sin of profaning a sanctuary by such tumult, he
+assured them that the murderer was by no means a monk, but a madman,
+whom he himself had taken out of compassion into his convent, where he
+had, to all appearance, died; but, after being carried to the
+dead-room, had unaccountably recovered from his supposed death, and
+escaped, taking with him an old tunic, which, at his earnest request,
+had been charitably lent to him during his stay in the monastery. If he
+were now concealed anywhere within these walls, it would be impossible
+for him, after the precautions that had been taken, to make his escape.
+The crowd were at last quieted, and permitted the removal of Aurelia.
+
+It was found that the bier on which she was placed could not be carried
+through the wicket-door behind the altar. It was, therefore, brought in
+solemn procession through the aisle of the church, and across the court,
+into the convent. The Abbess, supported by two nuns, walked close behind
+the bier. Four Cistertian sisters carried over it a canopy, and all the
+rest followed,--then the brethren of the different orders, and lastly
+the people, who now behaved with the most respectful silence. The bier
+was covered with roses and myrtle wreaths; and thus the procession moved
+slowly on.
+
+The sisters who belonged to the choir must have returned to their
+station; for as we reached the middle of the long and spacious aisle,
+deep fearful tones of the organ sounded mournfully from above. Then,
+lo! as if awoke by those notes, Aurelia once more raised herself slowly
+up, and lifted her clasped hands in fervent prayer to Heaven. Again the
+people fell upon their knees, and called out, "_Sancta Rosalia, ora pro
+nobis!_" Thus was the vision realized, which, at my first meeting with
+Aurelia, I had announced, though then actuated only by base and devilish
+hypocrisy.
+
+The bier was first set down in the great hall of the convent; and as the
+nuns and the brethren formed a circle, and prayed around her, she
+suddenly fell into the arms of the Abbess, with a long deep sigh. She
+was dead!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The multitude were still gathered round the gates, and when the bell
+announced to them the death of the consecrated virgin, all broke out
+into new lamentations. Many of them made a vow to remain in the village
+till after the funeral of Aurelia, and to devote that period to fasting
+and prayer. The rumour of this fearful event was rapidly spread abroad,
+so that Aurelia's obsequies, which were solemnized four days thereafter,
+resembled one of the highest festivals of the church on the canonization
+of a saint. As formerly, on St Bernard's eve, the convent lawn was
+covered with a great crowd from the town of Königswald, and from all
+quarters; but there was no longer to be heard among them the wonted
+voice of mirth. Their time was spent in sighs and tears; and if a voice
+was raised aloud, it was but to utter execrations against the murderer,
+who had supernaturally vanished, nor could a trace of him be discovered.
+Far deeper was the influence of these three days (which I spent mostly
+in the garden-chapel) on the weal of my soul, than my long laborious
+penitence in the Capuchin Convent of Rome. When I reflected on my past
+life, I perceived plainly how, although armed and protected from
+earliest youth with the best lessons of piety and virtue, I had yet,
+like a pusillanimous coward, yielded to Satan, whose aim was to foster
+and cherish the criminal race, from which I was sprung, so that its
+representatives might still be multiplied, and still fettered by bonds
+of vice and wickedness upon the earth. My sins were but trifling and
+venial when I first became acquainted with the choir-master's sister,
+and first gave way to the impulses of pride and self-confidence. But,
+alas! I was too careless to remember the doctrine which I had yet often
+inculcated on others, that _venial_ errors, unless immediately
+corrected, form a sure and solid foundation for sins which are _mortal_.
+Then the Devil threw that Elixir into my way, which, like a poison
+working against the soul instead of the body, completed his victory over
+me. I heeded not the earnest admonitions of the unknown painter, the
+Abbess, or the Prior.
+
+Aurelia's appearance at the confessional was a decisive effort for my
+destruction. Then, as the body, under the influence of poison, falls
+into disease, so my spirit, under the operation of that hellish cordial,
+was infected and destroyed by sin. How could the votary, the slave of
+Satan, recognize the true nature of those bonds by which Omnipotence, as
+a symbol of that eternal love, (whose marriage festival is death,) had
+joined Aurelia's fate and mine?
+
+Rejoicing in his first victories, Satan then haunted me in the form of
+an accursed madman, between whose spirit and mine there seemed to be a
+reciprocal and alternate power of influencing each other. I was obliged
+to ascribe his apparent death (of which I in reality was guiltless) to
+myself; and thus became familiarized with the thought of murder. Or was
+Victorin really killed, and did the Arch-Fiend re-animate his body, (as
+the vampyres in Hungary rise from the grave,) for his own especial
+purposes? May it not suffice to say, that this brother, called Victorin,
+who derived his birth from an accursed and abominable crime, became to
+me an impersonization of the evil principle, who forced me into hideous
+guilt, and tormented me with his unrelenting persecution?
+
+Till that very moment when I heard Aurelia pronounce her vows, my heart
+was not yet pure from sin; not till then had the Evil One lost over me
+his dominion; but the wonderful inward tranquillity--the cheerfulness as
+if poured from Heaven into my heart, when she addressed to me her last
+words, convinced me that her death was the promise of my forgiveness and
+reconciliation. Then, as in the solemn requiem, the choir sung the
+words--"_Confutatis maledictis, flammis acribus addictis_," I trembled;
+but at the passage, "_Voca me cum benedictis_," it seemed to me as if I
+beheld, in the dazzling radiance of celestial light, Aurelia, who first
+looked down with an expression of saintly compassion upon me, and then
+lifting up her head, which was surrounded with a dazzling ring of stars,
+to the Almighty, preferred an ardent supplication for the deliverance of
+my soul! At the words, "_Ora supplex et acclinis cor contritum, quasi
+cinis_," I sank down into the dust; but how different now were my inward
+feelings of humility and submission, from that _passionate_
+self-condemnation, those cruel and violent penances, which I had
+formerly undergone at the Capuchin Convent!
+
+Now, for the first time, my spirit was enabled to distinguish truth from
+falsehood, and by the new light, which was then shed around me, every
+temptation of the devil must, from henceforward, remain vain and
+ineffectual. It was not Aurelia's death, but the cruel and horrible
+manner in which it had occurred, by which I had been at first so deeply
+agitated. But how short was the interval, ere I perceived and recognized
+in its fullest extent, even in this event, the goodness and mercy of
+Heaven! The martyrdom of the pious, the tried, and absolved bride! Had
+she then died for my sake? No! It was not till now, after she had been
+withdrawn from this world, that she appeared to me like a dazzling
+gleam, sent down from the realms of eternal love, to brighten the path
+of an unhappy sinner. Aurelia's death was, as she had before said, our
+marriage festival, the solemnization of that love, which, like a
+celestial essence, has its throne and dominion above the stars, and
+admits nought in common with grovelling and perishable earthly
+pleasures! These thoughts indeed raised me above myself; and accordingly
+these three days in the Cistertian Convent might truly be called the
+happiest of my life.
+
+After the funeral obsequies, which took place on the fourth day,
+Leonardus was on the point of returning with the brethren home to his
+own convent. When their procession was ready to set out, the Abbess
+summoned me to a private audience. I found her alone, in her high
+vaulted parlour, the same room wherein I had my first introduction, and
+which then inspired me with such awe and terror. She was now in the
+greatest emotion, and tears burst involuntarily from her eyes.
+
+"Son Medardus!" said she, "for I can again address you thus, all now is
+known and explained to me, so that I have no questions to ask. You have
+at last survived the temptations by which, unhappy and worthy to be
+pitied, you were assailed and overtaken! Alas, Medardus, only she, _she_
+alone, who intercedes for us at the judgment throne of Heaven, is pure
+from sin. Did I not stand on the very brink of the abyss, when, with a
+heart given up to the allurements of earthly pleasure, I was on the
+point of selling myself to a murderer? And yet, son Medardus, and yet I
+have wept sinful tears in my lonely cell, when thinking of your father!
+Go then, in God's name. Every apprehension by which I have often been
+assailed, that in you I had reared and educated even the most wicked of
+the race, is banished from my soul. Farewell!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Leonardus, who had no doubt revealed to the Abbess whatever
+circumstances of my life remained yet unknown to her, proved to me by
+his conduct that he also had forgiven me, and recommended me in his
+prayers to Heaven. The old regulations of the conventual life remained
+unbroken, and I was allowed to take my place, on an equal footing with
+the brethren, as formerly.
+
+One day the Prior desired to speak with me. "Brother Medardus," said he,
+"I should like still to impose upon you one act of penitence."--I humbly
+inquired wherein this was to consist. "I advise you," answered
+Leonardus, "to commit to paper a history of your life. In your
+manuscript do not leave out any incident--not only of those which are
+leading and important, but even such as are comparatively insignificant.
+Especially, detail at great length whatever happened to you in the
+varied scenes of the profane world. Your imagination will probably by
+this means carry you back into that life which you have now for ever
+renounced. All that was absurd or solemn, mirthful or horrible, will be
+once more vividly impressed on your senses; nay, it is possible, that
+you may for a moment look upon Aurelia, not as a nun and a martyr, but
+as she once appeared in the world. Yet if the Evil One has wholly lost
+his dominion over you; if you have indeed turned away your affections
+from all that is terrestrial, then you will hover, like a disengaged
+spirit, as if on seraph's wings, above all these earthly remembrances,
+and the impression thus called up will vanish without leaving any trace
+behind."
+
+I did as the Prior had commanded; and, alas! the consequences were such
+as he had desired me to expect. A tempest of conflicting emotions, of
+pain and pleasure, of desire, and abhorrence, rose in my heart as I
+revived the circumstances of my life. Thou, to whom I have already
+addressed myself, who mayest one day read these pages, I spoke to thee
+more than once of the highest meridian sun-light of love, when Aurelia's
+image arose in all its celestial beauty on my soul. But there is a love
+far different from terrestrial passion, (which last generally works its
+own destruction.)--There is another and far different love, and in
+_this_ may be truly found that meridian sun-light which I described,
+when, far removed above the influences of earthly desire, the beloved
+object, like a gleam from heaven, kindles in thy heart all the highest,
+the holiest, and most blissful inspirations which are shed down from the
+realms of the saints on poor mortals. By this thought have I been
+refreshed and comforted, when, on my remembrance of the most seductive
+moments which this world bestowed on me, tears yet gushed from mine
+eyes, and wounds, long cicatrized, broke open and bled anew.
+
+I know that probably in the hour of death the adversary will yet have
+power to torment me. But steadfastly, and with fervent longing, I wait
+for the moment which is to withdraw me from this life; for it is on that
+event that the fulfilment of all that Aurelia, all that the blessed St
+Rosalia, has promised to me, depends. Pray--pray for me, oh, ye
+beatified Virgin! in that dark hour, that the powers of hell, to which I
+have so often yielded, may not once more, and for the last time, conquer
+me, and tear me with him to the abyss of everlasting destruction!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+_Additions by Father Spiridion, Librarian of the Capuchin Monastery at
+Königswald._
+
+
+In the night of the 3d-4th September, in this year 17--, much that is
+worthy of being recorded has happened in our monastery. It might be
+about midnight, when, in the cell of Brother Medardus, which was next to
+mine, I overheard a strange noise of stammering and laughing, which
+continued for a considerable time; and at intervals I heard also obscure
+sounds of lamentation, sobbing, and groaning. It seemed to me as if I
+could distinguish the articulate accents of a most disagreeable broken
+voice, from which I involuntarily recoiled and shuddered, and which
+pronounced the words "_Brüd-er-lein! Brüd-er-lein!_--Come with me--Come
+with me.--The bride is here--The bride is here!"--I immediately started
+up, and wished to inquire for Brother Medardus; but then there fell
+upon me an unaccountable and supernatural horror, so that my limbs shook
+and my jaws clattered, as if in the cold fit of an ague. Thereafter, I
+went not into the cell of Brother Medardus, but to the Prior, and, with
+some trouble, woke him from his sleep. The Prior was much alarmed by my
+description of what I had heard, and desired me to bring consecrated
+candles, and then we should both go to the assistance of Medardus. I did
+as he commanded me, lighted the candles at the lamp beside the image of
+the blessed Virgin in the aisle, and we went along the corridor, till we
+came near the cell. There Leonardus stood for some time, listening at
+the door; but the voice which I had described to him was no longer to be
+heard. On the contrary, we observed a pleasant silvery sound, as of the
+ringing of bells, and methought the air was filled with the fragrance of
+roses. Leonardus was about to enter, when the door opened, and lo! there
+stepped forth the form of a very tall man, with a long white beard,
+attired in a dark violet-coloured mantle. I was indescribably terrified,
+knowing well that this must be a supernatural apparition, for the
+convent gates were all firmly locked, and it was impossible for any
+stranger, without my knowledge, to have gained admittance. Leonardus,
+however, looked at him boldly, though without uttering a word. "The hour
+of fulfilment is not far distant," said the figure, in a tone very
+hollow and solemn. With these words he vanished in the obscurity of the
+corridor, so that my fear was greatly increased, and I had almost let
+the candles fall out of my hand. The Prior, who, by his extreme piety
+and strength of faith, is wholly protected from any such fear of ghosts,
+took me by the arm. "Now," said he, "let us go, and speak with Brother
+Medardus." We entered accordingly, and found our brother, who for some
+time past had been in very weak health, already dying. He could no
+longer speak, and breathed with great difficulty. The Prior assisted
+him; and I went to ring the great bell, and awaken the brethren. "Rise
+up--rise up," cried I in a loud voice; "Brother Medardus is on the point
+of death." They all attended on the instant, so that not one of our
+number was wanting, and stood, with consecrated candles in their hands,
+round the couch of the dying man, every one feeling for him deep regret
+and compassion. Leonardus commanded that he should be laid on a bier,
+carried down to the church, and placed before the high altar, which was
+accordingly done. There, to our utter astonishment, he recovered, and
+began to speak. Leonardus, after confession and absolution had been
+regularly gone through, administered the last unction. Thereupon, while
+the Prior continued with the dying man, consoling and supporting him, we
+betook ourselves to the choir, and sang the usual dirge for the soul's
+weal of our departing brother. On the following day, namely, on the 5th
+September, 17--, exactly as the convent clock struck twelve, Brother
+Medardus expired in the arms of the Prior. We remarked that it was
+precisely on the same day, and at the same hour, in the preceding year,
+that the nun Rosalia, in a horrible manner, just after she had taken the
+vows, had been murdered.
+
+At the funeral, during the requiem also, the following circumstance
+occurred. We perceived that the air was strongly perfumed by roses, and
+on looking round, saw, that to the celebrated picture of St Rosalia's
+martyrdom, painted by an old unknown Italian artist, (which was
+purchased for a large sum by our convent, in Rome,) there was a large
+garland affixed, of the finest and freshest roses, which at this late
+season had become very rare. The porter said, that early in the morning
+a ragged, very miserable-looking beggar, unobserved by any of us, had
+climbed up to the picture, and hung on it this wreath. The same beggar
+made his appearance before the funeral was over, and forced his way
+among the brethren. We intended to order him away; but when Leonardus
+had sharply looked at, and seemed to recognize him, he was allowed, by
+the Prior's order, to remain. He was afterwards, by his earnest
+entreaty, received as a lay-monk into the convent, by the name of
+Brother Peter, as he had been in the world called Peter Schönfeld; and
+we granted him this honoured name so much the more readily, as he was
+always very quiet and well-behaved, only now and then made strange
+grimaces, and laughed very absurdly, which, however, as it could not be
+called sinful, only served for our diversion. The Prior said, that
+Brother Peter's intellectual light was quenched and obscured by the
+vapours of folly, so that nothing in this world appeared to him without
+being strangely caricatured and metamorphosed. We scarcely understood
+what the learned Prior meant by these allusions, but perceived that he
+had known something of the former life of our lay-brother Peter, which
+induced him charitably to admit the poor man among us.
+
+Thus to the manuscript, which is said to contain an account of our late
+brother's life, (but which I have not read,) I have added, not without
+labour, and all to the greater glory of God and our religion, this
+circumstantial history of his death. Peace to the soul of Medardus, and
+may the Almighty one day call him to a blessed resurrection, and receive
+him into the choir of the saints, for his death was indeed very pious!
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+    EDINBURGH:
+    Printed by James Ballantyne and Co.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Devil's Elixir, by E. T. A. Hoffmann
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Devil's Elixir, by E. T. A. Hoffmann
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Devil's Elixir
+       Vol. II (of 2)
+
+Author: E. T. A. Hoffmann
+
+Release Date: August 8, 2011 [EBook #37005]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Irma Špehar, Mary Meehan and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+
+<h1>THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR.</h1>
+
+<h2>FROM THE GERMAN OF<br />
+E. T. A. HOFFMANN.</h2>
+
+
+<blockquote><p><i>In diesem Jahre wandelte auch her</i> <span class="smcap">Deuvel</span> <i>offentlich auf den
+Strassen von Berlin.&mdash;&mdash;</i></p>
+
+<p class="right"><i>Haftit Microc. Berol. p. 1043.</i></p>
+
+<p>In that yeare, the Deville was alsoe seene walking publiclie on the
+streetes of  Berline.&mdash;&mdash;</p></blockquote>
+
+
+<h3>VOL. II</h3>
+
+<h3>WILLIAM BLACKWOOD, EDINBURGH:<br />
+AND T. CADELL, LONDON.<br />
+1829.</h3>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>CONTENTS</h2>
+
+<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. -->
+<p class="center">
+<a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.</a><br />
+<a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.</a><br />
+</p>
+<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. -->
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2>THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR.</h2>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Who is there, over the wide world, who has not, at one period or
+another, in a more or less degree, felt the mysterious influences of
+love?&mdash;Whoever thou art, then, courteous reader, who shalt, after the
+lapse of years, turn over these papers, recall, I beseech you, to
+recollection that noontide interval of dazzling brightness&mdash;contemplate
+once more that beautiful image, which came, like an impersonization of
+the abstract spirit of love, from divine regions, to meet you.</p>
+
+<p>At that time, it was through her,&mdash;through her alone, that thou
+seemed'st assured of thine own existence! Canst thou not yet remember,
+how the rushing streams, the waving trees, and the balmy winds of
+evening, spoke to thee, in articulate and intelligible accents, of her,
+and of the prevailing passion which possessed thy whole heart and
+soul?&mdash;Canst thou yet behold how the flowers unfolded their bright
+beaming eyes, bearing to thine from her kisses and salutation?</p>
+
+<p>Yet, suppose that she herself had actually come&mdash;that she vowed to be
+thine, and thine only&mdash;to live for thee alone&mdash;then didst thou fold her
+in thy embraces, and it seemed as if Heaven opened its eternal realms to
+receive you&mdash;as if thou could'st raise thyself with her above all the
+petty sorrows or enjoyments of this every-day and earthly sphere. Yet
+scarcely hadst thou formed such hopes ere she was lost! The bland
+illusion was broken. No longer could'st thou hear the music of her
+celestial voice; and only the sorrowful complaints of the despairing and
+forsaken lover sounded amid the desolate loneliness!</p>
+
+<p>If then, reader, to me unknown!&mdash;if thou hast ever been persecuted by
+such a destiny, join, then, and sympathize with the grief of the
+penitent monk, who, recollecting still the sunny gleams of his youthful
+attachment, weeps on his hard couch, and whose fearful groans
+reverberate, in the stillness of night, through the gloomy aisles of the
+convent!&mdash;But thou, too, in spirit to me related, doubtless wilt concur
+in my belief, that it is not till <i>after death</i>, that the mysterious
+gifts and enjoyments of this passion can be obtained and fulfilled! This
+truth is, indeed, announced to us by many a hollow prophesying voice,
+which rises on our ears from the immeasurable depths of eternity; and as
+in those rites, celebrated by our earliest ancestors, (the children of
+nature,) death appears also to us the high festival of love!</p>
+
+<p>I have said before, that my leading object in these pages was rapid,
+concise narrative, without any attempt at description. But of my
+emotions on meeting Aurelia, that evening, in the palace, no words
+could, however skilfully laboured, convey any adequate impression. I was
+struck as if with a thundershock. My breast heaved&mdash;my heart beat
+convulsively&mdash;and every pulse and vein throbbed almost audibly.</p>
+
+<p>"To <i>her</i>!&mdash;to <i>her</i>!"&mdash;It seemed as if an over-powering impulse would
+force me to thrust aside the contemptible mob of insipid worldlings&mdash;of
+every-day flatterers, scarcely possessed of one rational idea, by whom
+she was surrounded&mdash;to crush, like webs of gossamer, those despicable
+barriers, and snatch her to my arms, in all the wild frenzy of
+undisguised passion! Methought I could have exclaimed aloud&mdash;"What,
+unhappy girl, dost thou strive against? With that supernatural power,
+which has irresistibly and unalterably chained thee to me?&mdash;Am I not thy
+fate, and art thou not indeed mine for ever?"</p>
+
+<p>Yet notwithstanding these emotions, I contrived, far better than
+formerly, at the Baron's castle, to conceal from the bystanders my
+agitation. Besides, the eyes of all were directed to Aurelia; and thus,
+in a circle of people, who to my concerns were perfectly indifferent, I
+contrived to move about, without being particularly remarked or spoken
+to, which to me would have been intolerable, as I could but see, hear,
+and think of her alone.</p>
+
+<p>Let no one insist that a truly beautiful girl appears to most advantage
+in a homely household dress. On the contrary, the beauty of woman, like
+that of flowers in a parterre, is then most attractive and irresistible
+when they are arrayed in their fullest pomp and magnificence. Say,
+then, oh lover! to whom I have before addressed myself, when thou for
+the first time beholdest the empress of thy heart&mdash;who had before worn a
+simple garb, now attired with splendour and gleaming, the <i>cynosure</i> of
+a brilliant party&mdash;did not a new and nameless rapture vibrate through
+every nerve and vein? She would appear to you indeed so strange! but
+this, joined to the knowledge that she was in reality <i>the same</i>,
+heightened the charms by which thy soul was wholly subjected. What
+unspeakable pleasure, if thou could'st, by stealth, seize and press her
+hand in the crowd, and say to thyself, she, who is here the magnet of
+all eyes, is mine by indissoluble bonds, and lives for me alone!</p>
+
+<p>Thus I beheld Aurelia on that evening dressed with becoming splendour
+for her first introduction at court. Then the spirit of evil once more
+became powerful within me, and lifted up his internal voice, to which I
+now bent a willing ear&mdash;"Seest thou not now, Medardus," it began, "how
+thou triumph'st over all the conditional laws and limitations of this
+life&mdash;how Destiny now submits herself to thy will, and only knots more
+firmly the threads which thou thyself hadst spun?"</p>
+
+<p>There were many other women at court who might well have passed for
+beautiful, but before the dazzling charms of Aurelia, they faded away
+into utter insignificance. A kind of inspiration now seemed to take
+possession of the most insipid and common-place characters. Even the old
+courtiers gave up their usual strain of unmeaning talk, and visibly
+exerted themselves, in order to appear to the best advantage in the eyes
+of the beautiful stranger.</p>
+
+<p>Aurelia received all this homage with looks fixed on the ground, and
+with deep blushes; but now, when the Prince assembled the elder
+courtiers about himself, and many a handsome youth timidly and
+respectfully drew near her, she began, by degrees, to lose her
+embarrassment, and to seem more cheerful.</p>
+
+<p>There was, in particular, a certain Major of the <i>garde d'honneur</i>, who
+succeeded in attracting a good deal of her attention, so that she at
+last appeared occupied with him in lively discourse. I knew this Major
+to be a decided favourite of the female sex; with a fine ear, he could
+catch even the very tone, sentiment, and voice of the person whom he
+addressed, so that the deceived listener seemed to hear a miraculous
+anticipation of her own thoughts&mdash;a chord struck in perfect unison. I
+now stood not far from Aurelia, who appeared to take no notice of me.
+Many times I was on the point of going up to her, but, as if bound by
+iron fetters, I could not move from the spot on which I stood. The
+bitterness of envy and jealousy possessed my heart. At last, as I
+steadfastly gazed on Aurelia and her fortunate companion, methought that
+the Major's features were changed into those of Victorin!</p>
+
+<p>As if actuated by some demon, I wholly lost all self-possession. In a
+convulsed tone of bitter scorn and mockery, I laughed aloud&mdash;"Ha, ha,
+ha!&mdash;Thou <i>revenant</i>!&mdash;Thou cursed libertine!" cried I, "has thy bed
+then, in the devil's abyss, been so downy, that, in frenzied passion,
+thou darest aspire to the chosen paramour of the Monk?"</p>
+
+<p>I know not if I actually uttered these words, but I heard myself laugh,
+and started up as from a dream, when the old Court-Marshal, taking my
+arm, gently inquired, "What makes you so merry, Mr Leonard?" An ice-cold
+shuddering passed over my whole frame.</p>
+
+<p>Were not these the identical words of the pious brother Cyrillus, when,
+at the time of my investiture, he remarked my sinful laughter?&mdash;Scarcely
+was I able to utter some incoherent nonsense in reply&mdash;I felt conscious
+that Aurelia was no longer near to me, but did not venture to look up to
+see what had become of her. Instinctively, I resolved to make my escape,
+and ran with my utmost speed through the illuminated apartments.
+Doubtless, my appearance was in the utmost degree disordered, for I
+remarked how every one cleared the way for me as if seized with horror
+and affright. At length, I arrived at the outer-door, and leapt headlong
+rather than ran down the broad marble staircase.</p>
+
+<p>Henceforward I completely avoided the court; for to see Aurelia again,
+without betraying the mystery which it was my interest to conceal,
+seemed to me impossible. Abandoned to my own reveries, I ran through the
+fields and woods, thinking of her, and beholding her alone. My
+conviction always became more certain that some mysterious destiny bound
+up her fate indissolubly with mine, and that my pursuit of her, which
+had many times appeared to me as an unpardonable crime, was but the
+fulfilment of an eternal and unalterable decree.</p>
+
+<p>Thus encouraging myself, I laughed at the danger which now threatened
+me, if Aurelia should recognize in me the murderer of Hermogen! Besides,
+this appeared to me very improbable; and, meanwhile, the attentions of
+those fluttering youths who laboured to win for themselves the good
+graces of her who was altogether and exclusively mine, filled me with
+the utmost scorn and contempt for their endeavours.</p>
+
+<p>"What," said I, "are to me these Counts, Freyherrs, Chamberlains, and
+military officers, in their motley coats bedaubed with lace, and hung
+with orders? What are they more than gaudy impertinent insects, which,
+if they became troublesome, I could with one blow crush to
+annihilation?"</p>
+
+<p>Reflecting on the chapel adventure of the Cistertian Convent, it seemed
+to me as if, robed in my capuchin tunic, I could step in among them with
+Aurelia, habited like a bride, in my arms, and that this proud and
+haughty Princess should be forced even to sanction the marriage, and
+prepare the bridal festival for that conquering and triumphant monk,
+whom she now so much despised. Labouring with such thoughts, I
+frequently pronounced aloud, and unconsciously, the name of Aurelia;
+and, as before in the Capuchin Convent, laughed and howled like a
+madman!</p>
+
+<p>But, ere long, this tempest was laid, and I began quietly to take
+counsel with myself in what manner I was now to act. Thus I was one
+morning gliding through the park, considering whether it would be
+prudent for me to attend another evening party at court, which had been
+announced to me, when some one touched me on the shoulder. It was the
+physician.</p>
+
+<p>To my great surprise, after the usual salutations, he looked steadfastly
+in my face, took hold of my arm, and requested that I would allow him to
+feel my pulse. "What's the meaning of all this?" cried I, with some
+impatience.&mdash;"Nay," said he, "there is a sort of madness going about
+here, that seizes all at once upon honest Christian people, and makes
+them utter tremendous noises, though some will have it that the said
+noises are nothing more than very immoderate laughter. At the same time,
+this may be all a misconception; this devil of madness may be only a
+slight fever, with heat in the blood; therefore I beg of you, sir,
+allow me to feel your pulse."</p>
+
+<p>"I assure you, sir," said I, "that I am well, and by no means understand
+the drift of this discourse." The physician, however, had kept hold of
+my arm, and now taking out his watch, counted my pulse with great
+precision. His conduct, indeed, puzzled me completely, and I entreated
+of him to explain himself.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you not know, then, Mr Leonard," replied he, "that your behaviour
+has lately brought the whole court into the utmost confusion and
+consternation? Since that time, the lady of the upper Chamberlain has
+been almost perpetually in hysterics; and the President of the
+Consistorial Court has been obliged to put off hearing the weightiest
+causes, because it was your pleasure to tramp with all your might upon
+his gouty toes; so that, now confined to his arm-chair, he sits at home
+roaring and cursing most notably. This happened when you were running
+out of the hall, after you had laughed in such a demoniacal tone without
+any perceptible reason, that all were seized with the utmost horror."</p>
+
+<p>At that moment I thought of the Court-Marshal, and said that I indeed
+recollected having laughed in that sudden manner, but that my conduct
+surely could not have been attended by such consequences, as the Marshal
+had only asked me, with great coolness, "Why I was so merry?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, nay," answered the physician, "that will not prove much&mdash;The
+Marshal is such a <i>homo impavidus</i>, that the very devil himself could
+scarcely put him out of his way&mdash;He retained his ordinary placidity of
+manner, but the Consistorial President, on the other hand, was
+exceedingly disturbed in mind as well as in body, and maintained
+seriously, that none but the devil could have laughed in such a
+style.&mdash;But what is worst of all, our beautiful Aurelia was seized with
+such excessive terror, that all the efforts of the family to quiet her
+were in vain,&mdash;and she was soon obliged to retire, to the utter despair
+of the company. At the moment too, when you, Mr Leonard, so charmingly
+laughed, the Baroness Aurelia is said to have shrieked out the name,
+"Hermogen!" Now what may be the meaning of all this?&mdash;You are generally
+a pleasant, lively, and prudent man, Mr Leonard, and I cannot regret
+having confided to you the story of Francesco, which, if all suggestions
+be true, must be to you particularly intelligible and instructive!"</p>
+
+<p>During this discourse, the physician had continued to hold my arm, and
+to gaze steadfastly in my face. Tired of this restraint, I disengaged
+myself with some roughness&mdash;and answered&mdash;"I really know not how to
+interpret all this discourse of yours, sir; but I must confess, that
+when I saw the beautiful Aurelia surrounded by that tribe of conceited
+young gentry, a very bitter remembrance from my early life was called up
+in my mind; and that, seized with a kind of angry scorn at the behaviour
+of such empty-brained coxcombs, I forgot in whose presence I was, and
+laughed aloud in a manner that would only have been warrantable when I
+was alone. I am truly sorry that I have unintentionally brought about so
+much mischief; but I have done penance on that score, having for some
+time denied myself the pleasure of being at court. I hope that the
+Prince's family and the Baroness Aurelia will excuse me."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! dear Mr Leonard," said the Doctor, "one is indeed subject to
+strange attacks and varieties of mind, which we might yet easily resist,
+if we were but pure in heart, and quiet in conscience."</p>
+
+<p>"Who is there," said I vehemently, "on this earthly sphere, that may
+boast of being so?"&mdash;The physician suddenly changed his looks and tone.
+Mildly and seriously he said&mdash;"Mr Leonard, you appear to me to be really
+and truly sick: your looks are pale and disordered&mdash;your eyes are sunk,
+and gleam with a strange kind of fire&mdash;your pulse, too, is feverish, and
+your voice sounds strangely.&mdash;Shall I prescribe something for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Poison!" answered I, in a kind of hollow whisper.&mdash;"Ho, ho," said the
+physician, "does it stand thus with you?&mdash;Nay, nay, instead of poison,
+rather the tranquillizing and sedative remedy of pleasant society, and
+moderate dissipation. It may, however, be, that"&mdash;(hesitating)&mdash;"It is
+wonderful indeed, but&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I must beg of you, sir," said I, now quite angry, "not to torment me in
+that manner by your broken hints, but at once to speak out."</p>
+
+<p>"Hold!" answered the Doctor. "Not so fast, Mr Leonard&mdash;yonder comes the
+Princess&mdash;there are in this world the strangest delusions, and for my
+part, I feel almost a conviction that people have here built up an
+hypothesis which a few minutes' explanation will dissolve into nothing.
+Yonder, as I said, comes the Princess with Aurelia.&mdash;Do you make use of
+this accidental rencontre. Offer your own excuses for your behaviour.
+Properly, indeed, your only crime is, that you have laughed&mdash;in an
+extraordinary tone it is true, and rather inopportunely. But who can
+help it, if people with weak nerves have on that occasion chosen to be
+so absurdly terrified?&mdash;Adieu!"</p>
+
+<p>The physician started away with that vivacity which to him was
+peculiar.&mdash;The Princess and Aurelia were coming down the walk to meet
+me. I trembled; but with my whole strength laboured to regain composure,
+for after the mysterious discourse of the physician, I felt that it was
+my duty on the instant to defend my character. Resolutely, therefore, I
+went forward to meet them; but no sooner had Aurelia fixed her eyes upon
+me than she became deadly pale, and to my utter astonishment, with a
+suppressed scream, she fell down in a fainting fit, to the ground. I
+wished to assist her, but with looks of aversion and horror, the
+Princess then motioned me away, at the same time calling loudly for
+help!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+
+<p>As if hunted by a thousand devils and furies, I ran away homewards
+through the park&mdash;I shut myself up in my lodgings, and gnashing my teeth
+with rage and despair, threw myself on the bed. Evening came, and then
+the dark hours of night, and I still lay there obstinately cherishing my
+grief. At last I heard the outer gate of the house open, and many voices
+murmuring and whispering confusedly together. Then there was a noise of
+heavy steps tottering and clattering up the staircase,&mdash;and with three
+hollow knocks on my door, I was commanded to rise and open it in the
+name of the magistracy. Without clearly comprehending the danger that
+awaited me, I yet felt an instinctive conviction that I was now for ever
+lost.</p>
+
+<p>To save myself instantly by flight&mdash;This was my only thought, and I flew
+to the window, tearing open the lattice. This, however, availed me
+nothing,&mdash;for before the house door, I saw a troop of armed men, one of
+whom directly observed me, and at the same moment, the door of my
+apartment was burst in&mdash;several men immediately stood around me, whom I
+recognized for officers of police, and who shewed me an order of the
+Justiciary Court for my immediate imprisonment. Any attempt at
+resistance would now have been in vain. They led me down stairs, and
+placed me in a carriage, which stood there ready to receive me, and
+which immediately drove off rapidly, through the streets.</p>
+
+<p>When arrived at the place which seemed that of my destination, after
+being led through divers passages and corridors; also up staircases
+<i>that staircases were none</i>, but seemed (having no steps<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>) to be like
+the side of a mountain; I inquired "Where I was?" I received for answer,
+"In the prison of the upper castle." In this place, according to
+information already received on the arrestment of others, I knew that
+dangerous and treasonable criminals were shut up during the time that
+their trial was going on, or was in preparation.</p>
+
+<p>My apartment was comfortless and ghastly enough; but, in a little time,
+my bed and some other furniture were brought, and the gaoler asked if I
+wanted anything more. To get rid of him, I answered "No;" and at last
+was left alone. The receding steps through the long-sounding passages,
+with the opening and shutting of many doors, if I had not known it
+already, would have sufficiently made me aware that I was in one of the
+innermost prisons of the fortress.</p>
+
+<p>It was to myself inconceivable, how, during a pretty long drive, I had
+remained quite quiet, nay, under a kind of stunning and stupefaction of
+the senses. I beheld all images that passed before me, as if they
+existed only in the half-effaced colours of a faded picture. Now, too, I
+did not resign myself to sleep, but to a kind of faint or swoon,
+paralysing the faculty of clear thought, and yet leaving me awake to the
+most horrible and fantastic apprehensions.</p>
+
+<p>When I awoke in the bright light of the morning, I, for the first time,
+gradually took counsel with myself, and fully recollected all that had
+happened, and whither I had been brought. As to the room wherein I lay,
+its inconvenience made less impression on me than it would have done
+upon another. The vaulted roof, and want of comfort, only reminded me of
+my cell in the Capuchin Convent; and the chamber would scarcely have
+appeared to me a prison, if it had not been that the small and only
+window was strongly barred with iron, and so high, that I could scarcely
+reach it with my upstretched hands, far less look out from it on the
+prospect.</p>
+
+<p>Only a narrow sunbeam fell through this high loop-hole; and being
+anxious to examine the environs of my prison, I drew my bed to the wall
+under it; over this placed my table, and was just in the act of mounting
+up, when my gaoler stepped in and seemed very much surprised at my
+proceedings. He inquired roughly what I was about there; and on
+receiving for answer, that I only wished, for diversion, to look out at
+the window, he did not say a word; but, in significant silence, made the
+bed, the table, and chair, be taken away: after which, having set down
+my breakfast, he again disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>After about an hour, he came back, accompanied by two other men, and
+led me through long passages, up stairs and down stairs, till I entered,
+at last, into an audience-hall of moderate dimensions, where one of the
+supreme judges awaited me. By his side sat a young man as secretary, to
+whom he afterwards dictated whatever information he got from me, in
+answer to his questions. I had to thank the influence of my former
+station at Court, and the respect with which I had long been treated by
+all ranks, for the politeness now shewn to me by this judge. However, I
+was convinced that it could only be suspicions, founded on Aurelia's
+extraordinary conduct, which had led to my arrestment.</p>
+
+<p>The judge's first demand was, that I should give him a clear and concise
+account of my former life. Instead of answering directly to this, I
+begged to know whether I had not, in the first place, a right to know
+the cause of my sudden imprisonment. He told me that I should, in due
+time, have information of the crimes with which I was charged; but that,
+meanwhile, it was of the utmost importance that he should learn the
+exact course of my life up to that day when I first arrived at the
+<i>residenz</i>; and he must remind me that, as the court possessed ample
+means to detect the slightest deviation from truth, I should be watchful
+for my own sake, to avoid any attempt at deception.</p>
+
+<p>This admonishment of the judge (a little spare man, with red hair,
+staring eyes, and an absurdly croaking voice) was by no means lost upon
+me. I recollected that I had already ventured to give the name of my
+birth-place, and some account of my life, to one of the court ladies;
+and that the story which I had now to weave, must of necessity be such,
+as to harmonize with that which I had already promulgated. It was also
+requisite to avoid all marvellous and intricate adventures. Moreover, to
+lay the scene, as much as possible, in a country so distant, that
+inquiries into the reality of my references would be tedious and
+difficult. At that moment too, there came into my remembrance, a young
+Pole, with whom I had studied in the college at Königswald. I knew the
+circumstances of his life, and as the safest method now in my power,
+resolved to appropriate them as my own. Thus prepared, I set out as
+follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My arrestment, no doubt, has arisen from the imputation against me of
+some heavy crime. For a considerable period, I have lived here under the
+eye of the Prince, and all the town's-people, and during that time, have
+been guilty of no crime nor misdemeanour; consequently it must be some
+stranger lately arrived here who has accused me of a crime formerly
+committed; and as my conscience assures me that I am completely free
+from any such guilt, I can only account for what has occurred, by
+supposing that an unhappy personal resemblance betwixt myself and some
+person unknown, has led to the mistake.</p>
+
+<p>"However, it seems to me not a little severe, that on account of
+<i>suppositions</i> merely, (for here there can exist nothing more,) I should
+be thus thrown into prison, and brought like a criminal for examination.
+But why have I not been confronted at once with my rash, and perhaps
+malicious accuser? I doubt not that individual will be found at last to
+be some wicked impostor, or, at best, some misguided fool, who&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Softly&mdash;softly, Mr Leonard," croaked the judge. "Correct yourself,
+otherwise your words may strike against some high personage; and,
+besides, I can assure you, that the individual by whom you, Mr Leonard,
+have been recognized as&mdash;" (here he bit himself in the lip) "is in
+truth, neither rash nor foolish, but"&mdash;(hesitating) "and besides, we
+have unquestionable intelligence from &mdash;&mdash; in the Thuringian mountains."</p>
+
+<p>Here he named the residence of the Baron von F.; and I perceived
+immediately the dangers which threatened me. It was obvious that Aurelia
+had recognized in me the monk, whom she probably looked upon as the
+murderer of her brother. This monk, however, was Medardus, the preacher
+of the Capuchin Convent, and as such had been recognized by the Baron's
+steward Reinhold. The Abbess, however, knew that this Medardus was the
+son of Francesco, and thus, my resemblance to him, which had so long
+puzzled the Princess, must now probably have corroborated into certainty
+the suspicions which the sisters had, no doubt, by letter communicated
+to each other.</p>
+
+<p>It was possible even, that intelligence had been received from the
+Capuchin Convent; that I had been carefully watched upon my journey; and
+that they had unequivocally identified my person with that of Medardus.</p>
+
+<p>All these possibilities came crowding on my recollection, and forced me
+to perceive the whole hazard of my situation. The judge, while I was
+occupied in this reverie, still continued to talk on, which was very
+advantageous, for I had time to repeat to myself the almost unutterable
+name of the Polish town which I had assigned to the old lady at court as
+the place of my birth. Scarcely, then, had the judge again repeated his
+gruff demand, that I would concisely inform him as to my past course of
+life, than I once more began&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My proper name is Leonard Krczinski; and I am the only son of a Polish
+nobleman, who had sold his property, and lived privately in the town of
+Kwicziczwo."&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"How&mdash;what?" said the judge, endeavouring in vain to pronounce after me
+either my name, or that of the town to which I had referred. The
+secretary had no notion how he was to set the words on paper; I was
+obliged to write down both names myself, and then went on&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You perceive, sir, how difficult it is for a German tongue to imitate
+these words of my language, which are so overburdened with consonants,
+and herein consists the reason why I have chosen to lay aside my surname
+altogether, and bear only my christian name of Leonard.</p>
+
+<p>"But this is, indeed, the only mystery or singularity which I have to
+unfold. The rest of my life is the simplest and most ordinary that could
+be imagined. My father, who was himself a man of good education,
+approved of my decided propensity to literature and the arts, and just
+before his death, had resolved on sending me to Cracow, to live there
+under the care of a clergyman related to him, by name Stanislaus
+Krczinski. After that event, being my father's sole heir, I was left the
+uncontrolled choice of my own actions. I therefore sold the small
+remnant that was left of a paternal property, called up some debts that
+were due to my father, and went with the pecuniary proceeds to Cracow,
+where I studied some years under the guardianship of my relation.</p>
+
+<p>"From thence I travelled to Dantzig and Königsberg; at last I was
+driven, as if by irresistible impulse, to make a journey towards the
+south. I trusted that the remainder of my small fortune would be
+sufficient to carry me through, and that I should at last obtain a fixed
+situation at some university; but in this town I had probably found my
+means exhausted, if it had not been that one night's luck at the
+Prince's pharo-table enabled me to live comfortably for some time, after
+which I intended to prosecute my journey into Italy.</p>
+
+<p>"As to anything truly remarkable or worthy of being related&mdash;no such
+adventure has ever occurred in my life. Yet perhaps, (here I recollected
+myself,) I ought not to say this, for I have at least one singular
+occurrence to record. It would have been quite easy for me to prove
+exactly the truth of all that I have now deposed, had not a very strange
+chance deprived me of my <i>portefeuille</i>, in which was contained my pass,
+my journal, and various letters, which would have supplied ample
+documents for that purpose."</p>
+
+<p>By this conclusion the judge was visibly surprised. It was evidently
+something unexpected; he fixed his sharp staring eyes upon me, and then,
+in a tone somewhat ironical, requested me to explain what strange
+accident had thus unluckily put it out of my power to <i>prove</i> (as might
+have been hoped for) my assertions.</p>
+
+<p>"Some months ago," said I, "I was on my way hither by the road leading
+through the mountains. The fine season of the year, and the romantic
+scenery, made me resolve to perform the journey on foot. One day, being
+much fatigued, I sat in the public room of an inn at a small village. I
+had there got some refreshments, and had drawn out a leaf from my
+pocket-book, in order to take a drawing of some old houses that had
+struck my fancy.</p>
+
+<p>"At this time there arrived at the inn a horseman, whose extraordinary
+dress and wild looks excited in me much astonishment. He came into the
+public room obviously striving with much vain effort to look cheerful
+and unconcerned, took his place opposite to me, and called for drink,
+casting on me from time to time dark and suspicious glances. The man
+seemed to me to be half mad, or something worse. I by no means liked
+such company, and therefore, merely to avoid him, stepped out into the
+court. Soon afterwards, the stranger also came out, paid the innkeeper,
+hastily bowed to me, and remounting his horse, rode off at a rapid pace.</p>
+
+<p>"Afterwards, as I was in the act of setting out myself, I remembered my
+<i>portefeuille</i>, which I had left on the table of the public room. I
+went and found it lying where I had left it, and, in my hurry, believed
+all was right. It was not till the following day, that, wishing to refer
+to my pocket-book, I found the <i>portefeuille</i> was not mine, but had, in
+all probability, belonged to the stranger, who must have, by mistake,
+put up mine into his pocket, and left his own in its place.</p>
+
+<p>"In the latter there was nothing but letters and cards, which to me were
+unintelligible, addressed to Count Victorin. This <i>portefeuille</i>, with
+the Count's papers, will be found still among my effects. In mine, which
+was lost, I had, as before mentioned, my pass, my journal, and, as now
+occurs to me, even my baptism certificate, the production of which would
+at once have confirmed whatever regarding myself I have alleged."</p>
+
+<p>The judge here desired that I would give him an accurate description,
+from head to foot, of the stranger's personal appearance. Accordingly, I
+patched up a skilful composition from the features and dress of the late
+Count Victorin, and of myself when on my flight from the Baron's castle.
+To the judge's cross-questioning as to all the minutest circumstances of
+this meeting, to which there almost seemed no end, I continued to
+answer as quietly and decisively as possible, till at last the fiction
+that I had thus invented, rounded itself in such manner in my own mind,
+that I actually believed all that I had asserted, and ran no risk
+whatever of falling into contradictions.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, there were other advantages; my first object indeed had only
+been to justify my possession of these letters of Count Victorin, which
+would be found in my <i>portefeuille</i>; but, by the method that I had
+chosen to fulfil this purpose, I had luckily raised up an imaginary
+personage, (one at least who no longer existed in reality,) who might
+hereafter, as need required, play the part either of the fugitive
+Medardus, or of the Count Victorin.</p>
+
+<p>Afterwards, it occurred to me also that probably Euphemia's papers must
+have been examined; that among them there were no doubt letters paving
+the way for Victorin's plan of appearing as a monk at the castle, and
+that this would form a fresh nucleus of clouds sufficient to wrap the
+whole affair in impenetrable mystery.</p>
+
+<p>Thus my internal fantasy continued to work, during the whole time of my
+examination; and there were always new methods suggesting themselves,
+by which I might avoid the risk of discovery; so that at last I believed
+myself secure against the very worst that could happen.</p>
+
+<p>I now waited in hopes that the judge would have recourse to the criminal
+accusation which had been entered against me, and concluded that I had
+said quite enough as to the fortune and adventures of my own past life.</p>
+
+<p>I was mistaken, however, for he seemed as willing to go on with his
+tiresome questions as if he had but just begun. Among other inquiries,
+he asked, "For what reason I had formed the wish of escaping out of
+prison?" I assured him that no such thought had ever entered my mind,
+and that I had only wished to look out through the window. The gaoler's
+testimony, however, as to the piled-up bed, chair, and table, seemed
+here much against me. At last, after a most tedious interview, the judge
+finally assured me, that if I attempted any prank of that sort again, I
+must, of necessity, be bound to the ground with iron chains.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+
+<p>I was then led back to my prison. My bed, as before mentioned, had been
+removed, and a straw mattress in its stead laid on the ground. The table
+was firmly screwed down, and, in place of the chair, I found a very low
+wooden bench.</p>
+
+<p>Many days passed over in dreary captivity, without any farther
+examination, and without the slightest variety. The time of a prisoner
+is seldom or never a blank; it is filled up by horrible phantoms and
+distorted reveries, such as have often been described, though mine
+probably were of a new character. The detail of them, however, is not
+within the limits of my present undertaking; I record only simple facts,
+in the manner of an obtuse old chronicler; and if there be a colouring
+of imagination, it is not only unsought, but unwelcome and involuntary.</p>
+
+<p>During these three days, I did not behold the features of any living
+being, except the peevish face of an old sub-janitor, who brought my
+food, and in the evening lighted my lamp. Hitherto, I had felt like a
+warrior, who, in a mood of martial excitement, was determined, at all,
+risks, to meet danger and fight his way to the last; but such passion
+had now time enough to decline entirely away.</p>
+
+<p>I fell into a dark melancholy trance, during which all things became
+indifferent. Even the cherished vision of Aurelia had faded, or floated
+in dim colours before me. But unless I had been in body as much
+disordered as in mind, this state of apathy could not, of necessity,
+continue long. In a short time my spirit was again roused, only to feel
+in all its force the horrid influence of nausea and oppression, which
+the dense atmosphere of the prison had produced, and against which I
+vainly endeavoured to contend.</p>
+
+<p>In the night I could no longer sleep. In the strange flickering shadows
+which the lamp-light threw upon the walls, myriads of distorted visages,
+one after another, or hundreds at a time, seemed to be grinning out upon
+me. To avoid this annoyance, I extinguished my lamp, and drew the upper
+mattress over my head&mdash;but in vain! It was now dark, indeed, but the
+spectres were visible by their own light, like portraits painted on a
+dark ground, and I heard more frightfully the hollow moans and rattling
+chains of the prisoners, through the horrid stillness of the night.</p>
+
+<p>Often did it seem to me as if I heard the dying groans of Hermogen and
+Euphemia. "Am I then guilty of your destruction? Was it not your own
+iniquity that brought you under the wrath of my avenging arm?" One night
+I had broken out furiously with these words, when, on the silence that
+for a moment succeeded, there distinctly and unequivocally arose a long
+deep-drawn sigh or groan, differing from the noises which had disturbed
+me before. The latter might have been imaginary&mdash;this was assuredly
+real, and the sound was reverberated through the vault. Driven to
+distraction, I howled out&mdash;"It is thou, Hermogen!&mdash;the hour of thy
+vengeance is come&mdash;there is for me no hope of rescue!"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>It might be on the tenth night of my confinement, when, half-fainting
+with terror, I lay stretched out on the cold floor of my prison. I
+distinctly heard on the ground directly under me a light, but very
+audible knocking, which was repeated at measured intervals. I listened
+attentively. The noise was continued, as if with the determination to
+attract attention, and occasionally I could distinguish a strange sound
+of laughter, that also seemed to come out of the earth.</p>
+
+<p>I started from the floor, and threw myself on the straw couch; but the
+beating continued, with the same detestable variety of laughter and
+groans. At last I heard a low, stammering, hoarse voice syllabically
+pronounce my name&mdash;"Me-dar-dus!&mdash;Me-dar-dus!"&mdash;My blood ran ice cold
+through every vein; but with a vehement effort I gained courage enough
+to call out, "Who's there?"&mdash;The laughter now became louder&mdash;the beating
+and groaning were renewed; again the stammering demon addressed
+me&mdash;"Me-dar-dus!&mdash;Me-dar-dus!"</p>
+
+<p>I rose from bed, and stamped on the floor. "Whoever thou art," cried I;
+"man or devil, who art thus adding to the torments of an already
+miserable captive, step forth visibly before mine eyes, that I may look
+on thee, or desist from this unmeaning persecution!" The beating was now
+right under my feet. "He&mdash;he&mdash;he!&mdash;he&mdash;he&mdash;he!&mdash;Broth-er,&mdash;Broth-er!
+Open the door!&mdash;I am here&mdash;am here! Let us go hence to the wood&mdash;to the
+wood!"</p>
+
+<p>Now, methought I recognised the voice as one that I had known before,
+but it was not then so broken and so stammering. Nay, with a chill
+shivering of horror, I almost began to think there was something in the
+accents that I now heard, resembling the tones of my own voice, and
+involuntarily, as if I wished to try whether this were really so, I
+stammered, in imitation, "Me-dar-dus!&mdash;Me-dar-dus!"</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon the laughter was renewed, but it now sounded scornful and
+malicious.&mdash;"Broth-er,&mdash;Broth-er," said the voice, "do you know me
+again?&mdash;Open the door&mdash;the&mdash;the door!&mdash;We shall go hence, to the
+wood&mdash;to the wood!" "Poor insane wretch!" said I; "I cannot open the
+door for thee&mdash;I cannot enable thee to go forth into the pleasant woods,
+to hear the fresh rustling of the leaves, or breathe the fragrance of
+Heaven's pure atmosphere. I am, as thou art, shut up, hopeless and
+abandoned, within the gloomy walls of a prison."</p>
+
+<p>To this address I was answered only by sobs and moans, as if from the
+bitterness of despairing grief; and the knocking became always more
+faint and indistinct, till at last it ceased altogether; and from
+exhaustion, I sunk into troubled slumber.</p>
+
+<p>At length the morning light had broke in slanting gleams through the
+window; the locks and keys rattled, and the gaoler, whom I had not seen
+for many days, entered my room.</p>
+
+<p>"Through the last night," said he, "we have heard all sorts of strange
+noises in your apartment, and loud speaking. What means this?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am in the habit," answered I, "of talking loudly in my sleep, and
+even when awake I indulge in soliloquy. May not this much of liberty be
+granted me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Probably," said the gaoler, "it is known to you, that every endeavour
+to escape, or to keep up conversation with any of your fellow-prisoners,
+will be interpreted to your disadvantage?" I declared that I had never
+formed any intentions of that kind; and after a few more surly remarks,
+he withdrew.</p>
+
+<p>Some hours after this, I was again summoned, as before, to the hall of
+judgment. It was not, however, the judge by whom I had before been
+examined, but a very different personage, who now sat on the bench. He
+was a man apparently much younger in years, but far surpassing his
+predecessor in cleverness and versatility.</p>
+
+<p>Laying aside all the formality of office, he left his place, came up to
+me in the friendliest manner, and invited me to take a chair.</p>
+
+<p>Even at this moment his appearance is vividly present to my
+recollection. In constitution he seemed, for his time of life, to be
+much broken down; he was very bald, and wore spectacles. But in his
+whole demeanour there was so much of kindness and good-humour, that, on
+this account alone, I found it would be difficult for any one, but the
+most reckless and hardened of criminals, to resist his influence.</p>
+
+<p>His questions were thrown out lightly, almost in the style of ordinary
+conversation, but they were well contrived, and so precisely couched,
+that it was impossible to avoid giving him decisive answers.</p>
+
+<p>"In the first place, I must ask you," said he, "whether all that you
+have before deponed is perfectly consistent with truth; or, at least,
+whether many other circumstances may not have occurred to you as
+requisite to be told, in order to corroborate your former statement?"</p>
+
+<p>"No," said I. "I have already freely communicated every circumstance
+which I could mention, or which it can be necessary to mention, as to
+the tenor of my simple and uniform life."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you never associated much with clergymen, and with monks?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes&mdash;In Cracow, in Dantzig, Königsberg, Frauenberg. In the latter place
+especially, with two lay monks, who officiated there as priest and
+<i>capellan</i>."</p>
+
+<p>"You did not state before that you were in Frauenberg?"</p>
+
+<p>"Because I did not think it worth while to mention a short residence
+there of about eight days, on my way from Dantzig to Königsberg."</p>
+
+<p>"So, you are a native of Kwicziczwo?"</p>
+
+<p>This question the judge put in the Polish language, and in the most
+correct dialect, (all the while looking quite unconcerned, as if his
+use of that language had been on the present occasion a matter of
+course.)</p>
+
+<p>For a moment this overthrew all my self-possession. I rallied, however;
+tried to recollect what little Polish I had learned from my friend
+Krczinski, and made shift to answer&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"On a small landed property of my father, near Kwicziczwo."</p>
+
+<p>"What was the name of this estate?"</p>
+
+<p>"Krczinzicswo&mdash;the family estate of my relations."</p>
+
+<p>"For a native Pole, you do not pronounce your own language remarkably
+well. To say the truth, you speak it rather like a German&mdash;How is this?"</p>
+
+<p>"For many years I have spoken nothing but German. Even while in Cracow,
+I had much intercourse with German students, who wished to learn from me
+our difficult language. Unawares, I may have accustomed myself to their
+accent, as one finds it very easy, when living in particular districts
+of the country, to adopt provincialisms."</p>
+
+<p>The judge here looked significantly on me. A slight smile passed over
+his features; and, turning to the secretary, he dictated to him
+something in a whisper, of which I could distinctly make out the words
+"visibly embarrassed." Hereupon I wished to say something farther, in
+excuse for my bad Polish, but the judge gave me no opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>"Have you never been in Königswald, where there is a large Capuchin
+Convent?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never."</p>
+
+<p>"The way hither from Königsberg should have led you to that town."</p>
+
+<p>"I took another road."</p>
+
+<p>"Have you never been acquainted with a monk from the convent there?"</p>
+
+<p>"Never."</p>
+
+<p>On receiving this answer, the judge rung the bell, and in a low voice
+gave an order to the attending officer.</p>
+
+<p>Soon afterwards, an opposite door opened, and how was my whole frame
+shaken, and my very heart withered by terror, when I beheld the old
+Brother Cyrillus! The judge asked,</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know this man?"</p>
+
+<p>"No. I have never seen him before."</p>
+
+<p>It was now the monk's turn to speak. He came nearer; looked at me
+stedfastly&mdash;then clasping his hands, while tears involuntarily burst
+from his eyes&mdash;"Medardus!" cried he, "Brother Medardus! In God's name,
+how comes it that I find you thus horribly changed? How came you into
+this condition of abandoned and obdurate wickedness? Brother Medardus,
+return into thyself&mdash;Confess&mdash;Repent!&mdash;The patience and long-suffering
+of God are infinite."</p>
+
+<p>"Can you then recognize this man," said the judge, "for the Monk
+Medardus from the Capuchin Convent in Königswald?"</p>
+
+<p>"As I hope for Heaven's mercy," answered Cyrillus, "it is impossible for
+me to think otherwise. I believe that this man, although he now appears
+in a lay dress, is that very Medardus, who lived under my care as a
+novice at the Capuchin Convent, and whom I attended at the altar on the
+day of his consecration. Yet Medardus had on his neck a scar, in the
+shape of a cross, on the left side, and if this man&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"You perceive," interposed the judge, turning to me, "that you are
+looked upon as a runaway monk from the town of Königswald, and you may
+rightly conjecture that the real monk alluded to has been guilty of
+serious crimes. But this man has a particular mark on his neck, which,
+according to your own account, you cannot have. This, therefore, at once
+gives you the best opportunity to prove your innocence. Untie your
+neckcloth."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no need of this," answered I. "It is already certain, that an
+exact personal resemblance exists between myself and the fugitive
+criminal, who is to me wholly unknown; for I do bear a slight scar on my
+throat, such as has been described."&mdash;"Remove your neckcloth," repeated
+the judge. I did so; and the scar left by the wound from the Abbess's
+diamond cross, which had never been effaced, was immediately perceived.
+Hereupon Cyrillus uttered a loud exclamation.&mdash;"It is&mdash;it is the same
+impression of the cross," he added.&mdash;"Medardus! oh Medardus! hast thou
+then renounced thy eternal weal?"&mdash;Weeping and half fainting, he sunk
+into a chair.</p>
+
+<p>"What answers do you now make to the assertion of this venerable man?"
+said the judge.</p>
+
+<p>For a moment I felt as if lifted up and inspired by supernatural
+strength. It seemed as if the devil himself came and whispered to me.</p>
+
+<p>"What power have these despicable weaklings over thee, who art yet
+strong and undaunted in spirit and in frame? Shall not Aurelia yet
+become thine?"</p>
+
+<p>"This monk," said I, with great vehemence, "who sits there fainting in
+his chair, is a fantastic, feeble-minded, drivelling dotard. In his
+absurd visions, he takes me for a runaway capuchin from his own convent,
+to whom, as it happens, I bear a personal resemblance."</p>
+
+<p>The judge had till now remained perfectly tranquil, without changing his
+looks, gesture, or tone. Now, however, his visage, for the first time,
+assumed a dark and lowering earnestness of expression. He rose, as if
+the better to observe me, and even the glare of his spectacles was
+intolerable to my feelings, so that I could not utter a word more of my
+intended defence. For a moment I lost all self-possession. Abandoned to
+rage and despair, I struck my clenched knuckles to my forehead, and, in
+a tone which must have sounded unearthly, almost shrieked out the name
+"Aurelia!"</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean by that, sir?" said the judge, in a voice which,
+though calm, had yet the effect of thunder, and reverberated through the
+vaulted roof of the audience-chamber.</p>
+
+<p>"A dark and implacable destiny," said I, "dooms me to an ignominious
+death. But I am innocent&mdash;I am wholly innocent of the crimes, whatever
+they may be, that are charged against me. Have compassion, therefore;
+and for the present, at least, let me go. I feel that madness begins to
+rage through my brain, and agitate every nerve: therefore, in mercy, let
+me go!"</p>
+
+<p>The judge, who had resumed his seat, and become perfectly calm, dictated
+much to the secretary, of which I did not know the import. At last he
+read over to me a record, in which all his questions and my answers,
+with the evidence of Cyrillus, were faithfully set down. This record I
+was obliged to ratify by my own signature.</p>
+
+<p>The judge then requested me, in a careless tone, to write for him, on
+separate slips of paper, something in Polish and in German. I did so,
+without being aware what object he had in view. He then immediately gave
+the German leaf to Cyrillus, with the question, "Have these characters
+any resemblance to the hand-writing of your brother, Monk Medardus?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is precisely his hand even to the most minute peculiarities," said
+Cyrillus; and turning to me, was about to speak; but a look of the judge
+admonished him to silence. The latter examined carefully the leaf which
+I had written in Polish. He then rose, quitted the bench, and came down
+to me.</p>
+
+<p>"You are no Pole," said he, in a serious and decisive manner. "This
+writing is altogether incorrect, full of errors, both in grammar and
+spelling. No native Pole would write in that style, even if he were
+destitute of that education which you have enjoyed."</p>
+
+<p>"I was born," said I, "in Kwicziczwo, and therefore am most certainly a
+Pole; but even were this not really the case, and if circumstances
+compelled me to conceal my true rank and name, yet it would by no means
+follow, in consequence of this, that I must turn out to be the Monk
+Medardus, who, as I understand, came from the Capuchin Convent in
+Königswald."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! Brother," interposed Cyrillus, "did not our excellent Prior send
+you to Rome, placing the fullest confidence in your fidelity, prudence,
+and pious conduct; and is it thus that you requite him? Brother
+Medardus, for God's sake, do not any longer, in this blasphemous manner,
+deny the holy profession to which you belong."</p>
+
+<p>"I beg of you not to interrupt us," said the judge, and, turning again
+to me, proceeded&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"It is my duty to observe to you, that the disinterested evidence of
+this reverend clergyman affords the strongest presumptions, that you are
+actually that runaway monk, for whom you have been arrested. At the same
+time, I ought not to conceal, that various other persons will be brought
+forward, who also insist that they have unequivocally recognised you for
+that individual. Among them is one, to whom your escape from the due
+punishment or coercion of the law would be attended by no little danger,
+at all events, by no little fear and apprehension. Besides, many things
+have been discovered in your own travelling equipage, which support the
+allegations against you.</p>
+
+<p>"Finally, sir, you may rely, that inquiries will be set on foot as to
+your pretended family, on which account application is already made to
+the court at Posen. All these things I explain to you the more openly,
+because it belongs to my office to convince you how little I wish, by
+artifice, or any undue method, to extort from you the truth, which you
+wish to conceal, but which, at all events, will soon be brought to
+light. Prepare yourself, therefore, before-hand, as you best can. If you
+are really that criminal named Medardus the Capuchin, you may be assured
+that justice will soon penetrate through your deepest disguise; and you
+will learn, in due time, the precise crimes of which you are accused.
+If, on the other hand, you are Mr Leonard of Kwicziczwo, and only, by
+some extraordinary <i>lusus naturæ</i>, forced to resemble Medardus, you will
+be furnished, even by us, with clear and decisive proofs to support this
+identity.</p>
+
+<p>"You appeared at your first trial, in a very disordered state of mind;
+therefore I wished that you should be allowed sufficient time for mature
+reflection. After what has taken place to-day, you will again have ample
+store for meditation."</p>
+
+<p>"Then," said I, "you look upon all that I have said to-day as utter
+falsehood? You behold in me only the runaway monk Medardus?"</p>
+
+<p>To this I received merely a slight parting bow, with the words, "Adieu,
+Herr von Krczinski;" and I was forthwith led back to my prison.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Every word uttered by this judge had penetrated to my very heart, and I
+was unable to subdue my vehement agitation. All the fictions that I had
+invented seemed to me utterly absurd and insipid. That the chief person
+who was to appear as my accuser, (and who was said to entertain such
+fears of me if left at liberty,) was Aurelia, I could have no doubt. How
+could I bear this, and how counteract her influence?</p>
+
+<p>I considered afterwards what might have been suspicious among my
+travelling effects, and was much vexed by the recollection, that since
+my residence at the castle of the Baron von F&mdash;&mdash;, I had retained in my
+<i>portefeuille</i>, a hair ring, on which Euphemia's name was enwoven, and
+which, perhaps, might be recognized by Aurelia. Besides, it had
+unfortunately occurred, that in the forest I had bound up Victorin's
+portmanteau with the knotted cord, which is part of the dress of our
+order; and this had still remained in my possession.</p>
+
+<p>Tormented by these thoughts, I gave myself up for lost; and unconscious
+what I did, paced backwards and forwards in despair, through my narrow
+chamber. Then it seemed as if there was a rushing and whispering in mine
+ears,&mdash;"Thou fool," said a voice, "why should'st thou despair? Canst
+thou not think on Victorin?" Hereupon, in a loud voice, I called
+out&mdash;"Ha! the game is not lost!&mdash;Nay, it may yet be won!"</p>
+
+<p>My heart beat, and my bosom heaved with new impulses. I had already
+thought, that among Euphemia's papers there must, of necessity, be found
+something which would point to Victorin's appearance at the castle as a
+monk. Resting on this assumption, (or probability,) I would, at my next
+examination, amplify on my former deposition as to the meeting with
+Victorin; nay, why should I not also have met with the monk Medardus? I
+could plead knowledge, also, of those adventures at the castle which
+ended so frightfully, and repeat them as if they came to me by hearsay.
+With such stories I could interweave references to myself, and to my
+resemblance with both these people.</p>
+
+<p>In order to attain my object, however, the most trifling circumstances
+must be maturely weighed. I resolved, therefore, that I would commit to
+writing the romance, by the incidents of which I was to be rescued. The
+gaoler supplied me with the requisite materials, and I laboured with
+great zeal till late in the night. In writing, my imagination was
+roused, until I almost actually believed whatever I had set down to be
+the truth; and I had in the closest manner spun together a web of
+falsehood, wherewith I expected completely to blind the eyes of the
+judge.</p>
+
+<p>The prison-clock had struck twelve, when I again heard softly,
+and as if from a distance, the knocking which, on the preceding day,
+so much disturbed me. I had resolved that I would pay no attention
+to this noise; but it approached nearer, and became louder. There
+were again, at measured intervals, the same divertisements of
+knocking, laughing, and groaning. I struck my hand with great vehemence
+on the table&mdash;"Be quiet!" cried I&mdash;"Silence below there!" Thus I
+thought that I should banish my persecutor, and recover my composure,
+but in vain! On the contrary, there arose instantly a sound of
+shrill discordant laughter, and once more the same detestable
+voice&mdash;"<i>Brüd-er-lein!&mdash;Brüd-er-lein!</i><a name="FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> Up to thee! Open the door!
+Open the door!"</p>
+
+<p>Then right under me commenced a vehement rasping and scratching in the
+floor, accompanied by continuous groans and cachinnation. In vain did I
+try to write, and persuading myself that these were but illusions of the
+arch enemy, determined to hold them in contempt. The noise always became
+more intolerable, and was diversified occasionally by ponderous blows,
+so that I momentarily expected the gaolers to enter in alarm.</p>
+
+<p>I had risen up, and was walking with the lamp in my hand, when suddenly
+I felt the floor shake beneath my tread. I stepped aside, and then saw,
+on the spot whereon I had stood, a stone lift itself out of the
+pavement, and sink again. The phenomenon was repeated, but at the second
+time I seized hold of the stone, and easily removed it from the
+flooring.</p>
+
+<p>The aperture beneath was but narrow, and little or no light rose from
+the gulf. Suddenly, however, as I was gazing on it, a naked arm,
+emaciated, but muscular, with a knife, or dagger, in the hand, was
+stretched up towards me. Struck with the utmost horror, I recoiled from
+the sight. Then the stammering voice spoke from below&mdash;"Brother&mdash;brother
+Me-dar-dus is there&mdash;is there!&mdash;Take&mdash;take!&mdash;Break&mdash;break!&mdash;To the
+wood!&mdash;To the wood!"</p>
+
+<p>Instantly all fear and apprehension were lost. I repeated to myself,
+"Take&mdash;take!&mdash;Break&mdash;break!" for I thought only of the assistance thus
+offered me, and of flight! Accordingly I seized the weapon, which the
+hand willingly resigned to me, and began zealously to clear away the
+mortar and rubbish from the opening that had been made.</p>
+
+<p>The spectral prisoner below laboured also with might and main, till we
+had dislodged four or five large stones from the vault, and laid them
+aside. I had been occupied in this latter purpose, that is, in placing
+the large stones in a corner of my room, that they might not interrupt
+my work; when, on turning round, I perceived that my horrible assistant
+had raised his naked body as far as the middle, through the aperture
+that we had made. The full glare of the lamp fell on his pale features,
+which were no longer obscured as formerly, by long matted locks, or the
+overgrown grizzly beard, for these had been closely shaven. It could no
+longer be said that I was in vigorous health, while he was emaciated,
+for in that respect we were now alike. He glared on me with the grin,
+the ghastly laughter, of madness on his visage. At the first glance I
+<span class="smcap">recognized myself</span>, and losing all consciousness and self-possession,
+fell in a deadly swoon on the pavement.</p>
+
+<p>From this state of insensibility I was awoke by a violent pain in the
+arm. There was a clear light around me; the rattling of chains, and
+knocking of hammers, sounded through the vault. The gaoler and his
+assistants were occupied in loading me with irons. Besides handcuffs and
+ankle-fetters, I was, by means of a chain and an iron hoop, to be
+fastened to the wall.</p>
+
+<p>"Now," said the gaoler, in a satisfied tone, when the workmen had
+finished, "the gentleman will probably find it advisable to give over
+troubling us with his attempts to escape for the future!"</p>
+
+<p>"But what crimes, then," said the blacksmith, in an under tone, "has
+this obstreperous fellow committed?"</p>
+
+<p>"How?" said the gaoler, "dost thou not know that much, Jonathan? The
+whole town talks of nothing else. He is a cursed Capuchin monk, who has
+murdered three men. All has been fully proved. In a few days there is to
+be a grand gala; and among other diversions, the scaffold and the wheel
+will not fail to play their part!"</p>
+
+<p>I heard no more, and my senses were again lost. I know not how long I
+remained in that state, from which I only painfully and with difficulty
+awoke. I was alone, and all was utter darkness; but, after some
+interval, faint gleams of daylight broke into the low deep vault,
+scarcely six feet square, into which I now, with the utmost horror,
+perceived that I had been removed from my former prison. I was tormented
+with extreme thirst, and grappled at the water-jug which stood near me.
+Cold and moist, it slipped out of my numbed hands before I had gained
+from it even one imperfect draught, and, with abhorrence, I saw a large
+overgrown toad crawl out of it as it lay on the floor. "Aurelia!" I
+groaned, in that feeling of nameless misery into which I was now
+sunk&mdash;"Aurelia!&mdash;and was it for this that I have been guilty of
+hypocrisy and abominable falsehood in the court of justice&mdash;for this
+only, that I might protract, by a few hours, a life of torment and
+misery? What would'st thou," said I to myself, "delirious wretch, as
+thou art? Thou strivest after the possession of Aurelia, who could be
+thine only through an abominable and blasphemous crime; and however thou
+might'st disguise thyself from the world, she would infallibly recognize
+in thee the accursed murderer of Hermogen, and look on thee with
+detestation. Miserable deluded fool, where are now all thy high-flown
+projects, thy belief and confidence in thine own supernatural power, by
+which thou could'st guide thy destiny even as thou wilt? Thou art wholly
+unable and powerless to kill the worm of conscience, which gnaws on the
+heart's marrow, and thou wilt shamefully perish in hopeless grief, even
+if the arm of temporal justice should spare thee!"</p>
+
+<p>Thus I complained aloud, but at the moment when I uttered these words, I
+felt a painful pressure on my breast, which seemed to proceed from some
+hard substance in my waistcoat pocket. I grappled with it accordingly,
+and drew out, to my surprise, a small stiletto. Never had I worn any
+such implement since I had been in the prison. It must, of necessity, be
+the same which had been held up to me by my mysterious <i>double</i>. I
+recognized the glittering heft. It was the identical stiletto with which
+I had killed Hermogen, and which, for many weeks, I had been without!</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon there arose in my mind an entire revolution. The inexplicable
+manner in which this weapon had been returned to me, seemed like a
+warning from supernatural agents. I had it in my power to escape at will
+from the ignominious death that awaited me. I had it in my power to die
+voluntarily for the sake of Aurelia. It seemed again as if there was a
+rushing and whispering of voices around me; and among them Aurelia's
+accents were clearly audible. I beheld her as when formerly she appeared
+to me in the church of the Capuchin Convent. "I love thee, indeed,
+Medardus," said she; "but hitherto thou understandest me not. In this
+world there is for us no hope of enjoyment; the true festival and
+solemnization of our love is&mdash;death." I now firmly resolved that I would
+demand a new audience&mdash;that I would confess to the judge, without the
+least reserve, the whole history of my wanderings, after which I would,
+in obedience to the supposed warning, have recourse to suicide.</p>
+
+<p>The gaoler now made his appearance, bringing me better food than usual,
+with the addition of a bottle of wine. "It is by the command of the
+Prince," said he, covering a table which his servant brought in after
+him. He then proceeded to unlock the chain by which I was bound to the
+wall.</p>
+
+<p>Remaining firm in my determination, I took but little notice of this,
+and earnestly requested that he would communicate to the judge my wish
+for an audience that very afternoon, as I had much to disclose that lay
+heavy on my conscience. He promised to fulfil my commission, and
+retired.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, I waited in vain to be summoned to my trial. No one appeared
+until such time as it was quite dark, when the gaoler's servant entered
+and lighted my lamp as usual. Owing to the fixed resolution which I had
+adopted, I felt much more tranquil than before; and, as the night wore
+on, being greatly exhausted, I fell into a deep sleep.</p>
+
+<p>My slumber was haunted, however, by a strange and very vivid dream.
+Methought I was led into a high, gloomy, and vaulted hall, wherein I
+saw, ranged along the walls, on high-backed chairs, a double row of
+spectral figures, like clergymen, all habited in the black <i>talar</i>,<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a>
+and before them was a table covered with red cloth. At their head sat a
+judge, and near him was a Dominican friar, in the full habit of his
+order.</p>
+
+<p>"Thou art now," said the judge, in a deep solemn voice, "given over to
+the spiritual court; forasmuch as thou, obstinate and criminal as thou
+art, hast attempted to deny thy real name, and the sacred profession to
+which thou belongest. Franciscus, or, according to thy conventual name,
+Medardus, answer, Dost thou plead guilty, or not guilty, to the crimes
+of which thou hast been accused?"</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon I wished to confess all that I had done, which, in my own
+estimation, was sinful or blame-worthy. But, to my great horror, that
+which I uttered was not the thoughts that existed in my mind, and which
+I intended to deliver. On the contrary, instead of a sincere and
+repentant confession, I lost myself in wandering desultory gibberish,
+which sounded even in my own ears quite unpardonable.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Dominican rose up, and, with a frightful menacing
+look&mdash;"Away&mdash;to the rack with him," cried he, "the stiff-necked obdurate
+sinner&mdash;to the rack with him&mdash;he deserves no mercy!" The strange figures
+that were ranged along the wall rose up, stretched out their long
+skeleton arms towards me, and repeated, in a hoarse horrible
+unison&mdash;"Ay, ay!&mdash;to the rack with him&mdash;to the rack&mdash;to the rack!"</p>
+
+<p>Instantly I drew out my stiletto and aimed it violently towards my
+heart, but, involuntarily, it slid upwards to my throat, and striking on
+that part wherein the diamond necklace of the Abbess had left the sign
+of the cross, the blade broke in pieces as if it were made of glass, and
+left me unwounded! Then the executioner seized me, removed me from the
+audience-hall, and dragged me down into a deep subterranean vault.</p>
+
+<p><i>There</i>, however, my persecutions did not cease. The man once more
+demanded of me whether I would not make a true confession? Accordingly,
+I again made an attempt to do so, but my thoughts and words, as before,
+were at variance. Deeply repentant, torn equally by shame and remorse,
+I confessed all inwardly and in spirit; but whatever my lips brought
+forth audibly, was confused, senseless, unconnected, and foreign from
+the dictates of my heart. Hereafter, upon a sign received from the
+Dominican, the executioner stripped me naked, and tied my wrists
+together behind my back. How he placed me afterwards, I know not, but I
+heard the creaking of screws and pulleys, and felt how my stretched
+joints cracked, and were ready to break asunder. In the agony of
+superhuman torture, I screamed loudly and awoke.</p>
+
+<p>The pain in my hands and feet continued as if I had been really on the
+rack, but this proceeded from the heavy chains which I still carried;
+yet, besides this, I found a strange pressure on my eye-lids, which, for
+some time, I was unable to lift up. At last, it seemed as if a weight
+were taken from my forehead, and I was able to raise myself on my couch.</p>
+
+<p>Here my nightly visions once more stepped forth into reality, and I felt
+an ice-cold shivering through every vein. Motionless like a statue, with
+his arms folded, the monk&mdash;the Dominican whom I had seen in my
+dream&mdash;stood there, and glared on me with his hollow black eyes. In
+that look, I at once recognized the expression of the horrible painter,
+and fell, half fainting, back upon my straw-bed.</p>
+
+<p>Yet, perhaps, thought I to myself, all this was but a delusion of my
+senses, which had its origin from a dream. I mustered courage,
+therefore&mdash;but the monk was there! He stood, as the painter had ever
+done, calm and motionless, with his relentless dark eyes fixed upon me.</p>
+
+<p>"Horrible man!" cried I, "Avaunt!&mdash;Away!&mdash;But no! Man thou art not. Thou
+art the devil himself, who labours to drag me into everlasting
+destruction!&mdash;Away!&mdash;I conjure thee, in the name of God, begone!"</p>
+
+<p>"Poor, short-sighted fool!" answered the Dominican, "I am not the fiend
+who endeavours to bind thee with his iron fetters; who seeks to turn thy
+heart from those sacred duties to which thou hast, by Divine Providence,
+been appointed!&mdash;Medardus, poor insane wanderer! I have indeed appeared
+frightful to thee, even at those moments when thou should'st have
+recognized in me thy best friend&mdash;when thou wert tottering within a
+hair's-breadth of being hurled into the eternal gulf of destruction, I
+have appeared and warned thee; but my designs have ever been perverted
+and misunderstood. Rise up, and listen to what I would now say!"</p>
+
+<p>The Dominican uttered this in a tone of deep melancholy and complaint.
