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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Peter Schlemihl etc., by  Chamisso et. al.
+
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+
+Title: Peter Schlemihl etc.
+
+Author:  Chamisso et. al.
+
+Release Date: March, 2004  [EBook #5339]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on July 2, 2002]
+[Most recently updated: July 2, 2002]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, PETER SCHLEMIHL ETC. ***
+
+
+
+
+Transcribed from he 1889 Cassell & Company edition by David Price,
+email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk
+
+
+
+
+PETER SCHLEMIHL ETC.
+
+
+
+
+Contents:
+   Introduction by Henry Morley
+   Peter Schlemihl by Adelbert Chamisso
+      Peter Schlemihl
+      Appendix
+         Preface by the Editor
+         Brief Sketch of Chamisso's Life
+         From the Baron de la Motte Fouque
+   The Story Without An End by Carode translated by Sarah Austin
+   Hymns To Night by Novalis translated by Henry Morley
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION.
+
+
+
+"Peter Schlemihl," one of the pleasantest fancies of the days when
+Germany delighted in romance, was first published in 1814, and was
+especially naturalised in England by association with the genius of
+George Cruikshank, who enriched a translation of it with some of his
+happiest work as an illustrator.  An account of the book and its
+author is here reprinted at the end of the tale, as originally given
+by the translator.  To this account one or two notes may be added.
+Louis Charles Adelaide de Chamisso de Boncourt was born on the 27th
+of January, 1781, at the Chateau of Boncourt, in Champagne, which he
+made the subject of one of his most beautiful lyrics.  He belonged
+to a family faithful to Louis XVI., that fled to Wurzburg from the
+fury of the French Revolution.  Thus he was taken to Germany a child
+of nine, and was left there when the family, with other emigrants,
+returned to France in 1801.  At fifteen he had Teutonised his name
+to Adelbert von Chamisso, and was appointed page to the Queen of
+Prussia.  In the war that came afterwards, for a very short time he
+bore arms against the French, but being one of a garrison taken in
+the captured fort of Hamlin, he and his comrades had to pledge their
+honour that they would not again bear arms against France during
+that war.  After the war he visited France.  His parents then were
+dead, and though he stayed in France some years, he wrote from
+France to a friend, "I am German heart and soul, and cannot feel at
+home here."  He wandered irresolutely, then became Professor of
+Literature in a gymnasium in La Vendee.  Still he was restless.  In
+1812 he set off for a walk in Switzerland, returned to Germany, and
+took to the study of anatomy.  In 1813, Napoleon's expedition to
+Russia and the peril to France from legions marching upon Paris
+caused to Chamisso suffering and confusion of mind.
+
+It is often said that his sense of isolation between interests of
+the land of his forefathers and the land of his adoption makes
+itself felt through all the wild playfulness of "Peter Schlemihl,"
+which was at this time written, when Chamisso's age was about
+thirty-two.  A letter of his to the Councillor Trinius, in
+Petersburg, tells how he came to write it.  He had lost on a
+pedestrian tour his hat, his knapsack, his gloves, and his pocket
+handkerchief--the chief movables about him.  His friend Fouque asked
+him whether he hadn't also lost his shadow?  The friends pleased
+their fancies in imagining what would have happened to him if he
+had.  Not long afterwards he was reading in La Fontaine of a polite
+man who drew out of his pocket whatever was asked for.  Chamisso
+thought, He will be bringing out next a coach and horses.  Out of
+these hints came the fancy of "Peter Schlemihl, the Shadowless Man."
+In all thought that goes with invention of a poet, there are depths
+as well as shallows, and the reader may get now and then a peep into
+the depths.  He may find, if he will, in a man's shadow that outward
+expression of himself which shows that he has been touched, like
+others, by the light of heaven.  But essentially the story is a
+poet's whim.  Later writings of Chamisso proved him to be one of the
+best lyric poets of the romance school of his time, entirely German
+in his tone of thought.  His best poem, "Salas y Gomez," describes
+the feeling of a solitary on a sea-girt rock, living on eggs of the
+numberless sea-birds until old age, when a ship is in sight, and
+passes him, and his last agony of despair is followed by a triumph
+in the strength of God.
+
+
+"Alone and world-forsaken let me die;
+   Thy Grace is all my wealth, for all my loss:
+On my bleached bones out of the southern sky
+   Thy Love will look down from the starry cross."
+
+
+The "Story Without an End"--a story of the endless beauty of
+Creation--is from a writer who has no name on the rolls of fame.
+The little piece has been made famous among us by the good will of
+Sarah Austin.  The child who enjoyed it, and for whom she made the
+delicate translation which here follows next after Chamisso's "Peter
+Schlemihl," was that only daughter who became Lady Duff-Gordon, and
+with whom we have made acquaintance in this Library as the
+translator of "The Amber Witch."
+
+To make up the tale of pages in this little book without breaking
+its uniformity, I have added a translation of the "Hymns to Night"
+of Novalis.  It is a translation made by myself seven-and-forty
+years ago, and printed in a student's magazine that I then edited.
+"Novalis" was the name assumed by a poet, Friedrich von Hardenberg,
+who died on the 25th March, 1801, aged twenty-nine.  He was bred
+among the Moravian brethren, and then sent to the University of
+Jena.  Two years after his marriage to a young wife, Sophie von
+Kuhn, she died.  That was in 1797.  At the same time he lost a
+brother who was very dear to him.  It was then--four years before
+his own death--that he wrote his "Hymns to Night."
+
+H. M.
+
+
+
+
+PETER SCHLEMIHL, THE SHADOWLESS MAN.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTORY EPISTLE FROM
+A. VON CHAMISSO TO JULIUS EDWARD HITZIG.
+
+
+
+You, who forget nobody, must surely remember one Peter Schlemihl,
+whom you used to meet occasionally at my house--a long-legged youth,
+who was considered stupid and lazy, on account of his awkward and
+careless air.  I was sincerely attached to him.  You cannot have
+forgotten him, Edward.  He was on one occasion the hero of our
+rhymes, in the hey-day of our youthful spirits; and I recollect
+taking him one evening to a poetical tea-party, where he fell asleep
+while I was writing, without even waiting to hear my effusion:  and
+this reminds me of a witticism of yours respecting him.  You had
+already seen him, I know not where or when, in an old black frock-
+coat, which, indeed, he constantly wore; and you said, "He would be
+a lucky fellow if his soul were half as immortal as his coat," so
+little opinion had you of him.  _I_ loved him, however:  and to this
+very Schlemihl, of whom for many years I had wholly lost sight, I am
+indebted for the little volume which I communicate to you, Edward,
+my most intimate friend, my second self, from whom I have no
+secrets;--to you, and of course our Fouque, I commit them, who like
+you is intimately entwined about my dearest affections,--to him I
+communicate them only as a friend, but not as a poet; for you can
+easily imagine how unpleasant it would be if a secret confided to me
+by an honest man, relying implicitly on my friendship and honour,
+were to be exposed to the public in a poem.
+
+One word more as to the manner in which I obtained these sheets:
+yesterday morning early, as soon as I was up, they were brought to
+me.  An extraordinary-looking man, with a long grey beard, and
+wearing an old black frock-coat with a botanical case hanging at his
+side, and slippers over his boots, in the damp, rainy weather, had
+just been inquiring for me, and left me these papers, saying he came
+from Berlin.
+
+ADELBERT VON CHAMISSO.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+
+After a prosperous, but to me very wearisome, voyage, we came at
+last into port.  Immediately on landing I got together my few
+effects; and, squeezing myself through the crowd, went into the
+nearest and humblest inn which first met my gaze.  On asking for a
+room the waiter looked at me from head to foot, and conducted me to
+one.  I asked for some cold water, and for the correct address of
+Mr. Thomas John, which was described as being "by the north gate,
+the first country-house to the right, a large new house of red and
+white marble, with many pillars."  This was enough.  As the day was
+not yet far advanced, I untied my bundle, took out my newly-turned
+black coat, dressed myself in my best clothes, and, with my letter
+of recommendation, set out for the man who was to assist me in the
+attainment of my moderate wishes.
+
+After proceeding up the north street, I reached the gate, and saw
+the marble columns glittering through the trees.  Having wiped the
+dust from my shoes with my pocket-handkerchief and readjusted my
+cravat, I rang the bell--offering up at the same time a silent
+prayer.  The door flew open, and the porter sent in my name.  I had
+soon the honour to be invited into the park, where Mr. John was
+walking with a few friends.  I recognised him at once by his
+corpulency and self-complacent air.  He received me very well--just
+as a rich man receives a poor devil; and turning to me, took my
+letter.  "Oh, from my brother! it is a long time since I heard from
+him:  is he well?--Yonder," he went on,--turning to the company, and
+pointing to a distant hill--"Yonder is the site of the new
+building."  He broke the seal without discontinuing the
+conversation, which turned upon riches.  "The man," he said, "who
+does not possess at least a million is a poor wretch."  "Oh, how
+true!" I exclaimed, in the fulness of my heart.  He seemed pleased
+at this, and replied with a smile, "Stop here, my dear friend;
+afterwards I shall, perhaps, have time to tell you what I think of
+this," pointing to the letter, which he then put into his pocket,
+and turned round to the company, offering his arm to a young lady:
+his example was followed by the other gentlemen, each politely
+escorting a lady; and the whole party proceeded towards a little
+hill thickly planted with blooming roses.
+
+I followed without troubling any one, for none took the least
+further notice of me.  The party was in high spirits--lounging about
+and jesting--speaking sometimes of trifling matters very seriously,
+and of serious matters as triflingly--and exercising their wit in
+particular to great advantage on their absent friends and their
+affairs.  I was too ignorant of what they were talking about to
+understand much of it, and too anxious and absorbed in my own
+reflections to occupy myself with the solution of such enigmas as
+their conversation presented.
+
+By this time we had reached the thicket of roses.  The lovely Fanny,
+who seemed to be the queen of the day, was obstinately bent on
+plucking a rose-branch for herself, and in the attempt pricked her
+finger with a thorn.  The crimson stream, as if flowing from the
+dark-tinted rose, tinged her fair hand with the purple current.
+This circumstance set the whole company in commotion; and court-
+plaster was called for.  A quiet, elderly man, tall, and meagre-
+looking, who was one of the company, but whom I had not before
+observed, immediately put his hand into the tight breast-pocket of
+his old-fashioned coat of grey sarsnet, pulled out a small letter-
+case, opened it, and, with a most respectful bow, presented the lady
+with the wished-for article.  She received it without noticing the
+giver, or thanking him.  The wound was bound up, and the party
+proceeded along the hill towards the back part, from which they
+enjoyed an extensive view across the green labyrinth of the park to
+the wide-spreading ocean.  The view was truly a magnificent one.  A
+slight speck was observed on the horizon, between the dark flood and
+the azure sky.  "A telescope!" called out Mr. John; but before any
+of the servants could answer the summons the grey man, with a modest
+bow, drew his hand from his pocket, and presented a beautiful
+Dollond's telescope to Mr. John, who, on looking through it,
+informed the company that the speck in the distance was the ship
+which had sailed yesterday, and which was detained within sight of
+the haven by contrary winds.  The telescope passed from hand to
+hand, but was not returned to the owner, whom I gazed at with
+astonishment, and could not conceive how so large an instrument
+could have proceeded from so small a pocket.  This, however, seemed
+to excite surprise in no one; and the grey man appeared to create as
+little interest as myself.
+
+Refreshments were now brought forward, consisting of the rarest
+fruits from all parts of the world, served up in the most costly
+dishes.  Mr. John did the honours with unaffected grace, and
+addressed me for the second time, saying, "You had better eat; you
+did not get such things at sea."  I acknowledged his politeness with
+a bow, which, however, he did not perceive, having turned round to
+speak with some one else.
+
+The party would willingly have stopped some time here on the
+declivity of the hill, to enjoy the extensive prospect before them,
+had they not been apprehensive of the dampness of the grass.  "How
+delightful it would be," exclaimed some one, "if we had a Turkey
+carpet to lay down here!"  The wish was scarcely expressed when the
+man in the grey coat put his hand in his pocket, and, with a modest
+and even humble air, pulled out a rich Turkey carpet, embroidered in
+gold.  The servant received it as a matter of course, and spread it
+out on the desired spot; and, without any ceremony, the company
+seated themselves on it.  Confounded by what I saw, I gazed again at
+the man, his pocket, and the carpet, which was more than twenty feet
+in length and ten in breadth; and rubbed my eyes, not knowing what
+to think, particularly as no one saw anything extraordinary in the
+matter.
+
+I would gladly have made some inquiries respecting the man, and
+asked who he was, but knew not to whom I should address myself, for
+I felt almost more afraid of the servants than of their master.  At
+length I took courage, and stepping up to a young man who seemed of
+less consequence than the others, and who was more frequently
+standing by himself, I begged of him, in a low tone, to tell me who
+the obliging gentleman was in the grey cloak.  "That man who looks
+like a piece of thread just escaped from a tailor's needle?"  "Yes;
+he who is standing alone yonder."  "I do not know," was the reply;
+and to avoid, as it seemed, any further conversation with me, he
+turned away, and spoke of some common-place matters with a
+neighbour.
+
+The sun's rays now being stronger, the ladies complained of feeling
+oppressed by the heat; and the lovely Fanny, turning carelessly to
+the grey man, to whom I had not yet observed that any one had
+addressed the most trifling question, asked him if, perhaps, he had
+not a tent about him.  He replied, with a low bow, as if some
+unmerited honour had been conferred upon him; and, putting his hand
+in his pocket, drew from it canvas, poles, cord, iron--in short,
+everything belonging to the most splendid tent for a party of
+pleasure.  The young gentlemen assisted in pitching it:  and it
+covered the whole carpet:  but no one seemed to think that there was
+anything extraordinary in it.
+
+I had long secretly felt uneasy--indeed, almost horrified; but how
+was this feeling increased when, at the next wish expressed, I saw
+him take from his pocket three horses!  Yes, Adelbert, three large
+beautiful steeds, with saddles and bridles, out of the very pocket
+whence had already issued a letter-case, a telescope, a carpet
+twenty feet broad and ten in length, and a pavilion of the same
+extent, with all its appurtenances!  Did I not assure thee that my
+own eyes had seen all this, thou wouldst certainly disbelieve it.
+
+This man, although he appeared so humble and embarrassed in his air
+and manners, and passed so unheeded, had inspired me with such a
+feeling of horror by the unearthly paleness of his countenance, from
+which I could not avert my eyes, that I was unable longer to endure
+it.
+
+I determined, therefore, to steal away from the company, which
+appeared no difficult matter, from the undistinguished part I acted
+in it.  I resolved to return to the town, and pay another visit to
+Mr. John the following morning, and, at the same time, make some
+inquiries of him relative to the extraordinary man in grey, provided
+I could command sufficient courage.  Would to Heaven that such good
+fortune had awaited me!
+
+I had stolen safely down the hill, through the thicket of roses, and
+now found myself on an open plain; but fearing lest I should be met
+out of the proper path, crossing the grass, I cast an inquisitive
+glance around, and started as I beheld the man in the grey cloak
+advancing towards me.  He took off his hat, and made me a lower bow
+than mortal had ever yet favoured me with.  It was evident that he
+wished to address me; and I could not avoid encountering him without
+seeming rude.  I returned his salutation, therefore, and stood
+bareheaded in the sunshine as if rooted to the ground.  I gazed at
+him with the utmost horror, and felt like a bird fascinated by a
+serpent.
+
+He affected himself to have an air of embarrassment.  With his eyes
+on the ground, he bowed several times, drew nearer, and at last,
+without looking up, addressed me in a low and hesitating voice,
+almost in the tone of a suppliant:  "Will you, sir, excuse my
+importunity in venturing to intrude upon you in so unusual a manner?
+I have a request to make--would you most graciously be pleased to
+allow me--!"  "Hold! for Heaven's sake!" I exclaimed; "what can I do
+for a man who"--I stopped in some confusion, which he seemed to
+share.  After a moment's pause, he resumed:  "During the short time
+I have had the pleasure to be in your company, I have--permit me,
+sir, to say--beheld with unspeakable admiration your most beautiful
+shadow, and remarked the air of noble indifference with which you,
+at the same time, turn from the glorious picture at your feet, as if
+disdaining to vouchsafe a glance at it.  Excuse the boldness of my
+proposal; but perhaps you would have no objection to sell me your
+shadow?"  He stopped, while my head turned round like a mill-wheel.
+What was I to think of so extraordinary a proposal?  To sell my
+shadow!  "He must be mad," thought I; and assuming a tone more in
+character with the submissiveness of his own, I replied, "My good
+friend, are you not content with your own shadow?  This would be a
+bargain of a strange nature indeed!"
+
+"I have in my pocket," he said, "many things which may possess some
+value in your eyes:  for that inestimable shadow I should deem the
+highest price too little."
+
+A cold shuddering came over me as I recollected the pocket; and I
+could not conceive what had induced me to style him "GOOD FRIEND,"
+which I took care not to repeat, endeavouring to make up for it by a
+studied politeness.
+
+I now resumed the conversation: --"But, Sir--excuse your humble
+servant--I am at a loss to comprehend your meaning,--my shadow?--how
+can I?"
+
+"Permit me," he exclaimed, interrupting me, "to gather up the noble
+image as it lies on the ground, and to take it into my possession.
+As to the manner of accomplishing it, leave that to me.  In return,
+and as an evidence of my gratitude, I shall leave you to choose
+among all the treasures I have in my pocket, among which are a
+variety of enchanting articles, not exactly adapted for you, who, I
+am sure, would like better to have the wishing-cap of Fortunatus,
+all made new and sound again, and a lucky purse which also belonged
+to him."
+
+"Fortunatus's purse!" cried I; and, great as was my mental anguish,
+with that one word he had penetrated the deepest recesses of my
+soul.  A feeling of giddiness came over me, and double ducats
+glittered before my eyes.
+
+"Be pleased, gracious sir, to examine this purse, and make a trial
+of its contents."  He put his hand in his pocket, and drew forth a
+large strongly stitched bag of stout Cordovan leather, with a couple
+of strings to match, and presented it to me.  I seized it--took out
+ten gold pieces, then ten more, and this I repeated again and again.
+Instantly I held out my hand to him.  "Done," said I; "the bargain
+is made:  my shadow for the purse."  "Agreed," he answered; and,
+immediately kneeling down, I beheld him, with extraordinary
+dexterity, gently loosen my shadow from the grass, lift it up, fold
+it together, and, at last put it in his pocket.  He then rose, bowed
+once more to me, and directed his steps towards the rose bushes.  I
+fancied I heard him quietly laughing to himself.  However, I held
+the purse fast by the two strings.  The earth was basking beneath
+the brightness of the sun; but I presently lost all consciousness.
+
+On recovering my senses, I hastened to quit a place where I hoped
+there was nothing further to detain me.  I first filled my pockets
+with gold, then fastened the strings of the purse round my neck, and
+concealed it in my bosom.  I passed unnoticed out of the park,
+gained the high road, and took the way to the town.  As I was
+thoughtfully approaching the gate, I heard some one behind me
+exclaiming, "Young man! young man! you have lost your shadow!"  I
+turned, and perceived an old woman calling after me.  "Thank you, my
+good woman," said I; and throwing her a piece of gold for her well-
+intended information, I stepped under the trees.  At the gate,
+again, it was my fate to hear the sentry inquiring where the
+gentleman had left his shadow; and immediately I heard a couple of
+women exclaiming, "Jesu Maria! the poor man has no shadow."  All
+this began to depress me, and I carefully avoided walking in the
+sun; but this could not everywhere be the case:  for in the next
+broad street I had to cross, and, unfortunately for me, at the very
+hour in which the boys were coming out of school, a humpbacked lout
+of a fellow--I see him yet--soon made the discovery that I was
+without a shadow, and communicated the news, with loud outcries, to
+a knot of young urchins.  The whole swarm proceeded immediately to
+reconnoitre me, and to pelt me with mud.  "People," cried they, "are
+generally accustomed to take their shadows with them when they walk
+in the sunshine."
+
+In order to drive them away I threw gold by handfuls among them, and
+sprang into a hackney-coach which some compassionate spectators sent
+to my rescue.
+
+As soon as I found myself alone in the rolling vehicle I began to
+weep bitterly.  I had by this time a misgiving that, in the same
+degree in which gold in this world prevails over merit and virtue,
+by so much one's shadow excels gold; and now that I had sacrificed
+my conscience for riches, and given my shadow in exchange for mere
+gold, what on earth would become of me?
+
+As the coach stopped at the door of my late inn, I felt much
+perplexed, and not at all disposed to enter so wretched an abode.  I
+called for my things, and received them with an air of contempt,
+threw down a few gold pieces, and desired to be conducted to a
+first-rate hotel.  This house had a northern aspect, so that I had
+nothing to fear from the sun.  I dismissed the coachman with gold;
+asked to be conducted to the best apartment, and locked myself up in
+it as soon as possible.
+
+Imagine, my friend, what I then set about?  O my dear Chamisso! even
+to thee I blush to mention what follows.
+
+I drew the ill-fated purse from my bosom; and, in a sort of frenzy
+that raged like a self-fed fire within me, I took out gold--gold--
+gold--more and more, till I strewed it on the floor, trampled upon
+it, and feasting on its very sound and brilliancy, added coins to
+coins, rolling and revelling on the gorgeous bed, until I sank
+exhausted.
+
+Thus passed away that day and evening; and as my door remained
+locked, night found me still lying on the gold, where, at last,
+sleep overpowered me.
+
+Then I dreamed of thee, and fancied I stood behind the glass door of
+thy little room, and saw thee seated at thy table between a skeleton
+and a bunch of dried plants; before thee lay open the works of
+Haller, Humboldt, and Linnaeus; on thy sofa a volume of Goethe, and
+the Enchanted Ring.  I stood a long time contemplating thee, and
+everything in thy apartment; and again turning my gaze upon thee, I
+perceived that thou wast motionless--thou didst not breathe--thou
+wast dead.
+
+I awoke--it seemed yet early--my watch had stopped.  I felt thirsty,
+faint, and worn out; for since the preceding morning I had not
+tasted food.  I now cast from me, with loathing and disgust, the
+very gold with which but a short time before I had satiated my
+foolish heart.  Now I knew not where to put it--I dared not leave it
+lying there.  I examined my purse to see if it would hold it,--
+impossible!  Neither of my windows opened on the sea.  I had no
+other resource but, with toil and great fatigue, to drag it to a
+huge chest which stood in a closet in my room; where I placed it
+all, with the exception of a handful or two.  Then I threw myself,
+exhausted, into an arm-chair, till the people of the house should be
+up and stirring.  As soon as possible I sent for some refreshment,
+and desired to see the landlord.
+
+I entered into some conversation with this man respecting the
+arrangement of my future establishment.  He recommended for my
+personal attendant one Bendel, whose honest and intelligent
+countenance immediately prepossessed me in his favour.  It is this
+individual whose persevering attachment has consoled me in all the
+miseries of my life, and enabled me to bear up under my wretched
+lot.  I was occupied the whole day in my room with servants in want
+of a situation, and tradesmen of every description.  I decided on my
+future plans, and purchased various articles of vertu and splendid
+jewels, in order to get rid of some of my gold; but nothing seemed
+to diminish the inexhaustible heap.
+
+I now reflected on my situation with the utmost uneasiness.  I dared
+not take a single step beyond my own door; and in the evening I had
+forty wax tapers lighted before I ventured to leave the shade.  I
+reflected with horror on the frightful encounter with the school-
+boys; yet I resolved, if I could command sufficient courage, to put
+the public opinion to a second trial.  The nights were now
+moonlight.  Late in the evening I wrapped myself in a large cloak,
+pulled my hat over my eyes, and, trembling like a criminal, stole
+out of the house.
+
+I did not venture to leave the friendly shadow of the houses until I
+had reached a distant part of the town; and then I emerged into the
+broad moonlight, fully prepared to hear my fate from the lips of the
+passers-by.
+
+Spare me, my beloved friend, the painful recital of all that I was
+doomed to endure.  The women often expressed the deepest sympathy
+for me--a sympathy not less piercing to my soul than the scoffs of
+the young people, and the proud contempt of the men, particularly of
+the more corpulent, who threw an ample shadow before them.  A fair
+and beauteous maiden, apparently accompanied by her parents, who
+gravely kept looking straight before them, chanced to cast a beaming
+glance on me; but was evidently startled at perceiving that I was
+without a shadow, and hiding her lovely face in her veil, and
+holding down her head, passed silently on.
+
+This was past all endurance.  Tears streamed from my eyes; and with
+a heart pierced through and through, I once more took refuge in the
+shade.  I leant on the houses for support, and reached home at a
+late hour, worn out with fatigue.
+
+I passed a sleepless night.  My first care the following morning
+was, to devise some means of discovering the man in the grey cloak.
+Perhaps I may succeed in finding him; and how fortunate it were if
+he should be as ill satisfied with his bargain as I am with mine!
+
+I desired Bendel to be sent for, who seemed to possess some tact and
+ability.  I minutely described to him the individual who possessed a
+treasure without which life itself was rendered a burden to me.  I
+mentioned the time and place at which I had seen him, named all the
+persons who were present, and concluded with the following
+directions: --He was to inquire for a Dollond's telescope, a Turkey
+carpet interwoven with gold, a marquee, and, finally, for some black
+steeds--the history, without entering into particulars, of all these
+being singularly connected with the mysterious character who seemed
+to pass unnoticed by every one, but whose appearance had destroyed
+the peace and happiness of my life.
+
+As I spoke I produced as much gold as I could hold in my two hands,
+and added jewels and precious stones of still greater value.
+"Bendel," said I, "this smooths many a path, and renders that easy
+which seems almost impossible.  Be not sparing of it, for I am not
+so; but go, and rejoice thy master with intelligence on which depend
+all his hopes."
+
+He departed, and returned late and melancholy.
+
+None of Mr. John's servants, none of his guests (and Bendel had
+spoken to them all) had the slightest recollection of the man in the
+grey cloak.
+
+The new telescope was still there, but no one knew how it had come;
+and the tent and Turkey carpet were still stretched out on the hill.
+The servants boasted of their master's wealth; but no one seemed to
+know by what means he had become possessed of these newly acquired
+luxuries.  He was gratified; and it gave him no concern to be
+ignorant how they had come to him.  The black coursers which had
+been mounted on that day were in the stables of the young gentlemen
+of the party, who admired them as the munificent present of Mr.
+John.
+
+Such was the information I gained from Bendel's detailed account;
+but, in spite of this unsatisfactory result, his zeal and prudence
+deserved and received my commendation.  In a gloomy mood, I made him
+a sign to withdraw.
+
+"I have, sir," he continued, "laid before you all the information in
+my power relative to the subject of the most importance to you.  I
+have now a message to deliver which I received early this morning
+from a person at the gate, as I was proceeding to execute the
+commission in which I have so unfortunately failed.  The man's words
+were precisely these:  'Tell your master, Peter Schlemihl, he will
+not see me here again.  I am going to cross the sea; a favourable
+wind now calls all the passengers on board; but, in a year and a day
+I shall have the honour of paying him a visit; when, in all
+probability, I shall have a proposal to make to him of a very
+agreeable nature.  Commend me to him most respectfully, with many
+thanks.'  I inquired his name; but he said you would remember him."
+
+"What sort of person was he?" cried I, in great emotion; and Bendel
+described the man in the grey coat feature by feature, word for
+word; in short, the very individual in search of whom he had been
+sent.  "How unfortunate!" cried I bitterly; "it was himself."
+Scales, as it were, fell from Bendel's eyes.  "Yes, it was he,"
+cried he, "undoubtedly it was he; and fool, madman, that I was, I
+did not recognise him--I did not, and have betrayed my master!"  He
+then broke out into a torrent of self-reproach; and his distress
+really excited my compassion.  I endeavoured to console him,
+repeatedly assuring him that I entertained no doubt of his fidelity;
+and despatched him immediately to the wharf, to discover, if
+possible, some trace of the extraordinary being.  But on that very
+morning many vessels which had been detained in port by contrary
+winds had set sail, all bound to different parts of the globe; and
+the grey man had disappeared like a shadow.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+
+Of what use were wings to a man fast bound in chains of iron?  They
+would but increase the horror of his despair.  Like the dragon
+guarding his treasure, I remained cut off from all human
+intercourse, and starving amidst my very gold, for it gave me no
+pleasure:  I anathematised it as the source of all my wretchedness.
+
+Sole depository of my fearful secret, I trembled before the meanest
+of my attendants, whom, at the same time, I envied; for he possessed
+a shadow, and could venture to go out in the daytime; while I shut
+myself up in my room day and night, and indulged in all the
+bitterness of grief.
+
+One individual, however, was daily pining away before my eyes--my
+faithful Bendel, who was the victim of silent self-reproach,
+tormenting himself with the idea that he had betrayed the confidence
+reposed in him by a good master, in failing to recognise the
+individual in quest of whom he had been sent, and with whom he had
+been led to believe that my melancholy fate was closely connected.
+Still, I had nothing to accuse him with, as I recognised in the
+occurrence the mysterious character of the unknown.
+
+In order to leave no means untried, I one day despatched Bendel with
+a costly ring to the most celebrated artist in the town, desiring
+him to wait upon me.  He came; and, dismissing the attendants, I
+secured the door, placing myself opposite to him, and, after
+extolling his art, with a heavy heart came to the point, first
+enjoining the strictest secrecy.
+
+"For a person," said I, "who most unfortunately has lost his shadow,
+could you paint a false one?"
+
+"Do you speak of the natural shadow?"
+
+"Precisely so."
+
+"But," he asked, "by what awkward negligence can a man have lost his
+shadow?"
+
+"How it occurred," I answered, "is of no consequence; but it was in
+this manner"--(and here I uttered an unblushing falsehood)--"he was
+travelling in Russia last winter, and one bitterly cold day it froze
+so intensely, that his shadow remained so fixed to the ground, that
+it was found impossible to remove it."
+
+"The false shadow that I might paint," said the artist, "would be
+liable to be lost on the slightest movement, particularly in a
+person who, from your account, cares so little about his shadow.  A
+person without a shadow should keep out of the sun, that is the only
+safe and rational plan."
+
+He rose and took his leave, casting so penetrating a look at me that
+I shrunk from it.  I sank back in my chair, and hid my face in my
+hands.
+
+In this attitude Bendel found me, and was about to withdraw silently
+and respectfully on seeing me in such a state of grief:  looking up,
+overwhelmed with my sorrows, I felt that I must communicate them to
+him.  "Bendel," I exclaimed, "Bendel, thou the only being who seest
+and respectest my grief too much to inquire into its cause--thou who
+seemest silently and sincerely to sympathise with me--come and share
+my confidence.  The extent of my wealth I have not withheld from
+thee, neither will I conceal from thee the extent of my grief.
+Bendel! forsake me not.  Bendel, you see me rich, free, beneficent;
+you fancy all the world in my power; yet you must have observed that
+I shun it, and avoid all human intercourse.  You think, Bendel, that
+the world and I are at variance; and you yourself, perhaps, will
+abandon me, when I acquaint you with this fearful secret.  Bendel, I
+am rich, free, generous; but, O God, I have NO SHADOW!"
+
+"No shadow!" exclaimed the faithful young man, tears starting from
+his eyes.  "Alas! that I am born to serve a master without a
+shadow!"  He was silent, and again I hid my face in my hands.
+
+"Bendel," at last I tremblingly resumed, "you have now my
+confidence; you may betray me--go--bear witness against me!"
+
+He seemed to be agitated with conflicting feelings; at last he threw
+himself at my feet and seized my hand, which he bathed with his
+tears.  "No," he exclaimed; "whatever the world may say, I neither
+can nor will forsake my excellent master because he has lost his
+shadow.  I will rather do what is right than what may seem prudent.
+I will remain with you--I will shade you with my own shadow--I will
+assist you when I can--and when I cannot, I will weep with you."
+
+I fell upon his neck, astonished at sentiments so unusual; for it
+was very evident that he was not prompted by the love of money.
+
+My mode of life and my fate now became somewhat different.  It is
+incredible with what provident foresight Bendel contrived to conceal
+my deficiency.  Everywhere he was before me and with me, providing
+against every contingency, and in cases of unlooked-for danger,
+flying to shield me with his own shadow, for he was taller and
+stouter than myself.  Thus I once more ventured among mankind, and
+began to take a part in worldly affairs.  I was compelled, indeed,
+to affect certain peculiarities and whims; but in a rich man they
+seem only appropriate; and so long as the truth was kept concealed I
+enjoyed all the honour and respect which gold could procure.
+
+I now looked forward with more composure to the promised visit of
+the mysterious unknown at the expiration of the year and a day.
+
+I was very sensible that I could not venture to remain long in a
+place where I had once been seen without a shadow, and where I might
+easily be betrayed; and perhaps, too, I recollected my first
+introduction to Mr. John, and this was by no means a pleasing
+reminiscence.  However, I wished just to make a trial here, that I
+might with greater ease and security visit some other place.  But my
+vanity for some time withheld me, for it is in this quality of our
+race that the anchor takes the firmest hold.
+
+Even the lovely Fanny, whom I again met in several places, without
+her seeming to recollect that she had ever seen me before, bestowed
+some notice on me; for wit and understanding were mine in abundance
+now.  When I spoke, I was listened to; and I was at a loss to know
+how I had so easily acquired the art of commanding attention, and
+giving the tone to the conversation.
+
+The impression which I perceived I had made upon this fair one
+completely turned my brain; and this was just what she wished.
+After that, I pursued her with infinite pains through every
+obstacle.  My vanity was only intent on exciting hers to make a
+conquest of me; but although the intoxication disturbed my head, it
+failed to make the least impression on my heart.
+
+But why detail to you the oft-repeated story which I have so often
+heard from yourself?
+
+However, in the old and well-known drama in which I played so worn-
+out a part a catastrophe occurred of quite a peculiar nature, in a
+manner equally unexpected to her, to me, and to everybody.
+
+One beautiful evening I had, according to my usual custom, assembled
+a party in a garden, and was walking arm-in-arm with Fanny at a
+little distance from the rest of the company, and pouring into her
+ear the usual well-turned phrases, while she was demurely gazing on
+vacancy, and now and then gently returning the pressure of my hand.
+The moon suddenly emerged from behind a cloud at our back.  Fanny
+perceived only her own shadow before us.  She started, looked at me
+with terror, and then again on the ground, in search of my shadow.
+All that was passing in her mind was so strangely depicted in her
+countenance, that I should have burst into a loud fit of laughter
+had I not suddenly felt my blood run cold within me.  I suffered her
+to fall from my arm in a fainting-fit; shot with the rapidity of an
+arrow through the astonished guests, reached the gate, threw myself
+into the first conveyance I met with, and returned to the town,
+where this time, unfortunately, I had left the wary Bendel.  He was
+alarmed on seeing me:  one word explained all.  Post-horses were
+immediately procured.  I took with me none of my servants, one
+cunning knave only excepted, called Rascal, who had by his
+adroitness become very serviceable to me, and who at present knew
+nothing of what had occurred--I travelled thirty leagues that night;
+having left Bendel behind to discharge my servants, pay my debts,
+and bring me all that was necessary.
+
+When he came up with me next day, I threw myself into his arms,
+vowing to avoid such follies and to be more careful for the future.
+
+We pursued our journey uninterruptedly over the frontiers and
+mountains; and it was not until I had placed this lofty barrier
+between myself and the before-mentioned unlucky town that I was
+persuaded to recruit myself after my fatigues in a neighbouring and
+little-frequented watering-place.
+
+
+I must now pass rapidly over one period of my history, on which how
+gladly would I dwell, could I conjure up your lively powers of
+delineation!  But the vivid hues which are at your command, and
+which alone can give life and animation to the picture, have left no
+trace within me; and were I now to endeavour to recall the joys, the
+griefs, the pure and enchanting emotions, which once held such
+powerful dominion in my breast, it would be like striking a rock
+which yields no longer the living spring, and whose spirit has fled
+for ever.  With what an altered aspect do those bygone days now
+present themselves to my gaze!
+
+In this watering-place I acted an heroic character, badly studied;
+and being a novice on such a stage, I forgot my part before a pair
+of lovely blue eyes.
+
+All possible means were used by the infatuated parents to conclude
+the bargain; and deception put an end to these usual artifices.  And
+that is all--all.
+
+The powerful emotions which once swelled my bosom seem now in the
+retrospect to be poor and insipid, nay, even terrible to me.
+
+Alas, Minna! as I wept for thee the day I lost thee, so do I now
+weep that I can no longer retrace thine image in my soul.
+
+Am I, then, so far advanced into the vale of years?  O fatal effects
+of maturity! would that I could feel one throb, one emotion of
+former days of enchantment--alas, not one! a solitary being, tossed
+on the wild ocean of life--it is long since I drained thine
+enchanted cup to the dregs!
+
+But to return to my narrative.  I had sent Bendel to the little town
+with plenty of money to procure me a suitable habitation.  He spent
+my gold profusely; and as he expressed himself rather reservedly
+concerning his distinguished master (for I did not wish to be
+named), the good people began to form rather extraordinary
+conjectures.
+
+As soon as my house was ready for my reception, Bendel returned to
+conduct me to it.  We set out on our journey.  About a league from
+the town, on a sunny plain, we were stopped by a crowd of people,
+arrayed in holiday attire for some festival.  The carriage stopped.
+Music, bells, cannons, were heard; and loud acclamations rang
+through the air.
+
+Before the carriage now appeared in white dresses a chorus of
+maidens, all of extraordinary beauty; but one of them shone in
+resplendent loveliness, and eclipsed the rest as the sun eclipses
+the stars of night.  She advanced from the midst of her companions,
+and, with a lofty yet winning air, blushingly knelt before me,
+presenting on a silken cushion a wreath, composed of laurel
+branches, the olive, and the rose, saying something respecting
+majesty, love, honour, &c., which I could not comprehend; but the
+sweet and silvery magic of her tones intoxicated my senses and my
+whole soul:  it seemed as if some heavenly apparition were hovering
+over me.  The chorus now began to sing the praises of a good
+sovereign, and the happiness of his subjects.  All this, dear
+Chamisso, took place in the sun:  she was kneeling two steps from
+me, and I, without a shadow, could not dart through the air, nor
+fall on my knees before the angelic being.  Oh, what would I not now
+have given for a shadow!  To conceal my shame, agony, and despair, I
+buried myself in the recesses of the carriage.  Bendel at last
+thought of an expedient; he jumped out of the carriage.  I called
+him back, and gave him out of the casket I had by me a rich diamond
+coronet, which had been intended for the lovely Fanny.
+
+He stepped forward, and spoke in the name of his master, who, he
+said, was overwhelmed by so many demonstrations of respect, which he
+really could not accept as an honour--there must be some error;
+nevertheless he begged to express his thanks for the goodwill of the
+worthy townspeople.  In the meantime Bendel had taken the wreath
+from the cushion, and laid the brilliant crown in its place.  He
+then respectfully raised the lovely girl from the ground; and, at
+one sign, the clergy, magistrates, and all the deputations withdrew.
+The crowd separated to allow the horses to pass, and we pursued our
+way to the town at full gallop, through arches ornamented with
+flowers and branches of laurel.  Salvos of artillery again were
+heard.  The carriage stopped at my gate; I hastened through the
+crowd which curiosity had attracted to witness my arrival.
+Enthusiastic shouts resounded under my windows, from whence I
+showered gold amidst the people; and in the evening the whole town
+was illuminated.  Still all remained a mystery to me, and I could
+not imagine for whom I had been taken.  I sent Rascal out to make
+inquiry; and he soon obtained intelligence that the good King of
+Prussia was travelling through the country under the name of some
+count; that my aide-de-camp had been recognised, and that he had
+divulged the secret; that on acquiring the certainty that I would
+enter their town, their joy had known no bounds:  however, as they
+perceived I was determined on preserving the strictest incognito,
+they felt how wrong they had been in too importunately seeking to
+withdraw the veil; but I had received them so condescendingly and so
+graciously, that they were sure I would forgive them.  The whole
+affair was such capital amusement to the unprincipled Rascal, that
+he did his best to confirm the good people in their belief, while
+affecting to reprove them.  He gave me a very comical account of the
+matter; and, seeing that I was amused by it, actually endeavoured to
+make a merit of his impudence.