+His looks, which I had before contemplated with such affright, were
+become relaxed and mild. My heart was roused by new and indescribable
+emotions. This painter, who had haunted me like a demon, now appeared to
+me almost like a special messenger of Providence, sent to console me in
+my extreme misery and despair.</p>
+
+<p>I rose from my bed, and stepped towards him. It was no phantom! I
+touched his garments. I kneeled down involuntarily, and he laid his hand
+on my head as if to bless me. Then, in the brightest colouring of
+imagination, a long train of beautiful and cherished images rose on my
+mind. I was once more within the consecrated woods of the Holy
+Lime-Tree. I stood on the self-same spot of that favourite grove, where
+the strangely-dressed pilgrim brought to me the miraculous boy. From
+hence I wished to move onwards to the church, which I saw also right
+before me. There only it appeared to me, that I might now, penitent and
+repentant, receive at last absolution of my heavy crimes. But I remained
+motionless; my limbs were powerless, and I could scarcely retain the
+feeling of self-identity.&mdash;Then a hollow voice pronounced the words,
+"The will suffices for the deed!"</p>
+
+<p>The dream vanished. It was the painter who had spoken these words.</p>
+
+<p>"Incomprehensible being!" said I, "was it then thou, who art here with
+me as a friend, who appeared leaning on the pillar on that unhappy
+morning in the Capuchin church at Königswald? At night, in the trading
+town of Frankenburg? And now&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Stop there," said the painter; "it was I indeed who have been at all
+times near to thee, in order, if possible, to rescue thee from
+destruction and disgrace; but thy heart was hardened; thy senses were
+perverted. The work to which thou wert chosen, must, for thine own weal
+and salvation, be fulfilled."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" cried I, in a voice of despair, "why, then, didst thou not
+withhold mine arm from that accursed deed, when Hermogen&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"That was not allowed me," said the painter. "Ask no farther. The
+attempt to resist the eternal decrees of Omnipotence is not only sinful,
+but hopeless presumption. Medardus, thou now drawest near to thy
+appointed goal&mdash;<i>To-morrow</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>At these words I shuddered; for I thought that I completely understood
+the painter. I believed that he knew and approved my premeditated
+suicide. He now retreated towards the door of my prison.&mdash;"When," said
+I, with great earnestness, "when shall I see you again?"&mdash;"<span class="smcap">At the goal</span>,"
+said he, in a deep, solemn tone, that reverberated through the
+vault.&mdash;"So then&mdash;<i>to-morrow</i>?" He would not answer. The door
+opened&mdash;turned silently on its hinges&mdash;and the painter had vanished.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The faint gleams of daylight had long since made their way through the
+gloom of my wretched prison, when at last the gaoler made his appearance
+with a train of attendants, who carefully and obsequiously took off the
+fetters from my wounded arms and ankles. They announced also that I
+should be very soon led up for a final audience in the judgment-hall.</p>
+
+<p>The summons came accordingly. Deeply reserved, and wrapt up in my own
+thoughts, becoming always more and more accustomed to the idea of
+immediate death, I stepped into the audience-chamber. I had inwardly
+arranged my confession in such manner, that I had only a short story to
+tell, which would yet embrace every circumstance that was of importance.</p>
+
+<p>To my astonishment, the judge, directly on my entrance, left the bench,
+and came to meet me. I must have looked greatly emaciated and
+disfigured; for a cheerful smile, that had been at first on his
+countenance, changed itself obviously into an expression of the most
+painful sympathy and compassion. He shook hands, and made me take
+possession of a large arm-chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Herr von Krczinski," said he, in a solemn diplomatic tone, "I am happy
+in being able to announce to you some very agreeable intelligence. By
+the Prince's commands, all proceedings against you are this day brought
+to an end. It appears that people have hitherto confounded you with
+another person; and of their mistaken accusations, your exact personal
+likeness to that individual must bear the blame. Your innocence is now
+established beyond the possibility of doubt. Mr Krczinski, <i>you are
+free</i>!"</p>
+
+<p>A frightful giddiness now attacked me. The room, with all its furniture,
+seemed turning round. The figure of the judge was multiplied a thousand
+fold before mine eyes, and I fell into a swoon. When I awoke, the
+servants were rubbing my temples with eau de cologne; and I recovered so
+far, as to hear the judge read over a short <i>Protokoll</i>, stating that he
+had duly informed me of the process being given up, and of my final
+release from prison. But some indescribable feelings arising from that
+last interview with the painter, repressed all joy in my bosom. It
+seemed to me as if now, when people believed me innocent, I should
+voluntarily make a full confession of my crimes, and then plunge the
+dagger into my heart.</p>
+
+<p>I wished to speak; but the judge seemed to expect that I would retire,
+and I retreated towards the door. He came after me a few steps. "I have
+now," said he, in a low voice, "fulfilled my official duties, and may
+confess that, from the first time of our meeting, you interested me very
+much. Notwithstanding that appearances (as you must yourself allow) were
+so greatly against you, yet I sincerely wished that you might not turn
+out to be the horrible monster of wickedness for whom you had been
+stigmatized. I may now repeat to you, in confidence, my conviction, that
+you are no Pole: you were not born in Kwicziczwo: your name is not
+Leonard von Krczinski."</p>
+
+<p>With composure and firmness I answered, "No."&mdash;"Nor are you a monk,"
+said the judge, casting his eyes on the ground, that he might not seem
+to play the part of an inquisitor; but by this question I was
+irresistibly agitated.&mdash;"Listen, then," said I, in a resolute tone, "and
+I shall explain <i>all</i>."&mdash;"Nay, nay, be silent," said the judge. "What I
+surmised at first is, according to my present belief, wholly confirmed.
+I see that there is here some dark and deep mystery; and that, by some
+inexplicable game of chances, your fate is involved with that of certain
+personages of our court. But it is no longer my vocation to make
+inquiries; and I should look upon myself as a presumptuous intermeddler,
+if I wished to extort from you any of the real adventures of your life,
+of which the tenure has probably been very peculiar.</p>
+
+<p>"There is but one suggestion which I cannot help offering. Would it not
+be well if you were to tear yourself away from this <i>residenz</i>, where
+there is so much that is hostile to your mental repose? After what has
+happened, it is almost impossible that your abode here can be agreeable
+to you."</p>
+
+<p>When the judge spoke in this manner, my mind again underwent an entire
+revolution. All the dark shadows that had gathered around me were
+suddenly dissolved. The spirit of life once more, with all its
+enjoyments, vibrated through every nerve.&mdash;"Aurelia! Aurelia!&mdash;Should I
+leave this place and forsake her for ever!"</p>
+
+<p>The judge looked on me with an expression of the greatest
+astonishment.&mdash;"God forbid, Mr Leonard," said he, "that a very frightful
+apprehension, which has now risen up in my mind, should ever be
+fulfilled. But you know best the nature of your own plans. I shall say
+no more."</p>
+
+<p>The hypocritical calmness with which I now answered him, was a proof
+that my short-lived repentance was over and gone.&mdash;"So then," said I,
+"you still look upon me as guilty?"&mdash;"Permit me, sir," said the judge,
+"to keep my present fears to myself. They are, I must confess,
+unsubstantiated by proof, and are perhaps the result of imaginary
+apprehensions. It has been in the most conclusive manner proved, that
+you are not the Monk Medardus; for that very man is in his own person
+here among us, and has been recognized by the old Father Cyrillus,
+though the latter had been deceived at the trial, by the exactitude of
+your resemblance. Nay, this man does not deny that he is the Capuchin
+Medardus, for whom you were arrested. Therefore everything has happened
+that could have been desired, in order to free you from that first
+imputation."</p>
+
+<p>At that moment an attendant called the judge away, and thus the dialogue
+was interrupted at the very time when it began to be disagreeable to me.
+I betook myself forthwith to my old lodgings in the town, where I found
+my effects placed carefully in the same order in which I had left them.
+My papers had been put up in a sealed envelope. Only Victorin's
+<i>portefeuille</i> and the Capuchin's hair-rope were wanting. My
+suppositions as to the importance that would be attached to the latter
+article were therefore correct.</p>
+
+<p>But a short time elapsed, when an equerry of the Prince made his
+appearance, with a card from the Sovereign, and the present of a very
+elegant box, set with diamonds. The card was in his usual familiar
+style. "There have been very severe measures taken against you, Mr
+Krczinski, but neither we ourselves, nor our court of justice, can
+rightly be blamed. You are inconceivably like in person to a very wicked
+and dangerous man. All now, however, has been cleared up to your
+advantage. I send you a small token of my good will, and hope that we
+shall see you soon."</p>
+
+<p>The good will of the Prince and his present were at this moment both
+indifferent to me. My long imprisonment had greatly enfeebled my bodily
+strength, and the extreme excitement which I had undergone, was followed
+by lassitude and relaxation. Thus I had sunk into a deep and dark
+melancholy, and looked on it as very fortunate when the physician came
+to visit me, and prescribed some remedies, which he judged absolutely
+requisite for the restoration of my health. He then, as usual, entered
+into conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not," said he, "a most extraordinary chance, and concatenation of
+circumstances, that, at the very moment when every one felt himself
+convinced that you were that horrible monk, who had caused such
+misfortunes in the family of the Baron von F&mdash;&mdash;, this monk should
+<i>himself</i> actually appear, and rescue you at once from the impending
+danger?"</p>
+
+<p>"It would oblige me," said I, "if you would inform me of the minuter
+circumstances which led to my liberation; for as yet I have only heard
+generally that the Capuchin Medardus, for whom I had been taken, had
+been found here and arrested."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, it is to be observed," answered the physician, "that he did not
+come hither of his own accord, but was brought in, bound with ropes, as
+a maniac, and delivered over to the police at the very time when you
+first came to the <i>residenz</i>. By the way, it just now occurs to me that,
+on a former occasion, when I was occupied in relating to you the
+wonderful events which had happened at our court, I was interrupted,
+just as I had got to the story of this abominable Medardus, the
+acknowledged son of Francesco, and his enormous crimes at the castle of
+the Baron von F&mdash;&mdash;. I shall now take up the thread of my discourse
+exactly where it was then broken off.</p>
+
+<p>"The sister of our reigning Princess, who, as you well know, is Abbess
+of a Cistertian monastery at Kreuzberg, once received very kindly, and
+took charge of a poor deserted woman, who, with her infant son, was
+travelling homeward, towards the south, from a pilgrimage to the Convent
+of the Holy Lime-Tree."</p>
+
+<p>"The woman," said I, "was Francesco's widow, and the boy was Medardus."</p>
+
+<p>"Quite right," answered the physician; "but how do you come to know
+this?"</p>
+
+<p>"The events of this Medardus's life," said I, "have indeed become known
+to me in a manner the strangest and most incredible. I am aware of them
+even up to the period when he fled from the castle of the Baron von
+F&mdash;&mdash;; and of every circumstance that happened there I have received
+minute information."</p>
+
+<p>"But how?" said the physician; "and from whom?"</p>
+
+<p>"In a dream," answered I; "in a dream I have had the liveliest
+perception of all his sufferings and adventures."</p>
+
+<p>"You are in jest," said the physician.</p>
+
+<p>"By no means," replied I. "It actually seems to me, as if I had in a
+vision become acquainted with the history of an unhappy man, who, like a
+mere plaything in the hands of dark powers,&mdash;a weed cast on the waves of
+a stormy sea, had been hurled hither and thither, and driven onward from
+crime to crime. In the Holzheimer forest, which is not far from hence,
+on my way hither, the postilion, one stormy night, drove out of the
+right track, and there, in the <i>forst-haus</i>&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! now I understand you," said the physician, "there you met with the
+monk."</p>
+
+<p>"So it is," answered I; "but he was mad."</p>
+
+<p>"He does not seem to be so now," observed the physician. "Even at that
+time, no doubt, he had lucid intervals, and told you his history."</p>
+
+<p>"Not exactly," said I. "In the night, being unapprized of my arrival at
+the <i>forst-haus</i>, he came into my room. Perhaps it was on account of the
+extraordinary likeness existing betwixt us, that my appearance
+frightened him extremely. He probably looked upon me as his <i>double</i>,
+and believed that such an apparition of necessity announced his own
+death. Accordingly, he began to stammer out strange confessions, to
+which I listened for some time, till at last, being tired by a long
+journey, I fell asleep; but the monk, not aware of this, continued to
+speak on. I dreamed, but know not where the reality ended and the dream
+began. So far as I can recollect, it appears to me that the monk
+maintained that it could not be he who had caused the death of the
+Baroness von F&mdash;&mdash; and Hermogen, but that they had both been murdered
+by the Count Victorin."</p>
+
+<p>"Strange, very strange!" said the physician. "But wherefore did you
+conceal this mysterious adventure at your trial?"</p>
+
+<p>"How could I imagine," answered I, "that the judge would attach any
+importance to such a story? At best, it must have appeared to him a mere
+romance; and will any enlightened court of justice receive evidence
+which even borders on the visionary and supernatural?"</p>
+
+<p>"At least," replied the physician, "you might have at once supposed that
+people were confounding you with this insane monk, and should have
+pointed out him as the real Capuchin Medardus?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, forsooth," answered I; "and in the face of the venerable Father
+Cyrillus, (such, I believe, was his name,) an old dotard, who would
+absolutely have me, right or wrong, to be his Capuchin brother? Besides,
+it did not occur to me either that the insane monk was Medardus, or that
+the crime which he had confessed to me was the object of the present
+process. But the keeper of the <i>forst-haus</i> told me the monk had never
+given up his name. How, then, did people here make the discovery?"</p>
+
+<p>"In the simplest manner," said the physician. "The monk, as you know,
+had been a considerable time with the forester. Now and then, it seemed
+as if he were completely cured; but at last he broke out again into
+insanity so frightful, that the forester was obliged to send him hither,
+where he was shut up in the mad-house. There he sat night and day, with
+staring eyes, and motionless as a statue. He never uttered a word, and
+must be fed, as he never moved a hand. Various methods were tried to
+rouse him from this lethargy, but in vain; and his attendants were
+afraid to try severe measures, for fear of bringing back his outrageous
+madness.</p>
+
+<p>"A few days ago, the forester's eldest son came to the <i>residenz</i>, and
+desired admittance into the mad-house, to see the monk, which,
+accordingly, was granted him. Quite shocked at the hopeless state in
+which he found the unhappy man, he was leaving the prison, just as
+Father Cyrillus, from the Capuchin Convent in Königswald, happened to be
+going past. He spoke to the latter, and begged of him to visit a poor
+unhappy brother, who was shut up here, as, perhaps, the conversation of
+one of his own order might be beneficial to the maniac.</p>
+
+<p>"To this Cyrillus agreed; but as soon as he saw the monk, he started
+back, with a loud exclamation&mdash;'Medardus!' cried he; 'unhappy Medardus!'
+And at that name the monk, who before scarcely shewed signs of life,
+began to open his eyes, and attend to what went forward. He even rose
+from his seat; but had scarcely done so, when, seemingly overpowered by
+his cruel malady, (of which he was himself not unconscious,) he uttered
+a strange hollow cry, and fell prostrate on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"Cyrillus, accompanied by the forester's son and others, went directly
+to the judge by whom you had been tried, and announced this new
+discovery. The judge went back with them to the prison, where they found
+the monk in a state of great weakness; but (judging by his conversation)
+not at all under the influence of delirium. He confessed that he was
+Medardus, from the Capuchin Convent in Königswald; and Cyrillus agreed
+on his side, that your inconceivable resemblance to this Medardus had
+completely deceived him.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, however, he remarked many circumstances of language, tone, and
+gesture, in which Mr Leonard differed from the real Capuchin. What is
+most of all remarkable is, that they discovered on the neck of the
+madman the same mark, in the form of a cross, to which so much
+importance was attached at your trial. Several questions also were now
+put to the monk, as to the horrid incidents at the castle of the Baron
+von F&mdash;&mdash;, to which the only answers they could then obtain were in
+broken exclamations. 'I am, indeed,' said he, 'an accursed and abandoned
+criminal; but I repent deeply of all that I have done. Alas! I allowed
+myself to be cheated, by temptations of the devil, out of my own reason,
+and out of my immortal soul. Let my accusers but have some compassion on
+me, and allow me time&mdash;I shall confess all.'</p>
+
+<p>"The Prince being duly advised of what had happened, commanded that the
+proceedings against you should be brought to an end, and that you should
+be immediately released from prison. This is the history of your
+liberation. The monk has been brought from the mad-house into one of the
+dungeons for criminals."</p>
+
+<p>"And has he yet confessed all? Is he the murderer of Euphemia, Baroness
+von F&mdash;&mdash;, and of Hermogen? How stands public belief with regard to the
+Count Victorin?"</p>
+
+<p>"So far as I know," said the physician, "the trial of the monk was only
+to begin this day. As to Count Victorin, it appears that nothing farther
+must be said of him. Whatever connection those former events at our
+court may seem to have with the present, all is to remain in mystery and
+oblivion."</p>
+
+<p>"But," said I, "how the catastrophe at the Baron's castle can be
+connected with these events at your Prince's court, I am unable to
+perceive."</p>
+
+<p>"Properly," answered the physician, "I allude more to the dramatis
+personæ than to the incidents."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not understand you," said I.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you not remember," said the physician, "my relation of the
+circumstances attending the Duke's death?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly," answered I.</p>
+
+<p>"Has it not then become clear to you," resumed the doctor, "that
+Francesco entertained a criminal attachment towards the Italian
+Countess? That it was he who made his entrance secretly into the bridal
+chamber, and who poniarded the Duke? Victorin, as you know, was the
+off-spring of that crime. He and Medardus, therefore, are sons of one
+father. Victorin has vanished from the world, without leaving a trace of
+his fate. All inquiries after him have been in vain."</p>
+
+<p>"The monk," said I, "hurled him down into the Devil's Abyss, amid the
+Thuringian mountains. Curses on the delirious fratricide!"</p>
+
+<p>Softly, at the moment after I had pronounced these words, there came on
+my ears, from underneath the floor whereon we stood, the same measured
+knocking which I had heard in my dungeon. Whether this were imagination
+or reality, the effect on my feelings was the same. I could not contend
+against the horror which now seized me. The physician seemed neither to
+remark my agitation, nor the mysterious noise.</p>
+
+<p>"What!" said he, "did the monk then confess to you that Victorin also
+fell by his hand?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," answered I. "At least I drew this conclusion from various
+passages in his confused and broken confessions&mdash;connecting them also in
+my own mind with the sudden disappearance of Victorin. Woe&mdash;woe to the
+relentless fratricide!"</p>
+
+<p>The knocking was now more powerful. There was again a
+moaning and sobbing. Methought a shrill laughter sounded
+through the air, and I heard the same stammering
+voice&mdash;"Me-dar-dus&mdash;Me-dar-dus!&mdash;He&mdash;he&mdash;he&mdash;Help,
+help!&mdash;He&mdash;he&mdash;he&mdash;Help, help!"&mdash;I was amazed that the physician
+took no notice of this, but he quietly resumed.</p>
+
+<p>"An extraordinary degree of mystery seems to rest upon Francesco's
+appearance at our court. It is highly probable that he also was related
+to our Prince's house. This much; at least, is certain, that Euphemia,
+Baroness von F&mdash;&mdash;, was the daughter&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>With a tremendous stroke, so that the bolts and hinges seemed broken
+into splinters, methought the door flew open, and I heard the voice of
+the spectre absolutely scream with laughter. I could not bear this any
+longer. "Ho&mdash;ho&mdash;ho! <i>Brüd-er-lein!</i>" cried I. "Here am I&mdash;Here am
+I!&mdash;Come on&mdash;come on quickly, if thou would'st fight with me&mdash;Now the
+owl holds his wedding-feast, and we shall mount to the roof, and contend
+with each other. There the weather-cock sings aloud, and he who knocks
+the other down, is king, and may drink blood!"</p>
+
+<p>"How now?" cried the physician, starting up, and seizing me by the arm.
+"What the devil is all that? You are ill, Mr Leonard, dangerously ill.
+Away&mdash;away with you to bed!"</p>
+
+<p>I continued, however, staring at the open door, momentarily expecting
+that it would open, and that my horrible <i>double</i> would enter <i>in
+propria persona</i>. Nothing appeared, however, and I soon recovered from
+the delirium and horror which had seized upon me.</p>
+
+<p>The physician insisted that I was much worse than I supposed myself to
+be, and attributed all the mental derangement and wildness that I had
+betrayed, to the effects of my long imprisonment, and the agitation
+which, on account of my trial, I must have undergone.</p>
+
+<p>I submissively used whatever sedative remedies he prescribed; but what
+most of all contributed to my recovery was, that the horrible knocking
+was not heard any more, and that the intolerable <i>double</i> seemed to have
+forsaken me altogether.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The delightful season of spring had now once more returned. Every
+morning the birds serenaded me at the window of my lodgings, which were
+in a garden-house, near a street called the Parterre, not far from the
+river. Doubtless, the year is never so delightful and interesting as
+when all things are yet undeveloped, and in their prime; when the
+gardener is yet going about, with his hatchet, and bill-hook, and large
+sheers, lopping the branches, though the flourishing boughs are already
+redolent of green buds, that give out their fresh odours in the warm
+sun. One says to himself&mdash;Let the gardener, or pruner, do his worst&mdash;let
+him remove every unprofitable branch, so that the daylight may fall into
+the most secret recesses, where the loves of a former year have been
+celebrated and are gone by, yet the trees will, ere long, be in their
+full luxuriance&mdash;all that he has lopped away will soon be more than
+amply replaced.</p>
+
+<p>It is the season of hope and bright anticipations. Every new flower that
+rises from the teeming earth, and every bright green leaf that breaks
+forth along the southern slope of the forest, calls forth responsive
+feelings of buoyancy and delight in the soul.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it happened, that one morning the vernal sun darted his unclouded
+golden gleams into my chamber. Sweet odours of flowers streamed through
+the open window, for the wind was in the south-west. The birds, as
+usual, cheered me with their songs.</p>
+
+<p>An irresistible longing urged me to go forth, and wander at will through
+the open country. Despising, therefore, the directions of my physician,
+I dressed, went down stairs, and betook myself, in the first place, to
+the Prince's park. There the trees and shrubs, rustling with their
+new-born green leaves, greeted the weakly convalescent. It seemed as if
+I had just awoke from a long and heavy dream; and deep sighs were the
+inexpressive tokens of rapture which I breathed forth, amid the joyous
+carolling of birds, the humming of insects, and gladness of all nature.</p>
+
+<p>Ay, life itself now appeared to me like a heavy and frightful dream, not
+only for the time lately passed, but through the whole interval since I
+had left the convent. I now found myself in a walk, shaded by dark
+platanus trees, which give out their green leaves very early in the
+year; and gradually I became lost in reverie. Methought I was once more
+in the garden of the Capuchin Convent at Königswald. Out of the distant
+thickets rose already the well-known lofty crucifix, at which I had so
+often prayed with fervent devotion for strength to resist all
+temptation.</p>
+
+<p>The cross seemed to me to be now that only goal, after which I ought to
+strive; <i>there</i>, prostrate in the dust, to do penance for the sinful
+dreams in which I had indulged, for the guilty delusions into which I
+had been led by the Arch-fiend. I stepped forward, therefore, with my
+clasped hands lifted up, and with my eyes fixed upon the cross.
+Methought I heard the pious hymns of the monks borne upon the air; but
+it was only the mysterious voice of the woods, where the wind was up
+amid the yet dry branches and the verdant foliage.</p>
+
+<p>Its influence was more than in my weakly condition I could yet bear. I
+was soon obliged to support myself against a tree, and even to lie down
+on the turf: yet I never lost sight of the cross, but collecting my
+whole strength, rose again, and tottered on. However, I could only reach
+a rustic moss-seat, in front of the consecrated thicket, where, like a
+weak old man, I sat languidly down, and in hollow groans tried to
+lighten the anguish of my oppressed heart.</p>
+
+<p>How long I remained in this situation, I know not. But at last I heard a
+rustling, and the sounds of light steps on the walk. Instinctively, I
+knew whom I was to expect&mdash;<span class="smcap">Aurelia</span>! Scarcely had I formed the thought,
+when, turning the corner of an opposite walk leading towards the seat,
+she stood visibly before me!</p>
+
+<p>Description here fails me, nor indeed have I in this narrative often
+attempted to describe. Tears glistened in her heavenly blue eyes; but
+through those tears gleamed a kindling light of love, which was,
+perhaps, foreign to the saint-like character of Aurelia. This
+expression, however, reminded me at once of that mysterious visitant of
+the confessional, whom in my cherished dreams I had so often beheld.
+Aurelia advanced towards me. She accepted my proffered hand. "Can you,"
+said she in a low voice&mdash;"Can you ever forgive me?"</p>
+
+<p>Then losing all self-possession, I threw myself on the ground before
+her. I seized her hand, and bathed it with my tears.&mdash;"Aurelia,
+Aurelia!" cried I, "for thy sake, gladly would I endure martyrdom!&mdash;I
+would die a thousand deaths!" I felt myself gently lifted up. It was
+Aurelia who raised me, and who afterwards sunk into my arms. I scarcely
+know how these moments passed. Probably our interview was short, for I
+remember only these words&mdash;"All my best hopes are now fulfilled&mdash;all the
+mysterious fears that have haunted me are at an end!&mdash;But see! we are
+observed." She quickly disengaged herself from my embrace, and I saw the
+Princess coming up one of the walks. Not wishing at present to venture
+an interview with one whom I had never dared to look on as a friend, I
+retired into the thicket, where I discovered that the object which I had
+mistaken for a crucifix, was only the grey withered stem of an old
+pollard willow.</p>
+
+<p>From that moment, I no longer felt any effects of my severe illness, far
+less any influence of melancholy. The kiss of reconciliation which I had
+thus received from Aurelia, inspired me with new life; and it seemed as
+if, for the first time, I enjoyed the mysterious raptures of which even
+this our terrestrial existence is susceptible. For the first time, I
+knew the happiness of mutual love! I stood upon the highest pinnacle of
+worldly fortune, and my path must, from henceforth, lead downwards, in
+order to conduct me to that goal which the powers of darkness had seemed
+to mark out for my final destination.</p>
+
+<p>It was a dream of happiness like this to which I alluded, when I before
+painted the delights of my first meeting again with Aurelia at the
+Prince's court. Then I addressed myself to thee, oh stranger! who may
+one day read these pages. I requested thee to recall the bright sunny
+days of thy first love, and to imagine that dark disappointment had
+annihilated every prospect painted for thee by the fairy hands of
+Hope&mdash;then would'st thou be able to sympathize with the unhappy monk,
+who, in his solitary prison, moaning over the remembrance of his early
+visions, lay the victim of despair. Yet once more I beg of you to
+recall that happy time&mdash;but now let there be no thought nor apprehension
+of disappointment&mdash;and I need not then attempt to describe to thee the
+supernatural light that was now shed on my path by my fortunate love. No
+gloomy thoughts had longer any influence over my mind; I began even to
+entertain a firm conviction that I was not the reckless criminal who, at
+the Baron's castle, had killed Hermogen and Euphemia, but that it was
+actually the delirious monk whom I had met at the <i>forst-haus</i>, that had
+been the culprit.</p>
+
+<p>All, therefore, that I had said to the physician appeared to me no
+longer the fiction of my own brain, but the true narrative of events
+which to myself remained mysterious and inexplicable. The Prince had
+received me with the utmost kindness as a valued friend, whom he had
+believed lost, and by whose unexpected return he had been greatly
+rejoiced. This conduct of the Sovereign naturally gave the tone to that
+of all my former acquaintances at court; only the Princess seemed still
+to look upon me with coldness and reserve.</p>
+
+<p>I had now the opportunity of daily meetings with Aurelia, nor did any
+one venture remarks on our attachment. Many times our interviews were
+without witnesses; but on these occasions her saint-like purity,
+mildness, and timidity of character, which I could not but observe,
+inspired me with an involuntary awe and reverence. I felt that she
+placed in me implicit confidence, and with no one, not even with the
+nearest relation, could such meetings have been more safe.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>For several days I had not seen Aurelia. She had gone with the Princess
+to a neighbouring summer-house in the forest. At last I could not bear
+her absence, but determined on a pedestrian excursion thither.</p>
+
+<p>When I arrived, it was already late in the evening. The sun had declined
+in red effulgence in the west. The air was filled with the odoriferous
+breath of young leaves and flowers, and the woods resounded with the
+sweetest notes of unnumbered nightingales. The approach to the
+Princess's country-house was through a very long avenue of magnificent
+pine-trees, whose massy down-hanging branches swept the ground, waving
+in the balmy evening breeze with a mysterious murmur; and,
+notwithstanding all the enchantments of the hour and scene, methought I
+almost heard a warning voice pronounce the word, "Beware!" whereupon I
+only quickened my pace, and with a beating heart arrived at the
+garden-gate of the summer-house.</p>
+
+<p>In the garden I met with one of the maids of honour, who pointed out to
+me the wing of the chateau in which were Aurelia's apartments, for I by
+no means wished to encounter the Princess. Softly I opened the door of
+the anti-room, from which the warm breath of flowers and exotic plants
+greeted me with their almost too-powerful fragrance. Remembrance was
+busy with her dim illusions. "Is not this," said I, "the <i>identical</i>
+chamber of Aurelia at the Baron's castle, where, on that fatal
+night&mdash;&mdash;" Scarcely had I formed this idea, when methought a dark form
+reared itself up in gigantic height behind me, and, with terror that
+shook my inmost heart, I heard a voice pronounce the name, "Hermogen!"</p>
+
+<p>Losing all self-possession, I tottered onwards. I intended to knock, but
+the door of the cabinet was ajar, and I saw Aurelia kneeling at a
+<i>tabourett</i>, on which there was an open book, and above it a crucifix. I
+looked back trembling, to see if the spectre was yet there, but it was
+now vanished; then, in a tone of rapture, though not such as to alarm
+her, I called out, "Aurelia&mdash;Aurelia!" "Is it possible," said she,
+softly&mdash;"Leonard, my beloved, how came you hither?" She arose, and in
+the next moment was folded in my arms. Her luxuriant hair hung
+dishevelled over my head and shoulder. I felt her heart beat, and saw
+her eyes gleam with unwonted fire; but at that moment there was a noise
+behind us as if from the strong and powerful beating of wings. A moan
+like the death-cry of one mortally wounded, sounded through the chamber.
+"Hermogen!" cried Aurelia, and sunk fainting out of my arms. I placed
+her on the sofa, but, in a voice of horror, she cried to me,
+"Away&mdash;away! I command, I beseech you, begone!"</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely knowing what I did, I left the room, and soon afterwards found
+myself, unawares, in the entrance-hall of the ground-floor, where I was
+met by the Princess. She looked at me gravely and haughtily. "Mr
+Leonard," said she, "I am indeed not a little surprised to find you
+here&mdash;What means this intrusion?" By a violent effort, combating my
+distraction, I stammered out some incoherent apologies, by which I
+perceived, from the looks of the Princess, that she was by no means
+satisfied. On the contrary, I durst not venture to remain longer in the
+house, but, after a hasty obeisance, betook myself to the front-gate,
+and departed.</p>
+
+<p>As I passed once more through the darkness amid the waving pine-trees,
+methought I no longer walked alone! On the contrary, it seemed to me as
+if some person ran all the way very near me, keeping time with my steps,
+and as if I heard a stammering voice, which pronounced the words,
+"Ev-er&mdash;ev-er am I with thee! Broth-er&mdash;broth-er Me-dar-dus! Go whither
+thou wilt, east, north, or south, I am ever with thee!"</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon I paused and looked round me; I became convinced that this
+horrible <i>double</i>, by whom I was haunted, had his existence only in my
+own disturbed imagination. However, I could by no means get rid of the
+frightful image; he continued to run along by my side, and to speak with
+me at intervals, till at last it seemed to me as if I must actually
+enter into conversation, and relate to him the recent adventures of my
+life. Accordingly, I confessed that I had just now been very foolish,
+and had allowed myself once more to be terrified by the insane Hermogen;
+however, that St Rosalia should now very soon be irrevocably mine, and
+that, for her sake only, I had become a monk, and received the
+investiture and consecration.</p>
+
+<p>Then my detestable <i>double</i> laughed and groaned as he had before done,
+and stuttered out&mdash;"But lose no time&mdash;lose no time&mdash;Quick-ly, quick-ly!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, have a little patience," said I, "and all will go well. Only, the
+blow that I struck Hermogen has not been deep enough. He has got one of
+those damned protecting crosses in the throat, even as thou hast, and I
+have! But my stiletto, which thou hast preserved for me, is still sharp
+and bright!"&mdash;"He&mdash;he&mdash;he!&mdash;He&mdash;he&mdash;he!&mdash;Strike him well, then&mdash;strike
+him well!" Such were the accents of my infernal companion, amid the dark
+rushing of the pine-tree woods; nor did they end there. The same
+persecution accompanied me almost the whole way homeward into town,
+until at last, the fresh morning wind cooled the burning fever of my
+brow, and a roseate splendour advancing in the east, announced the dawn
+of a new vernal day.</p>
+
+<p>I had enjoyed only about two hours' broken rest at my lodgings, when I
+received a summons to attend the Prince. I betook myself immediately to
+the palace, where he received me very cordially.</p>
+
+<p>"In truth, Mr Leonard," he began, "you have won my good opinion in the
+highest degree. I cannot conceal from you that my prepossessions in your
+favour have ripened into real friendship. I should be sorry to lose you,
+and would rejoice in contributing to your happiness. Besides, it is our
+duty to atone to you as much as possible, for all that you have been
+made to suffer among us. By the way, Mr Leonard, do you know what was
+the direct cause of the process against you&mdash;that is, who first accused
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, sire," answered I.</p>
+
+<p>"Baroness Aurelia," said the Prince,&mdash;"you are astonished. Nay, it is
+very true, Baroness Aurelia, Mr Leonard, mistook you for a
+Capuchin."&mdash;(He laughed heartily.)&mdash;"Now, if you are a Capuchin, you are
+certainly the politest and best-favoured of that order that has ever
+fallen under my notice. Say, in truth, Mr Leonard, have you ever been a
+monk?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sire," answered I, "I know not by what wicked fatality I am always to
+be transformed into a monk; but&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well!" interrupted the Prince, "I am no inquisitor. It would be a
+serious disaster, however, if you were bound by any clerical vows. But
+to the point&mdash;Would you not like to have your revenge on Aurelia for the
+mischief that she has brought on you?"</p>
+
+<p>"In what mortal's breast," said I, "would such a thought as that of
+revenge arise against the amiable Baroness?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do you not love Aurelia?" said the Prince.</p>
+
+<p>I was silent, but replied by an expressive gesture, laying my hand on my
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>"I know it," resumed his highness. "You have loved this young lady since
+that moment when she, for the first time, made her appearance here with
+the Princess. Your affection is returned, and indeed with a fervour of
+which I scarcely believed the mild Aurelia to be capable. The Princess
+has told me all, and I know that she lives only for you. Would you
+believe, that after your imprisonment, Aurelia gave herself up to a mood
+of utter despondency, and became at last so ill, that we entertained
+serious apprehensions for her life? She at that time looked upon you as
+the murderer of her brother, and her grief, therefore, appeared to us
+unaccountable; but the truth was, that even then she loved you.</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Mr Leonard, or Mr von Krczinski, (for you are by birth noble,) I
+shall fix you at the court in a manner that will be agreeable to you.
+You shall marry Aurelia, and in a few days we shall solemnize the
+betrothment. I myself will act in place of the bride's father.
+Meanwhile, adieu!" The Prince, in his usual abrupt manner, then left the
+audience-chamber.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Aurelia my wife!&mdash;the wife of a perjured and apostate monk! It may seem
+incredible that my mind could undergo so many changes; but it is
+nevertheless true, that though this idea had so long been cherished, and
+had been familiar to myself, yet now, when I for the first time heard it
+announced by another, it was attended by a clear perception of its
+unfitness, and the almost utter unfeasibility of its realization. No!
+said I to myself, the dark powers by whom my actions have been
+instigated, whatever else of evil they may have in store, cannot have
+resolved on this! I endeavoured to combat these fears, but in vain; and
+yet to determine on voluntary separation from Aurelia was impossible.</p>
+
+<p>It was the idea of the marriage ceremony, which filled me with a degree
+of terror to myself inexplicable. I believed, indeed, that if the
+perjured monk dared to kneel before the altar, making a mockery of
+sacred vows, then, of necessity, the figure of that spectral omnipresent
+painter, not with a demeanour mild and friendly as in the prison, but
+announcing vengeance and destruction, would appear&mdash;as at Francesco's
+marriage&mdash;to overwhelm me with disgrace and misery.</p>
+
+<p>But then methought I heard, in a deep solemn tone, the words, "And yet
+must Aurelia be thine! Weak-minded fool! How durst thou think of
+changing that destiny which hangs over her and thee?" Scarcely were
+these words uttered, when another voice rose within me&mdash;"Down&mdash;down!
+throw thyself into the dust, thou blind wicked mortal! Never can she be
+thine!&mdash;It is the blessed St Rosalia herself, whom thou madly think'st
+to clasp in the embraces of terrestrial passion!"</p>
+
+<p>Thus utterly at variance with myself, tost hither and thither by
+contending impulses, I had left the palace, and wandered through the
+park, in a state of such distraction, that, to arrive at any rational
+plan for my future conduct, was wholly impossible. Past and gone was now
+that happier mood, in which I had looked upon my whole former life, and
+especially on my adventures at the Baron's castle, as a frightful
+dream! On the contrary, I saw in myself only a base criminal, and
+hypocritical deceiver. All that I had said to the physician and the
+judge was only a collection of foolish and badly invented falsehoods, by
+no means inspired, as I had before persuaded myself, by any supernatural
+voice, but the off-spring of my own feeble ingenuity.</p>
+
+<p>Lost and wrapt up in these bitter reflections, I was hurrying through
+the streets towards my lodgings, when I was overtaken by one of the
+Prince's carriages, which immediately stopped. I heard my own name
+pronounced aloud, and saw that I was beckoned to by the physician, who
+alighted, and immediately took me with him to his apartments.</p>
+
+<p>"What means all this?" said he, "you violent unreasonable man! You have
+thought proper, it seems, to make your appearance like a ghost to the
+Baroness Aurelia, in the gloom of night too, so suddenly, that the poor
+nervous young lady has been almost frightened out of her senses, and has
+been attacked by serious indisposition&mdash;Well, well," (continued he,
+perceiving a change in my countenance,) "I must not frighten you. Her
+illness has not lasted long. She has again been out walking, and will
+return to-morrow with the Princess into town. Of you, Mr Leonard, the
+Baroness has in confidence said much to me. She longs greatly to see you
+again, and to excuse herself; for she allows, that her conduct at your
+last visit, must have appeared to you both childish and silly."</p>
+
+<p>When I reflected on what had really passed at the summer-house, I was at
+a loss how to interpret these expressions of Aurelia. The physician,
+however, gave me no time to brood over this, but indulged in his usual
+vein of loquacity. He gave me to understand, that he was perfectly aware
+of the Prince's views for my advancement in rank, and marriage with
+Aurelia. Hereupon reverting to her late fit of nervous irritability, he
+gave, wickedly enough, such a caricature (for he was an excellent mimic)
+of her conduct and expressions, when he had arrived express at the
+summer-house, contrasting these also, with the grave ceremonious
+<i>hauteur</i> of the Princess, that I was forced, even against my will, to
+laugh, (for the good humour of the physician was infectious,) and
+gradually recovered a degree of cheerfulness, which, but a few minutes
+before, I had supposed lost for ever.</p>
+
+<p>"Could the imagination of any man," said the physician, "have
+anticipated, when you came to our <i>residenz</i>, that so many wonderful
+events would, in so short a time, have taken place: First, the absurd
+misunderstanding which brought you as a criminal before the Justiciary
+Court&mdash;Then the truly enviable fortune which has acquired for you the
+special friendship and patronage of the Prince!"</p>
+
+<p>"His highness," said I, "no doubt treated me from the first with marked
+condescension and politeness. As to the advances that I have lately made
+in his good graces, I ascribe this to his recollection of the unjust
+prosecution by which I suffered, and which he is now desirous to atone
+for."</p>
+
+<p>"The Prince's favour," said the physician, "perhaps is not owing so much
+to this, as to another circumstance, which you, no doubt, can guess."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot," answered I.</p>
+
+<p>"The people, it is true," resumed the physician, "continue to give you
+the same name which you assumed on your first arrival. Every one knows,
+however, that you are by birth noble, as the intelligence which has been
+received from Poland confirms all that you had asserted!"</p>
+
+<p>"Admitting this intelligence to have been received," said I, "I know not
+why it should have any influence on my reception at court, since, at my
+first introduction there, I declared that I had no pretensions to any
+rank beyond that of a citizen <i>particulier</i>, and yet was treated by all
+with kindness, and even respect."</p>
+
+<p>To this the physician replied, by a harangue, which lasted nearly an
+hour, on the true principles which regulate the distinction of ranks;
+and the lecture being delivered with his usual vivacity, had at least
+the beneficial effect of engaging my attention, and putting to flight
+the gloomy thoughts by which I had been overwhelmed. I could not but
+feel also a kind of triumph at the manner in which I had again seemed to
+rule over my own destiny, as by accidentally choosing the Polish name of
+Kwicziczwo in conversation with the old lady, on the evening of my first
+presentation at court, I had created for myself that patent of nobility
+which induced the Prince to bestow on me the Baroness in marriage.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>As soon as I ascertained that the Princess was returned to the palace, I
+hastened to Aurelia, and immediately obtained an interview. The desire
+to excuse herself for the needless and capricious agitation, to which
+she had given way on my last visit, gave a new tone to her voice and
+manner, and new expression to her eyes, so that her timidity being less,
+I could once more say to myself, "The prize will yet be thine!" Tears
+glistened in her beautiful eyes, and her tone was that of earnest and
+plaintive supplication.</p>
+
+<p>Still haunted by the idea of my spectral <i>double</i>, I wished to learn
+from her explicitly what had been the real cause of her terror.
+"Aurelia," said I, "I conjure you by all the saints, tell me what
+horrible phantom was it that then appeared to you?" At this question she
+gazed at me with obvious astonishment&mdash;her looks became always more and
+more fixed, as if in deep thought&mdash;then suddenly started up as if to go,
+but stood irresolute. At last, with both hands pressed on her eyes, she
+sobbed out&mdash;"No&mdash;no&mdash;no;&mdash;It is not&mdash;it cannot be he!"&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>Unconsciously she allowed me to support her to a chair, into which she
+sank down exhausted. "For God's sake, Aurelia, who is it that you mean?"
+cried I, though I had already dark anticipations of what was passing
+through her mind. "Alas!" said she, "my beloved friend, were I to
+confess to you the whole truth, would you not look on me as an insane
+visionary? A horrible phantom accompanies me through life, and mars, by
+its irresistible influence, every enjoyment, even at the times when I
+should otherwise be most happy. At our very first meeting, this
+frightful dream hovered, as if on dark wings, over me, spreading an
+ice-cold atmosphere of death around us, where there should have
+prevailed only a buoyant spirit of cheerfulness and hope.</p>
+
+<p>"In like manner, when you came into my room at the Princess's
+country-house, the same evil power acquired its full dominion over me.
+But this persecution is not without its especial cause. Precisely in the
+same manner in which you entered my apartments, though at a later hour
+of the night, an accursed monk of the Capuchin order once surprised me.
+Spare me the repetition of what then occurred. Suffice it, that he
+became the murderer of my brother; and <i>now</i>, your features&mdash;your tone
+of voice&mdash;your figure&mdash;But no more&mdash;no more of this&mdash;let me be silent on
+that subject for ever, and forgive, if possible, my weakness in this
+betrayal!"</p>
+
+<p>Aurelia reclined on the sofa on which I had placed her, and seemed
+unconscious of that freedom with which I now contemplated the exquisite
+contour of her shape, and the angelic beauty of her features. Once
+more&mdash;all better inspirations&mdash;all doubts and fears vanished from my
+mind&mdash;with a fiendlike scorn and contempt, I said in a low voice&mdash;"Thou
+unhappy <i>fated</i> girl! Thou bought and sold of Satan! Thou, forsooth,
+believest that thou hast escaped from thine old enemy&mdash;from the Capuchin
+monk, who long ago would have led thee on to ruin and despair! But
+<i>now</i>, thou art his bride; and in unconscious mockery of the religion
+which thou cherishest, art doomed to kneel with him at the altar of the
+Most High!"</p>
+
+<p>The powers of darkness had, for a time, acquired over me supreme
+dominion. I exulted over Aurelia as my devoted prey, and began to think,
+like a professed libertine, that her destruction would form the noblest
+epoch in my life. Our present interview, however, was not suffered to be
+of long duration, for Aurelia was summoned to attend the Princess, and I
+was left alone. Her expressions in apologizing for her conduct at the
+Princess's <i>chateau</i>, had convinced me that there existed some mystery
+betwixt us, of the nature of which I was yet unaware, and which I had
+not the means of unravelling, for I perceived that there was no chance
+of inducing Aurelia to speak more explicitly on the subject.</p>
+
+<p>Accident soon after revealed to me that which she had been so determined
+to conceal. One day I happened to be in the apartment of that officer of
+the court, whose business it was to take charge of the receipt and
+delivery of letters. He was suddenly called out, when Aurelia's
+waiting-maid came with a large packet, and placed it among others which
+were already on the table. A fleeting glance confirmed me that the
+hand-writing was that of the Baroness, and I perceived that the
+superscription was to the Abbess of the Cistertian Nunnery at
+Kreuzberg. With the rapidity of lightning the thought vibrated through
+me, that this packet would afford the key to many yet unexplored
+mysteries, and before the officer returned, I had retired, and taken
+with me Aurelia's letter&mdash;of which now follows a transcript&mdash;</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+
+<blockquote>
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Baroness Aurelia von F&mdash;&mdash;</span>, to the Abbess
+of the Cistertian Convent at Kreuzberg:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My dear kind Mother&mdash;How shall I find adequate words to announce
+to you that your daughter is fortunate and happy&mdash;that at length
+the horrid spectre is banished, whose terrific influence, blighting
+every flower, and clouding every sun-gleam, had, for a long
+interval, rendered her existence utterly wretched!</p>
+
+<p>"But now self-reproach falls heavy on my heart. When after my
+unhappy brother's death, and when my father perished from grief and
+disappointment, you received and supported me during my otherwise
+hopeless affliction, I ought then, not only to have confessed my
+sins, but to have acquainted you fully and explicitly with the
+strange and mysterious impressions, by which my tranquillity had
+been broken.</p>
+
+<p>"I was unwilling, however, to disturb you by a detail, which would
+have seemed rather like the fantastic illusions of a disordered
+imagination, than reality, and of which the malignant influence
+then admitted of no cure nor antidote. Circumstances are now
+changed, and I can freely write to you of that secret, which has so
+long been deeply concealed in my own breast. It seems to me,
+indeed, as if that mysterious power by whom I have been haunted,
+had mocked, like a demon, at my every prospect of happiness! I have
+been tost about hither and thither, as if on the waves of a stormy
+sea, and left ever and anon to perish without hope of rescue! Yet
+Heaven has almost miraculously assisted me, even at the moment when
+I was on the point of being irrecoverably lost.</p>
+
+<p>"In order to render my disclosures intelligible, I must look back
+to the period of my earliest recollections, for even at that time,
+the foundation was laid in my heart of those apprehensions which
+have since grown with my growth, and strengthened with my strength.</p>
+
+<p>"It happened when I was only about four years old, that one day,
+when the spring season was at its brightest and loveliest, I was
+busily engaged with Hermogen at play in the castle gardens.
+Hermogen had run about supplying me with a thousand varieties of
+flowers, which he also assisted me to weave into garlands, with
+which I adorned myself, till being completely decked out like a
+fairy queen, and covered with flowers, I said, 'Now, let me go!&mdash;I
+must shew myself to my mother!'</p>
+
+<p>"Hermogen, as you know, was older than I was, and exercised a kind
+of authority over his sister. At these words of mine, he started
+up, 'Stay here, Aurelia,' said he, in a commanding voice&mdash;'Thy
+mother is in her blue closet, and speaks with the devil!' I could
+not tell what my brother meant by this, but, quite overcome with
+terror, I began to weep bitterly&mdash;'Foolish Aurelia,' said Hermogen,
+'wherefore weepest thou?&mdash;Your mother speaks every day with the
+devil. But let us keep out of his way, and he will do us no harm!'
+He spoke, and looked angrily, so that I was obliged to be silent.</p>
+
+<p>"My mother was even then in very feeble health&mdash;she was attacked
+often by frightful convulsions, which left her in a state of
+deathlike weakness. This happened once in presence of Hermogen,
+and myself. We were ordered out of the room, and I wept bitterly;
+but Hermogen only said, 'It is the devil that has done this to
+her!'</p>
+
+<p>"Thus the belief was firmly impressed on my mind, that my mother
+every day held conversations with some frightful spectre, whom,
+even to look upon, would, to any one else, be death. (As to
+religious instructions, they were, of course, yet wholly beyond my
+comprehension.) One day, after rambling through the castle, I was
+horrified to find myself alone in the blue cabinet which had been
+alluded to by Hermogen.</p>
+
+<p>"I should instantly have taken refuge in flight, but my mother came
+in with a deadly paleness on her countenance, and without observing
+me, (for I stood in a corner,) in a deep melancholy tone, she
+pronounced the name, 'Francesco&mdash;Francesco!' There was then a
+strange rustling and rattling behind the oak pannels of the wall.
+The boards began to move, and drew themselves asunder. I then saw a
+full-length portrait, so admirably painted, that it had all the
+animation of life, representing a man in a foreign dress, with a
+dark violet-coloured mantle.</p>
+
+<p>"The figure and expressive countenance of this unknown, made on me
+an indescribable impression, which I never afterwards forgot. My
+admiration was such that I could no longer be silent, but uttered
+an exclamation of joy, which, for the first time, made my mother
+aware of my presence. Her temper, which was generally mild and
+equable, was now more ruffled than on any former occasion.&mdash;'What
+would'st thou here, Aurelia?' said she, in an angry tone; 'who
+brought thee hither?'&mdash;'They left me all alone,' cried I, bursting
+into tears. 'I know not how I came hither, and had no wish to be
+here!'</p>
+
+<p>"Meanwhile the pannels were again put in motion, and the portrait
+disappeared.&mdash;'Alas!' said I, 'the beautiful picture&mdash;Mother,
+dearest mother, why is it gone?'&mdash;The Baroness lifted me up in her
+arms, and caressed me.&mdash;'Thou art my dear good child,' said she;
+'but no one must see that picture, nor speak of its having been
+there. It is now gone, Aurelia, and will never come again!'</p>
+
+<p>"Accordingly, as long as I remembered this warning, I intrusted to
+no one what I had observed in the mysterious blue cabinet. Only to
+Hermogen, I once said&mdash;'Dearest brother, it is not with the devil,
+as you supposed, that our mother speaks, but with a young handsome
+man. However, he is only a picture, and starts out of the wall when
+she calls for him.'&mdash;'The devil,' answered Hermogen, with a fixed
+serious look, 'may look as he will,&mdash;so says our father confessor.
+But as to the Baroness, he dare no longer trouble her!'&mdash;Horror
+seized on me at these words, and I begged of Hermogen, that he
+never would speak of the devil again.</p>
+
+<p>"Soon after this we went to the <i>residenz</i>, and the picture
+<i>almost</i> vanished from my remembrance; nor did I think of it till
+after my mother's death, when we came back to the country. The wing
+of the castle in which was that blue cabinet, remained uninhabited.
+Here had been my late mother's favourite apartments; and my father
+could not enter them without suffering from the most painful
+recollections.</p>
+
+<p>"At last, after an interval of several years, it became necessary
+to order some repairs in that wing; and being now in my fourteenth
+year, restless and wild, I happened to come into the blue cabinet,
+just at the time when the workmen were about to tear up the floor.
+When one of them was in the act of lifting a heavy table, which
+stood in the middle of the room, there was a strange noise heard
+behind the wall, the pannels burst asunder, and the portrait of the
+unknown again became visible.</p>
+
+<p>"On examination, they discovered a spring in the floor, which being
+pressed down, brought into motion certain machinery behind the
+wainscot, which was accordingly drawn aside, as already described,
+so as to exhibit the picture. Once more that extraordinary event of
+my childhood was brought vividly to my remembrance; and, at the
+recollection of my beloved mother, tears started into my eyes. Yet
+I could not turn away my looks from the expressive and interesting
+features of the unknown, which were so admirably painted, that they
+seemed more like life and reality, than any work of art. Above all,
+his eyes were so animated, that their glance seemed to penetrate
+into my very soul.</p>
+
+<p>"Probably the workmen had sent word to my father, of the discovery
+which they had made; for while I yet stood gazing on the unknown,
+he hastily entered the room. He had scarcely cast a fleeting
+glance on the picture, when he appeared almost petrified by some
+mysterious emotion, and murmured to himself, in a deep tone, the
+name '<i>Francesco!</i>'&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Then suddenly, as if awoke from a painful reverie, he turned round
+to the workmen, and, with a stern voice, commanded them, that they
+should directly tear the painting from the wall, roll it up, and
+give it in charge to Reinhold. I was greatly distressed by this
+order. It seemed to me as if I should never more behold that form,
+so heroic, noble, and interesting; who, in his foreign garb,
+appeared to me almost like some prince of the spiritual world! Yet
+an unconquerable timidity prevented me from requesting of my
+father, that he would not allow the portrait to be destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>"In a few days, however, these impressions altogether vanished; nor
+did they recur till after a long interval. I was now carried away
+by the volatility and light-heartedness of youth. A thousand
+sports, of my own devising, every day engaged my attention; and my
+father often said, that Hermogen, at this time, had the quiet,
+timid manners of a well-behaved girl; while I, on the contrary,
+behaved like a wild romping boy!</p>
+
+<p>"These characteristics, however, were soon to be changed. Hermogen
+was already past the years of adolescence, and began to devote his
+whole attention to his own professional pursuits as a young
+soldier. He thought only of hardening his frame to endure every
+possible fatigue&mdash;of parades and reviews&mdash;of military
+tactics&mdash;above all, of actual service in time of danger; and in
+these views, his father (having determined on his son's
+destination) wholly concurred.</p>
+
+<p>"For my part, my whole existence now underwent a complete
+revolution, which I was then unable to interpret, and which I yet
+cannot adequately describe. The solitude in which I lived probably
+contributed to heighten every fantastic impression. If any new
+feeling arose within me, being wholly undiverted by any external
+influence, or by the usual dissipations of society to which others
+can have recourse, it naturally grew into excess. I became
+thoughtful, melancholy, nervous, and discontented. By night, I was
+visited by strange and unaccountable dreams; and during the day, I
+was, by fits, extravagantly merry, or, on the slightest
+provocation, burst into a passion of tears.</p>
+
+<p>"My father observed these changes, which he ascribed to
+irritability of nerves, and called in a physician, who prescribed
+for me all sorts of remedies, without the slightest good effect. At
+this time&mdash;I know not myself how it could have happened&mdash;but one
+night the half-forgotten image of the unknown appeared before me,
+in colours so vivid and lively, that he was no longer a dead
+phantom on canvass, but a corporeal and living being, who gazed on
+me with an aspect of kindness and compassion.</p>
+
+<p>"'Alas!' cried I, 'must I then die? What is it by which I am thus
+so unspeakably tormented?'&mdash;'Thou lovest me, Aurelia,' said the
+vision, 'and this is the cause of thy present illness and
+distraction. But canst thou dissolve the vows of one already
+devoted to heaven?' To my astonishment, I now perceived that the
+unknown wore the robes of a monk.</p>
+
+<p>"Summoning my whole strength, I endeavoured to break the spells
+with which the detestable dream had fettered my senses; and, for
+the present moment, I succeeded in this; but I could not prevent
+the same phantom from recurring to my imagination, and persecuting
+me with tenfold power. I perceived only too well, that for me the
+mysteries of a first love were revealed,&mdash;that, with a passionate
+fervour, of which only the youthful heart is capable, I was
+attached to the nameless and visionary unknown! My indisposition
+seemed, however, to have attained its crisis, and I became
+perceptibly better. My nervous irritability decreased, and I was
+able again to mix in society; only the constant presence of that
+image, my fantastic love of a being who existed only in my own
+brain, rendered me so <i>distraite</i>, that I frequently gave absurd
+answers when questioned; and being wholly wrapt up in my own
+reveries, must have appeared to others either an affected prude, or
+an unidea'd simpleton.</p>
+
+<p>"About this time, I had found, among other romances, in my
+brother's room, one containing the history of a monk, who, being
+overcome by temptations of the devil, renounced his vows, and fell
+in love with a young lady, who in consequence perished miserably.
+This I read with avidity, and though the lessons that it contained
+might have been expected to open my eyes to the dangers which I was
+drawing on myself, yet it had an effect directly the reverse, by
+fixing my attention more and more on those visions which I ought to
+have banished for ever from my mind. Frequently I thought of
+Hermogen's words&mdash;'Thy mother speaks with the devil;' and began to
+think, that the unknown was, in truth, an agent of the Arch-fiend,
+employed to entice me to destruction. Yet I could not cease to love
+him; and when Reinhold came back, on one occasion, from a journey,
+and talked much of a certain Brother Medardus, whom he had heard
+preach in the town of Königswald, there arose within me an obscure
+dim apprehension, that the original of the beloved and yet dreaded
+vision might be that very Medardus; and this belief Reinhold's
+description of the preacher's features and person seemed amply to
+sanction. Thereafter, the wild dreams and internal conflicts by
+which I was persecuted, were increased tenfold. It happened that a
+monk (as was often the case) came to visit at my father's house;
+and this person chose, in a very diffuse lecture, to describe the
+manifold temptations of the devil, and the wretched delusions to
+which especially youthful minds were subjected, if they did not
+sufficiently resist his influence. My father seemed to approve of
+this discourse, and I believed it was aimed particularly at
+me.&mdash;'Only unbounded trust and confidence,' said the clergyman,
+'not only in religion, but in her servants, and submissive
+obedience to their injunctions and advice, can afford hopes of
+rescue.'</p>
+
+<p>"Not long after this, I accompanied my father to the town of
+Königswald, whither he went to attend a law process which Reinhold
+had been unable to finish alone. We lived at the garden-house of
+the Graf van M&mdash;&mdash;, which is close by the celebrated chapel of the
+Capuchin Convent; and remembering the lecture which I had heard
+just before leaving home, I resolved not to lose that opportunity
+of fulfilling the sacred duty of confession."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>[Aurelia's letter is very long, and contains a recapitulation, in a
+diffuse rambling style, of events that are already known to the reader.
+In the first place, there is her interview with Medardus in the church,
+which has been described already in the first volume of these Memoirs.
+After this, it appears that Aurelia was seized by a long and dangerous
+illness, by which her passion for Medardus was, for a time, completely
+subdued and alienated. To this change his vehement exhortation to her
+in the confessional had also contributed; but, for the future, she
+looked on the whole transaction as a dream, with which she had been
+visited, in order that her eyes should be opened to the errors into
+which she had, by a youthful imagination, been led.</p>
+
+<p>Secondly, there is a full explanation of her conduct at the time when
+Medardus appeared at the castle of her father the Baron von F&mdash;&mdash;.
+Though she at once recognized the former object of her affections, yet,
+with an unshaken perseverance, she persisted in her determination, on no
+occasion whatever to betray this recognition. Many times, however, she
+now underwent severe conflicts on account of a transient recurrence of
+her not yet wholly conquered passion; but against these her mind was
+fortified by the constant presence and advice of Hermogen.</p>
+
+<p>Thirdly, and lastly, comes a detail of recent circumstances which are
+already sufficiently intelligible. No sooner had Medardus, in
+consequence of Aurelia's representations, been thrown into prison, and,
+by the opinion of every one, already prejudged to the scaffold, than
+she became dreadfully agitated; and, although conscious that her conduct
+was but the fulfilment of imperious duty, and feeling the utmost
+abhorrence for him as a criminal, yet with these feelings was blended a
+share of compassion, so that she almost regretted what she had done. At
+this period, the discovery of the insane monk, in whom Cyrillus
+recognized the true Medardus&mdash;the proofs received from Posen, that the
+individual who had, in consequence of her accusations, been imprisoned,
+was a Polish nobleman, and never had been a monk&mdash;effected an entire
+revolution in her mind. Regret for the sufferings which she had so
+unwarrantably inflicted, led naturally to the revival of her early
+passion, which had now found a legitimate and innocent object.</p>
+
+<p>She dwells with satisfaction on many attributes of character and
+demeanour, in which her beloved Leonard differs from, and contrasts
+with, the detestable monk, by whom her brother had been put to death.
+Only the adventure at the Princess's country-house had, for a time,
+broken in upon this confidence, and given rise to many harassing doubts
+and fears, with an oppressive feeling of mystery, by which her mind is
+still clouded, and against which she earnestly entreats the prayers and
+maternal blessing of the Abbess for herself and her betrothed husband.]</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Repeatedly, and with the greatest attention, I read over this letter of
+Aurelia, especially the latter pages, in which there was obviously
+displayed so much of true piety and confiding simplicity of heart, that,
+at our next meeting, I was unable to continue my addresses in the tone
+and manner in which I had before indulged. Aurelia remarked this change
+in my conduct; and, struck with remorse, I penitentially confessed to
+her my robbery of her letter addressed to the Lady Abbess&mdash;(which,
+however, I had duly sealed and forwarded)&mdash;excusing myself on the
+principle, that some mysterious and supernatural impulse had forced me
+to this deed, against which it was impossible to contend. I insisted
+also, that a similar influence, emanating from some high and
+inexplicable source, had already shadowed forth to me in visions some of
+the principal incidents in her life, which the perusal of the letter,
+therefore, had only confirmed and realized.&mdash;"As a proof," said I, "of
+the intellectual sympathy existing betwixt us, I could long ere now have
+informed you of a wonderful dream by which I was myself visited, in
+which you confessed to me your love; but methought I was transformed
+into a miserable monk, whose heart, instead of being rejoiced by such
+good fortune, was torn by remorse and self-reproach. I loved you,
+indeed, with the utmost fervour; but my love was mortal sin; for I had
+regularly taken the vows of a Capuchin; and you, Aurelia, were
+metamorphosed into the blessed St Rosalia."</p>
+
+<p>At these words Aurelia started up in affright. "For God's sake,
+Leonard," said she, "say no more! Our lives are mutually obscured by
+some frightful and impenetrable mystery; and the less we endeavour to
+break through the veil by which it is now wrapt in darkness, the better.
+Who knows what insupportable horrors may be therein concealed? Let us
+think no more of such frightful inquiries, but rely firmly on each
+other. That you have read my letter to the Abbess no doubt surprises
+and vexes me. But what is done cannot be retrieved. As to its contents,
+I would willingly have imparted them to you <i>viva voce</i>, if I had known
+that it was to serve any good purpose, for no secrets dare exist betwixt
+us. But to say the truth, Leonard, it appears to me that you yourself
+struggle against the evil influence of much that is wrapt up in your own
+bosom, and which, on account of false shame, you do not allow to pass
+your lips. If possible, be for the future sincere! How much would your
+heart be lightened by a free confession, and as to our attachment, its
+bonds would thereby be strengthened tenfold!"</p>
+
+<p>At these words of Aurelia, I felt in all its bitterness the torment of
+conscious deception and hypocrisy. I reflected with the keenest
+self-reproach, how, only a few moments before, I had voluntarily
+practised imposition against this pious simple-hearted girl; and an
+almost unconquerable impulse arose within me to confess to her
+<i>all</i>&mdash;even the worst that I could utter against myself, and yet
+methought I should not even then lose her affection!</p>
+
+<p>"Aurelia! my guardian angel, who rescued me from&mdash;&mdash;" I had thus even
+begun my confession, when the Princess abruptly entered the room, and
+produced an entire change, not only in my behaviour, but in my feelings.
+Her manner, as usual, was haughty and ceremonious. I met her with all
+the outward forms of respect, but internally with emotions of scorn and
+defiance. As the acknowledged bridegroom of Aurelia, she was now obliged
+to bear with me, and I boldly kept my place, though I perceived that her
+aversion to me was by no means abated. In truth, it was only when alone
+with Aurelia that I was now free from all wicked thoughts and impulses.
+At such moments, the beatitude of Heaven seemed to descend on me, and I
+began once more to wish anxiously for our marriage, in despite of every
+obstacle.</p>
+
+<p>About this time it came to pass that a remarkable dream one night
+greatly disturbed my rest, by the recollection of which I continued for
+several days to be haunted. Methought the figure of my mother stood
+vividly before me, and when I wished to salute and welcome her, I
+perceived it was but an aerial phantom which assumed her features, and
+mocked my filial embrace. "To what purpose this absurd deception?" cried
+I, angrily&mdash;"Thou delusive shadow, what would'st thou here?"</p>
+
+<p>Then methought my mother wept bitterly. The tears that she shed were
+changed into bright dazzling stars which floated through the air, and
+began to form a circle round my head; but ever and anon, a black
+frightful hand, like that of a demon, with long claws, broke the circle
+as soon as it was nearly formed. "Thou, whom I brought pure and sinless
+into the world," said my mother, "and whose infancy and youth I watched
+over with such care, hast thou lost all energy and self-command, that
+thou submittest, like a grovelling slave, to every enticement of Satan?
+Now, indeed, I can look into thine inmost heart, since the load of
+earthly existence, under which I have long struggled, is taken from my
+shoulders. Rouse thyself, Franciscus! Resist the fiend that besets thee,
+and he will flee! I shall once more adorn thee, as in early days, with
+ribbons and flowers, for St Bernard's day is come, and thou shalt again
+be a pious and happy child!"</p>
+
+<p>Now it seemed to me as if, in obedience to my mother's admonition, I
+must once more begin singing one of the lovely anthems which I had
+learned in my youth, but frightful and indescribable noises overpowered
+my voice. My attempts at music were like the howling of a wild beast;
+and betwixt me and my phantom visitant there fell, rustling and
+undulating, the folds of a massy black veil, supported by the spectral
+arms of demons, with long hideous talons. Thus ended my dream.</p>
+
+<p>Two days afterwards, I happened to meet in the park the chief judge of
+the criminal court, who came up to me in a very friendly manner, and
+entered into conversation.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you know," said he, "that the final issue of Medardus's trial has
+again become very doubtful? Judgment of death had nearly been pronounced
+against him, indeed was all but carried into effect, when he again
+shewed symptoms of madness. The court received intelligence of the death
+of his mother. I made this known to him. Then he laughed aloud like a
+maniac, and in a tone which would have inspired the stoutest heart with
+horror&mdash;'The Duchess of Neuenburg!' said he, (naming the wife of the
+late Duke, brother of our Sovereign,)&mdash;'She is long since dead. If this
+is all the intelligence you had to bring, the trouble might have been
+spared!'</p>
+
+<p>"In consequence of this paroxysm, the execution of the sentence is
+delayed, and a new medical inquiry set on foot. However, it is
+generally believed that his madness is only pretended, and that his
+condemnation is therefore inevitable."</p>
+
+<p>I afterwards obtained information of the day and hour of my mother's
+death, and found that these corresponded exactly with the time at which
+she had appeared to me in that remarkable vision.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>The day which the Prince had appointed for our marriage was at last
+arrived; and the ceremony was to take place in the morning, at the altar
+of St Rosalia, in the church of a neighbouring convent, which (I know
+not for what reason) Aurelia preferred to the Prince's chapel. I passed
+the preceding night in watching and prayer.&mdash;Alas! I did not reflect
+that prayer under such circumstances, and cherishing such intentions in
+my heart, was only adding by blasphemy to my previous guilt.</p>
+
+<p>When I went to Aurelia, she came, dressed in white, and wearing roses as
+her only ornament, to meet me. Never had she looked more beautiful; but
+in the fashion of her dress, and in the flower wreaths that she had
+chosen, there was something that inspired me with strange and mysterious
+recollections, which I knew not how to define. At the same moment I
+remembered that the painting over the altar, at which the marriage
+ceremony was to take place, represented the martyrdom of St Rosalia, and
+that the saint was there dressed precisely as Aurelia now appeared,
+whereupon my whole frame was shaken with horrid and uncontrollable
+apprehensions, which it was hardly in my power to conceal.</p>
+
+<p>We had no time for conversation, however. Scarcely had I saluted
+Aurelia, when a servant of the Prince announced that we were waited for
+by the wedding-party. She quickly drew on her gloves, and gave me her
+arm. Then one of her attendants remarked that some ringlets of her hair
+had fallen loose, and begged for a moment's delay. Aurelia seemed vexed
+at the interruption, but waited accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>At that moment a hollow rumbling noise, and a tumult of voices on the
+street, attracted our attention. At Aurelia's request I hastened to the
+window. There, just before the palace, was a <i>leiter-wagen</i>, which, on
+account of some obstacle, had stopped in the street. The car was
+surrounded by the executioners of justice; and within it, I perceived
+the horrible monk, who sat looking backwards, while before him was a
+capuchin, earnestly engaged in prayer. His countenance was deadly pale,
+and again disfigured by a grizzly beard, but the features of my
+detestable <i>double</i> were to me but too easily recognizable.</p>
+
+<p>When the carriage, that had been for a short space interrupted by the
+crowd, began to roll on, he seemed awoke from his reverie, and turning
+up his staring spectral eyes towards me, instantly became animated. He
+laughed and howled aloud&mdash;"<i>Brüd-er-lein</i>&mdash;<i>Brüd-er-lein!</i>" cried
+he.&mdash;"Bride-groom!&mdash;Bride-groom!&mdash;Come quickly&mdash;come quickly.&mdash;Up&mdash;up to
+the roof of the house. There the owl holds his wedding-feast; the
+weather-cock sings aloud! There shall we contend together, and whoever
+casts the other down, is king, and may drink blood!"</p>
+
+<p>The howling voice in which he uttered these words, the glare of his
+eyes, and the horrible writhings of his visage, that was like that of an
+animated corse, were more than, weakened as I was by previous
+agitation, I was able to withstand. From that moment I lost all
+self-possession; I became also utterly insane, and unconscious what I
+did! At first I tried to speak calmly. "Horrible wretch!" said I; "what
+mean'st thou? What would'st thou from me?"</p>
+
+<p>Then I grinned, jabbered, and howled back to the madman; and Aurelia, in
+an agony of terror, broke from her attendants, and ran up to me. With
+all her strength, she seized my arms, and endeavoured to draw me from
+the window. "For God's sake," cried she, "leave that horrible spectacle;
+they are dragging Medardus, the murderer of my brother, to the scaffold.
+Leonard!&mdash;Leonard!"</p>
+
+<p>Then all the demons of hell seemed awoke within me, and manifested, in
+its utmost extent, that power which they are allowed to exercise over an
+obdurate and unrepentant sinner. With reckless cruelty I repulsed
+Aurelia, who trembled, as if shook by convulsions, in every
+limb.&mdash;"Ha&mdash;ha&mdash;ha!" I almost shrieked aloud&mdash;"foolish, insane girl! I
+myself, thy lover, thy chosen bridegroom, am the murderer of thy
+brother! Would'st thou by thy complaints bring down destruction from
+heaven on thy sworn husband?&mdash;Ho&mdash;ho&mdash;ho! I am king&mdash;I am king&mdash;and will
+drink blood!"</p>
+
+<p>I drew out the stiletto&mdash;I struck at Aurelia,&mdash;blood streamed over my
+arm and hand, and she fell lifeless at my feet. I rushed down
+stairs,&mdash;forced my way through the crowd to the carriage&mdash;seized the
+monk by the collar, and with supernatural strength tore him from the
+car. Then I was arrested by the executioner; but with the stiletto in my
+hand, I defended myself so furiously, that I broke loose, and rushed
+into the thick of the mob, where, in a few moments, I found myself
+wounded by a stab in the side; but the people were struck with such
+terror, that I made my way through them as far as to the neighbouring
+wall of the park, which, by a frightful effort, I leapt over.</p>
+
+<p>"Murder&mdash;murder!&mdash;Stop&mdash;stop the murderer!" I had fallen down, almost
+fainting, on the other side of the wall, but these outcries instantly
+gave me new strength. Some were knocking with great violence, in vain
+endeavours to break open one of the park gates, which, not being the
+regular entrance, was always kept closed. Others were striving to
+clamber over the wall, which I had cleared by an incredible leap. I
+rose, and exerting my utmost speed, ran forward. I came, ere long, to a
+broad <i>fosse</i>, by which the park was separated from the adjoining
+forest. By another tremendous effort, I jumped over, and continued to
+run on through the wood, until at last I sank down, utterly exhausted,
+under a tree.</p>
+
+<p>I know not how the time had passed, but it was already evening, and dark
+shadows reigned through the forest, when I came again to my
+recollection. My progress in running so far had passed over like an
+obscure dream. I recollect only the wind roaring amid the dense canopy
+of the trees, and that many times I mistook some old moss-grown pollard
+stem for an officer of justice, armed and ready to seize upon me!</p>
+
+<p>When I awoke from the swoon and utter stupefaction into which I had
+fallen, my first impulse was merely to set out again, like a hunted wild
+beast, and fly, if possible, from my pursuers to the very end of the
+earth! As soon, however, as I was only past the frontiers of the
+Prince's dominions, I would certainly be safe from all immediate
+persecution.</p>
+
+<p>I rose accordingly, but scarcely had I advanced a few steps, when there
+was a violent rustling in the thicket; and from thence, in a state of
+the most vehement rage and excitement, sprung the monk, who, no doubt in
+consequence of the disturbance that I had raised, had contrived to make
+his escape from the guards and executioners.</p>
+
+<p>In a paroxysm of madness he flew towards me, leaping through the bushes
+like a tiger, and finally sprung upon my shoulders, clasping his arms
+about my throat, so that I was almost suffocated. Under any other
+circumstances, I would have instantly freed myself from such an attack,
+but I was enfeebled to the last degree by the exertions I had undergone,
+and all that I could attempt was to render this feebleness subservient
+to my rescue. I fell down under his weight, and endeavoured to take
+advantage of that event. I rolled myself on the ground, and grappled
+with him; but in vain! I could not disengage myself, and my
+infernal double laughed scornfully. His abominable accents,
+"He&mdash;he&mdash;he!&mdash;He&mdash;he&mdash;he!" sounded amid the desolate loneliness of the
+woods.</p>
+
+<p>During this contest, the moon broke, only for a moment, through the
+clouds, for the night was gloomy and tempestuous. Then, as her silvery
+gleam slanted through the dark shade of the pine trees, I beheld, in all
+its horror, the deadly pale visage of my <i>second self</i>, with the same
+expression which had glared out upon me from the cart in which he had
+been dragged to execution. "He&mdash;he&mdash;he&mdash;Broth-er, broth-er!&mdash;Ever, ever
+I am with thee!&mdash;Leave thee, leave thee never!&mdash;Cannot run as thou
+canst! Must carry&mdash;carry me! Come straight from the gallows&mdash;They would
+have nailed me to the wheel&mdash;He&mdash;he&mdash;he!&mdash;He&mdash;he&mdash;he!"</p>
+
+<p>Thus the infernal spectre howled and laughed aloud as we lay on the
+ground; but ere the fleeting moonbeam had passed away, I was roused once
+more to furious rage. I sprang up like a bear in the embraces of a
+boa-constrictor, and ran with my utmost force against trees and
+fragments of rock, so that if I could not kill him, I might at least
+wound him in such manner that he would be under the necessity of letting
+me go. But in vain. He only laughed the more loudly and scornfully; and
+my personal sufferings were increased tenfold by my endeavours to end
+them.</p>
+
+<p>I then strove with my whole remaining strength to burst asunder his
+hands, which were firmly knotted round my throat, but the supernatural
+energies of the monster threatened me with strangulation. At last, after
+a furious conflict, he suddenly fell, as if lifeless, on the ground: and
+though scarcely able to breathe, I had run onwards for some yards, when
+again he sat upon my shoulders, laughing as before, and stammering out
+the same horrible words. Of new succeeded the same efforts of despairing
+rage! Of new I was freed! Then again locked in the embraces of this
+demoniacal spectre!</p>
+
+<p>After this I lost all consciousness.&mdash;I am utterly unable to say
+distinctly how long I was persecuted by my relentless <i>double</i>. It seems
+to me as if my struggles must have continued at least during a whole
+month; and that during this long period I neither ate nor drank. I
+remember only <i>one</i> lucid interval. All the rest is utter darkness.</p>
+
+<p>I had just succeeded in throwing off my double, when a clear gleam of
+sun-light brightened the woods, and with it a pleasant sound of bells
+rose on mine ear. I distinguished unequivocally the chimes of a convent,
+which rung for early mass. For a moment I rejoiced; but then the thought
+came like annihilation upon me&mdash;"<span class="smcap">Thou hast murdered Aurelia!</span>" and once
+more losing all self-possession and recollection, I fell in despair upon
+the earth.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Methought the air in which I breathed had a mildness and fragrance such
+as now I had never known; but, as yet, I was labouring under the
+influence of a deep and morbid slumber. I felt a strange irritation, a
+shooting prickly pain in every vein and fibre, till it seemed as if my
+frame was split and divided an hundred fold, and every division thence
+arising assumed a peculiar and individual principle of life, while the
+head in vain strove to command the limbs, which, like unfaithful
+vassals, would not submit themselves to its dominion.</p>
+
+<p>Then, methought, each of these separated parts became a glittering fiery
+point, which began to turn itself round in a circle, till hundreds of
+them, whirling rapidly together, formed at last the appearance of a
+fixed ball of fire, which darted forth flames and coruscations. "These
+are my limbs which are thus moving," said I to myself; "now I am for
+certain about to awake."</p>
+
+<p>At that moment, when the fiery ball was turning round, I felt sudden and
+violent pain, and distinctly heard the sound of a clear chime of bells.
+"Away, away&mdash;Onward, onward!" cried I, believing myself still in the
+wood, and making a vehement effort to rise up, but I fell back powerless
+on my couch. Now, for the first time, I was restored to perfect
+consciousness, and saw, with great surprise, that I was no longer in the
+forest. In the dress of a Capuchin monk, I lay upon a well-stuffed
+mattress. The room was vaulted and lofty; a pair of rush-bottomed
+chairs, and a small table, stood beside my bed.</p>
+
+<p>I concluded that my state of unconsciousness must have continued for a
+long time, and that, while in that unhappy situation, I must have been
+brought to some convent or other, where the monks were, by their rule,
+obliged to receive the sick. Probably my clothes had been torn, and they
+had been obliged, for the meanwhile, to supply me with a cowl. However
+this might be, there was no doubt that I had escaped from all immediate
+danger. I was also free from pain, though very weak, therefore continued
+quite tranquil, having no doubt that my protectors would, in due time,
+look after their charge.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, it was not long before I heard steps that seemed, from
+their sound, to approach through a long stone-floored gallery. My door
+opened, and I saw two men, of whom one had a lay dress, the other wore
+the habit of the brethren of charity. They came up to me in silence; the
+man in the lay dress fixed his eyes on me, and seemed much astonished.
+"I am again come to myself, sir," said I, in a weak voice. "Heaven be
+praised, who has restored to me my reason. But will you be so good as to
+inform me where I am, and how I have been brought hither?"</p>
+
+<p>Without answering me, the physician (as I supposed him to be) turned to
+the clergyman, and said, in Italian, "This is indeed very extraordinary.
+His looks are, since our last visit, completely changed. His speech is
+quite clear, only weak. Some particular crisis must have taken place in
+his malady."</p>
+
+<p>"For my part," said the monk, "I have no doubt that he is completely
+cured."</p>
+
+<p>"Of that," said the physician, "we cannot judge, until we have seen how
+he may conduct himself for the next few days. But do you not understand
+as much German as to speak with him?"</p>
+
+<p>The monk answered in the negative.</p>
+
+<p>"I understand and speak Italian," interrupted I. "Tell me, then, I
+beseech you, where I am, and how I found my way hither?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ha!" cried the physician, "our difficulties are then at an end. You
+find yourself, reverend sir, in a place where every possible precaution
+has been, and will be taken, for your perfect recovery. Three months ago
+you were brought hither in a very critical and dangerous situation; but,
+under our care and attention, you seem to have made great progress
+towards convalescence; and if we shall have the good fortune to complete
+your cure, you may then freely pursue your journey, for, as I have
+understood, you wish to go to Rome."</p>
+
+<p>"Did I come to you, then," said I, "in this Capuchin dress which I now
+wear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Truly you did so," said the physician; "but give over, I pray you, this
+asking of questions, and do not disquiet yourself&mdash;everything shall, in
+due time, be explained to your satisfaction. Our business at present is
+to attend to your bodily health."</p>
+
+<p>He then felt my pulse, and the monk, who had for a moment disappeared,
+returned with a cup full of some liquid, which the physician desired me
+to drink, and then to tell him what I thought it was. I obeyed, and told
+him that what I had drunk seemed to me a strong and nourishing
+meat-broth. "Good&mdash;very good," said the monk, with a smile of
+satisfaction. They then left me alone, with a promise of returning in a
+short time.</p>
+
+<p>Through the next three days, I was attended with the utmost skill and
+kindness by the brethren and the physician. I continued rapidly to
+improve, and at the end of that time was able to rise up, and, leaning
+on the monk's arm, to walk through the room. He led me to the window and
+opened the lattice. A delightfully warm and fragrant (but not sultry)
+air, such as till then I had never breathed, came in at the window.
+Without, I beheld an extensive garden, wherein all sorts of fruit-trees
+grew, and flourished in the highest luxuriance. There were also
+delightful arbours, bowers, and temples; while, even around the window
+from which I looked, the grapes hung in rich massy clusters. Above all,
+however, it was, with the clear cloudless blue of the sky that I was
+altogether enchanted. I could not find words to express my admiration.</p>
+
+<p>"Where am I then?" cried I. "Have the blessed saints granted to a
+wretched sinner to dwell in their Elysium?"</p>
+
+<p>The monk smiled contentedly at my raptures. "You are in Italy, brother,"
+said he.</p>
+
+<p>"In Italy!" repeated I, with the utmost astonishment. I then urged the
+clergyman to explain to me more particularly how I could have found my
+way to such a distance. He referred me to the physician, who just then
+entered, and who at last informed me, that a strange man of most
+eccentric manners had brought me hither about three months ago, and
+begged that I might be taken into their house; that, finally, I was in a
+regular hospital, which was taken charge of by the brethren of charity.</p>
+
+<p>As I gradually gained more strength, I found that the monk and physician
+willingly entered into conversation with me on various subjects of
+literature and the arts. The latter, as if in order to obtain
+information for himself, even requested me to write down many things
+which he afterwards read over in my presence; but I was puzzled by
+observing that, instead of praising what I had written on its own
+account, he only said, "Indeed?&mdash;This looks well!&mdash;I have not been
+deceived&mdash;Excellent&mdash;excellent!"</p>
+
+<p>I was now allowed at certain hours to walk in the garden, where,
+however, I was greatly discomposed by the sight of strange spectral
+figures, who, as if quite unable to take care of themselves, were led
+about by the monks. Once, in particular, I was struck by the appearance
+of a tall haggard man, in a dingy yellow mantle, who was led by two of
+the brethren, one on each side, and in this manner met me as I was
+returning to the house. At every step, he made the most absurd
+gesticulations, as if he were about to commence a <i>pas seul</i>, at the
+same time whistling shrilly an accompaniment.</p>
+
+<p>Astonished at this, I stood gazing on the man, but the monk by whom I
+was attended drew me suddenly away. "Come, come, dear brother Medardus!"
+said he, "that is no business of yours!"</p>
+
+<p>"For God's sake," said I, "tell me how is it that you know anything of
+my name?"</p>
+
+<p>The vehemence with which I put this question seemed to discompose my
+attendant. "For what reason," said he, "should we not know your name?
+The man by whom you were brought hither, named you without hesitation,
+and you were accordingly entered in the list of the house&mdash;Medardus,
+brother of the Capuchin Convent at Königswald."</p>
+
+<p>Once more I felt the ice-cold shuddering of terror vibrate in every
+limb. But whoever was the unknown by whom I had been brought to the
+hospital, whether he were or were not initiated in the horrible
+mysteries of my life, he certainly had not cherished any evil intentions
+towards me, for I had been treated with the greatest care and
+tenderness, and was, besides, at liberty to go whereever I wished.</p>
+
+<p>After this walk, I had returned to my chamber, and was leaning out at
+the open window inhaling the delightful fragrance of the air, which
+seemed to inspire me with new life and energy in every fibre, when I
+beheld in the garden a man coming up the middle walk, whom I thought
+that I had seen before, but could not immediately recollect where.</p>
+
+<p>He was a diminutive withered figure, had upon his head a small hat with
+a long peaked crown, and was dressed in a miserable weather-beaten
+surtout. In his gait, he rather danced than walked; nay, every now and
+then cut a caper right up into the air; and anon, started off to one
+side, as if he were possessed by the demon of St Vitus. Occasionally he
+made a full stop, and at one of these intervals, perceiving me at the
+window, he took off his high-peaked hat, and waved it in the air, then
+kissed his hand repeatedly, with an emphasis of gesticulation which at
+once confirmed and cleared up my recollection. There was but one
+individual in the world who could have practised these man&oelig;uvres, and
+that was Belcampo! He vanished, however, among the trees; but, not long
+afterwards, I heard a particular rap at the door, of which the style and
+manner immediately taught me whom I was to expect.</p>
+
+<p>"Schönfeld!" said I, as he indeed made his appearance; "how, in the name
+of wonder, have you found your way hither?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ach&mdash;ach!" said he, twisting his face, as if he were about to
+weep&mdash;"how should I have come hither otherwise than driven and hurled
+onwards as I was by that malignant and relentless destiny, which never
+fails to persecute every man of true genius. On account of a murder, I
+was obliged to fly from the rich and flourishing town of Frankenburg."</p>
+
+<p>"On account of a murder!&mdash;What would'st thou say?" interrupted I, with
+considerable agitation.</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, truly," answered he&mdash;"on account of a murder. I had, in a fit of
+wrath, immolated the left whisker of the youngest <i>Commerziensrath</i> in
+that free town, and had also dangerously wounded the right mustachio."</p>
+
+<p>"Once more," said I, "I must beg of you to give up these absurd and
+unmeaning jokes, and to tell your story connectedly, otherwise you had
+better leave the room."</p>
+
+<p>"Nay, dear brother Medardus," he resumed, "this is indeed unforeseen and
+unaccountable; now that you are restored to health, you would send me
+from you in disgrace; but, as long as you were ill, you were glad to
+have me for a companion in your room, and to be always near to you."</p>
+
+<p>"What does all this mean?" cried I, quite confounded; "and how have you
+got to the knowledge of my name Medardus?"</p>
+
+<p>"Look," said he, with an ironical smile, "if you please, at the
+right-hand lappelle of your monk's cowl."</p>
+
+<p>I did so, and became almost petrified with terror and astonishment, for
+I found the name "Medardus" embroidered thereupon; and, on more accurate
+inspection, I could discover also that this was the identical tunic
+which, on my flight from the castle of the Baron von F&mdash;&mdash;, I had thrown
+into a hollow tree in the forest.</p>
+
+<p>Schönfeld did not fail to remark my agitation, over which he seemed
+wickedly to triumph. With his fore-finger on his nose, and lifting
+himself on tiptoe, he looked stedfastly in my face. I remained
+speechless; then, in a low and pensive tone, he resumed&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Your excellency, no doubt, wonders at the handsome dress which has been
+chosen for you. To say the truth, it seemed in every respect to fit and
+become you better than the nut-brown suit, with plated buttons, which
+my wise friend Damon supplied for you. It was I, the banished, the
+despised and misunderstood Belcampo, who provided for you this dress, in
+order to cover your nakedness. Brother Medardus, you were then, indeed,
+but in a sorry plight, for, instead of great-coat, vest, pantaloons,
+English frock, &amp;c. &amp;c. you wore, in the simplest, and most unpretending
+manner, your own skin. As to a proper friseur, you thought as little of
+him as you did of a tailor, performing his functions with your own ten
+fingers, in a style which was by no means to be commended."</p>
+
+<p>"Give over these disgusting follies," said I, much incensed;
+"Schönfeld&mdash;I insist on your being rational, otherwise I will hear no
+more!"</p>
+
+<p>"Pietro Belcampo is my name," interrupted he, with great vehemence; "Ay,
+Pietro Belcampo; for we are now in Italy, and you must know, reverend
+sir, that I, simple as I here stand, impersonize that folly, which
+luckily has been present on every disastrous occasion, to assist your
+wisdom; and without which, you would have found yourself miserably
+deficient. It is from Folly alone that you have derived protection. By
+this alone your boasted reason, which is unable to hold itself upright,
+but totters about like a drunk man or a child, has been supported, and
+instructed to find the right road home, that is to say, to the
+mad-house, where we are both happily arrived."</p>
+
+<p>By these last words I was much agitated. I thought on the strange
+figures that I had seen, especially on the tall haggard man in the dingy
+yellow mantle, who had made such absurd gesticulations; and could
+entertain no doubt that Schönfeld had told me the truth. "Ay, dear
+brother Medardus," resumed Schönfeld, with solemn voice and gestures;
+"Folly is, indeed, on this earth, the true intellectual queen. Reason,
+on the other hand, is only a pitiful viceroy, who never troubles himself
+with what happens beyond his own narrow boundaries, who, from sheer
+<i>ennui</i>, indeed, makes his soldiers be exercised on the <i>parade-platz</i>,
+though the said soldiers afterwards, in time of danger, cannot fire a
+single volley in proper time. But Folly, the true queen of the people,
+marches in with kettle-drums and trumpets&mdash;Huzza! Huzza!&mdash;before and
+behind her, triumph and rejoicing! The lieges straightway emancipate
+themselves from the constraint in which Reason would have held them, and
+will no longer stand or walk as their pedantic tutor would have them to
+do. At last he calls the roll, and complains,&mdash;'Lo! Folly hath robbed me
+of my best recruits&mdash;hath driven them away&mdash;driven their wits a
+wool-gathering&mdash;ay, driven them mad.' That is a play of words, dear
+brother Medardus, and such play is like a glowing pair of curling-irons
+in the hand of Folly, with which she can twist such a thought!"</p>
+
+<p>"Desist, I once more entreat of you," said I, "desist from this childish
+clatter of unmeaning words, and tell me concisely how you came hither,
+and what you know regarding the dress which I now wear!" Hereupon I
+seized him by both arms, and forced him into a chair, where he seemed to
+recollect himself, fixed his eyes stedfastly on the ground, and with a
+deep sigh resumed,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I have saved your life," said he, "for the second time. It was I who
+enabled you to escape from the town of Frankenburg. It was I, too, who
+brought you hither."</p>
+
+<p>"But, in the name of Heaven," said I, "where did you last find me?"</p>
+
+<p>I had let him go, and he instantly bolted up&mdash;"Ha, brother Medardus,"
+said he, "if I, weak and diminutive as I seem, had not contrived to bear
+you on my shoulders, your limbs would by this time, have lain the food
+of ravens on the wheel!"</p>
+
+<p>I shuddered as if ready to faint, and sunk into a chair. At that moment
+my attendant monk entered the room. "How hast thou come hither? Who gave
+thee liberty now to enter this room?" said he, very angrily, to
+Belcampo.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! venerable father," said the latter, in a supplicating tone, and
+pretending to burst into tears, "I could no longer resist the vehement
+impulse to visit my dearest friend, whom I had rescued from danger of
+death!"</p>
+
+<p>I now recovered myself. "Tell me, brother," said I to the monk, "did
+this man really bring me hither?"</p>
+
+<p>The monk hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"I scarcely know," said I, "in what sort of hospital I am now protected,
+but I can easily suppose that I have been in the most frightful of all
+conditions. You perceive, however, that I am now quite well, and
+therefore, I may hear all which was before intentionally concealed from
+me, when you supposed that my nerves were yet too irritable."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+
+<p>"It is, indeed, quite true," said the monk, "this man brought you hither
+about three months and a half ago. He had, according to his own account,
+found you in the Lovanian forest, (which separates the dominions of the
+Prince of Laguria, from our district,) and had recognized you for the
+Capuchin Medardus from Königswald, who had before, on a journey to Rome,
+passed through a town where he then lived.</p>
+
+<p>"When first brought among us, you were in a state of utter apathy. You
+walked when you were led, remained standing if one let you alone, and
+seated or laid yourself down according as you were put into the required
+position. Food and drink we were obliged to pour down your throat; as to
+words, you were able only to utter hollow unintelligible sounds, and
+your eyes appeared to stare, without the power of distinguishing any
+object. Belcampo then never left you, but was your faithful attendant.
+After an interval of about a month, you fell into a state of outrageous
+madness, and we were obliged to place you in one of the cells
+appropriated for persons in that frightful malady. You were then like a
+ferocious wild beast; but I dare not describe your sufferings more
+minutely, as the picture might be too painful. After some weeks, your
+state of apathy again returned, and seemed more obstinate than ever, but
+at last, God be praised, you awoke from your stupefaction, into your
+present convalescence."</p>
+
+<p>Schönfeld had, during this narrative of the monk, seated himself, as if
+in deep reflection, leaning his head on his hand. "Ay, truly," he
+resumed, "I know that I am sometimes little better than a self-conceited
+fool; but the air of the mad-house, destructive to reasonable people,
+has on me had a very beneficial influence. I begin to speculate on my
+own errors, which is no bad sign. If, generally speaking, I exist only
+through my own self-consciousness, it is only requisite that this
+consciousness should pull off the fool's motley coat, and I shall shew
+myself to the world, a very wise, rational gentleman. But, oh, heavens!
+is not a genial friseur, according to the principles of his character
+and profession, a privileged fool and coxcomb? Such folly is, in truth,
+a protection from all madness; and I can assure you, reverend sir, that
+in a north-west wind, I can distinguish very well between a church-tower
+and a lamp-post!"</p>
+
+<p>"If this be really the case," said I, "give us a proof of it now by a
+quiet rational narrative, how you discovered me in the wood, and brought
+me to this house."</p>
+
+<p>"That shall immediately be done," said Belcampo, "though the reverend
+father on my right hand looks at me with a very suspicious aspect. You
+must know, then, that on the morning after your escape from Frankenburg,
+the foreign painter, with his collection of pictures, had also, in an
+inconceivable manner, vanished; and although the disturbance that you
+had raised at first excited a good deal of notice, yet, in the stream of
+other events, and the bustle of the fair, it was ere long forgotten. It
+was not till after the murder at the castle of the Baron von F&mdash;&mdash;
+became generally talked of, and the magistracy of that district
+published handbills, offering a reward for the arrest of Medardus, a
+Capuchin monk in Königswald, that people were reminded of the painter
+having indeed told the whole story, and recognized in you the said
+brother Medardus.</p>
+
+<p>"The landlord of the hotel wherein you had lodged, confirmed a
+supposition that had already got afloat, of my having been accessory to
+your flight. The people, therefore, fixed their attention on me, and
+would have thrown me into prison. Having long wished to quit for ever
+the miserable course of life that I had been dragging on, my resolution
+was, in consequence, very speedily adopted. I determined to go into
+Italy, where there are <i>Abbatés</i> with powdered wigs, and encouragement
+is yet afforded to an accomplished <i>friseur</i>. On my way thither I saw
+you in the <i>residenz</i> of the Prince von Rosenthurm. The people there
+talked of your marriage with the Baroness Aurelia, and of the
+condemnation and execution of the monk Medardus.</p>
+
+<p>"I had also an opportunity of seeing this criminal monk, and whatever
+his history might have been, I was convinced at once that you were the
+true Medardus. I placed myself in your way, but you did not observe me,
+and I left the Prince's <i>residenz</i>, in order to follow out my own plans.</p>
+
+<p>"After a long and fatiguing journey, I had taken up my night's rest at a
+small obscure hamlet. In the morning I rose very early, as was the
+custom of the inhabitants there, and prepared to continue my laborious
+progress through a forest, which lay in gloomy darkness before me. Just
+as the first gleams of the morning had begun to break through the clouds
+of the east, there was a rustling in the thickets, and a man, with his
+hair matted, and staring out in various directions, his beard, too, in
+the same disorder, but wearing an elegant modern suit of clothes, leaped
+past me!</p>
+
+<p>"His looks were wild and outrageous, and I gazed after him with the
+greatest astonishment, but in a moment he had disappeared again in the
+thick of the tangled coppice, and I could see no more of him. I walked
+onwards, therefore; but what words can express the horror that I felt,
+when right before me I saw a naked human figure stretched out flat upon
+the ground! There seemed to me no doubt that a murder had been
+committed, and that the fugitive whom I had before seen was the
+murderer.</p>
+
+<p>"I knelt down beside the naked man, recognized at once your features,
+and perceived that you still breathed. Close beside you lay the Capuchin
+habit, which at this moment you are wearing. With much labour and
+stratagem I contrived to dress you in it, and to drag you along with me.
+At last you awoke out of your deep swoon, but you remained in that
+frightful state of apathy in which this reverend gentleman has described
+you.</p>
+
+<p>"It cost me no little exertion to get you dragged along, and
+consequently it was not till late in the evening that I was able to
+reach an ale-house, which was situated in the middle of the forest. Here
+I placed you upon a bench of turf at the door, where you lay as if
+utterly overcome and drunk with sleep. I then went into the house to
+procure you food and drink, and, found (as I suspected might be the
+case) a party of hussars, who, as the hostess informed me, were in
+pursuit of a monk, who, in an inconceivable manner, had escaped at the
+moment when, on account of his enormous crimes, preparations were making
+for his death on the scaffold.</p>
+
+<p>"It was to me an inexplicable mystery how you could have escaped out of
+the <i>residenz</i> into the forest; but the entire conviction that you were
+the Medardus whom they now sought after, made me exert myself to the
+utmost to rescue you from the danger which now hovered over you. Of
+course, I brought you away directly from the ale-house, in which
+undertaking I was favoured by the increasing darkness; and thereafter
+choosing always the by-roads and most unfrequented tracks, I succeeded
+at last in conducting you over the frontiers.</p>
+
+<p>"Finally, after long and incredible wanderings, I came with you to this
+house, where the inhabitants received us both, as I declared that I was
+not willing to separate from you. Here I was convinced that you were
+perfectly secure, for by no means would the venerable fathers give up a
+sick person whom they had once received, to any criminal court.</p>
+
+<p>"In this very chamber, then, I faithfully attended and nursed you; for
+as to your own five senses, you were indeed but very indifferently
+provided. Nor were the movements of your limbs to be commended. Neither
+Vestris nor Noverre would have given you much encouragement, for your
+head hung down on your breast, and when any one wished you to stand
+upright, then you tumbled about like a capotted nine-pin or skittle. As
+to your celebrated eloquence, too, you fared still worse, for you were
+d&mdash;&mdash;d <i>monosyllabic</i>, and in your lucid intervals, only said, 'Hu&mdash;hu!'
+and 'Me&mdash;me!' out of which expressions your thoughts and wishes were not
+to be very clearly divined: Indeed, it was to be supposed, that your
+rational faculties had become unfaithful to you, and were gone
+a-vagabondizing on their own private account.</p>
+
+<p>"At last you became all of a sudden extravagantly merry, cut inordinate
+capers in the air, and roared aloud with sheer exuberance of delight,
+tearing your habit at the same time, in order, we supposed, to escape
+even from the smallest restraint. Your appetite was then&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Stop, stop, Schönfeld," cried I, "give over this horrible and cruel
+raillery&mdash;you have already sufficiently informed me of the frightful
+situation into which I had fallen. Thanks and praise to the
+long-suffering and mercy of Heaven, and the intercession of the saints,
+that I am now rescued!"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! reverend sir," resumed Schönfeld, "in what respect are you the
+better of all that you have gained, I mean of this peculiar attribute of
+the soul, which is called self-consciousness? Methinks it might well be
+compared to the cursed activity of a pettifogging toll-keeper, or
+excise-officer, at best, or a controller of customs, who has established
+his damnable <i>comptoir</i> in the brain, and upon the last indication of
+goods coming forth from hence, cries out 'Hey day! The export is
+forbidden. These wares must remain in the country.' The richest jewels,
+like contemptible grains of seed, remain stuck in the earth, and at
+last, all that rises above the surface are <i>runkelrüben</i>,<a name="FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> from an
+hundred thousand weight of which, perhaps a quarter of an ounce of bad
+sugar is afterwards extracted; and yet this pitiful export is, forsooth,
+to lay the foundation of trade with the glorious city of the New
+Jerusalem in the realms above, where all is magnificence and splendour.
+Oh, heavens! I would have given all my dearly bought powder <i>à la
+Marchalle</i>, or <i>à la Pompadour</i>, or <i>à la Reine de Golconde</i>,&mdash;would
+have cast it into the river, where it is deepest, if by transi-to-trade,
+I could have obtained from thence but a <i>quentlein</i> of the golden dust of
+the sun's rays, to dress the wigs of reverend professors, and men of
+learning, but in the first place, mine own! What do I say? If my
+excellent friend Damon, reverend sir, had, instead of the flea-coloured
+frock, contrived to hang about your shoulders one of those robes made of
+the morning light, in which the burgesses of the holy city walk to
+church, then, as to dignity and gentility, we should have come off very
+differently; but as the matter stood, the world held you for a common
+<i>glebæ adscriptus</i>, and the devil for your cousin-german!"</p>
+
+<p>Schönfeld had risen up, and walked, or rather hopped, about the room,
+with vehement gesticulations, and twisting his features into incredible
+contortions. He was in the plenitude of his vein, kindling up one folly
+by another. I therefore seized him again by both arms. "Art thou
+resolved," said I, "to secure thyself a place in this hospital instead
+of me? Is it impossible for thee to talk more than five minutes
+together without falling into these absurdities?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is then all that I utter," said he, "so very foolish, when thus the
+spirit comes upon me?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is precisely what renders your talk so intolerable," said I.
+"There is often good sense at the bottom of all this gibberish, but so
+abominably metamorphosed, that a thought, good in itself, is like a fine
+dress hung over with party-coloured rags. Like a drunk man, thou canst
+not proceed in a straight direction, but art everlastingly floundering
+away hither and thither. Thy conduct is never consistent or
+consecutive."</p>
+
+<p>"What is conduct?" said Schönfeld, with a contemptuous smile&mdash;"What is
+conduct, most venerable Capuchin? Doth not that term imply the
+preconception in the mind of some fixed and certain object, for the
+attainment of which we shape and adapt our procedure? Are you, reverend
+sir, sure of your own object? Are you not rather afraid that you may
+have occasionally admitted too little alloy in your spirituous
+potations, and now, like a giddy tower-watcher, see two goals, without
+knowing the right one? Besides, sir, let it be forgiven to one of my
+profession, if he is apt, perhaps too often, to have recourse to the
+humorous and the <i>outré</i>, in order to season the insipidity of this
+life, as we add Spanish pepper to cauliflower; without this, an artist
+of my vocation would be but a pitiful <i>dummkopf</i>,<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> who carries his
+privilege in his pocket, without ever daring to make use of it."</p>
+
+<p>The monk had remained in the room, and had looked attentively at
+Belcampo and at me; but as we spoke German, he did not understand a
+single word. At last, he resolutely interrupted our dialogue. "Excuse
+me, gentlemen," said he, "if I put an end to a discourse from which it
+is impossible for either of you to derive any advantage. Your health,
+brother, is yet much too weak to bear with a conversation which probably
+awakens painful recollections as to your past life. Besides, you will
+have time enough to learn all that your friend has to inform you of, as
+when you leave our establishment, he will no doubt accompany you.
+Belcampo has a strange manner of speaking; and by his eloquence and
+gesticulations together, never fails, when he tells a story, to bring
+every adventure vividly before the eyes of his listener. In Germany he
+must, I suppose, be looked on as mad. Here in Italy, he would be valued
+as a capital buffoon, and on the stage might make a fortune."</p>
+
+<p>Schönfeld stared with all his might at the clergyman, then lifted
+himself on tiptoe, clasped his hands over his head, and called out in
+Italian, "Thou warning voice from the world of spirits&mdash;thou voice of
+omnipotent destiny! To me thou hast spoken at last through the organs of
+this reverend father. Belcampo&mdash;Belcampo! How could'st thou mistake so
+long thy true vocation? It is now resolved!" He then ran out of the
+room, and for that day I saw no more of him.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Next morning he made his appearance, equipt for a journey. "Dear Brother
+Medardus," said he, "you are now quite recovered; you do not any longer
+require my assistance. I therefore take my departure, in order to go, as
+the spirit moves me, into the world. Farewell, then! Yet permit me that
+I exercise on you, for the last time, my art, although in my own
+estimation it has now become utterly contemptible."</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon he drew out his razors, comb, and scissars, and with a thousand
+grimaces, <i>more suo</i>, brought my hair and visage into proper order. At
+last he took his leave, with many tears; and as the man, notwithstanding
+his fidelity, had become very strange and mysterious, and knew more of
+my history than I could have wished, I was not sorry to find myself free
+from his tiresome conversation.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>The physician's remedies had been of great service to me; and as, by
+taking every day longer and longer walks, I had quite recovered my
+strength, I became convinced that I was able for the fatigues of a
+pedestrian journey, and resolved to leave a house, which, however
+suitable to the sick, was by no means a congenial abode for those who
+were in health.</p>
+
+<p>The plan of going to Rome had been, without any volition of my own,
+brought so far into execution. I had always been advancing farther
+towards the place of my destination, and resolved, therefore, that I
+would now persevere in the same course.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>At last I had taken leave of the charitable brethren, and set out as a
+pilgrim on that high road, which I was told was the proper route to the
+great city. Notwithstanding that my health was now thoroughly
+reinstated, yet I was conscious of a strange apathy of mind, which threw
+a dark shade on every image, rendering the prospects before me grey,
+withered, and cloudy. Without even any clear remembrance of my past
+life, I was completely occupied by cares for the present moment. Towards
+evening, I always looked out anxiously for some place, (generally a
+convent or private house,) where I would be able to extort food and
+shelter for the night. I rejoiced not a little, when I met with persons
+sufficiently devout to fill my knap-sack and wine-bottle, in return for
+which I mechanically repeated, according to monastic form, the customary
+blessings. In short, I had sunk in spirit, as well as in outward
+observances, into an ordinary, stupid, and depraved mendicant friar.</p>
+
+<p>At last, after many adventures, no one of which deserves particular
+commemoration, (for they were all of a similar character,) I came at
+last to a great Capuchin Convent, which, surrounded only by houses
+belonging to the establishment, and forming in itself a little town, is
+situated not far from Rome. This convent, though within itself large and
+populous, is, in other respects, lonely and insulated. The monks are by
+their rule obliged to receive others of the same order, and I imagined
+that I should live for some time with much comfort among them.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly I made up a story, such as I thought would sound favourably
+in their ears. I pretended that the convent to which I belonged in
+Germany had been recently broken up; that consequently I had been thrown
+on the wide world, and wished to be received into some other monastery,
+under the same laws.</p>
+
+<p>With that hospitality and cheerfulness which are peculiar to the Italian
+clergy, they, in the first place, entertained me sumptuously, and the
+Prior formally said, that if no fulfilment of a sacred vow obliged me
+to travel farther, I was welcome to remain there as long as I chose.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>It was now the hour of vespers. The monks went to their appointed places
+in the choir, and I walked into the church. I was deeply impressed by
+the bold and magnificent architecture of the great aisle&mdash;but, alas! my
+spirit could now no more be exalted by those raptures which in early
+days attended me in the church of the Holy Lime-Tree, to which this bore
+a marked and mysterious resemblance!</p>
+
+<p>When I had completed my devotions at the high altar, I indulged myself
+in walking through the different subsidiary aisles, contemplating the
+paintings at various shrines, which, as usual, represented the
+martyrdoms of the saints, to whom they were severally consecrated. At
+last I was attracted by a small and retired chapel, where the altar was
+exquisitely illuminated by the beams of the now setting sun, that
+streamed in through the painted window.</p>
+
+<p>I wished to examine the picture, and devoutly making the sign of the
+cross, mounted up the marble steps. Oh, heaven! It was precisely the
+same, the fatal altar-piece of my own convent&mdash;the martyrdom of St
+Rosalia! Methought, however, the figure was yet more beautiful, more
+exquisitely attractive and seducing. It was Aurelia, in her fullest
+bloom of beauty, that I beheld; and my whole past life, which I had
+begun to forget, with all its wanderings and crimes&mdash;the murder of
+Euphemia, of Hermogen, and of Aurelia, revived on my recollection, as if
+concentrated instantaneously into one horrible thought, that penetrated
+my heart and brain, like a burning hot implement of torture.</p>
+
+<p>I threw myself prostrate on the stone floor. I was convulsively shook
+and torn by my inward conflicts, as if I had been laid on the rack of
+the most cruel and relentless inquisition. Death would have been
+welcome&mdash;but, alas! death would not come to my relief! Hereupon I began
+to tear my garments, in the furious rage of despair. I howled in
+hopeless anguish, so that my voice resounded through the vaulted aisles
+of the church.</p>
+
+<p>"I am cursed," cried I aloud&mdash;"I am cursed for ever. There is for me no
+grace, no consolation more&mdash;neither in this world nor in the next. To
+hell&mdash;to hell am I doomed! Sentence of eternal damnation has gone forth
+against me&mdash;an accursed and abandoned sinner!"</p>
+
+<p>My cries of course alarmed the whole community. People came, lifted me
+up, and carried me from the altar of St Rosalia. The service was now
+over, and the monks assembled in the chapel. At their head was the
+Prior. He looked at me with an indescribable mildness and gravity of
+expression, which reminded me of Leonardus. He then advanced and took me
+by the hand, while to me it seemed as if some blessed saint, hovering in
+the air, held up the miserable sinner above the fiery and bottomless
+pool of destruction into which he was about to plunge.</p>
+
+<p>"You are ill and feverish, brother," said the Prior; "the fatigues of
+your long pilgrimage have been too great a trial of your strength, but
+we shall carry you safely into the sick ward of the convent, where you
+will be faithfully attended by our physician, and restored to health."</p>
+
+<p>I could not make any articulate answer to this address. I knelt before
+him in abject misery, and even kissed the hem of his garment.
+Deep-drawn sighs, which I could not repress, betrayed the frightful
+condition of my soul. The monks again lifted me up, and brought me into
+the refectorium, where they insisted on my accepting of some
+refreshments.</p>
+
+<p>On a sign from the Prior, the brethren then retired, and I remained with
+him alone.</p>
+
+<p>"Brother," he began, "your conscience seems to be loaded with some heavy
+sins; for nothing but repentance almost without hope, on account of some
+extraordinary crime, could have given rise to such conduct as you have
+this evening exhibited. Yet great and boundless are the mercy and
+long-suffering of God; very powerful, too, is the intercession of the
+saints. Therefore, take courage! You shall confess to me; and when this
+duty is fulfilled, the consolations of the church shall not be wanting."</p>
+
+<p>These words in themselves were not remarkable; but the tone and manner
+of the Prior made on me such an impression, that at this moment
+methought the mysterious pilgrim of the Holy Lime-Tree stood beside me,
+and as if he were the only being on the wide earth to whom I was bound
+to disclose the horrors of my life, and from whom I must allow nothing
+to remain concealed. Still I was unable to speak. I could only prostrate
+myself again upon the earth before the old man.</p>
+
+<p>"I am now obliged," said he, "to return to the chapel. Should you
+resolve to follow my counsel, you will find me there."</p>
+
+<p>My determination was already fixed. As soon as I had, by a great effort,
+recovered some degree of composure, I hastened after the Prior, and
+found him waiting in the confessional. Acting according to the impulse
+of the moment, I began to speak, for the first time since a very long
+period, without the slightest attempt at disguise. On the contrary, I
+confessed all the adventures of my life, from first to last, without
+mitigating a single circumstance, which the severest censor could have
+suggested against me!</p>
+
+<p>Horrible was the penance which the Prior now imposed upon me! Forbid to
+appear again in the church&mdash;shut out like an alien from the society of
+the monks, I was henceforth confined to the charnel vaults of the
+convent&mdash;miserably prolonging my life by a stinted portion of tasteless
+roots and water, scourging myself with knotted ropes, and mangling my
+flesh with various implements of martyrdom, which the ingenuity of
+demoniacal malevolence had <i>first</i> invented, lifting up my voice only in
+bitter accusations against myself, or in the most passionate and abject
+supplications for deliverance from that hell whose flames already seemed
+to burn within me!</p>
+
+<p>But when my blood streamed from an hundred wounds&mdash;when pain, in a
+hundred scorpion stings, assailed me&mdash;and nature yielded at last, from
+inability to continue the conflict, so that I fell asleep like an
+exhausted child, even in despite of my torments&mdash;then the horrid imagery
+of dreams molested me with a new and involuntary martyrdom.</p>
+
+<p>Methought I saw Euphemia, who came floating towards me in all the
+luxuriance of her beauty, and casting on me the most seductive glances.
+But I cried out aloud, "What would'st thou from me, thou accursed sinful
+woman? No! hell shall not triumph over the truly penitent!" Then
+methought her form, before so wanton and luxurious, shook and shivered.
+She threw aside her robes, and a horror, like that of annihilation,
+seized upon me; for I saw that her body was dried up into a skeleton,
+and through the ribs of the spectre I saw not worms, but numberless
+serpents that twined and twisted within and without, thrusting out their
+heads and forked burning tongues towards me.</p>
+
+<p>"Away!&mdash;begone!" cried I, in delirium; "thy serpents are stinging my
+already wounded flesh. They would fatten on my heart's-blood,&mdash;but
+then&mdash;I should die&mdash;I should die&mdash;Death would release me from thy
+vengeance!"</p>
+
+<p>"My serpents," howled out the spectre, who now seemed like an infernal
+fury,&mdash;"my serpents may nourish themselves from thy heart's-blood, but
+herein consists not thy torment, oh wretched sinner! Thy pain is within
+thine own bosom, and in vain hopest thou for release in death. Thy
+torment is the thought of thine own crimes, and this thought is
+eternal!"</p>
+
+<p>Hereafter the figure of Hermogen, streaming with blood, rose up out of
+the dusky void, and Euphemia fled before him. He, too, staid not; but
+rushed past, with an hideous groan, and pointing to a wound in his
+throat, which had the form of the cross.</p>
+
+<p>I now wished to pray; but my senses were lost and overcome in the
+confusion that ensued. At first the whole air was animated, and filled
+with rustling and flapping of wings, and gibbering of unearthly voices.
+Then mortals, whom I had before known in the world, appeared
+metamorphosed into the most insane caricatures. Heads, with well-known
+features, came crawling about me on scarecrow legs, which grew out of
+their own ears. Strange winged monsters, too, which I knew not, and
+could not name, came floating through the air. Among these were ravens,
+and other birds, with human faces. But at last, these gave place to the
+Bishop's choir-master, at Königswald, with his sister. The latter
+wheeled herself about in a wild and furious <i>walz</i>, to which her brother
+supplied the music; but he kept all the while strumming on his own
+breast, which had become a violin.</p>
+
+<p>Belcampo, whom I recognised, although he wore a hateful lizard's head,
+and sat upon a disgusting winged serpent, came driving up towards me. He
+wanted to comb my beard with a red-hot iron comb; but could not succeed
+in his attempt. The tumult always became wilder and wilder. More strange
+and indescribable were the figures, from the smallest beetle, dancing on
+large human feet, up to the long drawn-out horse skeleton, with blazing
+eyes, and with his own hide made into a pillion, upon which sat a rider,
+with a gleaming owl's head. A gigantic bottomless beaker served for his
+coat of mail, and an inverted funnel was his helmet.</p>
+
+<p>"Hell," cried a voice, "is in a mood of mirth, and triumphs!" Hereupon I
+heard myself laugh aloud; but the exertion of laughter tore my breast;
+my pain became more scorching, and my wounds bled more fiercely.</p>
+
+<p>At last the rabble rout vanished, and there came forward the glorious
+form of a woman more beauteous than the fairest of the boasted
+Circassians on earth! She walked up towards me.&mdash;"Oh, heaven, it is
+Aurelia!"&mdash;"I live," said she; "I live, and I am now for ever thine!"</p>
+
+<p>Then the raging fires of sinful passion once more arose within me. I
+flew to Aurelia, seized and embraced her with fervour. All weakness and
+exhaustion were utterly forgotten; but instead of her light and
+sylph-like form, methought I felt the weight and the torture of burning
+lead or iron laid on my breast. My visage and eyes, too, were scratched
+and wounded as if with rough bristles, like a wool-dresser's comb; and
+Satan roared aloud, with thrilling laughter&mdash;"Now, <i>now</i> art thou wholly
+mine!"</p>
+
+<p>With a shriek of terror I awoke, and anon my blood flowed anew in
+streams, from the strokes of the knotted whip, with which, in hopeless
+agony, I chastised myself. For the crime of that interview with Aurelia,
+though but in a dream, demanded double penance, and I was resolved to
+run the risk even of committing indirect suicide, rather than omit one
+iota of the prescribed inflictions.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>At last, the period appointed by the Prior for my seclusion in the
+vaults was over, and, by his express command, I was obliged to remove
+from thence, in order to finish the remainder of my penance in the
+convent, although my cell was yet to be separated from all the other
+brethren; for, by such gradations, I was at last to arrive at his
+permission to return to the church, and to the society of the monks.</p>
+
+<p>But with the latter gradations of penance I was not myself satisfied. I
+was enjoined only solitude and a daily use of the knotted rope; but I
+stedfastly refused every better sort of food which was now offered to
+me; and when at last allowed to enter the church, I lay for whole days
+on the cold marble floor, before the shrine of St Rosalia, and chastised
+myself in my cell in the most cruel and immoderate degree. By these
+outward sufferings, I thought that I should overcome the more fearful
+pains by which I was inwardly tormented, but in vain! Those phantoms,
+the off-spring of my own perturbed imagination, always returned, and I
+believed myself given up a helpless prey to Satan, who thus, for his own
+special divertisement, assailed me, and enticed me to commit those sins
+in <i>thought</i>, which in <i>deed</i> were no longer in my power.</p>
+
+<p>The severe penance imposed upon me, and the unheard-of perseverance with
+which it was fulfilled, excited in the highest degree the attention of
+the monks. They contemplated me with a kind of reverential awe, and many
+times I heard whisperings among them&mdash;"He is indeed a saint!" This
+expression was to me unspeakably distressing, for it reminded me vividly
+of that moment in the Capuchin Convent of Königswald, when, in my
+outrageous delirium, I had called out to the spectral painter, "I am the
+blessed St Anthony!"</p>
+
+<p>The very last and concluding stage of the penance imposed by the Prior,
+had now passed away, yet I had never desisted from self-martyrdom.
+Nature seemed unable to bear up any longer against the violence which I
+inflicted. My eyes were dim and sunk in their sockets. My bleeding frame
+was become a mere skeleton, so that, when for hours I had lain on the
+marble floor, I was not able to raise myself till the monks came to
+assist me.</p>
+
+<p>At last, the Prior one day sent for me to his consulting-room.
+"Brother," said he, "do you now feel, after the severe penance you have
+undergone, your mind soothed and lightened? Have the consolations of
+Heaven been poured upon you?"</p>
+
+<p>In the hollow tone of despair, I answered him, "No!"</p>
+
+<p>"Brother," he resumed, "when, after your confession of horrid crimes, I
+inflicted on you that severe penance, I satisfied the laws of the
+church, which demand that a malefactor whom the arm of justice has not
+reached, but who voluntarily confesses his evil actions, should also,
+by his outward conduct, prove the <i>reality</i> of his repentance. Yet I
+believe, (and the best authorities are on my side,) that the most
+excruciating torments which the penitent can inflict on himself, do not,
+as soon as he himself grounds any confidence on these exercises,
+diminish, by one fraction, the amount of his guilt. To no human
+intellect is it given to explain how the omniscient and eternal Ruler
+measures and weighs the deeds of mankind; but lost for ever must that
+mortal be, who deludes himself with expectations of taking Heaven by
+storm, through the force of penitential infliction.</p>
+
+<p>"Moreover, the individual who believes that, by the fulfilment of such
+duties, the crimes of which he has been convicted are, of necessity,
+blotted out and atoned, proves, by this very belief, that his inward
+repentance has neither been true nor complete. But as for you, dear
+brother Medardus, you have yet experienced no consolation, and <i>this</i>,
+in my opinion, proves the truth of your conversion. Give up now, I
+command you, all chastisements&mdash;allow yourself better food, and no
+longer avoid the society of your brethren.</p>
+
+<p>"Learn, besides, that your extraordinary life, with all its complicated
+involvements, is better known to me than it is even to yourself. A
+fatality from which you could not escape, gave to the devil a certain
+influence over you; and, while you committed crimes which to your own
+nature were abhorrent, you were only his tool, or implement.</p>
+
+<p>"Dream not, however, that you are on this account less sinful in the
+eyes of Heaven, or of the church, for on you was bestowed ample power,
+if you had had the resolution to exert it, to conquer in a spirited
+battle the fiend who beset you. In what mortal heart has not this
+influence of our arch-enemy raged like a tempest, resisting every
+impulse of good? But without this conflict, virtue could have no
+existence&mdash;For in what doth virtue consist, but in the triumph (after a
+hard-fought battle) of good over evil?</p>
+
+<p>"But, as one source of consolation, I can inform you, that you have
+accused yourself of a crime wherein you have been guilty in intention,
+but not in effect. Aurelia yet lives. In your madness you probably
+wounded yourself, and it was your own blood that streamed over your
+hands. Aurelia still lives;&mdash;this fact I have amply ascertained."</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon I fell on my knees, with my hands uplifted in fervent prayer,
+and burst into tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Know farther," said the Prior, "that the strange old painter, of whom,
+in your confession, you spoke so much, has, as long as I can remember,
+been an occasional visitor at our convent, and probably may, before
+long, again appear among us. Long ago he gave me a parchment book to
+take charge of, in which are numerous drawings, but more especially a
+kind of chronicle, to which, as often as he came hither, he always added
+a few lines or pages. He has not left me under any injunctions not to
+shew this book to any one whom its contents may interest, and, of
+course, I shall not hesitate to intrust it with you. Indeed, this now
+becomes my indispensable duty, and hence you will learn the wonderful
+entanglements of your own destiny, which at one time led you as if into
+a higher world of visions and miracles, and, at another, into the most
+ordinary and most depraved scenes of what is called the world.</p>
+
+<p>"It has been said that miracles have now wholly vanished from the earth;
+but this is a doctrine which I, for one, am by no means inclined to
+accede to. Miracles, if by that name we understand only that which we
+by no means can explain or account for, certainly have continued among
+us, though it is true, that by the observance of a few fixed and limited
+rules, our philosophers seem (in their own conceit at least) to give
+laws to nature; yet, nevertheless, there are phenomena every now and
+then recurring, which put all their boasted wisdom to shame, and which,
+in our obstinate stupidity, because they are not explainable, we
+therefore reject, as unworthy of belief.</p>
+
+<p>"In this manner we deny, among other things, the possibility of a
+spiritual apparition, inasmuch as it is impossible for an incorporeal
+figure to be mirrored on the surface of the human eye, which is
+corporeal, the absurd fallacy and sophism of which reasoning is obvious.
+To tell the truth, I look upon this ancient painter as one of those
+extraordinary apparitions, which put to the blush all ordinary rules and
+theories. I am doubtful even if his corporeal figure is such as we can
+properly call real. This much is certain, that no one here ever
+discovered in him the ordinary functions of life. He would neither eat,
+drink, nor sleep; nor did I ever observe him either writing or drawing,
+though it was obvious, notwithstanding, that in the book, in which he
+only appeared to read, there were always more leaves written or painted
+on when he went away, than there had been before.</p>
+
+<p>"I should observe, also, that all which the book contains, appeared to
+me to be mere <i>griffon-age</i>, or fantastic sketches of an insane artist,
+until you came to our convent. Then, for the first time, its pages came
+to be legible and intelligible, after you, dear brother Medardus, had
+confessed to me.</p>
+
+<p>"I dare not give utterance more particularly to my own suppositions, or
+apprehensions, regarding the real character of this old painter, and his
+relationship to you. You will yourself guess at the truth, or, more
+probably, it will develope itself in the clearest light before you, when
+you have attentively perused this book. Go then, take every proper
+method and precaution to restore your bodily, as well as mental
+energies, and, in a few days, if you feel yourself recovered, as I hope
+will be the case, you shall receive from me the mysterious volume,
+which, meanwhile, I retain, as you have not strength at present for the
+task of deciphering it."</p>
+
+<p>Henceforward, I was of course under the necessity of acting according to
+the injunctions of the Prior. I ate with the brethren at their public
+table, and omitted all chastisements, confining myself to fervent and
+prolonged prayer at the altars of the saints. Although my heart
+continued to bleed inwardly, and my mind was still much disturbed, yet
+at last those horrible phantoms and diabolical temptations by which I
+had been persecuted, came to an end. Often, when tired to death, I
+passed sleepless nights on my hard couch, there was around me a waving
+as if of seraphs' wings; and I beheld the lovely form of the living
+Aurelia, who, with her eyes full of tears and celestial compassion, bent
+down over me. She stretched out her hand, as if protectingly, and
+diffusing blessings over my head. Then my eye-lids sank down, and a mild
+refreshing slumber poured new strength into my veins.</p>
+
+<p>When the Prior observed that my mind and frame had once more regained
+some degree of healthy excitement, he again sent for me in private, and
+gave me the painter's parchment book, admonishing me to read it with
+attention in my own cell.</p>
+
+<p>I opened the volume, and the first of its contents which struck my eye
+were drawings for those paintings which still exist in the Church of the
+Holy Lime-Tree, and which had, from earliest youth, possessed so
+mysterious an influence over my whole life. Formerly, the possession of
+this book would have agitated me almost to madness, from the degree of
+anxiety which it would have excited. Now, however, after the discipline
+which I had undergone, I was perfectly calm. Besides, there was scarcely
+any degree of mystery left which I had not by anticipation already
+developed. That which the painter had here, in a small scarcely-legible
+hand, set down, intermixed with sketches both in black lead and in
+colours, was but a distinct and clear delineation of my own dreams and
+apprehensions, brought out indeed with a degree of precision and
+accuracy of which I could not have been capable.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>After mature reflection, I have judged it superfluous to transcribe in
+this place the parchment book of the old and supernatural painter;
+though I might be tempted to do so by the consideration, that no one
+else could ever be enabled to understand and follow out its intricate
+details, or even to decipher the hand-writing. He sets out by speaking
+of himself in the third, but afterwards, or towards the close of his
+narrative, uses the first personal pronoun.</p>
+
+<p>He was the eldest son of a certain Prince Camillo di Rosoli, (who had in
+early life been distinguished for his bravery and military talents,) and
+had been sent by his father, at an early age, into the world, where, to
+the great surprise of his noble friends and relations, he devoted
+himself almost exclusively to the study of painting, under a celebrated
+master of that art in Rome. Here he had already been for a considerable
+time, when his father, having been requested by the Republic of Genua to
+take the command of a powerful fleet against the Algerine corsairs, sent
+an abrupt and peremptory order for the young prince to return home. To
+this, Francesco, for that was his name, returned for answer, that a
+prince, surrounded by all the pomp and dignity incident to high rank,
+was, in his estimation, a mere cipher, in comparison with the character
+of an independent man of genius, whose wants were few, and who could
+supply these wants by the exercise of his art. A prince, he said, was,
+by the circumstances under which he lived, much more subdued and slavish
+than even the poorest artist:&mdash;for his own part, he knew well enough how
+to wield the pallet and pencils, but by no means the sceptre. Finally,
+that as to exploits in warfare, whether by sea or land, they were
+barbarous and abhorrent to his nature; whereas the creations of the
+painter were like reflections on canvass of the divine spirit, of which
+a share sometimes descends on favoured mortals.</p>
+
+<p>Thus he sent back his father's messengers with contumely and disgrace,
+and the old prince, being thereby violently incensed, dispatched other
+ambassadors, who had no better success; whereupon, they informed him,
+that, if he did not obey his father's orders, they were commissioned to
+say, that he would be disinherited, and never more permitted to assume
+that rank which he had now virtually, though not formally, resigned.</p>
+
+<p>To these conditions Francesco made no objections whatever;&mdash;on the
+contrary, he gave up to his younger brother, in a regular charter, all
+claims on the family estates; and as the old prince soon after lost his
+life in battle, Zenobio succeeded to the government, and Francesco
+continued to live poorly enough on a small pension, which his brother
+voluntarily bestowed upon him.</p>
+
+<p>Francesco was originally of a proud and overbearing temper; but his
+instructor in the art of painting, the celebrated Leonardo di Rovino,
+was one of the most pious and ingenious of men. Finding that his pupil
+had actually renounced the fortune and rank to which he had been born,
+he gave him such good counsel and example, that for some years Francesco
+behaved as a very obedient and faithful disciple, assisting his master
+in the completion of several great works, which were almost wholly
+devoted to the illustration of the Christian miracles, and the glorious
+lives of the Saints.</p>
+
+<p>After some time, however, it came to pass that Francesco raised himself
+to the rank of a master on his own account, and was engaged to paint
+many altar-pieces for churches, &amp;c., in which Leonardo continued kindly
+to assist him, until at length, being very far advanced in years, he
+died.</p>
+
+<p>Then like a fire long with difficulty suppressed, the native pride and
+insolence of Francesco's character again broke forth. He looked on
+himself as the greatest painter of his time, and joining with this
+notion of his own pre-eminence, the recollection of his hereditary rank,
+he assumed for himself the title of the Noble Painter. Of his once
+revered master, Leonardo, he now spoke with contempt, and invented for
+himself a new school of art, which was well adapted to attract the
+admiration of the multitude. He diligently studied the works of the
+ancient statuaries; among which, a certain renowned figure of Venus,
+above all others, engaged his attention; and henceforth no one could
+equal him in representing the luxurious seductions of the female form,
+which he always introduced naked, giving to his figures, by means of
+dark shadows in the back ground, and a brilliance of colouring, which
+were particularly his own, the most magical effect of <i>alto relievo</i>.</p>
+
+<p>It happened that in the great city he fell into the society of a set of
+wild young men, most of them of high rank, who were delighted to have
+for their companion a man in birth equal to themselves, though, as an
+artist and man of genius, more interesting than men of mere fortune and
+family can generally pretend to be. Francesco was but too willing to
+attend their feasts and festivals, and was delighted by the praise with
+which they constantly fed his vanity, insisting, in particular, on the
+high advantages which he possessed over the artists of that age, by his
+preference of the ancient models, and his correctness as to drawing and
+anatomy.</p>
+
+<p>Being all of them unable or unwilling to submit to any degree of
+restraint, and cherishing no other principle than that of yielding to
+the extravagance of youthful imagination, and the indulgence of their
+own passions, they formed a plan of renouncing altogether the Christian
+Religion, and adopting fantastically the creed and manners of the
+ancient Romans.</p>
+
+<p>In this manner they for some time continued to lead a shameless and most
+dissolute life, in consequence of which, it happened that Francesco,
+neglecting the orders which were from time to time sent to him from
+convents and other religious institutions, fell into grievous distress
+for want of ready money. Added to this it so happened, that the salary
+usually allowed him by his brother Zenobio, was not paid at the regular
+time. He now recollected that the monks of a certain Capuchin convent
+had some months before offered a large sum for an altar piece,
+representing the martyrdom of St Rosalia, which commission he had, under
+the influence of his dissolute pleasures, and apostacy from the
+Christian faith, refused to execute. Now, however, he resolved to
+perform the work required of him, wholly for the sake of the reward with
+which it would be attended.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly he began, intending to paint the martyrdom of St Rosalia, in
+his usual glaring and seductive manner, modelling her form and features
+after those of the favourite Venus which has already been mentioned. In
+the pencil drawing which he made in the first place, he succeeded well
+enough, and the wicked young men, his companions, were highly delighted
+with the notion of setting up a heathenish idol, instead of a real
+picture of a Christian saint, in the church.</p>
+
+<p>But when Francesco came actually to paint, lo! by some inexplicable
+influence, the work turned out very differently from what he had
+intended.&mdash;A more powerful inspiration overcame that of wicked deceit,
+and hatred to the Christian faith, by which he had been till then
+actuated. It seemed as if the countenance of an angel, from the realms
+of the blest, began to dawn on his perceptions, out of the dark clouds
+which he had laid for the ground-work on his canvass. Involuntarily a
+kind of religious terror took possession of his mind. He became fearful
+of offending the blessed martyr whom he was employed to represent, and
+around the body, which, according to the original design, he had painted
+naked, were at last thrown the elegant folds of a dark-red dress, with a
+sky-blue shawl or mantle.</p>
+
+<p>The Capuchin monks had, in their letter to the painter, only expressed
+their wish for a portrait of St Rosalia, that is to say, for a single
+figure, and for this purpose had his drawing been prepared; but now, led
+on by the workings of his own creative spirit, he invented a grand
+historical design, and introduced many figures, grouped with great
+skill, and which blended very harmoniously with that of the principal
+personage. In short, Francesco's attention was wholly absorbed by this
+work, so that the shameful course of life which he had before led was
+completely broken of, or at least interrupted.</p>
+
+<p>It came to pass, however, that he found himself quite unable to finish,
+according to his own notions, the countenance of the saint; and this
+disappointment tormented him so exceedingly, that he had no rest by
+night or by day. He no longer thought of having recourse to his
+favourite statue of Venus, but it seemed to him as if he beheld his old
+master Leonardo, who looked at him mournfully, and addressed him in
+these words&mdash;"Alas! I would willingly assist you, but I dare not! You
+must first renounce all your sinful and shameless propensities, and, in
+deep repentance and contrition, pray for the interposition of the
+saints, against whom you have so fearfully offended."</p>
+
+<p>The wicked young men, whose society had been long neglected by
+Francesco, once more sought him out, and found him in his painting
+room, but wholly unemployed; for, in consequence of his mental anxiety,
+he had fallen sick, and was lying powerless and despairing on his couch.
+On the appearance of his friends he complained to them bitterly of his
+misfortune, and expressed his belief that some malignant demon had
+interfered to rob him of his former reputation, and would prevent him
+altogether from completing his picture of St Rosalia.</p>
+
+<p>At this they all laughed aloud. "Ha, brother," cried one among them, "it
+is easy to perceive that solitude and fasting have been the demons that
+have brought this illness upon you. Come then, my friends, let us devote
+a libation of good old wine to Esculapius, and the benevolent Hygeia, in
+order that this feeble youth may again be restored!"</p>
+
+<p>They sent immediately for Syracusan wine, which these fantastic young
+men drank out of antique-fashioned horns, and silver beakers, pouring
+forth, as they expressed it, their libations to Hygeia, before the
+unfinished picture. Afterwards, when they began to drink stoutly, and
+insisted on Francesco joining in their orgies, the latter resolved
+positively not to taste a drop of their wine, and would take no share in
+their merriment; although they drank the health of his favourite
+goddess, and tried every stratagem to flatter his vanity, and engage his
+attention.</p>
+
+<p>At last, one of them exclaimed, "Our <i>penseroso</i> comrade there is
+perhaps really sick, and cannot so easily be cured as we had supposed.
+Yet, methinks, he hath acted very wrongfully in refusing to taste the
+remedies that have been already prescribed for him. Be this as it may,
+seeing that he is so very ill, I shall directly go hence, and obtain for
+him the assistance of a learned physician." The youth then threw his
+mantle around him, girted on his sword, and marched out. Scarcely,
+however, had he got beyond the door, when he returned again.&mdash;"Look you
+now, comrades," he exclaimed, "I am myself the man who will effectually
+cure this poor despairing artist!"</p>
+
+<p>He then put on, as well as he could, the character of an old ridiculous
+physician,&mdash;bent himself half double,&mdash;walked with his knees knocking
+together, and twisted his face into an hundred wrinkles,&mdash;so that, in
+truth, he looked like an hideous old man; and his companions, greatly
+diverted, cried out, "See what learned physiognomies the doctor cuts!"</p>
+
+<p>The doctor went up to Francesco, and pretended to feel his pulse. Then,
+in a pompous rough voice, "Why, thou poor devil!" cried he, "what has
+brought it into thine addled brain to fall sick in this manner? Thy
+pulse beats regularly; what then is the matter with thee? Be that as it
+may, I must make haste to cure thy distemper, whether real or imaginary,
+and thou must submissively follow all my prescriptions; for in the state
+in which thou now art, thy Donna Venus will never be pleased with thee.
+It might be, however, that, if thy visage were less pale, and thy looks
+not so downcast, the Lady Rosalia herself would receive you kindly.
+Here, then, thou poor desponding shepherd! sip up a little of that
+miraculous cordial which I always carry about with me. As you wish to
+paint portraits of saints and angels, my drink will probably be of
+especial service to you; for it is wine from the celebrated cellar of St
+Anthony."</p>
+
+<p>With these words, the pretended doctor had pulled out a small and
+oddly-shaped flask from underneath his mantle, from which flask he now
+drew the cork. Instantly there spread itself all around, an
+extraordinary stupifying vapour, by which most of the youths were so
+confused and overcome, that, one by one, in the course of a few seconds,
+they all dropt in their chairs, closed their eyes, and fell asleep.</p>
+
+<p>Francesco, meanwhile, as if tired of this mummery, and vexed to have
+been mocked and flouted at, snatched the bottle with violence from the
+doctor, intending at first to dash it against the wall. On the contrary,
+however, the odour attracted him so much, that he put it to his lips,
+and instantly swallowed a copious draught.</p>
+
+<p>"Much good may it do you!" said the doctor, who now assumed his former
+countenance and youthful demeanour. But, at that moment, the door
+opened, and the youth, who had before departed in order to bring a
+physician, reappeared <i>in propria persona</i>. His double, who must have
+been the devil, stepped forward, and made him a formal bow, whereat the
+whole party were so affrighted, that they all (having been awoke from
+sleep by the noise of his entrance) started up, ran away, and tumbled
+headlong down stairs.</p>
+
+<p>Even like the raging of a volcano was now the tempest which arose within
+the heart and soul of Francesco! All the Heathen stories which he had
+before painted, revived once more, in tenfold force, on his imagination,
+and their <i>dramatis personæ</i> floated around him in forms as seductive,
+and colours as brilliant, as if they had been alive, and corporeally
+present.&mdash;"But thou, my beloved goddess!" he exclaimed, addressing
+himself to the favourite Venus whom he had so often painted&mdash;"thou must
+assume also life, and a tangible form, and become mine, otherwise I
+shall devote myself from henceforth to Pluto, and the subterranean
+powers of darkness!"</p>
+
+<p>Then he beheld, according to his distempered phantasy, the animated
+figure of his admired statue, with an exquisite bloom on her complexion,
+standing right before the unfinished picture, and kindly nodding towards
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon, seized with a sudden fit of inspiration, he started from his
+couch, ran to his <i>easel</i>, and began to paint at the head of St Rosalia;
+for he thought that he would now be able to make an exact copy from the
+features of his Venus. It seemed to him, however, as if the firmest
+efforts of volition could not command his hand&mdash;as if, in spite of all
+his endeavours, the pencil glided away from the unfinished countenance
+of Rosalia, to the profane figures by which the rest of the canvass was
+tenanted&mdash;and the heavenly aspect of the saint, unfinished as it was,
+and that came there he knew not how, always broke out more visibly and
+powerfully into view, till at last the eyes seemed to move, and look
+into his very soul. Finally, he was overcome with such agitation, that
+he dropped his pallet and pencils, and fell to the ground as if dead, in
+a state of utter despair and insensibility.</p>
+
+<p>When, after a long interval, he awoke from his trance, and had with
+difficulty raised himself up, he did not venture to look at the picture,
+which had now become so terrific, but crawled, with his eyes fixed on
+the ground, towards the table, where he still found the doctor's
+extraordinary bottle of wine, out of which he indulged himself with a
+long and powerful draught.</p>
+
+<p>Francesco was, by this means, completely restored and energized. New
+life and spirit vibrated through every limb and fibre of his frame. He
+mustered up courage enough to look at his picture; and, behold! it was
+now completed, even to the finest touches of the pencil which in his
+best days he could have been able to bestow! But what appeared most
+remarkable, was, that not the saintly countenance of Rosalia, but that
+of his old favourite Venus, now smiled with the most seductive
+expression and glances of love upon him.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, Francesco, from that moment, became the victim of the most
+sinful and delirious passion. He thought of the Pagan statuary
+Pygmalion, whose history had supplied him with a subject for one of his
+former profane works, and like him, he implored the gods, that they
+would infuse life into the creations of his art. Very soon it appeared
+to him as if the principal figures in his picture began to move and to
+swell forward in <i>alto relievo</i>; but when he tried to clasp the phantom
+in his arms, he found that the dead, cold canvass still mocked at his
+embrace! Thereupon he tore his hair, and behaved like one possessed by
+the devil.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Already two days and two nights had Francesco passed in a state of
+raging delirium. On the third day, when he, as if petrified, and
+motionless like a statue, was standing before the picture, the door of
+his chamber opened, and there was a rustling behind him as if of female
+garments. He turned round, and beheld a very beautiful woman, whom he
+recognized at once as the original of his picture.</p>
+
+<p>His astonishment was now beyond all description when he beheld that
+form, which he had so long contemplated as a marble statue, living,
+breathing, and blooming, before him. Nay, he was seized with a kind of
+mysterious terror, when he looked from his beautiful visitant back to
+the picture, of which the resemblance was so accurate, that it appeared
+like the reflection of her features in a mirror.</p>
+
+<p>He felt the fullest conviction, that this event was the effect of
+supernatural agency; he could not utter a word, but, overcome by his
+fears, fell on his knees before the strange lady, whom he scarcely
+believed to be more than an aerial phantom.</p>
+
+<p>This living Venus raised him up, however, and immediately proceeded to
+relate to him her own history.</p>
+
+<p>She had seen Francesco at the time when he was yet a pupil in the school
+of Leonardo di Rovino. She was then but very young, but had conceived
+for him a passion so ardent, that it had never lost possession of her
+heart; and at last she had determined on leaving her parents and
+friends, who resided in the country, and wandering away to find him in
+Rome, as an inward voice had told her that he loved her very much; and
+that, merely from the force of that attachment, had been led to paint
+her portrait, which warning she now found to have been strictly true.</p>
+
+<p>Francesco now believed all that she told him. He became persuaded that a
+secret mental sympathy existed between himself and this stranger, which
+had given rise to the passion by which he had so long been haunted. He
+forgot the statue, and gave himself no trouble with inquiries as to how
+the resemblance betwixt it and his new visitor had been produced. Indeed
+such questions would have been very needless, as they admitted not of
+any satisfactory answer.</p>
+
+<p>The consequence of this visit was the solemnization (not by Christian,
+but by heathen rites) of a marriage betwixt the strange woman and
+Francesco, which was attended by all his libertine friends and
+associates. As it was found that his bride had brought with her a casket
+filled with jewels and ready money, he immediately hired servants, and
+purchased a house, where they lived in great splendour and luxury for
+many months.</p>
+
+<p>At the close of this period the paramour of Francesco gave birth to a
+son, which event was followed by her death, attended by circumstances so
+mysterious and horrible, that Francesco was obliged to fly from Rome,
+being accused of sorcery and witchcraft, also of divers other crimes
+peculiarly odious and abhorrent to the spirit and laws of the Christian
+religion. In consequence of all this, he was obliged to make his escape
+suddenly during the night, taking with him his child; and, as if
+endowed with supernatural energies, he made his way onwards to a wild
+and mountainous district of country, which he had before visited in his
+days of extravagance and pleasure, and where he knew that there was a
+cavern cut in the rock, in which he was now glad to take refuge with the
+child from a violent thunder storm.</p>
+
+<p>As to the child, he could not have himself explained by what influence
+he was induced to bear it along with him; for, in truth, he only wished
+for its destruction. On being thrown on the hard floor of the cave,
+however, the infant, for the first time, uttered some fearful and
+melancholy cries, which penetrated to Francesco's heart; and hereupon,
+he, being moved with compassion, tried every method in his power for its
+preservation.</p>
+
+<p>For this purpose, indeed, he was not well provided. At first he could
+only offer the child an orange to suck; but afterwards he recollected
+the doctor's extraordinary flask, of which the contents seemed
+inexhaustible, and which he had found on his departure, and brought with
+him. From this bottle he administered a few drops to the infant, who
+thereupon seemed miraculously strengthened and tranquillized; and he
+made for it, as well as he could, a bed of heather and soft moss,
+protecting it from damp and cold with his mantle.</p>
+
+<p>Hereafter, Francesco passed several weeks in the cavern, living like a
+penitent hermit; and, incredible as it may seem, the child lived also,
+being supplied with food from the contributions that his father received
+from pious and compassionate neighbours. But Francesco's mind,
+meanwhile, became quite wandering and irrational. He prayed, indeed,
+with great zeal, to the blessed saints, that they would intercede for
+him, a miserable sinner; for his heart was now wholly alienated from his
+profane and blasphemous errors. Above all, he preferred many
+supplications to St Rosalia.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it happened, that the wretched man, one beautiful and serene
+evening, was prostrate on his knees, in the wilderness. He watched the
+receding sun, which, at last, was slowly lost in the water, leaving the
+western sky like a sea of red dazzling waves; and that ruddy light faded
+ere long into the sombre grey tints of evening, the forerunner of dark
+night. Then Francesco perceived in the atmosphere the roseate gleam of
+an extraordinary light, which at first he noticed only as a strange
+phenomenon, because the sun had now departed. But the red light assumed
+a particular form, and floated always nearer and nearer to the penitent,
+till at last he recognized the figure of St Rosalia, kneeling on a
+bright cloud, and surrounded by angels. Then he heard a voice like that
+of soft and articulate music, which pronounced the words, "Forgive, oh
+Lord! this mortal, who, in his weakness, was not able to escape the
+deeply-laid snares, and resist the manifold temptations, of Satan!"</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon lightnings quivered through that roseate cloud, and there was a
+deep and reverberating thunder-clap. A fearful voice answered the prayer
+of the saint,&mdash;"Oftentimes mortals have sinned and been forgiven; but
+what habitant of earth hath ever transgressed like this one? <span class="smcap">No
+happiness in life, nor peace in the grave, shall be granted to him, so
+long as the sinful race to which he hath given rise, shall exist upon
+the earth</span>!"</p>
+
+<p>Francesco now sunk down, as if annihilated in the dust; for he
+thoroughly knew that his irrevocable doom had been pronounced; and that,
+by the most horrible destiny, he would now be driven, like a second
+Ahasuerus, through the realms of life, without hope of enjoyment here,
+or confidence of salvation hereafter.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, he now fled, without thinking of the child in the cave; for
+though he could not now wish for its existence, yet he dared not add to
+his already heavy crimes, by that of child-murder. He lived, being no
+longer able to paint, in extreme and abject misery. Many times it came
+into his mind, as if, for the glory of the Christian religion, he must
+yet execute extensive and magnificent works; and, consequently, he made
+out in his thoughts grand designs, both as to drawing and colouring,
+which should illustrate and represent the history of the blessed Virgin,
+and St Rosalia. But how could he begin those paintings, as he now did
+not possess a single <i>scudo</i> to supply himself with canvass and colours,
+and only supported himself by the small pittance of alms, which he
+received at the doors of churches?</p>
+
+<p>Into the churches also, like other mendicants, he was allowed freely to
+enter; and thus it befell, that one bright and beautiful evening, though
+at a late hour, when the sun had gone down, he sat staring on an
+opposite empty wall, and filled it in imagination with the paintings
+which his genius was yet fully competent to execute. While he sat thus
+absorbed in reverie, he saw two female figures, who, silently and with
+noiseless steps, approached him. Their countenances were veiled, so that
+he had no perception of their features; but, with a voice that rose on
+his ears like celestial music, one of them addressed to him the
+following admonition:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"In the remote land of East Prussia is the celebrated<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Convent of the Holy Lime-Tree, wherein<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Providence has vouchsafed to shew many miracles;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">but the magnificent chapel there erected is yet<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">without any ornaments of painting. Go thither,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">then! Let the practice of your art as a painter<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">become to you an exercise of devotion, and your<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">now desponding soul will be refreshed with heavenly<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">consolation!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>With these words, the two female figures melted away in a gleam of
+light, and left the air filled with the fragrance of roses and lilies.
+Francesco was convinced of the supernatural character of these
+visitants, and resolved that he would on the following day begin his
+pilgrimage. On that same evening it happened, that a servant of
+Zenobio's, after much trouble, found him out, paid him two years'
+arrears of his allotted income, and invited him kindly to his brother's
+court.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Thus far the old painter had written of himself in the third person,
+which, in his later memoranda, he exchanges for the first. I consider it
+needless to transcribe his historical account of the various fortunes
+and intricate relationships of that illegitimate race which he had
+founded, and of which I am a descendant. No reader would take the
+trouble of following out a detail which could scarcely be understood,
+unless thrown into the form of a genealogical tree. Besides, the mind
+revolts from the contemplation of enormous and complicated guilt!
+Suffice it to say, that the child which had been left in the cave was
+accidentally found and preserved; that a small ivory cup, which, along
+with the bottle of the devil's elixir, was discovered at the same time,
+bore, for an inscription, the painter's name, Francesco, by which the
+boy was afterwards baptized.</p>
+
+<p>Many years passed away, and, according to the curse which had been
+pronounced against him, the painter's life was miraculously prolonged,
+in order that, by unheard-of penitence, he might expiate his own crimes.
+Meanwhile, he beheld the powers of darkness unceasingly employed against
+him. The boy who had been found in the cave, and who was protected and
+educated, first in the palace of Count Philippo di Saverno, in Italy,
+afterwards in the Court of Prince Zenobio, had several children, among
+whom were two, a son and daughter, who especially inherited their
+father's wicked propensities, and yielded to the temptations of the
+devil.</p>
+
+<p>The family afterwards branched out so widely, that the painter's book
+alone would supply materials for many volumes. To this family belonged
+the Princess von Rosenthurm, the Abbess of the Cistertian Convent, both
+the first and second Baroness von F&mdash;&mdash;, and the Count Victorin, who,
+notwithstanding the mystery under which he had been reared and educated
+in Italy, I now ascertained to be my brother. After the horrible crimes
+which my father had perpetrated at the court of Rosenthurm, he was
+arrested in his flight by an attack of severe illness, which detained
+him long at the house of a benevolent countryman, whose daughter (my
+mother) he afterwards married. For some time after this event, by his
+knowledge of literature and the arts, he contrived to obtain employment
+in the world, having assumed a fictitious name, and established himself
+under a principality where his person and features were wholly unknown.
+But sooner or later, sin is, even in this world, visited by punishment,
+and the just anger of the Almighty. My father was again attacked by
+sickness, so that the remnant of the once considerable legacy left him
+by his father, was wholly spent. He fell into the bitterest poverty, and
+was at the same time assailed by such horrors of conscience, that his
+life became a continued miserable penance.</p>
+
+<p>At last Heaven, by means of an extraordinary vision, sent to him a gleam
+of consolation. He was warned that he should make a pilgrimage to the
+Convent of the Holy Lime-Tree in Prussia, and that the birth of a son
+should there announce to him the grace and forgiveness of Heaven.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>The last words in the manuscript are as follows. More, indeed, seems to
+have been written, but in a scrawl half obliterated, and so faint that
+it could not be deciphered.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"In the forest by which the Convent of the Lime-Tree is surrounded, I
+appeared to the melancholy mother as she wept over her lately born, and
+fatherless infant, and revived her almost annihilated spirit with words
+of consolation. Miraculously sometimes has the favour of Heaven seemed
+to be won for children who are born within the limits of a blest
+sanctuary. They have even been visited by supernatural and celestial
+visions, kindling up in their infant minds the fires of divine love, and
+the holiest aspirations. The mother has, in holy baptism, given to this
+child his father's name, Francesco, or, according to conventual
+language, Franciscus.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>"Wilt thou then, oh Franciscus! prove to be that long-wished-for
+descendant, who, born on consecrated ground, will atone, by the piety
+of his earthly pilgrimage, for the crimes that were heaped up by his
+ancestors? And wilt thou procure for the wretched penitent refuge in the
+grave?</p>
+
+<p>"I have taken such precautions, that the boy will remain for many years
+far from the world and its seductive delusions; nay, I have resolved
+that he shall become a monk. This destination, the same blessed saint
+who poured divine consolation into my soul announced to his mother, and
+this event may, indeed, be the forerunner of divine grace, and
+forgiveness, which, with the splendour of the morning light, has at last
+beamed forth upon me, so that I seem, in my inward mind, to observe
+clearly, by anticipation, every event of the future.</p>
+
+<p>"Methinks I already behold this youth undergo the deadly strife with the
+fiends of darkness, who, with the most fearful weapons, press in upon
+him. He falls a victim to their infernal artifices, yet a beatified
+female elevates over his head the crown of victory. It is the blessed St
+Rosalia herself, by whom he is rescued. As often as the mercy of Heaven
+allows it to me, I shall be near him in infancy, in youth, and in
+manhood, and will protect him to the utmost of my limited power."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The fame of my sanctity had now spread in such a manner abroad, that
+when I allowed myself to be seen in the streets of Rome, there were
+passengers who begged me for a moment to speak with them, and then, with
+the humblest prostration, implored my blessing. No doubt, my severe
+penitence must excite attention, for I had renewed in their utmost
+extent all my devotional exercises; but even my strange appearance, my
+neglect of my dress, &amp;c. might be enough to excite the imagination of
+the lively Italians, who are ready at all times to fix on any remarkable
+individual for the hero of a religious legend. Often, when unconscious
+of all that passed around me, I had thrown myself on the steps of an
+altar, I was awoke from my inward contemplation by the murmur of prayer,
+and groans of repentance, from those who had collected around me, as if
+wishing to implore my saintly intercession with Heaven.</p>
+
+<p>As in the Capuchin Convent, I frequently heard it called out in the
+streets behind me&mdash;"There goes the saint!" and such words never failed
+to strike like daggers to my heart. I wished, therefore, to leave Rome,
+and had made my arrangements for this purpose, when, to my utter
+astonishment, and indeed terror, the Prior of the Convent wherein I
+lodged, announced to me that the Pope had ordered me to appear before
+him.</p>
+
+<p>Dark apprehensions arose within me, that perhaps the powers of hell were
+more than ever on the watch, and laboured by new stratagems to draw me
+into destruction. Meanwhile, I summoned up all my courage, and at an
+hour which was duly announced to me, repaired to the Vatican.</p>
+
+<p>I was to have a private audience, and the Pope, who was still a handsome
+man, and looked as if he had been in the prime of life, received me
+sitting on a richly ornamented elbow-chair. Two very beautiful boys, in
+the dress of Sacristans, attended to serve him with iced water; and as
+the weather was very hot, they were constantly employed in cooling the
+atmosphere with large fans made of herons' feathers.</p>
+
+<p>I went up to his Holiness with the utmost humility, and paid to him the
+customary homage of kneeling. He fixed his eyes sharply on me, but
+instead of the grave severity, which, from a distance, seemed to me
+before to characterize his features, his looks displayed much good
+humour, and he welcomed me with a very agreeable smile.</p>
+
+<p>His first inquiries were only common-place questions, as to whence I
+came, what had brought me to Rome, &amp;c. He then rose from his chair, and
+assuming a more serious tone, "Brother Medardus," said he, "I have
+summoned you hither, because I had received extraordinary accounts of
+your piety. But wherefore do you perform your devotional exercises
+openly before the people, and in the most public churches? You probably
+wish to be looked on as a chosen saint, a pre-elect of Heaven, and to be
+worshipped by the fanatical mob. But inquire into thine own heart,
+whence this idea first arose, and by what means it has acquired such
+ascendancy. If your intentions are not pure before the eye of the
+Almighty, and before me, his appointed Viceroy, then, Brother Medardus,
+your now flourishing sanctity will soon come to a shameful end."</p>
+
+<p>These last words the Pope uttered in a deep powerful voice, and his eyes
+gleamed as if in anger. For the first time, since a very long period, I
+felt myself accused, without being guilty of the faults with which I was
+charged. On this account I was not only able to retain perfect
+composure, but even to answer him with some degree of fervour and
+eloquence.</p>
+
+<p>"Heaven," said I, "has indeed granted to your Holiness to look into my
+inmost heart, which is loaded and oppressed with a weight of unspeakable
+crimes, of which my deep consciousness may perhaps prove the sincerity
+of my repentance. Far from my thoughts is any attempt at hypocrisy. I
+never had any ambition to influence the minds of the people; on the
+contrary, the attention which they direct to me is abhorrent to my
+feelings, and causes to me the utmost pain and regret. In support of
+what I have now said, will your Holiness grant to a wretched penitent an
+opportunity of relating the events of his life, that he may prove the
+sincerity of his contrition, and his utter self-annihilation at the
+remembrance of the sins which he hath committed?"</p>
+
+<p>On receiving permission, I accordingly went on to narrate, as concisely
+as I could, the whole circumstances and adventures of my life, only
+omitting names, which were of no consequence as to the facts that I
+related against myself. The Pope listened with the greatest attention,
+appearing always more and more interested. At last, by many
+extraordinary looks and gestures, he evinced the astonishment that I had
+excited.</p>
+
+<p>"Your history, Brother Medardus," said he, "is, indeed, the most
+mysterious that I have ever heard. Do you then believe in the immediate,
+and <i>visible</i> agency of the devil?" I was about to answer, but he went
+on. "Do you believe that the wine which you stole from the
+relic-chamber, and drank, really impelled you to the crimes which you
+have committed?"</p>
+
+<p>"Like a water distilled from pestilential herbs," said I, "it gave new
+strength to the seeds of vice and wickedness which lurked within me,
+till at length they burst from their concealment, and spread into
+luxuriant and multiplying growth!"</p>
+
+<p>Upon this answer, the Pope seemed to sink into reflection, and said,
+more as if communing with himself, than addressing me,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"What if the same rules of nature by which corporeal life is usually
+governed, applied also to the mind? If every seed or scion must bring
+forth and perpetuate that which is like to itself? There are whole
+families of murderers, and of robbers. In such cases this was the
+hereditary sin, entailed on a race followed by some inexpiable curse!"</p>
+
+<p>"If he who is descended from a sinful ancestor," said I, "must of
+necessity sin again, it follows from this doctrine, that there is no
+sin!"</p>
+
+<p>"Nay," said the Pope, "the Almighty created a gigantic power, who can
+yet tame and control the appetite for crime, which, like a furious wild
+beast, rages within us. This giant is named Conscience, and from his
+combat with the beast, arise our independence and volition. In the
+victory of the giant consists virtue; in the victory of the beast
+consists sin." The Pope was silent a few moments. He then added in a
+milder voice, "Do you believe, Brother Medardus, that it is becoming for
+the Viceroy of Heaven, to reason thus with you on virtue and vice?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your Holiness," said I, "has condescended to allow the humblest of your
+servants to hear your opinions on this matter; and it well becomes the
+warrior to speak freely on that combat, whose dangers he has himself
+encountered, and in which he has long since obtained the palm of
+victory!"</p>
+
+<p>"You have a favourable opinion of me, Brother," said the Pope; "or do
+you look upon the Tiara, as the laurel crown, announcing my victory to
+the world?"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<blockquote><p>[<i>The Editor has here left out two or three pages of this
+conversation, as it seems irrelevant to the general tenure of the
+narrative.</i>]</p></blockquote>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Hereupon the Pope again rose from his chair. "Thou art an excellent
+orator, Brother Medardus," said he, "and hast spoken after my own
+heart&mdash;we shall, as I perceive, understand one another better ere long
+than we now do. Remain at Rome. In a few days you will be promoted to
+the dignity of Prior of the Capuchin Convent, where a situation is now
+vacant, and afterwards, perhaps, you will be chosen for my Father
+Confessor. Go then, behave yourself with more prudence in the churches,
+and think not of raising yourself to canonization. The calendar is
+already crowded!&mdash;Farewell!"</p>
+
+<p>Our interview ended here, and by these last words of the Pope, I was not
+a little astonished, as indeed I had been by his whole behaviour
+throughout, which was completely at variance with the picture which I
+had previously drawn of him. I had imagined not only that he was a
+worthily appointed Vicegerent of Heaven on this earth, but that he was
+gifted with every virtue, and all mental energies. He had, on the
+contrary, falsely supposed that I was actuated by the base ambition of
+being looked on as a saint, and now wished to excite in my mind a desire
+for other temporal distinctions, which was, in truth, not less sinful.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding my perplexity and dissatisfaction, I was led to conform
+to what the Pope had enjoined, as to the intermission of my penitential
+exercises; and I wandered for some days idly through the streets of
+Rome, meditating chiefly on my past life, on the penitence which I had
+undergone, and the career which was yet before me.</p>
+
+<p>On the last of these idle days, as I passed through the Spanish Square,
+there was a mob assembled round the stage of a puppet-player. My
+attention was at once attracted by the croaking voice of Pulcinello, and
+the laughter of the audience. The first act was ended as I came up&mdash;the
+curtain dropped, and the audience stood in anxious expectation of the
+second.</p>
+
+<p>The little curtain again drew up. The youthful King David appeared with
+his sling and his sackful of pebbles. With the most ludicrous gestures,
+he proved that the monstrous giant should now be slain, and Israel
+rescued. Then there was heard a fearful hollow roaring and rustling
+under the stage, whereupon the giant mounted up, with a huge and most
+absurdly ill-proportioned head. How was I astonished, when, at my first
+glance of this giant's head, I recognized the features of my old friend
+Belcampo. Right under his head he had, by means of an ingenious
+apparatus, contrived to fit on a small body, conformable to those of the
+other puppets, while his own person was concealed by the stage drapery,
+which last served, at the same time, for the mantle of the giant.
+Goliah, with most hideous grimaces of visage and contortions of his
+dwarfish body, held a proud and threatening discourse, which King David
+only now and then interrupted by a shrill and contemptuous laughter.</p>
+
+<p>The mob were diverted out of all measure, and I myself being wonderfully
+attracted by this new apparition of Belcampo, allowed myself to be
+carried away by the impression of the moment, and broke out into the
+unrestrained and hearty laughter of boyish delight. Alas, how often
+before was my laughter only the convulsive vibration of that internal
+torment which preyed upon my heart!</p>
+
+<p>Hereafter, the combat with the giant was preceded by a long disputation,
+wherein King David demonstrated, with great erudition and eloquence,
+wherefore he must and would smite his frightful antagonist to death.
+Belcampo made all the muscles of his countenance writhe and play with
+the most inconceivable vivacity, indicating extreme rage. His gigantic
+arms stretched themselves out against the less than little David, who,
+meanwhile, saved himself by incredible leaps and bendings, vanishing
+altogether, and then coming into sight again&mdash;now here, now there, even
+from the folds of the giant's own mantle. At last the pebble flew from
+David's sling against Goliah's head. He fell down lifeless, and the
+curtain dropped.</p>
+
+<p>I laughed always more and more, excited not merely by the absurdity of
+Pulcinello, but by my previous recollection of Belcampo's grotesque
+genius. Probably I laughed too loud, for the people seemed to notice my
+conduct; and, when I turned round, there was a dignified Abbot standing
+near me.</p>
+
+<p>"I rejoice, reverend sir," said he, "to find that you have not
+altogether lost your relish for terrestrial enjoyments. After I had
+witnessed your most extraordinary penitence and devotion, I believed
+that it would be wholly impossible for you to be diverted with follies
+such as these."</p>
+
+<p>While the Abbot spoke thus, it seemed to me as if I ought to feel
+ashamed of my levity, but involuntarily I answered him in a way of which
+I directly afterwards repented. "Believe me, Signor <i>Abbate</i>," said I,
+"the man who has once combated, like a stout swimmer, with the stormy
+waves of this changeful life, never loses altogether the power of
+lifting up his head bravely from the dark flood!"</p>
+
+<p>The Abbot looked at me with significant glances. "Indeed!" said he, "I
+know not which to praise most, the poetry or logic of your illustration.