+
+Shall I own the truth?  My vanity was flattered by having been
+mistaken for our revered sovereign.  I ordered a banquet to be got
+ready for the following evening, under the trees before my house,
+and invited the whole town.  The mysterious power of my purse,
+Bendel's exertions, and Rascal's ready invention, made the shortness
+of the time seem as nothing.
+
+It was really astonishing how magnificently and beautifully
+everything was arranged in these few hours.  Splendour and abundance
+vied with each other, and the lights were so carefully arranged that
+I felt quite safe:  the zeal of my servants met every exigency and
+merited all praise.
+
+Evening drew on, the guests arrived, and were presented to me.  The
+word MAJESTY was now dropped; but, with the deepest respect and
+humility, I was addressed as the COUNT.  What could I do?  I
+accepted the title, and from that moment I was known as Count Peter.
+In the midst of all this festivity my soul pined for one individual.
+She came late--she who was the empress of the scene, and wore the
+emblem of sovereignty on her brow.
+
+She modestly accompanied her parents, and seemed unconscious of her
+transcendent beauty.
+
+The Ranger of the Forests, his wife, and daughter, were presented to
+me.  I was at no loss to make myself agreeable to the parents; but
+before the daughter I stood like a well-scolded schoolboy, incapable
+of speaking a single word.
+
+At length I hesitatingly entreated her to honour my banquet by
+presiding at it--an office for which her rare endowments pointed her
+out as admirably fitted.  With a blush and an expressive glance she
+entreated to be excused; but, in still greater confusion than
+herself, I respectfully begged her to accept the homage of the first
+and most devoted of her subjects, and one glance of the count was
+the same as a command to the guests, who all vied with each other in
+acting up to the spirit of the noble host.
+
+In her person majesty, innocence, and grace, in union with beauty,
+presided over this joyous banquet.  Minna's happy parents were
+elated by the honours conferred upon their child.  As for me, I
+abandoned myself to all the intoxication of delight:  I sent for all
+the jewels, pearls, and precious stones still left to me--the
+produce of my fatal wealth--and, filling two vases, I placed them on
+the table, in the name of the Queen of the banquet, to be divided
+among her companions and the remainder of the ladies.
+
+I ordered gold in the meantime to be showered down without ceasing
+among the happy multitude.
+
+Next morning Bendel told me in confidence that the suspicions he had
+long entertained of Rascal's honesty were now reduced to a
+certainty; he had yesterday embezzled many bags of gold.
+
+"Never mind," said I; "let him enjoy his paltry booty.  I like to
+spend it; why should not he?  Yesterday he, and all the newly-
+engaged servants whom you had hired, served me honourably, and
+cheerfully assisted me to enjoy the banquet."
+
+No more was said on the subject.  Rascal remained at the head of my
+domestics.  Bendel was my friend and confidant; he had by this time
+become accustomed to look upon my wealth as inexhaustible, without
+seeking to inquire into its source.  He entered into all my schemes,
+and effectually assisted me in devising methods of spending my
+money.
+
+Of the pale, sneaking scoundrel--the unknown--Bendel only knew thus
+much, that he alone had power to release me from the curse which
+weighed so heavily on me, and yet that I stood in awe of him on whom
+all my hopes rested.  Besides, I felt convinced that he had the
+means of discovering ME under any circumstances, while he himself
+remained concealed.  I therefore abandoned my fruitless inquiries,
+and patiently awaited the appointed day.
+
+The magnificence of my banquet, and my deportment on the occasion,
+had but strengthened the credulous townspeople in their previous
+belief.
+
+It appeared soon after, from accounts in the newspapers, that the
+whole history of the King of Prussia's fictitious journey originated
+in mere idle report.  But a king I was, and a king I must remain by
+all means; and one of the richest and most royal, although people
+were at a loss to know where my territories lay.
+
+The world has never had reason to lament the scarcity of monarchs,
+particularly in these days; and the good people, who had never yet
+seen a king, now fancied me to be first one, and then another, with
+equal success; and in the meanwhile I remained as before, Count
+Peter.
+
+Among the visitors at this watering-place a merchant made his
+appearance, one who had become a bankrupt in order to enrich
+himself.  He enjoyed the general good opinion; for he projected a
+shadow of respectable size, though of somewhat faint hue.
+
+This man wished to show off in this place by means of his wealth,
+and sought to rival me.  My purse soon enabled me to leave the poor
+devil far behind.  To save his credit he became bankrupt again, and
+fled beyond the mountains; and thus I was rid of him.  Many a one in
+this place was reduced to beggary and ruin through my means.
+
+In the midst of the really princely magnificence and profusion,
+which carried all before me, my own style of living was very simple
+and retired.  I had made it a point to observe the strictest
+precaution; and, with the exception of Bendel, no one was permitted,
+on any pretence whatever, to enter my private apartment.  As long as
+the sun shone I remained shut up with him; and the Count was then
+said to be deeply occupied in his closet.  The numerous couriers,
+whom I kept in constant attendance about matters of no importance,
+were supposed to be the bearers of my despatches.  I only received
+company in the evening under the trees of my garden, or in my
+saloons, after Bendel's assurance of their being carefully and
+brilliantly lit up.
+
+My walks, in which the Argus-eyed Bendel was constantly on the watch
+for me, extended only to the garden of the forest-ranger, to enjoy
+the society of one who was dear to me as my own existence.
+
+Oh, my Chamisso!  I trust thou hast not forgotten what love is!  I
+must here leave much to thine imagination.  Minna was in truth an
+amiable and excellent maiden:  her whole soul was wrapped up in me,
+and in her lowly thoughts of herself she could not imagine how she
+had deserved a single thought from me.  She returned love for love
+with all the full and youthful fervour of an innocent heart; her
+love was a true woman's love, with all the devotion and total
+absence of selfishness which is found only in woman; she lived but
+in me, her whole soul being bound up in mine, regardless what her
+own fate might be.
+
+Yet I, alas, during those hours of wretchedness--hours I would even
+now gladly recall--how often have I wept on Bendel's bosom, when
+after the first mad whirlwind of passion I reflected, with the
+keenest self-upbraidings, that I, a shadowless man, had, with cruel
+selfishness, practised a wicked deception, and stolen away the pure
+and angelic heart of the innocent Minna!
+
+At one moment I resolved to confess all to her; then that I would
+fly for ever; then I broke out into a flood of bitter tears, and
+consulted Bendel as to the means of meeting her again in the
+forester's garden.
+
+At times I flattered myself with great hopes from the near
+approaching visit of the unknown; then wept again, because I saw
+clearly on reflection that they would end in disappointment.  I had
+made a calculation of the day fixed on by the fearful being for our
+interview; for he had said in a year and a day, and I depended on
+his word.
+
+The parents were worthy old people, devoted to their only child; and
+our mutual affection was a circumstance so overwhelming that they
+knew not how to act.  They had never dreamed for a moment that the
+Count could bestow a thought on their daughter; but such was the
+case--he loved and was beloved.  The pride of the mother might not
+have led her to consider such an alliance quite impossible, but so
+extravagant an idea had never entered the contemplation of the
+sounder judgment of the old man.  Both were satisfied of the
+sincerity of my love, and could but put up prayers to Heaven for the
+happiness of their child.
+
+A letter which I received from Minna about that time has just fallen
+into my hands.  Yes, these are the characters traced by her own
+hand.  I will transcribe the letter:-
+
+"I am indeed a weak, foolish girl to fancy that the friend I so
+tenderly love could give an instant's pain to his poor Minna!  Oh
+no! thou art so good, so inexpressibly good!  But do not
+misunderstand me.  I will accept no sacrifice at thy hands--none
+whatever.  Oh heavens!  I should hate myself!  No; thou hast made me
+happy, thou hast taught me to love thee.
+
+"Go, then--let me not forget my destiny--Count Peter belongs not to
+me, but to the whole world; and oh! what pride for thy Minna to hear
+thy deeds proclaimed, and blessings invoked on thy idolised head!
+Ah! when I think of this, I could chide thee that thou shouldst for
+one instant forget thy high destiny for the sake of a simple maiden!
+Go, then; otherwise the reflection will pierce me.  How blest I have
+been rendered by thy love!  Perhaps, also, I have planted some
+flowers in the path of thy life, as I twined them in the wreath
+which I presented to thee.
+
+"Go, then--fear not to leave me--you are too deeply seated in my
+heart--I shall die inexpressibly happy in thy love."
+
+Conceive how these words pierced my soul, Chamisso!
+
+I declared to her that I was not what I seemed--that, although a
+rich, I was an unspeakably miserable man--that a curse was on me,
+which must remain a secret, although the only one between us--yet
+that I was not without a hope of its being removed--that this
+poisoned every hour of my life--that I should plunge her with me
+into the abyss--she, the light and joy, the very soul of my
+existence.  Then she wept because I was unhappy.  Oh!  Minna was all
+love and tenderness.  To save me one tear she would gladly have
+sacrificed her life.
+
+Yet she was far from comprehending the full meaning of my words.
+She still looked upon me as some proscribed prince or illustrious
+exile; and her vivid imagination had invested her lover with every
+lofty attribute.
+
+One day I said to her, "Minna, the last day in next month will
+decide my fate, and perhaps change it for the better; if not, I
+would sooner die than render you miserable."
+
+She laid her head on my shoulder to conceal her tears.  "Should thy
+fate be changed," she said, "I only wish to know that thou art
+happy; if thy condition is an unhappy one, I will share it with
+thee, and assist thee to support it."
+
+"Minna, Minna!" I exclaimed, "recall those rash words--those mad
+words which have escaped thy lips!  Didst thou know the misery and
+curse--didst thou know who--what--thy lover--Seest thou not, my
+Minna, this convulsive shuddering which thrills my whole frame, and
+that there is a secret in my breast which you cannot penetrate?"
+She sank sobbing at my feet, and renewed her vows and entreaties.
+
+Her father now entered, and I declared to him my intention to
+solicit the hand of his daughter on the first day of the month after
+the ensuing one.  I fixed that time, I told him, because
+circumstances might probably occur in the interval materially to
+influence my future destiny; but my love for his daughter was
+unchangeable.
+
+The good old man started at hearing such words from the mouth of
+Count Peter.  He fell upon my neck, and rose again in the utmost
+confusion for having forgotten himself.  Then he began to doubt, to
+ponder, and to scrutinise; and spoke of dowry, security, and future
+provision for his beloved child.  I thanked him for having reminded
+me of all this, and told him it was my wish to remain in a country
+where I seemed to be beloved, and to lead a life free from anxiety.
+I then commissioned him to purchase the finest estate in the
+neighbourhood in the name of his daughter--for a father was the best
+person to act for his daughter in such a case--and to refer for
+payment to me.  This occasioned him a good deal of trouble, as a
+stranger had everywhere anticipated him; but at last he made a
+purchase for about 150,000 pounds.
+
+I confess this was but an innocent artifice to get rid of him, as I
+had frequently done before; for it must be confessed that he was
+somewhat tedious.  The good mother was rather deaf, and not jealous,
+like her husband, of the honour of conversing with the Count.
+
+The happy party pressed me to remain with them longer this evening.
+I dared not--I had not a moment to lose.  I saw the rising moon
+streaking the horizon--my hour was come.
+
+Next evening I went again to the forester's garden.  I had wrapped
+myself closely up in my cloak, slouched my hat over my eyes, and
+advanced towards Minna.  As she raised her head and looked at me,
+she started involuntarily.  The apparition of that dreadful night in
+which I had been seen without a shadow was now standing distinctly
+before me--it was she herself.  Had she recognised me?  She was
+silent and thoughtful.  I felt an oppressive load at my heart.  I
+rose from my seat.  She laid her head on my shoulder, still silent
+and in tears.  I went away.
+
+I now found her frequently weeping.  I became more and more
+melancholy.  Her parents were beyond expression happy.  The eventful
+day approached, threatening and heavy, like a thundercloud.  The
+evening preceding arrived.  I could scarcely breathe.  I had
+carefully filled a large chest with gold, and sat down to await the
+appointed time--the twelfth hour--it struck.
+
+Now I remained with my eyes fixed on the hand of the clock, counting
+the seconds--the minutes--which struck me to the heart like daggers.
+I started at every sound--at last daylight appeared.  The leaden
+hours passed on--morning--evening--night came.  Hope was fast fading
+away as the hand advanced.  It struck eleven--no one appeared--the
+last minutes--the first and last stroke of the twelfth hour died
+away.  I sank back in my bed in an agony of weeping.  In the morning
+I should, shadowless as I was, claim the hand of my beloved Minna.
+A heavy sleep towards daylight closed my eyes.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+
+It was yet early, when I was suddenly awoke by voices in hot dispute
+in my antechamber.  I listened.  Bendel was forbidding Rascal to
+enter my room, who swore he would receive no orders from his equals,
+and insisted on forcing his way.  The faithful Bendel reminded him
+that if such words reached his master's ears, he would turn him out
+of an excellent place.  Rascal threatened to strike him if he
+persisted in refusing his entrance.
+
+By this time, having half dressed myself, I angrily threw open the
+door, and addressing myself to Rascal, inquired what he meant by
+such disgraceful conduct.  He drew back a couple of steps, and
+coolly answered, "Count Peter, may I beg most respectfully that you
+will favour me with a sight of your shadow?  The sun is now shining
+brightly in the court below."
+
+I stood as if struck by a thunderbolt, and for some time was unable
+to speak.  At last, I asked him how a servant could dare to behave
+so towards his master.  He interrupted me by saying, quite coolly,
+"A servant may be a very honourable man, and unwilling to serve a
+shadowless master--I request my dismissal."
+
+I felt that I must adopt a softer tone, and replied, "But, Rascal,
+my good fellow, who can have put such strange ideas into your head?
+How can you imagine--"
+
+He again interrupted me in the same tone--"People say you have no
+shadow.  In short, let me see your shadow, or give me my dismissal."
+
+Bendel, pale and trembling, but more collected than myself, made a
+sign to me.  I had recourse to the all-powerful influence of gold.
+But even gold had lost its power--Rascal threw it at my feet:  "From
+a shadowless man," he said, "I will take nothing."
+
+Turning his back upon me, and putting on his hat, he then slowly
+left the room, whistling a tune.  I stood, with Bendel, as if
+petrified, gazing after him.
+
+With a deep sigh and a heavy heart I now prepared to keep my
+engagement, and to appear in the forester's garden like a criminal
+before his judge.  I entered by the shady arbour, which had received
+the name of Count Peter's arbour, where we had appointed to meet.
+The mother advanced with a cheerful air; Minna sat fair and
+beautiful as the early snow of autumn reposing on the departing
+flowers, soon to be dissolved and lost in the cold stream.
+
+The ranger, with a written paper in his hand, was walking up and
+down in an agitated manner, and struggling to suppress his feelings-
+-his usually unmoved countenance being one moment flushed, and the
+next perfectly pale.  He came forward as I entered, and, in a
+faltering voice, requested a private conversation with me.  The path
+by which he requested me to follow him led to an open spot in the
+garden, where the sun was shining.  I sat down.  A long silence
+ensued, which even the good woman herself did not venture to break.
+The ranger, in an agitated manner, paced up and down with unequal
+steps.  At last he stood still; and glancing over the paper he held
+in his hand, he said, addressing me with a penetrating look,
+
+"Count Peter, do you know one Peter Schlemihl?" I was silent.
+
+"A man," he continued, "of excellent character and extraordinary
+endowments."
+
+He paused for an answer.--"And supposing I myself were that very
+man?"
+
+"You!" he exclaimed, passionately; "he has lost his shadow!"
+
+"Oh, my suspicion is true!" cried Minna; "I have long known it--he
+has no shadow!"  And she threw herself into her mother's arms, who,
+convulsively clasping her to her bosom, reproached her for having so
+long, to her hurt, kept such a secret.  But, like the fabled
+Arethusa, her tears, as from a fountain, flowed more abundantly, and
+her sobs increased at my approach.
+
+"And so," said the ranger fiercely, "you have not scrupled, with
+unparalleled shamelessness, to deceive both her and me; and you
+pretended to love her, forsooth--her whom you have reduced to the
+state in which you now see her.  See how she weeps!--Oh, shocking,
+shocking!"
+
+By this time I had lost all presence of mind; and I answered,
+confusedly, "After all, it is but a shadow, a mere shadow, which a
+man can do very well without; and really it is not worth the while
+to make all this noise about such a trifle."  Feeling the
+groundlessness of what I was saying, I ceased, and no one
+condescended to reply.  At last I added, "What is lost to-day may be
+found to-morrow."
+
+"Be pleased, sir," continued the ranger, in great wrath--"be pleased
+to explain how you have lost your shadow."
+
+Here again an excuse was ready:  "A boor of a fellow," said I, "one
+day trod so rudely on my shadow that he tore a large hole in it.  I
+sent it to be repaired--for gold can do wonders--and yesterday I
+expected it home again."
+
+"Very well," answered the ranger.  "You are a suitor for my
+daughter's hand, and so are others.  As a father, I am bound to
+provide for her.  I will give you three days to seek your shadow.
+Return to me in the course of that time with a well-fitted shadow,
+and you shall receive a hearty welcome; otherwise, on the fourth
+day--remember, on the fourth day--my daughter becomes the wife of
+another."
+
+I now attempted to say one word to Minna; but, sobbing more
+violently, she clung still closer to her mother, who made a sign for
+me to withdraw.  I obeyed; and now the world seemed shut out from me
+for ever.
+
+Having escaped from the affectionate care of Bendel, I now wandered
+wildly through the neighbouring woods and meadows.  Drops of anguish
+fell from my brow, deep groans burst from my bosom--frenzied despair
+raged within me.
+
+I knew not how long this had lasted, when I felt myself seized by
+the sleeve on a sunny heath.  I stopped, and looking up, beheld the
+grey-coated man, who appeared to have run himself out of breath in
+pursuing me.  He immediately began:
+
+"I had," said he, "appointed this day; but your impatience
+anticipated it.  All, however, may yet be right.  Take my advice--
+redeem your shadow, which is at your command, and return immediately
+to the ranger's garden, where you will be well received, and all the
+past will seem a mere joke.  As for Rascal--who has betrayed you in
+order to pay his addresses to Minna--leave him to me; he is just a
+fit subject for me."
+
+I stood like one in a dream.  "This day?" I considered again.  He
+was right--I had made a mistake of a day.  I felt in my bosom for
+the purse.  He perceived my intention, and drew back.
+
+"No, Count Peter; the purse is in good hands--pray keep it."  I
+gazed at him with looks of astonishment and inquiry.  "I only beg a
+trifle as a token of remembrance.  Be so good as to sign this
+memorandum."  On the parchment, which he held out to me, were these
+words: --"By virtue of this present, to which I have appended my
+signature, I hereby bequeath my soul to the holder, after its
+natural separation from my body."
+
+I gazed in mute astonishment alternately at the paper and the grey
+unknown.  In the meantime he had dipped a new pen in a drop of blood
+which was issuing from a scratch in my hand just made by a thorn.
+He presented it to me.  "Who are you?" at last I exclaimed.  "What
+can it signify?" he answered; "do you not perceive who I am?  A poor
+devil--a sort of scholar and philosopher, who obtains but poor
+thanks from his friends for his admirable arts, and whose only
+amusement on earth consists in his small experiments.  But just sign
+this; to the right, exactly underneath--Peter Schlemihl."
+
+I shook my head, and replied, "Excuse me, sir; I cannot sign that."
+
+"Cannot!" he exclaimed; "and why not?"
+
+"Because it appears to me a hazardous thing to exchange my soul for
+my shadow."
+
+"Hazardous!" he exclaimed, bursting into a loud laugh.  "And, pray,
+may I be allowed to inquire what sort of a thing your soul is?--have
+you ever seen it?--and what do you mean to do with it after your
+death?  You ought to think yourself fortunate in meeting with a
+customer who, during your life, in exchange for this infinitely-
+minute quantity, this galvanic principle, this polarised agency, or
+whatever other foolish name you may give it, is willing to bestow on
+you something substantial--in a word, your own identical shadow, by
+virtue of which you will obtain your beloved Minna, and arrive at
+the accomplishment of all your wishes; or do you prefer giving up
+the poor young girl to the power of that contemptible scoundrel
+Rascal ?  Nay, you shall behold her with your own eyes.  Come here;
+I will lend you an invisible cap (he drew something out of his
+pocket), and we will enter the ranger's garden unseen."
+
+I must confess that I felt excessively ashamed to be thus laughed at
+by the grey stranger.  I detested him from the very bottom of my
+soul; and I really believe this personal antipathy, more than
+principle or previously-formed opinion, restrained me from
+purchasing my shadow, much as I stood in need of it, at such an
+expense.  Besides, the thought was insupportable, of making this
+proposed visit in his society.  To behold this hateful sneak, this
+mocking fiend, place himself between me and my beloved, between our
+torn and bleeding hearts, was too revolting an idea to be
+entertained for a moment.  I considered the past as irrevocable, my
+own misery as inevitable; and turning to the grey man, I said, "I
+have exchanged my shadow for this very extraordinary purse, and I
+have sufficiently repented it.  For Heaven's sake, let the
+transaction be declared null and void!"  He shook his head; and his
+countenance assumed an expression of the most sinister cast.  I
+continued, "I will make no exchange whatever, even for the sake of
+my shadow, nor will I sign the paper.  It follows, also, that the
+incognito visit you propose to me would afford you far more
+entertainment than it could possibly give me.  Accept my excuses,
+therefore; and, since it must be so, let us part."
+
+"I am sorry, Mr. Schlemihl, that you thus obstinately persist in
+rejecting my friendly offer.  Perhaps, another time, I may be more
+fortunate.  Farewell!  May we shortly meet again!  But, a propos,
+allow me to show you that I do not undervalue my purchase, but
+preserve it carefully."
+
+So saying, he drew my shadow out of his pocket; and shaking it
+cleverly out of its folds, he stretched it out at his feet in the
+sun--so that he stood between two obedient shadows, his own and
+mine, which was compelled to follow and comply with his every
+movement.
+
+On again beholding my poor shadow after so long a separation, and
+seeing it degraded to so vile a bondage at the very time that I was
+so unspeakably in want of it, my heart was ready to burst, and I
+wept bitterly.  The detested wretch stood exulting over his prey,
+and unblushingly renewed his proposal.  "One stroke of your pen, and
+the unhappy Minna is rescued from the clutches of the villain
+Rascal, and transferred to the arms of the high-born Count Peter--
+merely a stroke of your pen!"
+
+My tears broke out with renewed violence; but I turned away from
+him, and made a sign for him to be gone.
+
+Bendel, whose deep solicitude had induced him to come in search of
+me, arrived at this very moment.  The good and faithful creature, on
+seeing me weeping, and that a shadow (evidently mine) was in the
+power of the mysterious unknown, determined to rescue it by force,
+should that be necessary; and disdaining to use any finesse, he
+desired him directly, and without any disputing, to restore my
+property.  Instead of a reply, the grey man turned his back on the
+worthy fellow, and was making off.  But Bendel raised his buck-thorn
+stick; and following close upon him, after repeated commands, but in
+vain, to restore the shadow, he made him feel the whole force of his
+powerful arm.  The grey man, as if accustomed to such treatment,
+held down his head, slouched his shoulders, and, with soft and
+noiseless steps, pursued his way over the heath, carrying with him
+my shadow, and also my faithful servant.  For a long time I heard
+hollow sounds ringing through the waste, until at last they died
+away in the distance, and I was again left to solitude and misery.
+
+
+Alone on the wild heath, I disburdened my heart of an insupportable
+load by giving free vent to my tears.  But I saw no bounds, no
+relief, to my surpassing wretchedness; and I drank in the fresh
+poison which the mysterious stranger had poured into my wounds with
+a furious avidity.  As I retraced in my mind the loved image of my
+Minna, and depicted her sweet countenance all pale and in tears,
+such as I had beheld her in my late disgrace, the bold and sarcastic
+visage of Rascal would ever and anon thrust itself between us.  I
+hid my face, and fled rapidly over the plains; but the horrible
+vision unrelentingly pursued me, till at last I sank breathless on
+the ground, and bedewed it with a fresh torrent of tears--and all
+this for a shadow!--a shadow which one stroke of the pen would
+repurchase.  I pondered on the singular proposal, and on my
+hesitation to comply with it.  My mind was confused--I had lost the
+power of judging or comprehending.  The day was waning apace.  I
+satisfied the cravings of hunger with a few wild fruits, and
+quenched my thirst at a neighbouring stream.  Night came on; I threw
+myself down under a tree, and was awoke by the damp morning air from
+an uneasy sleep, in which I had fancied myself struggling in the
+agonies of death.  Bendel had certainly lost all trace of me, and I
+was glad of it.  I did not wish to return among my fellow-creatures-
+-I shunned them as the hunted deer flies before its pursuers.  Thus
+I passed three melancholy days.
+
+I found myself on the morning of the fourth on a sandy plain,
+basking in the rays of the sun, and sitting on a fragment of rock;
+for it was sweet to enjoy the genial warmth of which I had so long
+been deprived.  Despair still preyed on my heart.  Suddenly a slight
+sound startled me; I looked round, prepared to fly, but saw no one.
+On the sunlit sand before me flitted the shadow of a man not unlike
+my own; and wandering about alone, it seemed to have lost its
+master.  This sight powerfully excited me.  "Shadow!" thought I,
+"art thou in search of thy master? in me thou shalt find him."  And
+I sprang forward to seize it, fancying that could I succeed in
+treading so exactly in its traces as to step in its footmarks, it
+would attach itself to me, and in time become accustomed to me, and
+follow all my movements.
+
+The shadow, as I moved, took to flight, and I commenced a hot chase
+after the airy fugitive, solely excited by the hope of being
+delivered from my present dreadful situation; the bare idea inspired
+me with fresh strength and vigour.
+
+The shadow now fled towards a distant wood, among whose shades I
+must necessarily have lost it.  Seeing this, my heart beat wild with
+fright, my ardour increased and lent wings to my speed.  I was
+evidently gaining on the shadow--I came nearer and nearer--I was
+within reach of it, when it suddenly stopped and turned towards me.
+Like a lion darting on its prey, I made a powerful spring and fell
+unexpectedly upon a hard substance.  Then followed, from an
+invisible hand, the most terrible blows in the ribs that anyone ever
+received.  The effect of my terror made me endeavour convulsively to
+strike and grasp at the unseen object before me.  The rapidity of my
+motions brought me to the ground, where I lay stretched out with a
+man under me, whom I held tight, and who now became visible.
+
+The whole affair was now explained.  The man had undoubtedly
+possessed the bird's nest which communicates its charm of
+invisibility to its possessor, though not equally so to his shadow;
+and this nest he had now thrown away.  I looked all round, and soon
+discovered the shadow of this invisible nest.  I sprang towards it,
+and was fortunate enough to seize the precious booty, and
+immediately became invisible and shadowless.
+
+The moment the man regained his feet he looked all round over the
+wide sunny plain to discover his fortunate vanquisher, but could see
+neither him nor his shadow, the latter seeming particularly to be
+the object of his search:  for previous to our encounter he had not
+had leisure to observe that I was shadowless, and he could not be
+aware of it.  Becoming convinced that all traces of me were lost, he
+began to tear his hair, and give himself up to all the frenzy of
+despair.  In the meantime, this newly acquired treasure communicated
+to me both the ability and the desire to mix again among mankind.
+
+I was at a loss for a pretext to vindicate this unjust robbery--or,
+rather, so deadened had I become, I felt no need of a pretext; and
+in order to dissipate every idea of the kind, I hastened on,
+regardless of the unhappy man, whose fearful lamentations long
+resounded in my ears.  Such, at the time, were my impressions of all
+the circumstances of this affair.
+
+I now ardently desired to return to the ranger's garden, in order to
+ascertain in person the truth of the information communicated by the
+odious unknown; but I knew not where I was, until, ascending an
+eminence to take a survey of the surrounding country, I perceived,
+from its summit, the little town and the gardens almost at my feet.
+My heart beat violently, and tears of a nature very different from
+those I had lately shed filled my eyes.  I should, then, once more
+behold her!
+
+Anxiety now hastened my steps.  Unseen I met some peasants coming
+from the town; they were talking of me, of Rascal, and of the
+ranger.  I would not stay to listen to their conversation, but
+proceeded on.  My bosom thrilled with expectation as I entered the
+garden.  At this moment I heard something like a hollow laugh which
+caused me involuntarily to shudder.  I cast a rapid glance around,
+but could see no one.  I passed on; presently I fancied I heard the
+sound of footsteps close to me, but no one was within sight.  My
+ears must have deceived me.
+
+It was early; no one was in Count Peter's bower--the gardens were
+deserted.  I traversed all the well-known paths, and penetrated even
+to the dwelling-house itself.  The same rustling sound became now
+more and more audible.  With anguished feelings I sat down on a seat
+placed in the sunny space before the door, and actually felt some
+invisible fiend take a place by me, and heard him utter a sarcastic
+laugh.  The key was turned in the door, which was opened.  The
+forest-master appeared with a paper in his hand.  Suddenly my head
+was, as it were, enveloped in a mist.  I looked up, and, oh horror!
+the grey-coated man was at my side, peering in my face with a
+satanic grin.  He had extended the mist-cap he wore over my head.
+His shadow and my own were lying together at his feet in perfect
+amity.  He kept twirling in his hand the well-known parchment with
+an air of indifference; and while the ranger, absorbed in thought,
+and intent upon his paper, paced up and down the arbour, my
+tormentor confidentially leaned towards me, and whispered, "So, Mr.
+Schlemihl, you have at length accepted my invitation; and here we
+sit, two heads under one hood, as the saying is.  Well, well, all in
+good time.  But now you can return me my bird's nest--you have no
+further occasion for it; and I am sure you are too honourable a man
+to withhold it from me.  No need of thanks, I assure you; I had
+infinite pleasure in lending it to you."  He took it out of my
+unresisting hand, put it into his pocket, and then broke into so
+loud a laugh at my expense, that the forest-master turned round,
+startled at the sound.  I was petrified.  "You must acknowledge," he
+continued, "that in our position a hood is much more convenient.  It
+serves to conceal not only a man, but his shadow, or as many shadows
+as he chooses to carry.  I, for instance, to-day bring two, you
+perceive."  He laughed again.  "Take notice, Schlemihl, that what a
+man refuses to do with a good grace in the first instance, he is
+always in the end compelled to do.  I am still of opinion that you
+ought to redeem your shadow and claim your bride (for it is yet
+time); and as to Rascal, he shall dangle at a rope's end--no
+difficult matter, so long as we can find a bit.  As a mark of
+friendship I will give you my cap into the bargain."
+
+The mother now came out, and the following conversation took place:
+"What is Minna doing?"  "She is weeping."  "Silly child! what good
+can that do?"  "None, certainly; but it is so soon to bestow her
+hand on another.  O husband, you are too harsh to your poor child."
+"No, wife; you view things in a wrong light.  When she finds herself
+the wife of a wealthy and honourable man, her tears will soon cease;
+she will waken out of a dream, as it were, happy and grateful to
+Heaven and to her parents, as you will see."  "Heaven grant it may
+be so!" replied the wife.  "She has, indeed, now considerable
+property; but after the noise occasioned by her unlucky affair with
+that adventurer, do you imagine that she is likely soon to meet with
+so advantageous a match as Mr. Rascal?  Do you know the extent of
+Mr. Rascal's influence and wealth?  Why, he has purchased with ready
+money, in this country, six millions of landed property, free from
+all encumbrances.  I have had all the documents in my hands.  It was
+he who outbid me everywhere when I was about to make a desirable
+purchase; and, besides, he has bills on Mr. Thomas John's house to
+the amount of three millions and a half."  "He must have been a
+prodigious thief!"  "How foolishly you talk! he wisely saved where
+others squandered their property."  "A mere livery-servant!"
+"Nonsense! he has at all events an unexceptionable shadow."  "True,
+but . . . "
+
+While this conversation was passing, the grey-coated man looked at
+me with a satirical smile.
+
+The door opened, and Minna entered, leaning on the arm of her female
+attendant, silent tears flowing down her fair but pallid face.  She
+seated herself in the chair which had been placed for her under the
+lime-trees, and her father took a stool by her side.  He gently
+raised her hand; and as her tears flowed afresh, he addressed her in
+the most affectionate manner
+
+"My own dear, good child--my Minna--will act reasonably, and not
+afflict her poor old father, who only wishes to make her happy.  My
+dearest child, this blow has shaken you--dreadfully, I know it; but
+you have been saved, as by a miracle, from a miserable fate, my
+Minna.  You loved the unworthy villain most tenderly before his
+treachery was discovered:  I feel all this, Minna; and far be it
+from me to reproach you for it--in fact, I myself loved him so long
+as I considered him to be a person of rank:  you now see yourself
+how differently it has turned out.  Every dog has a shadow; and the
+idea of my child having been on the eve of uniting herself to a man
+who . . . but I am sure you will think no more of him.  A suitor has
+just appeared for you in the person of a man who does not fear the
+sun--an honourable man--no prince indeed, but a man worth ten
+millions of golden ducats sterling--a sum nearly ten times larger
+than your fortune consists of--a man, too, who will make my dear
+child happy--nay, do not oppose me--be my own good, dutiful child--
+allow your loving father to provide for you, and to dry up these
+tears.  Promise to bestow your hand on Mr. Rascal.  Speak my child:
+will you not?"
+
+Minna could scarcely summon strength to reply that she had now no
+longer any hopes or desires on earth, and that she was entirely at
+her father's disposal.  Rascal was therefore immediately sent for,
+and entered the room with his usual forwardness; but Minima in the
+meantime had swooned away.
+
+My detested companion looked at me indignantly, and whispered, "Can
+you endure this?  Have you no blood in your veins?"  He instantly
+pricked my finger, which bled.  "Yes, positively," he exclaimed,
+"you have some blood left!--come, sign."  The parchment and pen were
+in my hand!
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+
+I submit myself to thy judgment, my dear Chamisso; I do not seek to
+bias it.  I have long been a rigid censor of myself, and nourished
+at my heart the worm of remorse.  This critical moment of my life is
+ever present to my soul, and I dare only cast a hesitating glance at
+it, with a deep sense of humiliation and grief.  Ah, my dear friend,
+he who once permits himself thoughtlessly to deviate but one step
+from the right road, will imperceptibly find himself involved in
+various intricate paths, all leading him farther and farther astray.
+In vain he beholds the guiding-stars of Heaven shining before him.
+No choice is left him--he must descend the precipice, and offer
+himself up a sacrifice to his fate.  After the false step which I
+had rashly made, and which entailed a curse upon me, I had, in the
+wantonness of passion, entangled one in my fate who had staked all
+her happiness upon me.  What was left for me to do in a case where I
+had brought another into misery, but to make a desperate leap in the
+dark to save her ?--the last, the only means of rescue presented
+itself.  Think not so meanly of me, Chamisso, as to imagine that I
+would have shrunk from any sacrifice on my part.  In such a case it
+would have been but a poor ransom.  No, Chamisso; but my whole soul
+was filled with unconquerable hatred to the cringing knave and his
+crooked ways.  I might be doing him injustice; but I shuddered at
+the bare idea of entering into any fresh compact with him.  But here
+a circumstance took place which entirely changed the face of things
+. . .
+
+I know not whether to ascribe it to excitement of mind, exhaustion
+of physical strength (for during the last few days I had scarcely
+tasted anything), or the antipathy I felt to the society of my
+fiendish companion; but just as I was about to sign the fatal paper,
+I fell into a deep swoon, and remained for a long time as if dead.
+The first sounds which greeted my ear on recovering my consciousness
+were those of cursing and imprecation; I opened my eyes--it was
+dusk; my hateful companion was overwhelming me with reproaches.  "Is
+not this behaving like an old woman?  Come, rise up, and finish
+quickly what you were going to do; or perhaps you have changed your
+determination, and prefer to lie groaning there?"
+
+I raised myself with difficulty from the ground and gazed around me
+without speaking a word.  It was late in the evening, and I heard
+strains of festive music proceeding from the ranger's brilliantly
+illuminated house; groups of company were lounging about the
+gardens; two persons approached, and seating themselves on the bench
+I had lately occupied, began to converse on the subject of the
+marriage which had taken place that morning between the wealthy Mr.
+Rascal and Minima.  All was then over.
+
+I tore off the cap which rendered me invisible; and my companion
+having disappeared, I plunged in silence into the thickest gloom of
+the grove, rapidly passed Count Peter's bower towards the entrance-
+gate; but my tormentor still haunted me, and loaded me with
+reproaches.  "And is this all the gratitude I am to expect from you,
+Mr. Schlemihl--you, whom I have been watching all the weary day,
+until you should recover from your nervous attack?  What a fool's
+part I have been enacting!  It is of no use flying from me, Mr.
+Perverse--we are inseparable--you have my gold, I have your shadow;
+this exchange deprives us both of peace.  Did you ever hear of a
+man's shadow leaving him?--yours follows me until you receive it
+again into favour, and thus free me from it.  Disgust and weariness
+sooner or later will compel you to do what you should have done
+gladly at first.  In vain you strive with fate!"
+
+He continued unceasingly in the same tone, uttering constant
+sarcasms about the gold and the shadow, till I was completely
+bewildered.  To fly from him was impossible.  I had pursued my way
+through the empty streets towards my own house, which I could
+scarcely recognise--the windows were broken to pieces, no light was
+visible, the doors were shut, and the bustle of domestics had
+ceased.  My companion burst into a loud laugh.  "Yes, yes," said he,
+"you see the state of things:  however, you will find your friend
+Bendel at home; he was sent back the other day so fatigued, that I
+assure you he has never left the house since.  He will have a fine
+story to tell!  So I wish you a very good night--may we shortly meet
+again!"
+
+I had repeatedly rung the bell:  at last a light appeared; and
+Bendel inquired from within who was there.  The poor fellow could
+scarcely contain himself at the sound of my voice.  The door flew
+open, and we were locked in each other's arms.  I found him sadly
+changed; he was looking ill and feeble.  I, too, was altered; my
+hair had become quite grey.  He conducted me through the desolate
+apartments to an inner room, which had escaped the general wreck.
+After partaking of some refreshment, we seated ourselves; and, with
+fresh lamentations, he began to tell me that the grey withered old
+man whom he had met with my shadow had insensibly led him such a
+zig-zag race, that he had lost all traces of me, and at last sank
+down exhausted with fatigue; that, unable to find me, he had
+returned home, when, shortly after the mob, at Rascal's instigation,
+assembled violently before the house, broke the windows, and by all
+sorts of excesses completely satiated their fury.  Thus had they
+treated their benefactor.  My servants had fled in all directions.
+The police had banished me from the town as a suspicious character,
+and granted me an interval of twenty-four hours to leave the
+territory.  Bendel added many particulars as to the information I
+had already obtained respecting Rascal's wealth and marriage.  This
+villain, it seems--who was the author of all the measures taken
+against me--became possessed of my secret nearly from the beginning,
+and, tempted by the love of money, had supplied himself with a key
+to my chest, and from that time had been laying the foundation of
+his present wealth.  Bendel related all this with many tears, and
+wept for joy that I was once more safely restored to him, after all
+his fears and anxieties for me.  In me, however, such a state of
+things only awoke despair.