+I believe that I now understand you completely, and admire you, reverend
+sir, from the bottom of my heart!"</p>
+
+<p>"I know not, for my part, Signor <i>Abbate</i>," replied I, "how a poor
+penitent monk can have excited your admiration."</p>
+
+<p>"Excellent!" said the Abbot. "You do not, most reverend father, run any
+risk of forgetting the part you have to play!&mdash;You are worthy to be the
+favourite of the Pope!"</p>
+
+<p>"His Holiness," answered I, "has indeed been pleased to honour me with
+an audience. I have done homage before him in the dust, as is becoming
+towards him, whom, on account of his tried virtues, Omnipotence has
+chosen for his vicegerent on earth."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, then," replied the Abbot, "you, too, are no doubt a well-chosen
+vassal of the triple-crowned, and will nobly fulfil the duties required
+of you. But, believe me, the present Pope is a jewel of virtue, compared
+to Alexander the Sixth, and you may perhaps have erred sadly in your
+reckoning. Go on with your part, however&mdash;What is well begun is half
+ended!&mdash;Farewell, most reverend father!"</p>
+
+<p>With a laugh of unrepressed scorn, the Abbot started away, leaving me
+confounded and almost petrified at his conduct. When I connected his
+expressions with my own remarks on the Pope, I became convinced that the
+latter was by no means that conqueror deservedly crowned "after his
+combat with the beast," such as I had supposed him to be; and, at the
+same time, I could no longer entertain any doubt that my penitential
+exercises must, to the majority of the public, have appeared but as a
+hypocritical and artificial system, adopted only to force myself into
+notice. Astonished and bitterly mortified, I returned home to my
+convent, and going into the church, had recourse to long and zealous
+prayer.</p>
+
+<p>Then the scales seemed to fall from my hitherto blinded eyes, and I
+recognized at once the temptation of the powers of darkness, who had of
+new endeavoured to involve me in their snares. Only rapid and instant
+flight could save me from destruction. And I determined with the first
+rays of the next morning to set out on my way.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+
+<p>It was already night when I heard the gate-bell of the convent forcibly
+rung. Soon after, the brother who officiated as porter, came into my
+cell and told me there was a strangely-dressed man without, who insisted
+on speaking with me. I went accordingly to the parlour. It was Belcampo,
+who, in his usual mad style, capered up to me, seized me by both arms,
+and drew me, with an air of great mystery, aside into a corner.</p>
+
+<p>"Medardus," said he, in a low and hurried tone, "you may make what
+arrangements you please for your own destruction; but Folly is once more
+come on the wings of the west wind to the rescue of your helpless
+wisdom. If there is but the slightest corner or thread of your habit
+remaining in sight, this arm will yet draw you back from out the yawning
+and bottomless abyss. Oh, Medardus! remember and acknowledge once more
+the power of love and of friendship. Think on David and Jonathan,
+dearest Capuchin!"</p>
+
+<p>"I have admired you as Goliah, no doubt," answered I; "but what can have
+brought you hither at this time, I have yet to learn."</p>
+
+<p>"What brought me hither!" said Belcampo, with great fervour. "What else
+could have impelled me, but an unreasonable, a boundless attachment to a
+Capuchin, whose head I once set to rights (in more senses of these words
+than one) when it was in very formidable disorder; who threw about him
+his blood-red golden ducats, with lavish profusion; who had intercourse
+with abominable <i>revenants</i>; who, finally, after he had committed a few
+trifling murders, was about to marry the most beautiful woman in the
+world, with whom&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Stop&mdash;stop there!" cried I&mdash;"no more of this, thou cruel-hearted and
+reckless fool. Heavily have I already done penance for all with which
+thou hast now, in thy wicked humour, reproached me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! Brother Medardus," said Belcampo, "are the scars then so tender and
+sensitive of those wounds with which the powers of darkness assailed
+you? This proves that your recovery is not yet perfect; so, then, I
+shall be as mild and quiet as a child&mdash;I shall tame the wildness of my
+fantasy&mdash;shall no more cut caprioles either mentally or corporeally&mdash;but
+only inform you, that as my attachment and friendship, chiefly on
+account of your sublime madness, which you call wisdom, are very great,
+I am determined to preserve your life as long as possible, and protect
+you from every danger that you bring upon yourself.</p>
+
+<p>"Concealed in my puppet-show theatre, I have chanced to overhear a
+discourse relating to you. The Pope has determined to make you the Prior
+of one of the most distinguished Capuchin Convents, and also to appoint
+you his own Father Confessor. Fly, then, quickly&mdash;fly from Rome, for
+dagger and poison are already prepared for you. I know one bravo who has
+even now got his retaining fee for sending you in all haste to the other
+world. In a word, you have come in the way of a certain famous
+Dominican, who has hitherto been the Pope's confessor. You are obnoxious
+to him and all his adherents; and, to conclude, to-morrow morning you
+must no longer be found within the walls of Rome!"</p>
+
+<p>This new occurrence I was at no loss to connect in my mind with the
+expressions of the unknown <i>Abbate</i>. The two warnings were exactly in
+keeping with each other, and I stood so lost in thought, that I scarcely
+noticed the absurd conduct of Belcampo, who embraced me with great
+fervour, and then with hideous grimaces and contortions took his
+departure.</p>
+
+<p>It might now be past midnight, when I heard the hollow rolling of a
+carriage over the pavement of the Court. Soon afterwards, I observed
+steps on the stone-stairs. There was a knocking at my door, which I
+opened, and beheld the Father Guardian of the Convent, who was followed
+by a man in disguise, masked, and carrying a torch in his hand.</p>
+
+<p>"Brother Medardus," said the guardian, "we are informed that a dying man
+desires your spiritual assistance, and the last unction. Do then what
+the rule enjoins. Follow this man, who will lead you to the person who
+requires your attendance."</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon, a cold shuddering ran through my limbs. The apprehension rose
+vividly within me, that they were leading me to my own death; yet I
+dared not refuse, but instantly rose, put on my habit, and followed the
+stranger, who lighted me down stairs, opened the door of the carriage,
+and forced me to enter it.</p>
+
+<p>In the carriage there were two other men, also disguised, who placed me
+betwixt them. I inquired whither I was to be led, and who it was that
+wished for my prayers and last services? No answer. In deep silence, we
+drove on through several streets. For some time, I believed, by the
+sound of the wheels, that we were already beyond the city walls; but
+again, I perceived that we came through an arched gate-way, and then
+drove once more over paved streets.</p>
+
+<p>At last, the carriage stopped, and I felt that they immediately bound up
+my hands; and that a thick night-cap was drawn over my face, by which I
+was completely blinded. At this I expressed some dissatisfaction and
+anxiety.</p>
+
+<p>"No evil shall befall you," said a rough voice, "only you must be silent
+as to all that you see and hear, otherwise your death is inevitable."</p>
+
+<p>They now lifted me out of the carriage. There was a rattling of keys and
+locks. Then a gate opened that groaned heavily, and creaked on its rusty
+and unoiled hinges. We entered, and they led me at first through long
+corridors, and at last down stairs deeper and deeper. The echoing sounds
+of our steps convinced me that we were in vaults, and the abominable and
+oppressive air proved that these vaults were destined for the reception
+of the dead.</p>
+
+<p>At last we stood still. My hands were untied, and the cap taken from my
+head. I found myself in a large apartment, dimly lighted by a lamp hung
+from the ceiling.</p>
+
+<p>There was a man in black robes, and wearing a mask, probably the same
+who had come for me to the Capuchin Convent. He stood next to me; and
+along the walls of the room, seated on two benches, I beheld many
+Dominican monks.</p>
+
+<p>The horrible dream already narrated, which occurred to me in the prison
+at the <i>residenz</i> of the Prince von Rosenthurm, came back vividly on my
+remembrance. I held it for certain, that I was now to meet an immediate
+and cruel death; yet I remained silent, and only prayed inwardly, not
+for rescue from the danger that awaited me, but for a religious and
+sanctified end.</p>
+
+<p>After some moments of gloomy silence and expectation, one of the monks
+came to me, and said, with a hollow voice, "Medardus, we have here
+doomed to death a brother of your order. His sentence is this night to
+be carried into execution. From you he expects absolution and admonition
+in his last moments. Go, then, and fulfil what belongs to your office."</p>
+
+<p>The mask in black robes, who stood near me, now took me by the arm, and
+led me from the audience-chamber through a narrow passage, into a small
+vaulted cell.</p>
+
+<p>Here I found lying in a corner, on a straw-bed, a pale and emaciated
+spectre&mdash;properly speaking, a mere skeleton&mdash;half-clothed, or rather
+hung like a scarecrow, with rags. The mask placed the lamp which he had
+brought with him on a stone-table, in the middle of the vault, and
+retired.</p>
+
+<p>I then approached nearer the wretched couch of the prisoner. My name had
+been announced, and with great difficulty he turned himself round
+towards me. I was confounded when I recognized the features of the
+venerable Cyrillus. A smile as of celestial beatitude came over his
+countenance, though I knew not wherefore he was thus rejoiced.</p>
+
+<p>"So then," said he, "the abominable ministers of hell, who dwell in this
+building, have for once not deceived me. Through them I learned that
+you, dear Brother Medardus, were in Rome; and as I expressed a great
+wish to speak with you, they promised me to bring you here at the hour
+of my death. That hour is now arrived, and they have not forgotten their
+contract."</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon, I kneeled down beside the venerable and pious old man. I
+conjured him, in the first place, to tell me, how it was possible that
+he could have been doomed by any society, calling themselves religious,
+either to imprisonment or death?</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! dear Brother Medardus," said Cyrillus, "not till after I have
+confessed my manifold crimes, and, in the first place, those which I
+have through inadvertence committed against you; not till after you
+have, according to the holy institutes of our church, reconciled me with
+Heaven, dare I speak any farther as to my own earthly misery, and
+worldly cares. You already know, that I myself, as well as all the rest
+of our community, looked upon you as the most hardened and most
+unpardonable of sinners. According to our belief, you had, by a
+continued chain of errors, heaped up the most enormous guilt on your
+head, so that we expelled you from our society. Yet your chief crime was
+but in yielding to the impulse of one fatal moment, in which the devil
+cast his noose round your neck, and dragged you away from the holy
+sanctuary, into the distractions of this sinful world.</p>
+
+<p>"Then an abominable swindler, assuming your name, your dress, and, as if
+he were the devil incarnate, also your corporeal figure, committed those
+crimes, which had almost drawn upon you the shameful death of a
+murderer. It has indeed been proved against you, that you have on one
+occasion sinned, inasmuch as you wished to break your monastic vows; but
+that you are unstained by those enormities which were imputed to you,
+there can be no doubt. Return then to our convent, Medardus, where the
+brethren will receive him whom they believed for ever lost, with
+redoubled kindness and rejoicing."</p>
+
+<p>Here the old man, overcome by weakness, sank back, fainting on his
+couch; and resisting the excitement which his words had produced upon
+me, I remembered that my present duty was to attend to Cyrillus only,
+and the welfare of his soul, which he had intrusted to my care.
+Therefore I laboured as well as I could, by friction, and raising him in
+the bed, to recover the unhappy prisoner from his insensibility.</p>
+
+<p>At last he was restored, and went regularly through his confession; he,
+the pious and almost blameless old man, humbling himself before me, the
+depraved sinner! But when I absolved the self-accusing monk, whose only
+fault seemed to be that he had on many subjects <i>doubted</i>, and by these
+doubts had been driven hither and thither, it seemed to me as if,
+notwithstanding my own manifold offences, a divine spirit were kindled
+up within me&mdash;as if I were but the unworthy instrument, the corporeal
+organ, by which Omnipotence spoke temporally to souls not yet released
+from their temporal bondage.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Brother Medardus," said Cyrillus, lifting his eyes full of devotion
+to Heaven, "how have your words refreshed and strengthened me! Gladly
+shall I now go to meet death, which the traitors residing here have
+prepared for me. I fall a victim to that abominable treachery and
+concealed wickedness, by which the throne of the Pope is now
+surrounded.&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>I heard hollow sounding steps, that always came nearer and nearer. Then
+keys rattled in the door-lock.</p>
+
+<p>Cyrillus raised himself up with a violent and fearful effort.&mdash;"Return,"
+said he, "return, Medardus, to the happiness and security of our own
+convent. Leonardus is already informed as to all that has occurred; he
+knows in what manner I am now about to die. Conjure him to be silent as
+to this last event; for how soon, even without this, would death have
+claimed a weak and tottering old man! Farewell, my brother! Pray for the
+salvation of my soul! My spirit shall be with you, when, in our convent
+at Königswald, you read for me the prayers over the dead. Above all, I
+beseech you to be silent as to whatever you have witnessed here; for
+otherwise you will bring on yourself certain destruction, and involve
+our community in endless disputes."</p>
+
+<p>On this point I made him a solemn promise. The disguised men had come
+into the room. They lifted up the old monk out of bed, and, as he had
+not strength enough to walk, dragged him through the corridor towards
+the vaulted hall, or audience-chamber, in which I had before been.</p>
+
+<p>On a signal from the masks, I had followed the prisoner, and now found
+that the Dominicans had arranged themselves in a circle, within which
+they brought the old man, and then commanded him to kneel down upon a
+small heap of earth, which they had laid in the centre of the circle.</p>
+
+<p>A crucifix was now placed by one of the masks in his hands, and he
+grasped it with great fervour. According to the duty of my office, I had
+also gone within the circle, and prayed aloud. Before I had ended, one
+of the Dominicans pulled me by the arm, and spoke to me aside. At that
+moment I observed a sword gleam in the hand of one of the masks; and in
+an instant, at a single blow, the head of Cyrillus was dissevered, and
+rolled down, streaming a torrent of blood, at my feet.</p>
+
+<p>I could not endure the horror of this spectacle, but threw myself on the
+earth, in a state of half fainting and half consciousness. On my
+recovery, I found that I was in a small apartment fitted up like a cell.
+A Dominican came up to me.</p>
+
+<p>"You are terrified perhaps," said he; "yet, brother, methinks you
+should rather rejoice to have beheld with your own eyes this perfect
+martyrdom. By that name, of course, it must be distinguished, if a
+brother of your convent undergoes the execution of his sentence; for, no
+doubt, you are, to a man, <i>all</i> saints!"</p>
+
+<p>"We are not saints," replied I; "but we can at least say this
+much&mdash;Never was an innocent man within the walls of our convent
+murdered&mdash;Let me now go! I have fulfilled my duty faithfully, and with
+self-satisfaction. The spirit of my departed brother, who is now in
+Heaven, will, as I trust, be near to me, if I should fall into the hands
+of accursed murderers!"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt," said the Dominican, "that your departed brother,
+Cyrillus, will, in such case, be able to assist you. Methinks, however,
+you ought not to call the judgment which has been executed against him,
+a murder. Cyrillus had committed enormous misdemeanours against the now
+reigning Vicegerent of the Almighty; and it was by his (I mean by the
+Pope's) express command, that your brother was condemned to death. But
+as he must have confessed all to you, it is needless to speak with you
+any farther on this subject. Rather take, before you go, a little of
+this cordial for your bodily refreshment; for you look quite pale, and
+much agitated."</p>
+
+<p>With these words, accompanied by a good-humoured smile, the Dominican
+handed to me a crystal cup, filled with a dark red-coloured and strongly
+fragrant wine, which, like champagne, foamed and mantled.</p>
+
+<p>I scarce knew how to interpret the obscure apprehensions which were
+within me. Surely this was the self-same wine which had once before been
+presented to me by the Baroness Euphemia von F&mdash;&mdash;, which I then luckily
+refused to taste! I had no time for reflections, however; for the monk
+was attentively watching me. Involuntarily, and without thought, I put
+up my left hand over my face, as if blinded by the glare of the lamp;
+and with the other, lifting my glass, poured the wine into the wide
+sleeve of my habit.</p>
+
+<p>The Dominican was effectually deceived.&mdash;"Much good may it do you!" said
+he; at the same time hastily opening the door, and making signs for my
+departure.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>I was again brought into the carriage, which, to my surprise, was now
+empty; and they drove me rapidly away. The terrors of the night&mdash;the
+violent excitement which I had undergone, and my grief for the
+unfortunate Cyrillus, combined to produce a deep gloomy reverie, in
+which I scarcely remembered where I was, or knew what was passing around
+me. When the carriage stopped, I took no notice; but from this trance I
+was awoke by two men, who lifted me (as if I had been unable to help
+myself) out of the carriage, and then threw me down, roughly enough,
+upon the ground.</p>
+
+<p>The morning had already broke, and I found myself before the gate of my
+own convent, of which I immediately rang the bell. The porter was
+terrified at my pale and disordered aspect; and, of course, had
+announced his apprehensions to the Prior, for, immediately after early
+mass, the latter came with anxious looks into my cell.</p>
+
+<p>To his questions I only answered generally, that the death of the person
+whom I had been sent for to absolve had been very horrible, and that,
+consequently, I could not help being much agitated. The Prior was
+satisfied with this answer, but soon afterwards, from the insupportable
+torment which I felt in my left arm, I could not contain myself, but
+screamed out aloud.</p>
+
+<p>The surgeon of the convent was sent for, and, meanwhile, the sleeve of
+my habit ripped open; but the cloth had already grown into my flesh, and
+the whole arm was found withered, and eaten away to the very bone, by a
+deleterious caustic.</p>
+
+<p>"I was to have drunk wine," said I to the Prior, "but allowed the
+contents of the glass to run thus into my sleeve." I said no more,
+remembering the injunctions of Cyrillus to secrecy.</p>
+
+<p>On the arrival of the physician, he declared that the wine had been
+impregnated with the most destructive and corrosive of all poisons; but
+by the remedies which he applied, my torment was lessened, at least,
+though by no means assuaged. My recovery was slow and tedious; for it
+was considered doubtful whether the limb ought not to be amputated. I
+escaped that misfortune, however; but my arm remains to this hour
+withered and powerless.</p>
+
+<p>"I am now perfectly aware," said the Prior, one morning after I became
+convalescent, "of the peculiar circumstances by which you have lost the
+use of your arm. The pious Brother Cyrillus vanished in the most
+mysterious manner from our convent and from Rome; and you, dear Brother
+Medardus, will in the same manner be lost, if you do not immediately
+change your residence. During your illness, many suspicious inquiries
+were made after you, and had it not been for my watchfulness, and the
+faithful attachment of your brethren, probably you would not now have
+been in life.</p>
+
+<p>"To me you appeared from the first an extraordinary man, under the
+influence of a destiny, whose final decrees are yet inscrutable; but
+however this may be, you have certainly, since your arrival in Rome,
+attracted far too much attention, to escape the animosity and
+watchfulness of certain people, who, no doubt, wish you to be removed
+out of their way. My advice is, therefore, that you should return home
+to your own country, and to your own convent. May all happiness, and,
+above all, the grace of God, be with you!"</p>
+
+<p>Even without this admonition of the Prior, I should have clearly felt,
+that so long as I remained in Rome, my life must be in constant danger.
+To this painful thought, others were added. I was haunted still by the
+recollection of my numberless and enormous crimes; then, above all,
+there was the immediate torment of my festering and withered arm. I
+could not value a life which was so useless and miserable, but, on the
+contrary, reverted frequently to the thoughts of suicide, which only the
+terror of committing a new crime prevented me from carrying into
+execution. But even without this, I might soon fall in the way of
+obtaining for myself a timely and welcome martyrdom, and whether this
+should occur at Rome or elsewhere was to me indifferent.</p>
+
+<p>More and more, however, I accustomed myself to dwell on the thoughts of
+a speedy and violent death, to which, by my penitence, I considered
+myself entitled. Methought I saw the figure of the monk Medardus, <i>of
+myself</i>, issuing from the gates of the convent, and passing along the
+road. Then there appeared behind him a dark and indefinable form, who
+stabbed him with a stiletto to the heart. A crowd immediately collected
+round the bloody corpse. "Medardus!" cried they; "the pious and blessed
+penitent Medardus is murdered!"</p>
+
+<p>These words were spread and repeated hundred-fold through the streets;
+and the crowd always became more numerous, lamenting the loss of a saint
+so gifted and distinguished. Women kneeled down, and reverentially dipt
+their handkerchiefs in the blood which flowed from my wounds. In doing
+this, one of them remarked the scar of the cross on my neck, whereupon
+she exclaimed aloud&mdash;"He is indeed a martyr&mdash;a glorified saint! See here
+the impress of Heaven, which he has borne on his earthly frame!"
+Hereupon all the multitude threw themselves on their knees, and happy
+were those who could touch the mortal remains of the saint, or even the
+hem of his garment! Then a new impulse was given. There was an opening
+made in the crowd. A bier was brought forward, ornamented with a
+profusion of flowers, and in triumphant march, with prayer, and the
+choral voice of divine music, the attendant youths carry on it the dead
+body of the saint onwards to the church of St Peter!</p>
+
+<p>Thus my still wandering and deluded fantasy elaborated, in the most
+vivid colours, a picture, representing my own martyrdom. Without once
+apprehending how the deceitful demon of pride led me on, and by new
+methods laboured to ensure my destruction, I resolved, after my perfect
+recovery, to remain in Rome; to continue the same penitential life which
+I had hitherto adopted, and then either to die in the full odour and
+splendour of sanctity, or else, being rescued by the Pope, to raise
+myself up to high dignities and power in the church.</p>
+
+<p>My convalescence, as I have already mentioned, was very tedious, but the
+powerful energies of my constitution enabled me at first to bear up
+against the torture, and at last triumph over that abominable poison,
+which had not only destroyed one limb, but threatened, by sympathy, to
+injure my whole vitals. The physician, however, had no doubts of my
+perfect restoration. Indeed, it was only at those moments of mental
+confusion which usually precede sleep, that I was liable still to
+feverish attacks and delirium.</p>
+
+<p>In one of these paroxysms I was visited by an extraordinary dream, of
+which the circumstances were far too wild and confused to be faithfully
+described. Methought I again looked on my own dead body, but not as
+before in a public street of Rome. It was now laid in a lonely <i>berceau</i>
+walk of the convent at Königswald, where every object in the landscape
+came in vivid colours to my remembrance. Methought I was conscious of my
+own separate existence, as a self-subsisting idea, and then I ascended,
+as if borne up by my own buoyancy, from the realms of earth, and ere
+long found myself floating in a cloud of a beautiful roseate colour.
+There I beheld a magnificent array of wood-crowned mountains and rocky
+cliffs, gleaming in the morning sun, but far more beautiful than those
+of the earth. Anon, methought I stood at the lofty gate of a gorgeous
+palace, and wished to enter; but fearful bolts of lightning crossed and
+re-crossed each other, like fiery lances, betwixt me and the entrance,
+till I was struck down into the bosom of a damp, obscure, and colourless
+cloud. As I fell down deeper and deeper, I again beheld the dead body,
+which raised itself up and stared upon me with ghastly, lustreless eyes,
+and howled out some accents of lamentation, like the north wind in a
+narrow ravine. Anon, methought the face of all nature became dead and
+withered. The flowers declined their heads, sank down, and faded away.
+The trees lost every leaf, and their dry branches rattled like the
+marrowless joints of a skeleton. I saw men and women too, no longer like
+living beings, but like pale, hideous spectres, and they threw
+themselves in despair on the earth, calling out, "Mercy! mercy! Is then
+the guilt of our crimes so enormous, that thou, oh Lord, givest unto our
+Arch-Enemy power to destroy, and render vain the sin-offering of our
+blood?"</p>
+
+<p>I wished for annihilation, though, being a disembodied idea, this was
+impossible. Then methought I was, as if by an electrical shock, roused
+up from my sleep. The great clock of the convent struck twelve. "The
+dead raise themselves up," said a voice; "they rise out of their
+graves, and are gone to divine worship." Accordingly, I began to pray.
+Then I heard a slight knocking at my door, and believed it was one of my
+brethren, who wished to come into the room, till, with
+unspeakable horror, I recognized the voice of my ghostly
+<span class="smcap">Double</span>.&mdash;"Broth-er&mdash;Broth-er!" said the voice&mdash;"I am here&mdash;I am
+here!&mdash;Come with me&mdash;Come with me!"</p>
+
+<p>I wished thereupon to start up from my couch, but a shuddering coldness
+had fettered every limb, and every attempted movement produced only a
+convulsive inward struggle. My only refuge was in prayer; and I heard,
+in a strange manner, the audible effect of my own voice. Now it
+gradually triumphed over the renewed knocking and stammering of the
+spectre; but at last all was confused and lost in the hum of ten
+thousand voices, as when the air is filled with myriads of insects. Anon
+this humming changed to articulate lamentations as before, and methought
+I was again wrapt in the dark cloud; but suddenly there came over it a
+gleam of the most exquisite morning red. Through the dark vapours
+descended a tall and dignified form, on whose bosom a cross shone with
+dazzling effulgence. The features were those of St Rosalia!</p>
+
+<p>The lamentations were now turned to an exulting hymn of praise; and from
+afar I beheld the landscape again blooming in all the luxuriance of
+spring. Only my own voice was now heard, lamenting&mdash;"Shall I then alone,
+of all these rejoicing inhabitants of earth, be given a prey to
+everlasting torments?"&mdash;Then a change came over that beautiful phantom.
+Its awe-striking dignity was transformed into mild grace and
+beneficence, and a sweet smile was diffused over her features.</p>
+
+<p>"<span class="smcap">Aurelia!</span>" cried I aloud, and with that name I at last in reality awoke,
+and saw the clear morning light beaming into my cell.</p>
+
+<p>By this introduction of Aurelia I clearly recognized the new endeavours
+of the restless powers of darkness against me; and no sooner was this
+perception aroused, than I understood also the nature of those delusions
+by which I had been induced to remain in Rome. I hastened down to the
+church, and prayed with great fervour, leaving out, however, all bodily
+chastisements, having need of all the strength that I could muster for
+my long and fatiguing journey. Before the mid-day sun shot down his
+perpendicular and insupportable beams, I was already far from Rome,
+taking precisely the same road by which I had come thither.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>I determined to avoid the <i>residenz</i> of the Prince; not because I was
+afraid to be recognized and punished, but because I could not bear to
+look on the scene of my horrible offences. Moreover, should Aurelia
+still reside there, I felt that I had no certainty of avoiding new
+temptations; and this apprehension, perhaps, proved, more than any other
+circumstance, the reality of my penitence and conversion. The conviction
+afforded me some consolation, that at least the diabolical spirit of
+pride was annihilated within me, and that I no longer wished to throw
+myself into danger, from a vain confidence in my own strength.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>My long pilgrimage was without any incidents deserving of record. At
+last I had arrived amid the well-known Thuringian mountains; and one
+morning, through the dense vapours that lingered in a valley before me,
+I beheld a castle, which I instantly recognized to be that of the late
+Baron von F&mdash;&mdash;. As I came nearer, alas! how was the scene now changed
+from what it had been! The walks and ornaments of the parks were become
+a wilderness of ruin and devastation. The shrubberies, parterres, and
+young plantations, were either torn up by the cattle, or converted into
+ploughed fields. The road on which I walked, after entering the path,
+was overgrown with moss and weeds; and even the beautiful lawn before
+the mansion-house, that used to be so carefully kept, was now covered
+with a herd of cattle, and another of swine, that had rooted up all its
+verdure. The windows of the castle, too, were broken, and looked
+ghastly. The steps leading up to the principal entry were ruinous, and
+covered with lichens and grass that waved in the wind. Through the whole
+domain there seemed not to be one living being. All was neglected and
+lonely.</p>
+
+<p>On passing through a dense thicket, which had once been my favourite
+walk, I heard an obscure sound of moaning and lamentation. Then I
+perceived a grey-headed old man at some distance, who, though his
+countenance was turned towards me, did not seem in the least to notice
+my presence or approach. On the contrary, when I came almost close to
+him, he uttered, as if talking to himself in deep reverie, the
+words,&mdash;"Dead&mdash;dead and gone,&mdash;all dead and gone, whom I once loved in
+this world. Oh, Aurelia! thou, too, the last, art dead to all sublunary
+enjoyments!"</p>
+
+<p>I now recognized Reinhold, the old intendant, though grief had so much
+changed his appearance, that at first I knew not who he was. I had do
+wish to speak with any one, but now remained as if involuntarily rooted
+to the spot.</p>
+
+<p>"Aurelia dead!" cried I. "No, no, old man, thou art misinformed. The
+power of the all-seeing and omniscient Judge protected her from the
+stiletto of the murderer!"</p>
+
+<p>The old man started at these words as if he had been struck by
+lightning. "Who is here?" cried he, vehemently&mdash;"Who is here?&mdash;Leopold!
+Leopold!" A boy now sprung out from the thicket, and on perceiving me,
+pronounced the customary salutation&mdash;"<i>Laudetur Jesus Christus!</i>"&mdash;"<i>In
+omnia sæcula sæculorum</i>" answered I. Then the old man raised himself up.
+"Leopold! Leopold!" said he, with great energy; "Who is among us? What
+is this man?"</p>
+
+<p>Now, for the first time, I perceived that Reinhold was blind. The boy
+answered him. "A reverend monk, Herr Intendant; a monk of the Capuchin
+order." Upon these words, it seemed as if the old man was seized by the
+utmost terror and abhorrence.</p>
+
+<p>"Away&mdash;away!" cried he. "Boy, lead me from hence&mdash;To my room&mdash;to my
+room! Peter shall close all the doors, and keep watch.&mdash;Away&mdash;away!"
+With these words, he seemed to exert his utmost strength to escape from
+me, as from a furious wild beast. The boy looked at him and me
+alternately, as if quite confounded, and at a loss how to act; but the
+old man, instead of allowing himself to be led, forced on his attendant,
+and they soon disappeared through a gate, which, as I perceived, was
+immediately locked behind them.</p>
+
+<p>I was much shocked at this adventure, and fled as quickly as I could
+from this place, the scene of my greatest crimes, which now appeared to
+me more abominable than ever. I soon afterwards found myself in dense
+thickets of the forest, and but for the direction which the sun
+afforded, would not have known what path to choose, or whither
+to turn. I sank into a deep reverie, in which I almost lost all
+self-consciousness of what was immediately around me; till at last,
+being much fatigued, I laid myself down on a mossy couch, formed on the
+spreading roots of a wild oak tree, not far from which I saw a small
+artificially formed eminence, on which was planted a cross. Gazing on
+this, I soon fell into a profound sleep, and the bodily exertions that I
+had undergone were such, that I now slumbered without ever being visited
+by any of my former visions.</p>
+
+<p>On awaking from my sleep, I was surprised to perceive an old countryman
+seated near me, who, as soon as he saw that I raised myself up,
+respectfully took off his cap.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt, reverend father," said he, "you have travelled a far way, and
+are greatly fatigued, otherwise you would not have chosen <i>this</i> as your
+resting-place. Or it may be that you are an entire stranger, and know
+not the peculiar circumstances connected with this spot?"</p>
+
+<p>I assured him, that being a stranger, a pilgrim from the most distant
+parts of Italy, I could not possibly have any knowledge of the
+circumstances to which he alluded.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said the countryman, "the warning which I wished to give you is
+particularly applicable to all brethren of your order; for it is said
+that some years ago a Capuchin monk was murdered in this very part of
+the forest; consequently, when I saw you sleeping on the grass, I
+determined to station myself here, and be ready to defend you from
+whatever danger you might be threatened with. Whether the story of your
+brother's death at this place be true or false, this much is certain,
+that at the time alluded to, a Capuchin came as a passing guest to our
+village, and after staying all night, walked away in the morning,
+through these mountains. On that very day, a neighbour of mine going as
+usual to big work through the deep valley below what is called the
+'Devil's Ground,' suddenly heard a piercing hideous cry, which continued
+for a few seconds, and then strangely died away in the air. He insists,
+(though to me this appears very improbable,) that at the same time when
+he heard the cry, he saw the form of a man shoot down from the
+jutting-out point of rock above, into the bottomless abyss.</p>
+
+<p>"This evidence was so circumstantial, that all the village began to
+think it possible that the Capuchin who had left us that morning might
+really have fallen down from the cliff, and we tried every method in our
+power, without endangering our own lives, to find out his dead body in
+the chasm.</p>
+
+<p>"Our labour proved fruitless, however; we laughed at the man who had put
+us to much trouble, and ridiculed him still more when he afterwards
+insisted, that in returning home at night, he had plainly seen the
+figure of a man rising out of the water.</p>
+
+<p>"This last must have indeed been mere imagination; but afterwards we
+understood that the Capuchin, God knows wherefore, had been murdered by
+a man of rank, who had afterwards thrown down the body from that point
+of rock which we call the Devil's Chair.</p>
+
+<p>"That the murder must have been committed near the spot where we now
+are, I am fully persuaded; for, as I was once sitting quietly after hard
+work, and looking at an old hollow oak-tree, methought I saw something
+like a corner of dark-brown cloth hanging out, which excited my
+curiosity. Accordingly, when I went to the tree, I drew out of it, to my
+great surprise, a Capuchin tunic, quite fresh and new, which I therefore
+took home to my cottage. I perceived that one of the sleeves was stained
+with blood, and in one corner found embroidered, the name 'Medardus.'</p>
+
+<p>"It occurred to me that it would be a pious and praise-worthy action if
+I sold the habit, and give the money that it would bring to our priest,
+requesting him to read prayers for the benefit of the poor murdered man.
+Consequently, I took the dress with me to town, but no old-clothesman
+would purchase it, and there was no Capuchin Convent in the place.</p>
+
+<p>"At last there came up to me a man, who, by his dress, must have been a
+<i>chasseur</i>, or forester. He said that he was just then in want of such a
+garment, and gave at once the money that I had demanded for it.
+Returning home, I made our priest say several masses, and as I could not
+contrive to station a cross in the Devil's Abyss, I placed one here, as
+a memorial of the Capuchin's cruel fate.</p>
+
+<p>"However, the deceased father must have had not a few sins to answer
+for; his ghost is said to wander about here still, and has been seen by
+divers people, so that the priest's labours have been of no great
+service in his behalf. Therefore, reverend father, I would earnestly
+entreat of you, when you have returned safe to your own convent, to read
+prayers now and then for the soul of your unfortunate brother, Medardus.
+Will you promise me this?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are in a mistake, my good friend," said I; "the Capuchin Medardus,
+who some years ago passed through your village, is not murdered; there
+is no need of masses for him, since he still lives, and must by his own
+labours and repentance work out the salvation of his soul. I am myself
+this very Medardus.&mdash;Look here!"</p>
+
+<p>With these words I threw open my tunic, and shewed him my name
+embroidered, as he had described, on the outside of the lapelle.
+Scarcely had the <i>bauer</i> looked at the name, when he grew deadly pale,
+and stared at me with every sign of the utmost horror. Then suddenly he
+started up, and without uttering a word, ran as if he had been pursued
+by fiends into the wood.</p>
+
+<p>It was obvious that he took me for the ghost of this murdered Medardus,
+and all endeavours would have failed to convince him of his error. The
+remoteness of the place, and the deep stillness, broken only by the
+roaring of the not far distant river, were well suited to awake in my
+mind the most horrible imagery. I thought once more of my detestable
+<i>double</i>, and infected almost with the terror of the countryman, I felt
+myself agitated to my inmost heart, and believed that the frightful
+spectre of my second self would start out from some dark thicket against
+me.</p>
+
+<p>Summoning my utmost courage, I again stepped forward on my journey, but
+so much was I disturbed by the revived notion of my ghostly <i>double</i>,
+that not till after a considerable time had I leisure to recollect that
+the countryman's narrative had completely cleared up to me the mystery
+how the delirious monk had first got possession of the tunic, which, on
+our flight into Italy, he had left with me, and which I had recognized
+as unquestionably my own. The forester whom he had applied to for a new
+dress, had, of course, purchased it from the countryman in the
+market-town.</p>
+
+<p>I was deeply impressed by the confused and broken manner in which the
+<i>bauer</i> had told the fatal events of the Devil's Ground, for I thus
+perceived the intricate web&mdash;the concatenation of circumstances, in
+which the powers of darkness seemed to have done their utmost to produce
+that fearful exchange of characters betwixt myself and Victorin. The
+strange sight that had been seen by the <i>bauer</i>, too, of a man rising
+out of the abyss, which his companions believed only a vision, appeared
+to me of no little importance. I looked forward with confidence to an
+explanation of this also, though without knowing where it could be
+obtained.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+
+<p>After a few days more of restless walking, it was with a beating heart,
+and eyes swimming in tears, that I once more beheld the well-known
+towers of the Cistertian Monastery, and village of Heidebach. Anxious as
+I now am to wind up this long and painful narrative, I shall not pause
+to describe and analyze my feelings at thus visiting once more the
+scenes of my youth, which, in the yellow light of a still autumnal day,
+lay in all their wonted calmness and beauty before me.</p>
+
+<p>I passed through the village, went up the hill, and came to the great
+square shaded by tall trees before the gate of the convent. Here, for
+some time, I paused, seating myself on a stone bench in a recess,
+reviving all my oldest and most cherished recollections, that came over
+my mind like shadows of a dream. Scarcely could I now believe that I was
+the same Francesco who had there spent so many years with a heart
+unclouded by care, and to whom guilt and remorse were yet known only by
+name.</p>
+
+<p>While thus occupied, I heard at some distance a swelling voice of
+melody&mdash;it was an anthem sung by male voices. A large crucifix became
+visible, and I found that a procession was coming up the hill. The monks
+walked in pairs, and at the first glance I recognized that they were my
+own brethren, and that the old Leonardus, supported by a young man whose
+name I did not know, was at their head. Without noticing me, they
+continued their anthem, and passed on through the convent gate.</p>
+
+<p>They were followed by the Dominicans and Franciscans, also from the town
+of Königswald, and walking in the same order of procession. Then several
+coaches drove up, in which were the nuns of St Clare. From all this I
+perceived that some remarkable festival was now to be solemnized.</p>
+
+<p>The church doors were opened, and I went in. People were adorning the
+altars, and especially the high altar, with flower garlands, and a
+sacristan gave directions for a great quantity of fresh roses, as the
+Abbess had particularly desired that they should predominate. Having
+resolved that I would immediately request permission to join my
+brethren, I first strengthened myself by fervent prayer, after which I
+went into the convent, and inquired for the Prior Leonardus.</p>
+
+<p>The porteress then led me into a hall, where the Prior was seated in an
+arm-chair, surrounded by his brethren. Agitated to the utmost degree,
+and indeed quite overpowered, I could not refrain from bursting into
+tears, and falling at his feet. "Medardus!" he exclaimed, and a murmur
+sounded immediately through the ranks of all the brethren. "Brother
+Medardus!" said they&mdash;"Brother Medardus, the long-lost, is returned!"</p>
+
+<p>I was immediately lifted up from the prostration into which I had
+involuntarily sunk, and all the brethren, even those with whom I was
+before unacquainted, fervently embraced me.&mdash;"Thanks and everlasting
+praise," they exclaimed, "to the mercy and long-suffering of Heaven,
+that you have thus been rescued from the snares and temptations of that
+deceitful world. But relate, dearest brother&mdash;tell us your
+adventures&mdash;all that you have encountered!"</p>
+
+<p>Thus there arose among them a murmur of confused and anxious inquiries;
+but, meanwhile, the Prior rose up and made a sign for me to follow him
+privately into another room, which was regularly appropriated for his
+use when he visited the convent.</p>
+
+<p>"Medardus," he began, "you have in the most wicked manner broken your
+monastic vows, and deceived that faith which was reposed in you by all
+our community. Instead of fulfilling the commissions with which I
+intrusted you, you became a disgraceful fugitive, no one knows why, nor
+whither. On this account, I could order you to be imprisoned for life,
+or to be immured, and left to perish without food or drink, if I chose
+to act according to the severe laws of our order."</p>
+
+<p>"Judge me, then, venerable father," interrupted I&mdash;"judge me according
+as the conventual law directs. I should resign with pleasure the burden
+of a miserable life; for indeed I feel but too deeply that the severest
+penance to which I could subject myself, would to me bring no
+consolation."</p>
+
+<p>"Recover yourself," said Leonardus; "be composed and tranquil. I have
+now fulfilled my duty in speaking to you as an abbot; but, as a friend
+and father, I have yet to address you, and to hear what you have to say
+in your own justification. In a wonderful manner you have been rescued
+at Rome, from the death with which you was threatened. To the disorders
+which prevail there, Cyrillus has been the only sacrifice."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible, then," said I, "that you already know&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"I know it all," answered the Prior; "I am aware, that you rendered
+spiritual assistance to the poor man in his last moments; and I have
+been informed of the stratagem of the Dominicans, who thought they had
+administered deadly poison in the wine which they offered you as a
+cordial drink. Had you swallowed but a single drop, it must have caused
+your death in a few minutes; of course you found some opportune method
+of evading this."</p>
+
+<p>"Only look here," said I, and, rolling up the sleeve of my tunic, shewed
+the Prior my withered arm, which was like that of a skeleton; describing
+to him, at the same time, how I had suspected the fate that was intended
+me, and found means to pour all the liquor into my sleeve.</p>
+
+<p>Leonardus started as he beheld this frightful spectacle, and muttered to
+himself&mdash;"Thou hast indeed done penance, as it was fitting, for thou
+hast committed many crimes.&mdash;But Cyrillus&mdash;the good and pious
+Cyrillus!"&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>He paused, and I took this opportunity of remarking, that the precise
+cause of my brother's death, and the accusation which had been made
+against him, remained, up to that day, unknown to me.</p>
+
+<p>"Perhaps you too," said the Prior, "would have shared the same fate, if,
+like him, you had stepped forward as a plenipotentiary of our convent.
+You already know, that the claim of our house, if admitted, and carried
+into effect, would almost annihilate the income of the Cardinal
+von &mdash;&mdash;; which income he at present draws without any right to its
+appropriation. This was the reason why the Cardinal suddenly made up a
+friendship with the Pope's father confessor, (with whom he had till then
+been at variance,) and thus acquired, in the Dominican, a powerful ally,
+whom he could employ against Cyrillus.</p>
+
+<p>"The latter was introduced to the Pope, and received with particular
+favour; in such manner, that he was admitted into the society of the
+dignitaries by whom his Holiness is surrounded, and enabled to appear as
+often as he chose at the Vatican. Cyrillus, of course, soon became
+painfully aware, how much the Vicegerent of God seeks and finds his
+kingdom in this world, and its pleasures,&mdash;how he is made subservient as
+the mere tool of a mob of hypocrites, who turn him hither and thither,
+as if vacillating between heaven and hell. Doubtless this seems
+inconsistent with the powerful talents and energetic spirit, of which he
+has, on various occasions, shewn himself possessed; but which they
+contrive, by the most abominable means, to pervert and to subdue.</p>
+
+<p>"Our pious brother Cyrillus, as might have been foreseen, was much
+distressed at all this, and found himself called on, by irresistible
+impulses, to avert, if possible, the misfortunes which might thus fall
+upon the church. Accordingly, as the spirit moved him, he took divers
+opportunities to rouse and agitate, by the most fervid eloquence, the
+heart of the Pope, and forcibly to disengage his soul from all
+terrestrial pleasures or ambition.</p>
+
+<p>"The Pope, as it usually happens to enfeebled minds, was, in truth, much
+affected by what Cyrillus had said; and this was precisely the
+opportunity which his wicked ministers had watched for, in order to
+carry their plans into execution. With an air of great mystery and
+importance, they revealed to his Holiness their discovery of nothing
+less than a regular conspiracy against him, which was to deprive him of
+the triple crown. For this purpose, Cyrillus had been commissioned to
+deliver these private lectures, and induce the Pope to submit to some
+public act of penance, which would serve as a signal for the open
+out-break of the rebellion that was already organized among the
+cardinals.</p>
+
+<p>"Accordingly, on the next appearance of our zealous and excellent
+brother, the Pope imagined that, in his present discourse, he could
+detect many concealed and treacherous designs. Cyrillus, however, did
+not hesitate to persist in his attempts, assuring his Holiness, that he
+who did not wholly renounce the pleasures of this world, and humble his
+heart, even as the most submissive and self-accusing penitent, was
+wholly unfit to be the Vicegerent of God, and would bring a load of
+reproach and shame on the church, from which the latter should make
+itself free.</p>
+
+<p>"After one of these interviews, the iced-water which the Pope was in the
+habit of drinking, was found to have been poisoned. That Cyrillus was
+perfectly guiltless on that score, it is needless for me to make any
+assertion to you, who knew him. His Holiness, however, was convinced of
+his guilt; and the order for his imprisonment and execution in the
+Dominican Convent was the consequence.</p>
+
+<p>"The hatred of the Dominicans towards you, after the attention which you
+had received from the Pope, and his intentions openly expressed of
+raising the Capuchin penitent to high dignities, requires no
+explanation. You had thus become more dangerous, in their estimation,
+than Cyrillus had ever been; and they would have felt the less remorse
+at your destruction, as they doubted not that your penitential
+observances were the result of the basest hypocrisy, and a desire of
+temporal advancement.</p>
+
+<p>"With regard to my accurate knowledge of all that occurred to you in
+Rome, there is in this no mystery. I have a friend at the metropolis,
+who is thoroughly acquainted even with the most secret occurrences which
+take place in the Vatican, and who faithfully informs me of them by
+letters, written in a cypher which has hitherto baffled all attempts at
+discovery.</p>
+
+<p>"But on my side, there are many questions to be asked, of which the
+solution yet appears to me an inscrutable mystery. When you lived at the
+Capuchin Convent, near to Rome, of which the Prior is my near relation,
+I believed that your penitence was genuine, and from the heart. Yet, in
+the city, you must have been actuated by very different motives. Above
+all, why did you seek to gain the Pope's attention by an incredible and
+marvellous story? Why accuse yourself of crimes which you had never
+committed? Were you, then, ever at the castle of the Baron von F&mdash;&mdash;?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas, venerable father!" said I, "that was indeed the scene of my most
+horrible crimes. Is it possible that, in your eyes also, I have appeared
+a liar and hypocrite?"</p>
+
+<p>"Truly," said the Prior, "now that I speak with, and see you, I am
+forced to believe that your repentance and self-inflicted sufferings
+have been sincere. Still there are difficulties, which I am wholly
+unable to clear up.</p>
+
+<p>"Soon after your flight from the <i>residenz</i> of the Prince von
+Rosenthurm, and after the monk, with whom Cyrillus had confounded you,
+had, as if by miracle, escaped, it was proved by the discovery of
+letters, and other concomitant testimony, that the Count Victorin,
+disguised as a monk, had been at the Baron's castle, and must have been
+the perpetrator of the crimes charged against you. Reinhold, his old
+steward, indeed, vehemently disputed this notion. But suddenly
+Victorin's <i>chasseur</i> made his appearance, and explained that his master
+had lived long concealed in the Thuringian forest; that he had allowed
+his beard to grow, and had said that he would take the first opportunity
+of providing himself with a Capuchin tunic, which he intended to wear
+for at least twelve months, in order to carry on certain adventures.
+Finally, he declared, that, after having been for some days absent from
+his master, on business, he had, on his return, found him completely
+disguised in a monk's dress, at which he was not surprised, as he, the
+day before, observed, at some distance, the figure of a Capuchin pilgrim
+in the forest, from whom he doubted not that his master had supplied
+himself with the masquerade attire. He insisted that he knew the Count
+far too well to have been deceived, and, besides, had spoken with him
+frequently betwixt the period of that occurrence and his disappearance
+from the castle. This deposition of the <i>chasseur</i> completely
+invalidated the opinion of Reinhold; but the utter vanishing of the
+Count, of whom not a single trace could be found, remained quite
+incomprehensible.</p>
+
+<p>"In the <i>residenz</i>, the Princess von Rosenthurm started the hypothesis,
+that the pretended Herr von Krczinski, from Kwicziczwo, had been really
+the Count Victorin; and was the more inclined to this belief, on account
+of the resemblance that she had found between this pretender and
+Francesco, of whose guilt no one now entertained any doubt. The story of
+the Prince's forester, describing a maniac, who had wandered about in
+this forest, and afterwards lived in his house, almost sanctioned the
+hypothesis. The madman had been recognized as Medardus. Victorin, in
+order to possess himself of his tunic, had cast him down into the abyss
+below the Devil's Chair. Here, by some chance or other, he had not been
+killed in the fall, but only wounded on the head. The pain of his wound,
+with hunger and thirst, made him delirious; and he ran about, perhaps
+obtaining a morsel of food now and then from some compassionate
+countryman, and half clothed with miserable rags, till he was kindly
+received into the house of the forester.</p>
+
+<p>"Two things, however, remained here inexplicable, namely, how this
+Medardus could have run away to such a distance out of the mountains
+without being arrested, and how, even in his lucid intervals, he should
+confess to the judges and the physician crimes which he had never
+committed. Hereupon some individuals insisted that these lucid intervals
+were delusive&mdash;that he never had been free from his madness, and that as
+there are no limits to the varieties of that malady, it was possible
+that he had, by the force of his own perverted imagination, invented all
+the circumstances which he related, and that the belief of them was the
+one, fixed, and obstinate idea, (the characteristic of insanity,) which
+never left him.</p>
+
+<p>"The judge of the criminal court, on the other hand, (whose wisdom was
+held in great reverence,) declared that the pretended Herr von Krczinski
+was not only no Pole, but also no count, and certainly not the Count
+Victorin. Moreover, that the monk assuredly was, and continued mad on
+every occasion, on which account the Court had intended that his
+sentence should be that of constant imprisonment, in order that he might
+be prevented from committing more crimes; but the Prince, who was much
+shocked by the calamities brought on the family of the Baron von F&mdash;&mdash;,
+changed this decision into that of execution on the scaffold.</p>
+
+<p>"Such is the nature of mankind in this transitory life, that every
+impression, however vivid, loses, after a short time, almost all its
+influence, and fades away into pale and dusky colours. But now the
+notion that Aurelia's fugitive bridegroom had been Count Victorin,
+brought the story of the Italian Countess fresh into the remembrance of
+every one. Even those who before knew nothing of the matter, were
+informed by others who thought there was no longer any need for keeping
+the secret, and all agreed in considering it quite natural that the
+features of Medardus should resemble those of Victorin, as they had both
+been sons of one father.</p>
+
+<p>"The Prince at last determined that no farther attempt should be made to
+break the veil of mystery. He wished rather that all these unhappy
+involvements, which no one could be found to unravel, should be allowed
+to rest, and be forgotten. Only Aurelia&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Aurelia!" cried I, with vehemence, "for God's sake, reverend sir, tell
+me what has become of Aurelia?"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center">[Some pages are here left out by the Editor.]</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2>
+
+
+<p>"You are sincere, Medardus," said the Prior; "your silence on this point
+is to me better than the most fervid eloquence. I felt the most perfect
+conviction that it was you only who had in the <i>residenz</i> played the
+part of a Polish nobleman, and wished to marry the Baroness Aurelia.
+Moreover, I had traced out pretty accurately your route. A strange man,
+by name Schönfeld, or Belcampo, who called himself a professor and an
+artist, called here, and gave me the wished-for intelligence. At one
+period I was indeed quite convinced that you had been the murderer of
+Hermogen and Euphemia, on which account I entertained, if possible, the
+more horror at your plan of seizing and involving Aurelia in your own
+destruction.</p>
+
+<p>"I might indeed have arrested you, and perhaps it was my duty to have
+done so; but, far from considering myself as a minister of vengeance, I
+resigned you and your earthly conduct to the eternal decrees and
+guidance of Providence. That you were, in a manner, little less than
+miraculously preserved and carried through so many dangers, proved to
+me, that your destruction, so far as this life is concerned, was not yet
+resolved.</p>
+
+<p>"But now, it is most important for you to hear the circumstances by
+which I was afterwards led, and indeed forced to believe, that Count
+Victorin had actually appeared as the Capuchin, in the Thuringian
+mountains, at the castle of Baron von F&mdash;&mdash;.</p>
+
+<p>"Some time ago, Brother Sebastian, our porter, was awoke from his sleep
+by an extraordinary noise of sobbing and groaning at the gate, which
+sounded like the voice of a man in the last agony.</p>
+
+<p>"The day had just dawned, and he immediately rose. On opening the
+outward gate, he found a man lying on the steps, half petrified with
+cold, and miserably exhausted. With great effort the stranger brought
+out the words, that he was Medardus, a monk who had fled from our
+monastery.</p>
+
+<p>"Sebastian was much alarmed, and immediately came to me with accounts of
+what had happened below. I summoned the brethren around me, and went to
+inquire into the matter. The stranger seemed to have fainted, whereupon
+we lifted him up, and brought him into the refectorium. In spite of the
+horribly disfigured countenance of the man, we still thought that we
+could recognize your features. Indeed, several were of opinion that it
+was the change of dress, more than any other circumstance, which made a
+difference. The stranger had a long beard, like a monk, and wore a
+lay-habit, now much torn and destroyed, but which had at first been very
+handsome. He had silk stockings, a gold buckle still on one of his
+shoes, a white satin waistcoat&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"A chesnut-coloured coat," interrupted I, "of the finest cloth; richly
+embroidered linen, and a plain gold ring upon his finger."</p>
+
+<p>"Precisely so," said Leonardus; "but, in God's name, how could you know
+these particulars?"</p>
+
+<p>Alas! it was the identical dress which I had worn on that fatal day of
+my marriage in the <i>residenz</i>. My horrible double again stood vividly
+before mine eyes. It was no longer the mere phantom of my own disturbed
+brain that had seemed to follow me through the woods, but the real and
+substantial madman, or demon, by whom my strength had been overpowered,
+and who had at last robbed me of my clothes, in order to represent me in
+this manner at the convent. I begged of Leonardus, that, before asking
+any other questions, he would proceed with his narrative, from which,
+perhaps, a perfect explanation of the mysteries in which I had been
+involved would at last dawn upon me.</p>
+
+<p>"After a trial of several days," said Leonardus, "we began to perceive
+that the man was utterly and incurably mad; and, notwithstanding that
+his features resembled yours very closely, and he incessantly cried out,
+'I am Medardus, and have come home to do penance among you,' we all
+concluded that this was but an obstinately fixed delusion of the maniac.</p>
+
+<p>"To this change of opinion we were led by divers proofs. For example, we
+brought him into the church; where, as he endeavoured to imitate us in
+the usual devotional exercises, we perceived plainly that he had never
+before been in a convent. The question then always gained more and more
+influence over my mind&mdash;'What if this madman, who has, according to his
+own account, fled from the <i>residenz</i> of Rosenthurm, and escaped the
+punishment of the scaffold, were actually the Count Victorin?'</p>
+
+<p>"The story which the maniac had before told to the forester was already
+known to me, but I was almost of opinion with the judge at Rosenthurm,
+that the discovery and drinking out of the Devil's Elixir, his residence
+in a convent, where he was condemned to prison, and all the rest, might
+be mere visions, the off-spring of his own malady, aided perhaps by some
+extraordinary magnetic influence of your mind over his&mdash;I was the more
+inclined to this notion, because the stranger had, in his paroxysms,
+often exclaimed that he was a Count, and a ruling sovereign. On the
+whole, I resolved, as he could have no claim on our care, to give him up
+to the hospital of St Getreu, where it was not impossible that the skill
+and tenderness with which he would be treated, might at last effect his
+recovery, after which his rational confessions might clear away that
+load of uncertainty under which we laboured.</p>
+
+<p>"This resolution I had not time to put in practice. During the following
+night I was awoke by the great bell, which you know is rung whenever
+any one is taken dangerously ill and requires my assistance. On inquiry,
+I was informed that the stranger had asked for me so calmly and
+earnestly, that it was probable his madness had left him, and that he
+wished to confess. But, however this might be, his bodily weakness had
+so much increased, that it was scarcely possible for him to survive
+through the night.</p>
+
+<p>"'Forgive me, venerable father,' said the stranger, after I had
+addressed to him a few words of pious admonition&mdash;'forgive me, that I
+have hitherto attempted to deceive you&mdash;I am not Medardus, the monk who
+fled from your convent, but the Count Victorin. <i>Prince</i>, indeed, I
+should be called, since I derive my birth from princes. This I advise
+you to notice, with due respect, otherwise my anger may yet overtake
+you!'</p>
+
+<p>"'Even if you are a ruling prince,' said I, 'that circumstance, within
+our walls, and in your present condition, is not of any importance
+whatever; and it would, in my opinion, be much more suitable, and more
+for your own advantage, if you would now turn your thoughts altogether
+from such vain and terrestrial considerations.'</p>
+
+<p>"At these words he stared on me, and his senses seemed wandering; but
+some strengthening drops having been administered, he revived, and began
+again to speak, though, to my great disappointment, in a style so wild
+and delirious, that his discourse scarce admits of repetition.</p>
+
+<p>"'It seems to me,' said he, 'as if I must soon die, and that before
+leaving this world I must lighten my heart by confession. I know,
+moreover, that you have power over me; for, however you attempt to
+disguise yourself, I perceive very well that you are St Anthony, and you
+best know what misfortunes your infernal Elixirs have produced in this
+world. I had indeed grand designs in view when I first resolved to
+become a monk with a long beard, a shaven head, and a brown tunic tied
+with hair ropes. But, after long deliberation, it seemed to me as if my
+most secret thoughts played false with him to whom they owed their
+birth&mdash;as if they departed from me, and dressed themselves up in a
+cursed masquerade, representing <span class="smcap">MYSELF</span>. I recognized the likeness&mdash;the
+identity&mdash;it was my <i>double</i>, and I was horrified.</p>
+
+<p>"'This <i>double</i>, too, had superhuman strength, and hurled me down from
+the black rocks, through the trees and bushes, into the abyss, where a
+snow-white radiant princess rose out of the foaming water to receive me.
+She took me in her arms and bathed my wounds, so that I no longer felt
+any pain. I had now indeed become a monk, but that infernal second-self
+proved stronger than I was, and drove me on in the paths of wickedness,
+till I was forced to murder the princess that had rescued me, along with
+her only brother. I was then thrown into prison; but you yourself, St
+Anthony, know better than I, in what manner, after I had drunk up your
+cursed Elixir, you brought me out, and carried me away through the air.</p>
+
+<p>"'The green forest king received me badly enough, although he knew very
+well that I was a prince, and therefore of equal rank; but my
+second-self interfered betwixt us, telling the king all sorts of
+calumnies against me, and insisted, that because we had committed these
+damnable crimes together, we must continue inseparable, and enjoy all
+things in partnership.</p>
+
+<p>"'This happened accordingly, but when the king wanted to cut off our
+heads, we ran away, and on the road at last quarrelled and separated. I
+saw that this parasitical <i>double</i> had resolved on being perpetually
+nourished by my powerful spirit, though I had then not food enough for
+myself; and I therefore knocked him down, beat him soundly, and took
+from him his coat.'</p>
+
+<p>"So far the ravings of the man had some resemblance, however distant and
+shadowy, to the truth; but afterwards he lost himself in the sheer
+absurdities of his malady, out of which not a word could be understood.
+About an hour afterwards, as the first bell was rung for early prayers,
+he started up with a hideous cry, then fell back on his couch, and, as
+we all believed, instantly expired.</p>
+
+<p>"Accordingly, I made the body be removed into the dead-room, and gave
+orders, that, after the usual interval, he should be buried, not in the
+convent vaults, but in a spot of consecrated ground in our garden. But
+you may well imagine our utter astonishment, when, on returning to the
+dead-room, we found that the supposed lifeless body was no longer to be
+seen! All inquiries after him were in vain, and I was obliged to despair
+of gaining any farther information as to the strange involvements that
+subsisted betwixt you and this man.</p>
+
+<p>"No doubt, however, remained on my mind that he was Count Victorin.
+According to the story of the chasseur, he had murdered a Capuchin monk
+in the forest, and put on his tunic in order to carry on some intrigue
+in the castle. The crimes which he had thus begun, ended perhaps in a
+way that he did not expect&mdash;with the murder of the Baroness and of the
+young Baron Hermogen. Perhaps he was then mad, as Reinhold maintained,
+or became so upon his flight, being tormented by a reproving conscience.
+The dress which he wore, and the murder of the Capuchin, gave rise in
+his mind to the fixed delusion that he was a monk, and that his
+individuality was split into two hostile and contending powers.</p>
+
+<p>"Only the period betwixt his flight from the Baron's castle and that of
+his arrival at the forester's house remains obscure. We know not how he
+could have lived all that time; nor is it conceivable how the story of
+his living in a convent, and being rescued from prison, had originated.
+Again, the time of his appearing to the forester will by no means answer
+with the date which Reinhold fixes for Victorin's departure from the
+Thuringian mountains."</p>
+
+<p>"Stop, stop, father," said I; "every hope of obtaining, notwithstanding
+the fearful load of my crimes, forgiveness through the mercy and
+long-suffering of Heaven, must perish in my soul, if I do not, with the
+deepest repentance and self-condemnation, relate to you all the
+circumstances of my life, as I have before narrated them in holy
+confession!"</p>
+
+<p>When I now went through this detail, the Prior's astonishment increased
+beyond all bounds. At last he said, "I must believe all that you have
+told, Medardus, if it were for no other reason than that, while you
+spoke, I perceived in your tone and looks the most unequivocal proofs of
+sincere and heartfelt repentance. Who can explain, but, at the same
+time, who can deny or disprove, the extraordinary mental sympathy and
+connection that has thus subsisted between two brothers, sons of a
+wretched sinner, and themselves both acted on and misled by the powers
+of darkness?<a name="FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p>
+
+<p>"It is now certain that Victorin had rescued himself from the rocky
+abyss into which you had thrown him, (his fall probably having been
+broken by the water,) that he was the delirious monk whom the forester
+protected, who persecuted you as your <i>double</i>, and who died, or seemed
+to die, in our convent. He was an agent of our Arch-Enemy, placed in
+your way for the express purpose of misleading you from the path of
+virtue, or veiling from your sight that light of truth which otherwise
+might have dawned upon you. Or shall we look upon him not as Victorin,
+but as an incarnate demon, who, for his own hellish purposes, had
+availed himself of your unhappy brother's bodily frame?</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! it is too true that the devil yet wanders restless and watchful
+through the earth, offering, as of yore, to unwary mortals, his
+deceitful Elixirs! Who is there that has not, at one period or another,
+found some of these deadly drinks agreeable and seductive to his taste?
+But such is the will of Heaven. Man must be subjected to temptations;
+and then, by the reproaches of his own conscience, being made aware of
+the dangers into which a moment of levity and relaxation has betrayed
+him, summon up strength and resolution to avoid such errors for the
+future. Thus, as the natural life of man is sometimes prolonged by
+poison, so the soul indirectly owes its final weal to the dark and
+destructive principle of evil.&mdash;Go now, Medardus, and join the
+brethren."</p>
+
+<p>I was about to retire, but the Prior called me back.&mdash;"You have no doubt
+observed," said he, "the preparations for a great festival. The Baroness
+Aurelia is to-morrow to take the veil, and receives the conventual name
+of Rosalia!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The agitation which I felt at these words was indeed indescribable. As
+if struck by a thunderbolt, I had almost fallen to the ground, and could
+make no answer. Hereupon the Prior seemed greatly incensed.&mdash;"Go to your
+brethren!" said he, in a tone of sternness and anger;&mdash;and I tottered
+away, almost senseless, or totally unable to analyze my own sensations,
+to the refectorium, where the monks were assembled.</p>
+
+<p>Here I was assailed by a storm of anxious inquiries; but I was no longer
+able to utter a single word on the adventures of my own life. Only the
+bright and beaming form of Aurelia came vividly before mine eyes, and
+all other imagery of the past faded into obscurity. Under pretext of
+having devotional duties to perform, I left the brethren, and betook
+myself to the chapel, which lay at the further extremity of the
+extensive convent garden. Here I wished to pray; but the slightest
+noise, even the light rustling of the wind among the faded leaves, made
+me start up, and broke every pious train of contemplation.</p>
+
+<p>"It is she&mdash;I shall see her again!&mdash;Aurelia comes!"&mdash;In these words a
+voice seemed to address me, and my heart was at once agitated with fear
+and with rapture. It seemed to me as if indeed at some distance I heard
+the sounds of soft whispering voices. I started up, left the chapel,
+and, behold! there were two nuns walking through an <i>allée</i> of lime
+trees, and between them a person in the dress of a novice. Certainly
+that was Aurelia. My limbs were seized with a convulsive shuddering; my
+heart beat so violently, that I could hardly breathe; and I wished to go
+from the place; but, being unable to walk, I fell, not fainting, but
+overcome with the vehemence of my internal conflict, powerless to the
+ground. The nuns, and with them the novice, vanished into the thickets.</p>
+
+<p>What a day and what a night I had to encounter! I strove to diversify
+the emotions under which I laboured, by a visit to the house in which my
+mother had lived; but, alas! it no longer existed. The garden&mdash;the
+tower&mdash;the old castle&mdash;all were gone; and the ground on which they once
+stood had been converted, by a new proprietor, into a ploughed field. I
+was but slightly affected by this change, for my whole heart and soul
+were devoted to that one object. I wandered about repeating her
+name&mdash;"Aurelia! Aurelia!" This distraction continued also through the
+long night. There was, for the time, no other thought&mdash;no other image,
+but hers, that could gain any influence over my attention.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the first beams of the morning had begun to break through the
+autumnal wreaths of white vapour that hovered in the valley, the convent
+bells rung to announce the festival of a nun's investiture and
+dedication. Soon afterwards, the brethren assembled in the great public
+hall, where, too, in a short time, the Abbess appeared, attended by two
+of her sisterhood.</p>
+
+<p>Undescribable was the feeling which filled my heart, when I once more
+beheld her, who, towards my father, had been so deeply attached, and,
+after he had through his crimes broken off a union which promised him
+every happiness, had yet transferred her unconquerable affection to his
+son.</p>
+
+<p>That son she had endeavoured to rear up to a life of virtue and piety;
+but, like his father, he heaped up crime on crime, so that every hope of
+the adoptive mother, who wished to find in the one consolation for the
+profligacy of the other, was annihilated.</p>
+
+<p>With my head hung downwards, and eyes fixed on the ground, I listened to
+the discourse, wherein the Abbess once more formally announced to the
+assembled monks, Aurelia's entrance into the Cistertian Convent; and
+begged of them to pray zealously at the decisive moment of the last vow,
+in order that the Arch-Fiend might not have any power at that time to
+torment the pious virgin, by his abominable delusions.&mdash;"Heavy and
+severe," said she, "were the trials which this young woman had already
+to resist. There was no method of temptation which the great adversary
+of mankind did not employ, in order to lead her unawares into the
+commission of sins, from which she should awake when it was too late, as
+if from a hideous dream, to perish in shame and despair!</p>
+
+<p>"Yet Omnipotence protected this truly pious votary of the church; and if
+on this day, too, the adversary should approach her, and once more aim
+at her destruction, her history now will be the more glorious. I
+request, then, your most zealous prayers&mdash;not that this chosen votary
+may be firm and unchanged in her resolve, for her mind has long been
+devoted wholly to Heaven; but that no earthly misfortune may interrupt
+the solemn act of her investiture, or disturb her thoughts in that
+sacred act. I must confess that a mysterious timidity&mdash;an apprehension,
+has got possession of my mind, for which I am unable to account, but
+which I have no power of resisting."</p>
+
+<p>Hereupon it became clear and obvious, that the Abbess alluded to me
+alone, as that evil adversary&mdash;that destructive demon, who would
+probably interrupt the ceremony. She had heard of my arrival, and, being
+aware of my previous history, had imagined that I came with the fixed
+intention of committing some new crime to prevent Aurelia from taking
+the veil. The consciousness how groundless were these suspicions, and of
+the change which my mind had undergone, caused, for the moment, a sinful
+feeling of self-approbation, which I ought to have repressed, but
+which, like other vices, obtained a victory before I was on my guard.
+The Abbess did not vouchsafe towards me a single look, or the slightest
+sign of recognition. Hereupon I felt once more that proud spirit of
+scorn and defiance, by which I had been formerly actuated towards the
+Princess in the <i>residenz</i>; and when the Abbess spoke these words,
+instead of wishing, as of yore, to humble myself before her in the dust,
+I could have walked up to her, and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Wert thou then always so pure and elevated in soul, that the pleasures
+of terrestrial life never had for thee any attraction? When thou daily
+sawest my father, wert thou so well guarded by devotion, that sinful
+thoughts never entered into thy mind? Or, when adorned with the <i>infula</i>
+and crosier, in all thy conventual dignity, did his image never wake
+within thee a longing desire to return into the world? Hast thou
+contended with the dark powers as I have done? Or canst thou flatter
+thyself with having gained a true victory, if thou hast never been
+called into a severe combat? Deem not thyself so proudly elevated that
+thou canst despise him, who submitted indeed to the most powerful of
+enemies, yet again raised himself up by deep repentance, and the
+severest penance."</p>
+
+<p>The sudden and demoniacal change that I had undergone, must have been
+visible in my exterior looks and deportment; for the brother who was
+next to me, inquired, "What is the matter with you, Brother Medardus?
+Why do you cast such angry looks towards the truly sanctified Abbess?"</p>
+
+<p>"Ay, indeed," answered I, almost audibly; "she may indeed be sanctified,
+for she carried her head always so high, that the contamination of
+profane life could not reach her; and yet, methinks, she appears to me
+at this moment less like a Christian saint than a pagan priestess, who,
+with the bloody knife in her hand, prepares to immolate before an idol
+her human victim!"</p>
+
+<p>I know not how I came to pronounce these blasphemous words, which were
+out of the track of my previous ideas, but with them arose in my mind a
+multitude of the most horrible and distracting images, which seemed to
+unite and harmonize together, as if for the purpose of gaining more
+strength, and effectually obtaining the victory over any degree of
+rational self-possession I had left.</p>
+
+<p>Aurelia was for ever to forsake and renounce this world!&mdash;She was to
+bind herself, as I had done, by a vow, that appeared to me only the
+invention of religious fanaticism, to renounce all earthly enjoyments!
+Old impressions, which I had believed for ever lost, revived on me with
+tenfold strength and influence. My attention was again wholly engrossed
+by the one idea, that Aurelia and the monk should yet be united, though
+it were but for a moment, and then perish together, a sacrifice to the
+subterranean powers of darkness. Nay, like a hideous spectre, like Satan
+himself, the thought of murder once more rose on my mind. I beheld
+myself with the bloody dagger in my hand!&mdash;Alas, poor blinded wretch! I
+did not perceive that at the moment when I had conceived such resentment
+against the Abbess for her supposed allusions, I was given up a prey to
+perhaps the severest trial to which the power of the devil had ever
+subjected me, and by which I was to be enticed to the most hideous crime
+of which I had yet even dreamed!</p>
+
+<p>The brother to whom I had spoken looked at me terrified. "For the love
+of God, and all the saints," said he, "what words are you muttering
+there?" The Abbess was now about to leave the hall. On her retreat, her
+eyes accidentally encountered mine. I perceived that she immediately
+grew pale, that she tottered, and must lean on the attendant nuns.
+Methought also I could distinguish the words,&mdash;"Merciful Heaven, my
+worst fears then are confirmed!"</p>
+
+<p>Soon after, she summoned the Prior Leonardus to a private audience; but,
+meanwhile, the bells were again rung, and with them was united the deep
+thundering notes of the organ. The consecration anthem was just begun,
+and was distinctly heard from the church, when the Prior returned into
+the hall. Now the monks of the different orders arranged themselves all
+in solemn processions, and advanced towards the church, which was now
+just as crowded as it used formerly to be at the anniversary of the
+blessed St Bernard. On the right side of the high altar, which was
+richly adorned with red and white roses, were elevated seats placed for
+the clergy opposite to the tribune, whereon the Bishop's <i>capelle</i>
+performed the music of the high mass, at which he himself was the
+officiating priest.</p>
+
+<p>One of the monks with whom I had formerly been acquainted, and to whom
+probably Leonardus had given directions, called me to take my place next
+to him. I perceived that he watched even my slightest movements, and he
+insisted that I should pray without ceasing out of my Breviary.</p>
+
+<p>The decisive moment was now drawing near. The nuns of St Clare assembled
+themselves within the small square, enclosed by an iron railing, before
+the high altar, while, through a private door from behind the altar, the
+Cistertians brought forward Aurelia.</p>
+
+<p>A whispering rustled through the crowded church on her appearance; the
+organ was silent, and only the simple anthem of the nuns in the choir
+vibrated to the very heart of every listener. Till now, I had not
+ventured to lift up mine eyes, and on doing so, I trembled convulsively,
+so that my Breviary fell to the ground. I bent down to take it up, but a
+sudden giddiness seized me, and I should have fallen after my book, had
+not my watchful brother seized and held me back. "What is the matter
+with you, Medardus?" said he&mdash;"Resist the demon that besets you, and he
+will flee!"</p>
+
+<p>I made a violent effort to be tranquil, looked up again, and saw Aurelia
+kneeling at the high altar. Oh, heavens! her beauty of countenance, and
+symmetry of form, were more than ever dazzling and seductive! She was
+dressed, too, as a bride, precisely as she had been on that fatal day of
+our intended marriage, with wreaths of myrtle and roses twisted in her
+luxuriant and skilfully-plaited hair. The devotion&mdash;the solemnity and
+agitation of the moment, had heightened the bloom on her cheeks; and in
+her eyes, uplifted to heaven, lay an expression of desire, which, in
+another place, or on another occasion, might have been very differently
+interpreted.</p>
+
+<p>What were those moments, after I had recognized Aurelia at the
+<i>residenz</i> of the Prince von Rosenthurm, compared to this? I said that
+my feelings then were indescribable, but my passions now raged and
+burned within me with a violence which I had never before known. Every
+vein and fibre in my frame was convulsed and swollen by the vehemence
+of my conflict, and I grasped the reading-desk with such force, that the
+boards cracked and broke beneath the pressure.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, I prayed internally with great fervour&mdash;"Oh, merciful
+Heaven&mdash;Oh, ye blessed saints, intercede for me!&mdash;Let me not become
+mad!&mdash;only not mad!&mdash;Save me&mdash;save me from this hellish torment!&mdash;Save
+me from utter frenzy, otherwise I must commit the most horrible of
+crimes, and give up my soul to everlasting destruction!" Such were my
+inward aspirations, for I felt how every moment the evil spirit was
+acquiring more and more an ascendancy over me. It seemed to me as if
+Aurelia, too, had a share in the crime which I alone was committing, as
+if the vow that she was about to take was <i>not</i> to be the bride of
+Heaven, but to become <i>mine</i>! To rush up to the altar, to press her in
+my arms in one last delicious embrace, and then stab her to the
+heart&mdash;this impulse became almost irresistible. The demon raged more and
+more wildly in my heart&mdash;I was about to scream out, "Stop there, deluded
+fools!&mdash;Not a virgin, as you believe, pure and emancipated from earthly
+bonds and passion, but the devoted bride of the perjured monk, would
+you consecrate to Heaven!" * * * * When I heard Aurelia's voice,
+however, as she began to pronounce the vow, then it seemed as if a mild
+gleam of moonlight broke through the dark and stormy clouds by which my
+reason had been obscured. By this pure light I detected all the
+artifices of my relentless adversary, whom I was thus, with tenfold
+vigour, enabled to resist. Every word uttered by Aurelia, like the
+encouraging voice of a guardian seraph, gave me new strength, and, after
+an arduous conflict, I was left victor. That black and hideous impulse
+to new crimes was put to flight, and with it every remains of sinful
+passion. Aurelia was again the pious votary of Heaven, whose prayer
+could rescue me from eternal remorse and destruction. Her vows were to
+me the source of consolation and of hope; I could look again without
+despair into the blue unclouded vaults of heaven! The monk who had
+watched over me, immediately perceived this change. "Thou hast bravely
+resisted the adversary, Medardus. This was perhaps the last and severest
+trial which has been destined for thee by the will of the Almighty!"</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2>
+
+
+<p>The vow was now pronounced, and during that part of the service
+consisting of question and response, sung by the nuns of St Clare, the
+veil was to be laid on Aurelia. Already they had taken the myrtles and
+roses from her head, and were in the act of cutting off her long and
+luxuriant locks, when an extraordinary tumult arose in the church. I
+remarked how the people who stood in the aisles were thrust and driven
+about. Many of them, too, were violently knocked down, and the
+disturbance made its way always nearer and nearer, till it arrived at
+the centre of the church, before which time I could not distinguish the
+cause.</p>
+
+<p>With the most furious looks and gestures, striking with his clenched
+fists at all who stood in his way, and still pressing forward, there now
+appeared a half-naked man, with the rags of a Capuchin dress hung about
+his body! At the first glance, I recognized my diabolical <i>double</i>; but
+already at the moment when, anticipating some horrible event, I was in
+the act of leaving the gallery to throw myself in his way, the horrible
+wretch had leaped over the railing of the altar. The terrified nuns
+shrieked and dispersed, but the Abbess undauntedly held Aurelia firmly
+clasped in her arms. "Ha, ha, ha!" screamed the madman in a thrilling
+tone, "would'st thou rob me of my Princess?&mdash;Ha, ha, ha!&mdash;The Princess
+is my bride, my bride!"</p>
+
+<p>With these words he tore the fainting Aurelia from the Abbess, and with
+incredible quickness pulled out a stiletto, elevated it high over her
+head, and then plunged it into her heart, so that the blood sprung in
+torrents from the wound.&mdash;"Hurrah!&mdash;hurrah!" cried the maniac; "now have
+I won my bride&mdash;have won the Princess!" With these words he rushed
+through the private grating behind the altar, and disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The church-aisles and vaults reverberated with the deafening shrieks of
+the nuns, and outcries of the people.&mdash;"Murder!&mdash;Murder at the altar of
+the Lord!" cried they, crowding to the spot.</p>
+
+<p>"Watch all the gates of the convent, that the murderer may not escape!"
+cried Leonardus, in a loud voice; and many accordingly left the church,
+seizing the staves and crosiers that had been used in the procession,
+and rushing after the monster through the aisles of the convent.</p>
+
+<p>All was the transaction of a moment, and soon after, I was kneeling
+beside Aurelia, the nuns having, as well as they could, bound up her
+wound, while others assisted the now fainting Abbess.</p>
+
+<p>"<i>Sancta Rosalia, ora pro nobis!</i>" I heard these words spoken near me in
+a powerful and steadfast voice; and all who yet remained in the church
+cried out, "A miracle!&mdash;A miracle!&mdash;She is indeed a martyr! <i>Sancta
+Rosalia, ora pro nobis!</i>"</p>
+
+<p>I looked up, the old painter stood near, but with a mild earnestness on
+his features, precisely as when he had appeared to me in the prison. It
+seemed to me already as if every earthly tie was broken. I felt no pain
+at the fate of Aurelia, nor could I now experience any apprehension or
+horror from the apparition of the painter. It seemed, on the contrary,
+as if the mysterious nets, by which the powers of hell had so long held
+me entangled, were now completely dissolved and broken.</p>
+
+<p>"A miracle!&mdash;A miracle!" shouted again all the people. "Do you see the
+old man in the violet-coloured mantle? He has descended out of the
+picture over the high altar!&mdash;I saw it!"</p>
+
+<p>"I too!"&mdash;"And I too!" cried many confused voices, till again all fell
+upon their knees, and the tumult subsided into the murmur of zealous
+prayer, interrupted occasionally by violent sobbing and weeping.</p>
+
+<p>The Abbess at last awoke from her faint.&mdash;"Aurelia!" cried she, with the
+heart-rending tone of deep and violent grief,&mdash;"Aurelia, my child! my
+pious daughter! But why do I complain?&mdash;Almighty Heaven, it was thy
+resolve!"</p>
+
+<p>A kind of bier, or couch, tied on hand-poles, was now brought, on which
+Aurelia was to be placed. When she was lifted up for this purpose, she
+opened her eyes, and seeing me beside her, "Medardus," said she, "thou
+hast indeed submitted to the temptation of our adversary. But was I then
+pure from the contamination of sin, when I placed in my affection for
+thee all my hopes of earthly happiness? An immutable decree of
+Providence had resolved that we should be the means of expiating the
+heavy crimes of our ancestors, and thus we were united by a bond of
+love, whose proper throne is beyond the stars, and the enjoyment of
+whose votaries partakes nothing in common with terrestrial pleasure.</p>
+
+<p>"But our watchful and cunning adversary succeeded but too well in
+concealing from us altogether this true interpretation of our
+attachment&mdash;nay, in such manner to delude and entice us, that we only
+construed and exemplified that which was in its nature heavenly and
+spiritual, by means earthly and corporeal.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! was it not I myself, who, in the confessional, betrayed to you my
+affection, which afterwards, instead of kindling within you the
+celestial flames of heavenly and everlasting love, degenerated into the
+fire of selfish and impure passion, which afterwards you endeavoured to
+quench by unheard-of and enormous crimes? But, Medardus, be of good
+courage. The miserable maniac, whom our Arch-Adversary has deluded into
+the belief that he is transformed into thee, and must fulfil what thou
+hadst begun, is but the mere tool or implement of that higher Power,
+through which the intentions of the latter are fulfilled. Soon, very
+soon&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Here Aurelia, who had spoken the last words with her eyes closed, and a
+voice scarcely audible, fell again into a faint, yet death could not yet
+triumph over her. Indeed, all that she had said was but in fragments and
+single words, so broken and disjointed, that it was with much difficulty
+the sense could be collected, which I have above put together.</p>
+
+<p>"Has she confessed to you, reverend sir?" said the nuns. "Have you
+consoled her?"&mdash;"By no means," said I; "she has indeed poured
+consolation on my mind, but I am unable to aid her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Happy art thou, Medardus! Thy trials will soon be at an end, and I then
+am free!"</p>
+
+<p>It was the painter who still stood near me, and who had spoken these
+last words. I went up to him, and began,&mdash;"Forsake me not, then, thou
+wonderful and miraculous man, but remain ever with me!" I know not how
+my senses, when I wished to speak farther, became, in the strangest
+manner, confused and lost. I could not bring out a word, but fell into a
+state betwixt waking and dreaming, out of which I was roused by loud
+shouts and outcries.</p>
+
+<p>I now no longer saw the painter. My attention was directed only to a
+crowd of countrymen, citizens from the town, and soldiers, who had
+forced their way into the church, and insisted that it should be allowed
+them to search through every apartment of the convent, as the murderer
+certainly must be still within its walls. The Abbess, who was afraid of
+the disorders that would ensue, refused this; but, notwithstanding the
+influence of her high dignity, she could not appease the minds of the
+people. They reproached her, on the contrary, with a wish to conceal the
+murderer, because he was a monk, and, raging more violently, threatened
+to force for themselves that admittance which she had refused.</p>
+
+<p>Leonardus then mounted the pulpit, and after a few words of
+admonishment, on the sin of profaning a sanctuary by such tumult, he
+assured them that the murderer was by no means a monk, but a madman,
+whom he himself had taken out of compassion into his convent, where he
+had, to all appearance, died; but, after being carried to the
+dead-room, had unaccountably recovered from his supposed death, and
+escaped, taking with him an old tunic, which, at his earnest request,
+had been charitably lent to him during his stay in the monastery. If he
+were now concealed anywhere within these walls, it would be impossible
+for him, after the precautions that had been taken, to make his escape.
+The crowd were at last quieted, and permitted the removal of Aurelia.</p>
+
+<p>It was found that the bier on which she was placed could not be carried
+through the wicket-door behind the altar. It was, therefore, brought in
+solemn procession through the aisle of the church, and across the court,
+into the convent. The Abbess, supported by two nuns, walked close behind
+the bier. Four Cistertian sisters carried over it a canopy, and all the
+rest followed,&mdash;then the brethren of the different orders, and lastly
+the people, who now behaved with the most respectful silence. The bier
+was covered with roses and myrtle wreaths; and thus the procession moved
+slowly on.</p>
+
+<p>The sisters who belonged to the choir must have returned to their
+station; for as we reached the middle of the long and spacious aisle,
+deep fearful tones of the organ sounded mournfully from above. Then,
+lo! as if awoke by those notes, Aurelia once more raised herself slowly
+up, and lifted her clasped hands in fervent prayer to Heaven. Again the
+people fell upon their knees, and called out, "<i>Sancta Rosalia, ora pro
+nobis!</i>" Thus was the vision realized, which, at my first meeting with
+Aurelia, I had announced, though then actuated only by base and devilish
+hypocrisy.</p>
+
+<p>The bier was first set down in the great hall of the convent; and as the
+nuns and the brethren formed a circle, and prayed around her, she
+suddenly fell into the arms of the Abbess, with a long deep sigh. She
+was dead!</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>The multitude were still gathered round the gates, and when the bell
+announced to them the death of the consecrated virgin, all broke out
+into new lamentations. Many of them made a vow to remain in the village
+till after the funeral of Aurelia, and to devote that period to fasting
+and prayer. The rumour of this fearful event was rapidly spread abroad,
+so that Aurelia's obsequies, which were solemnized four days thereafter,
+resembled one of the highest festivals of the church on the canonization
+of a saint. As formerly, on St Bernard's eve, the convent lawn was
+covered with a great crowd from the town of Königswald, and from all
+quarters; but there was no longer to be heard among them the wonted
+voice of mirth. Their time was spent in sighs and tears; and if a voice
+was raised aloud, it was but to utter execrations against the murderer,
+who had supernaturally vanished, nor could a trace of him be discovered.