+
+My dreadful fate now stared me in the face in all its gigantic and
+unchangeable horror.  The source of tears was exhausted within me;
+no groans escaped my breast; but with cool indifference I bared my
+unprotected head to the blast.  "Bendel," said I, "you know my fate;
+this heavy visitation is a punishment for my early sins:  but as for
+thee, my innocent friend, I can no longer permit thee to share my
+destiny.  I will depart this very night--saddle me a horse--I will
+set out alone.  Remain here, Bendel--I insist upon it:  there must
+be some chests of gold still left in the house--take them, they are
+thine.  I shall be a restless and solitary wanderer on the face of
+the earth; but should better days arise, and fortune once more smile
+propitiously on me, then I will not forget thy steady fidelity; for
+in hours of deep distress thy faithful bosom has been the depository
+of my sorrows."  With a bursting heart, the worthy Bendel prepared
+to obey this last command of his master; for I was deaf to all his
+arguments and blind to his tears.  My horse was brought--I pressed
+my weeping friend to my bosom--threw myself into the saddle, and,
+under the friendly shades of night, quitted this sepulchre of my
+existence, indifferent which road my horse should take; for now on
+this side the grave I had neither wishes, hopes, nor fears.
+
+After a short time I was joined by a traveller on foot, who, after
+walking for a while by the side of my horse, observed that as we
+both seemed to be travelling the same road, he should beg my
+permission to lay his cloak on the horse's back behind me, to which
+I silently assented.  He thanked me with easy politeness for this
+trifling favour, praised my horse, and then took occasion to extol
+the happiness and the power of the rich, and fell, I scarcely know
+how, into a sort of conversation with himself, in which I merely
+acted the part of listener.  He unfolded his views of human life and
+of the world, and, touching on metaphysics, demanded an answer from
+that cloudy science to the question of questions--the answer that
+should solve all mysteries.  He deduced one problem from another in
+a very lucid manner, and then proceeded to their solution.
+
+You may remember, my dear friend, that after having run through the
+school-philosophy, I became sensible of my unfitness for
+metaphysical speculations, and therefore totally abstained from
+engaging in them.  Since then I have acquiesced in some things, and
+abandoned all hope of comprehending others; trusting, as you advised
+me, to my own plain sense and the voice of conscience to direct and,
+if possible, maintain me in the right path.
+
+Now this skilful rhetorician seemed to me to expend great skill in
+rearing a firmly-constructed edifice, towering aloft on its own
+self-supported basis, but resting on, and upheld by, some internal
+principle of necessity.  I regretted in it the total absence of what
+I desired to find; and thus it seemed a mere work of art, serving
+only by its elegance and exquisite finish to captivate the eye.
+Nevertheless, I listened with pleasure to this eloquently gifted
+man, who diverted my attention from my own sorrows to the speaker;
+and he would have secured my entire acquiescence if he had appealed
+to my heart as well as to my judgment.
+
+In the meantime the hours had passed away, and morning had already
+dawned imperceptibly in the horizon; looking up, I shuddered as I
+beheld in the east all those splendid hues that announce the rising
+sun.  At this hour, when all natural shadows are seen in their full
+proportions, not a fence or a shelter of any kind could I descry in
+this open country, and I was not alone!  I cast a glance at my
+companion, and shuddered again--it was the man in the grey coat
+himself!  He laughed at my surprise, and said, without giving me
+time to speak:  "You see, according to the fashion of this world,
+mutual convenience binds us together for a time:  there is plenty of
+time to think of parting.  The road here along the mountain, which
+perhaps has escaped your notice, is the only one that you can
+prudently take; into the valley you dare not descend--the path over
+the mountain would but reconduct you to the town which you have
+left--my road, too, lies this way.  I perceive you change colour at
+the rising sun--I have no objections to let you have the loan of
+your shadow during our journey, and in return you may not be
+indisposed to tolerate my society.  You have now no Bendel; but I
+will act for him.  I regret that you are not over-fond of me; but
+that need not prevent you from accepting my poor services.  The
+devil is not so black as he is painted.  Yesterday you provoked me,
+I own; but now that is all forgotten, and you must confess I have
+this day succeeded in beguiling the wearisomeness of your journey.
+Come, take your shadow, and make trial of it."
+
+The sun had risen, and we were meeting with passengers; so I
+reluctantly consented.  With a smile, he immediately let my shadow
+glide down to the ground; and I beheld it take its place by that of
+my horse, and gaily trot along with me.  My feelings were anything
+but pleasant.  I rode through groups of country people, who
+respectfully made way for the well-mounted stranger.  Thus I
+proceeded, occasionally stealing a sidelong glance with a beating
+heart from my horse at the shadow once my own, but now, alas,
+accepted as a loan from a stranger, or rather a fiend.  He moved on
+carelessly at my side, whistling a song.  He being on foot, and I on
+horseback, the temptation to hazard a silly project occurred to me;
+so, suddenly turning my bridle, I set spurs to my horse, and at full
+gallop struck into a by-path; but my shadow, on the sudden movement
+of my horse, glided away, and stood on the road quietly awaiting the
+approach of its legal owner.  I was obliged to return abashed
+towards the grey man; but he very coolly finished his song, and with
+a laugh set my shadow to rights again, reminding me that it was at
+my option to have it irrevocably fixed to me, by purchasing it on
+just and equitable terms.  "I hold you," said he, "by the shadow;
+and you seek in vain to get rid of me.  A rich man like you requires
+a shadow, unquestionably; and you are to blame for not having seen
+this sooner."
+
+I now continued my journey on the same road; every convenience and
+even luxury of life was mine; I moved about in peace and freedom,
+for I possessed a shadow, though a borrowed one; and all the respect
+due to wealth was paid to me.  But a deadly disease preyed on my
+heart.  My extraordinary companion, who gave himself out to be the
+humble attendant of the richest individual in the world, was
+remarkable for his dexterity; in short, his singular address and
+promptitude admirably fitted him to be the very beau ideal of a rich
+man's lacquey.  But he never stirred from my side, and tormented me
+with constant assurances that a day would most certainly come when,
+if it were only to get rid of him, I should gladly comply with his
+terms, and redeem my shadow.  Thus he became as irksome as he was
+hateful to me.  I really stood in awe of him--I had placed myself in
+his power.  Since he had effected my return to the pleasures of the
+world, which I had resolved to shun, he had the perfect mastery of
+me.  His eloquence was irresistible, and at times I almost thought
+he was in the right.  A shadow is indeed necessary to a man of
+fortune; and if I chose to maintain the position in which he had
+placed me, there was only one means of doing so.  But on one point I
+was immovable:  since I had sacrificed my love for Minna, and
+thereby blighted the happiness of my whole life, I would not now,
+for all the shadows in the universe be induced to sign away my soul
+to this being--I knew not how it might end.
+
+One day we were sitting by the entrance of a cavern, much visited by
+strangers, who ascended the mountain:  the rushing noise of a
+subterranean torrent resounded from the fathomless abyss, the depths
+of which exceeded all calculation.  He was, according to his
+favourite custom, employing all the powers of his lavish fancy, and
+all the charm of the most brilliant colouring, to depict to me what
+I might effect in the world by virtue of my purse, when once I had
+recovered my shadow.  With my elbows resting on my knees, I kept my
+face concealed in my hands, and listened to the false fiend, my
+heart torn between the temptation and my determined opposition to
+it.  Such indecision I could no longer endure, and resolved on one
+decisive effort.
+
+"You seem to forget," said I, "that I tolerate your presence only on
+certain conditions, and that I am to retain perfect freedom of
+action."
+
+"You have but to command, I depart," was all his reply.
+
+The threat was familiar to me; I was silent.  He then began to fold
+up my shadow.  I turned pale, but allowed him to continue.  A long
+silence ensued, which he was the first to break.
+
+"You cannot endure me, Mr Schlemihl--you hate me--I am aware of it--
+but why?--is it, perhaps, because you attacked me on the open plain,
+in order to rob me of my invisible bird's nest? or is it because you
+thievishly endeavoured to seduce away the shadow with which I had
+entrusted you--my own property--confiding implicitly in your honour!
+I, for my part, have no dislike to you.  It is perfectly natural
+that you should avail yourself of every means, presented either by
+cunning or force, to promote your own interests.  That your
+principles also should be of the strictest sort, and your intentions
+of the most honourable description,--these are fancies with which I
+have nothing to do; I do not pretend to such strictness myself.
+Each of us is free, I to act, and you to think, as seems best.  Did
+I ever seize you by the throat, to tear out of your body that
+valuable soul I so ardently wish to possess?  Did I ever set my
+servant to attack you, to get back my purse, or attempt to run off
+with it from you?"
+
+I had not a word to reply.
+
+"Well, well," he exclaimed, "you detest me, and I know it; but I
+bear you no malice on that account.  We must part--that is clear;
+also I must say that you begin to be very tiresome to me.  Once more
+let me advise you to free yourself entirely from my troublesome
+presence by the purchase of your shadow."
+
+I held out the purse to him.
+
+"No, Mr. Schlemihl; not at that price."
+
+With a deep sigh, I said, "Be it so, then; let us part, I entreat;
+cross my path no more.  There is surely room enough in the world for
+us both."
+
+Laughing, he replied, "I go; but just allow me to inform you how you
+may at any time recall me whenever you have a mind to see your most
+humble servant:  you have only to shake your purse, the sound of the
+gold will bring me to you in an instant.  In this world every one
+consults his own advantage; but you see I have thought of yours, and
+clearly confer upon you a new power.  Oh this purse! it would still
+prove a powerful bond between us, had the moth begun to devour your
+shadow.--But enough:  you hold me by my gold, and may command your
+servant at any distance.  You know that I can be very serviceable to
+my friends; and that the rich are my peculiar care--this you have
+observed.  As to your shadow, allow me to say, you can only redeem
+it on one condition."
+
+Recollections of former days came over me; and I hastily asked him
+if he had obtained Mr. Thomas John's signature.
+
+He smiled, and said, "It was by no means necessary from so excellent
+a friend."
+
+"Where is he? for God's sake tell me:  I insist upon knowing."
+
+With some hesitation, he put his hand into his pocket; and drew out
+the altered and pallid form of Mr. John by the hair of his head,
+whose livid lips uttered the awful words, "Justo judicio Dei
+judicatus sum; justo judicio Dei condemnatus sum"--"I am judged and
+condemned by the just judgment of God."  I was horror-struck; and
+instantly throwing the jingling purse into the abyss, I exclaimed,
+"Wretch! in the name of Heaven, I conjure you to be gone!--away from
+my sight!--never appear before me again!"  With a dark expression on
+his countenance, he arose, and immediately vanished behind the huge
+rocks which surrounded the place.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+
+I was now left equally without gold and without shadow; but a heavy
+load was taken from my breast, and I felt cheerful.  Had not my
+Minna been irrecoverably lost to me, or even had I been perfectly
+free from self-reproach on her account, I felt that happiness might
+yet have been mine.  At present I was lost in doubt as to my future
+course.  I examined my pockets, and found I had a few gold pieces
+still left, which I counted with feelings of great satisfaction.  I
+had left my horse at the inn, and was ashamed to return, or at all
+events I must wait till the sun had set, which at present was high
+in the heavens.  I laid myself down under a shady tree and fell into
+a peaceful sleep.
+
+Lovely forms floated in airy measures before me, and filled up my
+delightful dreams.  Minna, with a garland of flowers entwined in her
+hair, was bending over me with a smile of goodwill; also the worthy
+Bendel was crowned with flowers, and hastened to meet me with
+friendly greetings.  Many other forms seemed to rise up confusedly
+in the distance:  thyself among the number, Chamisso.  Perfect
+radiance beamed around them, but none had a shadow; and what was
+more surprising, there was no appearance of unhappiness on this
+account.  Nothing was to be seen or heard but flowers and music; and
+love and joy, and groves of never-fading palms, seemed the natives
+of that happy clime.
+
+In vain I tried to detain and comprehend the lovely but fleeting
+forms.  I was conscious, also, of being in a dream, and was anxious
+that nothing should rouse me from it; and when I did awake, I kept
+my eyes closed, in order if possible to continue the illusion.  At
+last I opened my eyes.  The sun was now visible in the east; I must
+have slept the whole night:  I looked upon this as a warning not to
+return to the inn.  What I had left there I was content to lose,
+without much regret; and resigning myself to Providence, I decided
+on taking a by-road that led through the wooded declivity of the
+mountain.  I never once cast a glance behind me; nor did it ever
+occur to me to return, as I might have done, to Bendel, whom I had
+left in affluence.  I reflected on the new character I was now going
+to assume in the world.  My present garb was very humble--consisting
+of an old black coat I formerly had worn at Berlin, and which by
+some chance was the first I put my hand on before setting out on
+this journey, a travelling-cap, and an old pair of boots.  I cut
+down a knotted stick in memory of the spot, and commenced my
+pilgrimage.
+
+In the forest I met an aged peasant, who gave me a friendly
+greeting, and with whom I entered into conversation, requesting, as
+a traveller desirous of information, some particulars relative to
+the road, the country, and its inhabitants, the productions of the
+mountain, &c.  He replied to my various inquiries with readiness and
+intelligence.  At last we reached the bed of a mountain-torrent,
+which had laid waste a considerable tract of the forest; I inwardly
+shuddered at the idea of the open sunshine.  I suffered the peasant
+to go before me.  In the middle of the very place which I dreaded so
+much, he suddenly stopped, and turned back to give me an account of
+this inundation; but instantly perceiving that I had no shadow, he
+broke off abruptly, and exclaimed, "How is this?--you have no
+shadow!"
+
+"Alas, alas!" said I, "in a long and serious illness I had the
+misfortune to lose my hair, my nails, and my shadow.  Look, good
+father; although my hair has grown again, it is quite white; and at
+my age, my nails are still very short; and my poor shadow seems to
+have left me, never to return."
+
+"Ah!" said the old man, shaking his head; "no shadow! that was
+indeed a terrible illness, sir."
+
+But he did not resume his narrative; and at the very first cross-
+road we came to, left me without uttering a syllable.  Fresh tears
+flowed from my eyes, and my cheerfulness had fled.  With a heavy
+heart I travelled on, avoiding all society.  I plunged into the
+deepest shades of the forest; and often, to avoid a sunny tract of
+country, I waited for hours till every human being had left it, and
+I could pass it unobserved.  In the evenings I took shelter in the
+villages.  I bent my steps to a mine in the mountains, where I hoped
+to meet with work underground; for besides that my present situation
+compelled me to provide for my own support, I felt that incessant
+and laborious occupation alone could divert my mind from dwelling on
+painful subjects.  A few rainy days assisted me materially on my
+journey; but it was to the no small detriment of my boots, the soles
+of which were better suited to Count Peter than to the poor foot-
+traveller.  I was soon barefoot, and a new purchase must be made.
+The following morning I commenced an earnest search in a
+marketplace, where a fair was being held; and I saw in one of the
+booths new and second-hand boots set out for sale.  I was a long
+time selecting and bargaining; I wished much to have a new pair, but
+was frightened at the extravagant price; and so was obliged to
+content myself with a second-hand pair, still pretty good and
+strong, which the beautiful fair-haired youth who kept the booth
+handed over to me with a cheerful smile, wishing me a prosperous
+journey.  I went on, and left the place immediately by the northern
+gate.
+
+I was so lost in my own thoughts, that I walked along scarcely
+knowing how or where.  I was calculating the chances of my reaching
+the mine by the evening, and considering how I should introduce
+myself.  I had not gone two hundred steps, when I perceived I was
+not in the right road.  I looked round, and found myself in a wild-
+looking forest of ancient firs, where apparently the stroke of the
+axe had never been heard.  A few steps more brought me amid huge
+rocks covered with moss and saxifragous plants, between which whole
+fields of snow and ice were extended.  The air was intensely cold.
+I looked round, and the forest had disappeared behind me; a few
+steps more, and there was the stillness of death itself.  The icy
+plain on which I stood stretched to an immeasurable distance, and a
+thick cloud rested upon it; the sun was of a red blood-colour at the
+verge of the horizon; the cold was insupportable.  I could not
+imagine what had happened to me.  The benumbing frost made me
+quicken my pace.  I heard a distant sound of waters; and, at one
+step more, I stood on the icy shore of some ocean.  Innumerable
+droves of sea-dogs rushed past me and plunged into the waves.  I
+continued my way along this coast, and again met with rocks, plains,
+birch and fir forests, and yet only a few minutes had elapsed.  It
+was now intensely hot.  I looked around, and suddenly found myself
+between some fertile rice-fields and mulberry-trees; I sat down
+under their shade, and found by my watch that it was just one
+quarter of an hour since I had left the village market.  I fancied
+it was a dream; but no, I was indeed awake, as I felt by the
+experiment I made of biting my tongue.  I closed my eyes in order to
+collect my scattered thoughts.  Presently I heard unintelligible
+words uttered in a nasal tone; and I beheld two Chinese, whose
+Asiatic physiognomies were not to be mistaken, even had their
+costume not betrayed their origin.  They were addressing me in the
+language and with the salutations of their country.  I rose, and
+drew back a couple of steps.  They had disappeared; the landscape
+was entirely changed; the rice-fields had given place to trees and
+woods.  I examined some of the trees and plants around me, and
+ascertained such of them as I was acquainted with to be productions
+of the southern part of Asia.  I made one step towards a particular
+tree, and again all was changed.  I now moved on like a recruit at
+drill, taking slow and measured steps, gazing with astonished eyes
+at the wonderful variety of regions, plains, meadows, mountains,
+steppes, and sandy deserts, which passed in succession before me.  I
+had now no doubt that I had seven-leagued boots on my feet.
+
+I fell on my knees in silent gratitude, shedding tears of
+thankfulness; for I now saw clearly what was to be my future
+condition.  Shut out by early sins from all human society, I was
+offered amends for the privation by Nature herself, which I had ever
+loved.  The earth was granted me as a rich garden; and the knowledge
+of her operations was to be the study and object of my life.  This
+was not a mere resolution.  I have since endeavoured, with anxious
+and unabated industry, faithfully to imitate the finished and
+brilliant model then presented to me; and my vanity has received a
+check when led to compare the picture with the original.  I rose
+immediately, and took a hasty survey of this new field, where I
+hoped afterwards to reap a rich harvest.
+
+I stood on the heights of Thibet; and the sun I had lately beheld in
+the east was now sinking in the west.  I traversed Asia from east to
+west, and thence passed into Africa, which I curiously examined at
+repeated visits in all directions.  As I gazed on the ancient
+pyramids and temples of Egypt, I descried, in the sandy deserts near
+Thebes of the hundred gates, the caves where Christian hermits dwelt
+of old.
+
+My determination was instantly taken, that here should be my future
+dwelling.  I chose one of the most secluded, but roomy, comfortable,
+and inaccessible to the jackals.
+
+I stepped over from the pillars of Hercules to Europe; and having
+taken a survey of its northern and southern countries, I passed by
+the north of Asia, on the polar glaciers, to Greenland and America,
+visiting both parts of this continent; and the winter, which was
+already at its height in the south, drove me quickly back from Cape
+Horn to the north.  I waited till daylight had risen in the east of
+Asia, and then, after a short rest, continued my pilgrimage.  I
+followed in both the Americas the vast chain of the Andes, once
+considered the loftiest on our globe.  I stepped carefully and
+slowly from one summit to another, sometimes over snowy heights,
+sometimes over flaming volcanoes, often breathless from fatigue.  At
+last I reached Elias's mountain, and sprang over Behring's Straits
+into Asia; I followed the western coast in its various windings,
+carefully observing which of the neighbouring isles was accessible
+to me.  From the peninsula of Malacca, my boots carried me to
+Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Lombok.  I made many attempts--often with
+danger, and always unsuccessfully--to force my way over the numerous
+little islands and rocks with which this sea is studded, wishing to
+find a north-west passage to Borneo and other islands of the
+Archipelago.
+
+At last I sat down at the extreme point of Lombok, my eyes turned
+towards the south-east, lamenting that I had so soon reached the
+limits allotted to me, and bewailing my fate as a captive in his
+grated cell.  Thus was I shut out from that remarkable country, New
+Holland, and the islands of the southern ocean, so essentially
+necessary to a knowledge of the earth, and which would have best
+assisted me in the study of the animal and vegetable kingdoms.  And
+thus, at the very outset, I beheld all my labours condemned to be
+limited to mere fragments.
+
+Ah! Chamisso, what is the activity of man?
+
+Frequently in the most rigorous winters of the southern hemisphere I
+have rashly thrown myself on a fragment of drifting ice between Cape
+Horn and Van Dieman's Land, in the hope of effecting a passage to
+New Holland, reckless of the cold and the vast ocean, reckless of my
+fate, even should this savage land prove my grave.
+
+But all in vain--I never reached New Holland.  Each time, when
+defeated in my attempt, I returned to Lombok; and seated at its
+extreme point, my eyes directed to the south-east, I gave way afresh
+to lamentations that my range of investigation was so limited.  At
+last I tore myself from the spot, and, heartily grieved at my
+disappointment, returned to the interior of Asia.  Setting out at
+morning dawn, I traversed it from east to west, and at night reached
+the cave in Thebes which I had previously selected for my dwelling-
+place, and had visited yesterday afternoon.
+
+After a short repose, as soon as daylight had visited Europe, it was
+my first care to provide myself with the articles of which I stood
+most in need.  First of all a drag, to act on my boots; for I had
+experienced the inconvenience of these whenever I wished to shorten
+my steps and examine surrounding objects more fully.  A pair of
+slippers to go over the boots served the purpose effectually; and
+from that time I carried two pairs about me, because I frequently
+cast them off from my feet in my botanical investigations, without
+having time to pick them up, when threatened by the approach of
+lions, men, or hyenas.  My excellent watch, owing to the short
+duration of my movements, was also on these occasions an admirable
+chronometer.  I wanted, besides, a sextant, a few philosophical
+instruments, and some books.  To purchase these things, I made
+several unwilling journeys to London and Paris, choosing a time when
+I could be hid by the favouring clouds.  As all my ill-gotten gold
+was exhausted, I carried over from Africa some ivory, which is there
+so plentiful, in payment of my purchases--taking care, however, to
+pick out the smallest teeth, in order not to over-burden myself.  I
+had thus soon provided myself with all that I wanted, and now
+entered on a new mode of life as a student--wandering over the
+globe--measuring the height of the mountains, and the temperature of
+the air and of the springs--observing the manners and habits of
+animals--investigating plants and flowers.  From the equator to the
+pole, and from the new world to the old, I was constantly engaged in
+repeating and comparing my experiments.
+
+My usual food consisted of the eggs of the African ostrich or
+northern sea-birds, with a few fruits, especially those of the palm
+and the banana of the tropics.  The tobacco-plant consoled me when I
+was depressed; and the affection of my spaniel was a compensation
+for the loss of human sympathy and society.  When I returned from my
+excursions, loaded with fresh treasures, to my cave in Thebes, which
+he guarded during my absence, he ever sprang joyfully forward to
+greet me, and made me feel that I was indeed not alone on the earth.
+An adventure soon occurred which brought me once more among my
+fellow-creatures.
+
+
+One day, as I was gathering lichens and algae on the northern coast,
+with the drag on my boots, a bear suddenly made his appearance, and
+was stealing towards me round the corner of a rock.  After throwing
+away my slippers, I attempted to step across to an island, by means
+of a rock, projecting from the waves in the intermediate space, that
+served as a stepping-stone.  I reached the rock safely with one
+foot, but instantly fell into the sea with the other, one of my
+slippers having inadvertently remained on.  The cold was intense;
+and I escaped this imminent peril at the risk of my life.  On coming
+ashore, I hastened to the Libyan sands to dry myself in the sun; but
+the heat affected my head so much, that, in a fit of illness, I
+staggered back to the north.  In vain I sought relief by change of
+place--hurrying from east to west, and from west to east--now in
+climes of the south, now in those of the north; sometimes I rushed
+into daylight, sometimes into the shades of night.  I know not how
+long this lasted.  A burning fever raged in my veins; with extreme
+anguish I felt my senses leaving me.  Suddenly, by an unlucky
+accident, I trod upon some one's foot, whom I had hurt, and received
+a blow in return which laid me senseless.
+
+On recovering, I found myself lying comfortably in a good bed,
+which, with many other beds, stood in a spacious and handsome
+apartment.  Some one was watching by me; people seemed to be walking
+from one bed to another; they came beside me, and spoke of me as
+NUMBER TWELVE.   On the wall, at the foot of my bed--it was no
+dream, for I distinctly read it--on a black-marble tablet was
+inscribed my name, in large letters of gold
+
+
+PETER SCHLEMIHL
+
+
+Underneath were two rows of letters in smaller characters, which I
+was too feeble to connect together, and closed my eyes again.
+
+I now heard something read aloud, in which I distinctly noted the
+words, "Peter Schlemihl," but could not collect the full meaning.  I
+saw a man of benevolent aspect, and a very beautiful female dressed
+in black, standing near my bed; their countenances were not unknown
+to me, but in my weak state I could not remember who they were.
+Some time elapsed, and I began to regain my strength.  I was called
+Number Twelve, and, from my long beard, was supposed to be a Jew,
+but was not the less carefully nursed on that account.  No one
+seemed to perceive that I was destitute of a shadow.  My boots, I
+was assured, together with everything found on me when I was brought
+here, were in safe keeping, and would be given up to me on my
+restoration to health.  This place was called the SCHLMEIHLIUM:  the
+daily recitation I had heard, was an exhortation to pray for Peter
+Schlemihl as the founder and benefactor of this institution.  The
+benevolent-looking man whom I had seen by my bedside was Bendel; the
+beautiful lady in black was Minna.
+
+I had been enjoying the advantages of the Schlemihlium without being
+recognised; and I learned, further, that I was in Bendel's native
+town, where he had employed a part of my once unhallowed gold in
+founding an hospital in my name, under his superintendence, and that
+its unfortunate inmates daily pronounced blessings on me.  Minna had
+become a widow:  an unhappy lawsuit had deprived Rascal of his life,
+and Minna of the greater part of her property.  Her parents were no
+more; and here she dwelt in widowed piety, wholly devoting herself
+to works of mercy.
+
+One day, as she stood by the side of Number Twelve's bed with
+Bendel, he said to her, "Noble lady, why expose yourself so
+frequently to this unhealthy atmosphere?  Has fate dealt so harshly
+with you as to render you desirous of death?"
+
+"By no means, Mr. Bendel," she replied; "since I have awoke from my
+long dream, all has gone well with me.  I now neither wish for death
+nor fear it, and think on the future and on the past with equal
+serenity.  Do you not also feel an inward satisfaction in thus
+paying a pious tribute of gratitude and love to your old master and
+friend?"
+
+"Thanks be to God, I do, noble lady," said he.  "Ah, how wonderfully
+has everything fallen out!  How thoughtlessly have we sipped joys
+and sorrows from the full cup now drained to the last drop; and we
+might fancy the past a mere prelude to the real scene for which we
+now wait armed by experience.  How different has been the reality!
+Yet let us not regret the past, but rather rejoice that we have not
+lived in vain.  As respects our old friend also, I have a firm hope
+that it is now better with him than formerly."
+
+"I trust so, too," answered Minna; and so saying she passed by me,
+and they departed.
+
+This conversation made a deep impression on me; and I hesitated
+whether I should discover myself or depart unknown.  At last I
+decided; and, asking for pen and paper, wrote as follows:-
+
+"Matters are indeed better with your old friend than formerly.  He
+has repented; and his repentance has led to forgiveness."
+
+I now attempted to rise, for I felt myself stronger.  The keys of a
+little chest near my bed were given me; and in it I found all my
+effects.  I put on my clothes; fastened my botanical case round me--
+wherein, with delight, I found my northern lichens all safe--put on
+my boots, and leaving my note on the table, left the gates, and was
+speedily far advanced on the road to Thebes.
+
+Passing along the Syrian coast, which was the same road I had taken
+on last leaving home, I beheld my poor Figaro running to meet me.
+The faithful animal, after vainly waiting at home for his master's
+return, had probably followed his traces.  I stood still, and called
+him.  He sprang towards me with leaps and barks, and a thousand
+demonstrations of unaffected delight.  I took him in my arms--for he
+was unable to follow me--and carried him home.
+
+There I found everything exactly in the order in which I had left
+it; and returned by degrees, as my increasing strength allowed me,
+to my old occupations and usual mode of life, from which I was kept
+back a whole year by my fall into the Polar Ocean.  And this, dear
+Chamisso, is the life I am still leading.  My boots are not yet worn
+out, as I had been led to fear would be the case from that very
+learned work of Tieckius--De rebus gestis Pollicilli.  Their
+energies remain unimpaired; and although mine are gradually failing
+me, I enjoy the consolation of having spent them in pursuing
+incessantly one object, and that not fruitlessly.
+
+So far as my boots would carry me, I have observed and studied our
+globe and its conformation, its mountains and temperature, the
+atmosphere in its various changes, the influences of the magnetic
+power; in fact, I have studied all living creation--and more
+especially the kingdom of plants--more profoundly than any one of
+our race.  I have arranged all the facts in proper order, to the
+best of my ability, in different works.  The consequences deducible
+from these facts, and my views respecting them, I have hastily
+recorded in some essays and dissertations.  I have settled the
+geography of the interior of Africa and the Arctic regions, of the
+interior of Asia and of its eastern coast.  My Historia stirpium
+plantarum utriusque orbis is an extensive fragment of a Flora
+universalis terrae and a part of my Systema naturae.  Besides
+increasing the number of our known species by more than a third, I
+have also contributed somewhat to the natural system of plants and
+to a knowledge of their geography.  I am now deeply engaged on my
+Fauna, and shall take care to have my manuscripts sent to the
+University of Berlin before my decease.
+
+I have selected thee, my dear Chamisso, to be the guardian of my
+wonderful history, thinking that, when I have left this world, it
+may afford valuable instruction to the living.  As for thee,
+Chamisso, if thou wouldst live amongst thy fellow-creatures, learn
+to value thy shadow more than gold; if thou wouldst only live to
+thyself and thy nobler part--in this thou needest no counsel.
+
+
+
+APPENDIX.
+
+
+
+[From the prefatory matter prefixed to time Berlin edition, 1839,
+from which the present translation is made.]
+
+
+
+PREFACE BY THE EDITOR.
+
+
+
+The origin of "Peter Schlemihl" is to be ascribed in a great degree
+to circumstances that occurred in the life of the writer.  During
+the eventful year of 1813, when the movement broke out which
+ultimately freed Germany from the yoke of her oppressor, and
+precipitated his downfall, Chamisso was in Berlin.  Everyone who
+could wield a sword hastened then to employ it on behalf of Germany
+and of the good cause.  Chamisso had not only a powerful arm, but a
+heart also of truly German mould; and yet he was placed in a
+situation so peculiar as to isolate him among millions.  As he was
+of French parentage, the question was, not merely whether he should
+fight on behalf of Germany, but, also, whether he should fight
+against the people with whom he was connected by the ties of blood
+and family relationship.  Hence arose a struggle in his breast.  "I,
+and I alone, am forbidden at this juncture to wield a sword!"  Such
+was frequently his exclamation; and instead of meeting with sympathy
+on account of his peculiar situation, he was frequently doomed to
+hear, in the capital of Prussia, the head-quarters of the
+confederation against France and Napoleon, expressions of hatred and
+scorn directed against his countrymen.  He was himself too equitable
+to mistake the cause of such expressions, which were perfectly
+natural under the circumstances, but they nevertheless deeply
+afflicted him when they reached his ears.  In this state of things
+his friends resolved to remove him from such a scene of excitement,
+and to place him amid the quiet scenery of the country.  An asylum
+was offered him in the family of Count Itzenplitsch, where he was
+sufficiently near to become acquainted with the gradual development
+of the all-important crisis, and yet free from any unpleasant
+personal contact with it.  Here, at the family-seat of Cunersdorf,
+scarcely a day's journey from Berlin, wholly devoted to botany and
+other favourite pursuits, Chamisso conceived the idea of "Peter
+Schlemihl," and with rapid pen finished off the story.  Chamisso's
+letters of this date (in the first volume of his Life, by the writer
+of this notice) afford evidence of this.
+
+The first edition of the incomparable story appeared in 1814, with a
+dedication dated May 27, 1813; and it was just beginning to be known
+in the world at the commencement of 1815, when the author left
+Germany on a voyage round the world, of which the story contains a
+remarkable anticipation.  "Peter Schlemihl" was his parting
+salutation to his second fatherland, and the first foundation-stone
+of his future fame.
+
+Chamisso was often pestered with questions respecting what he really
+meant by the story of Schlemihl.  These questions amused as well as
+annoyed him.  The truth is, that his intention in writing it was
+perhaps scarcely of so precise a nature as to admit of his giving a
+formal account of it.  The story sprang into being of itself, like
+every work of genius, prompted by a self-creating power.  In a
+letter to the writer of this notice, after he had just commenced the
+story, he says, "A book was the last thing you would have expected
+from me!  Place it before your wife this evening, if you have time;
+should she be desirous to know Schlemihl's further adventures, and
+particularly who the man in the grey cloak is--send me back the MS.
+immediately, that I may continue the story; but if you do not return
+it, I shall know the meaning of the signal perfectly."  Is it
+possible for any writer to submit himself to the scrutiny of the
+public more good-naturedly?
+
+In the preface to the new French translation (which appeared in
+1838) of this story, Chamisso amuses himself in his own peculiar
+way, over the prying curiosity of those who want to know what his
+real object was in writing this tale: --"The present story," he
+says, "has fallen into the hands of thoughtful people, who, being
+accustomed to read only for instruction's sake, have been at a loss
+to know what the shadow signifies.  On this point several have
+formed curious hypotheses; others, who do me the honour to believe
+that I am more learned than I really am, have addressed themselves
+to me for the solution of their doubts.  The questions with which
+they have besieged me have made me blush on account of my ignorance.
+I have therefore been induced to devote myself to the investigation
+of a matter not hitherto the subject of my studies; and I now beg to
+submit to the world the result of my learned researches.
+
+"'Concerning Shadows.--A dark body can only be partially illuminated
+by a bright one.  The dark space which lies in the direction of the
+unilluminated part is what we call a SHADOW.  Properly speaking,
+shadow signifies a bodily space, the form of which depends upon the
+form of the illuminating body, and upon their opposite position with
+regard to each other.  The shadow thrown on a surface, situated
+before the shadow-projecting body, is, therefore, nothing else than
+the intersection of this surface by the bodily space (in French, le
+solide, on which word SOLID the whole force of the humour turns),
+which we before designated by the word shadow.'
+
+"The question in this wonderful history of Peter Schlemihl relates
+entirely to the last-mentioned quality, SOLIDITY.  The science of
+finance instructs us sufficiently as to the value of money:  the
+value of a shadow is less generally acknowledged.  My thoughtless
+friend was covetous of money, of which he knew the value, and forgot
+to think on solid substance.  It was his wish that the lesson which
+he had paid for so dearly should be turned to our profit; and his
+bitter experience calls to us with a loud voice, Think on the solid-
+-the substantial!"  So far Chamisso.
+
+"Peter Schlemihl" has been translated into almost all the languages
+of Europe.  Of the Dutch, Spanish, and Russian translations we do
+not possess any copies.  The French and Italian are as follows:-
+
+Pierre Schlemihl.  Paris, chez Ladvocat, 1822.--This was revised by
+Chamisso in manuscript, who added a preface to it; but the
+translation was afterwards capriciously altered by the same
+publisher.
+
+Un Roman du Poete Allemand contemporain, Adelbert de Chamisso;
+traduit par N. Martin.  Histoire merveilleuse de Pierre Schlemihl.
+Dunquerque, 1837.--At the end the translator has added a letter to a
+friend, with the Greek motto, "Life is the dream of a shadow."  The
+translator, while laughing in this letter at the Germans, who, he
+says, ought to write three folio volumes of explanatory notes on the
+little volume, falls into the error of being very diffuse himself in
+the attempt to elucidate his author.  His long letter concludes not
+inappropriately with these words:  "I have just observed, although
+certainly rather late, that I have written a letter full of shadows,
+and instead of lighting a torch to illuminate the darkness, have, I
+fear, only deepened the gloom.  Should this be the case, the reader
+at any rate will not withhold from me the praise of having preserved
+the colours of the original."
+
+Merveilleuse Histoire de Pierre Schlemihl.  Enrichie d'une savente
+preface, ou les curieux pourront apprendre ce que c'est que l'ombre.
+Paris et Nurnberg, 1838.  With illustrations.--This translation was
+revised by Chamisso.
+
+L'Uomo senz' Ombra.  Dono di simpatia al gentil sesso.  Milano,
+1838.  Published as an Annual, with a Calendar, and Engravings.--The
+editor is pleased not only to withhold the author's name, but
+manages so to word his own preface as to lead his readers to
+conclude that he himself is the author of the book.
+
+"Schlemihl" was also brought on the stage, but without giving the
+honours of authorship to the true source.  This took place at
+Vienna, in February, 1819.  The announcement ran thus:-
+"Pulzlivizli, or the Man without a Shadow:  a comic, enchanted
+drama, in three acts, adapted from De la Motte Fouque, by Ferdinand
+Rosenau."  Among the characters were the grey man, and a certain
+Albert, probably intended for Schlemihl.  Of the contents of the
+piece we know nothing.
+
+In England two editions have appeared [previous to the present,--
+Tr.]; one of which was reprinted at Boston in 1825.  Of the
+popularity of "Peter Schlemihl" in Great Britain we have a striking
+proof, from a caricature that appeared shortly after the coronation
+of William IV.  On the celebration of this solemnity, a brother of
+the King--the Duke of Cumberland--arrived from the Continent to be
+present on the occasion; and as he was well known to be an ardent
+Tory, his reception on the part of the people was not of the most
+flattering description.  As a consequence of this, and owing,
+perhaps, to an expression that fell from the Duke, that "popularity
+is only a shadow," the caricature made its appearance.  In the
+foreground of the print is seen a striking likeness of the royal
+Duke in the costume of the Order of the Garter.  On his right stands
+the King, with the crown on his head, and reflecting a goodly shadow
+on the wall.  Between the King and his brother are some courtiers,
+who exclaim, in a tone of commiseration, "Lost, or stolen, a
+gentleman's shadow."  At the bottom of the print is the following
+inscription:-
+
+"PETER SCHLEMIHL AT THE CORONATION.
+
+Granted that popularity is nothing but a shadow, it is still far
+from pleasant to be without that shadow."
+
+
+
+BRIEF SKETCH OF CHAMISSO'S LIFE.
+
+
+
+Louis Adelbert de Chamisso was born January 27, 1781, at Beaucourt,
+in Champagne.  At the Revolution, he left France with his parents,
+and came to Berlin, where, in 1796, he was appointed page to the
+King, and soon after had a commission given him in the army.  He
+applied himself with much ardour to acquire the German language, and
+felt great interest in the study of its literature, particularly its
+poetry and philosophy, and was most attracted by those writers whose
+character presented the greatest contrast to that of his own
+countrymen.  By intercourse with the learned, and by the friendships
+which he formed, he soon became thoroughly German, which he proved
+by his poems, which were distinguished above the crowd of such
+compositions by the originality of their style, and peculiar vigour.
+From 1804 to 1806 he published the "Almanack of the Muses," in
+conjunction with Varnhagen von Ense.  At the peace of Tilsit he left
+the army, and visited France, when his family obtained back part of
+their possessions.  At this time he held, for a short period, a
+situation as Professor at the school of Napoleonville, but soon
+returned to Germany, devoting himself wholly to a literary life, and
+in particular to the study of natural history.  During his visit to
+France, he spent some time with Madame de Stael, whom he also
+visited in Switzerland.  In 1811 he returned to Berlin; and in 1813
+he wrote his "Peter Schlemihl," which marked him out as a man of
+distinguished and original genius.  It was published in 1814 by his
+friend Fouque.  When Count Runnjanzow resolved on undertaking a
+voyage round the world, he invited Chamisso to accompany him as
+naturalist to the expedition--an invitation which he gladly
+embraced.  The ships left Cronstadt in 1815, and returned in 1818;
+and although the discovery of a North-West passage--the great object
+of the expedition--was not attained, yet extensive acquisitions were
+made in every department of scientific research.  Chamisso's share
+in the voyage is recorded in the third volume of the account of it
+published at Weimar in 1821, and does honour to his spirit of
+careful observation and his accuracy.  He now again fixed his
+residence at Berlin, from whose university he received the degree of
+doctor in philosophy.  An appointment at the Botanic Garden allowed
+him full liberty to follow up his favourite pursuit of natural
+history, and bound him by still stronger ties to his second
+fatherland.  He now wrote an account of the principal plants of the
+North of Germany, with views respecting the vegetable kingdom and
+the science of botany:  this work appeared at Berlin in 1827.