+Far deeper was the influence of these three days (which I spent mostly
+in the garden-chapel) on the weal of my soul, than my long laborious
+penitence in the Capuchin Convent of Rome. When I reflected on my past
+life, I perceived plainly how, although armed and protected from
+earliest youth with the best lessons of piety and virtue, I had yet,
+like a pusillanimous coward, yielded to Satan, whose aim was to foster
+and cherish the criminal race, from which I was sprung, so that its
+representatives might still be multiplied, and still fettered by bonds
+of vice and wickedness upon the earth. My sins were but trifling and
+venial when I first became acquainted with the choir-master's sister,
+and first gave way to the impulses of pride and self-confidence. But,
+alas! I was too careless to remember the doctrine which I had yet often
+inculcated on others, that <i>venial</i> errors, unless immediately
+corrected, form a sure and solid foundation for sins which are <i>mortal</i>.
+Then the Devil threw that Elixir into my way, which, like a poison
+working against the soul instead of the body, completed his victory over
+me. I heeded not the earnest admonitions of the unknown painter, the
+Abbess, or the Prior.</p>
+
+<p>Aurelia's appearance at the confessional was a decisive effort for my
+destruction. Then, as the body, under the influence of poison, falls
+into disease, so my spirit, under the operation of that hellish cordial,
+was infected and destroyed by sin. How could the votary, the slave of
+Satan, recognize the true nature of those bonds by which Omnipotence, as
+a symbol of that eternal love, (whose marriage festival is death,) had
+joined Aurelia's fate and mine?</p>
+
+<p>Rejoicing in his first victories, Satan then haunted me in the form of
+an accursed madman, between whose spirit and mine there seemed to be a
+reciprocal and alternate power of influencing each other. I was obliged
+to ascribe his apparent death (of which I in reality was guiltless) to
+myself; and thus became familiarized with the thought of murder. Or was
+Victorin really killed, and did the Arch-Fiend re-animate his body, (as
+the vampyres in Hungary rise from the grave,) for his own especial
+purposes? May it not suffice to say, that this brother, called Victorin,
+who derived his birth from an accursed and abominable crime, became to
+me an impersonization of the evil principle, who forced me into hideous
+guilt, and tormented me with his unrelenting persecution?</p>
+
+<p>Till that very moment when I heard Aurelia pronounce her vows, my heart
+was not yet pure from sin; not till then had the Evil One lost over me
+his dominion; but the wonderful inward tranquillity&mdash;the cheerfulness as
+if poured from Heaven into my heart, when she addressed to me her last
+words, convinced me that her death was the promise of my forgiveness and
+reconciliation. Then, as in the solemn requiem, the choir sung the
+words&mdash;"<i>Confutatis maledictis, flammis acribus addictis</i>," I trembled;
+but at the passage, "<i>Voca me cum benedictis</i>," it seemed to me as if I
+beheld, in the dazzling radiance of celestial light, Aurelia, who first
+looked down with an expression of saintly compassion upon me, and then
+lifting up her head, which was surrounded with a dazzling ring of stars,
+to the Almighty, preferred an ardent supplication for the deliverance of
+my soul! At the words, "<i>Ora supplex et acclinis cor contritum, quasi
+cinis</i>," I sank down into the dust; but how different now were my inward
+feelings of humility and submission, from that <i>passionate</i>
+self-condemnation, those cruel and violent penances, which I had
+formerly undergone at the Capuchin Convent!</p>
+
+<p>Now, for the first time, my spirit was enabled to distinguish truth from
+falsehood, and by the new light, which was then shed around me, every
+temptation of the devil must, from henceforward, remain vain and
+ineffectual. It was not Aurelia's death, but the cruel and horrible
+manner in which it had occurred, by which I had been at first so deeply
+agitated. But how short was the interval, ere I perceived and recognized
+in its fullest extent, even in this event, the goodness and mercy of
+Heaven! The martyrdom of the pious, the tried, and absolved bride! Had
+she then died for my sake? No! It was not till now, after she had been
+withdrawn from this world, that she appeared to me like a dazzling
+gleam, sent down from the realms of eternal love, to brighten the path
+of an unhappy sinner. Aurelia's death was, as she had before said, our
+marriage festival, the solemnization of that love, which, like a
+celestial essence, has its throne and dominion above the stars, and
+admits nought in common with grovelling and perishable earthly
+pleasures! These thoughts indeed raised me above myself; and accordingly
+these three days in the Cistertian Convent might truly be called the
+happiest of my life.</p>
+
+<p>After the funeral obsequies, which took place on the fourth day,
+Leonardus was on the point of returning with the brethren home to his
+own convent. When their procession was ready to set out, the Abbess
+summoned me to a private audience. I found her alone, in her high
+vaulted parlour, the same room wherein I had my first introduction, and
+which then inspired me with such awe and terror. She was now in the
+greatest emotion, and tears burst involuntarily from her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Son Medardus!" said she, "for I can again address you thus, all now is
+known and explained to me, so that I have no questions to ask. You have
+at last survived the temptations by which, unhappy and worthy to be
+pitied, you were assailed and overtaken! Alas, Medardus, only she, <i>she</i>
+alone, who intercedes for us at the judgment throne of Heaven, is pure
+from sin. Did I not stand on the very brink of the abyss, when, with a
+heart given up to the allurements of earthly pleasure, I was on the
+point of selling myself to a murderer? And yet, son Medardus, and yet I
+have wept sinful tears in my lonely cell, when thinking of your father!
+Go then, in God's name. Every apprehension by which I have often been
+assailed, that in you I had reared and educated even the most wicked of
+the race, is banished from my soul. Farewell!"</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>Leonardus, who had no doubt revealed to the Abbess whatever
+circumstances of my life remained yet unknown to her, proved to me by
+his conduct that he also had forgiven me, and recommended me in his
+prayers to Heaven. The old regulations of the conventual life remained
+unbroken, and I was allowed to take my place, on an equal footing with
+the brethren, as formerly.</p>
+
+<p>One day the Prior desired to speak with me. "Brother Medardus," said he,
+"I should like still to impose upon you one act of penitence."&mdash;I humbly
+inquired wherein this was to consist. "I advise you," answered
+Leonardus, "to commit to paper a history of your life. In your
+manuscript do not leave out any incident&mdash;not only of those which are
+leading and important, but even such as are comparatively insignificant.
+Especially, detail at great length whatever happened to you in the
+varied scenes of the profane world. Your imagination will probably by
+this means carry you back into that life which you have now for ever
+renounced. All that was absurd or solemn, mirthful or horrible, will be
+once more vividly impressed on your senses; nay, it is possible, that
+you may for a moment look upon Aurelia, not as a nun and a martyr, but
+as she once appeared in the world. Yet if the Evil One has wholly lost
+his dominion over you; if you have indeed turned away your affections
+from all that is terrestrial, then you will hover, like a disengaged
+spirit, as if on seraph's wings, above all these earthly remembrances,
+and the impression thus called up will vanish without leaving any trace
+behind."</p>
+
+<p>I did as the Prior had commanded; and, alas! the consequences were such
+as he had desired me to expect. A tempest of conflicting emotions, of
+pain and pleasure, of desire, and abhorrence, rose in my heart as I
+revived the circumstances of my life. Thou, to whom I have already
+addressed myself, who mayest one day read these pages, I spoke to thee
+more than once of the highest meridian sun-light of love, when Aurelia's
+image arose in all its celestial beauty on my soul. But there is a love
+far different from terrestrial passion, (which last generally works its
+own destruction.)&mdash;There is another and far different love, and in
+<i>this</i> may be truly found that meridian sun-light which I described,
+when, far removed above the influences of earthly desire, the beloved
+object, like a gleam from heaven, kindles in thy heart all the highest,
+the holiest, and most blissful inspirations which are shed down from the
+realms of the saints on poor mortals. By this thought have I been
+refreshed and comforted, when, on my remembrance of the most seductive
+moments which this world bestowed on me, tears yet gushed from mine
+eyes, and wounds, long cicatrized, broke open and bled anew.</p>
+
+<p>I know that probably in the hour of death the adversary will yet have
+power to torment me. But steadfastly, and with fervent longing, I wait
+for the moment which is to withdraw me from this life; for it is on that
+event that the fulfilment of all that Aurelia, all that the blessed St
+Rosalia, has promised to me, depends. Pray&mdash;pray for me, oh, ye
+beatified Virgin! in that dark hour, that the powers of hell, to which I
+have so often yielded, may not once more, and for the last time, conquer
+me, and tear me with him to the abyss of everlasting destruction!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2>
+
+<p><i>Additions by Father Spiridion, Librarian of the Capuchin Monastery at
+Königswald.</i></p>
+
+
+<p>In the night of the 3d-4th September, in this year 17&mdash;, much that is
+worthy of being recorded has happened in our monastery. It might be
+about midnight, when, in the cell of Brother Medardus, which was next to
+mine, I overheard a strange noise of stammering and laughing, which
+continued for a considerable time; and at intervals I heard also obscure
+sounds of lamentation, sobbing, and groaning. It seemed to me as if I
+could distinguish the articulate accents of a most disagreeable broken
+voice, from which I involuntarily recoiled and shuddered, and which
+pronounced the words "<i>Brüd-er-lein! Brüd-er-lein!</i>&mdash;Come with me&mdash;Come
+with me.&mdash;The bride is here&mdash;The bride is here!"&mdash;I immediately started
+up, and wished to inquire for Brother Medardus; but then there fell
+upon me an unaccountable and supernatural horror, so that my limbs shook
+and my jaws clattered, as if in the cold fit of an ague. Thereafter, I
+went not into the cell of Brother Medardus, but to the Prior, and, with
+some trouble, woke him from his sleep. The Prior was much alarmed by my
+description of what I had heard, and desired me to bring consecrated
+candles, and then we should both go to the assistance of Medardus. I did
+as he commanded me, lighted the candles at the lamp beside the image of
+the blessed Virgin in the aisle, and we went along the corridor, till we
+came near the cell. There Leonardus stood for some time, listening at
+the door; but the voice which I had described to him was no longer to be
+heard. On the contrary, we observed a pleasant silvery sound, as of the
+ringing of bells, and methought the air was filled with the fragrance of
+roses. Leonardus was about to enter, when the door opened, and lo! there
+stepped forth the form of a very tall man, with a long white beard,
+attired in a dark violet-coloured mantle. I was indescribably terrified,
+knowing well that this must be a supernatural apparition, for the
+convent gates were all firmly locked, and it was impossible for any
+stranger, without my knowledge, to have gained admittance. Leonardus,
+however, looked at him boldly, though without uttering a word. "The hour
+of fulfilment is not far distant," said the figure, in a tone very
+hollow and solemn. With these words he vanished in the obscurity of the
+corridor, so that my fear was greatly increased, and I had almost let
+the candles fall out of my hand. The Prior, who, by his extreme piety
+and strength of faith, is wholly protected from any such fear of ghosts,
+took me by the arm. "Now," said he, "let us go, and speak with Brother
+Medardus." We entered accordingly, and found our brother, who for some
+time past had been in very weak health, already dying. He could no
+longer speak, and breathed with great difficulty. The Prior assisted
+him; and I went to ring the great bell, and awaken the brethren. "Rise
+up&mdash;rise up," cried I in a loud voice; "Brother Medardus is on the point
+of death." They all attended on the instant, so that not one of our
+number was wanting, and stood, with consecrated candles in their hands,
+round the couch of the dying man, every one feeling for him deep regret
+and compassion. Leonardus commanded that he should be laid on a bier,
+carried down to the church, and placed before the high altar, which was
+accordingly done. There, to our utter astonishment, he recovered, and
+began to speak. Leonardus, after confession and absolution had been
+regularly gone through, administered the last unction. Thereupon, while
+the Prior continued with the dying man, consoling and supporting him, we
+betook ourselves to the choir, and sang the usual dirge for the soul's
+weal of our departing brother. On the following day, namely, on the 5th
+September, 17&mdash;, exactly as the convent clock struck twelve, Brother
+Medardus expired in the arms of the Prior. We remarked that it was
+precisely on the same day, and at the same hour, in the preceding year,
+that the nun Rosalia, in a horrible manner, just after she had taken the
+vows, had been murdered.</p>
+
+<p>At the funeral, during the requiem also, the following circumstance
+occurred. We perceived that the air was strongly perfumed by roses, and
+on looking round, saw, that to the celebrated picture of St Rosalia's
+martyrdom, painted by an old unknown Italian artist, (which was
+purchased for a large sum by our convent, in Rome,) there was a large
+garland affixed, of the finest and freshest roses, which at this late
+season had become very rare. The porter said, that early in the morning
+a ragged, very miserable-looking beggar, unobserved by any of us, had
+climbed up to the picture, and hung on it this wreath. The same beggar
+made his appearance before the funeral was over, and forced his way
+among the brethren. We intended to order him away; but when Leonardus
+had sharply looked at, and seemed to recognize him, he was allowed, by
+the Prior's order, to remain. He was afterwards, by his earnest
+entreaty, received as a lay-monk into the convent, by the name of
+Brother Peter, as he had been in the world called Peter Schönfeld; and
+we granted him this honoured name so much the more readily, as he was
+always very quiet and well-behaved, only now and then made strange
+grimaces, and laughed very absurdly, which, however, as it could not be
+called sinful, only served for our diversion. The Prior said, that
+Brother Peter's intellectual light was quenched and obscured by the
+vapours of folly, so that nothing in this world appeared to him without
+being strangely caricatured and metamorphosed. We scarcely understood
+what the learned Prior meant by these allusions, but perceived that he
+had known something of the former life of our lay-brother Peter, which
+induced him charitably to admit the poor man among us.</p>
+
+<p>Thus to the manuscript, which is said to contain an account of our late
+brother's life, (but which I have not read,) I have added, not without
+labour, and all to the greater glory of God and our religion, this
+circumstantial history of his death. Peace to the soul of Medardus, and
+may the Almighty one day call him to a blessed resurrection, and receive
+him into the choir of the saints, for his death was indeed very pious!</p>
+
+<h3>THE END.</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> This is exemplified in the (old) royal palace at Berlin.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> Little brother. One of the German diminutives of
+familiarity or endearment.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Long black robe.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> Beet-roots.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> Blockhead.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> According to the devil's assertion, if two individuals
+should drink out of the same flask, they would henceforth possess a
+wonderful reciprocity of thoughts and feelings, though mutually and
+unconsciously acting for the destruction of each other. See Vol. I. pp.
+46, 68.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Edit.</span></p></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>:<br />
+Printed by James Ballantyne and Co.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Devil's Elixir, by E. T. A. Hoffmann
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Devil's Elixir, by E. T. A. Hoffmann
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: The Devil's Elixir
+       Vol. II (of 2)
+
+Author: E. T. A. Hoffmann
+
+Release Date: August 8, 2011 [EBook #37005]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Irma Spehar, Mary Meehan and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries)
+
+
+
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+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+                           THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR.
+
+                           FROM THE GERMAN OF
+                           E. T. A. HOFFMANN.
+
+
+     _In diesem Jahre wandelte auch her_ DEUVEL _offentlich auf den
+     Strassen von Berlin.----_
+
+     _Haftit Microc. Berol. p. 1043._
+
+     In that yeare, the Deville was alsoe seene walking publiclie on the
+     streetes of  Berline.----
+
+
+    VOL. II
+
+    WILLIAM BLACKWOOD, EDINBURGH:
+    AND T. CADELL, LONDON.
+    1829.
+
+
+
+
+THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Who is there, over the wide world, who has not, at one period or
+another, in a more or less degree, felt the mysterious influences of
+love?--Whoever thou art, then, courteous reader, who shalt, after the
+lapse of years, turn over these papers, recall, I beseech you, to
+recollection that noontide interval of dazzling brightness--contemplate
+once more that beautiful image, which came, like an impersonization of
+the abstract spirit of love, from divine regions, to meet you.
+
+At that time, it was through her,--through her alone, that thou
+seemed'st assured of thine own existence! Canst thou not yet remember,
+how the rushing streams, the waving trees, and the balmy winds of
+evening, spoke to thee, in articulate and intelligible accents, of her,
+and of the prevailing passion which possessed thy whole heart and
+soul?--Canst thou yet behold how the flowers unfolded their bright
+beaming eyes, bearing to thine from her kisses and salutation?
+
+Yet, suppose that she herself had actually come--that she vowed to be
+thine, and thine only--to live for thee alone--then didst thou fold her
+in thy embraces, and it seemed as if Heaven opened its eternal realms to
+receive you--as if thou could'st raise thyself with her above all the
+petty sorrows or enjoyments of this every-day and earthly sphere. Yet
+scarcely hadst thou formed such hopes ere she was lost! The bland
+illusion was broken. No longer could'st thou hear the music of her
+celestial voice; and only the sorrowful complaints of the despairing and
+forsaken lover sounded amid the desolate loneliness!
+
+If then, reader, to me unknown!--if thou hast ever been persecuted by
+such a destiny, join, then, and sympathize with the grief of the
+penitent monk, who, recollecting still the sunny gleams of his youthful
+attachment, weeps on his hard couch, and whose fearful groans
+reverberate, in the stillness of night, through the gloomy aisles of the
+convent!--But thou, too, in spirit to me related, doubtless wilt concur
+in my belief, that it is not till _after death_, that the mysterious
+gifts and enjoyments of this passion can be obtained and fulfilled! This
+truth is, indeed, announced to us by many a hollow prophesying voice,
+which rises on our ears from the immeasurable depths of eternity; and as
+in those rites, celebrated by our earliest ancestors, (the children of
+nature,) death appears also to us the high festival of love!
+
+I have said before, that my leading object in these pages was rapid,
+concise narrative, without any attempt at description. But of my
+emotions on meeting Aurelia, that evening, in the palace, no words
+could, however skilfully laboured, convey any adequate impression. I was
+struck as if with a thundershock. My breast heaved--my heart beat
+convulsively--and every pulse and vein throbbed almost audibly.
+
+"To _her_!--to _her_!"--It seemed as if an over-powering impulse would
+force me to thrust aside the contemptible mob of insipid worldlings--of
+every-day flatterers, scarcely possessed of one rational idea, by whom
+she was surrounded--to crush, like webs of gossamer, those despicable
+barriers, and snatch her to my arms, in all the wild frenzy of
+undisguised passion! Methought I could have exclaimed aloud--"What,
+unhappy girl, dost thou strive against? With that supernatural power,
+which has irresistibly and unalterably chained thee to me?--Am I not thy
+fate, and art thou not indeed mine for ever?"
+
+Yet notwithstanding these emotions, I contrived, far better than
+formerly, at the Baron's castle, to conceal from the bystanders my
+agitation. Besides, the eyes of all were directed to Aurelia; and thus,
+in a circle of people, who to my concerns were perfectly indifferent, I
+contrived to move about, without being particularly remarked or spoken
+to, which to me would have been intolerable, as I could but see, hear,
+and think of her alone.
+
+Let no one insist that a truly beautiful girl appears to most advantage
+in a homely household dress. On the contrary, the beauty of woman, like
+that of flowers in a parterre, is then most attractive and irresistible
+when they are arrayed in their fullest pomp and magnificence. Say,
+then, oh lover! to whom I have before addressed myself, when thou for
+the first time beholdest the empress of thy heart--who had before worn a
+simple garb, now attired with splendour and gleaming, the _cynosure_ of
+a brilliant party--did not a new and nameless rapture vibrate through
+every nerve and vein? She would appear to you indeed so strange! but
+this, joined to the knowledge that she was in reality _the same_,
+heightened the charms by which thy soul was wholly subjected. What
+unspeakable pleasure, if thou could'st, by stealth, seize and press her
+hand in the crowd, and say to thyself, she, who is here the magnet of
+all eyes, is mine by indissoluble bonds, and lives for me alone!
+
+Thus I beheld Aurelia on that evening dressed with becoming splendour
+for her first introduction at court. Then the spirit of evil once more
+became powerful within me, and lifted up his internal voice, to which I
+now bent a willing ear--"Seest thou not now, Medardus," it began, "how
+thou triumph'st over all the conditional laws and limitations of this
+life--how Destiny now submits herself to thy will, and only knots more
+firmly the threads which thou thyself hadst spun?"
+
+There were many other women at court who might well have passed for
+beautiful, but before the dazzling charms of Aurelia, they faded away
+into utter insignificance. A kind of inspiration now seemed to take
+possession of the most insipid and common-place characters. Even the old
+courtiers gave up their usual strain of unmeaning talk, and visibly
+exerted themselves, in order to appear to the best advantage in the eyes
+of the beautiful stranger.
+
+Aurelia received all this homage with looks fixed on the ground, and
+with deep blushes; but now, when the Prince assembled the elder
+courtiers about himself, and many a handsome youth timidly and
+respectfully drew near her, she began, by degrees, to lose her
+embarrassment, and to seem more cheerful.
+
+There was, in particular, a certain Major of the _garde d'honneur_, who
+succeeded in attracting a good deal of her attention, so that she at
+last appeared occupied with him in lively discourse. I knew this Major
+to be a decided favourite of the female sex; with a fine ear, he could
+catch even the very tone, sentiment, and voice of the person whom he
+addressed, so that the deceived listener seemed to hear a miraculous
+anticipation of her own thoughts--a chord struck in perfect unison. I
+now stood not far from Aurelia, who appeared to take no notice of me.
+Many times I was on the point of going up to her, but, as if bound by
+iron fetters, I could not move from the spot on which I stood. The
+bitterness of envy and jealousy possessed my heart. At last, as I
+steadfastly gazed on Aurelia and her fortunate companion, methought that
+the Major's features were changed into those of Victorin!
+
+As if actuated by some demon, I wholly lost all self-possession. In a
+convulsed tone of bitter scorn and mockery, I laughed aloud--"Ha, ha,
+ha!--Thou _revenant_!--Thou cursed libertine!" cried I, "has thy bed
+then, in the devil's abyss, been so downy, that, in frenzied passion,
+thou darest aspire to the chosen paramour of the Monk?"
+
+I know not if I actually uttered these words, but I heard myself laugh,
+and started up as from a dream, when the old Court-Marshal, taking my
+arm, gently inquired, "What makes you so merry, Mr Leonard?" An ice-cold
+shuddering passed over my whole frame.
+
+Were not these the identical words of the pious brother Cyrillus, when,
+at the time of my investiture, he remarked my sinful laughter?--Scarcely
+was I able to utter some incoherent nonsense in reply--I felt conscious
+that Aurelia was no longer near to me, but did not venture to look up to
+see what had become of her. Instinctively, I resolved to make my escape,
+and ran with my utmost speed through the illuminated apartments.
+Doubtless, my appearance was in the utmost degree disordered, for I
+remarked how every one cleared the way for me as if seized with horror
+and affright. At length, I arrived at the outer-door, and leapt headlong
+rather than ran down the broad marble staircase.
+
+Henceforward I completely avoided the court; for to see Aurelia again,
+without betraying the mystery which it was my interest to conceal,
+seemed to me impossible. Abandoned to my own reveries, I ran through the
+fields and woods, thinking of her, and beholding her alone. My
+conviction always became more certain that some mysterious destiny bound
+up her fate indissolubly with mine, and that my pursuit of her, which
+had many times appeared to me as an unpardonable crime, was but the
+fulfilment of an eternal and unalterable decree.
+
+Thus encouraging myself, I laughed at the danger which now threatened
+me, if Aurelia should recognize in me the murderer of Hermogen! Besides,
+this appeared to me very improbable; and, meanwhile, the attentions of
+those fluttering youths who laboured to win for themselves the good
+graces of her who was altogether and exclusively mine, filled me with
+the utmost scorn and contempt for their endeavours.
+
+"What," said I, "are to me these Counts, Freyherrs, Chamberlains, and
+military officers, in their motley coats bedaubed with lace, and hung
+with orders? What are they more than gaudy impertinent insects, which,
+if they became troublesome, I could with one blow crush to
+annihilation?"
+
+Reflecting on the chapel adventure of the Cistertian Convent, it seemed
+to me as if, robed in my capuchin tunic, I could step in among them with
+Aurelia, habited like a bride, in my arms, and that this proud and
+haughty Princess should be forced even to sanction the marriage, and
+prepare the bridal festival for that conquering and triumphant monk,
+whom she now so much despised. Labouring with such thoughts, I
+frequently pronounced aloud, and unconsciously, the name of Aurelia;
+and, as before in the Capuchin Convent, laughed and howled like a
+madman!
+
+But, ere long, this tempest was laid, and I began quietly to take
+counsel with myself in what manner I was now to act. Thus I was one
+morning gliding through the park, considering whether it would be
+prudent for me to attend another evening party at court, which had been
+announced to me, when some one touched me on the shoulder. It was the
+physician.
+
+To my great surprise, after the usual salutations, he looked steadfastly
+in my face, took hold of my arm, and requested that I would allow him to
+feel my pulse. "What's the meaning of all this?" cried I, with some
+impatience.--"Nay," said he, "there is a sort of madness going about
+here, that seizes all at once upon honest Christian people, and makes
+them utter tremendous noises, though some will have it that the said
+noises are nothing more than very immoderate laughter. At the same time,
+this may be all a misconception; this devil of madness may be only a
+slight fever, with heat in the blood; therefore I beg of you, sir,
+allow me to feel your pulse."
+
+"I assure you, sir," said I, "that I am well, and by no means understand
+the drift of this discourse." The physician, however, had kept hold of
+my arm, and now taking out his watch, counted my pulse with great
+precision. His conduct, indeed, puzzled me completely, and I entreated
+of him to explain himself.
+
+"Do you not know, then, Mr Leonard," replied he, "that your behaviour
+has lately brought the whole court into the utmost confusion and
+consternation? Since that time, the lady of the upper Chamberlain has
+been almost perpetually in hysterics; and the President of the
+Consistorial Court has been obliged to put off hearing the weightiest
+causes, because it was your pleasure to tramp with all your might upon
+his gouty toes; so that, now confined to his arm-chair, he sits at home
+roaring and cursing most notably. This happened when you were running
+out of the hall, after you had laughed in such a demoniacal tone without
+any perceptible reason, that all were seized with the utmost horror."
+
+At that moment I thought of the Court-Marshal, and said that I indeed
+recollected having laughed in that sudden manner, but that my conduct
+surely could not have been attended by such consequences, as the Marshal
+had only asked me, with great coolness, "Why I was so merry?"
+
+"Nay, nay," answered the physician, "that will not prove much--The
+Marshal is such a _homo impavidus_, that the very devil himself could
+scarcely put him out of his way--He retained his ordinary placidity of
+manner, but the Consistorial President, on the other hand, was
+exceedingly disturbed in mind as well as in body, and maintained
+seriously, that none but the devil could have laughed in such a
+style.--But what is worst of all, our beautiful Aurelia was seized with
+such excessive terror, that all the efforts of the family to quiet her
+were in vain,--and she was soon obliged to retire, to the utter despair
+of the company. At the moment too, when you, Mr Leonard, so charmingly
+laughed, the Baroness Aurelia is said to have shrieked out the name,
+"Hermogen!" Now what may be the meaning of all this?--You are generally
+a pleasant, lively, and prudent man, Mr Leonard, and I cannot regret
+having confided to you the story of Francesco, which, if all suggestions
+be true, must be to you particularly intelligible and instructive!"
+
+During this discourse, the physician had continued to hold my arm, and
+to gaze steadfastly in my face. Tired of this restraint, I disengaged
+myself with some roughness--and answered--"I really know not how to
+interpret all this discourse of yours, sir; but I must confess, that
+when I saw the beautiful Aurelia surrounded by that tribe of conceited
+young gentry, a very bitter remembrance from my early life was called up
+in my mind; and that, seized with a kind of angry scorn at the behaviour
+of such empty-brained coxcombs, I forgot in whose presence I was, and
+laughed aloud in a manner that would only have been warrantable when I
+was alone. I am truly sorry that I have unintentionally brought about so
+much mischief; but I have done penance on that score, having for some
+time denied myself the pleasure of being at court. I hope that the
+Prince's family and the Baroness Aurelia will excuse me."
+
+"Alas! dear Mr Leonard," said the Doctor, "one is indeed subject to
+strange attacks and varieties of mind, which we might yet easily resist,
+if we were but pure in heart, and quiet in conscience."
+
+"Who is there," said I vehemently, "on this earthly sphere, that may
+boast of being so?"--The physician suddenly changed his looks and tone.
+Mildly and seriously he said--"Mr Leonard, you appear to me to be really
+and truly sick: your looks are pale and disordered--your eyes are sunk,
+and gleam with a strange kind of fire--your pulse, too, is feverish, and
+your voice sounds strangely.--Shall I prescribe something for you?"
+
+"Poison!" answered I, in a kind of hollow whisper.--"Ho, ho," said the
+physician, "does it stand thus with you?--Nay, nay, instead of poison,
+rather the tranquillizing and sedative remedy of pleasant society, and
+moderate dissipation. It may, however, be, that"--(hesitating)--"It is
+wonderful indeed, but----"
+
+"I must beg of you, sir," said I, now quite angry, "not to torment me in
+that manner by your broken hints, but at once to speak out."
+
+"Hold!" answered the Doctor. "Not so fast, Mr Leonard--yonder comes the
+Princess--there are in this world the strangest delusions, and for my
+part, I feel almost a conviction that people have here built up an
+hypothesis which a few minutes' explanation will dissolve into nothing.
+Yonder, as I said, comes the Princess with Aurelia.--Do you make use of
+this accidental rencontre. Offer your own excuses for your behaviour.
+Properly, indeed, your only crime is, that you have laughed--in an
+extraordinary tone it is true, and rather inopportunely. But who can
+help it, if people with weak nerves have on that occasion chosen to be
+so absurdly terrified?--Adieu!"
+
+The physician started away with that vivacity which to him was
+peculiar.--The Princess and Aurelia were coming down the walk to meet
+me. I trembled; but with my whole strength laboured to regain composure,
+for after the mysterious discourse of the physician, I felt that it was
+my duty on the instant to defend my character. Resolutely, therefore, I
+went forward to meet them; but no sooner had Aurelia fixed her eyes upon
+me than she became deadly pale, and to my utter astonishment, with a
+suppressed scream, she fell down in a fainting fit, to the ground. I
+wished to assist her, but with looks of aversion and horror, the
+Princess then motioned me away, at the same time calling loudly for
+help!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+As if hunted by a thousand devils and furies, I ran away homewards
+through the park--I shut myself up in my lodgings, and gnashing my teeth
+with rage and despair, threw myself on the bed. Evening came, and then
+the dark hours of night, and I still lay there obstinately cherishing my
+grief. At last I heard the outer gate of the house open, and many voices
+murmuring and whispering confusedly together. Then there was a noise of
+heavy steps tottering and clattering up the staircase,--and with three
+hollow knocks on my door, I was commanded to rise and open it in the
+name of the magistracy. Without clearly comprehending the danger that
+awaited me, I yet felt an instinctive conviction that I was now for ever
+lost.
+
+To save myself instantly by flight--This was my only thought, and I flew
+to the window, tearing open the lattice. This, however, availed me
+nothing,--for before the house door, I saw a troop of armed men, one of
+whom directly observed me, and at the same moment, the door of my
+apartment was burst in--several men immediately stood around me, whom I
+recognized for officers of police, and who shewed me an order of the
+Justiciary Court for my immediate imprisonment. Any attempt at
+resistance would now have been in vain. They led me down stairs, and
+placed me in a carriage, which stood there ready to receive me, and
+which immediately drove off rapidly, through the streets.
+
+When arrived at the place which seemed that of my destination, after
+being led through divers passages and corridors; also up staircases
+_that staircases were none_, but seemed (having no steps[1]) to be like
+the side of a mountain; I inquired "Where I was?" I received for answer,
+"In the prison of the upper castle." In this place, according to
+information already received on the arrestment of others, I knew that
+dangerous and treasonable criminals were shut up during the time that
+their trial was going on, or was in preparation.
+
+[Footnote 1: This is exemplified in the (old) royal palace at Berlin.]
+
+My apartment was comfortless and ghastly enough; but, in a little time,
+my bed and some other furniture were brought, and the gaoler asked if I
+wanted anything more. To get rid of him, I answered "No;" and at last
+was left alone. The receding steps through the long-sounding passages,
+with the opening and shutting of many doors, if I had not known it
+already, would have sufficiently made me aware that I was in one of the
+innermost prisons of the fortress.
+
+It was to myself inconceivable, how, during a pretty long drive, I had
+remained quite quiet, nay, under a kind of stunning and stupefaction of
+the senses. I beheld all images that passed before me, as if they
+existed only in the half-effaced colours of a faded picture. Now, too, I
+did not resign myself to sleep, but to a kind of faint or swoon,
+paralysing the faculty of clear thought, and yet leaving me awake to the
+most horrible and fantastic apprehensions.
+
+When I awoke in the bright light of the morning, I, for the first time,
+gradually took counsel with myself, and fully recollected all that had
+happened, and whither I had been brought. As to the room wherein I lay,
+its inconvenience made less impression on me than it would have done
+upon another. The vaulted roof, and want of comfort, only reminded me of
+my cell in the Capuchin Convent; and the chamber would scarcely have
+appeared to me a prison, if it had not been that the small and only
+window was strongly barred with iron, and so high, that I could scarcely
+reach it with my upstretched hands, far less look out from it on the
+prospect.
+
+Only a narrow sunbeam fell through this high loop-hole; and being
+anxious to examine the environs of my prison, I drew my bed to the wall
+under it; over this placed my table, and was just in the act of mounting
+up, when my gaoler stepped in and seemed very much surprised at my
+proceedings. He inquired roughly what I was about there; and on
+receiving for answer, that I only wished, for diversion, to look out at
+the window, he did not say a word; but, in significant silence, made the
+bed, the table, and chair, be taken away: after which, having set down
+my breakfast, he again disappeared.
+
+After about an hour, he came back, accompanied by two other men, and
+led me through long passages, up stairs and down stairs, till I entered,
+at last, into an audience-hall of moderate dimensions, where one of the
+supreme judges awaited me. By his side sat a young man as secretary, to
+whom he afterwards dictated whatever information he got from me, in
+answer to his questions. I had to thank the influence of my former
+station at Court, and the respect with which I had long been treated by
+all ranks, for the politeness now shewn to me by this judge. However, I
+was convinced that it could only be suspicions, founded on Aurelia's
+extraordinary conduct, which had led to my arrestment.
+
+The judge's first demand was, that I should give him a clear and concise
+account of my former life. Instead of answering directly to this, I
+begged to know whether I had not, in the first place, a right to know
+the cause of my sudden imprisonment. He told me that I should, in due
+time, have information of the crimes with which I was charged; but that,
+meanwhile, it was of the utmost importance that he should learn the
+exact course of my life up to that day when I first arrived at the
+_residenz_; and he must remind me that, as the court possessed ample
+means to detect the slightest deviation from truth, I should be watchful
+for my own sake, to avoid any attempt at deception.
+
+This admonishment of the judge (a little spare man, with red hair,
+staring eyes, and an absurdly croaking voice) was by no means lost upon
+me. I recollected that I had already ventured to give the name of my
+birth-place, and some account of my life, to one of the court ladies;
+and that the story which I had now to weave, must of necessity be such,
+as to harmonize with that which I had already promulgated. It was also
+requisite to avoid all marvellous and intricate adventures. Moreover, to
+lay the scene, as much as possible, in a country so distant, that
+inquiries into the reality of my references would be tedious and
+difficult. At that moment too, there came into my remembrance, a young
+Pole, with whom I had studied in the college at Koenigswald. I knew the
+circumstances of his life, and as the safest method now in my power,
+resolved to appropriate them as my own. Thus prepared, I set out as
+follows:--
+
+"My arrestment, no doubt, has arisen from the imputation against me of
+some heavy crime. For a considerable period, I have lived here under the
+eye of the Prince, and all the town's-people, and during that time, have
+been guilty of no crime nor misdemeanour; consequently it must be some
+stranger lately arrived here who has accused me of a crime formerly
+committed; and as my conscience assures me that I am completely free
+from any such guilt, I can only account for what has occurred, by
+supposing that an unhappy personal resemblance betwixt myself and some
+person unknown, has led to the mistake.
+
+"However, it seems to me not a little severe, that on account of
+_suppositions_ merely, (for here there can exist nothing more,) I should
+be thus thrown into prison, and brought like a criminal for examination.
+But why have I not been confronted at once with my rash, and perhaps
+malicious accuser? I doubt not that individual will be found at last to
+be some wicked impostor, or, at best, some misguided fool, who--"
+
+"Softly--softly, Mr Leonard," croaked the judge. "Correct yourself,
+otherwise your words may strike against some high personage; and,
+besides, I can assure you, that the individual by whom you, Mr Leonard,
+have been recognized as--" (here he bit himself in the lip) "is in
+truth, neither rash nor foolish, but"--(hesitating) "and besides, we
+have unquestionable intelligence from ---- in the Thuringian mountains."
+
+Here he named the residence of the Baron von F.; and I perceived
+immediately the dangers which threatened me. It was obvious that Aurelia
+had recognized in me the monk, whom she probably looked upon as the
+murderer of her brother. This monk, however, was Medardus, the preacher
+of the Capuchin Convent, and as such had been recognized by the Baron's
+steward Reinhold. The Abbess, however, knew that this Medardus was the
+son of Francesco, and thus, my resemblance to him, which had so long
+puzzled the Princess, must now probably have corroborated into certainty
+the suspicions which the sisters had, no doubt, by letter communicated
+to each other.
+
+It was possible even, that intelligence had been received from the
+Capuchin Convent; that I had been carefully watched upon my journey; and
+that they had unequivocally identified my person with that of Medardus.
+
+All these possibilities came crowding on my recollection, and forced me
+to perceive the whole hazard of my situation. The judge, while I was
+occupied in this reverie, still continued to talk on, which was very
+advantageous, for I had time to repeat to myself the almost unutterable
+name of the Polish town which I had assigned to the old lady at court as
+the place of my birth. Scarcely, then, had the judge again repeated his
+gruff demand, that I would concisely inform him as to my past course of
+life, than I once more began--
+
+"My proper name is Leonard Krczinski; and I am the only son of a Polish
+nobleman, who had sold his property, and lived privately in the town of
+Kwicziczwo."--
+
+"How--what?" said the judge, endeavouring in vain to pronounce after me
+either my name, or that of the town to which I had referred. The
+secretary had no notion how he was to set the words on paper; I was
+obliged to write down both names myself, and then went on--
+
+"You perceive, sir, how difficult it is for a German tongue to imitate
+these words of my language, which are so overburdened with consonants,
+and herein consists the reason why I have chosen to lay aside my surname
+altogether, and bear only my christian name of Leonard.
+
+"But this is, indeed, the only mystery or singularity which I have to
+unfold. The rest of my life is the simplest and most ordinary that could
+be imagined. My father, who was himself a man of good education,
+approved of my decided propensity to literature and the arts, and just
+before his death, had resolved on sending me to Cracow, to live there
+under the care of a clergyman related to him, by name Stanislaus
+Krczinski. After that event, being my father's sole heir, I was left the
+uncontrolled choice of my own actions. I therefore sold the small
+remnant that was left of a paternal property, called up some debts that
+were due to my father, and went with the pecuniary proceeds to Cracow,
+where I studied some years under the guardianship of my relation.
+
+"From thence I travelled to Dantzig and Koenigsberg; at last I was
+driven, as if by irresistible impulse, to make a journey towards the
+south. I trusted that the remainder of my small fortune would be
+sufficient to carry me through, and that I should at last obtain a fixed
+situation at some university; but in this town I had probably found my
+means exhausted, if it had not been that one night's luck at the
+Prince's pharo-table enabled me to live comfortably for some time, after
+which I intended to prosecute my journey into Italy.
+
+"As to anything truly remarkable or worthy of being related--no such
+adventure has ever occurred in my life. Yet perhaps, (here I recollected
+myself,) I ought not to say this, for I have at least one singular
+occurrence to record. It would have been quite easy for me to prove
+exactly the truth of all that I have now deposed, had not a very strange
+chance deprived me of my _portefeuille_, in which was contained my pass,
+my journal, and various letters, which would have supplied ample
+documents for that purpose."
+
+By this conclusion the judge was visibly surprised. It was evidently
+something unexpected; he fixed his sharp staring eyes upon me, and then,
+in a tone somewhat ironical, requested me to explain what strange
+accident had thus unluckily put it out of my power to _prove_ (as might
+have been hoped for) my assertions.
+
+"Some months ago," said I, "I was on my way hither by the road leading
+through the mountains. The fine season of the year, and the romantic
+scenery, made me resolve to perform the journey on foot. One day, being
+much fatigued, I sat in the public room of an inn at a small village. I
+had there got some refreshments, and had drawn out a leaf from my
+pocket-book, in order to take a drawing of some old houses that had
+struck my fancy.
+
+"At this time there arrived at the inn a horseman, whose extraordinary
+dress and wild looks excited in me much astonishment. He came into the
+public room obviously striving with much vain effort to look cheerful
+and unconcerned, took his place opposite to me, and called for drink,
+casting on me from time to time dark and suspicious glances. The man
+seemed to me to be half mad, or something worse. I by no means liked
+such company, and therefore, merely to avoid him, stepped out into the
+court. Soon afterwards, the stranger also came out, paid the innkeeper,
+hastily bowed to me, and remounting his horse, rode off at a rapid pace.
+
+"Afterwards, as I was in the act of setting out myself, I remembered my
+_portefeuille_, which I had left on the table of the public room. I
+went and found it lying where I had left it, and, in my hurry, believed
+all was right. It was not till the following day, that, wishing to refer
+to my pocket-book, I found the _portefeuille_ was not mine, but had, in
+all probability, belonged to the stranger, who must have, by mistake,
+put up mine into his pocket, and left his own in its place.
+
+"In the latter there was nothing but letters and cards, which to me were
+unintelligible, addressed to Count Victorin. This _portefeuille_, with
+the Count's papers, will be found still among my effects. In mine, which
+was lost, I had, as before mentioned, my pass, my journal, and, as now
+occurs to me, even my baptism certificate, the production of which would
+at once have confirmed whatever regarding myself I have alleged."
+
+The judge here desired that I would give him an accurate description,
+from head to foot, of the stranger's personal appearance. Accordingly, I
+patched up a skilful composition from the features and dress of the late
+Count Victorin, and of myself when on my flight from the Baron's castle.
+To the judge's cross-questioning as to all the minutest circumstances of
+this meeting, to which there almost seemed no end, I continued to
+answer as quietly and decisively as possible, till at last the fiction
+that I had thus invented, rounded itself in such manner in my own mind,
+that I actually believed all that I had asserted, and ran no risk
+whatever of falling into contradictions.
+
+Besides, there were other advantages; my first object indeed had only
+been to justify my possession of these letters of Count Victorin, which
+would be found in my _portefeuille_; but, by the method that I had
+chosen to fulfil this purpose, I had luckily raised up an imaginary
+personage, (one at least who no longer existed in reality,) who might
+hereafter, as need required, play the part either of the fugitive
+Medardus, or of the Count Victorin.
+
+Afterwards, it occurred to me also that probably Euphemia's papers must
+have been examined; that among them there were no doubt letters paving
+the way for Victorin's plan of appearing as a monk at the castle, and
+that this would form a fresh nucleus of clouds sufficient to wrap the
+whole affair in impenetrable mystery.
+
+Thus my internal fantasy continued to work, during the whole time of my
+examination; and there were always new methods suggesting themselves,
+by which I might avoid the risk of discovery; so that at last I believed
+myself secure against the very worst that could happen.
+
+I now waited in hopes that the judge would have recourse to the criminal
+accusation which had been entered against me, and concluded that I had
+said quite enough as to the fortune and adventures of my own past life.
+
+I was mistaken, however, for he seemed as willing to go on with his
+tiresome questions as if he had but just begun. Among other inquiries,
+he asked, "For what reason I had formed the wish of escaping out of
+prison?" I assured him that no such thought had ever entered my mind,
+and that I had only wished to look out through the window. The gaoler's
+testimony, however, as to the piled-up bed, chair, and table, seemed
+here much against me. At last, after a most tedious interview, the judge
+finally assured me, that if I attempted any prank of that sort again, I
+must, of necessity, be bound to the ground with iron chains.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+I was then led back to my prison. My bed, as before mentioned, had been
+removed, and a straw mattress in its stead laid on the ground. The table
+was firmly screwed down, and, in place of the chair, I found a very low
+wooden bench.
+
+Many days passed over in dreary captivity, without any farther
+examination, and without the slightest variety. The time of a prisoner
+is seldom or never a blank; it is filled up by horrible phantoms and
+distorted reveries, such as have often been described, though mine
+probably were of a new character. The detail of them, however, is not
+within the limits of my present undertaking; I record only simple facts,
+in the manner of an obtuse old chronicler; and if there be a colouring
+of imagination, it is not only unsought, but unwelcome and involuntary.
+
+During these three days, I did not behold the features of any living
+being, except the peevish face of an old sub-janitor, who brought my
+food, and in the evening lighted my lamp. Hitherto, I had felt like a
+warrior, who, in a mood of martial excitement, was determined, at all,
+risks, to meet danger and fight his way to the last; but such passion
+had now time enough to decline entirely away.
+
+I fell into a dark melancholy trance, during which all things became
+indifferent. Even the cherished vision of Aurelia had faded, or floated
+in dim colours before me. But unless I had been in body as much
+disordered as in mind, this state of apathy could not, of necessity,
+continue long. In a short time my spirit was again roused, only to feel
+in all its force the horrid influence of nausea and oppression, which
+the dense atmosphere of the prison had produced, and against which I
+vainly endeavoured to contend.
+
+In the night I could no longer sleep. In the strange flickering shadows
+which the lamp-light threw upon the walls, myriads of distorted visages,
+one after another, or hundreds at a time, seemed to be grinning out upon
+me. To avoid this annoyance, I extinguished my lamp, and drew the upper
+mattress over my head--but in vain! It was now dark, indeed, but the
+spectres were visible by their own light, like portraits painted on a
+dark ground, and I heard more frightfully the hollow moans and rattling
+chains of the prisoners, through the horrid stillness of the night.
+
+Often did it seem to me as if I heard the dying groans of Hermogen and
+Euphemia. "Am I then guilty of your destruction? Was it not your own
+iniquity that brought you under the wrath of my avenging arm?" One night
+I had broken out furiously with these words, when, on the silence that
+for a moment succeeded, there distinctly and unequivocally arose a long
+deep-drawn sigh or groan, differing from the noises which had disturbed
+me before. The latter might have been imaginary--this was assuredly
+real, and the sound was reverberated through the vault. Driven to
+distraction, I howled out--"It is thou, Hermogen!--the hour of thy
+vengeance is come--there is for me no hope of rescue!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It might be on the tenth night of my confinement, when, half-fainting
+with terror, I lay stretched out on the cold floor of my prison. I
+distinctly heard on the ground directly under me a light, but very
+audible knocking, which was repeated at measured intervals. I listened
+attentively. The noise was continued, as if with the determination to
+attract attention, and occasionally I could distinguish a strange sound
+of laughter, that also seemed to come out of the earth.
+
+I started from the floor, and threw myself on the straw couch; but the
+beating continued, with the same detestable variety of laughter and
+groans. At last I heard a low, stammering, hoarse voice syllabically
+pronounce my name--"Me-dar-dus!--Me-dar-dus!"--My blood ran ice cold
+through every vein; but with a vehement effort I gained courage enough
+to call out, "Who's there?"--The laughter now became louder--the beating
+and groaning were renewed; again the stammering demon addressed
+me--"Me-dar-dus!--Me-dar-dus!"
+
+I rose from bed, and stamped on the floor. "Whoever thou art," cried I;
+"man or devil, who art thus adding to the torments of an already
+miserable captive, step forth visibly before mine eyes, that I may look
+on thee, or desist from this unmeaning persecution!" The beating was now
+right under my feet. "He--he--he!--he--he--he!--Broth-er,--Broth-er!
+Open the door!--I am here--am here! Let us go hence to the wood--to the
+wood!"
+
+Now, methought I recognised the voice as one that I had known before,
+but it was not then so broken and so stammering. Nay, with a chill
+shivering of horror, I almost began to think there was something in the
+accents that I now heard, resembling the tones of my own voice, and
+involuntarily, as if I wished to try whether this were really so, I
+stammered, in imitation, "Me-dar-dus!--Me-dar-dus!"
+
+Hereupon the laughter was renewed, but it now sounded scornful and
+malicious.--"Broth-er,--Broth-er," said the voice, "do you know me
+again?--Open the door--the--the door!--We shall go hence, to the
+wood--to the wood!" "Poor insane wretch!" said I; "I cannot open the
+door for thee--I cannot enable thee to go forth into the pleasant woods,
+to hear the fresh rustling of the leaves, or breathe the fragrance of
+Heaven's pure atmosphere. I am, as thou art, shut up, hopeless and
+abandoned, within the gloomy walls of a prison."
+
+To this address I was answered only by sobs and moans, as if from the
+bitterness of despairing grief; and the knocking became always more
+faint and indistinct, till at last it ceased altogether; and from
+exhaustion, I sunk into troubled slumber.
+
+At length the morning light had broke in slanting gleams through the
+window; the locks and keys rattled, and the gaoler, whom I had not seen
+for many days, entered my room.
+
+"Through the last night," said he, "we have heard all sorts of strange
+noises in your apartment, and loud speaking. What means this?"
+
+"I am in the habit," answered I, "of talking loudly in my sleep, and
+even when awake I indulge in soliloquy. May not this much of liberty be
+granted me?"
+
+"Probably," said the gaoler, "it is known to you, that every endeavour
+to escape, or to keep up conversation with any of your fellow-prisoners,
+will be interpreted to your disadvantage?" I declared that I had never
+formed any intentions of that kind; and after a few more surly remarks,
+he withdrew.
+
+Some hours after this, I was again summoned, as before, to the hall of
+judgment. It was not, however, the judge by whom I had before been
+examined, but a very different personage, who now sat on the bench. He
+was a man apparently much younger in years, but far surpassing his
+predecessor in cleverness and versatility.
+
+Laying aside all the formality of office, he left his place, came up to
+me in the friendliest manner, and invited me to take a chair.
+
+Even at this moment his appearance is vividly present to my
+recollection. In constitution he seemed, for his time of life, to be
+much broken down; he was very bald, and wore spectacles. But in his
+whole demeanour there was so much of kindness and good-humour, that, on
+this account alone, I found it would be difficult for any one, but the
+most reckless and hardened of criminals, to resist his influence.
+
+His questions were thrown out lightly, almost in the style of ordinary
+conversation, but they were well contrived, and so precisely couched,
+that it was impossible to avoid giving him decisive answers.
+
+"In the first place, I must ask you," said he, "whether all that you
+have before deponed is perfectly consistent with truth; or, at least,
+whether many other circumstances may not have occurred to you as
+requisite to be told, in order to corroborate your former statement?"
+
+"No," said I. "I have already freely communicated every circumstance
+which I could mention, or which it can be necessary to mention, as to
+the tenor of my simple and uniform life."
+
+"Have you never associated much with clergymen, and with monks?"
+
+"Yes--In Cracow, in Dantzig, Koenigsberg, Frauenberg. In the latter place
+especially, with two lay monks, who officiated there as priest and
+_capellan_."
+
+"You did not state before that you were in Frauenberg?"
+
+"Because I did not think it worth while to mention a short residence
+there of about eight days, on my way from Dantzig to Koenigsberg."
+
+"So, you are a native of Kwicziczwo?"
+
+This question the judge put in the Polish language, and in the most
+correct dialect, (all the while looking quite unconcerned, as if his
+use of that language had been on the present occasion a matter of
+course.)
+
+For a moment this overthrew all my self-possession. I rallied, however;
+tried to recollect what little Polish I had learned from my friend
+Krczinski, and made shift to answer--
+
+"On a small landed property of my father, near Kwicziczwo."
+
+"What was the name of this estate?"
+
+"Krczinzicswo--the family estate of my relations."
+
+"For a native Pole, you do not pronounce your own language remarkably
+well. To say the truth, you speak it rather like a German--How is this?"
+
+"For many years I have spoken nothing but German. Even while in Cracow,
+I had much intercourse with German students, who wished to learn from me
+our difficult language. Unawares, I may have accustomed myself to their
+accent, as one finds it very easy, when living in particular districts
+of the country, to adopt provincialisms."
+
+The judge here looked significantly on me. A slight smile passed over
+his features; and, turning to the secretary, he dictated to him
+something in a whisper, of which I could distinctly make out the words
+"visibly embarrassed." Hereupon I wished to say something farther, in
+excuse for my bad Polish, but the judge gave me no opportunity.
+
+"Have you never been in Koenigswald, where there is a large Capuchin
+Convent?"
+
+"Never."
+
+"The way hither from Koenigsberg should have led you to that town."
+
+"I took another road."
+
+"Have you never been acquainted with a monk from the convent there?"
+
+"Never."
+
+On receiving this answer, the judge rung the bell, and in a low voice
+gave an order to the attending officer.
+
+Soon afterwards, an opposite door opened, and how was my whole frame
+shaken, and my very heart withered by terror, when I beheld the old
+Brother Cyrillus! The judge asked,
+
+"Do you know this man?"
+
+"No. I have never seen him before."
+
+It was now the monk's turn to speak. He came nearer; looked at me
+stedfastly--then clasping his hands, while tears involuntarily burst
+from his eyes--"Medardus!" cried he, "Brother Medardus! In God's name,
+how comes it that I find you thus horribly changed? How came you into
+this condition of abandoned and obdurate wickedness? Brother Medardus,
+return into thyself--Confess--Repent!--The patience and long-suffering
+of God are infinite."
+
+"Can you then recognize this man," said the judge, "for the Monk
+Medardus from the Capuchin Convent in Koenigswald?"
+
+"As I hope for Heaven's mercy," answered Cyrillus, "it is impossible for
+me to think otherwise. I believe that this man, although he now appears
+in a lay dress, is that very Medardus, who lived under my care as a
+novice at the Capuchin Convent, and whom I attended at the altar on the
+day of his consecration. Yet Medardus had on his neck a scar, in the
+shape of a cross, on the left side, and if this man----"
+
+"You perceive," interposed the judge, turning to me, "that you are
+looked upon as a runaway monk from the town of Koenigswald, and you may
+rightly conjecture that the real monk alluded to has been guilty of
+serious crimes. But this man has a particular mark on his neck, which,
+according to your own account, you cannot have. This, therefore, at once
+gives you the best opportunity to prove your innocence. Untie your
+neckcloth."
+
+"There is no need of this," answered I. "It is already certain, that an
+exact personal resemblance exists between myself and the fugitive
+criminal, who is to me wholly unknown; for I do bear a slight scar on my
+throat, such as has been described."--"Remove your neckcloth," repeated
+the judge. I did so; and the scar left by the wound from the Abbess's
+diamond cross, which had never been effaced, was immediately perceived.
+Hereupon Cyrillus uttered a loud exclamation.--"It is--it is the same
+impression of the cross," he added.--"Medardus! oh Medardus! hast thou
+then renounced thy eternal weal?"--Weeping and half fainting, he sunk
+into a chair.
+
+"What answers do you now make to the assertion of this venerable man?"
+said the judge.
+
+For a moment I felt as if lifted up and inspired by supernatural
+strength. It seemed as if the devil himself came and whispered to me.
+
+"What power have these despicable weaklings over thee, who art yet
+strong and undaunted in spirit and in frame? Shall not Aurelia yet
+become thine?"
+
+"This monk," said I, with great vehemence, "who sits there fainting in
+his chair, is a fantastic, feeble-minded, drivelling dotard. In his
+absurd visions, he takes me for a runaway capuchin from his own convent,
+to whom, as it happens, I bear a personal resemblance."
+
+The judge had till now remained perfectly tranquil, without changing his
+looks, gesture, or tone. Now, however, his visage, for the first time,
+assumed a dark and lowering earnestness of expression. He rose, as if
+the better to observe me, and even the glare of his spectacles was
+intolerable to my feelings, so that I could not utter a word more of my
+intended defence. For a moment I lost all self-possession. Abandoned to
+rage and despair, I struck my clenched knuckles to my forehead, and, in
+a tone which must have sounded unearthly, almost shrieked out the name
+"Aurelia!"
+
+"What do you mean by that, sir?" said the judge, in a voice which,
+though calm, had yet the effect of thunder, and reverberated through the
+vaulted roof of the audience-chamber.
+
+"A dark and implacable destiny," said I, "dooms me to an ignominious
+death. But I am innocent--I am wholly innocent of the crimes, whatever
+they may be, that are charged against me. Have compassion, therefore;
+and for the present, at least, let me go. I feel that madness begins to
+rage through my brain, and agitate every nerve: therefore, in mercy, let
+me go!"
+
+The judge, who had resumed his seat, and become perfectly calm, dictated
+much to the secretary, of which I did not know the import. At last he
+read over to me a record, in which all his questions and my answers,
+with the evidence of Cyrillus, were faithfully set down. This record I
+was obliged to ratify by my own signature.
+
+The judge then requested me, in a careless tone, to write for him, on
+separate slips of paper, something in Polish and in German. I did so,
+without being aware what object he had in view. He then immediately gave
+the German leaf to Cyrillus, with the question, "Have these characters
+any resemblance to the hand-writing of your brother, Monk Medardus?"
+
+"It is precisely his hand even to the most minute peculiarities," said
+Cyrillus; and turning to me, was about to speak; but a look of the judge
+admonished him to silence. The latter examined carefully the leaf which
+I had written in Polish. He then rose, quitted the bench, and came down
+to me.
+
+"You are no Pole," said he, in a serious and decisive manner. "This
+writing is altogether incorrect, full of errors, both in grammar and
+spelling. No native Pole would write in that style, even if he were
+destitute of that education which you have enjoyed."
+
+"I was born," said I, "in Kwicziczwo, and therefore am most certainly a
+Pole; but even were this not really the case, and if circumstances
+compelled me to conceal my true rank and name, yet it would by no means
+follow, in consequence of this, that I must turn out to be the Monk
+Medardus, who, as I understand, came from the Capuchin Convent in
+Koenigswald."
+
+"Alas! Brother," interposed Cyrillus, "did not our excellent Prior send
+you to Rome, placing the fullest confidence in your fidelity, prudence,
+and pious conduct; and is it thus that you requite him? Brother
+Medardus, for God's sake, do not any longer, in this blasphemous manner,
+deny the holy profession to which you belong."
+
+"I beg of you not to interrupt us," said the judge, and, turning again
+to me, proceeded--
+
+"It is my duty to observe to you, that the disinterested evidence of
+this reverend clergyman affords the strongest presumptions, that you are
+actually that runaway monk, for whom you have been arrested. At the same
+time, I ought not to conceal, that various other persons will be brought
+forward, who also insist that they have unequivocally recognised you for
+that individual. Among them is one, to whom your escape from the due
+punishment or coercion of the law would be attended by no little danger,
+at all events, by no little fear and apprehension. Besides, many things
+have been discovered in your own travelling equipage, which support the
+allegations against you.
+
+"Finally, sir, you may rely, that inquiries will be set on foot as to
+your pretended family, on which account application is already made to
+the court at Posen. All these things I explain to you the more openly,
+because it belongs to my office to convince you how little I wish, by
+artifice, or any undue method, to extort from you the truth, which you
+wish to conceal, but which, at all events, will soon be brought to
+light. Prepare yourself, therefore, before-hand, as you best can. If you
+are really that criminal named Medardus the Capuchin, you may be assured
+that justice will soon penetrate through your deepest disguise; and you
+will learn, in due time, the precise crimes of which you are accused.
+If, on the other hand, you are Mr Leonard of Kwicziczwo, and only, by
+some extraordinary _lusus naturae_, forced to resemble Medardus, you will
+be furnished, even by us, with clear and decisive proofs to support this
+identity.
+
+"You appeared at your first trial, in a very disordered state of mind;
+therefore I wished that you should be allowed sufficient time for mature
+reflection. After what has taken place to-day, you will again have ample
+store for meditation."
+
+"Then," said I, "you look upon all that I have said to-day as utter
+falsehood? You behold in me only the runaway monk Medardus?"
+
+To this I received merely a slight parting bow, with the words, "Adieu,
+Herr von Krczinski;" and I was forthwith led back to my prison.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+Every word uttered by this judge had penetrated to my very heart, and I
+was unable to subdue my vehement agitation. All the fictions that I had
+invented seemed to me utterly absurd and insipid. That the chief person
+who was to appear as my accuser, (and who was said to entertain such
+fears of me if left at liberty,) was Aurelia, I could have no doubt. How
+could I bear this, and how counteract her influence?
+
+I considered afterwards what might have been suspicious among my
+travelling effects, and was much vexed by the recollection, that since
+my residence at the castle of the Baron von F----, I had retained in my
+_portefeuille_, a hair ring, on which Euphemia's name was enwoven, and
+which, perhaps, might be recognized by Aurelia. Besides, it had
+unfortunately occurred, that in the forest I had bound up Victorin's
+portmanteau with the knotted cord, which is part of the dress of our
+order; and this had still remained in my possession.
+
+Tormented by these thoughts, I gave myself up for lost; and unconscious
+what I did, paced backwards and forwards in despair, through my narrow
+chamber. Then it seemed as if there was a rushing and whispering in mine
+ears,--"Thou fool," said a voice, "why should'st thou despair? Canst
+thou not think on Victorin?" Hereupon, in a loud voice, I called
+out--"Ha! the game is not lost!--Nay, it may yet be won!"
+
+My heart beat, and my bosom heaved with new impulses. I had already
+thought, that among Euphemia's papers there must, of necessity, be found
+something which would point to Victorin's appearance at the castle as a
+monk. Resting on this assumption, (or probability,) I would, at my next
+examination, amplify on my former deposition as to the meeting with
+Victorin; nay, why should I not also have met with the monk Medardus? I
+could plead knowledge, also, of those adventures at the castle which
+ended so frightfully, and repeat them as if they came to me by hearsay.
+With such stories I could interweave references to myself, and to my
+resemblance with both these people.
+
+In order to attain my object, however, the most trifling circumstances
+must be maturely weighed. I resolved, therefore, that I would commit to
+writing the romance, by the incidents of which I was to be rescued. The
+gaoler supplied me with the requisite materials, and I laboured with
+great zeal till late in the night. In writing, my imagination was
+roused, until I almost actually believed whatever I had set down to be
+the truth; and I had in the closest manner spun together a web of
+falsehood, wherewith I expected completely to blind the eyes of the
+judge.
+
+The prison-clock had struck twelve, when I again heard softly,
+and as if from a distance, the knocking which, on the preceding day,
+so much disturbed me. I had resolved that I would pay no attention
+to this noise; but it approached nearer, and became louder. There
+were again, at measured intervals, the same divertisements of
+knocking, laughing, and groaning. I struck my hand with great vehemence
+on the table--"Be quiet!" cried I--"Silence below there!" Thus I
+thought that I should banish my persecutor, and recover my composure,
+but in vain! On the contrary, there arose instantly a sound of
+shrill discordant laughter, and once more the same detestable
+voice--"_Brued-er-lein!--Brued-er-lein!_[2] Up to thee! Open the door!
+Open the door!"
+
+[Footnote 2: Little brother. One of the German diminutives of
+familiarity or endearment.]
+
+Then right under me commenced a vehement rasping and scratching in the
+floor, accompanied by continuous groans and cachinnation. In vain did I
+try to write, and persuading myself that these were but illusions of the
+arch enemy, determined to hold them in contempt. The noise always became
+more intolerable, and was diversified occasionally by ponderous blows,
+so that I momentarily expected the gaolers to enter in alarm.
+
+I had risen up, and was walking with the lamp in my hand, when suddenly
+I felt the floor shake beneath my tread. I stepped aside, and then saw,
+on the spot whereon I had stood, a stone lift itself out of the
+pavement, and sink again. The phenomenon was repeated, but at the second
+time I seized hold of the stone, and easily removed it from the
+flooring.
+
+The aperture beneath was but narrow, and little or no light rose from
+the gulf. Suddenly, however, as I was gazing on it, a naked arm,
+emaciated, but muscular, with a knife, or dagger, in the hand, was
+stretched up towards me. Struck with the utmost horror, I recoiled from
+the sight. Then the stammering voice spoke from below--"Brother--brother
+Me-dar-dus is there--is there!--Take--take!--Break--break!--To the
+wood!--To the wood!"
+
+Instantly all fear and apprehension were lost. I repeated to myself,
+"Take--take!--Break--break!" for I thought only of the assistance thus
+offered me, and of flight! Accordingly I seized the weapon, which the
+hand willingly resigned to me, and began zealously to clear away the
+mortar and rubbish from the opening that had been made.
+
+The spectral prisoner below laboured also with might and main, till we
+had dislodged four or five large stones from the vault, and laid them
+aside. I had been occupied in this latter purpose, that is, in placing
+the large stones in a corner of my room, that they might not interrupt
+my work; when, on turning round, I perceived that my horrible assistant
+had raised his naked body as far as the middle, through the aperture
+that we had made. The full glare of the lamp fell on his pale features,
+which were no longer obscured as formerly, by long matted locks, or the
+overgrown grizzly beard, for these had been closely shaven. It could no
+longer be said that I was in vigorous health, while he was emaciated,
+for in that respect we were now alike. He glared on me with the grin,
+the ghastly laughter, of madness on his visage. At the first glance I
+RECOGNIZED MYSELF, and losing all consciousness and self-possession,
+fell in a deadly swoon on the pavement.
+
+From this state of insensibility I was awoke by a violent pain in the
+arm. There was a clear light around me; the rattling of chains, and
+knocking of hammers, sounded through the vault. The gaoler and his
+assistants were occupied in loading me with irons. Besides handcuffs and
+ankle-fetters, I was, by means of a chain and an iron hoop, to be
+fastened to the wall.
+
+"Now," said the gaoler, in a satisfied tone, when the workmen had
+finished, "the gentleman will probably find it advisable to give over
+troubling us with his attempts to escape for the future!"
+
+"But what crimes, then," said the blacksmith, in an under tone, "has
+this obstreperous fellow committed?"
+
+"How?" said the gaoler, "dost thou not know that much, Jonathan? The
+whole town talks of nothing else. He is a cursed Capuchin monk, who has
+murdered three men. All has been fully proved. In a few days there is to
+be a grand gala; and among other diversions, the scaffold and the wheel
+will not fail to play their part!"
+
+I heard no more, and my senses were again lost. I know not how long I
+remained in that state, from which I only painfully and with difficulty
+awoke. I was alone, and all was utter darkness; but, after some
+interval, faint gleams of daylight broke into the low deep vault,
+scarcely six feet square, into which I now, with the utmost horror,
+perceived that I had been removed from my former prison. I was tormented
+with extreme thirst, and grappled at the water-jug which stood near me.
+Cold and moist, it slipped out of my numbed hands before I had gained
+from it even one imperfect draught, and, with abhorrence, I saw a large
+overgrown toad crawl out of it as it lay on the floor. "Aurelia!" I
+groaned, in that feeling of nameless misery into which I was now
+sunk--"Aurelia!--and was it for this that I have been guilty of
+hypocrisy and abominable falsehood in the court of justice--for this
+only, that I might protract, by a few hours, a life of torment and
+misery? What would'st thou," said I to myself, "delirious wretch, as
+thou art? Thou strivest after the possession of Aurelia, who could be
+thine only through an abominable and blasphemous crime; and however thou
+might'st disguise thyself from the world, she would infallibly recognize
+in thee the accursed murderer of Hermogen, and look on thee with
+detestation. Miserable deluded fool, where are now all thy high-flown
+projects, thy belief and confidence in thine own supernatural power, by
+which thou could'st guide thy destiny even as thou wilt? Thou art wholly
+unable and powerless to kill the worm of conscience, which gnaws on the
+heart's marrow, and thou wilt shamefully perish in hopeless grief, even
+if the arm of temporal justice should spare thee!"
+
+Thus I complained aloud, but at the moment when I uttered these words, I
+felt a painful pressure on my breast, which seemed to proceed from some
+hard substance in my waistcoat pocket. I grappled with it accordingly,
+and drew out, to my surprise, a small stiletto. Never had I worn any
+such implement since I had been in the prison. It must, of necessity, be
+the same which had been held up to me by my mysterious _double_. I
+recognized the glittering heft. It was the identical stiletto with which
+I had killed Hermogen, and which, for many weeks, I had been without!
+
+Hereupon there arose in my mind an entire revolution. The inexplicable
+manner in which this weapon had been returned to me, seemed like a
+warning from supernatural agents. I had it in my power to escape at will
+from the ignominious death that awaited me. I had it in my power to die
+voluntarily for the sake of Aurelia. It seemed again as if there was a
+rushing and whispering of voices around me; and among them Aurelia's
+accents were clearly audible. I beheld her as when formerly she appeared
+to me in the church of the Capuchin Convent. "I love thee, indeed,
+Medardus," said she; "but hitherto thou understandest me not. In this
+world there is for us no hope of enjoyment; the true festival and
+solemnization of our love is--death." I now firmly resolved that I would
+demand a new audience--that I would confess to the judge, without the
+least reserve, the whole history of my wanderings, after which I would,
+in obedience to the supposed warning, have recourse to suicide.
+
+The gaoler now made his appearance, bringing me better food than usual,
+with the addition of a bottle of wine. "It is by the command of the
+Prince," said he, covering a table which his servant brought in after
+him. He then proceeded to unlock the chain by which I was bound to the
+wall.
+
+Remaining firm in my determination, I took but little notice of this,
+and earnestly requested that he would communicate to the judge my wish
+for an audience that very afternoon, as I had much to disclose that lay
+heavy on my conscience. He promised to fulfil my commission, and
+retired.
+
+Meanwhile, I waited in vain to be summoned to my trial. No one appeared
+until such time as it was quite dark, when the gaoler's servant entered
+and lighted my lamp as usual. Owing to the fixed resolution which I had
+adopted, I felt much more tranquil than before; and, as the night wore
+on, being greatly exhausted, I fell into a deep sleep.
+
+My slumber was haunted, however, by a strange and very vivid dream.
+Methought I was led into a high, gloomy, and vaulted hall, wherein I
+saw, ranged along the walls, on high-backed chairs, a double row of
+spectral figures, like clergymen, all habited in the black _talar_,[3]
+and before them was a table covered with red cloth. At their head sat a
+judge, and near him was a Dominican friar, in the full habit of his
+order.
+
+[Footnote 3: Long black robe.]
+
+"Thou art now," said the judge, in a deep solemn voice, "given over to
+the spiritual court; forasmuch as thou, obstinate and criminal as thou
+art, hast attempted to deny thy real name, and the sacred profession to
+which thou belongest. Franciscus, or, according to thy conventual name,
+Medardus, answer, Dost thou plead guilty, or not guilty, to the crimes
+of which thou hast been accused?"
+
+Hereupon I wished to confess all that I had done, which, in my own
+estimation, was sinful or blame-worthy. But, to my great horror, that
+which I uttered was not the thoughts that existed in my mind, and which
+I intended to deliver. On the contrary, instead of a sincere and
+repentant confession, I lost myself in wandering desultory gibberish,
+which sounded even in my own ears quite unpardonable.
+
+Then the Dominican rose up, and, with a frightful menacing
+look--"Away--to the rack with him," cried he, "the stiff-necked obdurate
+sinner--to the rack with him--he deserves no mercy!" The strange figures
+that were ranged along the wall rose up, stretched out their long
+skeleton arms towards me, and repeated, in a hoarse horrible
+unison--"Ay, ay!--to the rack with him--to the rack--to the rack!"
+
+Instantly I drew out my stiletto and aimed it violently towards my
+heart, but, involuntarily, it slid upwards to my throat, and striking on
+that part wherein the diamond necklace of the Abbess had left the sign
+of the cross, the blade broke in pieces as if it were made of glass, and
+left me unwounded! Then the executioner seized me, removed me from the
+audience-hall, and dragged me down into a deep subterranean vault.
+
+_There_, however, my persecutions did not cease. The man once more
+demanded of me whether I would not make a true confession? Accordingly,
+I again made an attempt to do so, but my thoughts and words, as before,
+were at variance. Deeply repentant, torn equally by shame and remorse,
+I confessed all inwardly and in spirit; but whatever my lips brought
+forth audibly, was confused, senseless, unconnected, and foreign from
+the dictates of my heart. Hereafter, upon a sign received from the
+Dominican, the executioner stripped me naked, and tied my wrists
+together behind my back. How he placed me afterwards, I know not, but I
+heard the creaking of screws and pulleys, and felt how my stretched
+joints cracked, and were ready to break asunder. In the agony of
+superhuman torture, I screamed loudly and awoke.
+
+The pain in my hands and feet continued as if I had been really on the
+rack, but this proceeded from the heavy chains which I still carried;
+yet, besides this, I found a strange pressure on my eye-lids, which, for
+some time, I was unable to lift up. At last, it seemed as if a weight
+were taken from my forehead, and I was able to raise myself on my couch.
+
+Here my nightly visions once more stepped forth into reality, and I felt
+an ice-cold shivering through every vein. Motionless like a statue, with
+his arms folded, the monk--the Dominican whom I had seen in my
+dream--stood there, and glared on me with his hollow black eyes. In
+that look, I at once recognized the expression of the horrible painter,
+and fell, half fainting, back upon my straw-bed.
+
+Yet, perhaps, thought I to myself, all this was but a delusion of my
+senses, which had its origin from a dream. I mustered courage,
+therefore--but the monk was there! He stood, as the painter had ever
+done, calm and motionless, with his relentless dark eyes fixed upon me.
+
+"Horrible man!" cried I, "Avaunt!--Away!--But no! Man thou art not. Thou
+art the devil himself, who labours to drag me into everlasting
+destruction!--Away!--I conjure thee, in the name of God, begone!"
+
+"Poor, short-sighted fool!" answered the Dominican, "I am not the fiend
+who endeavours to bind thee with his iron fetters; who seeks to turn thy
+heart from those sacred duties to which thou hast, by Divine Providence,
+been appointed!--Medardus, poor insane wanderer! I have indeed appeared
+frightful to thee, even at those moments when thou should'st have
+recognized in me thy best friend--when thou wert tottering within a
+hair's-breadth of being hurled into the eternal gulf of destruction, I
+have appeared and warned thee; but my designs have ever been perverted
+and misunderstood. Rise up, and listen to what I would now say!"
+
+The Dominican uttered this in a tone of deep melancholy and complaint.
+His looks, which I had before contemplated with such affright, were
+become relaxed and mild. My heart was roused by new and indescribable
+emotions. This painter, who had haunted me like a demon, now appeared to
+me almost like a special messenger of Providence, sent to console me in
+my extreme misery and despair.
+
+I rose from my bed, and stepped towards him. It was no phantom! I
+touched his garments. I kneeled down involuntarily, and he laid his hand
+on my head as if to bless me. Then, in the brightest colouring of
+imagination, a long train of beautiful and cherished images rose on my
+mind. I was once more within the consecrated woods of the Holy
+Lime-Tree. I stood on the self-same spot of that favourite grove, where
+the strangely-dressed pilgrim brought to me the miraculous boy. From
+hence I wished to move onwards to the church, which I saw also right
+before me. There only it appeared to me, that I might now, penitent and
+repentant, receive at last absolution of my heavy crimes. But I remained
+motionless; my limbs were powerless, and I could scarcely retain the
+feeling of self-identity.--Then a hollow voice pronounced the words,
+"The will suffices for the deed!"
+
+The dream vanished. It was the painter who had spoken these words.
+
+"Incomprehensible being!" said I, "was it then thou, who art here with
+me as a friend, who appeared leaning on the pillar on that unhappy
+morning in the Capuchin church at Koenigswald? At night, in the trading
+town of Frankenburg? And now----"
+
+"Stop there," said the painter; "it was I indeed who have been at all
+times near to thee, in order, if possible, to rescue thee from
+destruction and disgrace; but thy heart was hardened; thy senses were
+perverted. The work to which thou wert chosen, must, for thine own weal
+and salvation, be fulfilled."
+
+"Alas!" cried I, in a voice of despair, "why, then, didst thou not
+withhold mine arm from that accursed deed, when Hermogen----"
+
+"That was not allowed me," said the painter. "Ask no farther. The
+attempt to resist the eternal decrees of Omnipotence is not only sinful,
+but hopeless presumption. Medardus, thou now drawest near to thy
+appointed goal--_To-morrow_!"
+
+At these words I shuddered; for I thought that I completely understood
+the painter. I believed that he knew and approved my premeditated
+suicide. He now retreated towards the door of my prison.--"When," said
+I, with great earnestness, "when shall I see you again?"--"AT THE GOAL,"
+said he, in a deep, solemn tone, that reverberated through the
+vault.--"So then--_to-morrow_?" He would not answer. The door
+opened--turned silently on its hinges--and the painter had vanished.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+The faint gleams of daylight had long since made their way through the
+gloom of my wretched prison, when at last the gaoler made his appearance
+with a train of attendants, who carefully and obsequiously took off the
+fetters from my wounded arms and ankles. They announced also that I
+should be very soon led up for a final audience in the judgment-hall.
+
+The summons came accordingly. Deeply reserved, and wrapt up in my own
+thoughts, becoming always more and more accustomed to the idea of
+immediate death, I stepped into the audience-chamber. I had inwardly
+arranged my confession in such manner, that I had only a short story to
+tell, which would yet embrace every circumstance that was of importance.
+
+To my astonishment, the judge, directly on my entrance, left the bench,
+and came to meet me. I must have looked greatly emaciated and
+disfigured; for a cheerful smile, that had been at first on his
+countenance, changed itself obviously into an expression of the most
+painful sympathy and compassion. He shook hands, and made me take
+possession of a large arm-chair.
+
+"Herr von Krczinski," said he, in a solemn diplomatic tone, "I am happy
+in being able to announce to you some very agreeable intelligence. By
+the Prince's commands, all proceedings against you are this day brought
+to an end. It appears that people have hitherto confounded you with
+another person; and of their mistaken accusations, your exact personal
+likeness to that individual must bear the blame. Your innocence is now
+established beyond the possibility of doubt. Mr Krczinski, _you are
+free_!"
+
+A frightful giddiness now attacked me. The room, with all its furniture,
+seemed turning round. The figure of the judge was multiplied a thousand
+fold before mine eyes, and I fell into a swoon. When I awoke, the
+servants were rubbing my temples with eau de cologne; and I recovered so
+far, as to hear the judge read over a short _Protokoll_, stating that he
+had duly informed me of the process being given up, and of my final
+release from prison. But some indescribable feelings arising from that
+last interview with the painter, repressed all joy in my bosom. It
+seemed to me as if now, when people believed me innocent, I should
+voluntarily make a full confession of my crimes, and then plunge the
+dagger into my heart.
+
+I wished to speak; but the judge seemed to expect that I would retire,
+and I retreated towards the door. He came after me a few steps. "I have
+now," said he, in a low voice, "fulfilled my official duties, and may
+confess that, from the first time of our meeting, you interested me very
+much. Notwithstanding that appearances (as you must yourself allow) were
+so greatly against you, yet I sincerely wished that you might not turn
+out to be the horrible monster of wickedness for whom you had been
+stigmatized. I may now repeat to you, in confidence, my conviction, that
+you are no Pole: you were not born in Kwicziczwo: your name is not
+Leonard von Krczinski."
+
+With composure and firmness I answered, "No."--"Nor are you a monk,"
+said the judge, casting his eyes on the ground, that he might not seem
+to play the part of an inquisitor; but by this question I was
+irresistibly agitated.--"Listen, then," said I, in a resolute tone, "and
+I shall explain _all_."--"Nay, nay, be silent," said the judge. "What I
+surmised at first is, according to my present belief, wholly confirmed.
+I see that there is here some dark and deep mystery; and that, by some
+inexplicable game of chances, your fate is involved with that of certain
+personages of our court. But it is no longer my vocation to make
+inquiries; and I should look upon myself as a presumptuous intermeddler,
+if I wished to extort from you any of the real adventures of your life,
+of which the tenure has probably been very peculiar.
+
+"There is but one suggestion which I cannot help offering. Would it not
+be well if you were to tear yourself away from this _residenz_, where
+there is so much that is hostile to your mental repose? After what has
+happened, it is almost impossible that your abode here can be agreeable
+to you."
+
+When the judge spoke in this manner, my mind again underwent an entire
+revolution. All the dark shadows that had gathered around me were
+suddenly dissolved. The spirit of life once more, with all its
+enjoyments, vibrated through every nerve.--"Aurelia! Aurelia!--Should I
+leave this place and forsake her for ever!"
+
+The judge looked on me with an expression of the greatest
+astonishment.--"God forbid, Mr Leonard," said he, "that a very frightful
+apprehension, which has now risen up in my mind, should ever be
+fulfilled. But you know best the nature of your own plans. I shall say
+no more."
+
+The hypocritical calmness with which I now answered him, was a proof
+that my short-lived repentance was over and gone.--"So then," said I,
+"you still look upon me as guilty?"--"Permit me, sir," said the judge,
+"to keep my present fears to myself. They are, I must confess,
+unsubstantiated by proof, and are perhaps the result of imaginary
+apprehensions. It has been in the most conclusive manner proved, that
+you are not the Monk Medardus; for that very man is in his own person
+here among us, and has been recognized by the old Father Cyrillus,
+though the latter had been deceived at the trial, by the exactitude of
+your resemblance. Nay, this man does not deny that he is the Capuchin
+Medardus, for whom you were arrested. Therefore everything has happened
+that could have been desired, in order to free you from that first
+imputation."