+Poetry, however, had still some share of his attention; and he
+continued, during the latter years of his life, to maintain his
+claims to an honourable place among the poets of Germany.  Several
+of his ballads and romances rank with the most distinguished of
+modern times in this branch of composition.  Surrounded by a circle
+of attached and admiring friends, Chamisso continued thus entirely
+engaged till his death, in 1839, leaving behind him a name and works
+which posterity "will not willingly let perish."
+
+
+
+FROM THE BARON DE LA MOTTE FOUQUE TO JULIUS EDWARD HITZIG.
+[From the first edition.]
+
+
+
+We should take care, my dear Edward, not to expose the history of
+poor Schlemihl to eyes unfit to look upon it.  That would be a bad
+experiment.  Of such eyes there are plenty; and who is able to
+predict what may befal a MANUSCRIPT, which is almost more difficult
+to guard than spoken language?  Like a person seized with vertigo,
+therefore, who, in the paroxysm of his feelings, leaps into the
+abyss, I commit the story to the press.
+
+And yet there are better and more serious reasons for the step I
+have taken.  If I am not wholly deceived, there are in our dear
+Germany many hearts both capable and worthy of comprehending poor
+Schlemihl, although a smile will arise on the countenance of many
+among our honest countrymen at the bitter sport which was death to
+him and to the innocent being whom he drew along with him.  And you,
+Edward, when you have seen the estimable work, and reflected on the
+number of unknown and sympathising bosoms who, with ourselves, will
+learn to love it,--you will, then, perhaps, feel that some drops of
+consolation have been instilled into those wounds inflicted on you,
+and on all who love you, by death.
+
+To conclude:  I have become convinced, by repeated experience, that
+a guardian angel watches over books, places them in proper hands,
+and if not always, yet often, prevents them from falling into
+improper.  In any case, he exercises an invisible guardianship over
+every work of true genius and genuine feeling, and with unfailing
+tact and skill opens or shuts its pages as he sees fit.
+
+To this guardian angel I commit our "Schlemihl."  And so, adieu!
+FOUQUE.
+
+Neunhausen, May, 1814.
+
+
+
+
+THE STORY WITHOUT AN END
+
+
+
+
+TO MY DAUGHTER
+
+
+
+My Dear Child,
+
+The story you love so much in German I dedicate to you in English.
+It was in compliance with your earnest wish that other children
+might share the delight it has so often afforded you, that I
+translated it; so that it is, in some sort, yours of right.  Let us
+hope that your confident expectations of sympathy in your pleasure
+may not be disappointed; or that, if others think the story less
+beautiful than you do, they may find compensation in the graceful
+designs it has inspired.
+
+You have often regretted that it left off so soon, and would, I
+believe, "have been glad to hear more and more, and for ever."  The
+continuation you have longed for lies in a wide and magnificent
+book, which contains more wonderful and glorious things than all our
+favourite fairy tales put together.  But to read in that book, so as
+to discover all its beautiful meanings, you must have pure, clear
+eyes, and an humble, loving heart; otherwise you will complain, as
+some do, that it is dim and puzzling; or, as others that it is dull
+and monotonous.
+
+May you continue to read in it with new curiosity, new delight, and
+new profit; and to find it, as long as you live, the untiring "Story
+without an End."
+
+Your affectionate mother,
+S. A.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+
+There was once a Child who lived in a little hut, and in the hut
+there was nothing but a little bed and a looking-glass which hung in
+a dark corner.  Now the Child cared nothing at all about the
+looking-glass; but as soon as the first sunbeam glided softly
+through the casement, and kissed his sweet eyelids, and the finch
+and the linnet waked him merrily with their morning songs, he arose,
+and went out into the green meadow.  And he begged flour of the
+primrose, and sugar of the violet, and butter of the buttercup; he
+shook dewdrops from the cowslip into the cup of a harebell; spread
+out a large lime-leaf, set his little breakfast upon it, and feasted
+daintily.  Sometimes he invited a humming-bee, oftener a gay
+butterfly, to partake his feast; but his favourite guest was the
+blue dragon-fly.  The bee murmured a good deal, in a solemn tone,
+about his riches; but the Child thought that if he were a bee, heaps
+of treasure would not make him gay and happy; and that it must be
+much more delightful and glorious to float about in the free and
+fresh breezes of spring, and to hum joyously in the web of the
+sunbeams, than, with heavy feet and heavy heart, to stow the silver
+wax and the golden honey into cells.
+
+To this the Butterfly assented; and he told how once on a time, he
+too had been greedy and sordid; how he had thought of nothing but
+eating, and had never once turned his eyes upwards to the blue
+heavens.  At length, however, a complete change had come over him;
+and instead of crawling spiritless about the dirty earth, half
+dreaming, he all at once awaked as out of a deep sleep.  And now he
+would rise into the air;--and it was his greatest joy sometimes to
+play with the light, and to reflect the heavens in the bright eyes
+of his wings; sometimes to listen to the soft language of the
+flowers, and catch their secrets.  Such talk delighted the Child,
+and his breakfast was the sweeter to him, and the sunshine on leaf
+and flower seemed to him more bright and cheering.
+
+But when the Bee had flown off to beg from flower to flower, and the
+Butterfly had fluttered away to his playfellows, the Dragon-fly
+still remained, poised on a blade of grass.  Her slender and
+burnished body, more brightly and deeply blue than the deep blue
+sky, glistened in the sun beam; and her net-like wings laughed at
+the flowers because THEY could not fly, but must stand still and
+abide the wind and the rain.  The Dragon-fly sipped a little of the
+Child's clear dew-drops and blue violet-honey, and then whispered
+her winged words.  And the Child made an end of his repast, closed
+his dark blue eyes, bent down his beautiful head, and listened to
+the sweet prattle.
+
+
+Then the Dragon-fly told much of the merry life in the green wood;
+how sometimes she played hide-and-seek with her playfellows under
+the broad leaves of the oak and the beech trees; or hunt-the-hare
+along the surface of the still waters; sometimes quietly watched the
+sunbeams, as they flew busily from moss to flower and from flower to
+bush, and shed life and warmth over all.  But at night, she said,
+the moonbeams glided softly around the wood, and dropped dew into
+the mouths of all the thirsty plants; and when the dawn pelted the
+slumberers with the soft roses of heaven, some of the half-drunken
+flowers looked up and smiled; but most of them could not so much as
+raise their heads for a long, long time.
+
+Such stories did the Dragon-fly tell; and as the Child sat
+motionless with his eyes shut, and his head rested on his little
+hand, she thought he had fallen asleep; so she poised her double
+wings and flew into the rustling wood.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+
+But the Child was only sunk into a dream of delight, and was wishing
+HE were a sunbeam or a moonbeam; and he would have been glad to hear
+more and more, and for ever.  But at last, as all was still, he
+opened his eyes and looked around for his dear guest; but she was
+flown far away; so he could not bear to sit there any longer alone,
+and he rose and went to the gurgling brook.  It gushed and rolled so
+merrily, and tumbled so wildly along as it hurried to throw itself
+head over heels into the river, just as if the great massy rock out
+of which it sprang were close behind it, and could only be escaped
+by a break-neck leap.
+
+Then the Child began to talk to the little waves, and asked them
+whence they came.  They would not stay to give him an answer, but
+danced away, one over another; till at last, that the sweet Child
+might not be grieved, a drop of water stopped behind a piece of
+rock.  From her the Child heard strange histories, but he could not
+understand them all, for she told him about her former life, and
+about the depths of the mountain.
+
+"A long while ago," said the Drop of Water, "I lived with my
+countless sisters in the great ocean, in peace and unity.  We had
+all sorts of pastimes; sometimes we mounted up high into the air,
+and peeped at the stars; then we sank plump down deep below, and
+looked how the coral builders work till they are tired, that they
+may reach the light of day at last.  But I was conceited, and
+thought myself much better than my sisters.  And so one day, when
+the sun rose out of the sea, I clung fast to one of his hot beams,
+and thought that now I should reach the stars, and become one of
+them.  But I had not ascended far, when the sunbeam shook me off,
+and in spite of all I could say or do, let me fall into a dark
+cloud.  And soon a flash of fire darted through the cloud, and now I
+thought I must surely die; but the whole cloud laid itself down
+softly upon the top of a mountain, and so I escaped with my fright,
+and a black eye.  Now I thought I should remain hidden, when all on
+a sudden I slipped over a round pebble, fell from one stone to
+another, down into the depths of the mountain, till at last it was
+pitch dark, and I could neither see nor hear anything.  Then I
+found, indeed, that 'pride goeth before a fall,' resigned myself to
+my fate, and, as I had already laid aside all my unhappy pride in
+the cloud, my portion was now the salt of humility; and after
+undergoing many purifications from the hidden virtues of metals and
+minerals, I was at length permitted to come up once more into the
+free cheerful air; and now will I run back to my sisters, and there
+wait patiently till I am called to something better."
+
+But hardly had she done when the root of a forget-me-not caught the
+drop of water by her hair and sucked her in, that she might become a
+floweret, and twinkle brightly as a blue star on the green firmament
+of earth.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+
+The Child did not very well know what to think of all this:  he went
+thoughtfully home and laid himself on his little bed; and all night
+long he was wandering about on the ocean, and among the stars, and
+over the dark mountain.  But the moon loved to look on the
+slumbering Child as he lay with his little head softly pillowed on
+his right arm.  She lingered a long time before his little window,
+and went slowly away to lighten the dark chamber of some sick
+person.
+
+As the moon's soft light lay on the Child's eyelids, he fancied he
+sat in a golden boat, on a great, great water; countless stars swam
+glittering on the dark mirror.  He stretched out his hand to catch
+the nearest star, but it had vanished, and the water sprayed up
+against him.  Then he saw clearly that these were not the real
+stars; he looked up to heaven, and wished he could fly thither.
+
+But in the meantime the moon had wandered on her way; and now the
+Child was led in his dream into the clouds, and he thought he was
+sitting on a white sheep, and he saw many lambs grazing around him.
+He tried to catch a little lamb to play with, but it was all mist
+and vapour; and the Child was sorrowful, and wished himself down
+again in his own meadow, where his own lamb was sporting gaily
+about.
+
+Meanwhile the moon was gone to sleep behind the mountains, and all
+around was dark.  Then the Child dreamt that he fell down into the
+dark, gloomy caverns of the mountain, and at that he was so
+frightened, that he suddenly awoke, just as morning opened her clear
+eye over the nearest hill.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+
+The Child started up, and, to recover himself from his fright, went
+into the little flower-garden behind his cottage, where the beds
+were surrounded by ancient palm-trees, and where he knew that all
+the flowers would nod kindly at him.  But, behold, the Tulip turned
+up her nose, and the Ranunculus held her head as stiffly as
+possible, that she might not bow good-morrow to him.  The Rose, with
+her fair round cheeks, smiled and greeted the Child lovingly; so he
+went up to her and kissed her fragrant mouth.  And then the Rose
+tenderly complained that he so seldom came into the garden, and that
+she gave out her bloom and her fragrance the live-long day in vain;
+for the other flowers could not see her, because they were too low,
+or did not care to look at her, because they themselves were so rich
+in bloom and fragrance.  But she was most delighted when she glowed
+in the blooming head of a child, and could pour out all her heart's
+secrets to him in sweet odours.  Among other things, the Rose
+whispered in his ear that she was the fulness of beauty.
+
+And in truth the Child, while looking at her beauty, seemed to have
+quite forgotten to go on; till the Blue Larkspur called to him, and
+asked whether he cared nothing more about his faithful friend; she
+said that she was unchanged, and that even in death she should look
+upon him with eyes of unfading blue.
+
+The Child thanked her for her true-heartedness, and passed on to the
+Hyacinth, who stood near the puffy, full-cheeked, gaudy Tulips.
+Even from a distance the Hyacinth sent forth kisses to him, for she
+knew not how to express her love.  Although she was not remarkable
+for her beauty, yet the Child felt himself wondrously attracted by
+her, for he thought no flower loved him so well.  But the Hyacinth
+poured out her full heart and wept bitterly, because she stood so
+lonely; the Tulips indeed were her countrymen, but they were so cold
+and unfeeling that she was ashamed of them.  The Child encouraged
+her, and told her he did not think things were so bad as she
+fancied.  The Tulips spoke their love in bright looks, while she
+uttered hers in fragrant words; that these, indeed, were lovelier
+and more intelligible, but that the others were not to be despised.
+
+Then the Hyacinth was comforted, and said she would be content; and
+the Child went on to the powdered Auricula, who, in her bashfulness,
+looked kindly up to him, and would gladly have given him more than
+kind looks, had she had more to give.  But the Child was satisfied
+with her modest greeting; he felt that he was poor too, and he saw
+the deep, thoughtful colours that lay beneath her golden dust.  But
+the humble flower, of her own accord, sent him to her neighbour, the
+Lily, whom she willingly acknowledged as her queen.  And when the
+Child came to the Lily, the slender flower waved to and fro and
+bowed her pale head with gentle pride and stately modesty, and sent
+forth a fragrant greeting to him.  The Child knew not what had come
+to him:  it reached his inmost heart, so that his eyes filled with
+soft tears.  Then he marked how the lily gazed with a clear and
+steadfast eye upon the sun, and how the sun looked down again into
+her pure chalice, and how, amid this interchange of looks, the three
+golden threads united in the centre.  And the Child heard how one
+scarlet Lady-bird at the bottom of the cup said to another, "Knowest
+thou not that we dwell in the flower of heaven?" and the other
+replied, "Yes; and now will the mystery be fulfilled."  And as the
+Child saw and heard all this, the dim image of his unknown parents,
+as it were veiled in a holy light, floated before his eyes:  he
+strove to grasp it, but the light was gone, and the Child slipped,
+and would have fallen, had not the branch of a currant bush caught
+and held him; and he took some of the bright berries for his
+morning's meal, and went back to his hut and stripped the little
+branches.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+
+But in the hut he stayed not long, all was so gloomy, close, and
+silent within, and abroad everything seemed to smile, and to exult
+in the clear and unbounded space.  Therefore the Child went out into
+the green wood, of which the Dragon-fly had told him such pleasant
+stories.  But he found everything far more beautiful and lovely even
+than she had described it; for all about, wherever he went, the
+tender moss pressed his little feet, and the delicate grass embraced
+his knees, and the flowers kissed his hands, and even the branches
+stroked his cheeks with a kind and refreshing touch, and the high
+trees threw their fragrant shade around him.
+
+There was no end to his delight.  The little birds warbled and sang,
+and fluttered and hopped about, and the delicate wood-flowers gave
+out their beauty and their odours; and every sweet sound took a
+sweet odour by the hand, and thus walked through the open door of
+the Child's heart, and held a joyous nuptial dance therein.  But the
+Nightingale and the Lily of the Valley led the dance; for the
+Nightingale sang of nought but love, and the Lily breathed of nought
+but innocence, and he was the bridegroom and she was the bride.  And
+the Nightingale was never weary of repeating the same thing a
+hundred times over, for the spring of love which gushed from his
+heart was ever new--and the Lily bowed her head bashfully, that no
+one might see her glowing heart.  And yet the one lived so solely
+and entirely in the other, that no one could see whether the notes
+of the Nightingale were floating lilies, or the lilies visible
+notes, falling like dewdrops from the Nightingale's throat.
+
+The Child's heart was full of joy even to the brim.  He set himself
+down, and he almost thought he should like to take root there, and
+live for ever among the sweet plants and flowers, and so become a
+true sharer in all their gentle pleasures.  For he felt a deep
+delight in the still, secluded, twilight existence of the mosses and
+small herbs, which felt not the storm, nor the frost, nor the
+scorching sunbeam; but dwelt quietly among their many friends and
+neighbours, feasting in peace and good fellowship on the dew and
+cool shadows which the mighty trees shed upon them.  To them it was
+a high festival when a sunbeam chanced to visit their lowly home;
+whilst the tops of the lofty trees could find joy and beauty only in
+the purple rays of morning or evening.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+
+And as the Child sat there, a little Mouse rustled from among the
+dry leaves of the former year, and a Lizard half glided from a
+crevice in the rock, and both of them fixed their bright eyes upon
+the little stranger; and when they saw that he designed them no
+evil, they took courage and came nearer to him.
+
+"I should like to live with you," said the Child to the two little
+creatures, in a soft, subdued voice, that he might not frighten
+them.  "Your chambers are so snug, so warm, and yet so shaded, and
+the flowers grow in at your windows, and the birds sing you their
+morning song, and call you to table and to bed with their clear
+warblings."
+
+"Yes," said the Mouse, "it would be all very well if all the plants
+bore nuts and mast, instead of those silly flowers; and if I were
+not obliged to grub under ground in the spring, and gnaw the bitter
+roots, whilst they are dressing themselves in their fine flowers and
+flaunting it to the world, as if they had endless stores of honey in
+their cellars."
+
+"Hold your tongue," interrupted the Lizard, pertly; "do you think,
+because you are grey, that other people must throw away their
+handsome clothes, or let them lie in the dark wardrobe under ground,
+and wear nothing but grey too?  I am not so envious.  The flowers
+may dress themselves as they like for me; they pay for it out of
+their own pockets, and they feed bees and beetles from their cups;
+but what I want to know is, of what use are birds in the world?
+Such a fluttering and chattering, truly, from morning early to
+evening late, that one is worried and stunned to death, and there is
+never a day's peace for them.  And they do nothing; only snap up the
+flies and the spiders out of the mouths of such as I.  For my part,
+I should be perfectly satisfied, provided all the birds in the world
+were flies and beetles."
+
+The Child changed colour, and his heart was sick and saddened when
+he heard their evil tongues.  He could not imagine how anybody could
+speak ill of the beautiful flowers, or scoff at his beloved birds.
+He was waked out of a sweet dream, and the wood seemed to him lonely
+and desert, and he was ill at ease.  He started up hastily, so that
+the Mouse and the Lizard shrank back alarmed, and did not look
+around them till they thought themselves safe out of the reach of
+the stranger with the large, severe eyes.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+
+But the Child went away from the place; and as he hung down his head
+thoughtfully, he did not observe that he took the wrong path, nor
+see how the flowers on either side bowed their heads to welcome him,
+nor hear how the old birds from the boughs, and the young from the
+nests, cried aloud to him, "God bless thee, our dear little prince!"
+And he went on and on, farther and farther, into the deep wood; and
+he thought over the foolish and heartless talk of the two selfish
+chatterers, and could not understand it.  He would fain have
+forgotten it, but he could not.  And the more he pondered, the more
+it seemed to him as if a malicious spider had spun her web around
+him, and as if his eyes were weary with trying to look through it.
+
+And suddenly he came to a still water, above which young beeches
+lovingly entwined their arms.  He looked in the water, and his eyes
+were riveted to it as if by enchantment.  He could not move, but
+stood and gazed in the soft, placid mirror, from the bosom of which
+the tender green foliage, with the deep blue heavens between,
+gleamed so wondrously upon him.  His sorrow was all forgotten, and
+even the echo of the discord in his little heart was hushed.  That
+heart was once more in his eyes; and fain would he have drunk in the
+soft beauty of the colours that lay beneath him, or have plunged
+into the lovely deep.
+
+Then the breeze began to sigh among the treetops.  The Child raised
+his eyes and saw overhead the quivering green, and the deep blue
+behind it, and he knew not whether he were waking or dreaming:
+which were the real leaves and the real heaven--those in the depths
+above or in the depths beneath?  Long did the Child waver, and his
+thoughts floated in a delicious dreaminess from one to the other,
+till the Dragon-fly flew to him in affectionate haste, and with
+rustling wings greeted her kind host.  The Child returned her
+greeting, and was glad to meet an acquaintance with whom he could
+share the rich feast of his joy.  But first he asked the Dragon-fly
+if she could decide for him between the Upper and the Nether--the
+height and the depth?  The Dragon-fly flew above, and beneath, and
+around; but the Water spake:- "The foliage and the sky above are not
+the true ones:  the leaves wither and fall; the sky is often
+overcast, and sometimes quite dark."  Then the Leaves and the Sky
+said, "The water only apes us; it must change its pictures at our
+pleasure, and can retain none."  Then the Dragon-fly remarked that
+the height and the depth existed only in the eyes of the Child, and
+that the Leaves and the Sky were true and real only in his thoughts;
+because in the mind alone the picture was permanent and enduring,
+and could be carried with him whithersoever he went.
+
+This she said to the Child; but she immediately warned him to
+return, for the leaves were already beating the tattoo in the
+evening breeze, and the lights were disappearing one by one in every
+corner.  Then the Child confessed to her with alarm that he knew not
+how he should find the way back, and that he feared the dark night
+would overtake him if he attempted to go home alone; so the Dragon-
+fly flew on before him, and showed him a cave in the rock where he
+might pass the night.
+
+And the Child was well content; for he had often wished to try if he
+could sleep out of his accustomed bed.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+
+But the Dragon-fly was fleet, and gratitude strengthened her wings
+to pay her host the honour she owed him.  And truly, in the dim
+twilight good counsel and guidance were scarce.  She flitted hither
+and thither without knowing rightly what was to be done; when, by
+the last vanishing sunbeam, she saw hanging on the edge of the cave
+some strawberries who had drunk so deep of the evening-red, that
+their heads were quite heavy.  Then she flew up to a Harebell who
+stood near, and whispered in her ear that the lord and king of all
+the flowers was in the wood, and ought to be received and welcomed
+as beseemed his dignity.  Aglaia did not need that this should be
+repeated.  She began to ring her sweet bells with all her might; and
+when her neighbour heard the sound, she rang hers also; and soon all
+the Harebells, great and small, were in motion, and rang as if it
+had been for the nuptials of their Mother Earth herself with the
+Prince of the Sun.  The tone of the Bluebells was deep and rich, and
+that of the white, high and clear, and all blended together in a
+delicious harmony.
+
+But the birds were fast asleep in their high nests, and the ears of
+the other animals were not delicate enough, or were too much
+overgrown with hair, to hear them.  The Fire-flies alone heard the
+joyous peal, for they were akin to the flowers, through their common
+ancestor, Light.  They inquired of their nearest relation, the Lily
+of the Valley, and from her they heard that a large flower had just
+passed along the footpath more blooming than the loveliest rose, and
+with two stars more brilliant than those of the brightest fire-fly,
+and that it must needs be their King.  Then all the Fire-flies flew
+up and down the footpath, and sought everywhere, till at length they
+came, as the Dragon-fly had hoped they would, to the cave.
+
+And now, as they looked at the Child, and every one of them saw
+itself reflected in his clear eyes, they rejoiced exceedingly, and
+called all their fellows together, and alighted on the bushes all
+around; and soon it was so light in the cave, that herb and grass
+began to grow as if it had been broad day.  Now, indeed, was the joy
+and triumph of the Dragon-fly complete.  The Child was delighted
+with the merry and silvery tones of the bells, and with the many
+little bright-eyed companions around him, and with the deep red
+strawberries which bowed down their heads to his touch.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+
+And when he had eaten his fill, he sat down on the soft moss,
+crossed one little leg over the other, and began to gossip with the
+Fire-flies.  And as he so often thought on his unknown parents, he
+asked them who were their parents.  Then the one nearest to him gave
+him answer; and he told how that they were formerly flowers, but
+none of those who thrust their rooty hands greedily into the ground
+and draw nourishment from the dingy earth, only to make themselves
+fat and large withal; but that the light was dearer to them than
+anything, even at night; and while the other flowers slept, they
+gazed unwearied on the light, and drank it in with eager adoration--
+sun, and moon, and star light.  And the light had so thoroughly
+purified them, that they had not sucked in poisonous juices like the
+yellow flowers of the earth, but sweet odours for sick and fainting
+hearts, and oil of potent ethereal virtue for the weak and the
+wounded; and at length, when their autumn came, they did not, like
+the others, wither and sink down, leaf and flower, to be swallowed
+up by the darksome earth, but shook off their earthly garment and
+mounted aloft, into the clear air.  But there it was so wondrously
+bright, that sight failed them; and when they came to themselves
+again, they were fire-flies, each sitting on a withered flower-
+stalk.
+
+And now the Child liked the bright-eyed flies better than ever; and
+he talked a little longer with them, and inquired why they showed
+themselves so much more in spring.  They did it, they said, in the
+hope that their gold-green radiance might allure their cousins, the
+flowers, to the pure love of light.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+
+During this conversation the dragon-fly had been preparing a bed for
+her host.  The moss upon which the Child sat had grown a foot high
+behind his back, out of pure joy; but the dragon-fly and her sisters
+had so revelled upon it, that it was now laid at its length along
+the cave.  The dragon-fly had awakened every spider in the
+neighbourhood out of her sleep, and when they saw the brilliant
+light, they had set to work spinning so industriously that their web
+hung down like a curtain before the mouth of the cave.  But as the
+Child saw the ant peeping up at him, he entreated the fire-flies not
+to deprive themselves any longer of their merry games in the wood on
+his account.  And the dragon-fly and her sisters raised the curtain
+till the Child had laid him down to rest, and then let it fall
+again, that the mischievous gnats might not get in to disturb his
+slumbers.
+
+The Child laid himself down to sleep, for he was very tired; but he
+could not sleep, for his couch of moss was quite another thing than
+his little bed, and the cave was all strange to him.
+
+He turned himself on one side and then on the other, and, as nothing
+would do, he raised himself and sat upright to wait till sleep might
+choose to come.  But sleep would not come at all; and the only
+wakeful eyes in the whole wood were the Child's.  For the harebells
+had rung themselves weary, and the fire-flies had flown about till
+they were tired, and even the dragon-fly, who would fain have kept
+watch in front of the cave, had dropped sound asleep.
+
+The wood grew stiller and stiller; here and there fell a dry leaf
+which had been driven from its old dwelling place by a fresh one;
+here and there a young bird gave a soft chirp when its mother
+squeezed it in the nest; and from time to time a gnat hummed for a
+minute or two in the curtain, till a spider crept on tip-toe along
+its web, and gave him such a gripe in the wind-pipe as soon spoiled
+his trumpeting.
+
+And the deeper the silence became, the more intently did the Child
+listen, and at last the slightest sound thrilled him from head to
+foot.  At length, all was still as death in the wood; and the world
+seemed as if it never would wake again.  The Child bent forward to
+see whether it were as dark abroad as in the cave, but he saw
+nothing save the pitch-dark night, who had wrapped everything in her
+thick veil.  Yet as he looked upwards his eyes met the friendly
+glance of two or three stars, and this was a most joyful surprise to
+him, for he felt himself no longer so entirely alone.  The stars
+were, indeed, far, far away, but yet he knew them, and they knew
+him; for they looked into his eyes.
+
+The Child's whole soul was fixed in his gaze; and it seemed to him
+as if he must needs fly out of the darksome cave, thither where the
+stars were beaming with such pure and serene light; and he felt how
+poor and lowly he was, when he thought of their brilliancy; and how
+cramped and fettered, when he thought of their free unbounded course
+along the heavens.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+
+But the stars went on their course, and left their glittering
+picture only a little while before the Child's eyes.  Even this
+faded, and then vanished quite away.  And he was beginning to feel
+tired, and to wish to lay himself down again, when a flickering
+Will-o'-the-wisp appeared from behind a bush--so that the Child
+thought, at first, one of the stars had wandered out of its way, and
+had come to visit him, and to take him with it.  And the Child
+breathed quick with joy and surprise, and then the Will-o'-the-wisp
+came nearer, and sat himself down on a damp mossy stone in front of
+the cave, and another fluttered quickly after him, and sat down over
+against him and sighed deeply, "Thank God, then, that I can rest at
+last!"
+
+"Yes," said the other, "for that you may thank the innocent Child
+who sleeps there within; it was his pure breath that freed us."
+
+"Are you, then," said the Child, hesitatingly, "not of yon stars
+which wander so brightly there above?"
+
+"Oh, if we were stars," replied the first, "we should pursue our
+tranquil path through the pure element, and should leave this wood
+and the whole darksome earth to itself."
+
+"And not," said the other, "sit brooding on the face of the shallow
+pool."
+
+The Child was curious to know who these could be who shone so
+beautifully, and yet seemed so discontented.  Then the first began
+to relate how he had been a child too, and how, as he grew up, it
+had always been his greatest delight to deceive people and play them
+tricks, to show his wit and cleverness.  He had always, he said,
+poured such a stream of smooth words over people, and encompassed
+himself with such a shining mist, that men had been attracted by it
+to their own hurt.  But once on a time there appeared a plain man,
+who only spoke two or three simple words, and suddenly the bright
+mist vanished, and left him naked and deformed, to the scorn and
+mockery of the whole world.  But the man had turned away his face
+from him in pity, while he was almost dead with shame and anger.
+And when he came to himself again, he knew not what had befallen
+him, till, at length, he found that it was his fate to hover,
+without rest or change, over the surface of the bog as a Will-o'-
+the-wisp.
+
+"With me it fell out quite otherwise," said the first:  "instead of
+giving light without warmth, as I now do, I burned without shining.
+When I was only a child, people gave way to me in everything, so
+that I was intoxicated with self-love.  If I saw any one shine, I
+longed to put out his light; and the more intensely I wished this,
+the more did my own small glimmering turn back upon myself, and
+inwardly burn fiercely while all without was darker than ever.  But
+if any one who shone more brightly would have kindly given me of his
+light, then did my inward flame burst forth to destroy him.  But the
+flame passed through the light and harmed it not; it shone only the
+more brightly, while I was withered and exhausted.  And once upon a
+time I met a little smiling child, who played with a cross of palm
+branches, and wore a beamy coronet around his golden locks.  He took
+me kindly by the hand and said, 'My friend, you are now very gloomy
+and sad, but if you will become a child again, even as I am, you
+will have a bright circlet such as I have.'  When I heard that, I
+was so angry with myself and with the child, that I was scorched by
+my inward fire.  Now would I fain fly up to the sun to fetch rays
+from him, but the rays drove me back with these words:
+
+'Return thither whence thou camest, thou dark fire of envy, for the
+sun lightens only in love; the greedy earth, indeed, sometimes turns
+his mild light into scorching fire.  Fly back, then, for with thy
+like alone must thou dwell.'  I fell, and when I recovered myself I
+was glimmering coldly above the stagnant waters."
+
+While they were talking the Child had fallen asleep, for he knew
+nothing of the world nor of men, and he could make nothing of their
+stories.  Weariness had spoken a more intelligible language to him--
+THAT he understood, and he had fallen asleep.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+
+Softly and soundly he slept till the rosy morning clouds stood upon
+the mountain, and announced the coming of their lord, the sun.  But
+as soon as the tidings spread over field and wood, the thousand-
+voiced echo awoke, and sleep was no more to be thought of.
+
+And soon did the royal sun himself arise; at first his dazzling
+diadem alone appeared above the mountains; at length he stood upon
+their summit in the full majesty of his beauty, in all the charms of
+eternal youth, bright and glorious, his kindly glance embracing
+every creature of earth, from the stately oak to the blade of grass
+bending under the foot of the wayfaring man.  Then arose from every
+breast, from every throat, the joyous song of praise; and it was as
+if the whole plain and wood were become a temple, whose roof was the
+heaven, whose altar the mountain, whose congregation all creatures,
+whose priest the sun.
+
+But the Child walked forth and was glad, for the birds sang sweetly,
+and it seemed to him as if everything sported and danced out of mere
+joy to be alive.  Here flew two finches through the thicket, and,
+twittering, pursued each other; there, the young buds burst asunder,
+and the tender leaves peeped out and expanded themselves in the warm
+sun, as if they would abide in his glance for ever; here, a dewdrop
+trembled, sparkling and twinkling on a blade of grass, and knew not
+that beneath him stood a little moss who was thirsting after him;
+there, troops of flies flew aloft, as if they would soar far, far
+over the wood:  and so all was life and motion, and the Child's
+heart joyed to see it.
+
+He sat down on a little smooth plot of turf, shaded by the branches
+of a nut-bush, and thought he should now sip the cup of his delight,
+drop by drop.  And first he plucked down some brambles which
+threatened him with their prickles; then he bent aside some branches
+which concealed the view; then he removed the stones, so that he
+might stretch out his feet at full length on the soft turf; and when
+he had done all this, he bethought himself what was yet to do; and
+as he found nothing, he stood up to look for his acquaintance the
+dragon-fly, and to beg her to guide him once more out of the wood
+into the open fields.  About midway he met her, and she began to
+excuse herself for having fallen asleep in the night.  The Child
+thought not of the past, were it even but a minute ago, so earnestly
+did he now wish to get out from among the thick and close trees; for
+his heart beat high, and he felt as if he should breathe freer in
+the open ground.  The dragon-fly flew on before and showed him the
+way as far as the outermost verge of the wood, whence the Child
+could espy his own little hut, and then flew away to her
+playfellows.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+
+The Child walked forth alone upon the fresh dewy cornfield.  A
+thousand little suns glittered in his eyes, and a lark soared
+warbling above his head.  And the lark proclaimed the joys of the
+coming year, and awakened endless hopes, while she soared circling
+higher and higher, till, at length, her song was like the soft
+whisper of an angel holding converse with the spring, under the blue
+arch of heaven.  The Child had seen the earth-coloured little bird
+rise up before him, and it seemed to him as if the earth had sent
+her forth from her bosom as a messenger to carry her joy and her
+thanks up to the sun, because he had turned his beaming countenance
+again upon her in love and bounty.  And the lark hung poised above
+the hope-giving field, and warbled her clear and joyous song.
+
+She sang of the loveliness of the rosy dawn, and the fresh
+brilliancy of the earliest sunbeams; of the gladsome springing of
+the young flowers, and the vigorous shooting of the corn; and her
+song pleased the Child beyond measure.
+
+But the lark wheeled in higher and higher circles, and her song
+sounded softer and sweeter.
+
+And now she sang of the first delights of early love; of wanderings
+together on the sunny fresh hilltops, and of the sweet pictures and
+visions that arise out of the blue and misty distance.  The Child
+understood not rightly what he heard, and fain would he have
+understood, for he thought that even in such visions must be
+wondrous delight.  He gazed aloft after the unwearied bird, but she
+had disappeared in the morning mist.
+
+Then the Child leaned his head on one shoulder to listen if he could
+no longer hear the little messenger of spring; and he could just
+catch the distant and quivering notes in which she sang of the
+fervent longing after the clear element of freedom, after the pure
+all-present light, and of the blessed foretaste of this desired
+enfranchisement, of this blending in the sea of celestial happiness.
+
+Yet longer did he listen, for the tones of her song carried him
+there, where, as yet, his thoughts had never reached, and he felt
+himself happier in this short and imperfect flight than ever he had
+felt before.  But the lark now dropped suddenly to the earth, for
+her little body was too heavy for the ambient ether, and her wings
+were not large nor strong enough for the pure element.
+
+Then the red corn-poppies laughed at the homely looking bird, and
+cried to one another and to the surrounding blades of corn in a
+shrill voice, "Now, indeed, you may see what comes of flying so
+high, and striving and straining after mere air; people only lose
+their time, and bring back nothing but weary wings and an empty
+stomach.  That vulgar-looking ill-dressed little creature would fain
+raise herself above us all, and has kept up a mighty noise.  And now
+there she lies on the ground and can hardly breathe, while we have
+stood still where we are sure of a good meal, and have stayed, like
+people of sense, where there is something substantial to be had; and
+in the time she has been fluttering and singing, we have grown a
+good deal taller and fatter."
+
+The other little redcaps chattered and screamed their assent so loud
+that the Child's ears tingled, and he wished he could chastise them
+for their spiteful jeers; when a cyane said, in a soft voice, to her
+younger playmates, "Dear friends, be not led astray by outward show,
+nor by discourse which regards only outward show.  The lark is,
+indeed, weary, and the space into which she has soared is void; but
+the void is not what the lark sought, nor is the seeker returned
+empty home.  She strove after light and freedom, and light and
+freedom has she proclaimed.  She left the earth and its enjoyments,
+but she has drunk of the pure air of heaven, and has seen that it is
+not the earth, but the sun that is steadfast.  And if earth has
+called her back, it can keep nothing of her but what is its own.
+Her sweet voice and her soaring wings belong to the sun, and will
+enter into light and freedom long after the foolish prater shall
+have sunk and been buried in the dark prison of the earth."
+
+And the lark heard her wise and friendly discourse, and with renewed
+strength she sprang once more into the clear and beautiful blue.
+
+Then the Child clapped his little hands for joy, that the sweet bird
+had flown up again, and that the redcaps must hold their tongues for
+shame.
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+
+And the Child was become happy and joyful, and breathed freely
+again, and thought no more of returning to his hut, for he saw that
+nothing returned inwards, but rather that all strove outwards into
+the free air; the rosy apple blossoms from their narrow buds, and
+the gurgling notes from the narrow breast of the lark.  The germs
+burst open the folding doors of the seeds, and broke through the
+heavy pressure of the earth in order to get at the light; the
+grasses tore asunder their bands, and their slender blades sprung
+upward.  Even the rocks were become gentle, and allowed little
+mosses to peep out from their sides, as a sign that they would not
+remain impenetrably closed for ever.  And the flowers sent out
+colour and fragrance into the whole world, for they kept not their
+best for themselves, but would imitate the sun and the stars, which
+poured their warmth and radiance over the spring.  And many a little
+gnat and beetle burst the narrow cell in which it was enclosed and
+crept out slowly, and, half asleep, unfolded and shook its tender
+wings, and soon gained strength, and flew off to untried delights.
+And as the butterflies came forth from their chrysalids in all their
+gaiety and splendour, so did every humbled and suppressed aspiration
+and hope free itself, and boldly launch into the open and flowing
+sea of spring.
+
+
+
+
+HYMNS TO NIGHT.
+(Translated from the German of Novalis.)
+
+
+
+
+I.
+
+
+
+Who that has life and intelligence, loves not, before all the
+surrounding miracles of space, ever-joyous light with its tints, its
+beams, and its waves, its mild omnipresence, when it comes as the
+waking day.  Like the inmost soul of life, it is inhaled by the
+giant universe of gleaming stars, that dance as they swim in its
+blue flood; it is inhaled by the glittering, eternally motionless
+stone, by the living plant that drinks it in, by the wild and
+impetuous beast in its many forms; but above all, by the glorious
+stranger, with eyes of intellect, majestic step, with lips
+melodious, and gently closed.  As a king over earthly nature, it
+calls forth to countless changes every power, binds and loosens
+bonds unnumbered, and hangs around every earthly being its heavenly
+picture.  Alone its presence declares the wondrous glory of the
+kingdoms the world.
+
+I turn aside to the holy, the inexpressible, the mysterious Night.
+Afar off lies the world, buried in some deep chasm:  desolate and
+lonely is the spot it filled.  Through the chords of the breast
+sighs deepest sorrow.  I will sink down into the dewdrops, and with
+ashes will I be commingled.  The distant lines of memory, desires of
+youth, the dreams of childhood, a whole life's short joys and hopes
+vain, unfulfilled, come clothed in grey, like evening mists, when
+the sun's glory has departed.  Elsewhere has the light broken upon
+habitations of gladness.  What, should it never return again to its
+children, who with the faith of innocence await its coming?
+
+What fount is thus suddenly opened within the heart, so full of
+forethought, that destroys the soft breath of sorrow?  Thou also--
+dost thou love us, gloomy Night?  What holdest thou concealed
+beneath thy mantle that draws my soul towards thee with such
+mysterious power?  Costly balsam raineth from thy hand; from thy
+horn pourest thou out manna; the heavy wings of the spirit liftest
+thou.  Darkly and inexpressibly do we feel ourselves moved:  a
+solemn countenance I behold with glad alarm, that bends towards me
+in gentle contemplation, displaying, among endless allurements of
+the mother, lovely youth!  How poor and childish does the light now
+seem!  How joyous and how hallowed is the day's departure!--
+Therefore then only, because Night dismissed thy vassals, hast thou
+sown in the infinity of space those shining balls to declare thine
+almighty power, and thy return in the season of absence?  More
+heavenly than those glittering stars seem the unnumbered eyes that
+Night has opened within us.  Farther can they see than beyond the
+palest of that countless host; without need of light can they pierce
+the depths of a spirit of love, that fills a yet more glorious space
+with joy beyond expression.  Glory to the world's Queen, the high
+declarer of spheres of holiness, the nurse of hallowed love!  Thee,
+thou tenderly beloved one, doth she send to me--thee, lovely sun of
+the Night.  Now I awaken, for I am thine and mine:  the Night hast
+thou given as a sign of life, and made me man.  Devour with glowing
+spiritual fire this earthly body, that I ethereal may abide with
+thee in union yet more perfect, and then may the bridal Night endure
+for ever.
+
+
+
+II.
+
+
+
+Must ever the morn return?  Is there no end to the sovereignty of
+earth?  Unhallowed occupation breaks the heavenly pinion of the
+Night.  Shall the secret offering of love at no time burn for ever?
+To the Light is its period allotted; but beyond time and space is
+the empire of the Night.  Eternal is the duration of sleep.  Thou
+holy sleep! bless not too rarely the Night's dedicated son in this
+earth's daily work!  Fools alone recognise thee not, and know of no
+sleep beyond the shadow which in that twilight of the actual Night
+thou throwest in compassion over us.  They feel thee not in the
+vine's golden flood, in the almond-tree's marvel oil, and in the
+brown juice of the manna; they know not that it is thou that
+enhaloest the tender maiden's breast, and makest a heaven of her
+bosom; conceive not that out of histories of old thou steppest forth
+an opener of heaven, and bearest the key to the abodes of the
+blessed, the silent messenger of unending mysteries.
+
+
+
+III.
+
+
+
+Once, when I was shedding bitter tears, when my hope streamed away
+dissolved in sorrow, and I stood alone beside the barren hill, that
+concealed in narrow gloomy space the form of my existence--alone, as
+never solitary yet hath been, urged by an agony beyond expression,
+powerless, no more than a mere thought of sorrow; as I looked around
+me there for aid, could not advance, could not retire, and hung with
+incessant longing upon fleeting, failing life;--then came there from
+the blue distance, from the heights of my former happiness, a thin
+veil of the twilight gloom, and in a moment burst the bondage of the
+fetters of the birth of light.  Then fled the glories of the earth,
+and all my sorrow with them; sadness melted away in a new, an
+unfathomable world; thou, inspiration of the Night, slumber of
+heaven, camest over me; the spot whereon I stood rose insensibly on
+high; above the spot soared forth my released and new-born spirit.
+The hill became a cloud of dust; through the cloud I beheld the
+revealed features of my beloved one.  In her eyes eternity reposed;
+I grasped her hands, and my tears formed a glittering, inseparable
+bond.  Ages were swept by like storms into the distance; on her neck
+I wept tears of ecstasy for life renewed.  It was my first, my only
+dream; and from that time I feel an eternal and unchanging faith in
+the heaven of the Night, and in its light, the Loved One.
+
+
+
+IV.
+
+
+
+Now do I know when the last morn will be; when the light shall no
+more give alarm to the night and to love; when the slumber shall be
+without end, and there shall be but one exhaustless dream.  Heavenly
+weariness do I feel within me.  Long and wearisome had become the
+pilgrimage to the holy grave--the cross a burthen.  He who hath
+tasted of the crystal wave that gushes forth, unknown to common eye,
+in the dark bosom of that hill, against whose foot the flood of
+earthly waves is dashed and broken; he who hath stood upon the
+summit of the world's mountain bounds, and hath looked beyond them
+down into that new land, into the abode of Night; he, well I ween,
+turns not back into the turmoil of the world--into the land where
+the light, and eternal unrest, dwells.
+
+There, above, does he erect his huts--his huts of peace; there longs
+and loves, until comes the most welcome of all hours to draw him
+down into that fountain's source.  Upon the surface floats all that
+is earthly--it is hurried back by storms; but that which was
+hallowed by the breath of love, freely streams it forth, through
+hidden paths, into that realm beyond the mountain chain, and there,
+exhaled as incense, becomes mixed with loves that have slept.
+Still, cheerful light, dost thou waken the weary to his toil, still
+pourest thou glad life into my breast; but from the mossy monument
+that memory has raised, thence canst thou not allure me.  Willingly
+will I employ my hands in industry and toil; I will look around me
+at thy bidding; I will celebrate the full glory of thy splendour;
+trace out, untired, the beauteous consistency of thy wondrous work;
+willingly will I mark the marvellous course of thy mighty, glowing
+timepiece; observe the balance of gigantic powers, and the laws of
+the wondrous play of countless spaces and their periods.  But true
+to the Night remains my heart of hearts, and to creative Love, her
+daughter.  Canst thou show me a heart for ever faithful?  Hath thy
+sun fond eyes that know me?  Do thy stars clasp my proffered hand?
+Do they return the tender pressure, the caressing word?  Hast thou
+clothed her with fair hues and pleasing outline?  Or was it she who
+gave thine ornament a higher, dearer meaning?  What pleasure, what
+enjoyment, can thy life afford, that shall overweigh the ecstasies
+of death?  Bears not everything that inspires us the colours of the
+Night?  Thee she cherishes with a mother's care; to her thou owest
+all thy majesty.  Thou hadst melted in thyself, hadst been dissolved
+in endless space, had she not restrained and encircled thee, so that
+thou wert warm, and gavest life to the world.  Verily I was, before
+thou wert:  the mother sent me with my sisters to inhabit thy world,
+to hallow it with love, so that it might be gazed on as a memorial
+for ever, to plant it with unfading flowers.  As yet they have borne
+no fruit, these godlike thoughts; but few as yet are the traces of
+our revelation.  The day shall come when thy timepiece pointeth to
+the end of time, when thou shalt be even as one of us; and, filled
+with longing and ardent love, be blotted out and die.  Within my
+soul I feel the end of thy distracted power, heavenly freedom,
+hailed return.  In wild sorrow I recognise thy distance from our
+home, thy hostility towards the ancient glorious heaven.  In vain
+are thy tumult and thy rage.  Indestructible remains the cross--a
+victorious banner of our race.
+
+
+"I wander over,
+   And every tear
+To gem our pleasure
+   Will then appear.
+A few more hours,
+   And I find my rest
+In maddening bliss,
+   On the loved one's breast.
+Life, never ending,
+   Swells mighty in me;
+I look from above down -
+   Look back upon thee.
+By yonder hillock
+   Expires thy beam;
+And comes with a shadow,
+   The cooling gleam.
+Oh, call me, thou loved one,
+   With strength from above;
+That I may slumber,
+   And wake to love.
+I welcome death's
+   Reviving flood;
+To balm and to ether
+   It changes my blood.
+I live through each day,
+   Filled with faith and desire;
+And die when the Night comes
+   In heaven-born fire."
+
+
+
+V.
+
+
+
+Over the widely-spreading races of mankind, ruled aforetime an iron
+Destiny with silent power.  A dark and heavy band was around man's
+anxious soul; without end was the earth; the home of the gods and
+their abode.  Throughout eternities had her mysterious structure
+stood.  Beyond the red mountains of the morning, in the holy bosom
+of the sea, there dwelt the Sun, the all-inflaming, living light.  A
+hoary giant bare the sacred world.  Securely prisoned, beneath
+mountains, lay the first sons of the mother Earth, powerless in
+their destructive fury against the new and glorious race of the
+gods, and their kindred, joyous men.  The dark, green ocean's depth
+was the bosom of a goddess.  In the crystal grottoes rioted a
+voluptuous tribe.  Rivers, trees, flowers, and brute beasts had
+human understanding.  Sweeter was the wine poured forth by youth's
+soft bloom; a god in the vine's clusters; a loving, a maternal
+goddess, shooting forth among the full, golden sheaves; love's holy
+flame, a delicious service to the most beauteous of the goddesses.
+An ever gay and joyous festival of heaven's children and the
+dwellers upon earth, life rustled on as a spring, through centuries.
+All races venerated, like children, the tender, thousand-fold flame,
+as the highest of the world; one thought only was there, one hideous
+vision of a dream:-
+
+
+"That fearful to the joyous tables came,
+   And the gay soul in wild distraction shrouded.
+Here could the gods themselves no counsel frame,
+   That might console the breast with sorrow clouded.
+This monster's path mysterious, still the same,
+   Unstilled his rage, though prayers on gifts were crowded.
+His name was Death, who with distress of soul,
+Anguish and tears, on the hour of pleasure stole.
+
+For ever now from everything departed
+   That here can swell the heart with sweet delight,
+Torn now from the beloved one, who, sad-hearted,
+   On earth could but desire and grief excite,
+A feeble dream seemed to the dead imparted,
+   Powerless striving made man's only right;
+And broken was enjoyment's heaving billow,
+Upon the rock of endless care, its pillow.
+
+With daring mind, as heavenly fancy glows,
+   Man masks the fearful shape with fair resembling:
+His torch put out, a mild youth doth repose;
+   Soft is the end as the lyre's mournful trembling.
+Remembrance fades i' the gloom a shadow throws:
+   So sang the song, a dreadful doom dissembling.
+Yet undefined remained eternal Night,
+The stern reminder of some distant might."
+
+
+At length the old world bowed its head.  The gay gardens of the
+young race were withered; beyond into the freer, desert space
+aspired less childish and maturing man.  The gods then vanished with
+their train.  Lonely and lifeless, Nature stood.  The scanty number
+and the rigid measure bound her with fetters of iron.  As into dust
+and air melted the inconceivable blossoms of life into mysterious
+words.  Fled was the magic faith, and phantasy the all-changing,
+all-uniting friend from heaven.  Over the rigid earth, unfriendly,
+blew a cold north wind, and the wonder-home, now without life, was
+lost in ether; the recesses of the heavens were filled with beaming
+worlds.  Into a holier sphere, into the mind's far higher space, did
+the world draw the soul with its powers, there to wander until the
+break of the world's dawning glory.  No longer was the light the
+gods' abode, their token in the heavens:  the veil of the night did
+they cast over them.  The night was the mighty bosom of revelations;
+in it the gods returned, and slumbered there, to go forth in new and
+in more glorious forms over the altered world.
+
+Among the people above all despised, too soon matured, and wilful
+strangers to the blessed innocence of youth; among them, with
+features hitherto unseen, the new world came, in the poet's hut of
+poverty, a son of the first virgin mother, endless fruit of a
+mysterious embrace.  The boding, budding wisdom of the East first
+recognised another Time's beginning; to the humble cradle of the
+monarch their star declared the way.  In the name of the distant
+future, with splendour and with incense, did they make offering to
+him, the highest wonder of the world.  In solitude did the heavenly
+heart unfold to a flowery chalice of almighty love, bent towards the
+holy countenance of the father, and resting on the happily-expectant
+bosom of the lovely pensive mother.  With divine ardour did the
+prophetic eye of the blooming child look forth into the days of the
+future, towards his beloved, the offspring of the race of God,
+careless for his day's earthly destiny.  The most child-like
+spirits, wondrously seized with a deep, heart-felt love, collected
+soon around him; as flowers, a new and unknown life budded forth
+upon his path.  Words inexhaustible, the gladdest tidings fell, as
+sparks from a heavenly spirit, from his friendly lips.  From a
+distant coast, born under Hellas' cheerful sky, a minstrel came to
+Palestine, and yielded his whole heart to the wondrous child:-
+
+
+"The youth art thou, who for uncounted time,
+   Upon our graves hast stood with hidden meaning;
+In hours of darkness a consoling sign,
+   Of higher manhood's joyous, hailed beginning;
+That which hath made our soul so long to pine,
+   Now draws us hence, sweet aspirations winning.
+In Death, eternal Life hath been revealed:
+And thou art Death, by thee we first are healed."
+
+
+The minstrel wandered, full of joy, towards Hindostan, the heart
+elated with the sweetest love, which, beneath yonder heavens, he
+poured forth in fiery songs, so that a thousand hearts inclined
+towards him, and with a thousand branches grew towards heaven the
+joyous tidings.  Soon after the minstrel's departure, the precious
+life became a sacrifice to the deep guilt of man:  he died in
+youthful years, torn from the world he loved, from the weeping
+mother and lamenting friends.  His mouth of love emptied the dark
+cup of inexpressible affliction.  In fearful anguish approached the
+hour of the new world's birth.  Deeply was he touched with the old
+world's fearful death--the weight of the old world fell heavily upon
+him.  Once more he gazed placidly upon the mother, then came the
+loosening hand of eternal love, and he slumbered.  Few days only
+hung a deep veil over the swelling sea, over the quaking land; the
+beloved ones wept countless tears; the mystery was unsealed:  the
+ancient stone heavenly spirits raised from the dark grave.  Angels
+sat beside the slumberer, tenderly formed out of his dreams.
+Awakened in the new glory of a god, he ascended the height of the
+new-born world; and with his own hand buried within the deserted
+sepulchre the old one's corpse, and with almighty hand placed over
+it the stone no power can raise.
+
+Yet do thy dear ones weep rich tears of joy, tears of emotion, and
+of eternal gratitude beside thy grave; even yet, with glad alarm, do
+they behold thee rise, themselves with thee; behold thee weeping,
+with sweet feeling, on the happy bosom of thy mother, solemnly
+walking with thy friends, speaking words as if broken from the tree
+of life; see thee hasten, full of longing, to thy Father's arms,
+bringing the young race of man, and the cup of a golden future,
+which shall never be exhausted.  The mother soon followed thee in
+heavenly triumph; she was the first to join thee in the new home.
+Long ages have flown by since then, and ever in yet higher glory
+hath thy new creation grown, and thousands from out of pain and
+misery have, full of faith and longing, followed thee; roam with
+thee and the heavenly virgin in the realm of love, serve in the
+temple of heavenly Death, and are in eternity thine.
+
+
+"Lifted is the stone,
+   Manhood hath arisen:
+Still are we thine own,
+   Unharmed by bond or prison.
+When earth--life--fade away
+   In the last meal's solemn gladness,
+Around thy cup dare stray
+   No trace of grief or sadness.
+
+To the marriage, Death doth call,
+   The brilliant lamps are lighted;
+The virgins come, invited,
+   And oil is with them all.
+Space now to space is telling
+   How forth thy train hath gone,
+The voice of stars is swelling
+   With human tongue and tone!
+
+To thee, Maria, hallowed,
+   A thousand hearts are sent;
+In this dark life and shadowed,
+   On thee their thoughts are bent:
+The soul's releasement seeing
+   They, longing, seek its rest;
+By thee pressed, holy being,
+   Upon thy faithful breast.
+
+How many who, once glowing,
+   Earth's bitterness have learned,
+Their souls with grief o'erflowing,
+   To thee have sadly turned;
+Thou pitying hast appeared,
+   In many an hour of pain;
+We come to thee now, wearied,
+   There ever to remain.
+
+By no cold grave now weepeth
+   A faithful love, forlorn;
+Each still love's sweet rights keepeth,
+   From none will they be torn.
+To soften his sad longing
+   Her fires doth Night impart;
+From heaven cherubs thronging,
+   Hold watch upon his heart.
+
+Content, our life advancing
+   To a life that shall abide,
+Each flame its worth enhancing,
+   The soul is glorified.
+The starry host shall sink then
+   To bright and living wine,
+The golden draught we drink then,
+   And stars ourselves shall shine.
+
+Love released, lives woundless,
+   No separation more;
+While life swells free and boundless
+   As a sea without a shore.
+One night of glad elation,
+   One joy that cannot die,
+And the sun of all creation
+   Is the face of the Most High."
+
+
+
+VI--LONGING FOR DEATH.
+
+
+
+Below, within the earth's dark breast,
+   From realms of light departing,
+There sorrow's pang and sigh oppressed
+   Is signal of our starting.
+In narrow boat we ferry o'er
+Speedily to heaven's shore.
+
+To us be hallowed endless Night,
+   Hallowed eternal slumber!
+The day hath withered us with light,
+   And troubles beyond number.
+No more 'mong strangers would we roam;
+We seek our Father, and our home.
+
+Upon this world, what do we here,
+   As faithful, fond, and true men?
+The Old but meets with scorn and sneer:-
+   What care we for the New, then?
+Oh, lone is he, and sadly pines,
+Who loves with zeal the olden times!
+
+Those old times when the spirits light
+   To heaven as flame ascended;
+The Father's hand and features bright
+   When men yet comprehended;
+When many a mortal, lofty-souled,
+Yet bore the mark of heavenly mould.
+
+Those olden times when budded still
+   The stems of ancient story,
+And children, to do Heaven's will,
+   In pain and death sought glory;
+Those times when life and pleasure spoke,
+Yet many a heart with fond love broke.
+
+Those old times when in fires of youth
+   Was God himself revealed,
+And early death, in love and truth,
+   His sweet existence sealed,
+Who put not from him care and pain,
+That dear to us he might remain.
+
+With trembling longing these we see,
+   By darkness now belated,
+In Time's dominions ne'er will be
+   Our ardent thirsting sated.
+First to our home 'tis need we go,
+Seek we these holy times to know.
+
+And our return what still can stay?
+   Long have the best-loved slumbered;
+Their grave bounds for us life's drear way,
+   Our souls with grief are cumbered.
+All that we have to seek is gone,
+The heart is full--the world is lone.
+
+Unending, with mysterious flame,
+   O'er us sweet awe is creeping;
+Methought from viewless distance came
+   An echo to our weeping;
+The loved ones long for us on high,
+And sent us back their pining sigh.
+
+Below, to seek the tender bride,
+   To Jesus, whom we cherish!
+Good cheer! lo, greys the even-tide, -
+   Love's agonies shall perish. -
+A dream--our fetters melt, at rest
+We sink upon the Father's breast.
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, PETER SCHLEMIHL ETC. ***
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+<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01//EN">
+<html>
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=US-ASCII">
+<title>Peter Schlemihl etc.</title>
+</head>
+<body>
+<h2>
+<a href="#startoftext">Peter Schlemihl etc., by  Chamisso et. al.</a>
+</h2>
+<pre>
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Peter Schlemihl etc., by  Chamisso et. al.
+
+Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the
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+*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!*****
+
+
+Title: Peter Schlemihl etc.
+
+Author:  Chamisso et. al.
+
+Release Date: March, 2004  [EBook #5339]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on July 2, 2002]
+[Most recently updated: July 2, 2002]
+
+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+</pre>
+<p>
+<a name="startoftext"></a>
+Transcribed from he 1889 Cassell &amp; Company edition by David Price,
+email ccx074@coventry.ac.uk<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+PETER SCHLEMIHL ETC.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Contents:<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Introduction by Henry Morley<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Peter Schlemihl by Adelbert Chamisso<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Peter Schlemihl<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Appendix<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Preface by the
+Editor<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brief Sketch of
+Chamisso&rsquo;s Life<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From the Baron
+de la Motte Fouqu&eacute;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Story Without An End by Carod&eacute; translated
+by Sarah Austin<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hymns To Night by Novalis translated by Henry Morley<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+INTRODUCTION.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Peter Schlemihl,&rdquo; one of the pleasantest fancies of the
+days when Germany delighted in romance, was first published in 1814,
+and was especially naturalised in England by association with the genius
+of George Cruikshank, who enriched a translation of it with some of
+his happiest work as an illustrator.&nbsp; An account of the book and
+its author is here reprinted at the end of the tale, as originally given
+by the translator.&nbsp; To this account one or two notes may be added.&nbsp;
+Louis Charles Adelaide de Chamisso de Boncourt was born on the 27th
+of January, 1781, at the Ch&acirc;teau of Boncourt, in Champagne, which
+he made the subject of one of his most beautiful lyrics.&nbsp; He belonged
+to a family faithful to Louis XVI., that fled to W&uuml;rzburg from
+the fury of the French Revolution.&nbsp; Thus he was taken to Germany
+a child of nine, and was left there when the family, with other emigrants,
+returned to France in 1801.&nbsp; At fifteen he had Teutonised his name
+to Adelbert von Chamisso, and was appointed page to the Queen of Prussia.&nbsp;
+In the war that came afterwards, for a very short time he bore arms
+against the French, but being one of a garrison taken in the captured
+fort of Hamlin, he and his comrades had to pledge their honour that
+they would not again bear arms against France during that war.&nbsp;
+After the war he visited France.&nbsp; His parents then were dead, and
+though he stayed in France some years, he wrote from France to a friend,
+&ldquo;I am German heart and soul, and cannot feel at home here.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+He wandered irresolutely, then became Professor of Literature in a gymnasium
+in La Vend&eacute;e.&nbsp; Still he was restless.&nbsp; In 1812 he set
+off for a walk in Switzerland, returned to Germany, and took to the
+study of anatomy.&nbsp; In 1813, Napoleon&rsquo;s expedition to Russia
+and the peril to France from legions marching upon Paris caused to Chamisso
+suffering and confusion of mind.<br>
+<br>
+It is often said that his sense of isolation between interests of the
+land of his forefathers and the land of his adoption makes itself felt
+through all the wild playfulness of &ldquo;Peter Schlemihl,&rdquo; which
+was at this time written, when Chamisso&rsquo;s age was about thirty-two.&nbsp;
+A letter of his to the Councillor Trinius, in Petersburg, tells how
+he came to write it.&nbsp; He had lost on a pedestrian tour his hat,
+his knapsack, his gloves, and his pocket handkerchief - the chief movables
+about him.&nbsp; His friend Fouqu&eacute; asked him whether he hadn&rsquo;t
+also lost his shadow?&nbsp; The friends pleased their fancies in imagining
+what would have happened to him if he had.&nbsp; Not long afterwards
+he was reading in La Fontaine of a polite man who drew out of his pocket
+whatever was asked for.&nbsp; Chamisso thought, He will be bringing
+out next a coach and horses.&nbsp; Out of these hints came the fancy
+of &ldquo;Peter Schlemihl, the Shadowless Man.&rdquo;&nbsp; In all thought
+that goes with invention of a poet, there are depths as well as shallows,
+and the reader may get now and then a peep into the depths.&nbsp; He
+may find, if he will, in a man&rsquo;s shadow that outward expression
+of himself which shows that he has been touched, like others, by the
+light of heaven.&nbsp; But essentially the story is a poet&rsquo;s whim.&nbsp;
+Later writings of Chamisso proved him to be one of the best lyric poets
+of the romance school of his time, entirely German in his tone of thought.&nbsp;
+His best poem, &ldquo;Salas y Gomez,&rdquo; describes the feeling of
+a solitary on a sea-girt rock, living on eggs of the numberless sea-birds
+until old age, when a ship is in sight, and passes him, and his last
+agony of despair is followed by a triumph in the strength of God.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Alone and world-forsaken let me die;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thy Grace is all my wealth, for all my loss:<br>
+On my bleached bones out of the southern sky<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thy Love will look down from the starry cross.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+The &ldquo;Story Without an End&rdquo; - a story of the endless beauty
+of Creation - is from a writer who has no name on the rolls of fame.&nbsp;
+The little piece has been made famous among us by the good will of Sarah
+Austin.&nbsp; The child who enjoyed it, and for whom she made the delicate
+translation which here follows next after Chamisso&rsquo;s &ldquo;Peter
+Schlemihl,&rdquo; was that only daughter who became Lady Duff-Gordon,
+and with whom we have made acquaintance in this Library as the translator
+of &ldquo;The Amber Witch.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+To make up the tale of pages in this little book without breaking its
+uniformity, I have added a translation of the &ldquo;Hymns to Night&rdquo;
+of Novalis.&nbsp; It is a translation made by myself seven-and-forty
+years ago, and printed in a student&rsquo;s magazine that I then edited.&nbsp;
+&ldquo;Novalis&rdquo; was the name assumed by a poet, Friedrich von
+Hardenberg, who died on the 25th March, 1801, aged twenty-nine.&nbsp;
+He was bred among the Moravian brethren, and then sent to the University
+of Jena.&nbsp; Two years after his marriage to a young wife, Sophie
+von K&uuml;hn, she died.&nbsp; That was in 1797.&nbsp; At the same time
+he lost a brother who was very dear to him.&nbsp; It was then - four
+years before his own death - that he wrote his &ldquo;Hymns to Night.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+H. M.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+PETER SCHLEMIHL, THE SHADOWLESS MAN.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+INTRODUCTORY EPISTLE FROM<br>
+A. VON CHAMISSO TO JULIUS EDWARD HITZIG.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+You, who forget nobody, must surely remember one Peter Schlemihl, whom
+you used to meet occasionally at my house - a long-legged youth, who
+was considered stupid and lazy, on account of his awkward and careless
+air.&nbsp; I was sincerely attached to him.&nbsp; You cannot have forgotten
+him, Edward.&nbsp; He was on one occasion the hero of our rhymes, in
+the hey-day of our youthful spirits; and I recollect taking him one
+evening to a poetical tea-party, where he fell asleep while I was writing,
+without even waiting to hear my effusion: and this reminds me of a witticism
+of yours respecting him.&nbsp; You had already seen him, I know not
+where or when, in an old black frock-coat, which, indeed, he constantly
+wore; and you said, &ldquo;He would be a lucky fellow if his soul were
+half as immortal as his coat,&rdquo; so little opinion had you of him.&nbsp;
+<i>I</i> loved him, however: and to this very Schlemihl, of whom for
+many years I had wholly lost sight, I am indebted for the little volume
+which I communicate to you, Edward, my most intimate friend, my second
+self, from whom I have no secrets; - to you, and of course our Fouqu&eacute;,
+I commit them, who like you is intimately entwined about my dearest
+affections, - to him I communicate them only as a friend, but not as
+a poet; for you can easily imagine how unpleasant it would be if a secret
+confided to me by an honest man, relying implicitly on my friendship
+and honour, were to be exposed to the public in a poem.<br>
+<br>
+One word more as to the manner in which I obtained these sheets: yesterday
+morning early, as soon as I was up, they were brought to me.&nbsp; An
+extraordinary-looking man, with a long grey beard, and wearing an old
+black frock-coat with a botanical case hanging at his side, and slippers
+over his boots, in the damp, rainy weather, had just been inquiring
+for me, and left me these papers, saying he came from Berlin.<br>
+<br>
+ADELBERT VON CHAMISSO.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER I.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+After a prosperous, but to me very wearisome, voyage, we came at last
+into port.&nbsp; Immediately on landing I got together my few effects;
+and, squeezing myself through the crowd, went into the nearest and humblest
+inn which first met my gaze.&nbsp; On asking for a room the waiter looked
+at me from head to foot, and conducted me to one.&nbsp; I asked for
+some cold water, and for the correct address of Mr. Thomas John, which
+was described as being &ldquo;by the north gate, the first country-house
+to the right, a large new house of red and white marble, with many pillars.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+This was enough.&nbsp; As the day was not yet far advanced, I untied
+my bundle, took out my newly-turned black coat, dressed myself in my
+best clothes, and, with my letter of recommendation, set out for the
+man who was to assist me in the attainment of my moderate wishes.<br>
+<br>
+After proceeding up the north street, I reached the gate, and saw the
+marble columns glittering through the trees.&nbsp; Having wiped the
+dust from my shoes with my pocket-handkerchief and readjusted my cravat,
+I rang the bell - offering up at the same time a silent prayer.&nbsp;
+The door flew open, and the porter sent in my name.&nbsp; I had soon
+the honour to be invited into the park, where Mr. John was walking with
+a few friends.&nbsp; I recognised him at once by his corpulency and
+self-complacent air.&nbsp; He received me very well - just as a rich
+man receives a poor devil; and turning to me, took my letter.&nbsp;
+&ldquo;Oh, from my brother! it is a long time since I heard from him:
+is he well? - Yonder,&rdquo; he went on, - turning to the company, and
+pointing to a distant hill - &ldquo;Yonder is the site of the new building.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+He broke the seal without discontinuing the conversation, which turned
+upon riches.&nbsp; &ldquo;The man,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;who does not
+possess at least a million is a poor wretch.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;Oh,
+how true!&rdquo; I exclaimed, in the fulness of my heart.&nbsp; He seemed
+pleased at this, and replied with a smile, &ldquo;Stop here, my dear
+friend; afterwards I shall, perhaps, have time to tell you what I think
+of this,&rdquo; pointing to the letter, which he then put into his pocket,
+and turned round to the company, offering his arm to a young lady: his
+example was followed by the other gentlemen, each politely escorting
+a lady; and the whole party proceeded towards a little hill thickly
+planted with blooming roses.<br>
+<br>
+I followed without troubling any one, for none took the least further
+notice of me.&nbsp; The party was in high spirits - lounging about and
+jesting - speaking sometimes of trifling matters very seriously, and
+of serious matters as triflingly - and exercising their wit in particular
+to great advantage on their absent friends and their affairs.&nbsp;
+I was too ignorant of what they were talking about to understand much
+of it, and too anxious and absorbed in my own reflections to occupy
+myself with the solution of such enigmas as their conversation presented.<br>
+<br>
+By this time we had reached the thicket of roses.&nbsp; The lovely Fanny,
+who seemed to be the queen of the day, was obstinately bent on plucking
+a rose-branch for herself, and in the attempt pricked her finger with
+a thorn.&nbsp; The crimson stream, as if flowing from the dark-tinted
+rose, tinged her fair hand with the purple current.&nbsp; This circumstance
+set the whole company in commotion; and court-plaster was called for.&nbsp;
+A quiet, elderly man, tall, and meagre-looking, who was one of the company,
+but whom I had not before observed, immediately put his hand into the
+tight breast-pocket of his old-fashioned coat of grey sarsnet, pulled
+out a small letter-case, opened it, and, with a most respectful bow,
+presented the lady with the wished-for article.&nbsp; She received it
+without noticing the giver, or thanking him.&nbsp; The wound was bound
+up, and the party proceeded along the hill towards the back part, from
+which they enjoyed an extensive view across the green labyrinth of the
+park to the wide-spreading ocean.&nbsp; The view was truly a magnificent
+one.&nbsp; A slight speck was observed on the horizon, between the dark
+flood and the azure sky.&nbsp; &ldquo;A telescope!&rdquo; called out
+Mr. John; but before any of the servants could answer the summons the
+grey man, with a modest bow, drew his hand from his pocket, and presented
+a beautiful Dollond&rsquo;s telescope to Mr. John, who, on looking through
+it, informed the company that the speck in the distance was the ship
+which had sailed yesterday, and which was detained within sight of the
+haven by contrary winds.&nbsp; The telescope passed from hand to hand,
+but was not returned to the owner, whom I gazed at with astonishment,
+and could not conceive how so large an instrument could have proceeded
+from so small a pocket.&nbsp; This, however, seemed to excite surprise
+in no one; and the grey man appeared to create as little interest as
+myself.<br>
+<br>
+Refreshments were now brought forward, consisting of the rarest fruits
+from all parts of the world, served up in the most costly dishes.&nbsp;
+Mr. John did the honours with unaffected grace, and addressed me for
+the second time, saying, &ldquo;You had better eat; you did not get
+such things at sea.&rdquo;&nbsp; I acknowledged his politeness with
+a bow, which, however, he did not perceive, having turned round to speak
+with some one else.<br>
+<br>
+The party would willingly have stopped some time here on the declivity
+of the hill, to enjoy the extensive prospect before them, had they not
+been apprehensive of the dampness of the grass.&nbsp; &ldquo;How delightful
+it would be,&rdquo; exclaimed some one, &ldquo;if we had a Turkey carpet
+to lay down here!&rdquo;&nbsp; The wish was scarcely expressed when
+the man in the grey coat put his hand in his pocket, and, with a modest
+and even humble air, pulled out a rich Turkey carpet, embroidered in
+gold.&nbsp; The servant received it as a matter of course, and spread
+it out on the desired spot; and, without any ceremony, the company seated
+themselves on it.&nbsp; Confounded by what I saw, I gazed again at the
+man, his pocket, and the carpet, which was more than twenty feet in
+length and ten in breadth; and rubbed my eyes, not knowing what to think,
+particularly as no one saw anything extraordinary in the matter.<br>
+<br>
+I would gladly have made some inquiries respecting the man, and asked
+who he was, but knew not to whom I should address myself, for I felt
+almost more afraid of the servants than of their master.&nbsp; At length
+I took courage, and stepping up to a young man who seemed of less consequence
+than the others, and who was more frequently standing by himself, I
+begged of him, in a low tone, to tell me who the obliging gentleman
+was in the grey cloak.&nbsp; &ldquo;That man who looks like a piece
+of thread just escaped from a tailor&rsquo;s needle?&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;Yes;
+he who is standing alone yonder.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;I do not know,&rdquo;
+was the reply; and to avoid, as it seemed, any further conversation
+with me, he turned away, and spoke of some common-place matters with
+a neighbour.<br>
+<br>
+The sun&rsquo;s rays now being stronger, the ladies complained of feeling
+oppressed by the heat; and the lovely Fanny, turning carelessly to the
+grey man, to whom I had not yet observed that any one had addressed
+the most trifling question, asked him if, perhaps, he had not a tent
+about him.&nbsp; He replied, with a low bow, as if some unmerited honour
+had been conferred upon him; and, putting his hand in his pocket, drew
+from it canvas, poles, cord, iron - in short, everything belonging to
+the most splendid tent for a party of pleasure.&nbsp; The young gentlemen
+assisted in pitching it: and it covered the whole carpet: but no one
+seemed to think that there was anything extraordinary in it.<br>
+<br>
+I had long secretly felt uneasy - indeed, almost horrified; but how
+was this feeling increased when, at the next wish expressed, I saw him
+take from his pocket three horses!&nbsp; Yes, Adelbert, three large
+beautiful steeds, with saddles and bridles, out of the very pocket whence
+had already issued a letter-case, a telescope, a carpet twenty feet
+broad and ten in length, and a pavilion of the same extent, with all
+its appurtenances!&nbsp; Did I not assure thee that my own eyes had
+seen all this, thou wouldst certainly disbelieve it.<br>
+<br>
+This man, although he appeared so humble and embarrassed in his air
+and manners, and passed so unheeded, had inspired me with such a feeling
+of horror by the unearthly paleness of his countenance, from which I
+could not avert my eyes, that I was unable longer to endure it.<br>
+<br>
+I determined, therefore, to steal away from the company, which appeared
+no difficult matter, from the undistinguished part I acted in it.&nbsp;
+I resolved to return to the town, and pay another visit to Mr. John
+the following morning, and, at the same time, make some inquiries of
+him relative to the extraordinary man in grey, provided I could command
+sufficient courage.&nbsp; Would to Heaven that such good fortune had
+awaited me!<br>
+<br>
+I had stolen safely down the hill, through the thicket of roses, and
+now found myself on an open plain; but fearing lest I should be met
+out of the proper path, crossing the grass, I cast an inquisitive glance
+around, and started as I beheld the man in the grey cloak advancing
+towards me.&nbsp; He took off his hat, and made me a lower bow than
+mortal had ever yet favoured me with.&nbsp; It was evident that he wished
+to address me; and I could not avoid encountering him without seeming
+rude.&nbsp; I returned his salutation, therefore, and stood bareheaded
+in the sunshine as if rooted to the ground.&nbsp; I gazed at him with
+the utmost horror, and felt like a bird fascinated by a serpent.<br>
+<br>
+He affected himself to have an air of embarrassment.&nbsp; With his
+eyes on the ground, he bowed several times, drew nearer, and at last,
+without looking up, addressed me in a low and hesitating voice, almost
+in the tone of a suppliant: &ldquo;Will you, sir, excuse my importunity
+in venturing to intrude upon you in so unusual a manner?&nbsp; I have
+a request to make - would you most graciously be pleased to allow me
+- !&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;Hold! for Heaven&rsquo;s sake!&rdquo; I exclaimed;
+&ldquo;what can I do for a man who&rdquo; - I stopped in some confusion,
+which he seemed to share.&nbsp; After a moment&rsquo;s pause, he resumed:
+&ldquo;During the short time I have had the pleasure to be in your company,
+I have - permit me, sir, to say - beheld with unspeakable admiration
+your most beautiful shadow, and remarked the air of noble indifference
+with which you, at the same time, turn from the glorious picture at
+your feet, as if disdaining to vouchsafe a glance at it.&nbsp; Excuse
+the boldness of my proposal; but perhaps you would have no objection
+to sell me your shadow?&rdquo;&nbsp; He stopped, while my head turned
+round like a mill-wheel.&nbsp; What was I to think of so extraordinary
+a proposal?&nbsp; To sell my shadow!&nbsp; &ldquo;He must be mad,&rdquo;
+thought I; and assuming a tone more in character with the submissiveness
+of his own, I replied, &ldquo;My good friend, are you not content with
+your own shadow?&nbsp; This would be a bargain of a strange nature indeed!&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;I have in my pocket,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;many things which
+may possess some value in your eyes: for that inestimable shadow I should
+deem the highest price too little.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+A cold shuddering came over me as I recollected the pocket; and I could
+not conceive what had induced me to style him &ldquo;<i>good friend</i>,&rdquo;
+which I took care not to repeat, endeavouring to make up for it by a
+studied politeness.<br>
+<br>
+I now resumed the conversation: - &ldquo;But, Sir - excuse your humble
+servant - I am at a loss to comprehend your meaning, - my shadow? -
+how can I?&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Permit me,&rdquo; he exclaimed, interrupting me, &ldquo;to gather
+up the noble image as it lies on the ground, and to take it into my
+possession.&nbsp; As to the manner of accomplishing it, leave that to
+me.&nbsp; In return, and as an evidence of my gratitude, I shall leave
+you to choose among all the treasures I have in my pocket, among which
+are a variety of enchanting articles, not exactly adapted for you, who,
+I am sure, would like better to have the wishing-cap of Fortunatus,
+all made new and sound again, and a lucky purse which also belonged
+to him.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Fortunatus&rsquo;s purse!&rdquo; cried I; and, great as was my
+mental anguish, with that one word he had penetrated the deepest recesses
+of my soul.&nbsp; A feeling of giddiness came over me, and double ducats
+glittered before my eyes.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Be pleased, gracious sir, to examine this purse, and make a trial
+of its contents.&rdquo;&nbsp; He put his hand in his pocket, and drew
+forth a large strongly stitched bag of stout Cordovan leather, with
+a couple of strings to match, and presented it to me.&nbsp; I seized
+it - took out ten gold pieces, then ten more, and this I repeated again
+and again.&nbsp; Instantly I held out my hand to him.&nbsp; &ldquo;Done,&rdquo;
+said I; &ldquo;the bargain is made: my shadow for the purse.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+&ldquo;Agreed,&rdquo; he answered; and, immediately kneeling down, I
+beheld him, with extraordinary dexterity, gently loosen my shadow from
+the grass, lift it up, fold it together, and, at last put it in his
+pocket.&nbsp; He then rose, bowed once more to me, and directed his
+steps towards the rose bushes.&nbsp; I fancied I heard him quietly laughing
+to himself.&nbsp; However, I held the purse fast by the two strings.&nbsp;
+The earth was basking beneath the brightness of the sun; but I presently
+lost all consciousness.<br>
+<br>
+On recovering my senses, I hastened to quit a place where I hoped there
+was nothing further to detain me.&nbsp; I first filled my pockets with
+gold, then fastened the strings of the purse round my neck, and concealed
+it in my bosom.&nbsp; I passed unnoticed out of the park, gained the
+high road, and took the way to the town.&nbsp; As I was thoughtfully
+approaching the gate, I heard some one behind me exclaiming, &ldquo;Young
+man! young man! you have lost your shadow!&rdquo;&nbsp; I turned, and
+perceived an old woman calling after me.&nbsp; &ldquo;Thank you, my
+good woman,&rdquo; said I; and throwing her a piece of gold for her
+well-intended information, I stepped under the trees.&nbsp; At the gate,
+again, it was my fate to hear the sentry inquiring where the gentleman
+had left his shadow; and immediately I heard a couple of women exclaiming,
+&ldquo;Jesu Maria! the poor man has no shadow.&rdquo;&nbsp; All this
+began to depress me, and I carefully avoided walking in the sun; but
+this could not everywhere be the case: for in the next broad street
+I had to cross, and, unfortunately for me, at the very hour in which
+the boys were coming out of school, a humpbacked lout of a fellow -
+I see him yet - soon made the discovery that I was without a shadow,
+and communicated the news, with loud outcries, to a knot of young urchins.&nbsp;
+The whole swarm proceeded immediately to reconnoitre me, and to pelt
+me with mud.&nbsp; &ldquo;People,&rdquo; cried they, &ldquo;are generally
+accustomed to take their shadows with them when they walk in the sunshine.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+In order to drive them away I threw gold by handfuls among them, and
+sprang into a hackney-coach which some compassionate spectators sent
+to my rescue.<br>
+<br>
+As soon as I found myself alone in the rolling vehicle I began to weep
+bitterly.&nbsp; I had by this time a misgiving that, in the same degree
+in which gold in this world prevails over merit and virtue, by so much
+one&rsquo;s shadow excels gold; and now that I had sacrificed my conscience
+for riches, and given my shadow in exchange for mere gold, what on earth
+would become of me?<br>
+<br>
+As the coach stopped at the door of my late inn, I felt much perplexed,
+and not at all disposed to enter so wretched an abode.&nbsp; I called
+for my things, and received them with an air of contempt, threw down
+a few gold pieces, and desired to be conducted to a first-rate hotel.&nbsp;
+This house had a northern aspect, so that I had nothing to fear from
+the sun.&nbsp; I dismissed the coachman with gold; asked to be conducted
+to the best apartment, and locked myself up in it as soon as possible.<br>
+<br>
+Imagine, my friend, what I then set about?&nbsp; O my dear Chamisso!