+
+At that moment an attendant called the judge away, and thus the dialogue
+was interrupted at the very time when it began to be disagreeable to me.
+I betook myself forthwith to my old lodgings in the town, where I found
+my effects placed carefully in the same order in which I had left them.
+My papers had been put up in a sealed envelope. Only Victorin's
+_portefeuille_ and the Capuchin's hair-rope were wanting. My
+suppositions as to the importance that would be attached to the latter
+article were therefore correct.
+
+But a short time elapsed, when an equerry of the Prince made his
+appearance, with a card from the Sovereign, and the present of a very
+elegant box, set with diamonds. The card was in his usual familiar
+style. "There have been very severe measures taken against you, Mr
+Krczinski, but neither we ourselves, nor our court of justice, can
+rightly be blamed. You are inconceivably like in person to a very wicked
+and dangerous man. All now, however, has been cleared up to your
+advantage. I send you a small token of my good will, and hope that we
+shall see you soon."
+
+The good will of the Prince and his present were at this moment both
+indifferent to me. My long imprisonment had greatly enfeebled my bodily
+strength, and the extreme excitement which I had undergone, was followed
+by lassitude and relaxation. Thus I had sunk into a deep and dark
+melancholy, and looked on it as very fortunate when the physician came
+to visit me, and prescribed some remedies, which he judged absolutely
+requisite for the restoration of my health. He then, as usual, entered
+into conversation.
+
+"Is it not," said he, "a most extraordinary chance, and concatenation of
+circumstances, that, at the very moment when every one felt himself
+convinced that you were that horrible monk, who had caused such
+misfortunes in the family of the Baron von F----, this monk should
+_himself_ actually appear, and rescue you at once from the impending
+danger?"
+
+"It would oblige me," said I, "if you would inform me of the minuter
+circumstances which led to my liberation; for as yet I have only heard
+generally that the Capuchin Medardus, for whom I had been taken, had
+been found here and arrested."
+
+"Nay, it is to be observed," answered the physician, "that he did not
+come hither of his own accord, but was brought in, bound with ropes, as
+a maniac, and delivered over to the police at the very time when you
+first came to the _residenz_. By the way, it just now occurs to me that,
+on a former occasion, when I was occupied in relating to you the
+wonderful events which had happened at our court, I was interrupted,
+just as I had got to the story of this abominable Medardus, the
+acknowledged son of Francesco, and his enormous crimes at the castle of
+the Baron von F----. I shall now take up the thread of my discourse
+exactly where it was then broken off.
+
+"The sister of our reigning Princess, who, as you well know, is Abbess
+of a Cistertian monastery at Kreuzberg, once received very kindly, and
+took charge of a poor deserted woman, who, with her infant son, was
+travelling homeward, towards the south, from a pilgrimage to the Convent
+of the Holy Lime-Tree."
+
+"The woman," said I, "was Francesco's widow, and the boy was Medardus."
+
+"Quite right," answered the physician; "but how do you come to know
+this?"
+
+"The events of this Medardus's life," said I, "have indeed become known
+to me in a manner the strangest and most incredible. I am aware of them
+even up to the period when he fled from the castle of the Baron von
+F----; and of every circumstance that happened there I have received
+minute information."
+
+"But how?" said the physician; "and from whom?"
+
+"In a dream," answered I; "in a dream I have had the liveliest
+perception of all his sufferings and adventures."
+
+"You are in jest," said the physician.
+
+"By no means," replied I. "It actually seems to me, as if I had in a
+vision become acquainted with the history of an unhappy man, who, like a
+mere plaything in the hands of dark powers,--a weed cast on the waves of
+a stormy sea, had been hurled hither and thither, and driven onward from
+crime to crime. In the Holzheimer forest, which is not far from hence,
+on my way hither, the postilion, one stormy night, drove out of the
+right track, and there, in the _forst-haus_----"
+
+"Ha! now I understand you," said the physician, "there you met with the
+monk."
+
+"So it is," answered I; "but he was mad."
+
+"He does not seem to be so now," observed the physician. "Even at that
+time, no doubt, he had lucid intervals, and told you his history."
+
+"Not exactly," said I. "In the night, being unapprized of my arrival at
+the _forst-haus_, he came into my room. Perhaps it was on account of the
+extraordinary likeness existing betwixt us, that my appearance
+frightened him extremely. He probably looked upon me as his _double_,
+and believed that such an apparition of necessity announced his own
+death. Accordingly, he began to stammer out strange confessions, to
+which I listened for some time, till at last, being tired by a long
+journey, I fell asleep; but the monk, not aware of this, continued to
+speak on. I dreamed, but know not where the reality ended and the dream
+began. So far as I can recollect, it appears to me that the monk
+maintained that it could not be he who had caused the death of the
+Baroness von F---- and Hermogen, but that they had both been murdered
+by the Count Victorin."
+
+"Strange, very strange!" said the physician. "But wherefore did you
+conceal this mysterious adventure at your trial?"
+
+"How could I imagine," answered I, "that the judge would attach any
+importance to such a story? At best, it must have appeared to him a mere
+romance; and will any enlightened court of justice receive evidence
+which even borders on the visionary and supernatural?"
+
+"At least," replied the physician, "you might have at once supposed that
+people were confounding you with this insane monk, and should have
+pointed out him as the real Capuchin Medardus?"
+
+"Ay, forsooth," answered I; "and in the face of the venerable Father
+Cyrillus, (such, I believe, was his name,) an old dotard, who would
+absolutely have me, right or wrong, to be his Capuchin brother? Besides,
+it did not occur to me either that the insane monk was Medardus, or that
+the crime which he had confessed to me was the object of the present
+process. But the keeper of the _forst-haus_ told me the monk had never
+given up his name. How, then, did people here make the discovery?"
+
+"In the simplest manner," said the physician. "The monk, as you know,
+had been a considerable time with the forester. Now and then, it seemed
+as if he were completely cured; but at last he broke out again into
+insanity so frightful, that the forester was obliged to send him hither,
+where he was shut up in the mad-house. There he sat night and day, with
+staring eyes, and motionless as a statue. He never uttered a word, and
+must be fed, as he never moved a hand. Various methods were tried to
+rouse him from this lethargy, but in vain; and his attendants were
+afraid to try severe measures, for fear of bringing back his outrageous
+madness.
+
+"A few days ago, the forester's eldest son came to the _residenz_, and
+desired admittance into the mad-house, to see the monk, which,
+accordingly, was granted him. Quite shocked at the hopeless state in
+which he found the unhappy man, he was leaving the prison, just as
+Father Cyrillus, from the Capuchin Convent in Koenigswald, happened to be
+going past. He spoke to the latter, and begged of him to visit a poor
+unhappy brother, who was shut up here, as, perhaps, the conversation of
+one of his own order might be beneficial to the maniac.
+
+"To this Cyrillus agreed; but as soon as he saw the monk, he started
+back, with a loud exclamation--'Medardus!' cried he; 'unhappy Medardus!'
+And at that name the monk, who before scarcely shewed signs of life,
+began to open his eyes, and attend to what went forward. He even rose
+from his seat; but had scarcely done so, when, seemingly overpowered by
+his cruel malady, (of which he was himself not unconscious,) he uttered
+a strange hollow cry, and fell prostrate on the ground.
+
+"Cyrillus, accompanied by the forester's son and others, went directly
+to the judge by whom you had been tried, and announced this new
+discovery. The judge went back with them to the prison, where they found
+the monk in a state of great weakness; but (judging by his conversation)
+not at all under the influence of delirium. He confessed that he was
+Medardus, from the Capuchin Convent in Koenigswald; and Cyrillus agreed
+on his side, that your inconceivable resemblance to this Medardus had
+completely deceived him.
+
+"Now, however, he remarked many circumstances of language, tone, and
+gesture, in which Mr Leonard differed from the real Capuchin. What is
+most of all remarkable is, that they discovered on the neck of the
+madman the same mark, in the form of a cross, to which so much
+importance was attached at your trial. Several questions also were now
+put to the monk, as to the horrid incidents at the castle of the Baron
+von F----, to which the only answers they could then obtain were in
+broken exclamations. 'I am, indeed,' said he, 'an accursed and abandoned
+criminal; but I repent deeply of all that I have done. Alas! I allowed
+myself to be cheated, by temptations of the devil, out of my own reason,
+and out of my immortal soul. Let my accusers but have some compassion on
+me, and allow me time--I shall confess all.'
+
+"The Prince being duly advised of what had happened, commanded that the
+proceedings against you should be brought to an end, and that you should
+be immediately released from prison. This is the history of your
+liberation. The monk has been brought from the mad-house into one of the
+dungeons for criminals."
+
+"And has he yet confessed all? Is he the murderer of Euphemia, Baroness
+von F----, and of Hermogen? How stands public belief with regard to the
+Count Victorin?"
+
+"So far as I know," said the physician, "the trial of the monk was only
+to begin this day. As to Count Victorin, it appears that nothing farther
+must be said of him. Whatever connection those former events at our
+court may seem to have with the present, all is to remain in mystery and
+oblivion."
+
+"But," said I, "how the catastrophe at the Baron's castle can be
+connected with these events at your Prince's court, I am unable to
+perceive."
+
+"Properly," answered the physician, "I allude more to the dramatis
+personae than to the incidents."
+
+"I do not understand you," said I.
+
+"Do you not remember," said the physician, "my relation of the
+circumstances attending the Duke's death?"
+
+"Certainly," answered I.
+
+"Has it not then become clear to you," resumed the doctor, "that
+Francesco entertained a criminal attachment towards the Italian
+Countess? That it was he who made his entrance secretly into the bridal
+chamber, and who poniarded the Duke? Victorin, as you know, was the
+off-spring of that crime. He and Medardus, therefore, are sons of one
+father. Victorin has vanished from the world, without leaving a trace of
+his fate. All inquiries after him have been in vain."
+
+"The monk," said I, "hurled him down into the Devil's Abyss, amid the
+Thuringian mountains. Curses on the delirious fratricide!"
+
+Softly, at the moment after I had pronounced these words, there came on
+my ears, from underneath the floor whereon we stood, the same measured
+knocking which I had heard in my dungeon. Whether this were imagination
+or reality, the effect on my feelings was the same. I could not contend
+against the horror which now seized me. The physician seemed neither to
+remark my agitation, nor the mysterious noise.
+
+"What!" said he, "did the monk then confess to you that Victorin also
+fell by his hand?"
+
+"Yes," answered I. "At least I drew this conclusion from various
+passages in his confused and broken confessions--connecting them also in
+my own mind with the sudden disappearance of Victorin. Woe--woe to the
+relentless fratricide!"
+
+The knocking was now more powerful. There was again a
+moaning and sobbing. Methought a shrill laughter sounded
+through the air, and I heard the same stammering
+voice--"Me-dar-dus--Me-dar-dus!--He--he--he--Help,
+help!--He--he--he--Help, help!"--I was amazed that the physician
+took no notice of this, but he quietly resumed.
+
+"An extraordinary degree of mystery seems to rest upon Francesco's
+appearance at our court. It is highly probable that he also was related
+to our Prince's house. This much; at least, is certain, that Euphemia,
+Baroness von F----, was the daughter----"
+
+With a tremendous stroke, so that the bolts and hinges seemed broken
+into splinters, methought the door flew open, and I heard the voice of
+the spectre absolutely scream with laughter. I could not bear this any
+longer. "Ho--ho--ho! _Brued-er-lein!_" cried I. "Here am I--Here am
+I!--Come on--come on quickly, if thou would'st fight with me--Now the
+owl holds his wedding-feast, and we shall mount to the roof, and contend
+with each other. There the weather-cock sings aloud, and he who knocks
+the other down, is king, and may drink blood!"
+
+"How now?" cried the physician, starting up, and seizing me by the arm.
+"What the devil is all that? You are ill, Mr Leonard, dangerously ill.
+Away--away with you to bed!"
+
+I continued, however, staring at the open door, momentarily expecting
+that it would open, and that my horrible _double_ would enter _in
+propria persona_. Nothing appeared, however, and I soon recovered from
+the delirium and horror which had seized upon me.
+
+The physician insisted that I was much worse than I supposed myself to
+be, and attributed all the mental derangement and wildness that I had
+betrayed, to the effects of my long imprisonment, and the agitation
+which, on account of my trial, I must have undergone.
+
+I submissively used whatever sedative remedies he prescribed; but what
+most of all contributed to my recovery was, that the horrible knocking
+was not heard any more, and that the intolerable _double_ seemed to have
+forsaken me altogether.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+The delightful season of spring had now once more returned. Every
+morning the birds serenaded me at the window of my lodgings, which were
+in a garden-house, near a street called the Parterre, not far from the
+river. Doubtless, the year is never so delightful and interesting as
+when all things are yet undeveloped, and in their prime; when the
+gardener is yet going about, with his hatchet, and bill-hook, and large
+sheers, lopping the branches, though the flourishing boughs are already
+redolent of green buds, that give out their fresh odours in the warm
+sun. One says to himself--Let the gardener, or pruner, do his worst--let
+him remove every unprofitable branch, so that the daylight may fall into
+the most secret recesses, where the loves of a former year have been
+celebrated and are gone by, yet the trees will, ere long, be in their
+full luxuriance--all that he has lopped away will soon be more than
+amply replaced.
+
+It is the season of hope and bright anticipations. Every new flower that
+rises from the teeming earth, and every bright green leaf that breaks
+forth along the southern slope of the forest, calls forth responsive
+feelings of buoyancy and delight in the soul.
+
+Thus it happened, that one morning the vernal sun darted his unclouded
+golden gleams into my chamber. Sweet odours of flowers streamed through
+the open window, for the wind was in the south-west. The birds, as
+usual, cheered me with their songs.
+
+An irresistible longing urged me to go forth, and wander at will through
+the open country. Despising, therefore, the directions of my physician,
+I dressed, went down stairs, and betook myself, in the first place, to
+the Prince's park. There the trees and shrubs, rustling with their
+new-born green leaves, greeted the weakly convalescent. It seemed as if
+I had just awoke from a long and heavy dream; and deep sighs were the
+inexpressive tokens of rapture which I breathed forth, amid the joyous
+carolling of birds, the humming of insects, and gladness of all nature.
+
+Ay, life itself now appeared to me like a heavy and frightful dream, not
+only for the time lately passed, but through the whole interval since I
+had left the convent. I now found myself in a walk, shaded by dark
+platanus trees, which give out their green leaves very early in the
+year; and gradually I became lost in reverie. Methought I was once more
+in the garden of the Capuchin Convent at Koenigswald. Out of the distant
+thickets rose already the well-known lofty crucifix, at which I had so
+often prayed with fervent devotion for strength to resist all
+temptation.
+
+The cross seemed to me to be now that only goal, after which I ought to
+strive; _there_, prostrate in the dust, to do penance for the sinful
+dreams in which I had indulged, for the guilty delusions into which I
+had been led by the Arch-fiend. I stepped forward, therefore, with my
+clasped hands lifted up, and with my eyes fixed upon the cross.
+Methought I heard the pious hymns of the monks borne upon the air; but
+it was only the mysterious voice of the woods, where the wind was up
+amid the yet dry branches and the verdant foliage.
+
+Its influence was more than in my weakly condition I could yet bear. I
+was soon obliged to support myself against a tree, and even to lie down
+on the turf: yet I never lost sight of the cross, but collecting my
+whole strength, rose again, and tottered on. However, I could only reach
+a rustic moss-seat, in front of the consecrated thicket, where, like a
+weak old man, I sat languidly down, and in hollow groans tried to
+lighten the anguish of my oppressed heart.
+
+How long I remained in this situation, I know not. But at last I heard a
+rustling, and the sounds of light steps on the walk. Instinctively, I
+knew whom I was to expect--AURELIA! Scarcely had I formed the thought,
+when, turning the corner of an opposite walk leading towards the seat,
+she stood visibly before me!
+
+Description here fails me, nor indeed have I in this narrative often
+attempted to describe. Tears glistened in her heavenly blue eyes; but
+through those tears gleamed a kindling light of love, which was,
+perhaps, foreign to the saint-like character of Aurelia. This
+expression, however, reminded me at once of that mysterious visitant of
+the confessional, whom in my cherished dreams I had so often beheld.
+Aurelia advanced towards me. She accepted my proffered hand. "Can you,"
+said she in a low voice--"Can you ever forgive me?"
+
+Then losing all self-possession, I threw myself on the ground before
+her. I seized her hand, and bathed it with my tears.--"Aurelia,
+Aurelia!" cried I, "for thy sake, gladly would I endure martyrdom!--I
+would die a thousand deaths!" I felt myself gently lifted up. It was
+Aurelia who raised me, and who afterwards sunk into my arms. I scarcely
+know how these moments passed. Probably our interview was short, for I
+remember only these words--"All my best hopes are now fulfilled--all the
+mysterious fears that have haunted me are at an end!--But see! we are
+observed." She quickly disengaged herself from my embrace, and I saw the
+Princess coming up one of the walks. Not wishing at present to venture
+an interview with one whom I had never dared to look on as a friend, I
+retired into the thicket, where I discovered that the object which I had
+mistaken for a crucifix, was only the grey withered stem of an old
+pollard willow.
+
+From that moment, I no longer felt any effects of my severe illness, far
+less any influence of melancholy. The kiss of reconciliation which I had
+thus received from Aurelia, inspired me with new life; and it seemed as
+if, for the first time, I enjoyed the mysterious raptures of which even
+this our terrestrial existence is susceptible. For the first time, I
+knew the happiness of mutual love! I stood upon the highest pinnacle of
+worldly fortune, and my path must, from henceforth, lead downwards, in
+order to conduct me to that goal which the powers of darkness had seemed
+to mark out for my final destination.
+
+It was a dream of happiness like this to which I alluded, when I before
+painted the delights of my first meeting again with Aurelia at the
+Prince's court. Then I addressed myself to thee, oh stranger! who may
+one day read these pages. I requested thee to recall the bright sunny
+days of thy first love, and to imagine that dark disappointment had
+annihilated every prospect painted for thee by the fairy hands of
+Hope--then would'st thou be able to sympathize with the unhappy monk,
+who, in his solitary prison, moaning over the remembrance of his early
+visions, lay the victim of despair. Yet once more I beg of you to
+recall that happy time--but now let there be no thought nor apprehension
+of disappointment--and I need not then attempt to describe to thee the
+supernatural light that was now shed on my path by my fortunate love. No
+gloomy thoughts had longer any influence over my mind; I began even to
+entertain a firm conviction that I was not the reckless criminal who, at
+the Baron's castle, had killed Hermogen and Euphemia, but that it was
+actually the delirious monk whom I had met at the _forst-haus_, that had
+been the culprit.
+
+All, therefore, that I had said to the physician appeared to me no
+longer the fiction of my own brain, but the true narrative of events
+which to myself remained mysterious and inexplicable. The Prince had
+received me with the utmost kindness as a valued friend, whom he had
+believed lost, and by whose unexpected return he had been greatly
+rejoiced. This conduct of the Sovereign naturally gave the tone to that
+of all my former acquaintances at court; only the Princess seemed still
+to look upon me with coldness and reserve.
+
+I had now the opportunity of daily meetings with Aurelia, nor did any
+one venture remarks on our attachment. Many times our interviews were
+without witnesses; but on these occasions her saint-like purity,
+mildness, and timidity of character, which I could not but observe,
+inspired me with an involuntary awe and reverence. I felt that she
+placed in me implicit confidence, and with no one, not even with the
+nearest relation, could such meetings have been more safe.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For several days I had not seen Aurelia. She had gone with the Princess
+to a neighbouring summer-house in the forest. At last I could not bear
+her absence, but determined on a pedestrian excursion thither.
+
+When I arrived, it was already late in the evening. The sun had declined
+in red effulgence in the west. The air was filled with the odoriferous
+breath of young leaves and flowers, and the woods resounded with the
+sweetest notes of unnumbered nightingales. The approach to the
+Princess's country-house was through a very long avenue of magnificent
+pine-trees, whose massy down-hanging branches swept the ground, waving
+in the balmy evening breeze with a mysterious murmur; and,
+notwithstanding all the enchantments of the hour and scene, methought I
+almost heard a warning voice pronounce the word, "Beware!" whereupon I
+only quickened my pace, and with a beating heart arrived at the
+garden-gate of the summer-house.
+
+In the garden I met with one of the maids of honour, who pointed out to
+me the wing of the chateau in which were Aurelia's apartments, for I by
+no means wished to encounter the Princess. Softly I opened the door of
+the anti-room, from which the warm breath of flowers and exotic plants
+greeted me with their almost too-powerful fragrance. Remembrance was
+busy with her dim illusions. "Is not this," said I, "the _identical_
+chamber of Aurelia at the Baron's castle, where, on that fatal
+night----" Scarcely had I formed this idea, when methought a dark form
+reared itself up in gigantic height behind me, and, with terror that
+shook my inmost heart, I heard a voice pronounce the name, "Hermogen!"
+
+Losing all self-possession, I tottered onwards. I intended to knock, but
+the door of the cabinet was ajar, and I saw Aurelia kneeling at a
+_tabourett_, on which there was an open book, and above it a crucifix. I
+looked back trembling, to see if the spectre was yet there, but it was
+now vanished; then, in a tone of rapture, though not such as to alarm
+her, I called out, "Aurelia--Aurelia!" "Is it possible," said she,
+softly--"Leonard, my beloved, how came you hither?" She arose, and in
+the next moment was folded in my arms. Her luxuriant hair hung
+dishevelled over my head and shoulder. I felt her heart beat, and saw
+her eyes gleam with unwonted fire; but at that moment there was a noise
+behind us as if from the strong and powerful beating of wings. A moan
+like the death-cry of one mortally wounded, sounded through the chamber.
+"Hermogen!" cried Aurelia, and sunk fainting out of my arms. I placed
+her on the sofa, but, in a voice of horror, she cried to me,
+"Away--away! I command, I beseech you, begone!"
+
+Scarcely knowing what I did, I left the room, and soon afterwards found
+myself, unawares, in the entrance-hall of the ground-floor, where I was
+met by the Princess. She looked at me gravely and haughtily. "Mr
+Leonard," said she, "I am indeed not a little surprised to find you
+here--What means this intrusion?" By a violent effort, combating my
+distraction, I stammered out some incoherent apologies, by which I
+perceived, from the looks of the Princess, that she was by no means
+satisfied. On the contrary, I durst not venture to remain longer in the
+house, but, after a hasty obeisance, betook myself to the front-gate,
+and departed.
+
+As I passed once more through the darkness amid the waving pine-trees,
+methought I no longer walked alone! On the contrary, it seemed to me as
+if some person ran all the way very near me, keeping time with my steps,
+and as if I heard a stammering voice, which pronounced the words,
+"Ev-er--ev-er am I with thee! Broth-er--broth-er Me-dar-dus! Go whither
+thou wilt, east, north, or south, I am ever with thee!"
+
+Hereupon I paused and looked round me; I became convinced that this
+horrible _double_, by whom I was haunted, had his existence only in my
+own disturbed imagination. However, I could by no means get rid of the
+frightful image; he continued to run along by my side, and to speak with
+me at intervals, till at last it seemed to me as if I must actually
+enter into conversation, and relate to him the recent adventures of my
+life. Accordingly, I confessed that I had just now been very foolish,
+and had allowed myself once more to be terrified by the insane Hermogen;
+however, that St Rosalia should now very soon be irrevocably mine, and
+that, for her sake only, I had become a monk, and received the
+investiture and consecration.
+
+Then my detestable _double_ laughed and groaned as he had before done,
+and stuttered out--"But lose no time--lose no time--Quick-ly, quick-ly!"
+
+"Nay, have a little patience," said I, "and all will go well. Only, the
+blow that I struck Hermogen has not been deep enough. He has got one of
+those damned protecting crosses in the throat, even as thou hast, and I
+have! But my stiletto, which thou hast preserved for me, is still sharp
+and bright!"--"He--he--he!--He--he--he!--Strike him well, then--strike
+him well!" Such were the accents of my infernal companion, amid the dark
+rushing of the pine-tree woods; nor did they end there. The same
+persecution accompanied me almost the whole way homeward into town,
+until at last, the fresh morning wind cooled the burning fever of my
+brow, and a roseate splendour advancing in the east, announced the dawn
+of a new vernal day.
+
+I had enjoyed only about two hours' broken rest at my lodgings, when I
+received a summons to attend the Prince. I betook myself immediately to
+the palace, where he received me very cordially.
+
+"In truth, Mr Leonard," he began, "you have won my good opinion in the
+highest degree. I cannot conceal from you that my prepossessions in your
+favour have ripened into real friendship. I should be sorry to lose you,
+and would rejoice in contributing to your happiness. Besides, it is our
+duty to atone to you as much as possible, for all that you have been
+made to suffer among us. By the way, Mr Leonard, do you know what was
+the direct cause of the process against you--that is, who first accused
+you?"
+
+"No, sire," answered I.
+
+"Baroness Aurelia," said the Prince,--"you are astonished. Nay, it is
+very true, Baroness Aurelia, Mr Leonard, mistook you for a
+Capuchin."--(He laughed heartily.)--"Now, if you are a Capuchin, you are
+certainly the politest and best-favoured of that order that has ever
+fallen under my notice. Say, in truth, Mr Leonard, have you ever been a
+monk?"
+
+"Sire," answered I, "I know not by what wicked fatality I am always to
+be transformed into a monk; but----"
+
+"Well, well!" interrupted the Prince, "I am no inquisitor. It would be a
+serious disaster, however, if you were bound by any clerical vows. But
+to the point--Would you not like to have your revenge on Aurelia for the
+mischief that she has brought on you?"
+
+"In what mortal's breast," said I, "would such a thought as that of
+revenge arise against the amiable Baroness?"
+
+"Do you not love Aurelia?" said the Prince.
+
+I was silent, but replied by an expressive gesture, laying my hand on my
+heart.
+
+"I know it," resumed his highness. "You have loved this young lady since
+that moment when she, for the first time, made her appearance here with
+the Princess. Your affection is returned, and indeed with a fervour of
+which I scarcely believed the mild Aurelia to be capable. The Princess
+has told me all, and I know that she lives only for you. Would you
+believe, that after your imprisonment, Aurelia gave herself up to a mood
+of utter despondency, and became at last so ill, that we entertained
+serious apprehensions for her life? She at that time looked upon you as
+the murderer of her brother, and her grief, therefore, appeared to us
+unaccountable; but the truth was, that even then she loved you.
+
+"Now, Mr Leonard, or Mr von Krczinski, (for you are by birth noble,) I
+shall fix you at the court in a manner that will be agreeable to you.
+You shall marry Aurelia, and in a few days we shall solemnize the
+betrothment. I myself will act in place of the bride's father.
+Meanwhile, adieu!" The Prince, in his usual abrupt manner, then left the
+audience-chamber.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+Aurelia my wife!--the wife of a perjured and apostate monk! It may seem
+incredible that my mind could undergo so many changes; but it is
+nevertheless true, that though this idea had so long been cherished, and
+had been familiar to myself, yet now, when I for the first time heard it
+announced by another, it was attended by a clear perception of its
+unfitness, and the almost utter unfeasibility of its realization. No!
+said I to myself, the dark powers by whom my actions have been
+instigated, whatever else of evil they may have in store, cannot have
+resolved on this! I endeavoured to combat these fears, but in vain; and
+yet to determine on voluntary separation from Aurelia was impossible.
+
+It was the idea of the marriage ceremony, which filled me with a degree
+of terror to myself inexplicable. I believed, indeed, that if the
+perjured monk dared to kneel before the altar, making a mockery of
+sacred vows, then, of necessity, the figure of that spectral omnipresent
+painter, not with a demeanour mild and friendly as in the prison, but
+announcing vengeance and destruction, would appear--as at Francesco's
+marriage--to overwhelm me with disgrace and misery.
+
+But then methought I heard, in a deep solemn tone, the words, "And yet
+must Aurelia be thine! Weak-minded fool! How durst thou think of
+changing that destiny which hangs over her and thee?" Scarcely were
+these words uttered, when another voice rose within me--"Down--down!
+throw thyself into the dust, thou blind wicked mortal! Never can she be
+thine!--It is the blessed St Rosalia herself, whom thou madly think'st
+to clasp in the embraces of terrestrial passion!"
+
+Thus utterly at variance with myself, tost hither and thither by
+contending impulses, I had left the palace, and wandered through the
+park, in a state of such distraction, that, to arrive at any rational
+plan for my future conduct, was wholly impossible. Past and gone was now
+that happier mood, in which I had looked upon my whole former life, and
+especially on my adventures at the Baron's castle, as a frightful
+dream! On the contrary, I saw in myself only a base criminal, and
+hypocritical deceiver. All that I had said to the physician and the
+judge was only a collection of foolish and badly invented falsehoods, by
+no means inspired, as I had before persuaded myself, by any supernatural
+voice, but the off-spring of my own feeble ingenuity.
+
+Lost and wrapt up in these bitter reflections, I was hurrying through
+the streets towards my lodgings, when I was overtaken by one of the
+Prince's carriages, which immediately stopped. I heard my own name
+pronounced aloud, and saw that I was beckoned to by the physician, who
+alighted, and immediately took me with him to his apartments.
+
+"What means all this?" said he, "you violent unreasonable man! You have
+thought proper, it seems, to make your appearance like a ghost to the
+Baroness Aurelia, in the gloom of night too, so suddenly, that the poor
+nervous young lady has been almost frightened out of her senses, and has
+been attacked by serious indisposition--Well, well," (continued he,
+perceiving a change in my countenance,) "I must not frighten you. Her
+illness has not lasted long. She has again been out walking, and will
+return to-morrow with the Princess into town. Of you, Mr Leonard, the
+Baroness has in confidence said much to me. She longs greatly to see you
+again, and to excuse herself; for she allows, that her conduct at your
+last visit, must have appeared to you both childish and silly."
+
+When I reflected on what had really passed at the summer-house, I was at
+a loss how to interpret these expressions of Aurelia. The physician,
+however, gave me no time to brood over this, but indulged in his usual
+vein of loquacity. He gave me to understand, that he was perfectly aware
+of the Prince's views for my advancement in rank, and marriage with
+Aurelia. Hereupon reverting to her late fit of nervous irritability, he
+gave, wickedly enough, such a caricature (for he was an excellent mimic)
+of her conduct and expressions, when he had arrived express at the
+summer-house, contrasting these also, with the grave ceremonious
+_hauteur_ of the Princess, that I was forced, even against my will, to
+laugh, (for the good humour of the physician was infectious,) and
+gradually recovered a degree of cheerfulness, which, but a few minutes
+before, I had supposed lost for ever.
+
+"Could the imagination of any man," said the physician, "have
+anticipated, when you came to our _residenz_, that so many wonderful
+events would, in so short a time, have taken place: First, the absurd
+misunderstanding which brought you as a criminal before the Justiciary
+Court--Then the truly enviable fortune which has acquired for you the
+special friendship and patronage of the Prince!"
+
+"His highness," said I, "no doubt treated me from the first with marked
+condescension and politeness. As to the advances that I have lately made
+in his good graces, I ascribe this to his recollection of the unjust
+prosecution by which I suffered, and which he is now desirous to atone
+for."
+
+"The Prince's favour," said the physician, "perhaps is not owing so much
+to this, as to another circumstance, which you, no doubt, can guess."
+
+"I cannot," answered I.
+
+"The people, it is true," resumed the physician, "continue to give you
+the same name which you assumed on your first arrival. Every one knows,
+however, that you are by birth noble, as the intelligence which has been
+received from Poland confirms all that you had asserted!"
+
+"Admitting this intelligence to have been received," said I, "I know not
+why it should have any influence on my reception at court, since, at my
+first introduction there, I declared that I had no pretensions to any
+rank beyond that of a citizen _particulier_, and yet was treated by all
+with kindness, and even respect."
+
+To this the physician replied, by a harangue, which lasted nearly an
+hour, on the true principles which regulate the distinction of ranks;
+and the lecture being delivered with his usual vivacity, had at least
+the beneficial effect of engaging my attention, and putting to flight
+the gloomy thoughts by which I had been overwhelmed. I could not but
+feel also a kind of triumph at the manner in which I had again seemed to
+rule over my own destiny, as by accidentally choosing the Polish name of
+Kwicziczwo in conversation with the old lady, on the evening of my first
+presentation at court, I had created for myself that patent of nobility
+which induced the Prince to bestow on me the Baroness in marriage.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+As soon as I ascertained that the Princess was returned to the palace, I
+hastened to Aurelia, and immediately obtained an interview. The desire
+to excuse herself for the needless and capricious agitation, to which
+she had given way on my last visit, gave a new tone to her voice and
+manner, and new expression to her eyes, so that her timidity being less,
+I could once more say to myself, "The prize will yet be thine!" Tears
+glistened in her beautiful eyes, and her tone was that of earnest and
+plaintive supplication.
+
+Still haunted by the idea of my spectral _double_, I wished to learn
+from her explicitly what had been the real cause of her terror.
+"Aurelia," said I, "I conjure you by all the saints, tell me what
+horrible phantom was it that then appeared to you?" At this question she
+gazed at me with obvious astonishment--her looks became always more and
+more fixed, as if in deep thought--then suddenly started up as if to go,
+but stood irresolute. At last, with both hands pressed on her eyes, she
+sobbed out--"No--no--no;--It is not--it cannot be he!"--
+
+Unconsciously she allowed me to support her to a chair, into which she
+sank down exhausted. "For God's sake, Aurelia, who is it that you mean?"
+cried I, though I had already dark anticipations of what was passing
+through her mind. "Alas!" said she, "my beloved friend, were I to
+confess to you the whole truth, would you not look on me as an insane
+visionary? A horrible phantom accompanies me through life, and mars, by
+its irresistible influence, every enjoyment, even at the times when I
+should otherwise be most happy. At our very first meeting, this
+frightful dream hovered, as if on dark wings, over me, spreading an
+ice-cold atmosphere of death around us, where there should have
+prevailed only a buoyant spirit of cheerfulness and hope.
+
+"In like manner, when you came into my room at the Princess's
+country-house, the same evil power acquired its full dominion over me.
+But this persecution is not without its especial cause. Precisely in the
+same manner in which you entered my apartments, though at a later hour
+of the night, an accursed monk of the Capuchin order once surprised me.
+Spare me the repetition of what then occurred. Suffice it, that he
+became the murderer of my brother; and _now_, your features--your tone
+of voice--your figure--But no more--no more of this--let me be silent on
+that subject for ever, and forgive, if possible, my weakness in this
+betrayal!"
+
+Aurelia reclined on the sofa on which I had placed her, and seemed
+unconscious of that freedom with which I now contemplated the exquisite
+contour of her shape, and the angelic beauty of her features. Once
+more--all better inspirations--all doubts and fears vanished from my
+mind--with a fiendlike scorn and contempt, I said in a low voice--"Thou
+unhappy _fated_ girl! Thou bought and sold of Satan! Thou, forsooth,
+believest that thou hast escaped from thine old enemy--from the Capuchin
+monk, who long ago would have led thee on to ruin and despair! But
+_now_, thou art his bride; and in unconscious mockery of the religion
+which thou cherishest, art doomed to kneel with him at the altar of the
+Most High!"
+
+The powers of darkness had, for a time, acquired over me supreme
+dominion. I exulted over Aurelia as my devoted prey, and began to think,
+like a professed libertine, that her destruction would form the noblest
+epoch in my life. Our present interview, however, was not suffered to be
+of long duration, for Aurelia was summoned to attend the Princess, and I
+was left alone. Her expressions in apologizing for her conduct at the
+Princess's _chateau_, had convinced me that there existed some mystery
+betwixt us, of the nature of which I was yet unaware, and which I had
+not the means of unravelling, for I perceived that there was no chance
+of inducing Aurelia to speak more explicitly on the subject.
+
+Accident soon after revealed to me that which she had been so determined
+to conceal. One day I happened to be in the apartment of that officer of
+the court, whose business it was to take charge of the receipt and
+delivery of letters. He was suddenly called out, when Aurelia's
+waiting-maid came with a large packet, and placed it among others which
+were already on the table. A fleeting glance confirmed me that the
+hand-writing was that of the Baroness, and I perceived that the
+superscription was to the Abbess of the Cistertian Nunnery at
+Kreuzberg. With the rapidity of lightning the thought vibrated through
+me, that this packet would afford the key to many yet unexplored
+mysteries, and before the officer returned, I had retired, and taken
+with me Aurelia's letter--of which now follows a transcript--
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+
+     "BARONESS AURELIA VON F----, to the Abbess
+     of the Cistertian Convent at Kreuzberg:--
+
+     "My dear kind Mother--How shall I find adequate words to announce
+     to you that your daughter is fortunate and happy--that at length
+     the horrid spectre is banished, whose terrific influence, blighting
+     every flower, and clouding every sun-gleam, had, for a long
+     interval, rendered her existence utterly wretched!
+
+     "But now self-reproach falls heavy on my heart. When after my
+     unhappy brother's death, and when my father perished from grief and
+     disappointment, you received and supported me during my otherwise
+     hopeless affliction, I ought then, not only to have confessed my
+     sins, but to have acquainted you fully and explicitly with the
+     strange and mysterious impressions, by which my tranquillity had
+     been broken.
+
+     "I was unwilling, however, to disturb you by a detail, which would
+     have seemed rather like the fantastic illusions of a disordered
+     imagination, than reality, and of which the malignant influence
+     then admitted of no cure nor antidote. Circumstances are now
+     changed, and I can freely write to you of that secret, which has so
+     long been deeply concealed in my own breast. It seems to me,
+     indeed, as if that mysterious power by whom I have been haunted,
+     had mocked, like a demon, at my every prospect of happiness! I have
+     been tost about hither and thither, as if on the waves of a stormy
+     sea, and left ever and anon to perish without hope of rescue! Yet
+     Heaven has almost miraculously assisted me, even at the moment when
+     I was on the point of being irrecoverably lost.
+
+     "In order to render my disclosures intelligible, I must look back
+     to the period of my earliest recollections, for even at that time,
+     the foundation was laid in my heart of those apprehensions which
+     have since grown with my growth, and strengthened with my strength.
+
+     "It happened when I was only about four years old, that one day,
+     when the spring season was at its brightest and loveliest, I was
+     busily engaged with Hermogen at play in the castle gardens.
+     Hermogen had run about supplying me with a thousand varieties of
+     flowers, which he also assisted me to weave into garlands, with
+     which I adorned myself, till being completely decked out like a
+     fairy queen, and covered with flowers, I said, 'Now, let me go!--I
+     must shew myself to my mother!'
+
+     "Hermogen, as you know, was older than I was, and exercised a kind
+     of authority over his sister. At these words of mine, he started
+     up, 'Stay here, Aurelia,' said he, in a commanding voice--'Thy
+     mother is in her blue closet, and speaks with the devil!' I could
+     not tell what my brother meant by this, but, quite overcome with
+     terror, I began to weep bitterly--'Foolish Aurelia,' said Hermogen,
+     'wherefore weepest thou?--Your mother speaks every day with the
+     devil. But let us keep out of his way, and he will do us no harm!'
+     He spoke, and looked angrily, so that I was obliged to be silent.
+
+     "My mother was even then in very feeble health--she was attacked
+     often by frightful convulsions, which left her in a state of
+     deathlike weakness. This happened once in presence of Hermogen,
+     and myself. We were ordered out of the room, and I wept bitterly;
+     but Hermogen only said, 'It is the devil that has done this to
+     her!'
+
+     "Thus the belief was firmly impressed on my mind, that my mother
+     every day held conversations with some frightful spectre, whom,
+     even to look upon, would, to any one else, be death. (As to
+     religious instructions, they were, of course, yet wholly beyond my
+     comprehension.) One day, after rambling through the castle, I was
+     horrified to find myself alone in the blue cabinet which had been
+     alluded to by Hermogen.
+
+     "I should instantly have taken refuge in flight, but my mother came
+     in with a deadly paleness on her countenance, and without observing
+     me, (for I stood in a corner,) in a deep melancholy tone, she
+     pronounced the name, 'Francesco--Francesco!' There was then a
+     strange rustling and rattling behind the oak pannels of the wall.
+     The boards began to move, and drew themselves asunder. I then saw a
+     full-length portrait, so admirably painted, that it had all the
+     animation of life, representing a man in a foreign dress, with a
+     dark violet-coloured mantle.
+
+     "The figure and expressive countenance of this unknown, made on me
+     an indescribable impression, which I never afterwards forgot. My
+     admiration was such that I could no longer be silent, but uttered
+     an exclamation of joy, which, for the first time, made my mother
+     aware of my presence. Her temper, which was generally mild and
+     equable, was now more ruffled than on any former occasion.--'What
+     would'st thou here, Aurelia?' said she, in an angry tone; 'who
+     brought thee hither?'--'They left me all alone,' cried I, bursting
+     into tears. 'I know not how I came hither, and had no wish to be
+     here!'
+
+     "Meanwhile the pannels were again put in motion, and the portrait
+     disappeared.--'Alas!' said I, 'the beautiful picture--Mother,
+     dearest mother, why is it gone?'--The Baroness lifted me up in her
+     arms, and caressed me.--'Thou art my dear good child,' said she;
+     'but no one must see that picture, nor speak of its having been
+     there. It is now gone, Aurelia, and will never come again!'
+
+     "Accordingly, as long as I remembered this warning, I intrusted to
+     no one what I had observed in the mysterious blue cabinet. Only to
+     Hermogen, I once said--'Dearest brother, it is not with the devil,
+     as you supposed, that our mother speaks, but with a young handsome
+     man. However, he is only a picture, and starts out of the wall when
+     she calls for him.'--'The devil,' answered Hermogen, with a fixed
+     serious look, 'may look as he will,--so says our father confessor.
+     But as to the Baroness, he dare no longer trouble her!'--Horror
+     seized on me at these words, and I begged of Hermogen, that he
+     never would speak of the devil again.
+
+     "Soon after this we went to the _residenz_, and the picture
+     _almost_ vanished from my remembrance; nor did I think of it till
+     after my mother's death, when we came back to the country. The wing
+     of the castle in which was that blue cabinet, remained uninhabited.
+     Here had been my late mother's favourite apartments; and my father
+     could not enter them without suffering from the most painful
+     recollections.
+
+     "At last, after an interval of several years, it became necessary
+     to order some repairs in that wing; and being now in my fourteenth
+     year, restless and wild, I happened to come into the blue cabinet,
+     just at the time when the workmen were about to tear up the floor.
+     When one of them was in the act of lifting a heavy table, which
+     stood in the middle of the room, there was a strange noise heard
+     behind the wall, the pannels burst asunder, and the portrait of the
+     unknown again became visible.
+
+     "On examination, they discovered a spring in the floor, which being
+     pressed down, brought into motion certain machinery behind the
+     wainscot, which was accordingly drawn aside, as already described,
+     so as to exhibit the picture. Once more that extraordinary event of
+     my childhood was brought vividly to my remembrance; and, at the
+     recollection of my beloved mother, tears started into my eyes. Yet
+     I could not turn away my looks from the expressive and interesting
+     features of the unknown, which were so admirably painted, that they
+     seemed more like life and reality, than any work of art. Above all,
+     his eyes were so animated, that their glance seemed to penetrate
+     into my very soul.
+
+     "Probably the workmen had sent word to my father, of the discovery
+     which they had made; for while I yet stood gazing on the unknown,
+     he hastily entered the room. He had scarcely cast a fleeting
+     glance on the picture, when he appeared almost petrified by some
+     mysterious emotion, and murmured to himself, in a deep tone, the
+     name '_Francesco!_'--
+
+     "Then suddenly, as if awoke from a painful reverie, he turned round
+     to the workmen, and, with a stern voice, commanded them, that they
+     should directly tear the painting from the wall, roll it up, and
+     give it in charge to Reinhold. I was greatly distressed by this
+     order. It seemed to me as if I should never more behold that form,
+     so heroic, noble, and interesting; who, in his foreign garb,
+     appeared to me almost like some prince of the spiritual world! Yet
+     an unconquerable timidity prevented me from requesting of my
+     father, that he would not allow the portrait to be destroyed.
+
+     "In a few days, however, these impressions altogether vanished; nor
+     did they recur till after a long interval. I was now carried away
+     by the volatility and light-heartedness of youth. A thousand
+     sports, of my own devising, every day engaged my attention; and my
+     father often said, that Hermogen, at this time, had the quiet,
+     timid manners of a well-behaved girl; while I, on the contrary,
+     behaved like a wild romping boy!
+
+     "These characteristics, however, were soon to be changed. Hermogen
+     was already past the years of adolescence, and began to devote his
+     whole attention to his own professional pursuits as a young
+     soldier. He thought only of hardening his frame to endure every
+     possible fatigue--of parades and reviews--of military
+     tactics--above all, of actual service in time of danger; and in
+     these views, his father (having determined on his son's
+     destination) wholly concurred.
+
+     "For my part, my whole existence now underwent a complete
+     revolution, which I was then unable to interpret, and which I yet
+     cannot adequately describe. The solitude in which I lived probably
+     contributed to heighten every fantastic impression. If any new
+     feeling arose within me, being wholly undiverted by any external
+     influence, or by the usual dissipations of society to which others
+     can have recourse, it naturally grew into excess. I became
+     thoughtful, melancholy, nervous, and discontented. By night, I was
+     visited by strange and unaccountable dreams; and during the day, I
+     was, by fits, extravagantly merry, or, on the slightest
+     provocation, burst into a passion of tears.
+
+     "My father observed these changes, which he ascribed to
+     irritability of nerves, and called in a physician, who prescribed
+     for me all sorts of remedies, without the slightest good effect. At
+     this time--I know not myself how it could have happened--but one
+     night the half-forgotten image of the unknown appeared before me,
+     in colours so vivid and lively, that he was no longer a dead
+     phantom on canvass, but a corporeal and living being, who gazed on
+     me with an aspect of kindness and compassion.
+
+     "'Alas!' cried I, 'must I then die? What is it by which I am thus
+     so unspeakably tormented?'--'Thou lovest me, Aurelia,' said the
+     vision, 'and this is the cause of thy present illness and
+     distraction. But canst thou dissolve the vows of one already
+     devoted to heaven?' To my astonishment, I now perceived that the
+     unknown wore the robes of a monk.
+
+     "Summoning my whole strength, I endeavoured to break the spells
+     with which the detestable dream had fettered my senses; and, for
+     the present moment, I succeeded in this; but I could not prevent
+     the same phantom from recurring to my imagination, and persecuting
+     me with tenfold power. I perceived only too well, that for me the
+     mysteries of a first love were revealed,--that, with a passionate
+     fervour, of which only the youthful heart is capable, I was
+     attached to the nameless and visionary unknown! My indisposition
+     seemed, however, to have attained its crisis, and I became
+     perceptibly better. My nervous irritability decreased, and I was
+     able again to mix in society; only the constant presence of that
+     image, my fantastic love of a being who existed only in my own
+     brain, rendered me so _distraite_, that I frequently gave absurd
+     answers when questioned; and being wholly wrapt up in my own
+     reveries, must have appeared to others either an affected prude, or
+     an unidea'd simpleton.
+
+     "About this time, I had found, among other romances, in my
+     brother's room, one containing the history of a monk, who, being
+     overcome by temptations of the devil, renounced his vows, and fell
+     in love with a young lady, who in consequence perished miserably.
+     This I read with avidity, and though the lessons that it contained
+     might have been expected to open my eyes to the dangers which I was
+     drawing on myself, yet it had an effect directly the reverse, by
+     fixing my attention more and more on those visions which I ought to
+     have banished for ever from my mind. Frequently I thought of
+     Hermogen's words--'Thy mother speaks with the devil;' and began to
+     think, that the unknown was, in truth, an agent of the Arch-fiend,
+     employed to entice me to destruction. Yet I could not cease to love
+     him; and when Reinhold came back, on one occasion, from a journey,
+     and talked much of a certain Brother Medardus, whom he had heard
+     preach in the town of Koenigswald, there arose within me an obscure
+     dim apprehension, that the original of the beloved and yet dreaded
+     vision might be that very Medardus; and this belief Reinhold's
+     description of the preacher's features and person seemed amply to
+     sanction. Thereafter, the wild dreams and internal conflicts by
+     which I was persecuted, were increased tenfold. It happened that a
+     monk (as was often the case) came to visit at my father's house;
+     and this person chose, in a very diffuse lecture, to describe the
+     manifold temptations of the devil, and the wretched delusions to
+     which especially youthful minds were subjected, if they did not
+     sufficiently resist his influence. My father seemed to approve of
+     this discourse, and I believed it was aimed particularly at
+     me.--'Only unbounded trust and confidence,' said the clergyman,
+     'not only in religion, but in her servants, and submissive
+     obedience to their injunctions and advice, can afford hopes of
+     rescue.'
+
+     "Not long after this, I accompanied my father to the town of
+     Koenigswald, whither he went to attend a law process which Reinhold
+     had been unable to finish alone. We lived at the garden-house of
+     the Graf van M----, which is close by the celebrated chapel of the
+     Capuchin Convent; and remembering the lecture which I had heard
+     just before leaving home, I resolved not to lose that opportunity
+     of fulfilling the sacred duty of confession."
+
+[Aurelia's letter is very long, and contains a recapitulation, in a
+diffuse rambling style, of events that are already known to the reader.
+In the first place, there is her interview with Medardus in the church,
+which has been described already in the first volume of these Memoirs.
+After this, it appears that Aurelia was seized by a long and dangerous
+illness, by which her passion for Medardus was, for a time, completely
+subdued and alienated. To this change his vehement exhortation to her
+in the confessional had also contributed; but, for the future, she
+looked on the whole transaction as a dream, with which she had been
+visited, in order that her eyes should be opened to the errors into
+which she had, by a youthful imagination, been led.
+
+Secondly, there is a full explanation of her conduct at the time when
+Medardus appeared at the castle of her father the Baron von F----.
+Though she at once recognized the former object of her affections, yet,
+with an unshaken perseverance, she persisted in her determination, on no
+occasion whatever to betray this recognition. Many times, however, she
+now underwent severe conflicts on account of a transient recurrence of
+her not yet wholly conquered passion; but against these her mind was
+fortified by the constant presence and advice of Hermogen.
+
+Thirdly, and lastly, comes a detail of recent circumstances which are
+already sufficiently intelligible. No sooner had Medardus, in
+consequence of Aurelia's representations, been thrown into prison, and,
+by the opinion of every one, already prejudged to the scaffold, than
+she became dreadfully agitated; and, although conscious that her conduct
+was but the fulfilment of imperious duty, and feeling the utmost
+abhorrence for him as a criminal, yet with these feelings was blended a
+share of compassion, so that she almost regretted what she had done. At
+this period, the discovery of the insane monk, in whom Cyrillus
+recognized the true Medardus--the proofs received from Posen, that the
+individual who had, in consequence of her accusations, been imprisoned,
+was a Polish nobleman, and never had been a monk--effected an entire
+revolution in her mind. Regret for the sufferings which she had so
+unwarrantably inflicted, led naturally to the revival of her early
+passion, which had now found a legitimate and innocent object.
+
+She dwells with satisfaction on many attributes of character and
+demeanour, in which her beloved Leonard differs from, and contrasts
+with, the detestable monk, by whom her brother had been put to death.
+Only the adventure at the Princess's country-house had, for a time,
+broken in upon this confidence, and given rise to many harassing doubts
+and fears, with an oppressive feeling of mystery, by which her mind is
+still clouded, and against which she earnestly entreats the prayers and
+maternal blessing of the Abbess for herself and her betrothed husband.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+Repeatedly, and with the greatest attention, I read over this letter of
+Aurelia, especially the latter pages, in which there was obviously
+displayed so much of true piety and confiding simplicity of heart, that,
+at our next meeting, I was unable to continue my addresses in the tone
+and manner in which I had before indulged. Aurelia remarked this change
+in my conduct; and, struck with remorse, I penitentially confessed to
+her my robbery of her letter addressed to the Lady Abbess--(which,
+however, I had duly sealed and forwarded)--excusing myself on the
+principle, that some mysterious and supernatural impulse had forced me
+to this deed, against which it was impossible to contend. I insisted
+also, that a similar influence, emanating from some high and
+inexplicable source, had already shadowed forth to me in visions some of
+the principal incidents in her life, which the perusal of the letter,
+therefore, had only confirmed and realized.--"As a proof," said I, "of
+the intellectual sympathy existing betwixt us, I could long ere now have
+informed you of a wonderful dream by which I was myself visited, in
+which you confessed to me your love; but methought I was transformed
+into a miserable monk, whose heart, instead of being rejoiced by such
+good fortune, was torn by remorse and self-reproach. I loved you,
+indeed, with the utmost fervour; but my love was mortal sin; for I had
+regularly taken the vows of a Capuchin; and you, Aurelia, were
+metamorphosed into the blessed St Rosalia."
+
+At these words Aurelia started up in affright. "For God's sake,
+Leonard," said she, "say no more! Our lives are mutually obscured by
+some frightful and impenetrable mystery; and the less we endeavour to
+break through the veil by which it is now wrapt in darkness, the better.
+Who knows what insupportable horrors may be therein concealed? Let us
+think no more of such frightful inquiries, but rely firmly on each
+other. That you have read my letter to the Abbess no doubt surprises
+and vexes me. But what is done cannot be retrieved. As to its contents,
+I would willingly have imparted them to you _viva voce_, if I had known
+that it was to serve any good purpose, for no secrets dare exist betwixt
+us. But to say the truth, Leonard, it appears to me that you yourself
+struggle against the evil influence of much that is wrapt up in your own
+bosom, and which, on account of false shame, you do not allow to pass
+your lips. If possible, be for the future sincere! How much would your
+heart be lightened by a free confession, and as to our attachment, its
+bonds would thereby be strengthened tenfold!"
+
+At these words of Aurelia, I felt in all its bitterness the torment of
+conscious deception and hypocrisy. I reflected with the keenest
+self-reproach, how, only a few moments before, I had voluntarily
+practised imposition against this pious simple-hearted girl; and an
+almost unconquerable impulse arose within me to confess to her
+_all_--even the worst that I could utter against myself, and yet
+methought I should not even then lose her affection!
+
+"Aurelia! my guardian angel, who rescued me from----" I had thus even
+begun my confession, when the Princess abruptly entered the room, and
+produced an entire change, not only in my behaviour, but in my feelings.
+Her manner, as usual, was haughty and ceremonious. I met her with all
+the outward forms of respect, but internally with emotions of scorn and
+defiance. As the acknowledged bridegroom of Aurelia, she was now obliged
+to bear with me, and I boldly kept my place, though I perceived that her
+aversion to me was by no means abated. In truth, it was only when alone
+with Aurelia that I was now free from all wicked thoughts and impulses.
+At such moments, the beatitude of Heaven seemed to descend on me, and I
+began once more to wish anxiously for our marriage, in despite of every
+obstacle.
+
+About this time it came to pass that a remarkable dream one night
+greatly disturbed my rest, by the recollection of which I continued for
+several days to be haunted. Methought the figure of my mother stood
+vividly before me, and when I wished to salute and welcome her, I
+perceived it was but an aerial phantom which assumed her features, and
+mocked my filial embrace. "To what purpose this absurd deception?" cried
+I, angrily--"Thou delusive shadow, what would'st thou here?"
+
+Then methought my mother wept bitterly. The tears that she shed were
+changed into bright dazzling stars which floated through the air, and
+began to form a circle round my head; but ever and anon, a black
+frightful hand, like that of a demon, with long claws, broke the circle
+as soon as it was nearly formed. "Thou, whom I brought pure and sinless
+into the world," said my mother, "and whose infancy and youth I watched
+over with such care, hast thou lost all energy and self-command, that
+thou submittest, like a grovelling slave, to every enticement of Satan?
+Now, indeed, I can look into thine inmost heart, since the load of
+earthly existence, under which I have long struggled, is taken from my
+shoulders. Rouse thyself, Franciscus! Resist the fiend that besets thee,
+and he will flee! I shall once more adorn thee, as in early days, with
+ribbons and flowers, for St Bernard's day is come, and thou shalt again
+be a pious and happy child!"
+
+Now it seemed to me as if, in obedience to my mother's admonition, I
+must once more begin singing one of the lovely anthems which I had
+learned in my youth, but frightful and indescribable noises overpowered
+my voice. My attempts at music were like the howling of a wild beast;
+and betwixt me and my phantom visitant there fell, rustling and
+undulating, the folds of a massy black veil, supported by the spectral
+arms of demons, with long hideous talons. Thus ended my dream.
+
+Two days afterwards, I happened to meet in the park the chief judge of
+the criminal court, who came up to me in a very friendly manner, and
+entered into conversation.
+
+"Do you know," said he, "that the final issue of Medardus's trial has
+again become very doubtful? Judgment of death had nearly been pronounced
+against him, indeed was all but carried into effect, when he again
+shewed symptoms of madness. The court received intelligence of the death
+of his mother. I made this known to him. Then he laughed aloud like a
+maniac, and in a tone which would have inspired the stoutest heart with
+horror--'The Duchess of Neuenburg!' said he, (naming the wife of the
+late Duke, brother of our Sovereign,)--'She is long since dead. If this
+is all the intelligence you had to bring, the trouble might have been
+spared!'
+
+"In consequence of this paroxysm, the execution of the sentence is
+delayed, and a new medical inquiry set on foot. However, it is
+generally believed that his madness is only pretended, and that his
+condemnation is therefore inevitable."
+
+I afterwards obtained information of the day and hour of my mother's
+death, and found that these corresponded exactly with the time at which
+she had appeared to me in that remarkable vision.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The day which the Prince had appointed for our marriage was at last
+arrived; and the ceremony was to take place in the morning, at the altar
+of St Rosalia, in the church of a neighbouring convent, which (I know
+not for what reason) Aurelia preferred to the Prince's chapel. I passed
+the preceding night in watching and prayer.--Alas! I did not reflect
+that prayer under such circumstances, and cherishing such intentions in
+my heart, was only adding by blasphemy to my previous guilt.
+
+When I went to Aurelia, she came, dressed in white, and wearing roses as
+her only ornament, to meet me. Never had she looked more beautiful; but
+in the fashion of her dress, and in the flower wreaths that she had
+chosen, there was something that inspired me with strange and mysterious
+recollections, which I knew not how to define. At the same moment I
+remembered that the painting over the altar, at which the marriage
+ceremony was to take place, represented the martyrdom of St Rosalia, and
+that the saint was there dressed precisely as Aurelia now appeared,
+whereupon my whole frame was shaken with horrid and uncontrollable
+apprehensions, which it was hardly in my power to conceal.
+
+We had no time for conversation, however. Scarcely had I saluted
+Aurelia, when a servant of the Prince announced that we were waited for
+by the wedding-party. She quickly drew on her gloves, and gave me her
+arm. Then one of her attendants remarked that some ringlets of her hair
+had fallen loose, and begged for a moment's delay. Aurelia seemed vexed
+at the interruption, but waited accordingly.
+
+At that moment a hollow rumbling noise, and a tumult of voices on the
+street, attracted our attention. At Aurelia's request I hastened to the
+window. There, just before the palace, was a _leiter-wagen_, which, on
+account of some obstacle, had stopped in the street. The car was
+surrounded by the executioners of justice; and within it, I perceived
+the horrible monk, who sat looking backwards, while before him was a
+capuchin, earnestly engaged in prayer. His countenance was deadly pale,
+and again disfigured by a grizzly beard, but the features of my
+detestable _double_ were to me but too easily recognizable.
+
+When the carriage, that had been for a short space interrupted by the
+crowd, began to roll on, he seemed awoke from his reverie, and turning
+up his staring spectral eyes towards me, instantly became animated. He
+laughed and howled aloud--"_Brued-er-lein_--_Brued-er-lein!_" cried
+he.--"Bride-groom!--Bride-groom!--Come quickly--come quickly.--Up--up to
+the roof of the house. There the owl holds his wedding-feast; the
+weather-cock sings aloud! There shall we contend together, and whoever
+casts the other down, is king, and may drink blood!"
+
+The howling voice in which he uttered these words, the glare of his
+eyes, and the horrible writhings of his visage, that was like that of an
+animated corse, were more than, weakened as I was by previous
+agitation, I was able to withstand. From that moment I lost all
+self-possession; I became also utterly insane, and unconscious what I
+did! At first I tried to speak calmly. "Horrible wretch!" said I; "what
+mean'st thou? What would'st thou from me?"
+
+Then I grinned, jabbered, and howled back to the madman; and Aurelia, in
+an agony of terror, broke from her attendants, and ran up to me. With
+all her strength, she seized my arms, and endeavoured to draw me from
+the window. "For God's sake," cried she, "leave that horrible spectacle;
+they are dragging Medardus, the murderer of my brother, to the scaffold.
+Leonard!--Leonard!"
+
+Then all the demons of hell seemed awoke within me, and manifested, in
+its utmost extent, that power which they are allowed to exercise over an
+obdurate and unrepentant sinner. With reckless cruelty I repulsed
+Aurelia, who trembled, as if shook by convulsions, in every
+limb.--"Ha--ha--ha!" I almost shrieked aloud--"foolish, insane girl! I
+myself, thy lover, thy chosen bridegroom, am the murderer of thy
+brother! Would'st thou by thy complaints bring down destruction from
+heaven on thy sworn husband?--Ho--ho--ho! I am king--I am king--and will
+drink blood!"
+
+I drew out the stiletto--I struck at Aurelia,--blood streamed over my
+arm and hand, and she fell lifeless at my feet. I rushed down
+stairs,--forced my way through the crowd to the carriage--seized the
+monk by the collar, and with supernatural strength tore him from the
+car. Then I was arrested by the executioner; but with the stiletto in my
+hand, I defended myself so furiously, that I broke loose, and rushed
+into the thick of the mob, where, in a few moments, I found myself
+wounded by a stab in the side; but the people were struck with such
+terror, that I made my way through them as far as to the neighbouring
+wall of the park, which, by a frightful effort, I leapt over.
+
+"Murder--murder!--Stop--stop the murderer!" I had fallen down, almost
+fainting, on the other side of the wall, but these outcries instantly
+gave me new strength. Some were knocking with great violence, in vain
+endeavours to break open one of the park gates, which, not being the
+regular entrance, was always kept closed. Others were striving to
+clamber over the wall, which I had cleared by an incredible leap. I
+rose, and exerting my utmost speed, ran forward. I came, ere long, to a
+broad _fosse_, by which the park was separated from the adjoining
+forest. By another tremendous effort, I jumped over, and continued to
+run on through the wood, until at last I sank down, utterly exhausted,
+under a tree.
+
+I know not how the time had passed, but it was already evening, and dark
+shadows reigned through the forest, when I came again to my
+recollection. My progress in running so far had passed over like an
+obscure dream. I recollect only the wind roaring amid the dense canopy
+of the trees, and that many times I mistook some old moss-grown pollard
+stem for an officer of justice, armed and ready to seize upon me!
+
+When I awoke from the swoon and utter stupefaction into which I had
+fallen, my first impulse was merely to set out again, like a hunted wild
+beast, and fly, if possible, from my pursuers to the very end of the
+earth! As soon, however, as I was only past the frontiers of the
+Prince's dominions, I would certainly be safe from all immediate
+persecution.
+
+I rose accordingly, but scarcely had I advanced a few steps, when there
+was a violent rustling in the thicket; and from thence, in a state of
+the most vehement rage and excitement, sprung the monk, who, no doubt in
+consequence of the disturbance that I had raised, had contrived to make
+his escape from the guards and executioners.
+
+In a paroxysm of madness he flew towards me, leaping through the bushes
+like a tiger, and finally sprung upon my shoulders, clasping his arms
+about my throat, so that I was almost suffocated. Under any other
+circumstances, I would have instantly freed myself from such an attack,
+but I was enfeebled to the last degree by the exertions I had undergone,
+and all that I could attempt was to render this feebleness subservient
+to my rescue. I fell down under his weight, and endeavoured to take
+advantage of that event. I rolled myself on the ground, and grappled
+with him; but in vain! I could not disengage myself, and my
+infernal double laughed scornfully. His abominable accents,
+"He--he--he!--He--he--he!" sounded amid the desolate loneliness of the
+woods.
+
+During this contest, the moon broke, only for a moment, through the
+clouds, for the night was gloomy and tempestuous. Then, as her silvery
+gleam slanted through the dark shade of the pine trees, I beheld, in all
+its horror, the deadly pale visage of my _second self_, with the same
+expression which had glared out upon me from the cart in which he had
+been dragged to execution. "He--he--he--Broth-er, broth-er!--Ever, ever
+I am with thee!--Leave thee, leave thee never!--Cannot run as thou
+canst! Must carry--carry me! Come straight from the gallows--They would
+have nailed me to the wheel--He--he--he!--He--he--he!"
+
+Thus the infernal spectre howled and laughed aloud as we lay on the
+ground; but ere the fleeting moonbeam had passed away, I was roused once
+more to furious rage. I sprang up like a bear in the embraces of a
+boa-constrictor, and ran with my utmost force against trees and
+fragments of rock, so that if I could not kill him, I might at least
+wound him in such manner that he would be under the necessity of letting
+me go. But in vain. He only laughed the more loudly and scornfully; and
+my personal sufferings were increased tenfold by my endeavours to end
+them.
+
+I then strove with my whole remaining strength to burst asunder his
+hands, which were firmly knotted round my throat, but the supernatural
+energies of the monster threatened me with strangulation. At last, after
+a furious conflict, he suddenly fell, as if lifeless, on the ground: and
+though scarcely able to breathe, I had run onwards for some yards, when
+again he sat upon my shoulders, laughing as before, and stammering out
+the same horrible words. Of new succeeded the same efforts of despairing
+rage! Of new I was freed! Then again locked in the embraces of this
+demoniacal spectre!
+
+After this I lost all consciousness.--I am utterly unable to say
+distinctly how long I was persecuted by my relentless _double_. It seems
+to me as if my struggles must have continued at least during a whole
+month; and that during this long period I neither ate nor drank. I
+remember only _one_ lucid interval. All the rest is utter darkness.
+
+I had just succeeded in throwing off my double, when a clear gleam of
+sun-light brightened the woods, and with it a pleasant sound of bells
+rose on mine ear. I distinguished unequivocally the chimes of a convent,
+which rung for early mass. For a moment I rejoiced; but then the thought
+came like annihilation upon me--"Thou hast murdered Aurelia!" and once
+more losing all self-possession and recollection, I fell in despair upon
+the earth.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+Methought the air in which I breathed had a mildness and fragrance such
+as now I had never known; but, as yet, I was labouring under the
+influence of a deep and morbid slumber. I felt a strange irritation, a
+shooting prickly pain in every vein and fibre, till it seemed as if my
+frame was split and divided an hundred fold, and every division thence
+arising assumed a peculiar and individual principle of life, while the
+head in vain strove to command the limbs, which, like unfaithful
+vassals, would not submit themselves to its dominion.
+
+Then, methought, each of these separated parts became a glittering fiery
+point, which began to turn itself round in a circle, till hundreds of
+them, whirling rapidly together, formed at last the appearance of a
+fixed ball of fire, which darted forth flames and coruscations. "These
+are my limbs which are thus moving," said I to myself; "now I am for
+certain about to awake."
+
+At that moment, when the fiery ball was turning round, I felt sudden and
+violent pain, and distinctly heard the sound of a clear chime of bells.
+"Away, away--Onward, onward!" cried I, believing myself still in the
+wood, and making a vehement effort to rise up, but I fell back powerless
+on my couch. Now, for the first time, I was restored to perfect
+consciousness, and saw, with great surprise, that I was no longer in the
+forest. In the dress of a Capuchin monk, I lay upon a well-stuffed
+mattress. The room was vaulted and lofty; a pair of rush-bottomed
+chairs, and a small table, stood beside my bed.
+
+I concluded that my state of unconsciousness must have continued for a
+long time, and that, while in that unhappy situation, I must have been
+brought to some convent or other, where the monks were, by their rule,
+obliged to receive the sick. Probably my clothes had been torn, and they
+had been obliged, for the meanwhile, to supply me with a cowl. However
+this might be, there was no doubt that I had escaped from all immediate
+danger. I was also free from pain, though very weak, therefore continued
+quite tranquil, having no doubt that my protectors would, in due time,
+look after their charge.
+
+Accordingly, it was not long before I heard steps that seemed, from
+their sound, to approach through a long stone-floored gallery. My door
+opened, and I saw two men, of whom one had a lay dress, the other wore
+the habit of the brethren of charity. They came up to me in silence; the
+man in the lay dress fixed his eyes on me, and seemed much astonished.
+"I am again come to myself, sir," said I, in a weak voice. "Heaven be
+praised, who has restored to me my reason. But will you be so good as to
+inform me where I am, and how I have been brought hither?"
+
+Without answering me, the physician (as I supposed him to be) turned to
+the clergyman, and said, in Italian, "This is indeed very extraordinary.
+His looks are, since our last visit, completely changed. His speech is
+quite clear, only weak. Some particular crisis must have taken place in
+his malady."
+
+"For my part," said the monk, "I have no doubt that he is completely
+cured."
+
+"Of that," said the physician, "we cannot judge, until we have seen how
+he may conduct himself for the next few days. But do you not understand
+as much German as to speak with him?"
+
+The monk answered in the negative.
+
+"I understand and speak Italian," interrupted I. "Tell me, then, I
+beseech you, where I am, and how I found my way hither?"
+
+"Ha!" cried the physician, "our difficulties are then at an end. You
+find yourself, reverend sir, in a place where every possible precaution
+has been, and will be taken, for your perfect recovery. Three months ago
+you were brought hither in a very critical and dangerous situation; but,
+under our care and attention, you seem to have made great progress
+towards convalescence; and if we shall have the good fortune to complete
+your cure, you may then freely pursue your journey, for, as I have
+understood, you wish to go to Rome."
+
+"Did I come to you, then," said I, "in this Capuchin dress which I now
+wear?"
+
+"Truly you did so," said the physician; "but give over, I pray you, this
+asking of questions, and do not disquiet yourself--everything shall, in
+due time, be explained to your satisfaction. Our business at present is
+to attend to your bodily health."
+
+He then felt my pulse, and the monk, who had for a moment disappeared,
+returned with a cup full of some liquid, which the physician desired me
+to drink, and then to tell him what I thought it was. I obeyed, and told
+him that what I had drunk seemed to me a strong and nourishing
+meat-broth. "Good--very good," said the monk, with a smile of
+satisfaction. They then left me alone, with a promise of returning in a
+short time.
+
+Through the next three days, I was attended with the utmost skill and
+kindness by the brethren and the physician. I continued rapidly to
+improve, and at the end of that time was able to rise up, and, leaning
+on the monk's arm, to walk through the room. He led me to the window and
+opened the lattice. A delightfully warm and fragrant (but not sultry)
+air, such as till then I had never breathed, came in at the window.
+Without, I beheld an extensive garden, wherein all sorts of fruit-trees
+grew, and flourished in the highest luxuriance. There were also
+delightful arbours, bowers, and temples; while, even around the window
+from which I looked, the grapes hung in rich massy clusters. Above all,
+however, it was, with the clear cloudless blue of the sky that I was
+altogether enchanted. I could not find words to express my admiration.
+
+"Where am I then?" cried I. "Have the blessed saints granted to a
+wretched sinner to dwell in their Elysium?"
+
+The monk smiled contentedly at my raptures. "You are in Italy, brother,"
+said he.
+
+"In Italy!" repeated I, with the utmost astonishment. I then urged the
+clergyman to explain to me more particularly how I could have found my
+way to such a distance. He referred me to the physician, who just then
+entered, and who at last informed me, that a strange man of most
+eccentric manners had brought me hither about three months ago, and
+begged that I might be taken into their house; that, finally, I was in a
+regular hospital, which was taken charge of by the brethren of charity.
+
+As I gradually gained more strength, I found that the monk and physician
+willingly entered into conversation with me on various subjects of
+literature and the arts. The latter, as if in order to obtain
+information for himself, even requested me to write down many things
+which he afterwards read over in my presence; but I was puzzled by
+observing that, instead of praising what I had written on its own
+account, he only said, "Indeed?--This looks well!--I have not been
+deceived--Excellent--excellent!"
+
+I was now allowed at certain hours to walk in the garden, where,
+however, I was greatly discomposed by the sight of strange spectral
+figures, who, as if quite unable to take care of themselves, were led
+about by the monks. Once, in particular, I was struck by the appearance
+of a tall haggard man, in a dingy yellow mantle, who was led by two of
+the brethren, one on each side, and in this manner met me as I was
+returning to the house. At every step, he made the most absurd
+gesticulations, as if he were about to commence a _pas seul_, at the
+same time whistling shrilly an accompaniment.
+
+Astonished at this, I stood gazing on the man, but the monk by whom I
+was attended drew me suddenly away. "Come, come, dear brother Medardus!"
+said he, "that is no business of yours!"
+
+"For God's sake," said I, "tell me how is it that you know anything of
+my name?"
+
+The vehemence with which I put this question seemed to discompose my
+attendant. "For what reason," said he, "should we not know your name?
+The man by whom you were brought hither, named you without hesitation,
+and you were accordingly entered in the list of the house--Medardus,
+brother of the Capuchin Convent at Koenigswald."
+
+Once more I felt the ice-cold shuddering of terror vibrate in every
+limb. But whoever was the unknown by whom I had been brought to the
+hospital, whether he were or were not initiated in the horrible
+mysteries of my life, he certainly had not cherished any evil intentions
+towards me, for I had been treated with the greatest care and
+tenderness, and was, besides, at liberty to go whereever I wished.
+
+After this walk, I had returned to my chamber, and was leaning out at
+the open window inhaling the delightful fragrance of the air, which
+seemed to inspire me with new life and energy in every fibre, when I
+beheld in the garden a man coming up the middle walk, whom I thought
+that I had seen before, but could not immediately recollect where.
+
+He was a diminutive withered figure, had upon his head a small hat with
+a long peaked crown, and was dressed in a miserable weather-beaten
+surtout. In his gait, he rather danced than walked; nay, every now and
+then cut a caper right up into the air; and anon, started off to one
+side, as if he were possessed by the demon of St Vitus. Occasionally he
+made a full stop, and at one of these intervals, perceiving me at the
+window, he took off his high-peaked hat, and waved it in the air, then
+kissed his hand repeatedly, with an emphasis of gesticulation which at
+once confirmed and cleared up my recollection. There was but one
+individual in the world who could have practised these manoeuvres, and
+that was Belcampo! He vanished, however, among the trees; but, not long
+afterwards, I heard a particular rap at the door, of which the style and
+manner immediately taught me whom I was to expect.
+
+"Schoenfeld!" said I, as he indeed made his appearance; "how, in the name
+of wonder, have you found your way hither?"
+
+"Ach--ach!" said he, twisting his face, as if he were about to
+weep--"how should I have come hither otherwise than driven and hurled
+onwards as I was by that malignant and relentless destiny, which never
+fails to persecute every man of true genius. On account of a murder, I
+was obliged to fly from the rich and flourishing town of Frankenburg."
+
+"On account of a murder!--What would'st thou say?" interrupted I, with
+considerable agitation.
+
+"Ay, truly," answered he--"on account of a murder. I had, in a fit of
+wrath, immolated the left whisker of the youngest _Commerziensrath_ in
+that free town, and had also dangerously wounded the right mustachio."
+
+"Once more," said I, "I must beg of you to give up these absurd and
+unmeaning jokes, and to tell your story connectedly, otherwise you had
+better leave the room."
+
+"Nay, dear brother Medardus," he resumed, "this is indeed unforeseen and
+unaccountable; now that you are restored to health, you would send me
+from you in disgrace; but, as long as you were ill, you were glad to
+have me for a companion in your room, and to be always near to you."
+
+"What does all this mean?" cried I, quite confounded; "and how have you
+got to the knowledge of my name Medardus?"
+
+"Look," said he, with an ironical smile, "if you please, at the
+right-hand lappelle of your monk's cowl."
+
+I did so, and became almost petrified with terror and astonishment, for
+I found the name "Medardus" embroidered thereupon; and, on more accurate
+inspection, I could discover also that this was the identical tunic
+which, on my flight from the castle of the Baron von F----, I had thrown
+into a hollow tree in the forest.
+
+Schoenfeld did not fail to remark my agitation, over which he seemed
+wickedly to triumph. With his fore-finger on his nose, and lifting
+himself on tiptoe, he looked stedfastly in my face. I remained
+speechless; then, in a low and pensive tone, he resumed--
+
+"Your excellency, no doubt, wonders at the handsome dress which has been
+chosen for you. To say the truth, it seemed in every respect to fit and
+become you better than the nut-brown suit, with plated buttons, which
+my wise friend Damon supplied for you. It was I, the banished, the
+despised and misunderstood Belcampo, who provided for you this dress, in
+order to cover your nakedness. Brother Medardus, you were then, indeed,
+but in a sorry plight, for, instead of great-coat, vest, pantaloons,
+English frock, &c. &c. you wore, in the simplest, and most unpretending
+manner, your own skin. As to a proper friseur, you thought as little of
+him as you did of a tailor, performing his functions with your own ten
+fingers, in a style which was by no means to be commended."
+
+"Give over these disgusting follies," said I, much incensed;
+"Schoenfeld--I insist on your being rational, otherwise I will hear no
+more!"
+
+"Pietro Belcampo is my name," interrupted he, with great vehemence; "Ay,
+Pietro Belcampo; for we are now in Italy, and you must know, reverend
+sir, that I, simple as I here stand, impersonize that folly, which
+luckily has been present on every disastrous occasion, to assist your
+wisdom; and without which, you would have found yourself miserably
+deficient. It is from Folly alone that you have derived protection. By
+this alone your boasted reason, which is unable to hold itself upright,
+but totters about like a drunk man or a child, has been supported, and
+instructed to find the right road home, that is to say, to the
+mad-house, where we are both happily arrived."
+
+By these last words I was much agitated. I thought on the strange
+figures that I had seen, especially on the tall haggard man in the dingy
+yellow mantle, who had made such absurd gesticulations; and could
+entertain no doubt that Schoenfeld had told me the truth. "Ay, dear
+brother Medardus," resumed Schoenfeld, with solemn voice and gestures;
+"Folly is, indeed, on this earth, the true intellectual queen. Reason,
+on the other hand, is only a pitiful viceroy, who never troubles himself
+with what happens beyond his own narrow boundaries, who, from sheer
+_ennui_, indeed, makes his soldiers be exercised on the _parade-platz_,
+though the said soldiers afterwards, in time of danger, cannot fire a
+single volley in proper time. But Folly, the true queen of the people,
+marches in with kettle-drums and trumpets--Huzza! Huzza!--before and
+behind her, triumph and rejoicing! The lieges straightway emancipate
+themselves from the constraint in which Reason would have held them, and
+will no longer stand or walk as their pedantic tutor would have them to
+do. At last he calls the roll, and complains,--'Lo! Folly hath robbed me
+of my best recruits--hath driven them away--driven their wits a
+wool-gathering--ay, driven them mad.' That is a play of words, dear
+brother Medardus, and such play is like a glowing pair of curling-irons
+in the hand of Folly, with which she can twist such a thought!"
+
+"Desist, I once more entreat of you," said I, "desist from this childish
+clatter of unmeaning words, and tell me concisely how you came hither,
+and what you know regarding the dress which I now wear!" Hereupon I
+seized him by both arms, and forced him into a chair, where he seemed to
+recollect himself, fixed his eyes stedfastly on the ground, and with a
+deep sigh resumed,--
+
+"I have saved your life," said he, "for the second time. It was I who
+enabled you to escape from the town of Frankenburg. It was I, too, who
+brought you hither."
+
+"But, in the name of Heaven," said I, "where did you last find me?"
+
+I had let him go, and he instantly bolted up--"Ha, brother Medardus,"
+said he, "if I, weak and diminutive as I seem, had not contrived to bear
+you on my shoulders, your limbs would by this time, have lain the food
+of ravens on the wheel!"
+
+I shuddered as if ready to faint, and sunk into a chair. At that moment
+my attendant monk entered the room. "How hast thou come hither? Who gave
+thee liberty now to enter this room?" said he, very angrily, to
+Belcampo.
+
+"Alas! venerable father," said the latter, in a supplicating tone, and
+pretending to burst into tears, "I could no longer resist the vehement
+impulse to visit my dearest friend, whom I had rescued from danger of
+death!"
+
+I now recovered myself. "Tell me, brother," said I to the monk, "did
+this man really bring me hither?"
+
+The monk hesitated.
+
+"I scarcely know," said I, "in what sort of hospital I am now protected,
+but I can easily suppose that I have been in the most frightful of all
+conditions. You perceive, however, that I am now quite well, and
+therefore, I may hear all which was before intentionally concealed from
+me, when you supposed that my nerves were yet too irritable."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+"It is, indeed, quite true," said the monk, "this man brought you hither
+about three months and a half ago. He had, according to his own account,
+found you in the Lovanian forest, (which separates the dominions of the
+Prince of Laguria, from our district,) and had recognized you for the
+Capuchin Medardus from Koenigswald, who had before, on a journey to Rome,
+passed through a town where he then lived.
+
+"When first brought among us, you were in a state of utter apathy. You
+walked when you were led, remained standing if one let you alone, and
+seated or laid yourself down according as you were put into the required
+position. Food and drink we were obliged to pour down your throat; as to
+words, you were able only to utter hollow unintelligible sounds, and
+your eyes appeared to stare, without the power of distinguishing any
+object. Belcampo then never left you, but was your faithful attendant.
+After an interval of about a month, you fell into a state of outrageous
+madness, and we were obliged to place you in one of the cells
+appropriated for persons in that frightful malady. You were then like a
+ferocious wild beast; but I dare not describe your sufferings more
+minutely, as the picture might be too painful. After some weeks, your
+state of apathy again returned, and seemed more obstinate than ever, but
+at last, God be praised, you awoke from your stupefaction, into your
+present convalescence."
+
+Schoenfeld had, during this narrative of the monk, seated himself, as if
+in deep reflection, leaning his head on his hand. "Ay, truly," he
+resumed, "I know that I am sometimes little better than a self-conceited
+fool; but the air of the mad-house, destructive to reasonable people,
+has on me had a very beneficial influence. I begin to speculate on my
+own errors, which is no bad sign. If, generally speaking, I exist only
+through my own self-consciousness, it is only requisite that this
+consciousness should pull off the fool's motley coat, and I shall shew
+myself to the world, a very wise, rational gentleman. But, oh, heavens!
+is not a genial friseur, according to the principles of his character
+and profession, a privileged fool and coxcomb? Such folly is, in truth,
+a protection from all madness; and I can assure you, reverend sir, that
+in a north-west wind, I can distinguish very well between a church-tower
+and a lamp-post!"
+
+"If this be really the case," said I, "give us a proof of it now by a
+quiet rational narrative, how you discovered me in the wood, and brought
+me to this house."
+
+"That shall immediately be done," said Belcampo, "though the reverend
+father on my right hand looks at me with a very suspicious aspect. You
+must know, then, that on the morning after your escape from Frankenburg,
+the foreign painter, with his collection of pictures, had also, in an
+inconceivable manner, vanished; and although the disturbance that you
+had raised at first excited a good deal of notice, yet, in the stream of
+other events, and the bustle of the fair, it was ere long forgotten. It
+was not till after the murder at the castle of the Baron von F----
+became generally talked of, and the magistracy of that district
+published handbills, offering a reward for the arrest of Medardus, a
+Capuchin monk in Koenigswald, that people were reminded of the painter
+having indeed told the whole story, and recognized in you the said
+brother Medardus.
+
+"The landlord of the hotel wherein you had lodged, confirmed a
+supposition that had already got afloat, of my having been accessory to
+your flight. The people, therefore, fixed their attention on me, and
+would have thrown me into prison. Having long wished to quit for ever
+the miserable course of life that I had been dragging on, my resolution
+was, in consequence, very speedily adopted. I determined to go into
+Italy, where there are _Abbates_ with powdered wigs, and encouragement
+is yet afforded to an accomplished _friseur_. On my way thither I saw
+you in the _residenz_ of the Prince von Rosenthurm. The people there
+talked of your marriage with the Baroness Aurelia, and of the
+condemnation and execution of the monk Medardus.
+
+"I had also an opportunity of seeing this criminal monk, and whatever
+his history might have been, I was convinced at once that you were the
+true Medardus. I placed myself in your way, but you did not observe me,
+and I left the Prince's _residenz_, in order to follow out my own plans.
+
+"After a long and fatiguing journey, I had taken up my night's rest at a
+small obscure hamlet. In the morning I rose very early, as was the
+custom of the inhabitants there, and prepared to continue my laborious
+progress through a forest, which lay in gloomy darkness before me. Just
+as the first gleams of the morning had begun to break through the clouds
+of the east, there was a rustling in the thickets, and a man, with his
+hair matted, and staring out in various directions, his beard, too, in
+the same disorder, but wearing an elegant modern suit of clothes, leaped
+past me!
+
+"His looks were wild and outrageous, and I gazed after him with the
+greatest astonishment, but in a moment he had disappeared again in the
+thick of the tangled coppice, and I could see no more of him. I walked
+onwards, therefore; but what words can express the horror that I felt,
+when right before me I saw a naked human figure stretched out flat upon
+the ground! There seemed to me no doubt that a murder had been
+committed, and that the fugitive whom I had before seen was the
+murderer.
+
+"I knelt down beside the naked man, recognized at once your features,
+and perceived that you still breathed. Close beside you lay the Capuchin
+habit, which at this moment you are wearing. With much labour and
+stratagem I contrived to dress you in it, and to drag you along with me.
+At last you awoke out of your deep swoon, but you remained in that
+frightful state of apathy in which this reverend gentleman has described
+you.
+
+"It cost me no little exertion to get you dragged along, and
+consequently it was not till late in the evening that I was able to
+reach an ale-house, which was situated in the middle of the forest. Here
+I placed you upon a bench of turf at the door, where you lay as if
+utterly overcome and drunk with sleep. I then went into the house to
+procure you food and drink, and, found (as I suspected might be the
+case) a party of hussars, who, as the hostess informed me, were in
+pursuit of a monk, who, in an inconceivable manner, had escaped at the
+moment when, on account of his enormous crimes, preparations were making
+for his death on the scaffold.
+
+"It was to me an inexplicable mystery how you could have escaped out of
+the _residenz_ into the forest; but the entire conviction that you were
+the Medardus whom they now sought after, made me exert myself to the
+utmost to rescue you from the danger which now hovered over you. Of
+course, I brought you away directly from the ale-house, in which
+undertaking I was favoured by the increasing darkness; and thereafter
+choosing always the by-roads and most unfrequented tracks, I succeeded
+at last in conducting you over the frontiers.
+
+"Finally, after long and incredible wanderings, I came with you to this
+house, where the inhabitants received us both, as I declared that I was
+not willing to separate from you. Here I was convinced that you were
+perfectly secure, for by no means would the venerable fathers give up a
+sick person whom they had once received, to any criminal court.
+
+"In this very chamber, then, I faithfully attended and nursed you; for
+as to your own five senses, you were indeed but very indifferently
+provided. Nor were the movements of your limbs to be commended. Neither
+Vestris nor Noverre would have given you much encouragement, for your
+head hung down on your breast, and when any one wished you to stand
+upright, then you tumbled about like a capotted nine-pin or skittle. As
+to your celebrated eloquence, too, you fared still worse, for you were
+d----d _monosyllabic_, and in your lucid intervals, only said, 'Hu--hu!'
+and 'Me--me!' out of which expressions your thoughts and wishes were not
+to be very clearly divined: Indeed, it was to be supposed, that your
+rational faculties had become unfaithful to you, and were gone
+a-vagabondizing on their own private account.
+
+"At last you became all of a sudden extravagantly merry, cut inordinate
+capers in the air, and roared aloud with sheer exuberance of delight,
+tearing your habit at the same time, in order, we supposed, to escape
+even from the smallest restraint. Your appetite was then----"
+
+"Stop, stop, Schoenfeld," cried I, "give over this horrible and cruel
+raillery--you have already sufficiently informed me of the frightful
+situation into which I had fallen. Thanks and praise to the
+long-suffering and mercy of Heaven, and the intercession of the saints,
+that I am now rescued!"
+
+"Alas! reverend sir," resumed Schoenfeld, "in what respect are you the
+better of all that you have gained, I mean of this peculiar attribute of
+the soul, which is called self-consciousness? Methinks it might well be
+compared to the cursed activity of a pettifogging toll-keeper, or
+excise-officer, at best, or a controller of customs, who has established
+his damnable _comptoir_ in the brain, and upon the last indication of
+goods coming forth from hence, cries out 'Hey day! The export is
+forbidden. These wares must remain in the country.' The richest jewels,
+like contemptible grains of seed, remain stuck in the earth, and at
+last, all that rises above the surface are _runkelrueben_,[4] from an
+hundred thousand weight of which, perhaps a quarter of an ounce of bad
+sugar is afterwards extracted; and yet this pitiful export is, forsooth,
+to lay the foundation of trade with the glorious city of the New
+Jerusalem in the realms above, where all is magnificence and splendour.
+Oh, heavens! I would have given all my dearly bought powder _a la
+Marchalle_, or _a la Pompadour_, or _a la Reine de Golconde_,--would
+have cast it into the river, where it is deepest, if by transi-to-trade,
+I could have obtained from thence but a _quentlein_ of the golden dust of
+the sun's rays, to dress the wigs of reverend professors, and men of
+learning, but in the first place, mine own! What do I say? If my
+excellent friend Damon, reverend sir, had, instead of the flea-coloured
+frock, contrived to hang about your shoulders one of those robes made of
+the morning light, in which the burgesses of the holy city walk to
+church, then, as to dignity and gentility, we should have come off very
+differently; but as the matter stood, the world held you for a common
+_glebae adscriptus_, and the devil for your cousin-german!"
+
+[Footnote 4: Beet-roots.]
+
+Schoenfeld had risen up, and walked, or rather hopped, about the room,
+with vehement gesticulations, and twisting his features into incredible
+contortions. He was in the plenitude of his vein, kindling up one folly
+by another. I therefore seized him again by both arms. "Art thou
+resolved," said I, "to secure thyself a place in this hospital instead
+of me? Is it impossible for thee to talk more than five minutes
+together without falling into these absurdities?"
+
+"Is then all that I utter," said he, "so very foolish, when thus the
+spirit comes upon me?"
+
+"That is precisely what renders your talk so intolerable," said I.
+"There is often good sense at the bottom of all this gibberish, but so
+abominably metamorphosed, that a thought, good in itself, is like a fine
+dress hung over with party-coloured rags. Like a drunk man, thou canst
+not proceed in a straight direction, but art everlastingly floundering
+away hither and thither. Thy conduct is never consistent or
+consecutive."
+
+"What is conduct?" said Schoenfeld, with a contemptuous smile--"What is
+conduct, most venerable Capuchin? Doth not that term imply the
+preconception in the mind of some fixed and certain object, for the
+attainment of which we shape and adapt our procedure? Are you, reverend
+sir, sure of your own object? Are you not rather afraid that you may
+have occasionally admitted too little alloy in your spirituous
+potations, and now, like a giddy tower-watcher, see two goals, without
+knowing the right one? Besides, sir, let it be forgiven to one of my
+profession, if he is apt, perhaps too often, to have recourse to the
+humorous and the _outre_, in order to season the insipidity of this
+life, as we add Spanish pepper to cauliflower; without this, an artist
+of my vocation would be but a pitiful _dummkopf_,[5] who carries his
+privilege in his pocket, without ever daring to make use of it."
+
+[Footnote 5: Blockhead.]
+
+The monk had remained in the room, and had looked attentively at
+Belcampo and at me; but as we spoke German, he did not understand a
+single word. At last, he resolutely interrupted our dialogue. "Excuse
+me, gentlemen," said he, "if I put an end to a discourse from which it
+is impossible for either of you to derive any advantage. Your health,
+brother, is yet much too weak to bear with a conversation which probably
+awakens painful recollections as to your past life. Besides, you will
+have time enough to learn all that your friend has to inform you of, as
+when you leave our establishment, he will no doubt accompany you.
+Belcampo has a strange manner of speaking; and by his eloquence and
+gesticulations together, never fails, when he tells a story, to bring
+every adventure vividly before the eyes of his listener. In Germany he
+must, I suppose, be looked on as mad. Here in Italy, he would be valued
+as a capital buffoon, and on the stage might make a fortune."
+
+Schoenfeld stared with all his might at the clergyman, then lifted
+himself on tiptoe, clasped his hands over his head, and called out in
+Italian, "Thou warning voice from the world of spirits--thou voice of
+omnipotent destiny! To me thou hast spoken at last through the organs of
+this reverend father. Belcampo--Belcampo! How could'st thou mistake so
+long thy true vocation? It is now resolved!" He then ran out of the
+room, and for that day I saw no more of him.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Next morning he made his appearance, equipt for a journey. "Dear Brother
+Medardus," said he, "you are now quite recovered; you do not any longer
+require my assistance. I therefore take my departure, in order to go, as
+the spirit moves me, into the world. Farewell, then! Yet permit me that
+I exercise on you, for the last time, my art, although in my own
+estimation it has now become utterly contemptible."
+
+Hereupon he drew out his razors, comb, and scissars, and with a thousand
+grimaces, _more suo_, brought my hair and visage into proper order. At
+last he took his leave, with many tears; and as the man, notwithstanding
+his fidelity, had become very strange and mysterious, and knew more of
+my history than I could have wished, I was not sorry to find myself free
+from his tiresome conversation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The physician's remedies had been of great service to me; and as, by
+taking every day longer and longer walks, I had quite recovered my
+strength, I became convinced that I was able for the fatigues of a
+pedestrian journey, and resolved to leave a house, which, however
+suitable to the sick, was by no means a congenial abode for those who
+were in health.
+
+The plan of going to Rome had been, without any volition of my own,
+brought so far into execution. I had always been advancing farther
+towards the place of my destination, and resolved, therefore, that I
+would now persevere in the same course.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+At last I had taken leave of the charitable brethren, and set out as a
+pilgrim on that high road, which I was told was the proper route to the
+great city. Notwithstanding that my health was now thoroughly
+reinstated, yet I was conscious of a strange apathy of mind, which threw
+a dark shade on every image, rendering the prospects before me grey,
+withered, and cloudy. Without even any clear remembrance of my past
+life, I was completely occupied by cares for the present moment. Towards
+evening, I always looked out anxiously for some place, (generally a
+convent or private house,) where I would be able to extort food and
+shelter for the night. I rejoiced not a little, when I met with persons
+sufficiently devout to fill my knap-sack and wine-bottle, in return for
+which I mechanically repeated, according to monastic form, the customary
+blessings. In short, I had sunk in spirit, as well as in outward
+observances, into an ordinary, stupid, and depraved mendicant friar.
+
+At last, after many adventures, no one of which deserves particular
+commemoration, (for they were all of a similar character,) I came at
+last to a great Capuchin Convent, which, surrounded only by houses
+belonging to the establishment, and forming in itself a little town, is
+situated not far from Rome. This convent, though within itself large and
+populous, is, in other respects, lonely and insulated. The monks are by
+their rule obliged to receive others of the same order, and I imagined
+that I should live for some time with much comfort among them.
+
+Accordingly I made up a story, such as I thought would sound favourably
+in their ears. I pretended that the convent to which I belonged in
+Germany had been recently broken up; that consequently I had been thrown
+on the wide world, and wished to be received into some other monastery,
+under the same laws.
+
+With that hospitality and cheerfulness which are peculiar to the Italian
+clergy, they, in the first place, entertained me sumptuously, and the
+Prior formally said, that if no fulfilment of a sacred vow obliged me
+to travel farther, I was welcome to remain there as long as I chose.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It was now the hour of vespers. The monks went to their appointed places
+in the choir, and I walked into the church. I was deeply impressed by
+the bold and magnificent architecture of the great aisle--but, alas! my
+spirit could now no more be exalted by those raptures which in early
+days attended me in the church of the Holy Lime-Tree, to which this bore
+a marked and mysterious resemblance!
+
+When I had completed my devotions at the high altar, I indulged myself
+in walking through the different subsidiary aisles, contemplating the
+paintings at various shrines, which, as usual, represented the
+martyrdoms of the saints, to whom they were severally consecrated. At
+last I was attracted by a small and retired chapel, where the altar was
+exquisitely illuminated by the beams of the now setting sun, that
+streamed in through the painted window.
+
+I wished to examine the picture, and devoutly making the sign of the
+cross, mounted up the marble steps. Oh, heaven! It was precisely the
+same, the fatal altar-piece of my own convent--the martyrdom of St
+Rosalia! Methought, however, the figure was yet more beautiful, more
+exquisitely attractive and seducing. It was Aurelia, in her fullest
+bloom of beauty, that I beheld; and my whole past life, which I had
+begun to forget, with all its wanderings and crimes--the murder of
+Euphemia, of Hermogen, and of Aurelia, revived on my recollection, as if
+concentrated instantaneously into one horrible thought, that penetrated
+my heart and brain, like a burning hot implement of torture.
+
+I threw myself prostrate on the stone floor. I was convulsively shook
+and torn by my inward conflicts, as if I had been laid on the rack of
+the most cruel and relentless inquisition. Death would have been
+welcome--but, alas! death would not come to my relief! Hereupon I began
+to tear my garments, in the furious rage of despair. I howled in
+hopeless anguish, so that my voice resounded through the vaulted aisles
+of the church.
+
+"I am cursed," cried I aloud--"I am cursed for ever. There is for me no
+grace, no consolation more--neither in this world nor in the next. To
+hell--to hell am I doomed! Sentence of eternal damnation has gone forth
+against me--an accursed and abandoned sinner!"
+
+My cries of course alarmed the whole community. People came, lifted me
+up, and carried me from the altar of St Rosalia. The service was now
+over, and the monks assembled in the chapel. At their head was the
+Prior. He looked at me with an indescribable mildness and gravity of
+expression, which reminded me of Leonardus. He then advanced and took me
+by the hand, while to me it seemed as if some blessed saint, hovering in
+the air, held up the miserable sinner above the fiery and bottomless
+pool of destruction into which he was about to plunge.
+
+"You are ill and feverish, brother," said the Prior; "the fatigues of
+your long pilgrimage have been too great a trial of your strength, but
+we shall carry you safely into the sick ward of the convent, where you
+will be faithfully attended by our physician, and restored to health."
+
+I could not make any articulate answer to this address. I knelt before
+him in abject misery, and even kissed the hem of his garment.
+Deep-drawn sighs, which I could not repress, betrayed the frightful
+condition of my soul. The monks again lifted me up, and brought me into
+the refectorium, where they insisted on my accepting of some
+refreshments.
+
+On a sign from the Prior, the brethren then retired, and I remained with
+him alone.
+
+"Brother," he began, "your conscience seems to be loaded with some heavy
+sins; for nothing but repentance almost without hope, on account of some
+extraordinary crime, could have given rise to such conduct as you have
+this evening exhibited. Yet great and boundless are the mercy and
+long-suffering of God; very powerful, too, is the intercession of the
+saints. Therefore, take courage! You shall confess to me; and when this
+duty is fulfilled, the consolations of the church shall not be wanting."
+
+These words in themselves were not remarkable; but the tone and manner
+of the Prior made on me such an impression, that at this moment
+methought the mysterious pilgrim of the Holy Lime-Tree stood beside me,
+and as if he were the only being on the wide earth to whom I was bound
+to disclose the horrors of my life, and from whom I must allow nothing
+to remain concealed. Still I was unable to speak. I could only prostrate
+myself again upon the earth before the old man.
+
+"I am now obliged," said he, "to return to the chapel. Should you
+resolve to follow my counsel, you will find me there."
+
+My determination was already fixed. As soon as I had, by a great effort,
+recovered some degree of composure, I hastened after the Prior, and
+found him waiting in the confessional. Acting according to the impulse
+of the moment, I began to speak, for the first time since a very long
+period, without the slightest attempt at disguise. On the contrary, I
+confessed all the adventures of my life, from first to last, without
+mitigating a single circumstance, which the severest censor could have
+suggested against me!
+
+Horrible was the penance which the Prior now imposed upon me! Forbid to
+appear again in the church--shut out like an alien from the society of
+the monks, I was henceforth confined to the charnel vaults of the
+convent--miserably prolonging my life by a stinted portion of tasteless
+roots and water, scourging myself with knotted ropes, and mangling my
+flesh with various implements of martyrdom, which the ingenuity of
+demoniacal malevolence had _first_ invented, lifting up my voice only in
+bitter accusations against myself, or in the most passionate and abject
+supplications for deliverance from that hell whose flames already seemed
+to burn within me!
+
+But when my blood streamed from an hundred wounds--when pain, in a
+hundred scorpion stings, assailed me--and nature yielded at last, from
+inability to continue the conflict, so that I fell asleep like an
+exhausted child, even in despite of my torments--then the horrid imagery
+of dreams molested me with a new and involuntary martyrdom.
+
+Methought I saw Euphemia, who came floating towards me in all the
+luxuriance of her beauty, and casting on me the most seductive glances.
+But I cried out aloud, "What would'st thou from me, thou accursed sinful
+woman? No! hell shall not triumph over the truly penitent!" Then
+methought her form, before so wanton and luxurious, shook and shivered.
+She threw aside her robes, and a horror, like that of annihilation,
+seized upon me; for I saw that her body was dried up into a skeleton,
+and through the ribs of the spectre I saw not worms, but numberless
+serpents that twined and twisted within and without, thrusting out their
+heads and forked burning tongues towards me.
+
+"Away!--begone!" cried I, in delirium; "thy serpents are stinging my
+already wounded flesh. They would fatten on my heart's-blood,--but
+then--I should die--I should die--Death would release me from thy
+vengeance!"
+
+"My serpents," howled out the spectre, who now seemed like an infernal
+fury,--"my serpents may nourish themselves from thy heart's-blood, but
+herein consists not thy torment, oh wretched sinner! Thy pain is within
+thine own bosom, and in vain hopest thou for release in death. Thy
+torment is the thought of thine own crimes, and this thought is
+eternal!"
+
+Hereafter the figure of Hermogen, streaming with blood, rose up out of
+the dusky void, and Euphemia fled before him. He, too, staid not; but
+rushed past, with an hideous groan, and pointing to a wound in his
+throat, which had the form of the cross.
+
+I now wished to pray; but my senses were lost and overcome in the
+confusion that ensued. At first the whole air was animated, and filled
+with rustling and flapping of wings, and gibbering of unearthly voices.
+Then mortals, whom I had before known in the world, appeared
+metamorphosed into the most insane caricatures. Heads, with well-known
+features, came crawling about me on scarecrow legs, which grew out of
+their own ears. Strange winged monsters, too, which I knew not, and
+could not name, came floating through the air. Among these were ravens,
+and other birds, with human faces. But at last, these gave place to the
+Bishop's choir-master, at Koenigswald, with his sister. The latter
+wheeled herself about in a wild and furious _walz_, to which her brother
+supplied the music; but he kept all the while strumming on his own
+breast, which had become a violin.
+
+Belcampo, whom I recognised, although he wore a hateful lizard's head,
+and sat upon a disgusting winged serpent, came driving up towards me. He
+wanted to comb my beard with a red-hot iron comb; but could not succeed
+in his attempt. The tumult always became wilder and wilder. More strange
+and indescribable were the figures, from the smallest beetle, dancing on
+large human feet, up to the long drawn-out horse skeleton, with blazing
+eyes, and with his own hide made into a pillion, upon which sat a rider,
+with a gleaming owl's head. A gigantic bottomless beaker served for his
+coat of mail, and an inverted funnel was his helmet.
+
+"Hell," cried a voice, "is in a mood of mirth, and triumphs!" Hereupon I
+heard myself laugh aloud; but the exertion of laughter tore my breast;
+my pain became more scorching, and my wounds bled more fiercely.
+
+At last the rabble rout vanished, and there came forward the glorious
+form of a woman more beauteous than the fairest of the boasted
+Circassians on earth! She walked up towards me.--"Oh, heaven, it is
+Aurelia!"--"I live," said she; "I live, and I am now for ever thine!"
+
+Then the raging fires of sinful passion once more arose within me. I
+flew to Aurelia, seized and embraced her with fervour. All weakness and
+exhaustion were utterly forgotten; but instead of her light and
+sylph-like form, methought I felt the weight and the torture of burning
+lead or iron laid on my breast. My visage and eyes, too, were scratched
+and wounded as if with rough bristles, like a wool-dresser's comb; and
+Satan roared aloud, with thrilling laughter--"Now, _now_ art thou wholly
+mine!"
+
+With a shriek of terror I awoke, and anon my blood flowed anew in
+streams, from the strokes of the knotted whip, with which, in hopeless
+agony, I chastised myself. For the crime of that interview with Aurelia,
+though but in a dream, demanded double penance, and I was resolved to
+run the risk even of committing indirect suicide, rather than omit one
+iota of the prescribed inflictions.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At last, the period appointed by the Prior for my seclusion in the
+vaults was over, and, by his express command, I was obliged to remove
+from thence, in order to finish the remainder of my penance in the
+convent, although my cell was yet to be separated from all the other
+brethren; for, by such gradations, I was at last to arrive at his
+permission to return to the church, and to the society of the monks.
+
+But with the latter gradations of penance I was not myself satisfied. I
+was enjoined only solitude and a daily use of the knotted rope; but I
+stedfastly refused every better sort of food which was now offered to
+me; and when at last allowed to enter the church, I lay for whole days
+on the cold marble floor, before the shrine of St Rosalia, and chastised
+myself in my cell in the most cruel and immoderate degree. By these
+outward sufferings, I thought that I should overcome the more fearful
+pains by which I was inwardly tormented, but in vain! Those phantoms,
+the off-spring of my own perturbed imagination, always returned, and I
+believed myself given up a helpless prey to Satan, who thus, for his own
+special divertisement, assailed me, and enticed me to commit those sins
+in _thought_, which in _deed_ were no longer in my power.
+
+The severe penance imposed upon me, and the unheard-of perseverance with
+which it was fulfilled, excited in the highest degree the attention of
+the monks. They contemplated me with a kind of reverential awe, and many
+times I heard whisperings among them--"He is indeed a saint!" This
+expression was to me unspeakably distressing, for it reminded me vividly
+of that moment in the Capuchin Convent of Koenigswald, when, in my
+outrageous delirium, I had called out to the spectral painter, "I am the
+blessed St Anthony!"
+
+The very last and concluding stage of the penance imposed by the Prior,
+had now passed away, yet I had never desisted from self-martyrdom.
+Nature seemed unable to bear up any longer against the violence which I
+inflicted. My eyes were dim and sunk in their sockets. My bleeding frame
+was become a mere skeleton, so that, when for hours I had lain on the
+marble floor, I was not able to raise myself till the monks came to
+assist me.
+
+At last, the Prior one day sent for me to his consulting-room.
+"Brother," said he, "do you now feel, after the severe penance you have
+undergone, your mind soothed and lightened? Have the consolations of
+Heaven been poured upon you?"
+
+In the hollow tone of despair, I answered him, "No!"
+
+"Brother," he resumed, "when, after your confession of horrid crimes, I
+inflicted on you that severe penance, I satisfied the laws of the
+church, which demand that a malefactor whom the arm of justice has not
+reached, but who voluntarily confesses his evil actions, should also,
+by his outward conduct, prove the _reality_ of his repentance. Yet I
+believe, (and the best authorities are on my side,) that the most
+excruciating torments which the penitent can inflict on himself, do not,
+as soon as he himself grounds any confidence on these exercises,
+diminish, by one fraction, the amount of his guilt. To no human
+intellect is it given to explain how the omniscient and eternal Ruler
+measures and weighs the deeds of mankind; but lost for ever must that
+mortal be, who deludes himself with expectations of taking Heaven by
+storm, through the force of penitential infliction.
+
+"Moreover, the individual who believes that, by the fulfilment of such
+duties, the crimes of which he has been convicted are, of necessity,
+blotted out and atoned, proves, by this very belief, that his inward
+repentance has neither been true nor complete. But as for you, dear
+brother Medardus, you have yet experienced no consolation, and _this_,
+in my opinion, proves the truth of your conversion. Give up now, I
+command you, all chastisements--allow yourself better food, and no
+longer avoid the society of your brethren.
+
+"Learn, besides, that your extraordinary life, with all its complicated
+involvements, is better known to me than it is even to yourself. A
+fatality from which you could not escape, gave to the devil a certain
+influence over you; and, while you committed crimes which to your own
+nature were abhorrent, you were only his tool, or implement.
+
+"Dream not, however, that you are on this account less sinful in the
+eyes of Heaven, or of the church, for on you was bestowed ample power,
+if you had had the resolution to exert it, to conquer in a spirited
+battle the fiend who beset you. In what mortal heart has not this
+influence of our arch-enemy raged like a tempest, resisting every
+impulse of good? But without this conflict, virtue could have no
+existence--For in what doth virtue consist, but in the triumph (after a
+hard-fought battle) of good over evil?
+
+"But, as one source of consolation, I can inform you, that you have
+accused yourself of a crime wherein you have been guilty in intention,
+but not in effect. Aurelia yet lives. In your madness you probably
+wounded yourself, and it was your own blood that streamed over your
+hands. Aurelia still lives;--this fact I have amply ascertained."
+
+Hereupon I fell on my knees, with my hands uplifted in fervent prayer,
+and burst into tears.
+
+"Know farther," said the Prior, "that the strange old painter, of whom,
+in your confession, you spoke so much, has, as long as I can remember,
+been an occasional visitor at our convent, and probably may, before
+long, again appear among us. Long ago he gave me a parchment book to
+take charge of, in which are numerous drawings, but more especially a
+kind of chronicle, to which, as often as he came hither, he always added
+a few lines or pages. He has not left me under any injunctions not to
+shew this book to any one whom its contents may interest, and, of
+course, I shall not hesitate to intrust it with you. Indeed, this now
+becomes my indispensable duty, and hence you will learn the wonderful
+entanglements of your own destiny, which at one time led you as if into
+a higher world of visions and miracles, and, at another, into the most
+ordinary and most depraved scenes of what is called the world.
+
+"It has been said that miracles have now wholly vanished from the earth;
+but this is a doctrine which I, for one, am by no means inclined to
+accede to. Miracles, if by that name we understand only that which we
+by no means can explain or account for, certainly have continued among
+us, though it is true, that by the observance of a few fixed and limited
+rules, our philosophers seem (in their own conceit at least) to give
+laws to nature; yet, nevertheless, there are phenomena every now and
+then recurring, which put all their boasted wisdom to shame, and which,
+in our obstinate stupidity, because they are not explainable, we
+therefore reject, as unworthy of belief.
+
+"In this manner we deny, among other things, the possibility of a
+spiritual apparition, inasmuch as it is impossible for an incorporeal
+figure to be mirrored on the surface of the human eye, which is
+corporeal, the absurd fallacy and sophism of which reasoning is obvious.
+To tell the truth, I look upon this ancient painter as one of those
+extraordinary apparitions, which put to the blush all ordinary rules and
+theories. I am doubtful even if his corporeal figure is such as we can
+properly call real. This much is certain, that no one here ever
+discovered in him the ordinary functions of life. He would neither eat,
+drink, nor sleep; nor did I ever observe him either writing or drawing,
+though it was obvious, notwithstanding, that in the book, in which he
+only appeared to read, there were always more leaves written or painted
+on when he went away, than there had been before.
+
+"I should observe, also, that all which the book contains, appeared to
+me to be mere _griffon-age_, or fantastic sketches of an insane artist,
+until you came to our convent. Then, for the first time, its pages came
+to be legible and intelligible, after you, dear brother Medardus, had
+confessed to me.
+
+"I dare not give utterance more particularly to my own suppositions, or
+apprehensions, regarding the real character of this old painter, and his
+relationship to you. You will yourself guess at the truth, or, more
+probably, it will develope itself in the clearest light before you, when
+you have attentively perused this book. Go then, take every proper
+method and precaution to restore your bodily, as well as mental
+energies, and, in a few days, if you feel yourself recovered, as I hope
+will be the case, you shall receive from me the mysterious volume,
+which, meanwhile, I retain, as you have not strength at present for the
+task of deciphering it."
+
+Henceforward, I was of course under the necessity of acting according to
+the injunctions of the Prior. I ate with the brethren at their public
+table, and omitted all chastisements, confining myself to fervent and
+prolonged prayer at the altars of the saints. Although my heart
+continued to bleed inwardly, and my mind was still much disturbed, yet
+at last those horrible phantoms and diabolical temptations by which I
+had been persecuted, came to an end. Often, when tired to death, I
+passed sleepless nights on my hard couch, there was around me a waving
+as if of seraphs' wings; and I beheld the lovely form of the living
+Aurelia, who, with her eyes full of tears and celestial compassion, bent
+down over me. She stretched out her hand, as if protectingly, and
+diffusing blessings over my head. Then my eye-lids sank down, and a mild
+refreshing slumber poured new strength into my veins.
+
+When the Prior observed that my mind and frame had once more regained
+some degree of healthy excitement, he again sent for me in private, and
+gave me the painter's parchment book, admonishing me to read it with
+attention in my own cell.
+
+I opened the volume, and the first of its contents which struck my eye
+were drawings for those paintings which still exist in the Church of the
+Holy Lime-Tree, and which had, from earliest youth, possessed so
+mysterious an influence over my whole life. Formerly, the possession of
+this book would have agitated me almost to madness, from the degree of
+anxiety which it would have excited. Now, however, after the discipline
+which I had undergone, I was perfectly calm. Besides, there was scarcely
+any degree of mystery left which I had not by anticipation already
+developed. That which the painter had here, in a small scarcely-legible
+hand, set down, intermixed with sketches both in black lead and in
+colours, was but a distinct and clear delineation of my own dreams and
+apprehensions, brought out indeed with a degree of precision and
+accuracy of which I could not have been capable.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+After mature reflection, I have judged it superfluous to transcribe in
+this place the parchment book of the old and supernatural painter;
+though I might be tempted to do so by the consideration, that no one
+else could ever be enabled to understand and follow out its intricate
+details, or even to decipher the hand-writing. He sets out by speaking
+of himself in the third, but afterwards, or towards the close of his
+narrative, uses the first personal pronoun.
+
+He was the eldest son of a certain Prince Camillo di Rosoli, (who had in
+early life been distinguished for his bravery and military talents,) and
+had been sent by his father, at an early age, into the world, where, to
+the great surprise of his noble friends and relations, he devoted
+himself almost exclusively to the study of painting, under a celebrated
+master of that art in Rome. Here he had already been for a considerable
+time, when his father, having been requested by the Republic of Genua to
+take the command of a powerful fleet against the Algerine corsairs, sent
+an abrupt and peremptory order for the young prince to return home. To
+this, Francesco, for that was his name, returned for answer, that a
+prince, surrounded by all the pomp and dignity incident to high rank,
+was, in his estimation, a mere cipher, in comparison with the character
+of an independent man of genius, whose wants were few, and who could
+supply these wants by the exercise of his art. A prince, he said, was,
+by the circumstances under which he lived, much more subdued and slavish
+than even the poorest artist:--for his own part, he knew well enough how
+to wield the pallet and pencils, but by no means the sceptre. Finally,
+that as to exploits in warfare, whether by sea or land, they were
+barbarous and abhorrent to his nature; whereas the creations of the
+painter were like reflections on canvass of the divine spirit, of which
+a share sometimes descends on favoured mortals.
+
+Thus he sent back his father's messengers with contumely and disgrace,
+and the old prince, being thereby violently incensed, dispatched other
+ambassadors, who had no better success; whereupon, they informed him,
+that, if he did not obey his father's orders, they were commissioned to
+say, that he would be disinherited, and never more permitted to assume
+that rank which he had now virtually, though not formally, resigned.
+
+To these conditions Francesco made no objections whatever;--on the
+contrary, he gave up to his younger brother, in a regular charter, all
+claims on the family estates; and as the old prince soon after lost his
+life in battle, Zenobio succeeded to the government, and Francesco
+continued to live poorly enough on a small pension, which his brother
+voluntarily bestowed upon him.
+
+Francesco was originally of a proud and overbearing temper; but his
+instructor in the art of painting, the celebrated Leonardo di Rovino,
+was one of the most pious and ingenious of men. Finding that his pupil
+had actually renounced the fortune and rank to which he had been born,
+he gave him such good counsel and example, that for some years Francesco
+behaved as a very obedient and faithful disciple, assisting his master
+in the completion of several great works, which were almost wholly
+devoted to the illustration of the Christian miracles, and the glorious
+lives of the Saints.
+
+After some time, however, it came to pass that Francesco raised himself
+to the rank of a master on his own account, and was engaged to paint
+many altar-pieces for churches, &c., in which Leonardo continued kindly
+to assist him, until at length, being very far advanced in years, he
+died.
+
+Then like a fire long with difficulty suppressed, the native pride and
+insolence of Francesco's character again broke forth. He looked on
+himself as the greatest painter of his time, and joining with this
+notion of his own pre-eminence, the recollection of his hereditary rank,
+he assumed for himself the title of the Noble Painter. Of his once
+revered master, Leonardo, he now spoke with contempt, and invented for
+himself a new school of art, which was well adapted to attract the
+admiration of the multitude. He diligently studied the works of the
+ancient statuaries; among which, a certain renowned figure of Venus,
+above all others, engaged his attention; and henceforth no one could
+equal him in representing the luxurious seductions of the female form,
+which he always introduced naked, giving to his figures, by means of
+dark shadows in the back ground, and a brilliance of colouring, which
+were particularly his own, the most magical effect of _alto relievo_.
+
+It happened that in the great city he fell into the society of a set of
+wild young men, most of them of high rank, who were delighted to have
+for their companion a man in birth equal to themselves, though, as an
+artist and man of genius, more interesting than men of mere fortune and
+family can generally pretend to be. Francesco was but too willing to
+attend their feasts and festivals, and was delighted by the praise with
+which they constantly fed his vanity, insisting, in particular, on the
+high advantages which he possessed over the artists of that age, by his
+preference of the ancient models, and his correctness as to drawing and
+anatomy.
+
+Being all of them unable or unwilling to submit to any degree of
+restraint, and cherishing no other principle than that of yielding to
+the extravagance of youthful imagination, and the indulgence of their
+own passions, they formed a plan of renouncing altogether the Christian
+Religion, and adopting fantastically the creed and manners of the
+ancient Romans.
+
+In this manner they for some time continued to lead a shameless and most
+dissolute life, in consequence of which, it happened that Francesco,
+neglecting the orders which were from time to time sent to him from
+convents and other religious institutions, fell into grievous distress
+for want of ready money. Added to this it so happened, that the salary
+usually allowed him by his brother Zenobio, was not paid at the regular
+time. He now recollected that the monks of a certain Capuchin convent
+had some months before offered a large sum for an altar piece,
+representing the martyrdom of St Rosalia, which commission he had, under
+the influence of his dissolute pleasures, and apostacy from the
+Christian faith, refused to execute. Now, however, he resolved to
+perform the work required of him, wholly for the sake of the reward with
+which it would be attended.
+
+Accordingly he began, intending to paint the martyrdom of St Rosalia, in
+his usual glaring and seductive manner, modelling her form and features
+after those of the favourite Venus which has already been mentioned. In
+the pencil drawing which he made in the first place, he succeeded well
+enough, and the wicked young men, his companions, were highly delighted
+with the notion of setting up a heathenish idol, instead of a real
+picture of a Christian saint, in the church.
+
+But when Francesco came actually to paint, lo! by some inexplicable
+influence, the work turned out very differently from what he had
+intended.--A more powerful inspiration overcame that of wicked deceit,
+and hatred to the Christian faith, by which he had been till then
+actuated. It seemed as if the countenance of an angel, from the realms
+of the blest, began to dawn on his perceptions, out of the dark clouds
+which he had laid for the ground-work on his canvass. Involuntarily a
+kind of religious terror took possession of his mind. He became fearful
+of offending the blessed martyr whom he was employed to represent, and
+around the body, which, according to the original design, he had painted
+naked, were at last thrown the elegant folds of a dark-red dress, with a
+sky-blue shawl or mantle.
+
+The Capuchin monks had, in their letter to the painter, only expressed
+their wish for a portrait of St Rosalia, that is to say, for a single
+figure, and for this purpose had his drawing been prepared; but now, led
+on by the workings of his own creative spirit, he invented a grand
+historical design, and introduced many figures, grouped with great
+skill, and which blended very harmoniously with that of the principal
+personage. In short, Francesco's attention was wholly absorbed by this
+work, so that the shameful course of life which he had before led was
+completely broken of, or at least interrupted.
+
+It came to pass, however, that he found himself quite unable to finish,
+according to his own notions, the countenance of the saint; and this
+disappointment tormented him so exceedingly, that he had no rest by
+night or by day. He no longer thought of having recourse to his
+favourite statue of Venus, but it seemed to him as if he beheld his old
+master Leonardo, who looked at him mournfully, and addressed him in
+these words--"Alas! I would willingly assist you, but I dare not! You
+must first renounce all your sinful and shameless propensities, and, in
+deep repentance and contrition, pray for the interposition of the
+saints, against whom you have so fearfully offended."
+
+The wicked young men, whose society had been long neglected by
+Francesco, once more sought him out, and found him in his painting
+room, but wholly unemployed; for, in consequence of his mental anxiety,
+he had fallen sick, and was lying powerless and despairing on his couch.
+On the appearance of his friends he complained to them bitterly of his
+misfortune, and expressed his belief that some malignant demon had
+interfered to rob him of his former reputation, and would prevent him
+altogether from completing his picture of St Rosalia.
+
+At this they all laughed aloud. "Ha, brother," cried one among them, "it
+is easy to perceive that solitude and fasting have been the demons that
+have brought this illness upon you. Come then, my friends, let us devote
+a libation of good old wine to Esculapius, and the benevolent Hygeia, in
+order that this feeble youth may again be restored!"
+
+They sent immediately for Syracusan wine, which these fantastic young
+men drank out of antique-fashioned horns, and silver beakers, pouring
+forth, as they expressed it, their libations to Hygeia, before the
+unfinished picture. Afterwards, when they began to drink stoutly, and
+insisted on Francesco joining in their orgies, the latter resolved
+positively not to taste a drop of their wine, and would take no share in
+their merriment; although they drank the health of his favourite
+goddess, and tried every stratagem to flatter his vanity, and engage his
+attention.
+
+At last, one of them exclaimed, "Our _penseroso_ comrade there is
+perhaps really sick, and cannot so easily be cured as we had supposed.
+Yet, methinks, he hath acted very wrongfully in refusing to taste the
+remedies that have been already prescribed for him. Be this as it may,
+seeing that he is so very ill, I shall directly go hence, and obtain for
+him the assistance of a learned physician." The youth then threw his
+mantle around him, girted on his sword, and marched out. Scarcely,
+however, had he got beyond the door, when he returned again.--"Look you
+now, comrades," he exclaimed, "I am myself the man who will effectually
+cure this poor despairing artist!"
+
+He then put on, as well as he could, the character of an old ridiculous
+physician,--bent himself half double,--walked with his knees knocking
+together, and twisted his face into an hundred wrinkles,--so that, in
+truth, he looked like an hideous old man; and his companions, greatly
+diverted, cried out, "See what learned physiognomies the doctor cuts!"
+
+The doctor went up to Francesco, and pretended to feel his pulse. Then,
+in a pompous rough voice, "Why, thou poor devil!" cried he, "what has
+brought it into thine addled brain to fall sick in this manner? Thy
+pulse beats regularly; what then is the matter with thee? Be that as it
+may, I must make haste to cure thy distemper, whether real or imaginary,
+and thou must submissively follow all my prescriptions; for in the state
+in which thou now art, thy Donna Venus will never be pleased with thee.
+It might be, however, that, if thy visage were less pale, and thy looks
+not so downcast, the Lady Rosalia herself would receive you kindly.
+Here, then, thou poor desponding shepherd! sip up a little of that
+miraculous cordial which I always carry about with me. As you wish to
+paint portraits of saints and angels, my drink will probably be of
+especial service to you; for it is wine from the celebrated cellar of St
+Anthony."
+
+With these words, the pretended doctor had pulled out a small and
+oddly-shaped flask from underneath his mantle, from which flask he now
+drew the cork. Instantly there spread itself all around, an
+extraordinary stupifying vapour, by which most of the youths were so
+confused and overcome, that, one by one, in the course of a few seconds,
+they all dropt in their chairs, closed their eyes, and fell asleep.
+
+Francesco, meanwhile, as if tired of this mummery, and vexed to have
+been mocked and flouted at, snatched the bottle with violence from the
+doctor, intending at first to dash it against the wall. On the contrary,
+however, the odour attracted him so much, that he put it to his lips,
+and instantly swallowed a copious draught.
+
+"Much good may it do you!" said the doctor, who now assumed his former
+countenance and youthful demeanour. But, at that moment, the door
+opened, and the youth, who had before departed in order to bring a
+physician, reappeared _in propria persona_. His double, who must have
+been the devil, stepped forward, and made him a formal bow, whereat the
+whole party were so affrighted, that they all (having been awoke from
+sleep by the noise of his entrance) started up, ran away, and tumbled
+headlong down stairs.
+
+Even like the raging of a volcano was now the tempest which arose within
+the heart and soul of Francesco! All the Heathen stories which he had
+before painted, revived once more, in tenfold force, on his imagination,
+and their _dramatis personae_ floated around him in forms as seductive,
+and colours as brilliant, as if they had been alive, and corporeally
+present.--"But thou, my beloved goddess!" he exclaimed, addressing
+himself to the favourite Venus whom he had so often painted--"thou must
+assume also life, and a tangible form, and become mine, otherwise I
+shall devote myself from henceforth to Pluto, and the subterranean
+powers of darkness!"
+
+Then he beheld, according to his distempered phantasy, the animated
+figure of his admired statue, with an exquisite bloom on her complexion,
+standing right before the unfinished picture, and kindly nodding towards
+him.
+
+Hereupon, seized with a sudden fit of inspiration, he started from his
+couch, ran to his _easel_, and began to paint at the head of St Rosalia;
+for he thought that he would now be able to make an exact copy from the
+features of his Venus. It seemed to him, however, as if the firmest
+efforts of volition could not command his hand--as if, in spite of all
+his endeavours, the pencil glided away from the unfinished countenance
+of Rosalia, to the profane figures by which the rest of the canvass was
+tenanted--and the heavenly aspect of the saint, unfinished as it was,
+and that came there he knew not how, always broke out more visibly and
+powerfully into view, till at last the eyes seemed to move, and look
+into his very soul. Finally, he was overcome with such agitation, that
+he dropped his pallet and pencils, and fell to the ground as if dead, in
+a state of utter despair and insensibility.
+
+When, after a long interval, he awoke from his trance, and had with
+difficulty raised himself up, he did not venture to look at the picture,
+which had now become so terrific, but crawled, with his eyes fixed on
+the ground, towards the table, where he still found the doctor's
+extraordinary bottle of wine, out of which he indulged himself with a
+long and powerful draught.
+
+Francesco was, by this means, completely restored and energized. New
+life and spirit vibrated through every limb and fibre of his frame. He
+mustered up courage enough to look at his picture; and, behold! it was
+now completed, even to the finest touches of the pencil which in his
+best days he could have been able to bestow! But what appeared most
+remarkable, was, that not the saintly countenance of Rosalia, but that
+of his old favourite Venus, now smiled with the most seductive
+expression and glances of love upon him.
+
+Accordingly, Francesco, from that moment, became the victim of the most
+sinful and delirious passion. He thought of the Pagan statuary
+Pygmalion, whose history had supplied him with a subject for one of his
+former profane works, and like him, he implored the gods, that they
+would infuse life into the creations of his art. Very soon it appeared
+to him as if the principal figures in his picture began to move and to
+swell forward in _alto relievo_; but when he tried to clasp the phantom
+in his arms, he found that the dead, cold canvass still mocked at his
+embrace! Thereupon he tore his hair, and behaved like one possessed by
+the devil.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+Already two days and two nights had Francesco passed in a state of
+raging delirium. On the third day, when he, as if petrified, and
+motionless like a statue, was standing before the picture, the door of
+his chamber opened, and there was a rustling behind him as if of female
+garments. He turned round, and beheld a very beautiful woman, whom he
+recognized at once as the original of his picture.
+
+His astonishment was now beyond all description when he beheld that
+form, which he had so long contemplated as a marble statue, living,
+breathing, and blooming, before him. Nay, he was seized with a kind of
+mysterious terror, when he looked from his beautiful visitant back to
+the picture, of which the resemblance was so accurate, that it appeared
+like the reflection of her features in a mirror.
+
+He felt the fullest conviction, that this event was the effect of
+supernatural agency; he could not utter a word, but, overcome by his
+fears, fell on his knees before the strange lady, whom he scarcely
+believed to be more than an aerial phantom.
+
+This living Venus raised him up, however, and immediately proceeded to
+relate to him her own history.
+
+She had seen Francesco at the time when he was yet a pupil in the school
+of Leonardo di Rovino. She was then but very young, but had conceived
+for him a passion so ardent, that it had never lost possession of her
+heart; and at last she had determined on leaving her parents and
+friends, who resided in the country, and wandering away to find him in
+Rome, as an inward voice had told her that he loved her very much; and
+that, merely from the force of that attachment, had been led to paint
+her portrait, which warning she now found to have been strictly true.
+
+Francesco now believed all that she told him. He became persuaded that a
+secret mental sympathy existed between himself and this stranger, which
+had given rise to the passion by which he had so long been haunted. He
+forgot the statue, and gave himself no trouble with inquiries as to how
+the resemblance betwixt it and his new visitor had been produced. Indeed
+such questions would have been very needless, as they admitted not of
+any satisfactory answer.
+
+The consequence of this visit was the solemnization (not by Christian,
+but by heathen rites) of a marriage betwixt the strange woman and
+Francesco, which was attended by all his libertine friends and
+associates. As it was found that his bride had brought with her a casket
+filled with jewels and ready money, he immediately hired servants, and
+purchased a house, where they lived in great splendour and luxury for
+many months.
+
+At the close of this period the paramour of Francesco gave birth to a
+son, which event was followed by her death, attended by circumstances so
+mysterious and horrible, that Francesco was obliged to fly from Rome,
+being accused of sorcery and witchcraft, also of divers other crimes
+peculiarly odious and abhorrent to the spirit and laws of the Christian
+religion. In consequence of all this, he was obliged to make his escape
+suddenly during the night, taking with him his child; and, as if
+endowed with supernatural energies, he made his way onwards to a wild
+and mountainous district of country, which he had before visited in his
+days of extravagance and pleasure, and where he knew that there was a
+cavern cut in the rock, in which he was now glad to take refuge with the
+child from a violent thunder storm.
+
+As to the child, he could not have himself explained by what influence
+he was induced to bear it along with him; for, in truth, he only wished
+for its destruction. On being thrown on the hard floor of the cave,
+however, the infant, for the first time, uttered some fearful and
+melancholy cries, which penetrated to Francesco's heart; and hereupon,
+he, being moved with compassion, tried every method in his power for its
+preservation.
+
+For this purpose, indeed, he was not well provided. At first he could
+only offer the child an orange to suck; but afterwards he recollected
+the doctor's extraordinary flask, of which the contents seemed
+inexhaustible, and which he had found on his departure, and brought with
+him. From this bottle he administered a few drops to the infant, who
+thereupon seemed miraculously strengthened and tranquillized; and he
+made for it, as well as he could, a bed of heather and soft moss,
+protecting it from damp and cold with his mantle.
+
+Hereafter, Francesco passed several weeks in the cavern, living like a
+penitent hermit; and, incredible as it may seem, the child lived also,
+being supplied with food from the contributions that his father received
+from pious and compassionate neighbours. But Francesco's mind,
+meanwhile, became quite wandering and irrational. He prayed, indeed,
+with great zeal, to the blessed saints, that they would intercede for
+him, a miserable sinner; for his heart was now wholly alienated from his
+profane and blasphemous errors. Above all, he preferred many
+supplications to St Rosalia.
+
+Thus it happened, that the wretched man, one beautiful and serene
+evening, was prostrate on his knees, in the wilderness. He watched the
+receding sun, which, at last, was slowly lost in the water, leaving the
+western sky like a sea of red dazzling waves; and that ruddy light faded
+ere long into the sombre grey tints of evening, the forerunner of dark
+night. Then Francesco perceived in the atmosphere the roseate gleam of
+an extraordinary light, which at first he noticed only as a strange
+phenomenon, because the sun had now departed. But the red light assumed
+a particular form, and floated always nearer and nearer to the penitent,
+till at last he recognized the figure of St Rosalia, kneeling on a
+bright cloud, and surrounded by angels. Then he heard a voice like that
+of soft and articulate music, which pronounced the words, "Forgive, oh
+Lord! this mortal, who, in his weakness, was not able to escape the
+deeply-laid snares, and resist the manifold temptations, of Satan!"
+
+Hereupon lightnings quivered through that roseate cloud, and there was a
+deep and reverberating thunder-clap. A fearful voice answered the prayer
+of the saint,--"Oftentimes mortals have sinned and been forgiven; but
+what habitant of earth hath ever transgressed like this one? NO
+HAPPINESS IN LIFE, NOR PEACE IN THE GRAVE, SHALL BE GRANTED TO HIM, SO
+LONG AS THE SINFUL RACE TO WHICH HE HATH GIVEN RISE, SHALL EXIST UPON
+THE EARTH!"
+
+Francesco now sunk down, as if annihilated in the dust; for he
+thoroughly knew that his irrevocable doom had been pronounced; and that,
+by the most horrible destiny, he would now be driven, like a second
+Ahasuerus, through the realms of life, without hope of enjoyment here,
+or confidence of salvation hereafter.
+
+Of course, he now fled, without thinking of the child in the cave; for
+though he could not now wish for its existence, yet he dared not add to
+his already heavy crimes, by that of child-murder. He lived, being no
+longer able to paint, in extreme and abject misery. Many times it came
+into his mind, as if, for the glory of the Christian religion, he must
+yet execute extensive and magnificent works; and, consequently, he made
+out in his thoughts grand designs, both as to drawing and colouring,
+which should illustrate and represent the history of the blessed Virgin,
+and St Rosalia. But how could he begin those paintings, as he now did
+not possess a single _scudo_ to supply himself with canvass and colours,
+and only supported himself by the small pittance of alms, which he
+received at the doors of churches?
+
+Into the churches also, like other mendicants, he was allowed freely to
+enter; and thus it befell, that one bright and beautiful evening, though
+at a late hour, when the sun had gone down, he sat staring on an
+opposite empty wall, and filled it in imagination with the paintings
+which his genius was yet fully competent to execute. While he sat thus
+absorbed in reverie, he saw two female figures, who, silently and with
+noiseless steps, approached him. Their countenances were veiled, so that
+he had no perception of their features; but, with a voice that rose on
+his ears like celestial music, one of them addressed to him the
+following admonition:--
+
+    "In the remote land of East Prussia is the celebrated
+    Convent of the Holy Lime-Tree, wherein
+    Providence has vouchsafed to shew many miracles;
+    but the magnificent chapel there erected is yet
+    without any ornaments of painting. Go thither,
+    then! Let the practice of your art as a painter
+    become to you an exercise of devotion, and your
+    now desponding soul will be refreshed with heavenly
+    consolation!"
+
+With these words, the two female figures melted away in a gleam of
+light, and left the air filled with the fragrance of roses and lilies.
+Francesco was convinced of the supernatural character of these
+visitants, and resolved that he would on the following day begin his
+pilgrimage. On that same evening it happened, that a servant of
+Zenobio's, after much trouble, found him out, paid him two years'
+arrears of his allotted income, and invited him kindly to his brother's
+court.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Thus far the old painter had written of himself in the third person,
+which, in his later memoranda, he exchanges for the first. I consider it
+needless to transcribe his historical account of the various fortunes
+and intricate relationships of that illegitimate race which he had
+founded, and of which I am a descendant. No reader would take the
+trouble of following out a detail which could scarcely be understood,
+unless thrown into the form of a genealogical tree. Besides, the mind
+revolts from the contemplation of enormous and complicated guilt!
+Suffice it to say, that the child which had been left in the cave was
+accidentally found and preserved; that a small ivory cup, which, along
+with the bottle of the devil's elixir, was discovered at the same time,
+bore, for an inscription, the painter's name, Francesco, by which the
+boy was afterwards baptized.
+
+Many years passed away, and, according to the curse which had been
+pronounced against him, the painter's life was miraculously prolonged,
+in order that, by unheard-of penitence, he might expiate his own crimes.
+Meanwhile, he beheld the powers of darkness unceasingly employed against
+him. The boy who had been found in the cave, and who was protected and
+educated, first in the palace of Count Philippo di Saverno, in Italy,
+afterwards in the Court of Prince Zenobio, had several children, among
+whom were two, a son and daughter, who especially inherited their
+father's wicked propensities, and yielded to the temptations of the
+devil.
+
+The family afterwards branched out so widely, that the painter's book
+alone would supply materials for many volumes. To this family belonged
+the Princess von Rosenthurm, the Abbess of the Cistertian Convent, both
+the first and second Baroness von F----, and the Count Victorin, who,
+notwithstanding the mystery under which he had been reared and educated
+in Italy, I now ascertained to be my brother. After the horrible crimes
+which my father had perpetrated at the court of Rosenthurm, he was
+arrested in his flight by an attack of severe illness, which detained
+him long at the house of a benevolent countryman, whose daughter (my
+mother) he afterwards married. For some time after this event, by his
+knowledge of literature and the arts, he contrived to obtain employment
+in the world, having assumed a fictitious name, and established himself
+under a principality where his person and features were wholly unknown.
+But sooner or later, sin is, even in this world, visited by punishment,
+and the just anger of the Almighty. My father was again attacked by
+sickness, so that the remnant of the once considerable legacy left him
+by his father, was wholly spent. He fell into the bitterest poverty, and
+was at the same time assailed by such horrors of conscience, that his
+life became a continued miserable penance.
+
+At last Heaven, by means of an extraordinary vision, sent to him a gleam
+of consolation. He was warned that he should make a pilgrimage to the
+Convent of the Holy Lime-Tree in Prussia, and that the birth of a son
+should there announce to him the grace and forgiveness of Heaven.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The last words in the manuscript are as follows. More, indeed, seems to
+have been written, but in a scrawl half obliterated, and so faint that
+it could not be deciphered.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"In the forest by which the Convent of the Lime-Tree is surrounded, I
+appeared to the melancholy mother as she wept over her lately born, and
+fatherless infant, and revived her almost annihilated spirit with words
+of consolation. Miraculously sometimes has the favour of Heaven seemed
+to be won for children who are born within the limits of a blest
+sanctuary. They have even been visited by supernatural and celestial
+visions, kindling up in their infant minds the fires of divine love, and
+the holiest aspirations. The mother has, in holy baptism, given to this
+child his father's name, Francesco, or, according to conventual
+language, Franciscus.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Wilt thou then, oh Franciscus! prove to be that long-wished-for
+descendant, who, born on consecrated ground, will atone, by the piety
+of his earthly pilgrimage, for the crimes that were heaped up by his
+ancestors? And wilt thou procure for the wretched penitent refuge in the
+grave?
+
+"I have taken such precautions, that the boy will remain for many years
+far from the world and its seductive delusions; nay, I have resolved
+that he shall become a monk. This destination, the same blessed saint
+who poured divine consolation into my soul announced to his mother, and
+this event may, indeed, be the forerunner of divine grace, and
+forgiveness, which, with the splendour of the morning light, has at last
+beamed forth upon me, so that I seem, in my inward mind, to observe
+clearly, by anticipation, every event of the future.
+
+"Methinks I already behold this youth undergo the deadly strife with the
+fiends of darkness, who, with the most fearful weapons, press in upon
+him. He falls a victim to their infernal artifices, yet a beatified
+female elevates over his head the crown of victory. It is the blessed St
+Rosalia herself, by whom he is rescued. As often as the mercy of Heaven
+allows it to me, I shall be near him in infancy, in youth, and in
+manhood, and will protect him to the utmost of my limited power."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+The fame of my sanctity had now spread in such a manner abroad, that
+when I allowed myself to be seen in the streets of Rome, there were
+passengers who begged me for a moment to speak with them, and then, with
+the humblest prostration, implored my blessing. No doubt, my severe
+penitence must excite attention, for I had renewed in their utmost
+extent all my devotional exercises; but even my strange appearance, my
+neglect of my dress, &c. might be enough to excite the imagination of
+the lively Italians, who are ready at all times to fix on any remarkable
+individual for the hero of a religious legend. Often, when unconscious
+of all that passed around me, I had thrown myself on the steps of an
+altar, I was awoke from my inward contemplation by the murmur of prayer,
+and groans of repentance, from those who had collected around me, as if
+wishing to implore my saintly intercession with Heaven.
+
+As in the Capuchin Convent, I frequently heard it called out in the
+streets behind me--"There goes the saint!" and such words never failed
+to strike like daggers to my heart. I wished, therefore, to leave Rome,
+and had made my arrangements for this purpose, when, to my utter
+astonishment, and indeed terror, the Prior of the Convent wherein I
+lodged, announced to me that the Pope had ordered me to appear before
+him.
+
+Dark apprehensions arose within me, that perhaps the powers of hell were
+more than ever on the watch, and laboured by new stratagems to draw me
+into destruction. Meanwhile, I summoned up all my courage, and at an
+hour which was duly announced to me, repaired to the Vatican.
+
+I was to have a private audience, and the Pope, who was still a handsome
+man, and looked as if he had been in the prime of life, received me
+sitting on a richly ornamented elbow-chair. Two very beautiful boys, in
+the dress of Sacristans, attended to serve him with iced water; and as
+the weather was very hot, they were constantly employed in cooling the
+atmosphere with large fans made of herons' feathers.
+
+I went up to his Holiness with the utmost humility, and paid to him the
+customary homage of kneeling. He fixed his eyes sharply on me, but
+instead of the grave severity, which, from a distance, seemed to me
+before to characterize his features, his looks displayed much good
+humour, and he welcomed me with a very agreeable smile.
+
+His first inquiries were only common-place questions, as to whence I
+came, what had brought me to Rome, &c. He then rose from his chair, and
+assuming a more serious tone, "Brother Medardus," said he, "I have
+summoned you hither, because I had received extraordinary accounts of
+your piety. But wherefore do you perform your devotional exercises
+openly before the people, and in the most public churches? You probably
+wish to be looked on as a chosen saint, a pre-elect of Heaven, and to be
+worshipped by the fanatical mob. But inquire into thine own heart,
+whence this idea first arose, and by what means it has acquired such
+ascendancy. If your intentions are not pure before the eye of the
+Almighty, and before me, his appointed Viceroy, then, Brother Medardus,
+your now flourishing sanctity will soon come to a shameful end."
+
+These last words the Pope uttered in a deep powerful voice, and his eyes
+gleamed as if in anger. For the first time, since a very long period, I
+felt myself accused, without being guilty of the faults with which I was
+charged. On this account I was not only able to retain perfect
+composure, but even to answer him with some degree of fervour and
+eloquence.
+
+"Heaven," said I, "has indeed granted to your Holiness to look into my
+inmost heart, which is loaded and oppressed with a weight of unspeakable
+crimes, of which my deep consciousness may perhaps prove the sincerity
+of my repentance. Far from my thoughts is any attempt at hypocrisy. I
+never had any ambition to influence the minds of the people; on the
+contrary, the attention which they direct to me is abhorrent to my
+feelings, and causes to me the utmost pain and regret. In support of
+what I have now said, will your Holiness grant to a wretched penitent an
+opportunity of relating the events of his life, that he may prove the
+sincerity of his contrition, and his utter self-annihilation at the
+remembrance of the sins which he hath committed?"
+
+On receiving permission, I accordingly went on to narrate, as concisely
+as I could, the whole circumstances and adventures of my life, only
+omitting names, which were of no consequence as to the facts that I
+related against myself. The Pope listened with the greatest attention,
+appearing always more and more interested. At last, by many
+extraordinary looks and gestures, he evinced the astonishment that I had
+excited.
+
+"Your history, Brother Medardus," said he, "is, indeed, the most
+mysterious that I have ever heard. Do you then believe in the immediate,
+and _visible_ agency of the devil?" I was about to answer, but he went
+on. "Do you believe that the wine which you stole from the
+relic-chamber, and drank, really impelled you to the crimes which you
+have committed?"
+
+"Like a water distilled from pestilential herbs," said I, "it gave new
+strength to the seeds of vice and wickedness which lurked within me,
+till at length they burst from their concealment, and spread into
+luxuriant and multiplying growth!"
+
+Upon this answer, the Pope seemed to sink into reflection, and said,
+more as if communing with himself, than addressing me,--
+
+"What if the same rules of nature by which corporeal life is usually
+governed, applied also to the mind? If every seed or scion must bring
+forth and perpetuate that which is like to itself? There are whole
+families of murderers, and of robbers. In such cases this was the
+hereditary sin, entailed on a race followed by some inexpiable curse!"
+
+"If he who is descended from a sinful ancestor," said I, "must of
+necessity sin again, it follows from this doctrine, that there is no
+sin!"
+
+"Nay," said the Pope, "the Almighty created a gigantic power, who can
+yet tame and control the appetite for crime, which, like a furious wild
+beast, rages within us. This giant is named Conscience, and from his
+combat with the beast, arise our independence and volition. In the
+victory of the giant consists virtue; in the victory of the beast
+consists sin." The Pope was silent a few moments. He then added in a
+milder voice, "Do you believe, Brother Medardus, that it is becoming for
+the Viceroy of Heaven, to reason thus with you on virtue and vice?"
+
+"Your Holiness," said I, "has condescended to allow the humblest of your
+servants to hear your opinions on this matter; and it well becomes the
+warrior to speak freely on that combat, whose dangers he has himself
+encountered, and in which he has long since obtained the palm of
+victory!"
+
+"You have a favourable opinion of me, Brother," said the Pope; "or do
+you look upon the Tiara, as the laurel crown, announcing my victory to
+the world?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+     [_The Editor has here left out two or three pages of this
+     conversation, as it seems irrelevant to the general tenure of the
+     narrative._]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Hereupon the Pope again rose from his chair. "Thou art an excellent
+orator, Brother Medardus," said he, "and hast spoken after my own
+heart--we shall, as I perceive, understand one another better ere long
+than we now do. Remain at Rome. In a few days you will be promoted to
+the dignity of Prior of the Capuchin Convent, where a situation is now
+vacant, and afterwards, perhaps, you will be chosen for my Father
+Confessor. Go then, behave yourself with more prudence in the churches,
+and think not of raising yourself to canonization. The calendar is
+already crowded!--Farewell!"
+
+Our interview ended here, and by these last words of the Pope, I was not
+a little astonished, as indeed I had been by his whole behaviour
+throughout, which was completely at variance with the picture which I
+had previously drawn of him. I had imagined not only that he was a
+worthily appointed Vicegerent of Heaven on this earth, but that he was
+gifted with every virtue, and all mental energies. He had, on the
+contrary, falsely supposed that I was actuated by the base ambition of
+being looked on as a saint, and now wished to excite in my mind a desire
+for other temporal distinctions, which was, in truth, not less sinful.
+
+Notwithstanding my perplexity and dissatisfaction, I was led to conform
+to what the Pope had enjoined, as to the intermission of my penitential
+exercises; and I wandered for some days idly through the streets of
+Rome, meditating chiefly on my past life, on the penitence which I had
+undergone, and the career which was yet before me.
+
+On the last of these idle days, as I passed through the Spanish Square,
+there was a mob assembled round the stage of a puppet-player. My
+attention was at once attracted by the croaking voice of Pulcinello, and
+the laughter of the audience. The first act was ended as I came up--the
+curtain dropped, and the audience stood in anxious expectation of the
+second.
+
+The little curtain again drew up. The youthful King David appeared with
+his sling and his sackful of pebbles. With the most ludicrous gestures,
+he proved that the monstrous giant should now be slain, and Israel
+rescued. Then there was heard a fearful hollow roaring and rustling
+under the stage, whereupon the giant mounted up, with a huge and most
+absurdly ill-proportioned head. How was I astonished, when, at my first
+glance of this giant's head, I recognized the features of my old friend
+Belcampo. Right under his head he had, by means of an ingenious
+apparatus, contrived to fit on a small body, conformable to those of the
+other puppets, while his own person was concealed by the stage drapery,
+which last served, at the same time, for the mantle of the giant.
+Goliah, with most hideous grimaces of visage and contortions of his
+dwarfish body, held a proud and threatening discourse, which King David
+only now and then interrupted by a shrill and contemptuous laughter.
+
+The mob were diverted out of all measure, and I myself being wonderfully
+attracted by this new apparition of Belcampo, allowed myself to be
+carried away by the impression of the moment, and broke out into the
+unrestrained and hearty laughter of boyish delight. Alas, how often
+before was my laughter only the convulsive vibration of that internal
+torment which preyed upon my heart!
+
+Hereafter, the combat with the giant was preceded by a long disputation,
+wherein King David demonstrated, with great erudition and eloquence,
+wherefore he must and would smite his frightful antagonist to death.
+Belcampo made all the muscles of his countenance writhe and play with
+the most inconceivable vivacity, indicating extreme rage. His gigantic
+arms stretched themselves out against the less than little David, who,
+meanwhile, saved himself by incredible leaps and bendings, vanishing
+altogether, and then coming into sight again--now here, now there, even
+from the folds of the giant's own mantle. At last the pebble flew from
+David's sling against Goliah's head. He fell down lifeless, and the
+curtain dropped.
+
+I laughed always more and more, excited not merely by the absurdity of
+Pulcinello, but by my previous recollection of Belcampo's grotesque
+genius. Probably I laughed too loud, for the people seemed to notice my
+conduct; and, when I turned round, there was a dignified Abbot standing
+near me.
+
+"I rejoice, reverend sir," said he, "to find that you have not
+altogether lost your relish for terrestrial enjoyments. After I had
+witnessed your most extraordinary penitence and devotion, I believed
+that it would be wholly impossible for you to be diverted with follies
+such as these."
+
+While the Abbot spoke thus, it seemed to me as if I ought to feel
+ashamed of my levity, but involuntarily I answered him in a way of which
+I directly afterwards repented. "Believe me, Signor _Abbate_," said I,
+"the man who has once combated, like a stout swimmer, with the stormy
+waves of this changeful life, never loses altogether the power of
+lifting up his head bravely from the dark flood!"
+
+The Abbot looked at me with significant glances. "Indeed!" said he, "I
+know not which to praise most, the poetry or logic of your illustration.
+I believe that I now understand you completely, and admire you, reverend
+sir, from the bottom of my heart!"
+
+"I know not, for my part, Signor _Abbate_," replied I, "how a poor
+penitent monk can have excited your admiration."
+
+"Excellent!" said the Abbot. "You do not, most reverend father, run any
+risk of forgetting the part you have to play!--You are worthy to be the
+favourite of the Pope!"
+
+"His Holiness," answered I, "has indeed been pleased to honour me with
+an audience. I have done homage before him in the dust, as is becoming
+towards him, whom, on account of his tried virtues, Omnipotence has
+chosen for his vicegerent on earth."
+
+"Well, then," replied the Abbot, "you, too, are no doubt a well-chosen
+vassal of the triple-crowned, and will nobly fulfil the duties required
+of you. But, believe me, the present Pope is a jewel of virtue, compared
+to Alexander the Sixth, and you may perhaps have erred sadly in your
+reckoning. Go on with your part, however--What is well begun is half
+ended!--Farewell, most reverend father!"
+
+With a laugh of unrepressed scorn, the Abbot started away, leaving me
+confounded and almost petrified at his conduct. When I connected his
+expressions with my own remarks on the Pope, I became convinced that the
+latter was by no means that conqueror deservedly crowned "after his
+combat with the beast," such as I had supposed him to be; and, at the
+same time, I could no longer entertain any doubt that my penitential
+exercises must, to the majority of the public, have appeared but as a
+hypocritical and artificial system, adopted only to force myself into
+notice. Astonished and bitterly mortified, I returned home to my
+convent, and going into the church, had recourse to long and zealous
+prayer.
+
+Then the scales seemed to fall from my hitherto blinded eyes, and I
+recognized at once the temptation of the powers of darkness, who had of
+new endeavoured to involve me in their snares. Only rapid and instant
+flight could save me from destruction. And I determined with the first
+rays of the next morning to set out on my way.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+It was already night when I heard the gate-bell of the convent forcibly
+rung. Soon after, the brother who officiated as porter, came into my
+cell and told me there was a strangely-dressed man without, who insisted
+on speaking with me. I went accordingly to the parlour. It was Belcampo,
+who, in his usual mad style, capered up to me, seized me by both arms,
+and drew me, with an air of great mystery, aside into a corner.
+
+"Medardus," said he, in a low and hurried tone, "you may make what
+arrangements you please for your own destruction; but Folly is once more
+come on the wings of the west wind to the rescue of your helpless
+wisdom. If there is but the slightest corner or thread of your habit
+remaining in sight, this arm will yet draw you back from out the yawning
+and bottomless abyss. Oh, Medardus! remember and acknowledge once more
+the power of love and of friendship. Think on David and Jonathan,
+dearest Capuchin!"
+
+"I have admired you as Goliah, no doubt," answered I; "but what can have
+brought you hither at this time, I have yet to learn."
+
+"What brought me hither!" said Belcampo, with great fervour. "What else
+could have impelled me, but an unreasonable, a boundless attachment to a
+Capuchin, whose head I once set to rights (in more senses of these words
+than one) when it was in very formidable disorder; who threw about him
+his blood-red golden ducats, with lavish profusion; who had intercourse
+with abominable _revenants_; who, finally, after he had committed a few
+trifling murders, was about to marry the most beautiful woman in the
+world, with whom----"
+
+"Stop--stop there!" cried I--"no more of this, thou cruel-hearted and
+reckless fool. Heavily have I already done penance for all with which
+thou hast now, in thy wicked humour, reproached me!"
+
+"Ha! Brother Medardus," said Belcampo, "are the scars then so tender and
+sensitive of those wounds with which the powers of darkness assailed
+you? This proves that your recovery is not yet perfect; so, then, I
+shall be as mild and quiet as a child--I shall tame the wildness of my
+fantasy--shall no more cut caprioles either mentally or corporeally--but
+only inform you, that as my attachment and friendship, chiefly on
+account of your sublime madness, which you call wisdom, are very great,
+I am determined to preserve your life as long as possible, and protect
+you from every danger that you bring upon yourself.
+
+"Concealed in my puppet-show theatre, I have chanced to overhear a
+discourse relating to you. The Pope has determined to make you the Prior
+of one of the most distinguished Capuchin Convents, and also to appoint
+you his own Father Confessor. Fly, then, quickly--fly from Rome, for
+dagger and poison are already prepared for you. I know one bravo who has
+even now got his retaining fee for sending you in all haste to the other
+world. In a word, you have come in the way of a certain famous
+Dominican, who has hitherto been the Pope's confessor. You are obnoxious
+to him and all his adherents; and, to conclude, to-morrow morning you
+must no longer be found within the walls of Rome!"
+
+This new occurrence I was at no loss to connect in my mind with the
+expressions of the unknown _Abbate_. The two warnings were exactly in
+keeping with each other, and I stood so lost in thought, that I scarcely
+noticed the absurd conduct of Belcampo, who embraced me with great
+fervour, and then with hideous grimaces and contortions took his
+departure.
+
+It might now be past midnight, when I heard the hollow rolling of a
+carriage over the pavement of the Court. Soon afterwards, I observed
+steps on the stone-stairs. There was a knocking at my door, which I
+opened, and beheld the Father Guardian of the Convent, who was followed
+by a man in disguise, masked, and carrying a torch in his hand.
+
+"Brother Medardus," said the guardian, "we are informed that a dying man
+desires your spiritual assistance, and the last unction. Do then what
+the rule enjoins. Follow this man, who will lead you to the person who
+requires your attendance."
+
+Hereupon, a cold shuddering ran through my limbs. The apprehension rose
+vividly within me, that they were leading me to my own death; yet I
+dared not refuse, but instantly rose, put on my habit, and followed the
+stranger, who lighted me down stairs, opened the door of the carriage,
+and forced me to enter it.
+
+In the carriage there were two other men, also disguised, who placed me
+betwixt them. I inquired whither I was to be led, and who it was that
+wished for my prayers and last services? No answer. In deep silence, we
+drove on through several streets. For some time, I believed, by the
+sound of the wheels, that we were already beyond the city walls; but
+again, I perceived that we came through an arched gate-way, and then
+drove once more over paved streets.
+
+At last, the carriage stopped, and I felt that they immediately bound up
+my hands; and that a thick night-cap was drawn over my face, by which I
+was completely blinded. At this I expressed some dissatisfaction and
+anxiety.
+
+"No evil shall befall you," said a rough voice, "only you must be silent
+as to all that you see and hear, otherwise your death is inevitable."
+
+They now lifted me out of the carriage. There was a rattling of keys and
+locks. Then a gate opened that groaned heavily, and creaked on its rusty
+and unoiled hinges. We entered, and they led me at first through long
+corridors, and at last down stairs deeper and deeper. The echoing sounds
+of our steps convinced me that we were in vaults, and the abominable and
+oppressive air proved that these vaults were destined for the reception
+of the dead.
+
+At last we stood still. My hands were untied, and the cap taken from my
+head. I found myself in a large apartment, dimly lighted by a lamp hung
+from the ceiling.
+
+There was a man in black robes, and wearing a mask, probably the same
+who had come for me to the Capuchin Convent. He stood next to me; and
+along the walls of the room, seated on two benches, I beheld many
+Dominican monks.
+
+The horrible dream already narrated, which occurred to me in the prison
+at the _residenz_ of the Prince von Rosenthurm, came back vividly on my
+remembrance. I held it for certain, that I was now to meet an immediate
+and cruel death; yet I remained silent, and only prayed inwardly, not
+for rescue from the danger that awaited me, but for a religious and
+sanctified end.
+
+After some moments of gloomy silence and expectation, one of the monks
+came to me, and said, with a hollow voice, "Medardus, we have here
+doomed to death a brother of your order. His sentence is this night to
+be carried into execution. From you he expects absolution and admonition
+in his last moments. Go, then, and fulfil what belongs to your office."
+
+The mask in black robes, who stood near me, now took me by the arm, and
+led me from the audience-chamber through a narrow passage, into a small
+vaulted cell.
+
+Here I found lying in a corner, on a straw-bed, a pale and emaciated
+spectre--properly speaking, a mere skeleton--half-clothed, or rather
+hung like a scarecrow, with rags. The mask placed the lamp which he had
+brought with him on a stone-table, in the middle of the vault, and
+retired.
+
+I then approached nearer the wretched couch of the prisoner. My name had
+been announced, and with great difficulty he turned himself round
+towards me. I was confounded when I recognized the features of the
+venerable Cyrillus. A smile as of celestial beatitude came over his
+countenance, though I knew not wherefore he was thus rejoiced.
+
+"So then," said he, "the abominable ministers of hell, who dwell in this
+building, have for once not deceived me. Through them I learned that
+you, dear Brother Medardus, were in Rome; and as I expressed a great
+wish to speak with you, they promised me to bring you here at the hour
+of my death. That hour is now arrived, and they have not forgotten their
+contract."
+
+Hereupon, I kneeled down beside the venerable and pious old man. I
+conjured him, in the first place, to tell me, how it was possible that
+he could have been doomed by any society, calling themselves religious,
+either to imprisonment or death?
+
+"No, no! dear Brother Medardus," said Cyrillus, "not till after I have
+confessed my manifold crimes, and, in the first place, those which I
+have through inadvertence committed against you; not till after you
+have, according to the holy institutes of our church, reconciled me with
+Heaven, dare I speak any farther as to my own earthly misery, and
+worldly cares. You already know, that I myself, as well as all the rest
+of our community, looked upon you as the most hardened and most
+unpardonable of sinners. According to our belief, you had, by a
+continued chain of errors, heaped up the most enormous guilt on your
+head, so that we expelled you from our society. Yet your chief crime was
+but in yielding to the impulse of one fatal moment, in which the devil
+cast his noose round your neck, and dragged you away from the holy
+sanctuary, into the distractions of this sinful world.
+
+"Then an abominable swindler, assuming your name, your dress, and, as if
+he were the devil incarnate, also your corporeal figure, committed those
+crimes, which had almost drawn upon you the shameful death of a
+murderer. It has indeed been proved against you, that you have on one
+occasion sinned, inasmuch as you wished to break your monastic vows; but
+that you are unstained by those enormities which were imputed to you,
+there can be no doubt. Return then to our convent, Medardus, where the
+brethren will receive him whom they believed for ever lost, with
+redoubled kindness and rejoicing."
+
+Here the old man, overcome by weakness, sank back, fainting on his
+couch; and resisting the excitement which his words had produced upon
+me, I remembered that my present duty was to attend to Cyrillus only,
+and the welfare of his soul, which he had intrusted to my care.
+Therefore I laboured as well as I could, by friction, and raising him in
+the bed, to recover the unhappy prisoner from his insensibility.
+
+At last he was restored, and went regularly through his confession; he,
+the pious and almost blameless old man, humbling himself before me, the
+depraved sinner! But when I absolved the self-accusing monk, whose only
+fault seemed to be that he had on many subjects _doubted_, and by these
+doubts had been driven hither and thither, it seemed to me as if,
+notwithstanding my own manifold offences, a divine spirit were kindled
+up within me--as if I were but the unworthy instrument, the corporeal
+organ, by which Omnipotence spoke temporally to souls not yet released
+from their temporal bondage.
+
+"Oh, Brother Medardus," said Cyrillus, lifting his eyes full of devotion
+to Heaven, "how have your words refreshed and strengthened me! Gladly
+shall I now go to meet death, which the traitors residing here have
+prepared for me. I fall a victim to that abominable treachery and
+concealed wickedness, by which the throne of the Pope is now
+surrounded.----"
+
+I heard hollow sounding steps, that always came nearer and nearer. Then
+keys rattled in the door-lock.
+
+Cyrillus raised himself up with a violent and fearful effort.--"Return,"
+said he, "return, Medardus, to the happiness and security of our own
+convent. Leonardus is already informed as to all that has occurred; he
+knows in what manner I am now about to die. Conjure him to be silent as
+to this last event; for how soon, even without this, would death have
+claimed a weak and tottering old man! Farewell, my brother! Pray for the
+salvation of my soul! My spirit shall be with you, when, in our convent
+at Koenigswald, you read for me the prayers over the dead. Above all, I
+beseech you to be silent as to whatever you have witnessed here; for
+otherwise you will bring on yourself certain destruction, and involve
+our community in endless disputes."
+
+On this point I made him a solemn promise. The disguised men had come
+into the room. They lifted up the old monk out of bed, and, as he had
+not strength enough to walk, dragged him through the corridor towards
+the vaulted hall, or audience-chamber, in which I had before been.
+
+On a signal from the masks, I had followed the prisoner, and now found
+that the Dominicans had arranged themselves in a circle, within which
+they brought the old man, and then commanded him to kneel down upon a
+small heap of earth, which they had laid in the centre of the circle.
+
+A crucifix was now placed by one of the masks in his hands, and he
+grasped it with great fervour. According to the duty of my office, I had
+also gone within the circle, and prayed aloud. Before I had ended, one
+of the Dominicans pulled me by the arm, and spoke to me aside. At that
+moment I observed a sword gleam in the hand of one of the masks; and in
+an instant, at a single blow, the head of Cyrillus was dissevered, and
+rolled down, streaming a torrent of blood, at my feet.
+
+I could not endure the horror of this spectacle, but threw myself on the
+earth, in a state of half fainting and half consciousness. On my
+recovery, I found that I was in a small apartment fitted up like a cell.
+A Dominican came up to me.
+
+"You are terrified perhaps," said he; "yet, brother, methinks you
+should rather rejoice to have beheld with your own eyes this perfect
+martyrdom. By that name, of course, it must be distinguished, if a
+brother of your convent undergoes the execution of his sentence; for, no
+doubt, you are, to a man, _all_ saints!"