+even to thee I blush to mention what follows.<br>
+<br>
+I drew the ill-fated purse from my bosom; and, in a sort of frenzy that
+raged like a self-fed fire within me, I took out gold - gold - gold
+- more and more, till I strewed it on the floor, trampled upon it, and
+feasting on its very sound and brilliancy, added coins to coins, rolling
+and revelling on the gorgeous bed, until I sank exhausted.<br>
+<br>
+Thus passed away that day and evening; and as my door remained locked,
+night found me still lying on the gold, where, at last, sleep overpowered
+me.<br>
+<br>
+Then I dreamed of thee, and fancied I stood behind the glass door of
+thy little room, and saw thee seated at thy table between a skeleton
+and a bunch of dried plants; before thee lay open the works of Haller,
+Humboldt, and Linn&aelig;us; on thy sofa a volume of Goethe, and the
+Enchanted Ring.&nbsp; I stood a long time contemplating thee, and everything
+in thy apartment; and again turning my gaze upon thee, I perceived that
+thou wast motionless - thou didst not breathe - thou wast dead.<br>
+<br>
+I awoke - it seemed yet early - my watch had stopped.&nbsp; I felt thirsty,
+faint, and worn out; for since the preceding morning I had not tasted
+food.&nbsp; I now cast from me, with loathing and disgust, the very
+gold with which but a short time before I had satiated my foolish heart.&nbsp;
+Now I knew not where to put it - I dared not leave it lying there.&nbsp;
+I examined my purse to see if it would hold it, - impossible!&nbsp;
+Neither of my windows opened on the sea.&nbsp; I had no other resource
+but, with toil and great fatigue, to drag it to a huge chest which stood
+in a closet in my room; where I placed it all, with the exception of
+a handful or two.&nbsp; Then I threw myself, exhausted, into an arm-chair,
+till the people of the house should be up and stirring.&nbsp; As soon
+as possible I sent for some refreshment, and desired to see the landlord.<br>
+<br>
+I entered into some conversation with this man respecting the arrangement
+of my future establishment.&nbsp; He recommended for my personal attendant
+one Bendel, whose honest and intelligent countenance immediately prepossessed
+me in his favour.&nbsp; It is this individual whose persevering attachment
+has consoled me in all the miseries of my life, and enabled me to bear
+up under my wretched lot.&nbsp; I was occupied the whole day in my room
+with servants in want of a situation, and tradesmen of every description.&nbsp;
+I decided on my future plans, and purchased various articles of vertu
+and splendid jewels, in order to get rid of some of my gold; but nothing
+seemed to diminish the inexhaustible heap.<br>
+<br>
+I now reflected on my situation with the utmost uneasiness.&nbsp; I
+dared not take a single step beyond my own door; and in the evening
+I had forty wax tapers lighted before I ventured to leave the shade.&nbsp;
+I reflected with horror on the frightful encounter with the school-boys;
+yet I resolved, if I could command sufficient courage, to put the public
+opinion to a second trial.&nbsp; The nights were now moonlight.&nbsp;
+Late in the evening I wrapped myself in a large cloak, pulled my hat
+over my eyes, and, trembling like a criminal, stole out of the house.<br>
+<br>
+I did not venture to leave the friendly shadow of the houses until I
+had reached a distant part of the town; and then I emerged into the
+broad moonlight, fully prepared to hear my fate from the lips of the
+passers-by.<br>
+<br>
+Spare me, my beloved friend, the painful recital of all that I was doomed
+to endure.&nbsp; The women often expressed the deepest sympathy for
+me - a sympathy not less piercing to my soul than the scoffs of the
+young people, and the proud contempt of the men, particularly of the
+more corpulent, who threw an ample shadow before them.&nbsp; A fair
+and beauteous maiden, apparently accompanied by her parents, who gravely
+kept looking straight before them, chanced to cast a beaming glance
+on me; but was evidently startled at perceiving that I was without a
+shadow, and hiding her lovely face in her veil, and holding down her
+head, passed silently on.<br>
+<br>
+This was past all endurance.&nbsp; Tears streamed from my eyes; and
+with a heart pierced through and through, I once more took refuge in
+the shade.&nbsp; I leant on the houses for support, and reached home
+at a late hour, worn out with fatigue.<br>
+<br>
+I passed a sleepless night.&nbsp; My first care the following morning
+was, to devise some means of discovering the man in the grey cloak.&nbsp;
+Perhaps I may succeed in finding him; and how fortunate it were if he
+should be as ill satisfied with his bargain as I am with mine!<br>
+<br>
+I desired Bendel to be sent for, who seemed to possess some tact and
+ability.&nbsp; I minutely described to him the individual who possessed
+a treasure without which life itself was rendered a burden to me.&nbsp;
+I mentioned the time and place at which I had seen him, named all the
+persons who were present, and concluded with the following directions:
+- He was to inquire for a Dollond&rsquo;s telescope, a Turkey carpet
+interwoven with gold, a marquee, and, finally, for some black steeds
+- the history, without entering into particulars, of all these being
+singularly connected with the mysterious character who seemed to pass
+unnoticed by every one, but whose appearance had destroyed the peace
+and happiness of my life.<br>
+<br>
+As I spoke I produced as much gold as I could hold in my two hands,
+and added jewels and precious stones of still greater value.&nbsp; &ldquo;Bendel,&rdquo;
+said I, &ldquo;this smooths many a path, and renders that easy which
+seems almost impossible.&nbsp; Be not sparing of it, for I am not so;
+but go, and rejoice thy master with intelligence on which depend all
+his hopes.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+He departed, and returned late and melancholy.<br>
+<br>
+None of Mr. John&rsquo;s servants, none of his guests (and Bendel had
+spoken to them all) had the slightest recollection of the man in the
+grey cloak.<br>
+<br>
+The new telescope was still there, but no one knew how it had come;
+and the tent and Turkey carpet were still stretched out on the hill.&nbsp;
+The servants boasted of their master&rsquo;s wealth; but no one seemed
+to know by what means he had become possessed of these newly acquired
+luxuries.&nbsp; He was gratified; and it gave him no concern to be ignorant
+how they had come to him.&nbsp; The black coursers which had been mounted
+on that day were in the stables of the young gentlemen of the party,
+who admired them as the munificent present of Mr. John.<br>
+<br>
+Such was the information I gained from Bendel&rsquo;s detailed account;
+but, in spite of this unsatisfactory result, his zeal and prudence deserved
+and received my commendation.&nbsp; In a gloomy mood, I made him a sign
+to withdraw.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;I have, sir,&rdquo; he continued, &ldquo;laid before you all
+the information in my power relative to the subject of the most importance
+to you.&nbsp; I have now a message to deliver which I received early
+this morning from a person at the gate, as I was proceeding to execute
+the commission in which I have so unfortunately failed.&nbsp; The man&rsquo;s
+words were precisely these: &lsquo;Tell your master, Peter Schlemihl,
+he will not see me here again.&nbsp; I am going to cross the sea; a
+favourable wind now calls all the passengers on board; but, in a year
+and a day I shall have the honour of paying him a visit; when, in all
+probability, I shall have a proposal to make to him of a very agreeable
+nature.&nbsp; Commend me to him most respectfully, with many thanks.&rsquo;&nbsp;
+I inquired his name; but he said you would remember him.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;What sort of person was he?&rdquo; cried I, in great emotion;
+and Bendel described the man in the grey coat feature by feature, word
+for word; in short, the very individual in search of whom he had been
+sent.&nbsp; &ldquo;How unfortunate!&rdquo; cried I bitterly; &ldquo;it
+was himself.&rdquo;&nbsp; Scales, as it were, fell from Bendel&rsquo;s
+eyes.&nbsp; &ldquo;Yes, it was he,&rdquo; cried he, &ldquo;undoubtedly
+it was he; and fool, madman, that I was, I did not recognise him - I
+did not, and have betrayed my master!&rdquo;&nbsp; He then broke out
+into a torrent of self-reproach; and his distress really excited my
+compassion.&nbsp; I endeavoured to console him, repeatedly assuring
+him that I entertained no doubt of his fidelity; and despatched him
+immediately to the wharf, to discover, if possible, some trace of the
+extraordinary being.&nbsp; But on that very morning many vessels which
+had been detained in port by contrary winds had set sail, all bound
+to different parts of the globe; and the grey man had disappeared like
+a shadow.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER II.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Of what use were wings to a man fast bound in chains of iron?&nbsp;
+They would but increase the horror of his despair.&nbsp; Like the dragon
+guarding his treasure, I remained cut off from all human intercourse,
+and starving amidst my very gold, for it gave me no pleasure: I anathematised
+it as the source of all my wretchedness.<br>
+<br>
+Sole depository of my fearful secret, I trembled before the meanest
+of my attendants, whom, at the same time, I envied; for he possessed
+a shadow, and could venture to go out in the daytime; while I shut myself
+up in my room day and night, and indulged in all the bitterness of grief.<br>
+<br>
+One individual, however, was daily pining away before my eyes - my faithful
+Bendel, who was the victim of silent self-reproach, tormenting himself
+with the idea that he had betrayed the confidence reposed in him by
+a good master, in failing to recognise the individual in quest of whom
+he had been sent, and with whom he had been led to believe that my melancholy
+fate was closely connected.&nbsp; Still, I had nothing to accuse him
+with, as I recognised in the occurrence the mysterious character of
+the unknown.<br>
+<br>
+In order to leave no means untried, I one day despatched Bendel with
+a costly ring to the most celebrated artist in the town, desiring him
+to wait upon me.&nbsp; He came; and, dismissing the attendants, I secured
+the door, placing myself opposite to him, and, after extolling his art,
+with a heavy heart came to the point, first enjoining the strictest
+secrecy.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;For a person,&rdquo; said I, &ldquo;who most unfortunately has
+lost his shadow, could you paint a false one?&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Do you speak of the natural shadow?&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Precisely so.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;But,&rdquo; he asked, &ldquo;by what awkward negligence can a
+man have lost his shadow?&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;How it occurred,&rdquo; I answered, &ldquo;is of no consequence;
+but it was in this manner&rdquo; - (and here I uttered an unblushing
+falsehood) - &ldquo;he was travelling in Russia last winter, and one
+bitterly cold day it froze so intensely, that his shadow remained so
+fixed to the ground, that it was found impossible to remove it.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;The false shadow that I might paint,&rdquo; said the artist,
+&ldquo;would be liable to be lost on the slightest movement, particularly
+in a person who, from your account, cares so little about his shadow.&nbsp;
+A person without a shadow should keep out of the sun, that is the only
+safe and rational plan.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+He rose and took his leave, casting so penetrating a look at me that
+I shrunk from it.&nbsp; I sank back in my chair, and hid my face in
+my hands.<br>
+<br>
+In this attitude Bendel found me, and was about to withdraw silently
+and respectfully on seeing me in such a state of grief: looking up,
+overwhelmed with my sorrows, I felt that I must communicate them to
+him.&nbsp; &ldquo;Bendel,&rdquo; I exclaimed, &ldquo;Bendel, thou the
+only being who seest and respectest my grief too much to inquire into
+its cause - thou who seemest silently and sincerely to sympathise with
+me - come and share my confidence.&nbsp; The extent of my wealth I have
+not withheld from thee, neither will I conceal from thee the extent
+of my grief.&nbsp; Bendel! forsake me not.&nbsp; Bendel, you see me
+rich, free, beneficent; you fancy all the world in my power; yet you
+must have observed that I shun it, and avoid all human intercourse.&nbsp;
+You think, Bendel, that the world and I are at variance; and you yourself,
+perhaps, will abandon me, when I acquaint you with this fearful secret.&nbsp;
+Bendel, I am rich, free, generous; but, O God, I have <i>no shadow</i>!&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;No shadow!&rdquo; exclaimed the faithful young man, tears starting
+from his eyes.&nbsp; &ldquo;Alas! that I am born to serve a master without
+a shadow!&rdquo;&nbsp; He was silent, and again I hid my face in my
+hands.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Bendel,&rdquo; at last I tremblingly resumed, &ldquo;you have
+now my confidence; you may betray me - go - bear witness against me!&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+He seemed to be agitated with conflicting feelings; at last he threw
+himself at my feet and seized my hand, which he bathed with his tears.&nbsp;
+&ldquo;No,&rdquo; he exclaimed; &ldquo;whatever the world may say, I
+neither can nor will forsake my excellent master because he has lost
+his shadow.&nbsp; I will rather do what is right than what may seem
+prudent.&nbsp; I will remain with you - I will shade you with my own
+shadow - I will assist you when I can - and when I cannot, I will weep
+with you.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I fell upon his neck, astonished at sentiments so unusual; for it was
+very evident that he was not prompted by the love of money.<br>
+<br>
+My mode of life and my fate now became somewhat different.&nbsp; It
+is incredible with what provident foresight Bendel contrived to conceal
+my deficiency.&nbsp; Everywhere he was before me and with me, providing
+against every contingency, and in cases of unlooked-for danger, flying
+to shield me with his own shadow, for he was taller and stouter than
+myself.&nbsp; Thus I once more ventured among mankind, and began to
+take a part in worldly affairs.&nbsp; I was compelled, indeed, to affect
+certain peculiarities and whims; but in a rich man they seem only appropriate;
+and so long as the truth was kept concealed I enjoyed all the honour
+and respect which gold could procure.<br>
+<br>
+I now looked forward with more composure to the promised visit of the
+mysterious unknown at the expiration of the year and a day.<br>
+<br>
+I was very sensible that I could not venture to remain long in a place
+where I had once been seen without a shadow, and where I might easily
+be betrayed; and perhaps, too, I recollected my first introduction to
+Mr. John, and this was by no means a pleasing reminiscence.&nbsp; However,
+I wished just to make a trial here, that I might with greater ease and
+security visit some other place.&nbsp; But my vanity for some time withheld
+me, for it is in this quality of our race that the anchor takes the
+firmest hold.<br>
+<br>
+Even the lovely Fanny, whom I again met in several places, without her
+seeming to recollect that she had ever seen me before, bestowed some
+notice on me; for wit and understanding were mine in abundance now.&nbsp;
+When I spoke, I was listened to; and I was at a loss to know how I had
+so easily acquired the art of commanding attention, and giving the tone
+to the conversation.<br>
+<br>
+The impression which I perceived I had made upon this fair one completely
+turned my brain; and this was just what she wished.&nbsp; After that,
+I pursued her with infinite pains through every obstacle.&nbsp; My vanity
+was only intent on exciting hers to make a conquest of me; but although
+the intoxication disturbed my head, it failed to make the least impression
+on my heart.<br>
+<br>
+But why detail to you the oft-repeated story which I have so often heard
+from yourself?<br>
+<br>
+However, in the old and well-known drama in which I played so worn-out
+a part a catastrophe occurred of quite a peculiar nature, in a manner
+equally unexpected to her, to me, and to everybody.<br>
+<br>
+One beautiful evening I had, according to my usual custom, assembled
+a party in a garden, and was walking arm-in-arm with Fanny at a little
+distance from the rest of the company, and pouring into her ear the
+usual well-turned phrases, while she was demurely gazing on vacancy,
+and now and then gently returning the pressure of my hand.&nbsp; The
+moon suddenly emerged from behind a cloud at our back.&nbsp; Fanny perceived
+only her own shadow before us.&nbsp; She started, looked at me with
+terror, and then again on the ground, in search of my shadow.&nbsp;
+All that was passing in her mind was so strangely depicted in her countenance,
+that I should have burst into a loud fit of laughter had I not suddenly
+felt my blood run cold within me.&nbsp; I suffered her to fall from
+my arm in a fainting-fit; shot with the rapidity of an arrow through
+the astonished guests, reached the gate, threw myself into the first
+conveyance I met with, and returned to the town, where this time, unfortunately,
+I had left the wary Bendel.&nbsp; He was alarmed on seeing me: one word
+explained all.&nbsp; Post-horses were immediately procured.&nbsp; I
+took with me none of my servants, one cunning knave only excepted, called
+Rascal, who had by his adroitness become very serviceable to me, and
+who at present knew nothing of what had occurred - I travelled thirty
+leagues that night; having left Bendel behind to discharge my servants,
+pay my debts, and bring me all that was necessary.<br>
+<br>
+When he came up with me next day, I threw myself into his arms, vowing
+to avoid such follies and to be more careful for the future.<br>
+<br>
+We pursued our journey uninterruptedly over the frontiers and mountains;
+and it was not until I had placed this lofty barrier between myself
+and the before-mentioned unlucky town that I was persuaded to recruit
+myself after my fatigues in a neighbouring and little-frequented watering-place.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+I must now pass rapidly over one period of my history, on which how
+gladly would I dwell, could I conjure up your lively powers of delineation!&nbsp;
+But the vivid hues which are at your command, and which alone can give
+life and animation to the picture, have left no trace within me; and
+were I now to endeavour to recall the joys, the griefs, the pure and
+enchanting emotions, which once held such powerful dominion in my breast,
+it would be like striking a rock which yields no longer the living spring,
+and whose spirit has fled for ever.&nbsp; With what an altered aspect
+do those bygone days now present themselves to my gaze!<br>
+<br>
+In this watering-place I acted an heroic character, badly studied; and
+being a novice on such a stage, I forgot my part before a pair of lovely
+blue eyes.<br>
+<br>
+All possible means were used by the infatuated parents to conclude the
+bargain; and deception put an end to these usual artifices.&nbsp; And
+that is all - all.<br>
+<br>
+The powerful emotions which once swelled my bosom seem now in the retrospect
+to be poor and insipid, nay, even terrible to me.<br>
+<br>
+Alas, Minna! as I wept for thee the day I lost thee, so do I now weep
+that I can no longer retrace thine image in my soul.<br>
+<br>
+Am I, then, so far advanced into the vale of years?&nbsp; O fatal effects
+of maturity! would that I could feel one throb, one emotion of former
+days of enchantment - alas, not one! a solitary being, tossed on the
+wild ocean of life - it is long since I drained thine enchanted cup
+to the dregs!<br>
+<br>
+But to return to my narrative.&nbsp; I had sent Bendel to the little
+town with plenty of money to procure me a suitable habitation.&nbsp;
+He spent my gold profusely; and as he expressed himself rather reservedly
+concerning his distinguished master (for I did not wish to be named),
+the good people began to form rather extraordinary conjectures.<br>
+<br>
+As soon as my house was ready for my reception, Bendel returned to conduct
+me to it.&nbsp; We set out on our journey.&nbsp; About a league from
+the town, on a sunny plain, we were stopped by a crowd of people, arrayed
+in holiday attire for some festival.&nbsp; The carriage stopped.&nbsp;
+Music, bells, cannons, were heard; and loud acclamations rang through
+the air.<br>
+<br>
+Before the carriage now appeared in white dresses a chorus of maidens,
+all of extraordinary beauty; but one of them shone in resplendent loveliness,
+and eclipsed the rest as the sun eclipses the stars of night.&nbsp;
+She advanced from the midst of her companions, and, with a lofty yet
+winning air, blushingly knelt before me, presenting on a silken cushion
+a wreath, composed of laurel branches, the olive, and the rose, saying
+something respecting majesty, love, honour, &amp;c., which I could not
+comprehend; but the sweet and silvery magic of her tones intoxicated
+my senses and my whole soul: it seemed as if some heavenly apparition
+were hovering over me.&nbsp; The chorus now began to sing the praises
+of a good sovereign, and the happiness of his subjects.&nbsp; All this,
+dear Chamisso, took place in the sun: she was kneeling two steps from
+me, and I, without a shadow, could not dart through the air, nor fall
+on my knees before the angelic being.&nbsp; Oh, what would I not now
+have given for a shadow!&nbsp; To conceal my shame, agony, and despair,
+I buried myself in the recesses of the carriage.&nbsp; Bendel at last
+thought of an expedient; he jumped out of the carriage.&nbsp; I called
+him back, and gave him out of the casket I had by me a rich diamond
+coronet, which had been intended for the lovely Fanny.<br>
+<br>
+He stepped forward, and spoke in the name of his master, who, he said,
+was overwhelmed by so many demonstrations of respect, which he really
+could not accept as an honour - there must be some error; nevertheless
+he begged to express his thanks for the goodwill of the worthy townspeople.&nbsp;
+In the meantime Bendel had taken the wreath from the cushion, and laid
+the brilliant crown in its place.&nbsp; He then respectfully raised
+the lovely girl from the ground; and, at one sign, the clergy, magistrates,
+and all the deputations withdrew.&nbsp; The crowd separated to allow
+the horses to pass, and we pursued our way to the town at full gallop,
+through arches ornamented with flowers and branches of laurel.&nbsp;
+Salvos of artillery again were heard.&nbsp; The carriage stopped at
+my gate; I hastened through the crowd which curiosity had attracted
+to witness my arrival.&nbsp; Enthusiastic shouts resounded under my
+windows, from whence I showered gold amidst the people; and in the evening
+the whole town was illuminated.&nbsp; Still all remained a mystery to
+me, and I could not imagine for whom I had been taken.&nbsp; I sent
+Rascal out to make inquiry; and he soon obtained intelligence that the
+good King of Prussia was travelling through the country under the name
+of some count; that my <i>aide-de-camp </i>had been recognised, and
+that he had divulged the secret; that on acquiring the certainty that
+I would enter their town, their joy had known no bounds: however, as
+they perceived I was determined on preserving the strictest <i>incognito,
+</i>they felt how wrong they had been in too importunately seeking to
+withdraw the veil; but I had received them so condescendingly and so
+graciously, that they were sure I would forgive them.&nbsp; The whole
+affair was such capital amusement to the unprincipled Rascal, that he
+did his best to confirm the good people in their belief, while affecting
+to reprove them.&nbsp; He gave me a very comical account of the matter;
+and, seeing that I was amused by it, actually endeavoured to make a
+merit of his impudence.<br>
+<br>
+Shall I own the truth?&nbsp; My vanity was flattered by having been
+mistaken for our revered sovereign.&nbsp; I ordered a banquet to be
+got ready for the following evening, under the trees before my house,
+and invited the whole town.&nbsp; The mysterious power of my purse,
+Bendel&rsquo;s exertions, and Rascal&rsquo;s ready invention, made the
+shortness of the time seem as nothing.<br>
+<br>
+It was really astonishing how magnificently and beautifully everything
+was arranged in these few hours.&nbsp; Splendour and abundance vied
+with each other, and the lights were so carefully arranged that I felt
+quite safe: the zeal of my servants met every exigency and merited all
+praise.<br>
+<br>
+Evening drew on, the guests arrived, and were presented to me.&nbsp;
+The word <i>majesty </i>was now dropped; but, with the deepest respect
+and humility, I was addressed as the <i>count</i>.&nbsp; What could
+I do?&nbsp; I accepted the title, and from that moment I was known as
+Count Peter.&nbsp; In the midst of all this festivity my soul pined
+for one individual.&nbsp; She came late - she who was the empress of
+the scene, and wore the emblem of sovereignty on her brow.<br>
+<br>
+She modestly accompanied her parents, and seemed unconscious of her
+transcendent beauty.<br>
+<br>
+The Ranger of the Forests, his wife, and daughter, were presented to
+me.&nbsp; I was at no loss to make myself agreeable to the parents;
+but before the daughter I stood like a well-scolded schoolboy, incapable
+of speaking a single word.<br>
+<br>
+At length I hesitatingly entreated her to honour my banquet by presiding
+at it - an office for which her rare endowments pointed her out as admirably
+fitted.&nbsp; With a blush and an expressive glance she entreated to
+be excused; but, in still greater confusion than herself, I respectfully
+begged her to accept the homage of the first and most devoted of her
+subjects, and one glance of the count was the same as a command to the
+guests, who all vied with each other in acting up to the spirit of the
+noble host.<br>
+<br>
+In her person majesty, innocence, and grace, in union with beauty, presided
+over this joyous banquet.&nbsp; Minna&rsquo;s happy parents were elated
+by the honours conferred upon their child.&nbsp; As for me, I abandoned
+myself to all the intoxication of delight: I sent for all the jewels,
+pearls, and precious stones still left to me - the produce of my fatal
+wealth - and, filling two vases, I placed them on the table, in the
+name of the Queen of the banquet, to be divided among her companions
+and the remainder of the ladies.<br>
+<br>
+I ordered gold in the meantime to be showered down without ceasing among
+the happy multitude.<br>
+<br>
+Next morning Bendel told me in confidence that the suspicions he had
+long entertained of Rascal&rsquo;s honesty were now reduced to a certainty;
+he had yesterday embezzled many bags of gold.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Never mind,&rdquo; said I; &ldquo;let him enjoy his paltry booty.&nbsp;
+I<i> </i>like to spend it; why should not he?&nbsp; Yesterday he, and
+all the newly-engaged servants whom you had hired, served me honourably,
+and cheerfully assisted me to enjoy the banquet.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+No more was said on the subject.&nbsp; Rascal remained at the head of
+my domestics.&nbsp; Bendel was my friend and confidant; he had by this
+time become accustomed to look upon my wealth as inexhaustible, without
+seeking to inquire into its source.&nbsp; He entered into all my schemes,
+and effectually assisted me in devising methods of spending my money.<br>
+<br>
+Of the pale, sneaking scoundrel - the unknown - Bendel only knew thus
+much, that he alone had power to release me from the curse which weighed
+so heavily on me, and yet that I stood in awe of him on whom all my
+hopes rested.&nbsp; Besides, I felt convinced that he had the means
+of discovering <i>me </i>under any circumstances, while he himself remained
+concealed.&nbsp; I therefore abandoned my fruitless inquiries, and patiently
+awaited the appointed day.<br>
+<br>
+The magnificence of my banquet, and my deportment on the occasion, had
+but strengthened the credulous townspeople in their previous belief.<br>
+<br>
+It appeared soon after, from accounts in the newspapers, that the whole
+history of the King of Prussia&rsquo;s fictitious journey originated
+in mere idle report.&nbsp; But a king I was, and a king I must remain
+by all means; and one of the richest and most royal, although people
+were at a loss to know where my territories lay.<br>
+<br>
+The world has never had reason to lament the scarcity of monarchs, particularly
+in these days; and the good people, who had never yet seen a king, now
+fancied me to be first one, and then another, with equal success; and
+in the meanwhile I remained as before, Count Peter.<br>
+<br>
+Among the visitors at this watering-place a merchant made his appearance,
+one who had become a bankrupt in order to enrich himself.&nbsp; He enjoyed
+the general good opinion; for he projected a shadow of respectable size,
+though of somewhat faint hue.<br>
+<br>
+This man wished to show off in this place by means of his wealth, and
+sought to rival me.&nbsp; My purse soon enabled me to leave the poor
+devil far behind.&nbsp; To save his credit he became bankrupt again,
+and fled beyond the mountains; and thus I was rid of him.&nbsp; Many
+a one in this place was reduced to beggary and ruin through my means.<br>
+<br>
+In the midst of the really princely magnificence and profusion, which
+carried all before me, my own style of living was very simple and retired.&nbsp;
+I had made it a point to observe the strictest precaution; and, with
+the exception of Bendel, no one was permitted, on any pretence whatever,
+to enter my private apartment.&nbsp; As long as the sun shone I remained
+shut up with him; and the Count was then said to be deeply occupied
+in his closet.&nbsp; The numerous couriers, whom I kept in constant
+attendance about matters of no importance, were supposed to be the bearers
+of my despatches.&nbsp; I only received company in the evening under
+the trees of my garden, or in my saloons, after Bendel&rsquo;s assurance
+of their being carefully and brilliantly lit up.<br>
+<br>
+My walks, in which the Argus-eyed Bendel was constantly on the watch
+for me, extended only to the garden of the forest-ranger, to enjoy the
+society of one who was dear to me as my own existence.<br>
+<br>
+Oh, my Chamisso!&nbsp; I trust thou hast not forgotten what love is!&nbsp;
+I must here leave much to thine imagination.&nbsp; Minna was in truth
+an amiable and excellent maiden: her whole soul was wrapped up in me,
+and in her lowly thoughts of herself she could not imagine how she had
+deserved a single thought from me.&nbsp; She returned love for love
+with all the full and youthful fervour of an innocent heart; her love
+was a true woman&rsquo;s love, with all the devotion and total absence
+of selfishness which is found only in woman; she lived but in me, her
+whole soul being bound up in mine, regardless what her own fate might
+be.<br>
+<br>
+Yet I, alas, during those hours of wretchedness - hours I would even
+now gladly recall - how often have I wept on Bendel&rsquo;s bosom, when
+after the first mad whirlwind of passion I reflected, with the keenest
+self-upbraidings, that I, a shadowless man, had, with cruel selfishness,
+practised a wicked deception, and stolen away the pure and angelic heart
+of the innocent Minna!<br>
+<br>
+At one moment I resolved to confess all to her; then that I would fly
+for ever; then I broke out into a flood of bitter tears, and consulted
+Bendel as to the means of meeting her again in the forester&rsquo;s
+garden.<br>
+<br>
+At times I flattered myself with great hopes from the near approaching
+visit of the unknown; then wept again, because I saw clearly on reflection
+that they would end in disappointment.&nbsp; I had made a calculation
+of the day fixed on by the fearful being for our interview; for he had
+said in a year and a day, and I depended on his word.<br>
+<br>
+The parents were worthy old people, devoted to their only child; and
+our mutual affection was a circumstance so overwhelming that they knew
+not how to act.&nbsp; They had never dreamed for a moment that the <i>Count
+</i>could bestow a thought on their daughter; but such was the case
+- he loved and was beloved.&nbsp; The pride of the mother might not
+have led her to consider such an alliance quite impossible, but so extravagant
+an idea had never entered the contemplation of the sounder judgment
+of the old man.&nbsp; Both were satisfied of the sincerity of my love,
+and could but put up prayers to Heaven for the happiness of their child.<br>
+<br>
+A letter which I received from Minna about that time has just fallen
+into my hands.&nbsp; Yes, these are the characters traced by her own
+hand.&nbsp; I will transcribe the letter:-<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;I am indeed a weak, foolish girl to fancy that the friend I so
+tenderly love could give an instant&rsquo;s pain to his poor Minna!&nbsp;
+Oh no! thou art so good, so inexpressibly good!&nbsp; But do not misunderstand
+me.&nbsp; I will accept no sacrifice at thy hands - none whatever.&nbsp;
+Oh heavens!&nbsp; I should hate myself!&nbsp; No; thou hast made me
+happy, thou hast taught me to love thee.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Go, then - let me not forget my destiny - Count Peter belongs
+not to me, but to the whole world; and oh! what pride for thy Minna
+to hear thy deeds proclaimed, and blessings invoked on thy idolised
+head!&nbsp; Ah! when I think of this, I could chide thee that thou shouldst
+for one instant forget thy high destiny for the sake of a simple maiden!&nbsp;
+Go, then; otherwise the reflection will pierce me.&nbsp; How blest I
+have been rendered by thy love!&nbsp; Perhaps, also, I have planted
+some flowers in the path of thy life, as I twined them in the wreath
+which I presented to thee.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Go, then - fear not to leave me - you are too deeply seated in
+my heart - I shall die inexpressibly happy in thy love.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+Conceive how these words pierced my soul, Chamisso!<br>
+<br>
+I declared to her that I was not what I seemed - that, although a rich,
+I was an unspeakably miserable man - that a curse was on me, which must
+remain a secret, although the only one between us - yet that I was not
+without a hope of its being removed - that this poisoned every hour
+of my life - that I should plunge her with me into the abyss - she,
+the light and joy, the very soul of my existence.&nbsp; Then she wept
+because I was unhappy.&nbsp; Oh!&nbsp; Minna was all love and tenderness.&nbsp;
+To save me one tear she would gladly have sacrificed her life.<br>
+<br>
+Yet she was far from comprehending the full meaning of my words.&nbsp;
+She still looked upon me as some proscribed prince or illustrious exile;
+and her vivid imagination had invested her lover with every lofty attribute.<br>
+<br>
+One day I said to her, &ldquo;Minna, the last day in next month will
+decide my fate, and perhaps change it for the better; if not, I would
+sooner die than render you miserable.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+She laid her head on my shoulder to conceal her tears.&nbsp; &ldquo;Should
+thy fate be changed,&rdquo; she said, &ldquo;I only wish to know that
+thou art happy; if thy condition is an unhappy one, I will share it
+with thee, and assist thee to support it.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Minna, Minna!&rdquo; I exclaimed, &ldquo;recall those rash words
+- those mad words which have escaped thy lips!&nbsp; Didst thou know
+the misery and curse - didst thou know who - what - thy lover - Seest
+thou not, my Minna, this convulsive shuddering which thrills my whole
+frame, and that there is a secret in my breast which you cannot penetrate?&rdquo;&nbsp;
+She sank sobbing at my feet, and renewed her vows and entreaties.<br>
+<br>
+Her father now entered, and I declared to him my intention to solicit
+the hand of his daughter on the first day of the month after the ensuing
+one.&nbsp; I fixed that time, I told him, because circumstances might
+probably occur in the interval materially to influence my future destiny;
+but my love for his daughter was unchangeable.<br>
+<br>
+The good old man started at hearing such words from the mouth of Count
+Peter.&nbsp; He fell upon my neck, and rose again in the utmost confusion
+for having forgotten himself.&nbsp; Then he began to doubt, to ponder,
+and to scrutinise; and spoke of dowry, security, and future provision
+for his beloved child.&nbsp; I thanked him for having reminded me of
+all this, and told him it was my wish to remain in a country where I
+seemed to be beloved, and to lead a life free from anxiety.&nbsp; I
+then commissioned him to purchase the finest estate in the neighbourhood
+in the name of his daughter - for a father was the best person to act
+for his daughter in such a case - and to refer for payment to me.&nbsp;
+This occasioned him a good deal of trouble, as a stranger had everywhere
+anticipated him; but at last he made a purchase for about &pound;150,000.<br>
+<br>
+I confess this was but an innocent artifice to get rid of him, as I
+had frequently done before; for it must be confessed that he was somewhat
+tedious.&nbsp; The good mother was rather deaf, and not jealous, like
+her husband, of the honour of conversing with the Count.<br>
+<br>
+The happy party pressed me to remain with them longer this evening.&nbsp;
+I dared not - I had not a moment to lose.&nbsp; I saw the rising moon
+streaking the horizon - my hour was come.<br>
+<br>
+Next evening I went again to the forester&rsquo;s garden.&nbsp; I had
+wrapped myself closely up in my cloak, slouched my hat over my eyes,
+and advanced towards Minna.&nbsp; As she raised her head and looked
+at me, she started involuntarily.&nbsp; The apparition of that dreadful
+night in which I had been seen without a shadow was now standing distinctly
+before me - it was she herself.&nbsp; Had she recognised me?&nbsp; She
+was silent and thoughtful.&nbsp; I felt an oppressive load at my heart.&nbsp;
+I rose from my seat.&nbsp; She laid her head on my shoulder, still silent
+and in tears.&nbsp; I went away.<br>
+<br>
+I now found her frequently weeping.&nbsp; I became more and more melancholy.&nbsp;
+Her parents were beyond expression happy.&nbsp; The eventful day approached,
+threatening and heavy, like a thundercloud.&nbsp; The evening preceding
+arrived.&nbsp; I could scarcely breathe.&nbsp; I had carefully filled
+a large chest with gold, and sat down to await the appointed time -
+the twelfth hour - it struck.<br>
+<br>
+Now I remained with my eyes fixed on the hand of the clock, counting
+the seconds - the minutes - which struck me to the heart like daggers.&nbsp;
+I started at every sound - at last daylight appeared.&nbsp; The leaden
+hours passed on - morning - evening - night came.&nbsp; Hope was fast
+fading away as the hand advanced.&nbsp; It struck eleven - no one appeared
+- the last minutes - the first and last stroke of the twelfth hour died
+away.&nbsp; I sank back in my bed in an agony of weeping.&nbsp; In the
+morning I should, shadowless as I was, claim the hand of my beloved
+Minna.&nbsp; A heavy sleep towards daylight closed my eyes.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER III.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+It was yet early, when I was suddenly awoke by voices in hot dispute
+in my antechamber.&nbsp; I listened.&nbsp; Bendel was forbidding Rascal
+to enter my room, who swore he would receive no orders from his equals,
+and insisted on forcing his way.&nbsp; The faithful Bendel reminded
+him that if such words reached his master&rsquo;s ears, he would turn
+him out of an excellent place.&nbsp; Rascal threatened to strike him
+if he persisted in refusing his entrance.<br>
+<br>
+By this time, having half dressed myself, I angrily threw open the door,
+and addressing myself to Rascal, inquired what he meant by such disgraceful
+conduct.&nbsp; He drew back a couple of steps, and coolly answered,
+&ldquo;Count Peter, may I beg most respectfully that you will favour
+me with a sight of your shadow?&nbsp; The sun is now shining brightly
+in the court below.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I stood as if struck by a thunderbolt, and for some time was unable
+to speak.&nbsp; At last, I asked him how a servant could dare to behave
+so towards his master.&nbsp; He interrupted me by saying, quite coolly,
+&ldquo;A servant may be a very honourable man, and unwilling to serve
+a shadowless master - I request my dismissal.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I felt that I must adopt a softer tone, and replied, &ldquo;But, Rascal,
+my good fellow, who can have put such strange ideas into your head?&nbsp;
+How can you imagine - &rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+He again interrupted me in the same tone - &ldquo;People say you have
+no shadow.&nbsp; In short, let me see your shadow, or give me my dismissal.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+Bendel, pale and trembling, but more collected than myself, made a sign
+to me.&nbsp; I had recourse to the all-powerful influence of gold.&nbsp;
+But even gold had lost its power - Rascal threw it at my feet: &ldquo;From
+a shadowless man,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;I will take nothing.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+Turning his back upon me, and putting on his hat, he then slowly left
+the room, whistling a tune.&nbsp; I stood, with Bendel, as if petrified,
+gazing after him.<br>
+<br>
+With a deep sigh and a heavy heart I now prepared to keep my engagement,
+and to appear in the forester&rsquo;s garden like a criminal before
+his judge.&nbsp; I entered by the shady arbour, which had received the
+name of Count Peter&rsquo;s arbour, where we had appointed to meet.&nbsp;
+The mother advanced with a cheerful air; Minna sat fair and beautiful
+as the early snow of autumn reposing on the departing flowers, soon
+to be dissolved and lost in the cold stream.<br>
+<br>
+The ranger, with a written paper in his hand, was walking up and down
+in an agitated manner, and struggling to suppress his feelings - his
+usually unmoved countenance being one moment flushed, and the next perfectly
+pale.&nbsp; He came forward as I entered, and, in a faltering voice,
+requested a private conversation with me.&nbsp; The path by which he
+requested me to follow him led to an open spot in the garden, where
+the sun was shining.&nbsp; I sat down.&nbsp; A long silence ensued,
+which even the good woman herself did not venture to break.&nbsp; The
+ranger, in an agitated manner, paced up and down with unequal steps.&nbsp;
+At last he stood still; and glancing over the paper he held in his hand,
+he said, addressing me with a penetrating look,<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Count Peter, do you know one Peter Schlemihl?&rdquo; I was silent.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;A man,&rdquo; he continued, &ldquo;of excellent character and
+extraordinary endowments.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+He paused for an answer. - &ldquo;And supposing I myself were that very
+man?&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;You!&rdquo; he exclaimed, passionately; &ldquo;he has lost his
+shadow!&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Oh, my suspicion is true!&rdquo; cried Minna; &ldquo;I have long
+known it - he has no shadow!&rdquo;&nbsp; And she threw herself into
+her mother&rsquo;s arms, who, convulsively clasping her to her bosom,
+reproached her for having so long, to her hurt, kept such a secret.&nbsp;
+But, like the fabled Arethusa, her tears, as from a fountain, flowed
+more abundantly, and her sobs increased at my approach.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;And so,&rdquo; said the ranger fiercely, &ldquo;you have not
+scrupled, with unparalleled shamelessness, to deceive both her and me;
+and you pretended to love her, forsooth - her whom you have reduced
+to the state in which you now see her.&nbsp; See how she weeps! - Oh,
+shocking, shocking!&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+By this time I had lost all presence of mind; and I answered, confusedly,
+&ldquo;After all, it is but a shadow, a mere shadow, which a man can
+do very well without; and really it is not worth the while to make all
+this noise about such a trifle.&rdquo;&nbsp; Feeling the groundlessness
+of what I was saying, I ceased, and no one condescended to reply.&nbsp;
+At last I added, &ldquo;What is lost to-day may be found to-morrow.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Be pleased, sir,&rdquo; continued the ranger, in great wrath
+- &ldquo;be pleased to explain how you have lost your shadow.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+Here again an excuse was ready: &ldquo;A boor of a fellow,&rdquo; said
+I, &ldquo;one day trod so rudely on my shadow that he tore a large hole
+in it.&nbsp; I sent it to be repaired - for gold can do wonders - and
+yesterday I expected it home again.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Very well,&rdquo; answered the ranger.&nbsp; &ldquo;You are a
+suitor for my daughter&rsquo;s hand, and so are others.&nbsp; As a father,
+I am bound to provide for her.&nbsp; I will give you three days to seek