+
+"We are not saints," replied I; "but we can at least say this
+much--Never was an innocent man within the walls of our convent
+murdered--Let me now go! I have fulfilled my duty faithfully, and with
+self-satisfaction. The spirit of my departed brother, who is now in
+Heaven, will, as I trust, be near to me, if I should fall into the hands
+of accursed murderers!"
+
+"I do not doubt," said the Dominican, "that your departed brother,
+Cyrillus, will, in such case, be able to assist you. Methinks, however,
+you ought not to call the judgment which has been executed against him,
+a murder. Cyrillus had committed enormous misdemeanours against the now
+reigning Vicegerent of the Almighty; and it was by his (I mean by the
+Pope's) express command, that your brother was condemned to death. But
+as he must have confessed all to you, it is needless to speak with you
+any farther on this subject. Rather take, before you go, a little of
+this cordial for your bodily refreshment; for you look quite pale, and
+much agitated."
+
+With these words, accompanied by a good-humoured smile, the Dominican
+handed to me a crystal cup, filled with a dark red-coloured and strongly
+fragrant wine, which, like champagne, foamed and mantled.
+
+I scarce knew how to interpret the obscure apprehensions which were
+within me. Surely this was the self-same wine which had once before been
+presented to me by the Baroness Euphemia von F----, which I then luckily
+refused to taste! I had no time for reflections, however; for the monk
+was attentively watching me. Involuntarily, and without thought, I put
+up my left hand over my face, as if blinded by the glare of the lamp;
+and with the other, lifting my glass, poured the wine into the wide
+sleeve of my habit.
+
+The Dominican was effectually deceived.--"Much good may it do you!" said
+he; at the same time hastily opening the door, and making signs for my
+departure.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+I was again brought into the carriage, which, to my surprise, was now
+empty; and they drove me rapidly away. The terrors of the night--the
+violent excitement which I had undergone, and my grief for the
+unfortunate Cyrillus, combined to produce a deep gloomy reverie, in
+which I scarcely remembered where I was, or knew what was passing around
+me. When the carriage stopped, I took no notice; but from this trance I
+was awoke by two men, who lifted me (as if I had been unable to help
+myself) out of the carriage, and then threw me down, roughly enough,
+upon the ground.
+
+The morning had already broke, and I found myself before the gate of my
+own convent, of which I immediately rang the bell. The porter was
+terrified at my pale and disordered aspect; and, of course, had
+announced his apprehensions to the Prior, for, immediately after early
+mass, the latter came with anxious looks into my cell.
+
+To his questions I only answered generally, that the death of the person
+whom I had been sent for to absolve had been very horrible, and that,
+consequently, I could not help being much agitated. The Prior was
+satisfied with this answer, but soon afterwards, from the insupportable
+torment which I felt in my left arm, I could not contain myself, but
+screamed out aloud.
+
+The surgeon of the convent was sent for, and, meanwhile, the sleeve of
+my habit ripped open; but the cloth had already grown into my flesh, and
+the whole arm was found withered, and eaten away to the very bone, by a
+deleterious caustic.
+
+"I was to have drunk wine," said I to the Prior, "but allowed the
+contents of the glass to run thus into my sleeve." I said no more,
+remembering the injunctions of Cyrillus to secrecy.
+
+On the arrival of the physician, he declared that the wine had been
+impregnated with the most destructive and corrosive of all poisons; but
+by the remedies which he applied, my torment was lessened, at least,
+though by no means assuaged. My recovery was slow and tedious; for it
+was considered doubtful whether the limb ought not to be amputated. I
+escaped that misfortune, however; but my arm remains to this hour
+withered and powerless.
+
+"I am now perfectly aware," said the Prior, one morning after I became
+convalescent, "of the peculiar circumstances by which you have lost the
+use of your arm. The pious Brother Cyrillus vanished in the most
+mysterious manner from our convent and from Rome; and you, dear Brother
+Medardus, will in the same manner be lost, if you do not immediately
+change your residence. During your illness, many suspicious inquiries
+were made after you, and had it not been for my watchfulness, and the
+faithful attachment of your brethren, probably you would not now have
+been in life.
+
+"To me you appeared from the first an extraordinary man, under the
+influence of a destiny, whose final decrees are yet inscrutable; but
+however this may be, you have certainly, since your arrival in Rome,
+attracted far too much attention, to escape the animosity and
+watchfulness of certain people, who, no doubt, wish you to be removed
+out of their way. My advice is, therefore, that you should return home
+to your own country, and to your own convent. May all happiness, and,
+above all, the grace of God, be with you!"
+
+Even without this admonition of the Prior, I should have clearly felt,
+that so long as I remained in Rome, my life must be in constant danger.
+To this painful thought, others were added. I was haunted still by the
+recollection of my numberless and enormous crimes; then, above all,
+there was the immediate torment of my festering and withered arm. I
+could not value a life which was so useless and miserable, but, on the
+contrary, reverted frequently to the thoughts of suicide, which only the
+terror of committing a new crime prevented me from carrying into
+execution. But even without this, I might soon fall in the way of
+obtaining for myself a timely and welcome martyrdom, and whether this
+should occur at Rome or elsewhere was to me indifferent.
+
+More and more, however, I accustomed myself to dwell on the thoughts of
+a speedy and violent death, to which, by my penitence, I considered
+myself entitled. Methought I saw the figure of the monk Medardus, _of
+myself_, issuing from the gates of the convent, and passing along the
+road. Then there appeared behind him a dark and indefinable form, who
+stabbed him with a stiletto to the heart. A crowd immediately collected
+round the bloody corpse. "Medardus!" cried they; "the pious and blessed
+penitent Medardus is murdered!"
+
+These words were spread and repeated hundred-fold through the streets;
+and the crowd always became more numerous, lamenting the loss of a saint
+so gifted and distinguished. Women kneeled down, and reverentially dipt
+their handkerchiefs in the blood which flowed from my wounds. In doing
+this, one of them remarked the scar of the cross on my neck, whereupon
+she exclaimed aloud--"He is indeed a martyr--a glorified saint! See here
+the impress of Heaven, which he has borne on his earthly frame!"
+Hereupon all the multitude threw themselves on their knees, and happy
+were those who could touch the mortal remains of the saint, or even the
+hem of his garment! Then a new impulse was given. There was an opening
+made in the crowd. A bier was brought forward, ornamented with a
+profusion of flowers, and in triumphant march, with prayer, and the
+choral voice of divine music, the attendant youths carry on it the dead
+body of the saint onwards to the church of St Peter!
+
+Thus my still wandering and deluded fantasy elaborated, in the most
+vivid colours, a picture, representing my own martyrdom. Without once
+apprehending how the deceitful demon of pride led me on, and by new
+methods laboured to ensure my destruction, I resolved, after my perfect
+recovery, to remain in Rome; to continue the same penitential life which
+I had hitherto adopted, and then either to die in the full odour and
+splendour of sanctity, or else, being rescued by the Pope, to raise
+myself up to high dignities and power in the church.
+
+My convalescence, as I have already mentioned, was very tedious, but the
+powerful energies of my constitution enabled me at first to bear up
+against the torture, and at last triumph over that abominable poison,
+which had not only destroyed one limb, but threatened, by sympathy, to
+injure my whole vitals. The physician, however, had no doubts of my
+perfect restoration. Indeed, it was only at those moments of mental
+confusion which usually precede sleep, that I was liable still to
+feverish attacks and delirium.
+
+In one of these paroxysms I was visited by an extraordinary dream, of
+which the circumstances were far too wild and confused to be faithfully
+described. Methought I again looked on my own dead body, but not as
+before in a public street of Rome. It was now laid in a lonely _berceau_
+walk of the convent at Koenigswald, where every object in the landscape
+came in vivid colours to my remembrance. Methought I was conscious of my
+own separate existence, as a self-subsisting idea, and then I ascended,
+as if borne up by my own buoyancy, from the realms of earth, and ere
+long found myself floating in a cloud of a beautiful roseate colour.
+There I beheld a magnificent array of wood-crowned mountains and rocky
+cliffs, gleaming in the morning sun, but far more beautiful than those
+of the earth. Anon, methought I stood at the lofty gate of a gorgeous
+palace, and wished to enter; but fearful bolts of lightning crossed and
+re-crossed each other, like fiery lances, betwixt me and the entrance,
+till I was struck down into the bosom of a damp, obscure, and colourless
+cloud. As I fell down deeper and deeper, I again beheld the dead body,
+which raised itself up and stared upon me with ghastly, lustreless eyes,
+and howled out some accents of lamentation, like the north wind in a
+narrow ravine. Anon, methought the face of all nature became dead and
+withered. The flowers declined their heads, sank down, and faded away.
+The trees lost every leaf, and their dry branches rattled like the
+marrowless joints of a skeleton. I saw men and women too, no longer like
+living beings, but like pale, hideous spectres, and they threw
+themselves in despair on the earth, calling out, "Mercy! mercy! Is then
+the guilt of our crimes so enormous, that thou, oh Lord, givest unto our
+Arch-Enemy power to destroy, and render vain the sin-offering of our
+blood?"
+
+I wished for annihilation, though, being a disembodied idea, this was
+impossible. Then methought I was, as if by an electrical shock, roused
+up from my sleep. The great clock of the convent struck twelve. "The
+dead raise themselves up," said a voice; "they rise out of their
+graves, and are gone to divine worship." Accordingly, I began to pray.
+Then I heard a slight knocking at my door, and believed it was one of my
+brethren, who wished to come into the room, till, with
+unspeakable horror, I recognized the voice of my ghostly
+DOUBLE.--"Broth-er--Broth-er!" said the voice--"I am here--I am
+here!--Come with me--Come with me!"
+
+I wished thereupon to start up from my couch, but a shuddering coldness
+had fettered every limb, and every attempted movement produced only a
+convulsive inward struggle. My only refuge was in prayer; and I heard,
+in a strange manner, the audible effect of my own voice. Now it
+gradually triumphed over the renewed knocking and stammering of the
+spectre; but at last all was confused and lost in the hum of ten
+thousand voices, as when the air is filled with myriads of insects. Anon
+this humming changed to articulate lamentations as before, and methought
+I was again wrapt in the dark cloud; but suddenly there came over it a
+gleam of the most exquisite morning red. Through the dark vapours
+descended a tall and dignified form, on whose bosom a cross shone with
+dazzling effulgence. The features were those of St Rosalia!
+
+The lamentations were now turned to an exulting hymn of praise; and from
+afar I beheld the landscape again blooming in all the luxuriance of
+spring. Only my own voice was now heard, lamenting--"Shall I then alone,
+of all these rejoicing inhabitants of earth, be given a prey to
+everlasting torments?"--Then a change came over that beautiful phantom.
+Its awe-striking dignity was transformed into mild grace and
+beneficence, and a sweet smile was diffused over her features.
+
+"AURELIA!" cried I aloud, and with that name I at last in reality awoke,
+and saw the clear morning light beaming into my cell.
+
+By this introduction of Aurelia I clearly recognized the new endeavours
+of the restless powers of darkness against me; and no sooner was this
+perception aroused, than I understood also the nature of those delusions
+by which I had been induced to remain in Rome. I hastened down to the
+church, and prayed with great fervour, leaving out, however, all bodily
+chastisements, having need of all the strength that I could muster for
+my long and fatiguing journey. Before the mid-day sun shot down his
+perpendicular and insupportable beams, I was already far from Rome,
+taking precisely the same road by which I had come thither.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+I determined to avoid the _residenz_ of the Prince; not because I was
+afraid to be recognized and punished, but because I could not bear to
+look on the scene of my horrible offences. Moreover, should Aurelia
+still reside there, I felt that I had no certainty of avoiding new
+temptations; and this apprehension, perhaps, proved, more than any other
+circumstance, the reality of my penitence and conversion. The conviction
+afforded me some consolation, that at least the diabolical spirit of
+pride was annihilated within me, and that I no longer wished to throw
+myself into danger, from a vain confidence in my own strength.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+My long pilgrimage was without any incidents deserving of record. At
+last I had arrived amid the well-known Thuringian mountains; and one
+morning, through the dense vapours that lingered in a valley before me,
+I beheld a castle, which I instantly recognized to be that of the late
+Baron von F----. As I came nearer, alas! how was the scene now changed
+from what it had been! The walks and ornaments of the parks were become
+a wilderness of ruin and devastation. The shrubberies, parterres, and
+young plantations, were either torn up by the cattle, or converted into
+ploughed fields. The road on which I walked, after entering the path,
+was overgrown with moss and weeds; and even the beautiful lawn before
+the mansion-house, that used to be so carefully kept, was now covered
+with a herd of cattle, and another of swine, that had rooted up all its
+verdure. The windows of the castle, too, were broken, and looked
+ghastly. The steps leading up to the principal entry were ruinous, and
+covered with lichens and grass that waved in the wind. Through the whole
+domain there seemed not to be one living being. All was neglected and
+lonely.
+
+On passing through a dense thicket, which had once been my favourite
+walk, I heard an obscure sound of moaning and lamentation. Then I
+perceived a grey-headed old man at some distance, who, though his
+countenance was turned towards me, did not seem in the least to notice
+my presence or approach. On the contrary, when I came almost close to
+him, he uttered, as if talking to himself in deep reverie, the
+words,--"Dead--dead and gone,--all dead and gone, whom I once loved in
+this world. Oh, Aurelia! thou, too, the last, art dead to all sublunary
+enjoyments!"
+
+I now recognized Reinhold, the old intendant, though grief had so much
+changed his appearance, that at first I knew not who he was. I had do
+wish to speak with any one, but now remained as if involuntarily rooted
+to the spot.
+
+"Aurelia dead!" cried I. "No, no, old man, thou art misinformed. The
+power of the all-seeing and omniscient Judge protected her from the
+stiletto of the murderer!"
+
+The old man started at these words as if he had been struck by
+lightning. "Who is here?" cried he, vehemently--"Who is here?--Leopold!
+Leopold!" A boy now sprung out from the thicket, and on perceiving me,
+pronounced the customary salutation--"_Laudetur Jesus Christus!_"--"_In
+omnia saecula saeculorum_" answered I. Then the old man raised himself up.
+"Leopold! Leopold!" said he, with great energy; "Who is among us? What
+is this man?"
+
+Now, for the first time, I perceived that Reinhold was blind. The boy
+answered him. "A reverend monk, Herr Intendant; a monk of the Capuchin
+order." Upon these words, it seemed as if the old man was seized by the
+utmost terror and abhorrence.
+
+"Away--away!" cried he. "Boy, lead me from hence--To my room--to my
+room! Peter shall close all the doors, and keep watch.--Away--away!"
+With these words, he seemed to exert his utmost strength to escape from
+me, as from a furious wild beast. The boy looked at him and me
+alternately, as if quite confounded, and at a loss how to act; but the
+old man, instead of allowing himself to be led, forced on his attendant,
+and they soon disappeared through a gate, which, as I perceived, was
+immediately locked behind them.
+
+I was much shocked at this adventure, and fled as quickly as I could
+from this place, the scene of my greatest crimes, which now appeared to
+me more abominable than ever. I soon afterwards found myself in dense
+thickets of the forest, and but for the direction which the sun
+afforded, would not have known what path to choose, or whither
+to turn. I sank into a deep reverie, in which I almost lost all
+self-consciousness of what was immediately around me; till at last,
+being much fatigued, I laid myself down on a mossy couch, formed on the
+spreading roots of a wild oak tree, not far from which I saw a small
+artificially formed eminence, on which was planted a cross. Gazing on
+this, I soon fell into a profound sleep, and the bodily exertions that I
+had undergone were such, that I now slumbered without ever being visited
+by any of my former visions.
+
+On awaking from my sleep, I was surprised to perceive an old countryman
+seated near me, who, as soon as he saw that I raised myself up,
+respectfully took off his cap.
+
+"No doubt, reverend father," said he, "you have travelled a far way, and
+are greatly fatigued, otherwise you would not have chosen _this_ as your
+resting-place. Or it may be that you are an entire stranger, and know
+not the peculiar circumstances connected with this spot?"
+
+I assured him, that being a stranger, a pilgrim from the most distant
+parts of Italy, I could not possibly have any knowledge of the
+circumstances to which he alluded.
+
+"Well," said the countryman, "the warning which I wished to give you is
+particularly applicable to all brethren of your order; for it is said
+that some years ago a Capuchin monk was murdered in this very part of
+the forest; consequently, when I saw you sleeping on the grass, I
+determined to station myself here, and be ready to defend you from
+whatever danger you might be threatened with. Whether the story of your
+brother's death at this place be true or false, this much is certain,
+that at the time alluded to, a Capuchin came as a passing guest to our
+village, and after staying all night, walked away in the morning,
+through these mountains. On that very day, a neighbour of mine going as
+usual to big work through the deep valley below what is called the
+'Devil's Ground,' suddenly heard a piercing hideous cry, which continued
+for a few seconds, and then strangely died away in the air. He insists,
+(though to me this appears very improbable,) that at the same time when
+he heard the cry, he saw the form of a man shoot down from the
+jutting-out point of rock above, into the bottomless abyss.
+
+"This evidence was so circumstantial, that all the village began to
+think it possible that the Capuchin who had left us that morning might
+really have fallen down from the cliff, and we tried every method in our
+power, without endangering our own lives, to find out his dead body in
+the chasm.
+
+"Our labour proved fruitless, however; we laughed at the man who had put
+us to much trouble, and ridiculed him still more when he afterwards
+insisted, that in returning home at night, he had plainly seen the
+figure of a man rising out of the water.
+
+"This last must have indeed been mere imagination; but afterwards we
+understood that the Capuchin, God knows wherefore, had been murdered by
+a man of rank, who had afterwards thrown down the body from that point
+of rock which we call the Devil's Chair.
+
+"That the murder must have been committed near the spot where we now
+are, I am fully persuaded; for, as I was once sitting quietly after hard
+work, and looking at an old hollow oak-tree, methought I saw something
+like a corner of dark-brown cloth hanging out, which excited my
+curiosity. Accordingly, when I went to the tree, I drew out of it, to my
+great surprise, a Capuchin tunic, quite fresh and new, which I therefore
+took home to my cottage. I perceived that one of the sleeves was stained
+with blood, and in one corner found embroidered, the name 'Medardus.'
+
+"It occurred to me that it would be a pious and praise-worthy action if
+I sold the habit, and give the money that it would bring to our priest,
+requesting him to read prayers for the benefit of the poor murdered man.
+Consequently, I took the dress with me to town, but no old-clothesman
+would purchase it, and there was no Capuchin Convent in the place.
+
+"At last there came up to me a man, who, by his dress, must have been a
+_chasseur_, or forester. He said that he was just then in want of such a
+garment, and gave at once the money that I had demanded for it.
+Returning home, I made our priest say several masses, and as I could not
+contrive to station a cross in the Devil's Abyss, I placed one here, as
+a memorial of the Capuchin's cruel fate.
+
+"However, the deceased father must have had not a few sins to answer
+for; his ghost is said to wander about here still, and has been seen by
+divers people, so that the priest's labours have been of no great
+service in his behalf. Therefore, reverend father, I would earnestly
+entreat of you, when you have returned safe to your own convent, to read
+prayers now and then for the soul of your unfortunate brother, Medardus.
+Will you promise me this?"
+
+"You are in a mistake, my good friend," said I; "the Capuchin Medardus,
+who some years ago passed through your village, is not murdered; there
+is no need of masses for him, since he still lives, and must by his own
+labours and repentance work out the salvation of his soul. I am myself
+this very Medardus.--Look here!"
+
+With these words I threw open my tunic, and shewed him my name
+embroidered, as he had described, on the outside of the lapelle.
+Scarcely had the _bauer_ looked at the name, when he grew deadly pale,
+and stared at me with every sign of the utmost horror. Then suddenly he
+started up, and without uttering a word, ran as if he had been pursued
+by fiends into the wood.
+
+It was obvious that he took me for the ghost of this murdered Medardus,
+and all endeavours would have failed to convince him of his error. The
+remoteness of the place, and the deep stillness, broken only by the
+roaring of the not far distant river, were well suited to awake in my
+mind the most horrible imagery. I thought once more of my detestable
+_double_, and infected almost with the terror of the countryman, I felt
+myself agitated to my inmost heart, and believed that the frightful
+spectre of my second self would start out from some dark thicket against
+me.
+
+Summoning my utmost courage, I again stepped forward on my journey, but
+so much was I disturbed by the revived notion of my ghostly _double_,
+that not till after a considerable time had I leisure to recollect that
+the countryman's narrative had completely cleared up to me the mystery
+how the delirious monk had first got possession of the tunic, which, on
+our flight into Italy, he had left with me, and which I had recognized
+as unquestionably my own. The forester whom he had applied to for a new
+dress, had, of course, purchased it from the countryman in the
+market-town.
+
+I was deeply impressed by the confused and broken manner in which the
+_bauer_ had told the fatal events of the Devil's Ground, for I thus
+perceived the intricate web--the concatenation of circumstances, in
+which the powers of darkness seemed to have done their utmost to produce
+that fearful exchange of characters betwixt myself and Victorin. The
+strange sight that had been seen by the _bauer_, too, of a man rising
+out of the abyss, which his companions believed only a vision, appeared
+to me of no little importance. I looked forward with confidence to an
+explanation of this also, though without knowing where it could be
+obtained.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+After a few days more of restless walking, it was with a beating heart,
+and eyes swimming in tears, that I once more beheld the well-known
+towers of the Cistertian Monastery, and village of Heidebach. Anxious as
+I now am to wind up this long and painful narrative, I shall not pause
+to describe and analyze my feelings at thus visiting once more the
+scenes of my youth, which, in the yellow light of a still autumnal day,
+lay in all their wonted calmness and beauty before me.
+
+I passed through the village, went up the hill, and came to the great
+square shaded by tall trees before the gate of the convent. Here, for
+some time, I paused, seating myself on a stone bench in a recess,
+reviving all my oldest and most cherished recollections, that came over
+my mind like shadows of a dream. Scarcely could I now believe that I was
+the same Francesco who had there spent so many years with a heart
+unclouded by care, and to whom guilt and remorse were yet known only by
+name.
+
+While thus occupied, I heard at some distance a swelling voice of
+melody--it was an anthem sung by male voices. A large crucifix became
+visible, and I found that a procession was coming up the hill. The monks
+walked in pairs, and at the first glance I recognized that they were my
+own brethren, and that the old Leonardus, supported by a young man whose
+name I did not know, was at their head. Without noticing me, they
+continued their anthem, and passed on through the convent gate.
+
+They were followed by the Dominicans and Franciscans, also from the town
+of Koenigswald, and walking in the same order of procession. Then several
+coaches drove up, in which were the nuns of St Clare. From all this I
+perceived that some remarkable festival was now to be solemnized.
+
+The church doors were opened, and I went in. People were adorning the
+altars, and especially the high altar, with flower garlands, and a
+sacristan gave directions for a great quantity of fresh roses, as the
+Abbess had particularly desired that they should predominate. Having
+resolved that I would immediately request permission to join my
+brethren, I first strengthened myself by fervent prayer, after which I
+went into the convent, and inquired for the Prior Leonardus.
+
+The porteress then led me into a hall, where the Prior was seated in an
+arm-chair, surrounded by his brethren. Agitated to the utmost degree,
+and indeed quite overpowered, I could not refrain from bursting into
+tears, and falling at his feet. "Medardus!" he exclaimed, and a murmur
+sounded immediately through the ranks of all the brethren. "Brother
+Medardus!" said they--"Brother Medardus, the long-lost, is returned!"
+
+I was immediately lifted up from the prostration into which I had
+involuntarily sunk, and all the brethren, even those with whom I was
+before unacquainted, fervently embraced me.--"Thanks and everlasting
+praise," they exclaimed, "to the mercy and long-suffering of Heaven,
+that you have thus been rescued from the snares and temptations of that
+deceitful world. But relate, dearest brother--tell us your
+adventures--all that you have encountered!"
+
+Thus there arose among them a murmur of confused and anxious inquiries;
+but, meanwhile, the Prior rose up and made a sign for me to follow him
+privately into another room, which was regularly appropriated for his
+use when he visited the convent.
+
+"Medardus," he began, "you have in the most wicked manner broken your
+monastic vows, and deceived that faith which was reposed in you by all
+our community. Instead of fulfilling the commissions with which I
+intrusted you, you became a disgraceful fugitive, no one knows why, nor
+whither. On this account, I could order you to be imprisoned for life,
+or to be immured, and left to perish without food or drink, if I chose
+to act according to the severe laws of our order."
+
+"Judge me, then, venerable father," interrupted I--"judge me according
+as the conventual law directs. I should resign with pleasure the burden
+of a miserable life; for indeed I feel but too deeply that the severest
+penance to which I could subject myself, would to me bring no
+consolation."
+
+"Recover yourself," said Leonardus; "be composed and tranquil. I have
+now fulfilled my duty in speaking to you as an abbot; but, as a friend
+and father, I have yet to address you, and to hear what you have to say
+in your own justification. In a wonderful manner you have been rescued
+at Rome, from the death with which you was threatened. To the disorders
+which prevail there, Cyrillus has been the only sacrifice."
+
+"Is it possible, then," said I, "that you already know----"
+
+"I know it all," answered the Prior; "I am aware, that you rendered
+spiritual assistance to the poor man in his last moments; and I have
+been informed of the stratagem of the Dominicans, who thought they had
+administered deadly poison in the wine which they offered you as a
+cordial drink. Had you swallowed but a single drop, it must have caused
+your death in a few minutes; of course you found some opportune method
+of evading this."
+
+"Only look here," said I, and, rolling up the sleeve of my tunic, shewed
+the Prior my withered arm, which was like that of a skeleton; describing
+to him, at the same time, how I had suspected the fate that was intended
+me, and found means to pour all the liquor into my sleeve.
+
+Leonardus started as he beheld this frightful spectacle, and muttered to
+himself--"Thou hast indeed done penance, as it was fitting, for thou
+hast committed many crimes.--But Cyrillus--the good and pious
+Cyrillus!"----
+
+He paused, and I took this opportunity of remarking, that the precise
+cause of my brother's death, and the accusation which had been made
+against him, remained, up to that day, unknown to me.
+
+"Perhaps you too," said the Prior, "would have shared the same fate, if,
+like him, you had stepped forward as a plenipotentiary of our convent.
+You already know, that the claim of our house, if admitted, and carried
+into effect, would almost annihilate the income of the Cardinal
+von ----; which income he at present draws without any right to its
+appropriation. This was the reason why the Cardinal suddenly made up a
+friendship with the Pope's father confessor, (with whom he had till then
+been at variance,) and thus acquired, in the Dominican, a powerful ally,
+whom he could employ against Cyrillus.
+
+"The latter was introduced to the Pope, and received with particular
+favour; in such manner, that he was admitted into the society of the
+dignitaries by whom his Holiness is surrounded, and enabled to appear as
+often as he chose at the Vatican. Cyrillus, of course, soon became
+painfully aware, how much the Vicegerent of God seeks and finds his
+kingdom in this world, and its pleasures,--how he is made subservient as
+the mere tool of a mob of hypocrites, who turn him hither and thither,
+as if vacillating between heaven and hell. Doubtless this seems
+inconsistent with the powerful talents and energetic spirit, of which he
+has, on various occasions, shewn himself possessed; but which they
+contrive, by the most abominable means, to pervert and to subdue.
+
+"Our pious brother Cyrillus, as might have been foreseen, was much
+distressed at all this, and found himself called on, by irresistible
+impulses, to avert, if possible, the misfortunes which might thus fall
+upon the church. Accordingly, as the spirit moved him, he took divers
+opportunities to rouse and agitate, by the most fervid eloquence, the
+heart of the Pope, and forcibly to disengage his soul from all
+terrestrial pleasures or ambition.
+
+"The Pope, as it usually happens to enfeebled minds, was, in truth, much
+affected by what Cyrillus had said; and this was precisely the
+opportunity which his wicked ministers had watched for, in order to
+carry their plans into execution. With an air of great mystery and
+importance, they revealed to his Holiness their discovery of nothing
+less than a regular conspiracy against him, which was to deprive him of
+the triple crown. For this purpose, Cyrillus had been commissioned to
+deliver these private lectures, and induce the Pope to submit to some
+public act of penance, which would serve as a signal for the open
+out-break of the rebellion that was already organized among the
+cardinals.
+
+"Accordingly, on the next appearance of our zealous and excellent
+brother, the Pope imagined that, in his present discourse, he could
+detect many concealed and treacherous designs. Cyrillus, however, did
+not hesitate to persist in his attempts, assuring his Holiness, that he
+who did not wholly renounce the pleasures of this world, and humble his
+heart, even as the most submissive and self-accusing penitent, was
+wholly unfit to be the Vicegerent of God, and would bring a load of
+reproach and shame on the church, from which the latter should make
+itself free.
+
+"After one of these interviews, the iced-water which the Pope was in the
+habit of drinking, was found to have been poisoned. That Cyrillus was
+perfectly guiltless on that score, it is needless for me to make any
+assertion to you, who knew him. His Holiness, however, was convinced of
+his guilt; and the order for his imprisonment and execution in the
+Dominican Convent was the consequence.
+
+"The hatred of the Dominicans towards you, after the attention which you
+had received from the Pope, and his intentions openly expressed of
+raising the Capuchin penitent to high dignities, requires no
+explanation. You had thus become more dangerous, in their estimation,
+than Cyrillus had ever been; and they would have felt the less remorse
+at your destruction, as they doubted not that your penitential
+observances were the result of the basest hypocrisy, and a desire of
+temporal advancement.
+
+"With regard to my accurate knowledge of all that occurred to you in
+Rome, there is in this no mystery. I have a friend at the metropolis,
+who is thoroughly acquainted even with the most secret occurrences which
+take place in the Vatican, and who faithfully informs me of them by
+letters, written in a cypher which has hitherto baffled all attempts at
+discovery.
+
+"But on my side, there are many questions to be asked, of which the
+solution yet appears to me an inscrutable mystery. When you lived at the
+Capuchin Convent, near to Rome, of which the Prior is my near relation,
+I believed that your penitence was genuine, and from the heart. Yet, in
+the city, you must have been actuated by very different motives. Above
+all, why did you seek to gain the Pope's attention by an incredible and
+marvellous story? Why accuse yourself of crimes which you had never
+committed? Were you, then, ever at the castle of the Baron von F----?"
+
+"Alas, venerable father!" said I, "that was indeed the scene of my most
+horrible crimes. Is it possible that, in your eyes also, I have appeared
+a liar and hypocrite?"
+
+"Truly," said the Prior, "now that I speak with, and see you, I am
+forced to believe that your repentance and self-inflicted sufferings
+have been sincere. Still there are difficulties, which I am wholly
+unable to clear up.
+
+"Soon after your flight from the _residenz_ of the Prince von
+Rosenthurm, and after the monk, with whom Cyrillus had confounded you,
+had, as if by miracle, escaped, it was proved by the discovery of
+letters, and other concomitant testimony, that the Count Victorin,
+disguised as a monk, had been at the Baron's castle, and must have been
+the perpetrator of the crimes charged against you. Reinhold, his old
+steward, indeed, vehemently disputed this notion. But suddenly
+Victorin's _chasseur_ made his appearance, and explained that his master
+had lived long concealed in the Thuringian forest; that he had allowed
+his beard to grow, and had said that he would take the first opportunity
+of providing himself with a Capuchin tunic, which he intended to wear
+for at least twelve months, in order to carry on certain adventures.
+Finally, he declared, that, after having been for some days absent from
+his master, on business, he had, on his return, found him completely
+disguised in a monk's dress, at which he was not surprised, as he, the
+day before, observed, at some distance, the figure of a Capuchin pilgrim
+in the forest, from whom he doubted not that his master had supplied
+himself with the masquerade attire. He insisted that he knew the Count
+far too well to have been deceived, and, besides, had spoken with him
+frequently betwixt the period of that occurrence and his disappearance
+from the castle. This deposition of the _chasseur_ completely
+invalidated the opinion of Reinhold; but the utter vanishing of the
+Count, of whom not a single trace could be found, remained quite
+incomprehensible.
+
+"In the _residenz_, the Princess von Rosenthurm started the hypothesis,
+that the pretended Herr von Krczinski, from Kwicziczwo, had been really
+the Count Victorin; and was the more inclined to this belief, on account
+of the resemblance that she had found between this pretender and
+Francesco, of whose guilt no one now entertained any doubt. The story of
+the Prince's forester, describing a maniac, who had wandered about in
+this forest, and afterwards lived in his house, almost sanctioned the
+hypothesis. The madman had been recognized as Medardus. Victorin, in
+order to possess himself of his tunic, had cast him down into the abyss
+below the Devil's Chair. Here, by some chance or other, he had not been
+killed in the fall, but only wounded on the head. The pain of his wound,
+with hunger and thirst, made him delirious; and he ran about, perhaps
+obtaining a morsel of food now and then from some compassionate
+countryman, and half clothed with miserable rags, till he was kindly
+received into the house of the forester.
+
+"Two things, however, remained here inexplicable, namely, how this
+Medardus could have run away to such a distance out of the mountains
+without being arrested, and how, even in his lucid intervals, he should
+confess to the judges and the physician crimes which he had never
+committed. Hereupon some individuals insisted that these lucid intervals
+were delusive--that he never had been free from his madness, and that as
+there are no limits to the varieties of that malady, it was possible
+that he had, by the force of his own perverted imagination, invented all
+the circumstances which he related, and that the belief of them was the
+one, fixed, and obstinate idea, (the characteristic of insanity,) which
+never left him.
+
+"The judge of the criminal court, on the other hand, (whose wisdom was
+held in great reverence,) declared that the pretended Herr von Krczinski
+was not only no Pole, but also no count, and certainly not the Count
+Victorin. Moreover, that the monk assuredly was, and continued mad on
+every occasion, on which account the Court had intended that his
+sentence should be that of constant imprisonment, in order that he might
+be prevented from committing more crimes; but the Prince, who was much
+shocked by the calamities brought on the family of the Baron von F----,
+changed this decision into that of execution on the scaffold.
+
+"Such is the nature of mankind in this transitory life, that every
+impression, however vivid, loses, after a short time, almost all its
+influence, and fades away into pale and dusky colours. But now the
+notion that Aurelia's fugitive bridegroom had been Count Victorin,
+brought the story of the Italian Countess fresh into the remembrance of
+every one. Even those who before knew nothing of the matter, were
+informed by others who thought there was no longer any need for keeping
+the secret, and all agreed in considering it quite natural that the
+features of Medardus should resemble those of Victorin, as they had both
+been sons of one father.
+
+"The Prince at last determined that no farther attempt should be made to
+break the veil of mystery. He wished rather that all these unhappy
+involvements, which no one could be found to unravel, should be allowed
+to rest, and be forgotten. Only Aurelia----"
+
+"Aurelia!" cried I, with vehemence, "for God's sake, reverend sir, tell
+me what has become of Aurelia?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Some pages are here left out by the Editor.]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+
+"You are sincere, Medardus," said the Prior; "your silence on this point
+is to me better than the most fervid eloquence. I felt the most perfect
+conviction that it was you only who had in the _residenz_ played the
+part of a Polish nobleman, and wished to marry the Baroness Aurelia.
+Moreover, I had traced out pretty accurately your route. A strange man,
+by name Schoenfeld, or Belcampo, who called himself a professor and an
+artist, called here, and gave me the wished-for intelligence. At one
+period I was indeed quite convinced that you had been the murderer of
+Hermogen and Euphemia, on which account I entertained, if possible, the
+more horror at your plan of seizing and involving Aurelia in your own
+destruction.
+
+"I might indeed have arrested you, and perhaps it was my duty to have
+done so; but, far from considering myself as a minister of vengeance, I
+resigned you and your earthly conduct to the eternal decrees and
+guidance of Providence. That you were, in a manner, little less than
+miraculously preserved and carried through so many dangers, proved to
+me, that your destruction, so far as this life is concerned, was not yet
+resolved.
+
+"But now, it is most important for you to hear the circumstances by
+which I was afterwards led, and indeed forced to believe, that Count
+Victorin had actually appeared as the Capuchin, in the Thuringian
+mountains, at the castle of Baron von F----.
+
+"Some time ago, Brother Sebastian, our porter, was awoke from his sleep
+by an extraordinary noise of sobbing and groaning at the gate, which
+sounded like the voice of a man in the last agony.
+
+"The day had just dawned, and he immediately rose. On opening the
+outward gate, he found a man lying on the steps, half petrified with
+cold, and miserably exhausted. With great effort the stranger brought
+out the words, that he was Medardus, a monk who had fled from our
+monastery.
+
+"Sebastian was much alarmed, and immediately came to me with accounts of
+what had happened below. I summoned the brethren around me, and went to
+inquire into the matter. The stranger seemed to have fainted, whereupon
+we lifted him up, and brought him into the refectorium. In spite of the
+horribly disfigured countenance of the man, we still thought that we
+could recognize your features. Indeed, several were of opinion that it
+was the change of dress, more than any other circumstance, which made a
+difference. The stranger had a long beard, like a monk, and wore a
+lay-habit, now much torn and destroyed, but which had at first been very
+handsome. He had silk stockings, a gold buckle still on one of his
+shoes, a white satin waistcoat----"
+
+"A chesnut-coloured coat," interrupted I, "of the finest cloth; richly
+embroidered linen, and a plain gold ring upon his finger."
+
+"Precisely so," said Leonardus; "but, in God's name, how could you know
+these particulars?"
+
+Alas! it was the identical dress which I had worn on that fatal day of
+my marriage in the _residenz_. My horrible double again stood vividly
+before mine eyes. It was no longer the mere phantom of my own disturbed
+brain that had seemed to follow me through the woods, but the real and
+substantial madman, or demon, by whom my strength had been overpowered,
+and who had at last robbed me of my clothes, in order to represent me in
+this manner at the convent. I begged of Leonardus, that, before asking
+any other questions, he would proceed with his narrative, from which,
+perhaps, a perfect explanation of the mysteries in which I had been
+involved would at last dawn upon me.
+
+"After a trial of several days," said Leonardus, "we began to perceive
+that the man was utterly and incurably mad; and, notwithstanding that
+his features resembled yours very closely, and he incessantly cried out,
+'I am Medardus, and have come home to do penance among you,' we all
+concluded that this was but an obstinately fixed delusion of the maniac.
+
+"To this change of opinion we were led by divers proofs. For example, we
+brought him into the church; where, as he endeavoured to imitate us in
+the usual devotional exercises, we perceived plainly that he had never
+before been in a convent. The question then always gained more and more
+influence over my mind--'What if this madman, who has, according to his
+own account, fled from the _residenz_ of Rosenthurm, and escaped the
+punishment of the scaffold, were actually the Count Victorin?'
+
+"The story which the maniac had before told to the forester was already
+known to me, but I was almost of opinion with the judge at Rosenthurm,
+that the discovery and drinking out of the Devil's Elixir, his residence
+in a convent, where he was condemned to prison, and all the rest, might
+be mere visions, the off-spring of his own malady, aided perhaps by some
+extraordinary magnetic influence of your mind over his--I was the more
+inclined to this notion, because the stranger had, in his paroxysms,
+often exclaimed that he was a Count, and a ruling sovereign. On the
+whole, I resolved, as he could have no claim on our care, to give him up
+to the hospital of St Getreu, where it was not impossible that the skill
+and tenderness with which he would be treated, might at last effect his
+recovery, after which his rational confessions might clear away that
+load of uncertainty under which we laboured.
+
+"This resolution I had not time to put in practice. During the following
+night I was awoke by the great bell, which you know is rung whenever
+any one is taken dangerously ill and requires my assistance. On inquiry,
+I was informed that the stranger had asked for me so calmly and
+earnestly, that it was probable his madness had left him, and that he
+wished to confess. But, however this might be, his bodily weakness had
+so much increased, that it was scarcely possible for him to survive
+through the night.
+
+"'Forgive me, venerable father,' said the stranger, after I had
+addressed to him a few words of pious admonition--'forgive me, that I
+have hitherto attempted to deceive you--I am not Medardus, the monk who
+fled from your convent, but the Count Victorin. _Prince_, indeed, I
+should be called, since I derive my birth from princes. This I advise
+you to notice, with due respect, otherwise my anger may yet overtake
+you!'
+
+"'Even if you are a ruling prince,' said I, 'that circumstance, within
+our walls, and in your present condition, is not of any importance
+whatever; and it would, in my opinion, be much more suitable, and more
+for your own advantage, if you would now turn your thoughts altogether
+from such vain and terrestrial considerations.'
+
+"At these words he stared on me, and his senses seemed wandering; but
+some strengthening drops having been administered, he revived, and began
+again to speak, though, to my great disappointment, in a style so wild
+and delirious, that his discourse scarce admits of repetition.
+
+"'It seems to me,' said he, 'as if I must soon die, and that before
+leaving this world I must lighten my heart by confession. I know,
+moreover, that you have power over me; for, however you attempt to
+disguise yourself, I perceive very well that you are St Anthony, and you
+best know what misfortunes your infernal Elixirs have produced in this
+world. I had indeed grand designs in view when I first resolved to
+become a monk with a long beard, a shaven head, and a brown tunic tied
+with hair ropes. But, after long deliberation, it seemed to me as if my
+most secret thoughts played false with him to whom they owed their
+birth--as if they departed from me, and dressed themselves up in a
+cursed masquerade, representing MYSELF. I recognized the likeness--the
+identity--it was my _double_, and I was horrified.
+
+"'This _double_, too, had superhuman strength, and hurled me down from
+the black rocks, through the trees and bushes, into the abyss, where a
+snow-white radiant princess rose out of the foaming water to receive me.
+She took me in her arms and bathed my wounds, so that I no longer felt
+any pain. I had now indeed become a monk, but that infernal second-self
+proved stronger than I was, and drove me on in the paths of wickedness,
+till I was forced to murder the princess that had rescued me, along with
+her only brother. I was then thrown into prison; but you yourself, St
+Anthony, know better than I, in what manner, after I had drunk up your
+cursed Elixir, you brought me out, and carried me away through the air.
+
+"'The green forest king received me badly enough, although he knew very
+well that I was a prince, and therefore of equal rank; but my
+second-self interfered betwixt us, telling the king all sorts of
+calumnies against me, and insisted, that because we had committed these
+damnable crimes together, we must continue inseparable, and enjoy all
+things in partnership.
+
+"'This happened accordingly, but when the king wanted to cut off our
+heads, we ran away, and on the road at last quarrelled and separated. I
+saw that this parasitical _double_ had resolved on being perpetually
+nourished by my powerful spirit, though I had then not food enough for
+myself; and I therefore knocked him down, beat him soundly, and took
+from him his coat.'
+
+"So far the ravings of the man had some resemblance, however distant and
+shadowy, to the truth; but afterwards he lost himself in the sheer
+absurdities of his malady, out of which not a word could be understood.
+About an hour afterwards, as the first bell was rung for early prayers,
+he started up with a hideous cry, then fell back on his couch, and, as
+we all believed, instantly expired.
+
+"Accordingly, I made the body be removed into the dead-room, and gave
+orders, that, after the usual interval, he should be buried, not in the
+convent vaults, but in a spot of consecrated ground in our garden. But
+you may well imagine our utter astonishment, when, on returning to the
+dead-room, we found that the supposed lifeless body was no longer to be
+seen! All inquiries after him were in vain, and I was obliged to despair
+of gaining any farther information as to the strange involvements that
+subsisted betwixt you and this man.
+
+"No doubt, however, remained on my mind that he was Count Victorin.
+According to the story of the chasseur, he had murdered a Capuchin monk
+in the forest, and put on his tunic in order to carry on some intrigue
+in the castle. The crimes which he had thus begun, ended perhaps in a
+way that he did not expect--with the murder of the Baroness and of the
+young Baron Hermogen. Perhaps he was then mad, as Reinhold maintained,
+or became so upon his flight, being tormented by a reproving conscience.
+The dress which he wore, and the murder of the Capuchin, gave rise in
+his mind to the fixed delusion that he was a monk, and that his
+individuality was split into two hostile and contending powers.
+
+"Only the period betwixt his flight from the Baron's castle and that of
+his arrival at the forester's house remains obscure. We know not how he
+could have lived all that time; nor is it conceivable how the story of
+his living in a convent, and being rescued from prison, had originated.
+Again, the time of his appearing to the forester will by no means answer
+with the date which Reinhold fixes for Victorin's departure from the
+Thuringian mountains."
+
+"Stop, stop, father," said I; "every hope of obtaining, notwithstanding
+the fearful load of my crimes, forgiveness through the mercy and
+long-suffering of Heaven, must perish in my soul, if I do not, with the
+deepest repentance and self-condemnation, relate to you all the
+circumstances of my life, as I have before narrated them in holy
+confession!"
+
+When I now went through this detail, the Prior's astonishment increased
+beyond all bounds. At last he said, "I must believe all that you have
+told, Medardus, if it were for no other reason than that, while you
+spoke, I perceived in your tone and looks the most unequivocal proofs of
+sincere and heartfelt repentance. Who can explain, but, at the same
+time, who can deny or disprove, the extraordinary mental sympathy and
+connection that has thus subsisted between two brothers, sons of a
+wretched sinner, and themselves both acted on and misled by the powers
+of darkness?[6]
+
+[Footnote 6: According to the devil's assertion, if two individuals
+should drink out of the same flask, they would henceforth possess a
+wonderful reciprocity of thoughts and feelings, though mutually and
+unconsciously acting for the destruction of each other. See Vol. I. pp.
+46, 68.--EDIT.]
+
+"It is now certain that Victorin had rescued himself from the rocky
+abyss into which you had thrown him, (his fall probably having been
+broken by the water,) that he was the delirious monk whom the forester
+protected, who persecuted you as your _double_, and who died, or seemed
+to die, in our convent. He was an agent of our Arch-Enemy, placed in
+your way for the express purpose of misleading you from the path of
+virtue, or veiling from your sight that light of truth which otherwise
+might have dawned upon you. Or shall we look upon him not as Victorin,
+but as an incarnate demon, who, for his own hellish purposes, had
+availed himself of your unhappy brother's bodily frame?
+
+"Alas! it is too true that the devil yet wanders restless and watchful
+through the earth, offering, as of yore, to unwary mortals, his
+deceitful Elixirs! Who is there that has not, at one period or another,
+found some of these deadly drinks agreeable and seductive to his taste?
+But such is the will of Heaven. Man must be subjected to temptations;
+and then, by the reproaches of his own conscience, being made aware of
+the dangers into which a moment of levity and relaxation has betrayed
+him, summon up strength and resolution to avoid such errors for the
+future. Thus, as the natural life of man is sometimes prolonged by
+poison, so the soul indirectly owes its final weal to the dark and
+destructive principle of evil.--Go now, Medardus, and join the
+brethren."
+
+I was about to retire, but the Prior called me back.--"You have no doubt
+observed," said he, "the preparations for a great festival. The Baroness
+Aurelia is to-morrow to take the veil, and receives the conventual name
+of Rosalia!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+
+The agitation which I felt at these words was indeed indescribable. As
+if struck by a thunderbolt, I had almost fallen to the ground, and could
+make no answer. Hereupon the Prior seemed greatly incensed.--"Go to your
+brethren!" said he, in a tone of sternness and anger;--and I tottered
+away, almost senseless, or totally unable to analyze my own sensations,
+to the refectorium, where the monks were assembled.
+
+Here I was assailed by a storm of anxious inquiries; but I was no longer
+able to utter a single word on the adventures of my own life. Only the
+bright and beaming form of Aurelia came vividly before mine eyes, and
+all other imagery of the past faded into obscurity. Under pretext of
+having devotional duties to perform, I left the brethren, and betook
+myself to the chapel, which lay at the further extremity of the
+extensive convent garden. Here I wished to pray; but the slightest
+noise, even the light rustling of the wind among the faded leaves, made
+me start up, and broke every pious train of contemplation.
+
+"It is she--I shall see her again!--Aurelia comes!"--In these words a
+voice seemed to address me, and my heart was at once agitated with fear
+and with rapture. It seemed to me as if indeed at some distance I heard
+the sounds of soft whispering voices. I started up, left the chapel,
+and, behold! there were two nuns walking through an _allee_ of lime
+trees, and between them a person in the dress of a novice. Certainly
+that was Aurelia. My limbs were seized with a convulsive shuddering; my
+heart beat so violently, that I could hardly breathe; and I wished to go
+from the place; but, being unable to walk, I fell, not fainting, but
+overcome with the vehemence of my internal conflict, powerless to the
+ground. The nuns, and with them the novice, vanished into the thickets.
+
+What a day and what a night I had to encounter! I strove to diversify
+the emotions under which I laboured, by a visit to the house in which my
+mother had lived; but, alas! it no longer existed. The garden--the
+tower--the old castle--all were gone; and the ground on which they once
+stood had been converted, by a new proprietor, into a ploughed field. I
+was but slightly affected by this change, for my whole heart and soul
+were devoted to that one object. I wandered about repeating her
+name--"Aurelia! Aurelia!" This distraction continued also through the
+long night. There was, for the time, no other thought--no other image,
+but hers, that could gain any influence over my attention.
+
+As soon as the first beams of the morning had begun to break through the
+autumnal wreaths of white vapour that hovered in the valley, the convent
+bells rung to announce the festival of a nun's investiture and
+dedication. Soon afterwards, the brethren assembled in the great public
+hall, where, too, in a short time, the Abbess appeared, attended by two
+of her sisterhood.
+
+Undescribable was the feeling which filled my heart, when I once more
+beheld her, who, towards my father, had been so deeply attached, and,
+after he had through his crimes broken off a union which promised him
+every happiness, had yet transferred her unconquerable affection to his
+son.
+
+That son she had endeavoured to rear up to a life of virtue and piety;
+but, like his father, he heaped up crime on crime, so that every hope of
+the adoptive mother, who wished to find in the one consolation for the
+profligacy of the other, was annihilated.
+
+With my head hung downwards, and eyes fixed on the ground, I listened to
+the discourse, wherein the Abbess once more formally announced to the
+assembled monks, Aurelia's entrance into the Cistertian Convent; and
+begged of them to pray zealously at the decisive moment of the last vow,
+in order that the Arch-Fiend might not have any power at that time to
+torment the pious virgin, by his abominable delusions.--"Heavy and
+severe," said she, "were the trials which this young woman had already
+to resist. There was no method of temptation which the great adversary
+of mankind did not employ, in order to lead her unawares into the
+commission of sins, from which she should awake when it was too late, as
+if from a hideous dream, to perish in shame and despair!
+
+"Yet Omnipotence protected this truly pious votary of the church; and if
+on this day, too, the adversary should approach her, and once more aim
+at her destruction, her history now will be the more glorious. I
+request, then, your most zealous prayers--not that this chosen votary
+may be firm and unchanged in her resolve, for her mind has long been
+devoted wholly to Heaven; but that no earthly misfortune may interrupt
+the solemn act of her investiture, or disturb her thoughts in that
+sacred act. I must confess that a mysterious timidity--an apprehension,
+has got possession of my mind, for which I am unable to account, but
+which I have no power of resisting."
+
+Hereupon it became clear and obvious, that the Abbess alluded to me
+alone, as that evil adversary--that destructive demon, who would
+probably interrupt the ceremony. She had heard of my arrival, and, being
+aware of my previous history, had imagined that I came with the fixed
+intention of committing some new crime to prevent Aurelia from taking
+the veil. The consciousness how groundless were these suspicions, and of
+the change which my mind had undergone, caused, for the moment, a sinful
+feeling of self-approbation, which I ought to have repressed, but
+which, like other vices, obtained a victory before I was on my guard.
+The Abbess did not vouchsafe towards me a single look, or the slightest
+sign of recognition. Hereupon I felt once more that proud spirit of
+scorn and defiance, by which I had been formerly actuated towards the
+Princess in the _residenz_; and when the Abbess spoke these words,
+instead of wishing, as of yore, to humble myself before her in the dust,
+I could have walked up to her, and said:--
+
+"Wert thou then always so pure and elevated in soul, that the pleasures
+of terrestrial life never had for thee any attraction? When thou daily
+sawest my father, wert thou so well guarded by devotion, that sinful
+thoughts never entered into thy mind? Or, when adorned with the _infula_
+and crosier, in all thy conventual dignity, did his image never wake
+within thee a longing desire to return into the world? Hast thou
+contended with the dark powers as I have done? Or canst thou flatter
+thyself with having gained a true victory, if thou hast never been
+called into a severe combat? Deem not thyself so proudly elevated that
+thou canst despise him, who submitted indeed to the most powerful of
+enemies, yet again raised himself up by deep repentance, and the
+severest penance."
+
+The sudden and demoniacal change that I had undergone, must have been
+visible in my exterior looks and deportment; for the brother who was
+next to me, inquired, "What is the matter with you, Brother Medardus?
+Why do you cast such angry looks towards the truly sanctified Abbess?"
+
+"Ay, indeed," answered I, almost audibly; "she may indeed be sanctified,
+for she carried her head always so high, that the contamination of
+profane life could not reach her; and yet, methinks, she appears to me
+at this moment less like a Christian saint than a pagan priestess, who,
+with the bloody knife in her hand, prepares to immolate before an idol
+her human victim!"
+
+I know not how I came to pronounce these blasphemous words, which were
+out of the track of my previous ideas, but with them arose in my mind a
+multitude of the most horrible and distracting images, which seemed to
+unite and harmonize together, as if for the purpose of gaining more
+strength, and effectually obtaining the victory over any degree of
+rational self-possession I had left.
+
+Aurelia was for ever to forsake and renounce this world!--She was to
+bind herself, as I had done, by a vow, that appeared to me only the
+invention of religious fanaticism, to renounce all earthly enjoyments!
+Old impressions, which I had believed for ever lost, revived on me with
+tenfold strength and influence. My attention was again wholly engrossed
+by the one idea, that Aurelia and the monk should yet be united, though
+it were but for a moment, and then perish together, a sacrifice to the
+subterranean powers of darkness. Nay, like a hideous spectre, like Satan
+himself, the thought of murder once more rose on my mind. I beheld
+myself with the bloody dagger in my hand!--Alas, poor blinded wretch! I
+did not perceive that at the moment when I had conceived such resentment
+against the Abbess for her supposed allusions, I was given up a prey to
+perhaps the severest trial to which the power of the devil had ever
+subjected me, and by which I was to be enticed to the most hideous crime
+of which I had yet even dreamed!
+
+The brother to whom I had spoken looked at me terrified. "For the love
+of God, and all the saints," said he, "what words are you muttering
+there?" The Abbess was now about to leave the hall. On her retreat, her
+eyes accidentally encountered mine. I perceived that she immediately
+grew pale, that she tottered, and must lean on the attendant nuns.
+Methought also I could distinguish the words,--"Merciful Heaven, my
+worst fears then are confirmed!"
+
+Soon after, she summoned the Prior Leonardus to a private audience; but,
+meanwhile, the bells were again rung, and with them was united the deep
+thundering notes of the organ. The consecration anthem was just begun,
+and was distinctly heard from the church, when the Prior returned into
+the hall. Now the monks of the different orders arranged themselves all
+in solemn processions, and advanced towards the church, which was now
+just as crowded as it used formerly to be at the anniversary of the
+blessed St Bernard. On the right side of the high altar, which was
+richly adorned with red and white roses, were elevated seats placed for
+the clergy opposite to the tribune, whereon the Bishop's _capelle_
+performed the music of the high mass, at which he himself was the
+officiating priest.
+
+One of the monks with whom I had formerly been acquainted, and to whom
+probably Leonardus had given directions, called me to take my place next
+to him. I perceived that he watched even my slightest movements, and he
+insisted that I should pray without ceasing out of my Breviary.
+
+The decisive moment was now drawing near. The nuns of St Clare assembled
+themselves within the small square, enclosed by an iron railing, before
+the high altar, while, through a private door from behind the altar, the
+Cistertians brought forward Aurelia.
+
+A whispering rustled through the crowded church on her appearance; the
+organ was silent, and only the simple anthem of the nuns in the choir
+vibrated to the very heart of every listener. Till now, I had not
+ventured to lift up mine eyes, and on doing so, I trembled convulsively,
+so that my Breviary fell to the ground. I bent down to take it up, but a
+sudden giddiness seized me, and I should have fallen after my book, had
+not my watchful brother seized and held me back. "What is the matter
+with you, Medardus?" said he--"Resist the demon that besets you, and he
+will flee!"
+
+I made a violent effort to be tranquil, looked up again, and saw Aurelia
+kneeling at the high altar. Oh, heavens! her beauty of countenance, and
+symmetry of form, were more than ever dazzling and seductive! She was
+dressed, too, as a bride, precisely as she had been on that fatal day of
+our intended marriage, with wreaths of myrtle and roses twisted in her
+luxuriant and skilfully-plaited hair. The devotion--the solemnity and
+agitation of the moment, had heightened the bloom on her cheeks; and in
+her eyes, uplifted to heaven, lay an expression of desire, which, in
+another place, or on another occasion, might have been very differently
+interpreted.
+
+What were those moments, after I had recognized Aurelia at the
+_residenz_ of the Prince von Rosenthurm, compared to this? I said that
+my feelings then were indescribable, but my passions now raged and
+burned within me with a violence which I had never before known. Every
+vein and fibre in my frame was convulsed and swollen by the vehemence
+of my conflict, and I grasped the reading-desk with such force, that the
+boards cracked and broke beneath the pressure.
+
+Meanwhile, I prayed internally with great fervour--"Oh, merciful
+Heaven--Oh, ye blessed saints, intercede for me!--Let me not become
+mad!--only not mad!--Save me--save me from this hellish torment!--Save
+me from utter frenzy, otherwise I must commit the most horrible of
+crimes, and give up my soul to everlasting destruction!" Such were my
+inward aspirations, for I felt how every moment the evil spirit was
+acquiring more and more an ascendancy over me. It seemed to me as if
+Aurelia, too, had a share in the crime which I alone was committing, as
+if the vow that she was about to take was _not_ to be the bride of
+Heaven, but to become _mine_! To rush up to the altar, to press her in
+my arms in one last delicious embrace, and then stab her to the
+heart--this impulse became almost irresistible. The demon raged more and
+more wildly in my heart--I was about to scream out, "Stop there, deluded
+fools!--Not a virgin, as you believe, pure and emancipated from earthly
+bonds and passion, but the devoted bride of the perjured monk, would
+you consecrate to Heaven!" * * * * When I heard Aurelia's voice,
+however, as she began to pronounce the vow, then it seemed as if a mild
+gleam of moonlight broke through the dark and stormy clouds by which my
+reason had been obscured. By this pure light I detected all the
+artifices of my relentless adversary, whom I was thus, with tenfold
+vigour, enabled to resist. Every word uttered by Aurelia, like the
+encouraging voice of a guardian seraph, gave me new strength, and, after
+an arduous conflict, I was left victor. That black and hideous impulse
+to new crimes was put to flight, and with it every remains of sinful
+passion. Aurelia was again the pious votary of Heaven, whose prayer
+could rescue me from eternal remorse and destruction. Her vows were to
+me the source of consolation and of hope; I could look again without
+despair into the blue unclouded vaults of heaven! The monk who had
+watched over me, immediately perceived this change. "Thou hast bravely
+resisted the adversary, Medardus. This was perhaps the last and severest
+trial which has been destined for thee by the will of the Almighty!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+
+The vow was now pronounced, and during that part of the service
+consisting of question and response, sung by the nuns of St Clare, the
+veil was to be laid on Aurelia. Already they had taken the myrtles and
+roses from her head, and were in the act of cutting off her long and
+luxuriant locks, when an extraordinary tumult arose in the church. I
+remarked how the people who stood in the aisles were thrust and driven
+about. Many of them, too, were violently knocked down, and the
+disturbance made its way always nearer and nearer, till it arrived at
+the centre of the church, before which time I could not distinguish the
+cause.
+
+With the most furious looks and gestures, striking with his clenched
+fists at all who stood in his way, and still pressing forward, there now
+appeared a half-naked man, with the rags of a Capuchin dress hung about
+his body! At the first glance, I recognized my diabolical _double_; but
+already at the moment when, anticipating some horrible event, I was in
+the act of leaving the gallery to throw myself in his way, the horrible
+wretch had leaped over the railing of the altar. The terrified nuns
+shrieked and dispersed, but the Abbess undauntedly held Aurelia firmly
+clasped in her arms. "Ha, ha, ha!" screamed the madman in a thrilling
+tone, "would'st thou rob me of my Princess?--Ha, ha, ha!--The Princess
+is my bride, my bride!"
+
+With these words he tore the fainting Aurelia from the Abbess, and with
+incredible quickness pulled out a stiletto, elevated it high over her
+head, and then plunged it into her heart, so that the blood sprung in
+torrents from the wound.--"Hurrah!--hurrah!" cried the maniac; "now have
+I won my bride--have won the Princess!" With these words he rushed
+through the private grating behind the altar, and disappeared.
+
+The church-aisles and vaults reverberated with the deafening shrieks of
+the nuns, and outcries of the people.--"Murder!--Murder at the altar of
+the Lord!" cried they, crowding to the spot.
+
+"Watch all the gates of the convent, that the murderer may not escape!"
+cried Leonardus, in a loud voice; and many accordingly left the church,
+seizing the staves and crosiers that had been used in the procession,
+and rushing after the monster through the aisles of the convent.
+
+All was the transaction of a moment, and soon after, I was kneeling
+beside Aurelia, the nuns having, as well as they could, bound up her
+wound, while others assisted the now fainting Abbess.
+
+"_Sancta Rosalia, ora pro nobis!_" I heard these words spoken near me in
+a powerful and steadfast voice; and all who yet remained in the church
+cried out, "A miracle!--A miracle!--She is indeed a martyr! _Sancta
+Rosalia, ora pro nobis!_"
+
+I looked up, the old painter stood near, but with a mild earnestness on
+his features, precisely as when he had appeared to me in the prison. It
+seemed to me already as if every earthly tie was broken. I felt no pain
+at the fate of Aurelia, nor could I now experience any apprehension or
+horror from the apparition of the painter. It seemed, on the contrary,
+as if the mysterious nets, by which the powers of hell had so long held
+me entangled, were now completely dissolved and broken.
+
+"A miracle!--A miracle!" shouted again all the people. "Do you see the
+old man in the violet-coloured mantle? He has descended out of the
+picture over the high altar!--I saw it!"
+
+"I too!"--"And I too!" cried many confused voices, till again all fell
+upon their knees, and the tumult subsided into the murmur of zealous
+prayer, interrupted occasionally by violent sobbing and weeping.
+
+The Abbess at last awoke from her faint.--"Aurelia!" cried she, with the
+heart-rending tone of deep and violent grief,--"Aurelia, my child! my
+pious daughter! But why do I complain?--Almighty Heaven, it was thy
+resolve!"
+
+A kind of bier, or couch, tied on hand-poles, was now brought, on which
+Aurelia was to be placed. When she was lifted up for this purpose, she
+opened her eyes, and seeing me beside her, "Medardus," said she, "thou
+hast indeed submitted to the temptation of our adversary. But was I then
+pure from the contamination of sin, when I placed in my affection for
+thee all my hopes of earthly happiness? An immutable decree of
+Providence had resolved that we should be the means of expiating the
+heavy crimes of our ancestors, and thus we were united by a bond of
+love, whose proper throne is beyond the stars, and the enjoyment of
+whose votaries partakes nothing in common with terrestrial pleasure.
+
+"But our watchful and cunning adversary succeeded but too well in
+concealing from us altogether this true interpretation of our
+attachment--nay, in such manner to delude and entice us, that we only
+construed and exemplified that which was in its nature heavenly and
+spiritual, by means earthly and corporeal.
+
+"Alas! was it not I myself, who, in the confessional, betrayed to you my
+affection, which afterwards, instead of kindling within you the
+celestial flames of heavenly and everlasting love, degenerated into the
+fire of selfish and impure passion, which afterwards you endeavoured to
+quench by unheard-of and enormous crimes? But, Medardus, be of good
+courage. The miserable maniac, whom our Arch-Adversary has deluded into
+the belief that he is transformed into thee, and must fulfil what thou
+hadst begun, is but the mere tool or implement of that higher Power,
+through which the intentions of the latter are fulfilled. Soon, very
+soon----"
+
+Here Aurelia, who had spoken the last words with her eyes closed, and a
+voice scarcely audible, fell again into a faint, yet death could not yet
+triumph over her. Indeed, all that she had said was but in fragments and
+single words, so broken and disjointed, that it was with much difficulty
+the sense could be collected, which I have above put together.
+
+"Has she confessed to you, reverend sir?" said the nuns. "Have you
+consoled her?"--"By no means," said I; "she has indeed poured
+consolation on my mind, but I am unable to aid her!"
+
+"Happy art thou, Medardus! Thy trials will soon be at an end, and I then
+am free!"
+
+It was the painter who still stood near me, and who had spoken these
+last words. I went up to him, and began,--"Forsake me not, then, thou
+wonderful and miraculous man, but remain ever with me!" I know not how
+my senses, when I wished to speak farther, became, in the strangest
+manner, confused and lost. I could not bring out a word, but fell into a
+state betwixt waking and dreaming, out of which I was roused by loud
+shouts and outcries.
+
+I now no longer saw the painter. My attention was directed only to a
+crowd of countrymen, citizens from the town, and soldiers, who had
+forced their way into the church, and insisted that it should be allowed
+them to search through every apartment of the convent, as the murderer
+certainly must be still within its walls. The Abbess, who was afraid of
+the disorders that would ensue, refused this; but, notwithstanding the
+influence of her high dignity, she could not appease the minds of the
+people. They reproached her, on the contrary, with a wish to conceal the
+murderer, because he was a monk, and, raging more violently, threatened
+to force for themselves that admittance which she had refused.
+
+Leonardus then mounted the pulpit, and after a few words of
+admonishment, on the sin of profaning a sanctuary by such tumult, he
+assured them that the murderer was by no means a monk, but a madman,
+whom he himself had taken out of compassion into his convent, where he
+had, to all appearance, died; but, after being carried to the
+dead-room, had unaccountably recovered from his supposed death, and
+escaped, taking with him an old tunic, which, at his earnest request,
+had been charitably lent to him during his stay in the monastery. If he
+were now concealed anywhere within these walls, it would be impossible
+for him, after the precautions that had been taken, to make his escape.
+The crowd were at last quieted, and permitted the removal of Aurelia.
+
+It was found that the bier on which she was placed could not be carried
+through the wicket-door behind the altar. It was, therefore, brought in
+solemn procession through the aisle of the church, and across the court,
+into the convent. The Abbess, supported by two nuns, walked close behind
+the bier. Four Cistertian sisters carried over it a canopy, and all the
+rest followed,--then the brethren of the different orders, and lastly
+the people, who now behaved with the most respectful silence. The bier
+was covered with roses and myrtle wreaths; and thus the procession moved
+slowly on.
+
+The sisters who belonged to the choir must have returned to their
+station; for as we reached the middle of the long and spacious aisle,
+deep fearful tones of the organ sounded mournfully from above. Then,
+lo! as if awoke by those notes, Aurelia once more raised herself slowly
+up, and lifted her clasped hands in fervent prayer to Heaven. Again the
+people fell upon their knees, and called out, "_Sancta Rosalia, ora pro
+nobis!_" Thus was the vision realized, which, at my first meeting with
+Aurelia, I had announced, though then actuated only by base and devilish
+hypocrisy.
+
+The bier was first set down in the great hall of the convent; and as the
+nuns and the brethren formed a circle, and prayed around her, she
+suddenly fell into the arms of the Abbess, with a long deep sigh. She
+was dead!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The multitude were still gathered round the gates, and when the bell
+announced to them the death of the consecrated virgin, all broke out
+into new lamentations. Many of them made a vow to remain in the village
+till after the funeral of Aurelia, and to devote that period to fasting
+and prayer. The rumour of this fearful event was rapidly spread abroad,
+so that Aurelia's obsequies, which were solemnized four days thereafter,
+resembled one of the highest festivals of the church on the canonization
+of a saint. As formerly, on St Bernard's eve, the convent lawn was
+covered with a great crowd from the town of Koenigswald, and from all
+quarters; but there was no longer to be heard among them the wonted
+voice of mirth. Their time was spent in sighs and tears; and if a voice
+was raised aloud, it was but to utter execrations against the murderer,
+who had supernaturally vanished, nor could a trace of him be discovered.
+Far deeper was the influence of these three days (which I spent mostly
+in the garden-chapel) on the weal of my soul, than my long laborious
+penitence in the Capuchin Convent of Rome. When I reflected on my past
+life, I perceived plainly how, although armed and protected from
+earliest youth with the best lessons of piety and virtue, I had yet,
+like a pusillanimous coward, yielded to Satan, whose aim was to foster
+and cherish the criminal race, from which I was sprung, so that its
+representatives might still be multiplied, and still fettered by bonds
+of vice and wickedness upon the earth. My sins were but trifling and
+venial when I first became acquainted with the choir-master's sister,
+and first gave way to the impulses of pride and self-confidence. But,
+alas! I was too careless to remember the doctrine which I had yet often
+inculcated on others, that _venial_ errors, unless immediately
+corrected, form a sure and solid foundation for sins which are _mortal_.
+Then the Devil threw that Elixir into my way, which, like a poison
+working against the soul instead of the body, completed his victory over
+me. I heeded not the earnest admonitions of the unknown painter, the
+Abbess, or the Prior.
+
+Aurelia's appearance at the confessional was a decisive effort for my
+destruction. Then, as the body, under the influence of poison, falls
+into disease, so my spirit, under the operation of that hellish cordial,
+was infected and destroyed by sin. How could the votary, the slave of
+Satan, recognize the true nature of those bonds by which Omnipotence, as
+a symbol of that eternal love, (whose marriage festival is death,) had
+joined Aurelia's fate and mine?
+
+Rejoicing in his first victories, Satan then haunted me in the form of
+an accursed madman, between whose spirit and mine there seemed to be a
+reciprocal and alternate power of influencing each other. I was obliged
+to ascribe his apparent death (of which I in reality was guiltless) to
+myself; and thus became familiarized with the thought of murder. Or was
+Victorin really killed, and did the Arch-Fiend re-animate his body, (as
+the vampyres in Hungary rise from the grave,) for his own especial
+purposes? May it not suffice to say, that this brother, called Victorin,
+who derived his birth from an accursed and abominable crime, became to
+me an impersonization of the evil principle, who forced me into hideous
+guilt, and tormented me with his unrelenting persecution?
+
+Till that very moment when I heard Aurelia pronounce her vows, my heart
+was not yet pure from sin; not till then had the Evil One lost over me
+his dominion; but the wonderful inward tranquillity--the cheerfulness as
+if poured from Heaven into my heart, when she addressed to me her last
+words, convinced me that her death was the promise of my forgiveness and
+reconciliation. Then, as in the solemn requiem, the choir sung the
+words--"_Confutatis maledictis, flammis acribus addictis_," I trembled;
+but at the passage, "_Voca me cum benedictis_," it seemed to me as if I
+beheld, in the dazzling radiance of celestial light, Aurelia, who first
+looked down with an expression of saintly compassion upon me, and then
+lifting up her head, which was surrounded with a dazzling ring of stars,
+to the Almighty, preferred an ardent supplication for the deliverance of
+my soul! At the words, "_Ora supplex et acclinis cor contritum, quasi
+cinis_," I sank down into the dust; but how different now were my inward
+feelings of humility and submission, from that _passionate_
+self-condemnation, those cruel and violent penances, which I had
+formerly undergone at the Capuchin Convent!
+
+Now, for the first time, my spirit was enabled to distinguish truth from
+falsehood, and by the new light, which was then shed around me, every
+temptation of the devil must, from henceforward, remain vain and
+ineffectual. It was not Aurelia's death, but the cruel and horrible
+manner in which it had occurred, by which I had been at first so deeply
+agitated. But how short was the interval, ere I perceived and recognized
+in its fullest extent, even in this event, the goodness and mercy of
+Heaven! The martyrdom of the pious, the tried, and absolved bride! Had
+she then died for my sake? No! It was not till now, after she had been
+withdrawn from this world, that she appeared to me like a dazzling
+gleam, sent down from the realms of eternal love, to brighten the path
+of an unhappy sinner. Aurelia's death was, as she had before said, our
+marriage festival, the solemnization of that love, which, like a
+celestial essence, has its throne and dominion above the stars, and
+admits nought in common with grovelling and perishable earthly
+pleasures! These thoughts indeed raised me above myself; and accordingly
+these three days in the Cistertian Convent might truly be called the
+happiest of my life.
+
+After the funeral obsequies, which took place on the fourth day,
+Leonardus was on the point of returning with the brethren home to his
+own convent. When their procession was ready to set out, the Abbess
+summoned me to a private audience. I found her alone, in her high
+vaulted parlour, the same room wherein I had my first introduction, and
+which then inspired me with such awe and terror. She was now in the
+greatest emotion, and tears burst involuntarily from her eyes.
+
+"Son Medardus!" said she, "for I can again address you thus, all now is
+known and explained to me, so that I have no questions to ask. You have
+at last survived the temptations by which, unhappy and worthy to be
+pitied, you were assailed and overtaken! Alas, Medardus, only she, _she_
+alone, who intercedes for us at the judgment throne of Heaven, is pure
+from sin. Did I not stand on the very brink of the abyss, when, with a
+heart given up to the allurements of earthly pleasure, I was on the
+point of selling myself to a murderer? And yet, son Medardus, and yet I
+have wept sinful tears in my lonely cell, when thinking of your father!
+Go then, in God's name. Every apprehension by which I have often been
+assailed, that in you I had reared and educated even the most wicked of
+the race, is banished from my soul. Farewell!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Leonardus, who had no doubt revealed to the Abbess whatever
+circumstances of my life remained yet unknown to her, proved to me by
+his conduct that he also had forgiven me, and recommended me in his
+prayers to Heaven. The old regulations of the conventual life remained
+unbroken, and I was allowed to take my place, on an equal footing with
+the brethren, as formerly.
+
+One day the Prior desired to speak with me. "Brother Medardus," said he,
+"I should like still to impose upon you one act of penitence."--I humbly
+inquired wherein this was to consist. "I advise you," answered
+Leonardus, "to commit to paper a history of your life. In your
+manuscript do not leave out any incident--not only of those which are
+leading and important, but even such as are comparatively insignificant.
+Especially, detail at great length whatever happened to you in the
+varied scenes of the profane world. Your imagination will probably by
+this means carry you back into that life which you have now for ever
+renounced. All that was absurd or solemn, mirthful or horrible, will be
+once more vividly impressed on your senses; nay, it is possible, that
+you may for a moment look upon Aurelia, not as a nun and a martyr, but
+as she once appeared in the world. Yet if the Evil One has wholly lost
+his dominion over you; if you have indeed turned away your affections
+from all that is terrestrial, then you will hover, like a disengaged
+spirit, as if on seraph's wings, above all these earthly remembrances,
+and the impression thus called up will vanish without leaving any trace
+behind."
+
+I did as the Prior had commanded; and, alas! the consequences were such
+as he had desired me to expect. A tempest of conflicting emotions, of
+pain and pleasure, of desire, and abhorrence, rose in my heart as I
+revived the circumstances of my life. Thou, to whom I have already
+addressed myself, who mayest one day read these pages, I spoke to thee
+more than once of the highest meridian sun-light of love, when Aurelia's
+image arose in all its celestial beauty on my soul. But there is a love
+far different from terrestrial passion, (which last generally works its
+own destruction.)--There is another and far different love, and in
+_this_ may be truly found that meridian sun-light which I described,
+when, far removed above the influences of earthly desire, the beloved
+object, like a gleam from heaven, kindles in thy heart all the highest,
+the holiest, and most blissful inspirations which are shed down from the
+realms of the saints on poor mortals. By this thought have I been
+refreshed and comforted, when, on my remembrance of the most seductive
+moments which this world bestowed on me, tears yet gushed from mine
+eyes, and wounds, long cicatrized, broke open and bled anew.
+
+I know that probably in the hour of death the adversary will yet have
+power to torment me. But steadfastly, and with fervent longing, I wait
+for the moment which is to withdraw me from this life; for it is on that
+event that the fulfilment of all that Aurelia, all that the blessed St
+Rosalia, has promised to me, depends. Pray--pray for me, oh, ye
+beatified Virgin! in that dark hour, that the powers of hell, to which I
+have so often yielded, may not once more, and for the last time, conquer
+me, and tear me with him to the abyss of everlasting destruction!
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+_Additions by Father Spiridion, Librarian of the Capuchin Monastery at
+Koenigswald._
+
+
+In the night of the 3d-4th September, in this year 17--, much that is
+worthy of being recorded has happened in our monastery. It might be
+about midnight, when, in the cell of Brother Medardus, which was next to
+mine, I overheard a strange noise of stammering and laughing, which
+continued for a considerable time; and at intervals I heard also obscure
+sounds of lamentation, sobbing, and groaning. It seemed to me as if I
+could distinguish the articulate accents of a most disagreeable broken
+voice, from which I involuntarily recoiled and shuddered, and which
+pronounced the words "_Brued-er-lein! Brued-er-lein!_--Come with me--Come
+with me.--The bride is here--The bride is here!"--I immediately started
+up, and wished to inquire for Brother Medardus; but then there fell
+upon me an unaccountable and supernatural horror, so that my limbs shook
+and my jaws clattered, as if in the cold fit of an ague. Thereafter, I
+went not into the cell of Brother Medardus, but to the Prior, and, with
+some trouble, woke him from his sleep. The Prior was much alarmed by my
+description of what I had heard, and desired me to bring consecrated
+candles, and then we should both go to the assistance of Medardus. I did
+as he commanded me, lighted the candles at the lamp beside the image of
+the blessed Virgin in the aisle, and we went along the corridor, till we
+came near the cell. There Leonardus stood for some time, listening at
+the door; but the voice which I had described to him was no longer to be
+heard. On the contrary, we observed a pleasant silvery sound, as of the
+ringing of bells, and methought the air was filled with the fragrance of
+roses. Leonardus was about to enter, when the door opened, and lo! there
+stepped forth the form of a very tall man, with a long white beard,
+attired in a dark violet-coloured mantle. I was indescribably terrified,
+knowing well that this must be a supernatural apparition, for the
+convent gates were all firmly locked, and it was impossible for any
+stranger, without my knowledge, to have gained admittance. Leonardus,
+however, looked at him boldly, though without uttering a word. "The hour
+of fulfilment is not far distant," said the figure, in a tone very
+hollow and solemn. With these words he vanished in the obscurity of the
+corridor, so that my fear was greatly increased, and I had almost let
+the candles fall out of my hand. The Prior, who, by his extreme piety
+and strength of faith, is wholly protected from any such fear of ghosts,
+took me by the arm. "Now," said he, "let us go, and speak with Brother
+Medardus." We entered accordingly, and found our brother, who for some
+time past had been in very weak health, already dying. He could no
+longer speak, and breathed with great difficulty. The Prior assisted
+him; and I went to ring the great bell, and awaken the brethren. "Rise
+up--rise up," cried I in a loud voice; "Brother Medardus is on the point
+of death." They all attended on the instant, so that not one of our
+number was wanting, and stood, with consecrated candles in their hands,
+round the couch of the dying man, every one feeling for him deep regret
+and compassion. Leonardus commanded that he should be laid on a bier,
+carried down to the church, and placed before the high altar, which was
+accordingly done. There, to our utter astonishment, he recovered, and
+began to speak. Leonardus, after confession and absolution had been
+regularly gone through, administered the last unction. Thereupon, while
+the Prior continued with the dying man, consoling and supporting him, we
+betook ourselves to the choir, and sang the usual dirge for the soul's
+weal of our departing brother. On the following day, namely, on the 5th
+September, 17--, exactly as the convent clock struck twelve, Brother
+Medardus expired in the arms of the Prior. We remarked that it was
+precisely on the same day, and at the same hour, in the preceding year,
+that the nun Rosalia, in a horrible manner, just after she had taken the
+vows, had been murdered.
+
+At the funeral, during the requiem also, the following circumstance
+occurred. We perceived that the air was strongly perfumed by roses, and
+on looking round, saw, that to the celebrated picture of St Rosalia's
+martyrdom, painted by an old unknown Italian artist, (which was
+purchased for a large sum by our convent, in Rome,) there was a large
+garland affixed, of the finest and freshest roses, which at this late
+season had become very rare. The porter said, that early in the morning
+a ragged, very miserable-looking beggar, unobserved by any of us, had
+climbed up to the picture, and hung on it this wreath. The same beggar
+made his appearance before the funeral was over, and forced his way
+among the brethren. We intended to order him away; but when Leonardus
+had sharply looked at, and seemed to recognize him, he was allowed, by
+the Prior's order, to remain. He was afterwards, by his earnest
+entreaty, received as a lay-monk into the convent, by the name of
+Brother Peter, as he had been in the world called Peter Schoenfeld; and
+we granted him this honoured name so much the more readily, as he was
+always very quiet and well-behaved, only now and then made strange
+grimaces, and laughed very absurdly, which, however, as it could not be
+called sinful, only served for our diversion. The Prior said, that
+Brother Peter's intellectual light was quenched and obscured by the
+vapours of folly, so that nothing in this world appeared to him without
+being strangely caricatured and metamorphosed. We scarcely understood
+what the learned Prior meant by these allusions, but perceived that he
+had known something of the former life of our lay-brother Peter, which
+induced him charitably to admit the poor man among us.
+
+Thus to the manuscript, which is said to contain an account of our late
+brother's life, (but which I have not read,) I have added, not without
+labour, and all to the greater glory of God and our religion, this
+circumstantial history of his death. Peace to the soul of Medardus, and
+may the Almighty one day call him to a blessed resurrection, and receive
+him into the choir of the saints, for his death was indeed very pious!
+
+
+THE END.
+
+
+    EDINBURGH:
+    Printed by James Ballantyne and Co.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Devil's Elixir, by E. T. A. Hoffmann
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DEVIL'S ELIXIR ***
+
+***** This file should be named 37005.txt or 37005.zip *****
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