+your shadow.&nbsp; Return to me in the course of that time with a well-fitted
+shadow, and you shall receive a hearty welcome; otherwise, on the fourth
+day - remember, on the fourth day - my daughter becomes the wife of
+another.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I now attempted to say one word to Minna; but, sobbing more violently,
+she clung still closer to her mother, who made a sign for me to withdraw.&nbsp;
+I obeyed; and now the world seemed shut out from me for ever.<br>
+<br>
+Having escaped from the affectionate care of Bendel, I now wandered
+wildly through the neighbouring woods and meadows.&nbsp; Drops of anguish
+fell from my brow, deep groans burst from my bosom - frenzied despair
+raged within me.<br>
+<br>
+I knew not how long this had lasted, when I felt myself seized by the
+sleeve on a sunny heath.&nbsp; I stopped, and looking up, beheld the
+grey-coated man, who appeared to have run himself out of breath in pursuing
+me.&nbsp; He immediately began:<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;I had,&rdquo; said he, &ldquo;appointed this day; but your impatience
+anticipated it.&nbsp; All, however, may yet be right.&nbsp; Take my
+advice - redeem your shadow, which is at your command, and return immediately
+to the ranger&rsquo;s garden, where you will be well received, and all
+the past will seem a mere joke.&nbsp; As for Rascal - who has betrayed
+you in order to pay his addresses to Minna - leave him to me; he is
+just a fit subject for me.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I stood like one in a dream.&nbsp; &ldquo;This day?&rdquo; I considered
+again.&nbsp; He was right - I had made a mistake of a day.&nbsp; I felt
+in my bosom for the purse.&nbsp; He perceived my intention, and drew
+back.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;No, Count Peter; the purse is in good hands - pray keep it.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+I gazed at him with looks of astonishment and inquiry.&nbsp; &ldquo;I
+only beg a trifle as a token of remembrance.&nbsp; Be so good as to
+sign this memorandum.&rdquo;&nbsp; On the parchment, which he held out
+to me, were these words: - &ldquo;By virtue of this present, to which
+I have appended my signature, I hereby bequeath my soul to the holder,
+after its natural separation from my body.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I gazed in mute astonishment alternately at the paper and the grey unknown.&nbsp;
+In the meantime he had dipped a new pen in a drop of blood which was
+issuing from a scratch in my hand just made by a thorn.&nbsp; He presented
+it to me.&nbsp; &ldquo;Who are you?&rdquo; at last I exclaimed.&nbsp;
+&ldquo;What can it signify?&rdquo; he answered; &ldquo;do you not perceive
+who I am?&nbsp; A poor devil - a sort of scholar and philosopher, who
+obtains but poor thanks from his friends for his admirable arts, and
+whose only amusement on earth consists in his small experiments.&nbsp;
+But just sign this; to the right, exactly underneath - Peter Schlemihl.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I shook my head, and replied, &ldquo;Excuse me, sir; I cannot sign that.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Cannot!&rdquo; he exclaimed; &ldquo;and why not?&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Because it appears to me a hazardous thing to exchange my soul
+for my shadow.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Hazardous!&rdquo; he exclaimed, bursting into a loud laugh.&nbsp;
+&ldquo;And, pray, may I be allowed to inquire what sort of a thing your
+soul is? - have you ever seen it? - and what do you mean to do with
+it after your death?&nbsp; You ought to think yourself fortunate in
+meeting with a customer who, during your life, in exchange for this
+infinitely-minute quantity, this galvanic principle, this polarised
+agency, or whatever other foolish name you may give it, is willing to
+bestow on you something substantial - in a word, your own identical
+shadow, by virtue of which you will obtain your beloved Minna, and arrive
+at the accomplishment of all your wishes; or do you prefer giving up
+the poor young girl to the power of that contemptible scoundrel Rascal
+?&nbsp; Nay, you shall behold her with your own eyes.&nbsp; Come here;
+I will lend you an invisible cap (he drew something out of his pocket),
+and we will enter the ranger&rsquo;s garden unseen.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I must confess that I felt excessively ashamed to be thus laughed at
+by the grey stranger.&nbsp; I detested him from the very bottom of my
+soul; and I really believe this personal antipathy, more than principle
+or previously-formed opinion, restrained me from purchasing my shadow,
+much as I stood in need of it, at such an expense.&nbsp; Besides, the
+thought was insupportable, of making this proposed visit in his society.&nbsp;
+To behold this hateful sneak, this mocking fiend, place himself between
+me and my beloved, between our torn and bleeding hearts, was too revolting
+an idea to be entertained for a moment.&nbsp; I considered the past
+as irrevocable, my own misery as inevitable; and turning to the grey
+man, I said, &ldquo;I have exchanged my shadow for this very extraordinary
+purse, and I have sufficiently repented it.&nbsp; For Heaven&rsquo;s
+sake, let the transaction be declared null and void!&rdquo;&nbsp; He
+shook his head; and his countenance assumed an expression of the most
+sinister cast.&nbsp; I continued, &ldquo;I will make no exchange whatever,
+even for the sake of my shadow, nor will I sign the paper.&nbsp; It
+follows, also, that the incognito visit you propose to me would afford
+you far more entertainment than it could possibly give me.&nbsp; Accept
+my excuses, therefore; and, since it must be so, let us part.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;I am sorry, Mr. Schlemihl, that you thus obstinately persist
+in rejecting my friendly offer.&nbsp; Perhaps, another time, I may be
+more fortunate.&nbsp; Farewell!&nbsp; May we shortly meet again!&nbsp;
+But, <i>&agrave; propos, </i>allow me to show you that I do not undervalue
+my purchase, but preserve it carefully.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+So saying, he drew my shadow out of his pocket; and shaking it cleverly
+out of its folds, he stretched it out at his feet in the sun - so that
+he stood between two obedient shadows, his own and mine, which was compelled
+to follow and comply with his every movement.<br>
+<br>
+On again beholding my poor shadow after so long a separation, and seeing
+it degraded to so vile a bondage at the very time that I was so unspeakably
+in want of it, my heart was ready to burst, and I wept bitterly.&nbsp;
+The detested wretch stood exulting over his prey, and unblushingly renewed
+his proposal.&nbsp; &ldquo;One stroke of your pen, and the unhappy Minna
+is rescued from the clutches of the villain Rascal, and transferred
+to the arms of the high-born Count Peter - merely a stroke of your pen!&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+My tears broke out with renewed violence; but I turned away from him,
+and made a sign for him to be gone.<br>
+<br>
+Bendel, whose deep solicitude had induced him to come in search of me,
+arrived at this very moment.&nbsp; The good and faithful creature, on
+seeing me weeping, and that a shadow (evidently mine) was in the power
+of the mysterious unknown, determined to rescue it by force, should
+that be necessary; and disdaining to use any finesse, he desired him
+directly, and without any disputing, to restore my property.&nbsp; Instead
+of a reply, the grey man turned his back on the worthy fellow, and was
+making off.&nbsp; But Bendel raised his buck-thorn stick; and following
+close upon him, after repeated commands, but in vain, to restore the
+shadow, he made him feel the whole force of his powerful arm.&nbsp;
+The grey man, as if accustomed to such treatment, held down his head,
+slouched his shoulders, and, with soft and noiseless steps, pursued
+his way over the heath, carrying with him my shadow, and also my faithful
+servant.&nbsp; For a long time I heard hollow sounds ringing through
+the waste, until at last they died away in the distance, and I was again
+left to solitude and misery.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Alone on the wild heath, I disburdened my heart of an insupportable
+load by giving free vent to my tears.&nbsp; But I saw no bounds, no
+relief, to my surpassing wretchedness; and I drank in the fresh poison
+which the mysterious stranger had poured into my wounds with a furious
+avidity.&nbsp; As I retraced in my mind the loved image of my Minna,
+and depicted her sweet countenance all pale and in tears, such as I
+had beheld her in my late disgrace, the bold and sarcastic visage of
+Rascal would ever and anon thrust itself between us.&nbsp; I hid my
+face, and fled rapidly over the plains; but the horrible vision unrelentingly
+pursued me, till at last I sank breathless on the ground, and bedewed
+it with a fresh torrent of tears - and all this for a shadow! - a shadow
+which one stroke of the pen would repurchase.&nbsp; I pondered on the
+singular proposal, and on my hesitation to comply with it.&nbsp; My
+mind was confused - I had lost the power of judging or comprehending.&nbsp;
+The day was waning apace.&nbsp; I satisfied the cravings of hunger with
+a few wild fruits, and quenched my thirst at a neighbouring stream.&nbsp;
+Night came on; I threw myself down under a tree, and was awoke by the
+damp morning air from an uneasy sleep, in which I had fancied myself
+struggling in the agonies of death.&nbsp; Bendel had certainly lost
+all trace of me, and I was glad of it.&nbsp; I did not wish to return
+among my fellow-creatures - I shunned them as the hunted deer flies
+before its pursuers.&nbsp; Thus I passed three melancholy days.<br>
+<br>
+I found myself on the morning of the fourth on a sandy plain, basking
+in the rays of the sun, and sitting on a fragment of rock; for it was
+sweet to enjoy the genial warmth of which I had so long been deprived.&nbsp;
+Despair still preyed on my heart.&nbsp; Suddenly a slight sound startled
+me; I looked round, prepared to fly, but saw no one.&nbsp; On the sunlit
+sand before me flitted the shadow of a man not unlike my own; and wandering
+about alone, it seemed to have lost its master.&nbsp; This sight powerfully
+excited me.&nbsp; &ldquo;Shadow!&rdquo; thought I, &ldquo;art thou in
+search of thy master? in me thou shalt find him.&rdquo;&nbsp; And I
+sprang forward to seize it, fancying that could I succeed in treading
+so exactly in its traces as to step in its footmarks, it would attach
+itself to me, and in time become accustomed to me, and follow all my
+movements.<br>
+<br>
+The shadow, as I moved, took to flight, and I commenced a hot chase
+after the airy fugitive, solely excited by the hope of being delivered
+from my present dreadful situation; the bare idea inspired me with fresh
+strength and vigour.<br>
+<br>
+The shadow now fled towards a distant wood, among whose shades I must
+necessarily have lost it.&nbsp; Seeing this, my heart beat wild with
+fright, my ardour increased and lent wings to my speed.&nbsp; I was
+evidently gaining on the shadow - I came nearer and nearer - I was within
+reach of it, when it suddenly stopped and turned towards me.&nbsp; Like
+a lion darting on its prey, I made a powerful spring and fell unexpectedly
+upon a hard substance.&nbsp; Then followed, from an invisible hand,
+the most terrible blows in the ribs that anyone ever received.&nbsp;
+The effect of my terror made me endeavour convulsively to strike and
+grasp at the unseen object before me.&nbsp; The rapidity of my motions
+brought me to the ground, where I lay stretched out with a man under
+me, whom I held tight, and who now became visible.<br>
+<br>
+The whole affair was now explained.&nbsp; The man had undoubtedly possessed
+the bird&rsquo;s nest which communicates its charm of invisibility to
+its possessor, though not equally so to his shadow; and this nest he
+had now thrown away.&nbsp; I looked all round, and soon discovered the
+shadow of this invisible nest.&nbsp; I sprang towards it, and was fortunate
+enough to seize the precious booty, and immediately became invisible
+and shadowless.<br>
+<br>
+The moment the man regained his feet he looked all round over the wide
+sunny plain to discover his fortunate vanquisher, but could see neither
+him nor his shadow, the latter seeming particularly to be the object
+of his search: for previous to our encounter he had not had leisure
+to observe that I was shadowless, and he could not be aware of it.&nbsp;
+Becoming convinced that all traces of me were lost, he began to tear
+his hair, and give himself up to all the frenzy of despair.&nbsp; In
+the meantime, this newly acquired treasure communicated to me both the
+ability and the desire to mix again among mankind.<br>
+<br>
+I was at a loss for a pretext to vindicate this unjust robbery - or,
+rather, so deadened had I become, I felt no need of a pretext; and in
+order to dissipate every idea of the kind, I hastened on, regardless
+of the unhappy man, whose fearful lamentations long resounded in my
+ears.&nbsp; Such, at the time, were my impressions of all the circumstances
+of this affair.<br>
+<br>
+I now ardently desired to return to the ranger&rsquo;s garden, in order
+to ascertain in person the truth of the information communicated by
+the odious unknown; but I knew not where I was, until, ascending an
+eminence to take a survey of the surrounding country, I perceived, from
+its summit, the little town and the gardens almost at my feet.&nbsp;
+My heart beat violently, and tears of a nature very different from those
+I had lately shed filled my eyes.&nbsp; I should, then, once more behold
+her!<br>
+<br>
+Anxiety now hastened my steps.&nbsp; Unseen I met some peasants coming
+from the town; they were talking of me, of Rascal, and of the ranger.&nbsp;
+I would not stay to listen to their conversation, but proceeded on.&nbsp;
+My bosom thrilled with expectation as I entered the garden.&nbsp; At
+this moment I heard something like a hollow laugh which caused me involuntarily
+to shudder.&nbsp; I cast a rapid glance around, but could see no one.&nbsp;
+I passed on; presently I fancied I heard the sound of footsteps close
+to me, but no one was within sight.&nbsp; My ears must have deceived
+me.<br>
+<br>
+It was early; no one was in Count Peter&rsquo;s bower - the gardens
+were deserted.&nbsp; I traversed all the well-known paths, and penetrated
+even to the dwelling-house itself.&nbsp; The same rustling sound became
+now more and more audible.&nbsp; With anguished feelings I sat down
+on a seat placed in the sunny space before the door, and actually felt
+some invisible fiend take a place by me, and heard him utter a sarcastic
+laugh.&nbsp; The key was turned in the door, which was opened.&nbsp;
+The forest-master appeared with a paper in his hand.&nbsp; Suddenly
+my head was, as it were, enveloped in a mist.&nbsp; I looked up, and,
+oh horror! the grey-coated man was at my side, peering in my face with
+a satanic grin.&nbsp; He had extended the mist-cap he wore over my head.&nbsp;
+His shadow and my own were lying together at his feet in perfect amity.&nbsp;
+He kept twirling in his hand the well-known parchment with an air of
+indifference; and while the ranger, absorbed in thought, and intent
+upon his paper, paced up and down the arbour, my tormentor confidentially
+leaned towards me, and whispered, &ldquo;So, Mr. Schlemihl, you have
+at length accepted my invitation; and here we sit, two heads under one
+hood, as the saying is.&nbsp; Well, well, all in good time.&nbsp; But
+now you can return me my bird&rsquo;s nest - you have no further occasion
+for it; and I am sure you are too honourable a man to withhold it from
+me.&nbsp; No need of thanks, I assure you; I had infinite pleasure in
+lending it to you.&rdquo;&nbsp; He took it out of my unresisting hand,
+put it into his pocket, and then broke into so loud a laugh at my expense,
+that the forest-master turned round, startled at the sound.&nbsp; I
+was petrified.&nbsp; &ldquo;You must acknowledge,&rdquo; he continued,
+&ldquo;that in our position a hood is much more convenient.&nbsp; It
+serves to conceal not only a man, but his shadow, or as many shadows
+as he chooses to carry.&nbsp; I, for instance, to-day bring two, you
+perceive.&rdquo;&nbsp; He laughed again.&nbsp; &ldquo;Take notice, Schlemihl,
+that what a man refuses to do with a good grace in the first instance,
+he is always in the end compelled to do.&nbsp; I am still of opinion
+that you ought to redeem your shadow and claim your bride (for it is
+yet time); and as to Rascal, he shall dangle at a rope&rsquo;s end -
+no difficult matter, so long as we can find a bit.&nbsp; As a mark of
+friendship I will give you my cap into the bargain.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+The mother now came out, and the following conversation took place:
+&ldquo;What is Minna doing?&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;She is weeping.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+&ldquo;Silly child! what good can that do?&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;None,
+certainly; but it is so soon to bestow her hand on another.&nbsp; O
+husband, you are too harsh to your poor child.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;No,
+wife; you view things in a wrong light.&nbsp; When she finds herself
+the wife of a wealthy and honourable man, her tears will soon cease;
+she will waken out of a dream, as it were, happy and grateful to Heaven
+and to her parents, as you will see.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;Heaven grant
+it may be so!&rdquo; replied the wife.&nbsp; &ldquo;She has, indeed,
+now considerable property; but after the noise occasioned by her unlucky
+affair with that adventurer, do you imagine that she is likely soon
+to meet with so advantageous a match as Mr. Rascal?&nbsp; Do you know
+the extent of Mr. Rascal&rsquo;s influence and wealth?&nbsp; Why, he
+has purchased with ready money, in this country, six millions of landed
+property, free from all encumbrances.&nbsp; I have had all the documents
+in my hands.&nbsp; It was he who outbid me everywhere when I was about
+to make a desirable purchase; and, besides, he has bills on Mr. Thomas
+John&rsquo;s house to the amount of three millions and a half.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+&ldquo;He must have been a prodigious thief!&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;How
+foolishly you talk! he wisely saved where others squandered their property.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+&ldquo;A mere livery-servant!&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;Nonsense! he has at
+all events an unexceptionable shadow.&rdquo;&nbsp; &ldquo;True, but
+. . . &rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+While this conversation was passing, the grey-coated man looked at me
+with a satirical smile.<br>
+<br>
+The door opened, and Minna entered, leaning on the arm of her female
+attendant, silent tears flowing down her fair but pallid face.&nbsp;
+She seated herself in the chair which had been placed for her under
+the lime-trees, and her father took a stool by her side.&nbsp; He gently
+raised her hand; and as her tears flowed afresh, he addressed her in
+the most affectionate manner<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;My own dear, good child - my Minna - will act reasonably, and
+not afflict her poor old father, who only wishes to make her happy.&nbsp;
+My dearest child, this blow has shaken you - dreadfully, I know it;
+but you have been saved, as by a miracle, from a miserable fate, my
+Minna.&nbsp; You loved the unworthy villain most tenderly before his
+treachery was discovered: I feel all this, Minna; and far be it from
+me to reproach you for it - in fact, I myself loved him so long as I
+considered him to be a person of rank: you now see yourself how differently
+it has turned out.&nbsp; Every dog has a shadow; and the idea of my
+child having been on the eve of uniting herself to a man who . . . but
+I am sure you will think no more of him.&nbsp; A suitor has just appeared
+for you in the person of a man who does not fear the sun - an honourable
+man - no prince indeed, but a man worth ten millions of golden ducats
+sterling - a sum nearly ten times larger than your fortune consists
+of - a man, too, who will make my dear child happy - nay, do not oppose
+me - be my own good, dutiful child - allow your loving father to provide
+for you, and to dry up these tears.&nbsp; Promise to bestow your hand
+on Mr. Rascal.&nbsp; Speak my child: will you not?&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+Minna could scarcely summon strength to reply that she had now no longer
+any hopes or desires on earth, and that she was entirely at her father&rsquo;s
+disposal.&nbsp; Rascal was therefore immediately sent for, and entered
+the room with his usual forwardness; but Minima in the meantime had
+swooned away.<br>
+<br>
+My detested companion looked at me indignantly, and whispered, &ldquo;Can
+you endure this?&nbsp; Have you no blood in your veins?&rdquo;&nbsp;
+He instantly pricked my finger, which bled.&nbsp; &ldquo;Yes, positively,&rdquo;
+he exclaimed, &ldquo;you have some blood left! - come, sign.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+The parchment and pen were in my hand!<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER IV.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+I submit myself to thy judgment, my dear Chamisso; I do not seek to
+bias it.&nbsp; I have long been a rigid censor of myself, and nourished
+at my heart the worm of remorse.&nbsp; This critical moment of my life
+is ever present to my soul, and I dare only cast a hesitating glance
+at it, with a deep sense of humiliation and grief.&nbsp; Ah, my dear
+friend, he who once permits himself thoughtlessly to deviate but one
+step from the right road, will imperceptibly find himself involved in
+various intricate paths, all leading him farther and farther astray.&nbsp;
+In vain he beholds the guiding-stars of Heaven shining before him.&nbsp;
+No choice is left him - he must descend the precipice, and offer himself
+up a sacrifice to his fate.&nbsp; After the false step which I had rashly
+made, and which entailed a curse upon me, I had, in the wantonness of
+passion, entangled one in my fate who had staked all her happiness upon
+me.&nbsp; What was left for me to do in a case where I had brought another
+into misery, but to make a desperate leap in the dark to save her ?
+- the last, the only means of rescue presented itself.&nbsp; Think not
+so meanly of me, Chamisso, as to imagine that I would have shrunk from
+any sacrifice on my part.&nbsp; In such a case it would have been but
+a poor ransom.&nbsp; No, Chamisso; but my whole soul was filled with
+unconquerable hatred to the cringing knave and his crooked ways.&nbsp;
+I might be doing him injustice; but I shuddered at the bare idea of
+entering into any fresh compact with him.&nbsp; But here a circumstance
+took place which entirely changed the face of things . . .<br>
+<br>
+I know not whether to ascribe it to excitement of mind, exhaustion of
+physical strength (for during the last few days I had scarcely tasted
+anything), or the antipathy I felt to the society of my fiendish companion;
+but just as I was about to sign the fatal paper, I fell into a deep
+swoon, and remained for a long time as if dead.&nbsp; The first sounds
+which greeted my ear on recovering my consciousness were those of cursing
+and imprecation; I opened my eyes - it was dusk; my hateful companion
+was overwhelming me with reproaches.&nbsp; &ldquo;Is not this behaving
+like an old woman?&nbsp; Come, rise up, and finish quickly what you
+were going to do; or perhaps you have changed your determination, and
+prefer to lie groaning there?&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I raised myself with difficulty from the ground and gazed around me
+without speaking a word.&nbsp; It was late in the evening, and I heard
+strains of festive music proceeding from the ranger&rsquo;s brilliantly
+illuminated house; groups of company were lounging about the gardens;
+two persons approached, and seating themselves on the bench I had lately
+occupied, began to converse on the subject of the marriage which had
+taken place that morning between the wealthy Mr. Rascal and Minima.&nbsp;
+All was then over.<br>
+<br>
+I tore off the cap which rendered me invisible; and my companion having
+disappeared, I plunged in silence into the thickest gloom of the grove,
+rapidly passed Count Peter&rsquo;s bower towards the entrance-gate;
+but my tormentor still haunted me, and loaded me with reproaches.&nbsp;
+&ldquo;And is this all the gratitude I am to expect from you, Mr. Schlemihl
+- you, whom I have been watching all the weary day, until you should
+recover from your nervous attack?&nbsp; What a fool&rsquo;s part I have
+been enacting!&nbsp; It is of no use flying from me, Mr. Perverse -
+we are inseparable - you have my gold, I have your shadow; this exchange
+deprives us both of peace.&nbsp; Did you ever hear of a man&rsquo;s
+shadow leaving him? - yours follows me until you receive it again into
+favour, and thus free me from it.&nbsp; Disgust and weariness sooner
+or later will compel you to do what you should have done gladly at first.&nbsp;
+In vain you strive with fate!&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+He continued unceasingly in the same tone, uttering constant sarcasms
+about the gold and the shadow, till I was completely bewildered.&nbsp;
+To fly from him was impossible.&nbsp; I had pursued my way through the
+empty streets towards my own house, which I could scarcely recognise
+- the windows were broken to pieces, no light was visible, the doors
+were shut, and the bustle of domestics had ceased.&nbsp; My companion
+burst into a loud laugh.&nbsp; &ldquo;Yes, yes,&rdquo; said he, &ldquo;you
+see the state of things: however, you will find your friend Bendel at
+home; he was sent back the other day so fatigued, that I assure you
+he has never left the house since.&nbsp; He will have a fine story to
+tell!&nbsp; So I wish you a very good night - may we shortly meet again!&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I had repeatedly rung the bell: at last a light appeared; and Bendel
+inquired from within who was there.&nbsp; The poor fellow could scarcely
+contain himself at the sound of my voice.&nbsp; The door flew open,
+and we were locked in each other&rsquo;s arms.&nbsp; I found him sadly
+changed; he was looking ill and feeble.&nbsp; I, too, was altered; my
+hair had become quite grey.&nbsp; He conducted me through the desolate
+apartments to an inner room, which had escaped the general wreck.&nbsp;
+After partaking of some refreshment, we seated ourselves; and, with
+fresh lamentations, he began to tell me that the grey withered old man
+whom he had met with my shadow had insensibly led him such a zig-zag
+race, that he had lost all traces of me, and at last sank down exhausted
+with fatigue; that, unable to find me, he had returned home, when, shortly
+after the mob, at Rascal&rsquo;s instigation, assembled violently before
+the house, broke the windows, and by all sorts of excesses completely
+satiated their fury.&nbsp; Thus had they treated their benefactor.&nbsp;
+My servants had fled in all directions.&nbsp; The police had banished
+me from the town as a suspicious character, and granted me an interval
+of twenty-four hours to leave the territory.&nbsp; Bendel added many
+particulars as to the information I had already obtained respecting
+Rascal&rsquo;s wealth and marriage.&nbsp; This villain, it seems - who
+was the author of all the measures taken against me - became possessed
+of my secret nearly from the beginning, and, tempted by the love of
+money, had supplied himself with a key to my chest, and from that time
+had been laying the foundation of his present wealth.&nbsp; Bendel related
+all this with many tears, and wept for joy that I was once more safely
+restored to him, after all his fears and anxieties for me.&nbsp; In
+me, however, such a state of things only awoke despair.<br>
+<br>
+My dreadful fate now stared me in the face in all its gigantic and unchangeable
+horror.&nbsp; The source of tears was exhausted within me; no groans
+escaped my breast; but with cool indifference I bared my unprotected
+head to the blast.&nbsp; &ldquo;Bendel,&rdquo; said I, &ldquo;you know
+my fate; this heavy visitation is a punishment for my early sins: but
+as for thee, my innocent friend, I can no longer permit thee to share
+my destiny.&nbsp; I will depart this very night - saddle me a horse
+- I will set out alone.&nbsp; Remain here, Bendel - I insist upon it:
+there must be some chests of gold still left in the house - take them,
+they are thine.&nbsp; I shall be a restless and solitary wanderer on
+the face of the earth; but should better days arise, and fortune once
+more smile propitiously on me, then I will not forget thy steady fidelity;
+for in hours of deep distress thy faithful bosom has been the depository
+of my sorrows.&rdquo;&nbsp; With a bursting heart, the worthy Bendel
+prepared to obey this last command of his master; for I was deaf to
+all his arguments and blind to his tears.&nbsp; My horse was brought
+- I pressed my weeping friend to my bosom - threw myself into the saddle,
+and, under the friendly shades of night, quitted this sepulchre of my
+existence, indifferent which road my horse should take; for now on this
+side the grave I had neither wishes, hopes, nor fears.<br>
+<br>
+After a short time I was joined by a traveller on foot, who, after walking
+for a while by the side of my horse, observed that as we both seemed
+to be travelling the same road, he should beg my permission to lay his
+cloak on the horse&rsquo;s back behind me, to which I silently assented.&nbsp;
+He thanked me with easy politeness for this trifling favour, praised
+my horse, and then took occasion to extol the happiness and the power
+of the rich, and fell, I scarcely know how, into a sort of conversation
+with himself, in which I merely acted the part of listener.&nbsp; He
+unfolded his views of human life and of the world, and, touching on
+metaphysics, demanded an answer from that cloudy science to the question
+of questions - the answer that should solve all mysteries.&nbsp; He
+deduced one problem from another in a very lucid manner, and then proceeded
+to their solution.<br>
+<br>
+You may remember, my dear friend, that after having run through the
+school-philosophy, I became sensible of my unfitness for metaphysical
+speculations, and therefore totally abstained from engaging in them.&nbsp;
+Since then I have acquiesced in some things, and abandoned all hope
+of comprehending others; trusting, as you advised me, to my own plain
+sense and the voice of conscience to direct and, if possible, maintain
+me in the right path.<br>
+<br>
+Now this skilful rhetorician seemed to me to expend great skill in rearing
+a firmly-constructed edifice, towering aloft on its own self-supported
+basis, but resting on, and upheld by, some internal principle of necessity.&nbsp;
+I regretted in it the total absence of what I desired to find; and thus
+it seemed a mere work of art, serving only by its elegance and exquisite
+finish to captivate the eye.&nbsp; Nevertheless, I listened with pleasure
+to this eloquently gifted man, who diverted my attention from my own
+sorrows to the speaker; and he would have secured my entire acquiescence
+if he had appealed to my heart as well as to my judgment.<br>
+<br>
+In the meantime the hours had passed away, and morning had already dawned
+imperceptibly in the horizon; looking up, I shuddered as I beheld in
+the east all those splendid hues that announce the rising sun.&nbsp;
+At this hour, when all natural shadows are seen in their full proportions,
+not a fence or a shelter of any kind could I descry in this open country,
+and I was not alone!&nbsp; I cast a glance at my companion, and shuddered
+again - it was the man in the grey coat himself!&nbsp; He laughed at
+my surprise, and said, without giving me time to speak: &ldquo;You see,
+according to the fashion of this world, mutual convenience binds us
+together for a time: there is plenty of time to think of parting.&nbsp;
+The road here along the mountain, which perhaps has escaped your notice,
+is the only one that you can prudently take; into the valley you dare
+not descend - the path over the mountain would but reconduct you to
+the town which you have left - my road, too, lies this way.&nbsp; I
+perceive you change colour at the rising sun - I have no objections
+to let you have the loan of your shadow during our journey, and in return
+you may not be indisposed to tolerate my society.&nbsp; You have now
+no Bendel; but I will act for him.&nbsp; I regret that you are not over-fond
+of me; but that need not prevent you from accepting my poor services.&nbsp;
+The devil is not so black as he is painted.&nbsp; Yesterday you provoked
+me, I own; but now that is all forgotten, and you must confess I have
+this day succeeded in beguiling the wearisomeness of your journey.&nbsp;
+Come, take your shadow, and make trial of it.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+The sun had risen, and we were meeting with passengers; so I reluctantly
+consented.&nbsp; With a smile, he immediately let my shadow glide down
+to the ground; and I beheld it take its place by that of my horse, and
+gaily trot along with me.&nbsp; My feelings were anything but pleasant.&nbsp;
+I rode through groups of country people, who respectfully made way for
+the well-mounted stranger.&nbsp; Thus I proceeded, occasionally stealing
+a sidelong glance with a beating heart from my horse at the shadow once
+my own, but now, alas, accepted as a loan from a stranger, or rather
+a fiend.&nbsp; He moved on carelessly at my side, whistling a song.&nbsp;
+He being on foot, and I on horseback, the temptation to hazard a silly
+project occurred to me; so, suddenly turning my bridle, I set spurs
+to my horse, and at full gallop struck into a by-path; but my shadow,
+on the sudden movement of my horse, glided away, and stood on the road
+quietly awaiting the approach of its legal owner.&nbsp; I was obliged
+to return abashed towards the grey man; but he very coolly finished
+his song, and with a laugh set my shadow to rights again, reminding
+me that it was at my option to have it irrevocably fixed to me, by purchasing
+it on just and equitable terms.&nbsp; &ldquo;I hold you,&rdquo; said
+he, &ldquo;by the shadow; and you seek in vain to get rid of me.&nbsp;
+A rich man like you requires a shadow, unquestionably; and you are to
+blame for not having seen this sooner.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I now continued my journey on the same road; every convenience and even
+luxury of life was mine; I moved about in peace and freedom, for I possessed
+a shadow, though a borrowed one; and all the respect due to wealth was
+paid to me.&nbsp; But a deadly disease preyed on my heart.&nbsp; My
+extraordinary companion, who gave himself out to be the humble attendant
+of the richest individual in the world, was remarkable for his dexterity;
+in short, his singular address and promptitude admirably fitted him
+to be the very <i>beau ideal </i>of a rich man&rsquo;s lacquey.&nbsp;
+But he never stirred from my side, and tormented me with constant assurances
+that a day would most certainly come when, if it were only to get rid
+of him, I should gladly comply with his terms, and redeem my shadow.&nbsp;
+Thus he became as irksome as he was hateful to me.&nbsp; I really stood
+in awe of him - I had placed myself in his power.&nbsp; Since he had
+effected my return to the pleasures of the world, which I had resolved
+to shun, he had the perfect mastery of me.&nbsp; His eloquence was irresistible,
+and at times I almost thought he was in the right.&nbsp; A shadow is
+indeed necessary to a man of fortune; and if I chose to maintain the
+position in which he had placed me, there was only one means of doing
+so.&nbsp; But on one point I was immovable: since I had sacrificed my
+love for Minna, and thereby blighted the happiness of my whole life,
+I would not now, for all the shadows in the universe be induced to sign
+away my soul to this being - I knew not how it might end.<br>
+<br>
+One day we were sitting by the entrance of a cavern, much visited by
+strangers, who ascended the mountain: the rushing noise of a subterranean
+torrent resounded from the fathomless abyss, the depths of which exceeded
+all calculation.&nbsp; He was, according to his favourite custom, employing
+all the powers of his lavish fancy, and all the charm of the most brilliant
+colouring, to depict to me what I might effect in the world by virtue
+of my purse, when once I had recovered my shadow.&nbsp; With my elbows
+resting on my knees, I kept my face concealed in my hands, and listened
+to the false fiend, my heart torn between the temptation and my determined
+opposition to it.&nbsp; Such indecision I could no longer endure, and
+resolved on one decisive effort.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;You seem to forget,&rdquo; said I, &ldquo;that I tolerate your
+presence only on certain conditions, and that I am to retain perfect
+freedom of action.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;You have but to command, I depart,&rdquo; was all his reply.<br>
+<br>
+The threat was familiar to me; I was silent.&nbsp; He then began to
+fold up my shadow.&nbsp; I turned pale, but allowed him to continue.&nbsp;
+A long silence ensued, which he was the first to break.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;You cannot endure me, Mr Schlemihl - you hate me - I am aware
+of it - but why? - is it, perhaps, because you attacked me on the open
+plain, in order to rob me of my invisible bird&rsquo;s nest? or is it
+because you thievishly endeavoured to seduce away the shadow with which
+I had entrusted you - my own property - confiding implicitly in your
+honour!&nbsp; I, for my part, have no dislike to you.&nbsp; It is perfectly
+natural that you should avail yourself of every means, presented either
+by cunning or force, to promote your own interests.&nbsp; That your
+principles also should be of the strictest sort, and your intentions
+of the most honourable description, - these are fancies with which I
+have nothing to do; I do not pretend to such strictness myself.&nbsp;
+Each of us is free, I to act, and you to think, as seems best.&nbsp;
+Did I ever seize you by the throat, to tear out of your body that valuable
+soul I so ardently wish to possess?&nbsp; Did I ever set my servant
+to attack you, to get back my purse, or attempt to run off with it from
+you?&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I had not a word to reply.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Well, well,&rdquo; he exclaimed, &ldquo;you detest me, and I
+know it; but I bear you no malice on that account.&nbsp; We must part
+- that is clear; also I must say that you begin to be very tiresome
+to me.&nbsp; Once more let me advise you to free yourself entirely from
+my troublesome presence by the purchase of your shadow.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I held out the purse to him.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;No, Mr. Schlemihl; not at that price.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+With a deep sigh, I said, &ldquo;Be it so, then; let us part, I entreat;
+cross my path no more.&nbsp; There is surely room enough in the world
+for us both.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+Laughing, he replied, &ldquo;I go; but just allow me to inform you how
+you may at any time recall me whenever you have a mind to see your most
+humble servant: you have only to shake your purse, the sound of the
+gold will bring me to you in an instant.&nbsp; In this world every one
+consults his own advantage; but you see I have thought of yours, and
+clearly confer upon you a new power.&nbsp; Oh this purse! it would still
+prove a powerful bond between us, had the moth begun to devour your
+shadow. - But enough: you hold me by my gold, and may command your servant
+at any distance.&nbsp; You know that I can be very serviceable to my
+friends; and that the rich are my peculiar care - this you have observed.&nbsp;
+As to your shadow, allow me to say, you can only redeem it on one condition.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+Recollections of former days came over me; and I hastily asked him if
+he had obtained Mr. Thomas John&rsquo;s signature.<br>
+<br>
+He smiled, and said, &ldquo;It was by no means necessary from so excellent
+a friend.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Where is he? for God&rsquo;s sake tell me: I insist upon knowing.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+With some hesitation, he put his hand into his pocket; and drew out
+the altered and pallid form of Mr. John by the hair of his head, whose
+livid lips uttered the awful words, &ldquo;<i>Justo judicio Dei judicatus
+sum; justo judicio Dei condemnatus sum</i>&rdquo; - &ldquo;I am judged
+and condemned by the just judgment of God.&rdquo;&nbsp; I was horror-struck;
+and instantly throwing the jingling purse into the abyss, I exclaimed,
+&ldquo;Wretch! in the name of Heaven, I conjure you to be gone! - away
+from my sight! - never appear before me again!&rdquo;&nbsp; With a dark
+expression on his countenance, he arose, and immediately vanished behind
+the huge rocks which surrounded the place.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER V.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+I was now left equally without gold and without shadow; but a heavy
+load was taken from my breast, and I felt cheerful.&nbsp; Had not my
+Minna been irrecoverably lost to me, or even had I been perfectly free
+from self-reproach on her account, I felt that happiness might yet have
+been mine.&nbsp; At present I was lost in doubt as to my future course.&nbsp;
+I examined my pockets, and found I had a few gold pieces still left,
+which I counted with feelings of great satisfaction.&nbsp; I had left
+my horse at the inn, and was ashamed to return, or at all events I must
+wait till the sun had set, which at present was high in the heavens.&nbsp;
+I laid myself down under a shady tree and fell into a peaceful sleep.<br>
+<br>
+Lovely forms floated in airy measures before me, and filled up my delightful
+dreams.&nbsp; Minna, with a garland of flowers entwined in her hair,
+was bending over me with a smile of goodwill; also the worthy Bendel
+was crowned with flowers, and hastened to meet me with friendly greetings.&nbsp;
+Many other forms seemed to rise up confusedly in the distance: thyself
+among the number, Chamisso.&nbsp; Perfect radiance beamed around them,
+but none had a shadow; and what was more surprising, there was no appearance
+of unhappiness on this account.&nbsp; Nothing was to be seen or heard
+but flowers and music; and love and joy, and groves of never-fading
+palms, seemed the natives of that happy clime.<br>
+<br>
+In vain I tried to detain and comprehend the lovely but fleeting forms.&nbsp;
+I was conscious, also, of being in a dream, and was anxious that nothing
+should rouse me from it; and when I did awake, I kept my eyes closed,
+in order if possible to continue the illusion.&nbsp; At last I opened
+my eyes.&nbsp; The sun was now visible in the east; I must have slept
+the whole night: I looked upon this as a warning not to return to the
+inn.&nbsp; What I had left there I was content to lose, without much
+regret; and resigning myself to Providence, I decided on taking a by-road
+that led through the wooded declivity of the mountain.&nbsp; I never
+once cast a glance behind me; nor did it ever occur to me to return,
+as I might have done, to Bendel, whom I had left in affluence.&nbsp;
+I reflected on the new character I was now going to assume in the world.&nbsp;
+My present garb was very humble - consisting of an old black coat I
+formerly had worn at Berlin, and which by some chance was the first
+I put my hand on before setting out on this journey, a travelling-cap,
+and an old pair of boots.&nbsp; I cut down a knotted stick in memory
+of the spot, and commenced my pilgrimage.<br>
+<br>
+In the forest I met an aged peasant, who gave me a friendly greeting,
+and with whom I entered into conversation, requesting, as a traveller
+desirous of information, some particulars relative to the road, the
+country, and its inhabitants, the productions of the mountain, &amp;c.&nbsp;
+He replied to my various inquiries with readiness and intelligence.&nbsp;
+At last we reached the bed of a mountain-torrent, which had laid waste
+a considerable tract of the forest; I inwardly shuddered at the idea
+of the open sunshine.&nbsp; I suffered the peasant to go before me.&nbsp;
+In the middle of the very place which I dreaded so much, he suddenly
+stopped, and turned back to give me an account of this inundation; but
+instantly perceiving that I had no shadow, he broke off abruptly, and
+exclaimed, &ldquo;How is this? - you have no shadow!&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Alas, alas!&rdquo; said I, &ldquo;in a long and serious illness
+I had the misfortune to lose my hair, my nails, and my shadow.&nbsp;
+Look, good father; although my hair has grown again, it is quite white;
+and at my age, my nails are still very short; and my poor shadow seems
+to have left me, never to return.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Ah!&rdquo; said the old man, shaking his head; &ldquo;no shadow!
+that was indeed a terrible illness, sir.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+But he did not resume his narrative; and at the very first cross-road
+we came to, left me without uttering a syllable.&nbsp; Fresh tears flowed
+from my eyes, and my cheerfulness had fled.&nbsp; With a heavy heart
+I travelled on, avoiding all society.&nbsp; I plunged into the deepest
+shades of the forest; and often, to avoid a sunny tract of country,
+I waited for hours till every human being had left it, and I could pass
+it unobserved.&nbsp; In the evenings I took shelter in the villages.&nbsp;
+I bent my steps to a mine in the mountains, where I hoped to meet with
+work underground; for besides that my present situation compelled me
+to provide for my own support, I felt that incessant and laborious occupation
+alone could divert my mind from dwelling on painful subjects.&nbsp;
+A few rainy days assisted me materially on my journey; but it was to
+the no small detriment of my boots, the soles of which were better suited
+to Count Peter than to the poor foot-traveller.&nbsp; I was soon barefoot,
+and a new purchase must be made.&nbsp; The following morning I commenced
+an earnest search in a marketplace, where a fair was being held; and
+I saw in one of the booths new and second-hand boots set out for sale.&nbsp;
+I was a long time selecting and bargaining; I wished much to have a
+new pair, but was frightened at the extravagant price; and so was obliged
+to content myself with a second-hand pair, still pretty good and strong,
+which the beautiful fair-haired youth who kept the booth handed over
+to me with a cheerful smile, wishing me a prosperous journey.&nbsp;
+I went on, and left the place immediately by the northern gate.<br>
+<br>
+I was so lost in my own thoughts, that I walked along scarcely knowing
+how or where.&nbsp; I was calculating the chances of my reaching the
+mine by the evening, and considering how I should introduce myself.&nbsp;
+I had not gone two hundred steps, when I perceived I was not in the
+right road.&nbsp; I looked round, and found myself in a wild-looking
+forest of ancient firs, where apparently the stroke of the axe had never
+been heard.&nbsp; A few steps more brought me amid huge rocks covered
+with moss and saxifragous plants, between which whole fields of snow
+and ice were extended.&nbsp; The air was intensely cold.&nbsp; I looked
+round, and the forest had disappeared behind me; a few steps more, and
+there was the stillness of death itself.&nbsp; The icy plain on which
+I stood stretched to an immeasurable distance, and a thick cloud rested
+upon it; the sun was of a red blood-colour at the verge of the horizon;
+the cold was insupportable.&nbsp; I could not imagine what had happened
+to me.&nbsp; The benumbing frost made me quicken my pace.&nbsp; I heard
+a distant sound of waters; and, at one step more, I stood on the icy
+shore of some ocean.&nbsp; Innumerable droves of sea-dogs rushed past
+me and plunged into the waves.&nbsp; I continued my way along this coast,
+and again met with rocks, plains, birch and fir forests, and yet only
+a few minutes had elapsed.&nbsp; It was now intensely hot.&nbsp; I looked
+around, and suddenly found myself between some fertile rice-fields and
+mulberry-trees; I sat down under their shade, and found by my watch
+that it was just one quarter of an hour since I had left the village
+market.&nbsp; I fancied it was a dream; but no, I was indeed awake,
+as I felt by the experiment I made of biting my tongue.&nbsp; I closed
+my eyes in order to collect my scattered thoughts.&nbsp; Presently I
+heard unintelligible words uttered in a nasal tone; and I beheld two
+Chinese, whose Asiatic physiognomies were not to be mistaken, even had
+their costume not betrayed their origin.&nbsp; They were addressing
+me in the language and with the salutations of their country.&nbsp;
+I rose, and drew back a couple of steps.&nbsp; They had disappeared;
+the landscape was entirely changed; the rice-fields had given place
+to trees and woods.&nbsp; I examined some of the trees and plants around
+me, and ascertained such of them as I was acquainted with to be productions
+of the southern part of Asia.&nbsp; I made one step towards a particular
+tree, and again all was changed.&nbsp; I now moved on like a recruit
+at drill, taking slow and measured steps, gazing with astonished eyes
+at the wonderful variety of regions, plains, meadows, mountains, steppes,
+and sandy deserts, which passed in succession before me.&nbsp; I had
+now no doubt that I had seven-leagued boots on my feet.<br>
+<br>
+I fell on my knees in silent gratitude, shedding tears of thankfulness;
+for I now saw clearly what was to be my future condition.&nbsp; Shut
+out by early sins from all human society, I was offered amends for the
+privation by Nature herself, which I had ever loved.&nbsp; The earth
+was granted me as a rich garden; and the knowledge of her operations
+was to be the study and object of my life.&nbsp; This was not a mere
+resolution.&nbsp; I have since endeavoured, with anxious and unabated
+industry, faithfully to imitate the finished and brilliant model then
+presented to me; and my vanity has received a check when led to compare
+the picture with the original.&nbsp; I rose immediately, and took a
+hasty survey of this new field, where I hoped afterwards to reap a rich
+harvest.<br>
+<br>
+I stood on the heights of Thibet; and the sun I had lately beheld in
+the east was now sinking in the west.&nbsp; I traversed Asia from east
+to west, and thence passed into Africa, which I curiously examined at
+repeated visits in all directions.&nbsp; As I gazed on the ancient pyramids
+and temples of Egypt, I descried, in the sandy deserts near Thebes of
+the hundred gates, the caves where Christian hermits dwelt of old.<br>
+<br>
+My determination was instantly taken, that here should be my future
+dwelling.&nbsp; I chose one of the most secluded, but roomy, comfortable,
+and inaccessible to the jackals.<br>
+<br>
+I stepped over from the pillars of Hercules to Europe; and having taken
+a survey of its northern and southern countries, I passed by the north
+of Asia, on the polar glaciers, to Greenland and America, visiting both
+parts of this continent; and the winter, which was already at its height
+in the south, drove me quickly back from Cape Horn to the north.&nbsp;
+I waited till daylight had risen in the east of Asia, and then, after
+a short rest, continued my pilgrimage.&nbsp; I followed in both the
+Americas the vast chain of the Andes, once considered the loftiest on
+our globe.&nbsp; I stepped carefully and slowly from one summit to another,
+sometimes over snowy heights, sometimes over flaming volcanoes, often
+breathless from fatigue.&nbsp; At last I reached Elias&rsquo;s mountain,
+and sprang over Behring&rsquo;s Straits into Asia; I followed the western
+coast in its various windings, carefully observing which of the neighbouring
+isles was accessible to me.&nbsp; From the peninsula of Malacca, my
+boots carried me to Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Lombok.&nbsp; I made many
+attempts - often with danger, and always unsuccessfully - to force my
+way over the numerous little islands and rocks with which this sea is
+studded, wishing to find a north-west passage to Borneo and other islands
+of the Archipelago.<br>
+<br>
+At last I sat down at the extreme point of Lombok, my eyes turned towards
+the south-east, lamenting that I had so soon reached the limits allotted
+to me, and bewailing my fate as a captive in his grated cell.&nbsp;
+Thus was I shut out from that remarkable country, New Holland, and the
+islands of the southern ocean, so essentially necessary to a knowledge
+of the earth, and which would have best assisted me in the study of
+the animal and vegetable kingdoms.&nbsp; And thus, at the very outset,
+I beheld all my labours condemned to be limited to mere fragments.<br>
+<br>
+Ah! Chamisso, what is the activity of man?<br>
+<br>
+Frequently in the most rigorous winters of the southern hemisphere I
+have rashly thrown myself on a fragment of drifting ice between Cape
+Horn and Van Dieman&rsquo;s Land, in the hope of effecting a passage
+to New Holland, reckless of the cold and the vast ocean, reckless of
+my fate, even should this savage land prove my grave.<br>
+<br>
+But all in vain - I never reached New Holland.&nbsp; Each time, when
+defeated in my attempt, I returned to Lombok; and seated at its extreme
+point, my eyes directed to the south-east, I gave way afresh to lamentations
+that my range of investigation was so limited.&nbsp; At last I tore
+myself from the spot, and, heartily grieved at my disappointment, returned
+to the interior of Asia.&nbsp; Setting out at morning dawn, I traversed
+it from east to west, and at night reached the cave in Thebes which
+I had previously selected for my dwelling-place, and had visited yesterday
+afternoon.<br>
+<br>
+After a short repose, as soon as daylight had visited Europe, it was
+my first care to provide myself with the articles of which I stood most
+in need.&nbsp; First of all a drag, to act on my boots; for I had experienced
+the inconvenience of these whenever I wished to shorten my steps and
+examine surrounding objects more fully.&nbsp; A pair of slippers to
+go over the boots served the purpose effectually; and from that time
+I carried two pairs about me, because I frequently cast them off from
+my feet in my botanical investigations, without having time to pick
+them up, when threatened by the approach of lions, men, or hyenas.&nbsp;
+My excellent watch, owing to the short duration of my movements, was
+also on these occasions an admirable chronometer.&nbsp; I wanted, besides,
+a sextant, a few philosophical instruments, and some books.&nbsp; To
+purchase these things, I made several unwilling journeys to London and
+Paris, choosing a time when I could be hid by the favouring clouds.&nbsp;
+As all my ill-gotten gold was exhausted, I carried over from Africa
+some ivory, which is there so plentiful, in payment of my purchases
+- taking care, however, to pick out the smallest teeth, in order not
+to over-burden myself.&nbsp; I had thus soon provided myself with all
+that I wanted, and now entered on a new mode of life as a student -
+wandering over the globe - measuring the height of the mountains, and
+the temperature of the air and of the springs - observing the manners
+and habits of animals - investigating plants and flowers.&nbsp; From
+the equator to the pole, and from the new world to the old, I was constantly
+engaged in repeating and comparing my experiments.<br>
+<br>
+My usual food consisted of the eggs of the African ostrich or northern
+sea-birds, with a few fruits, especially those of the palm and the banana
+of the tropics.&nbsp; The tobacco-plant consoled me when I was depressed;
+and the affection of my spaniel was a compensation for the loss of human
+sympathy and society.&nbsp; When I returned from my excursions, loaded
+with fresh treasures, to my cave in Thebes, which he guarded during
+my absence, he ever sprang joyfully forward to greet me, and made me
+feel that I was indeed not alone on the earth.&nbsp; An adventure soon
+occurred which brought me once more among my fellow-creatures.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+One day, as I was gathering lichens and algae on the northern coast,
+with the drag on my boots, a bear suddenly made his appearance, and
+was stealing towards me round the corner of a rock.&nbsp; After throwing
+away my slippers, I attempted to step across to an island, by means
+of a rock, projecting from the waves in the intermediate space, that
+served as a stepping-stone.&nbsp; I reached the rock safely with one
+foot, but instantly fell into the sea with the other, one of my slippers
+having inadvertently remained on.&nbsp; The cold was intense; and I
+escaped this imminent peril at the risk of my life.&nbsp; On coming
+ashore, I hastened to the Libyan sands to dry myself in the sun; but
+the heat affected my head so much, that, in a fit of illness, I staggered
+back to the north.&nbsp; In vain I sought relief by change of place
+- hurrying from east to west, and from west to east - now in climes
+of the south, now in those of the north; sometimes I rushed into daylight,
+sometimes into the shades of night.&nbsp; I know not how long this lasted.&nbsp;
+A burning fever raged in my veins; with extreme anguish I felt my senses
+leaving me.&nbsp; Suddenly, by an unlucky accident, I trod upon some
+one&rsquo;s foot, whom I had hurt, and received a blow in return which
+laid me senseless.<br>
+<br>
+On recovering, I found myself lying comfortably in a good bed, which,
+with many other beds, stood in a spacious and handsome apartment.&nbsp;
+Some one was watching by me; people seemed to be walking from one bed
+to another; they came beside me, and spoke of me as <i>Number Twelve</i>.&nbsp;
+ On the wall, at the foot of my bed - it was no dream, for I distinctly
+read it - on a black-marble tablet was inscribed my name, in large letters
+of gold<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+PETER SCHLEMIHL<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Underneath were two rows of letters in smaller characters, which I was
+too feeble to connect together, and closed my eyes again.<br>
+<br>
+I now heard something read aloud, in which I distinctly noted the words,
+&ldquo;Peter Schlemihl,&rdquo; but could not collect the full meaning.&nbsp;
+I saw a man of benevolent aspect, and a very beautiful female dressed
+in black, standing near my bed; their countenances were not unknown
+to me, but in my weak state I could not remember who they were.&nbsp;
+Some time elapsed, and I began to regain my strength.&nbsp; I was called
+<i>Number Twelve, </i>and, from my long beard, was supposed to be a
+Jew, but was not the less carefully nursed on that account.&nbsp; No
+one seemed to perceive that I was destitute of a shadow.&nbsp; My boots,
+I was assured, together with everything found on me when I was brought
+here, were in safe keeping, and would be given up to me on my restoration
+to health.&nbsp; This place was called the SCHLMEIHLIUM: the daily recitation
+I had heard, was an exhortation to pray for Peter Schlemihl as the founder
+and benefactor of this institution.&nbsp; The benevolent-looking man
+whom I had seen by my bedside was Bendel; the beautiful lady in black
+was Minna.<br>
+<br>
+I had been enjoying the advantages of the Schlemihlium without being
+recognised; and I learned, further, that I was in Bendel&rsquo;s native
+town, where he had employed a part of my once unhallowed gold in founding
+an hospital in my name, under his superintendence, and that its unfortunate
+inmates daily pronounced blessings on me.&nbsp; Minna had become a widow:
+an unhappy lawsuit had deprived Rascal of his life, and Minna of the
+greater part of her property.&nbsp; Her parents were no more; and here
+she dwelt in widowed piety, wholly devoting herself to works of mercy.<br>
+<br>
+One day, as she stood by the side of Number Twelve&rsquo;s bed with
+Bendel, he said to her, &ldquo;Noble lady, why expose yourself so frequently
+to this unhealthy atmosphere?&nbsp; Has fate dealt so harshly with you
+as to render you desirous of death?&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;By no means, Mr. Bendel,&rdquo; she replied; &ldquo;since I have
+awoke from my long dream, all has gone well with me.&nbsp; I now neither
+wish for death nor fear it, and think on the future and on the past
+with equal serenity.&nbsp; Do you not also feel an inward satisfaction
+in thus paying a pious tribute of gratitude and love to your old master
+and friend?&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Thanks be to God, I do, noble lady,&rdquo; said he.&nbsp; &ldquo;Ah,
+how wonderfully has everything fallen out!&nbsp; How thoughtlessly have
+we sipped joys and sorrows from the full cup now drained to the last
+drop; and we might fancy the past a mere prelude to the real scene for
+which we now wait armed by experience.&nbsp; How different has been
+the reality!&nbsp; Yet let us not regret the past, but rather rejoice
+that we have not lived in vain.&nbsp; As respects our old friend also,
+I have a firm hope that it is now better with him than formerly.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;I trust so, too,&rdquo; answered Minna; and so saying she passed
+by me, and they departed.<br>
+<br>
+This conversation made a deep impression on me; and I hesitated whether
+I should discover myself or depart unknown.&nbsp; At last I decided;
+and, asking for pen and paper, wrote as follows:-<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Matters are indeed better with your old friend than formerly.&nbsp;
+He has repented; and his repentance has led to forgiveness.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+I now attempted to rise, for I felt myself stronger.&nbsp; The keys
+of a little chest near my bed were given me; and in it I found all my
+effects.&nbsp; I put on my clothes; fastened my botanical case round
+me - wherein, with delight, I found my northern lichens all safe - put
+on my boots, and leaving my note on the table, left the gates, and was
+speedily far advanced on the road to Thebes.<br>
+<br>
+Passing along the Syrian coast, which was the same road I had taken
+on last leaving home, I beheld my poor Figaro running to meet me.&nbsp;
+The faithful animal, after vainly waiting at home for his master&rsquo;s
+return, had probably followed his traces.&nbsp; I stood still, and called
+him.&nbsp; He sprang towards me with leaps and barks, and a thousand
+demonstrations of unaffected delight.&nbsp; I took him in my arms -
+for he was unable to follow me - and carried him home.<br>
+<br>
+There I found everything exactly in the order in which I had left it;
+and returned by degrees, as my increasing strength allowed me, to my
+old occupations and usual mode of life, from which I was kept back a
+whole year by my fall into the Polar Ocean.&nbsp; And this, dear Chamisso,
+is the life I am still leading.&nbsp; My boots are not yet worn out,
+as I had been led to fear would be the case from that very learned work
+of Tieckius - <i>De</i> <i>rebus gestis Pollicilli</i>.&nbsp; Their
+energies remain unimpaired; and although mine are gradually failing
+me, I enjoy the consolation of having spent them in pursuing incessantly
+one object, and that not fruitlessly.<br>
+<br>
+So far as my boots would carry me, I have observed and studied our globe
+and its conformation, its mountains and temperature, the atmosphere
+in its various changes, the influences of the magnetic power; in fact,
+I have studied all living creation - and more especially the kingdom
+of plants - more profoundly than any one of our race.&nbsp; I have arranged
+all the facts in proper order, to the best of my ability, in different
+works.&nbsp; The consequences deducible from these facts, and my views
+respecting them, I have hastily recorded in some essays and dissertations.&nbsp;
+I have settled the geography of the interior of Africa and the Arctic
+regions, of the interior of Asia and of its eastern coast.&nbsp; My
+<i>Historia stirpium plantarum utriusque orbis </i>is an extensive fragment
+of a <i>Flora universalis terr&aelig; </i>and a part of my <i>Systema
+natur&aelig;</i>.&nbsp; Besides increasing the number of our known species
+by more than a third, I have also contributed somewhat to the natural
+system of plants and to a knowledge of their geography.&nbsp; I am now
+deeply engaged on my <i>Fauna, </i>and shall take care to have my manuscripts
+sent to the University of Berlin before my decease.<br>
+<br>
+I have selected thee, my dear Chamisso, to be the guardian of my wonderful
+history, thinking that, when I have left this world, it may afford valuable
+instruction to the living.&nbsp; As for thee, Chamisso, if thou wouldst
+live amongst thy fellow-creatures, learn to value thy shadow more than
+gold; if thou wouldst only live to thyself and thy nobler part - in
+this thou needest no counsel.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+APPENDIX.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+[<i>From the prefatory matter prefixed to time Berlin edition, </i>1839,
+<i>from which the present translation is made</i>.]<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+PREFACE BY THE EDITOR.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+The origin of &ldquo;Peter Schlemihl&rdquo; is to be ascribed in a great
+degree to circumstances that occurred in the life of the writer.&nbsp;
+During the eventful year of 1813, when the movement broke out which
+ultimately freed Germany from the yoke of her oppressor, and precipitated
+his downfall, Chamisso was in Berlin.&nbsp; Everyone who could wield
+a sword hastened then to employ it on behalf of Germany and of the good
+cause.&nbsp; Chamisso had not only a powerful arm, but a heart also
+of truly German mould; and yet he was placed in a situation so peculiar
+as to isolate him among millions.&nbsp; As he was of French parentage,
+the question was, not merely whether he should fight on behalf of Germany,
+but, also, whether he should fight against the people with whom he was
+connected by the ties of blood and family relationship.&nbsp; Hence
+arose a struggle in his breast.&nbsp; &ldquo;I, and I alone, am forbidden
+at this juncture to wield a sword!&rdquo;&nbsp; Such was frequently
+his exclamation; and instead of meeting with sympathy on account of
+his peculiar situation, he was frequently doomed to hear, in the capital
+of Prussia, the head-quarters of the confederation against France and
+Napoleon, expressions of hatred and scorn directed against his countrymen.&nbsp;
+He was himself too equitable to mistake the cause of such expressions,
+which were perfectly natural under the circumstances, but they nevertheless
+deeply afflicted him when they reached his ears.&nbsp; In this state
+of things his friends resolved to remove him from such a scene of excitement,
+and to place him amid the quiet scenery of the country.&nbsp; An asylum
+was offered him in the family of Count Itzenplitsch, where he was sufficiently
+near to become acquainted with the gradual development of the all-important
+crisis, and yet free from any unpleasant personal contact with it.&nbsp;
+Here, at the family-seat of Cunersdorf, scarcely a day&rsquo;s journey
+from Berlin, wholly devoted to botany and other favourite pursuits,
+Chamisso conceived the idea of &ldquo;Peter Schlemihl,&rdquo; and with
+rapid pen finished off the story.&nbsp; Chamisso&rsquo;s letters of
+this date (in the first volume of his Life, by the writer of this notice)
+afford evidence of this.<br>
+<br>
+The first edition of the incomparable story appeared in 1814, with a
+dedication dated May 27, 1813; and it was just beginning to be known
+in the world at the commencement of 1815, when the author left Germany
+on a voyage round the world, of which the story contains a remarkable
+anticipation.&nbsp; &ldquo;Peter Schlemihl&rdquo; was his parting salutation
+to his second fatherland, and the first foundation-stone of his future
+fame.<br>
+<br>
+Chamisso was often pestered with questions respecting what he really
+meant by the story of Schlemihl.&nbsp; These questions amused as well
+as annoyed him.&nbsp; The truth is, that his intention in writing it
+was perhaps scarcely of so precise a nature as to admit of his giving
+a formal account of it.&nbsp; The story sprang into being of itself,
+like every work of genius, prompted by a self-creating power.&nbsp;
+In a letter to the writer of this notice, after he had just commenced
+the story, he says, &ldquo;A book was the last thing you would have
+expected from me!&nbsp; Place it before your wife this evening, if you
+have time; should she be desirous to know Schlemihl&rsquo;s further
+adventures, and particularly who the man in the grey cloak is - send
+me back the MS. immediately, that I may continue the story; but if you
+do not return it, I shall know the meaning of the signal perfectly.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+Is it possible for any writer to submit himself to the scrutiny of the
+public more good-naturedly?<br>
+<br>
+In the preface to the new French translation (which appeared in 1838)
+of this story, Chamisso amuses himself in his own peculiar way, over
+the prying curiosity of those who want to know what his real object
+was in writing this tale: - &ldquo;The present story,&rdquo; he says,
+&ldquo;has fallen into the hands of thoughtful people, who, being accustomed
+to read only for instruction&rsquo;s sake, have been at a loss to know
+what the shadow signifies.&nbsp; On this point several have formed curious
+hypotheses; others, who do me the honour to believe that I am more learned
+than I really am, have addressed themselves to me for the solution of
+their doubts.&nbsp; The questions with which they have besieged me have
+made me blush on account of my ignorance.&nbsp; I have therefore been
+induced to devote myself to the investigation of a matter not hitherto
+the subject of my studies; and I now beg to submit to the world the
+result of my learned researches.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;&lsquo;<i>Concerning Shadows</i>. - A dark body can only be partially
+illuminated by a bright one.&nbsp; The dark space which lies in the
+direction of the unilluminated part is what we call a <i>shadow</i>.&nbsp;
+Properly speaking, shadow signifies a bodily space, the form of which
+depends upon the form of the illuminating body, and upon their opposite
+position with regard to each other.&nbsp; The shadow thrown on a surface,
+situated before the shadow-projecting body, is, therefore, nothing else
+than the intersection of this surface by the bodily space (in French,
+<i>le solide, </i>on which word <i>solid </i>the whole force of the
+humour turns), which we before designated by the word shadow.&rsquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;The question in this wonderful history of Peter Schlemihl relates
+entirely to the last-mentioned quality, <i>solidity</i>.&nbsp; The science
+of finance instructs us sufficiently as to the value of money: the value
+of a shadow is less generally acknowledged.&nbsp; My thoughtless friend
+was covetous of money, of which he knew the value, and forgot to think
+on solid substance.&nbsp; It was his wish that the lesson which he had
+paid for so dearly should be turned to our profit; and his bitter experience
+calls to us with a loud voice, Think on the solid - the substantial!&rdquo;&nbsp;
+So far Chamisso.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Peter Schlemihl&rdquo; has been translated into almost all the
+languages of Europe.&nbsp; Of the Dutch, Spanish, and Russian translations
+we do not possess any copies.&nbsp; The French and Italian are as follows:-<br>
+<br>
+<i>Pierre Schlemihl.&nbsp; Paris, chez Ladvocat, </i>1822. - This was
+revised by Chamisso in manuscript, who added a preface to it; but the
+translation was afterwards capriciously altered by the same publisher.<br>
+<br>
+<i>Un Roman du Po&egrave;te Allemand contemporain, Adelbert de Chamisso;
+traduit par N. Martin.&nbsp; Histoire merveilleuse de Pierre Schlemihl.&nbsp;
+Dunquerque, </i>1837. - At the end the translator has added a letter
+to a friend, with the Greek motto, &ldquo;Life is the dream of a shadow.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+The translator, while laughing in this letter at the Germans, who, he
+says, ought to write three folio volumes of explanatory notes on the
+little volume, falls into the error of being very diffuse himself in
+the attempt to elucidate his author.&nbsp; His long letter concludes
+not inappropriately with these words: &ldquo;I have just observed, although
+certainly rather late, that I have written a letter full of shadows,
+and instead of lighting a torch to illuminate the darkness, have, I
+fear, only deepened the gloom.&nbsp; Should this be the case, the reader
+at any rate will not withhold from me the praise of having preserved
+the colours of the original.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+<i>Merveilleuse Histoire de Pierre Schlemihl.&nbsp; Enrichie d&rsquo;une
+savente pr&eacute;face, o&ugrave; les curieux pourront apprendre ce
+que c&rsquo;est que l&rsquo;ombre.&nbsp; Paris et Nurnberg, </i>1838.&nbsp;
+<i>With illustrations. -</i> This translation was revised by Chamisso.<br>
+<br>
+<i>L&rsquo;Uomo senz&rsquo; Ombra.&nbsp; Dono di simpatia al gentil
+sesso.&nbsp; Milano, </i>1838.&nbsp; Published as an Annual, with a
+Calendar, and Engravings. - The editor is pleased not only to withhold
+the author&rsquo;s name, but manages so to word his own preface as to
+lead his readers to conclude that he himself is the author of the book.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Schlemihl&rdquo; was also brought on the stage, but without giving
+the honours of authorship to the true source.&nbsp; This took place
+at Vienna, in February, 1819.&nbsp; The announcement ran thus:- &ldquo;Pulzlivizli,
+or the Man without a Shadow: a comic, enchanted drama, in three acts,
+adapted from De la Motte Fouqu&eacute;, by Ferdinand Rosenau.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+Among the characters were the grey man, and a certain Albert, probably
+intended for Schlemihl.&nbsp; Of the contents of the piece we know nothing.<br>
+<br>
+In England two editions have appeared [previous to the present, - <i>Tr</i>.];
+one of which was reprinted at Boston in 1825.&nbsp; Of the popularity
+of &ldquo;Peter Schlemihl&rdquo; in Great Britain we have a striking
+proof, from a caricature that appeared shortly after the coronation
+of William IV.&nbsp; On the celebration of this solemnity, a brother
+of the King - the Duke of Cumberland - arrived from the Continent to
+be present on the occasion; and as he was well known to be an ardent
+Tory, his reception on the part of the people was not of the most flattering
+description.&nbsp; As a consequence of this, and owing, perhaps, to
+an expression that fell from the Duke, that &ldquo;popularity is only
+a shadow,&rdquo; the caricature made its appearance.&nbsp; In the foreground
+of the print is seen a striking likeness of the royal Duke in the costume
+of the Order of the Garter.&nbsp; On his right stands the King, with
+the crown on his head, and reflecting a goodly shadow on the wall.&nbsp;
+Between the King and his brother are some courtiers, who exclaim, in
+a tone of commiseration, &ldquo;Lost, or stolen, a gentleman&rsquo;s
+shadow.&rdquo;&nbsp; At the bottom of the print is the following inscription:-<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;PETER SCHLEMIHL AT THE CORONATION.<br>
+<br>
+Granted that popularity is nothing but a shadow, it is still far from
+pleasant to be without that shadow.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+BRIEF SKETCH OF CHAMISSO&rsquo;S LIFE.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Louis Adelbert de Chamisso was born January 27, 1781, at Beaucourt,
+in Champagne.&nbsp; At the Revolution, he left France with his parents,
+and came to Berlin, where, in 1796, he was appointed page to the King,
+and soon after had a commission given him in the army.&nbsp; He applied
+himself with much ardour to acquire the German language, and felt great
+interest in the study of its literature, particularly its poetry and
+philosophy, and was most attracted by those writers whose character
+presented the greatest contrast to that of his own countrymen.&nbsp;
+By intercourse with the learned, and by the friendships which he formed,
+he soon became thoroughly German, which he proved by his poems, which
+were distinguished above the crowd of such compositions by the originality
+of their style, and peculiar vigour.&nbsp; From 1804 to 1806 he published
+the &ldquo;Almanack of the Muses,&rdquo; in conjunction with Varnhagen
+von Ense.&nbsp; At the peace of Tilsit he left the army, and visited
+France, when his family obtained back part of their possessions.&nbsp;
+At this time he held, for a short period, a situation as Professor at
+the school of Napoleonville, but soon returned to Germany, devoting
+himself wholly to a literary life, and in particular to the study of
+natural history.&nbsp; During his visit to France, he spent some time
+with Madame de Sta&euml;l, whom he also visited in Switzerland.&nbsp;
+In 1811 he returned to Berlin; and in 1813 he wrote his &ldquo;Peter
+Schlemihl,&rdquo; which marked him out as a man of distinguished and
+original genius.&nbsp; It was published in 1814 by his friend Fouqu&eacute;.&nbsp;
+When Count Runnjanzow resolved on undertaking a voyage round the world,
+he invited Chamisso to accompany him as naturalist to the expedition
+- an invitation which he gladly embraced.&nbsp; The ships left Cronstadt
+in 1815, and returned in 1818; and although the discovery of a North-West
+passage - the great object of the expedition - was not attained, yet
+extensive acquisitions were made in every department of scientific research.&nbsp;
+Chamisso&rsquo;s share in the voyage is recorded in the third volume
+of the account of it published at Weimar in 1821, and does honour to
+his spirit of careful observation and his accuracy.&nbsp; He now again
+fixed his residence at Berlin, from whose university he received the
+degree of doctor in philosophy.&nbsp; An appointment at the Botanic
+Garden allowed him full liberty to follow up his favourite pursuit of
+natural history, and bound him by still stronger ties to his second
+fatherland.&nbsp; He now wrote an account of the principal plants of
+the North of Germany, with views respecting the vegetable kingdom and
+the science of botany: this work appeared at Berlin in 1827.&nbsp; Poetry,
+however, had still some share of his attention; and he continued, during
+the latter years of his life, to maintain his claims to an honourable
+place among the poets of Germany.&nbsp; Several of his ballads and romances
+rank with the most distinguished of modern times in this branch of composition.&nbsp;
+Surrounded by a circle of attached and admiring friends, Chamisso continued
+thus entirely engaged till his death, in 1839, leaving behind him a
+name and works which posterity &ldquo;will not willingly let perish.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+FROM THE BARON DE LA MOTTE FOUQU&Eacute; TO JULIUS EDWARD HITZIG.<br>
+[<i>From the first edition</i>.]<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+We should take care, my dear Edward, not to expose the history of poor
+Schlemihl to eyes unfit to look upon it.&nbsp; That would be a bad experiment.&nbsp;
+Of such eyes there are plenty; and who is able to predict what may befal
+a <i>manuscript, </i>which is almost more difficult to guard than spoken
+language?&nbsp; Like a person seized with vertigo, therefore, who, in
+the paroxysm of his feelings, leaps into the abyss, I commit the story
+to the press.<br>
+<br>
+And yet there are better and more serious reasons for the step I have
+taken.&nbsp; If I am not wholly deceived, there are in our dear Germany
+many hearts both capable and worthy of comprehending poor Schlemihl,
+although a smile will arise on the countenance of many among our honest
+countrymen at the bitter sport which was death to him and to the innocent
+being whom he drew along with him.&nbsp; And you, Edward, when you have
+seen the estimable work, and reflected on the number of unknown and
+sympathising bosoms who, with ourselves, will learn to love it, - you
+will, then, perhaps, feel that some drops of consolation have been instilled
+into those wounds inflicted on you, and on all who love you, by death.<br>
+<br>
+To conclude: I have become convinced, by repeated experience, that a
+guardian angel watches over books, places them in proper hands, and
+if not always, yet often, prevents them from falling into improper.&nbsp;
+In any case, he exercises an invisible guardianship over every work
+of true genius and genuine feeling, and with unfailing tact and skill
+opens or shuts its pages as he sees fit.<br>
+<br>
+To this guardian angel I commit our &ldquo;Schlemihl.&rdquo;&nbsp; And
+so, adieu!&nbsp; FOUQU&Eacute;.<br>
+<br>
+<i>Neunhausen</i>, <i>May</i>, 1814.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+THE STORY WITHOUT AN END<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+TO MY DAUGHTER<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+My Dear Child,<br>
+<br>
+The story you love so much in German I dedicate to you in English.&nbsp;
+It was in compliance with your earnest wish that other children might
+share the delight it has so often afforded you, that I translated it;
+so that it is, in some sort, yours of right.&nbsp; Let us hope that
+your confident expectations of sympathy in your pleasure may not be
+disappointed; or that, if others think the story less beautiful than
+you do, they may find compensation in the graceful designs it has inspired.<br>
+<br>
+You have often regretted that it left off so soon, and would, I believe,
+&ldquo;have been glad to hear more and more, and for ever.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+The continuation you have longed for lies in a wide and magnificent
+book, which contains more wonderful and glorious things than all our
+favourite fairy tales put together.&nbsp; But to read in that book,
+so as to discover all its beautiful meanings, you must have pure, clear
+eyes, and an humble, loving heart; otherwise you will complain, as some
+do, that it is dim and puzzling; or, as others that it is dull and monotonous.<br>
+<br>
+May you continue to read in it with new curiosity, new delight, and
+new profit; and to find it, as long as you live, the untiring &ldquo;Story
+without an End.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+Your affectionate mother,<br>
+S. A.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER I.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+There was once a Child who lived in a little hut, and in the hut there
+was nothing but a little bed and a looking-glass which hung in a dark
+corner.&nbsp; Now the Child cared nothing at all about the looking-glass;
+but as soon as the first sunbeam glided softly through the casement,
+and kissed his sweet eyelids, and the finch and the linnet waked him
+merrily with their morning songs, he arose, and went out into the green
+meadow.&nbsp; And he begged flour of the primrose, and sugar of the
+violet, and butter of the buttercup; he shook dewdrops from the cowslip
+into the cup of a harebell; spread out a large lime-leaf, set his little
+breakfast upon it, and feasted daintily.&nbsp; Sometimes he invited
+a humming-bee, oftener a gay butterfly, to partake his feast; but his
+favourite guest was the blue dragon-fly.&nbsp; The bee murmured a good
+deal, in a solemn tone, about his riches; but the Child thought that
+if he were a bee, heaps of treasure would not make him gay and happy;
+and that it must be much more delightful and glorious to float about
+in the free and fresh breezes of spring, and to hum joyously in the
+web of the sunbeams, than, with heavy feet and heavy heart, to stow
+the silver wax and the golden honey into cells.<br>
+<br>
+To this the Butterfly assented; and he told how once on a time, he too
+had been greedy and sordid; how he had thought of nothing but eating,
+and had never once turned his eyes upwards to the blue heavens.&nbsp;
+At length, however, a complete change had come over him; and instead
+of crawling spiritless about the dirty earth, half dreaming, he all
+at once awaked as out of a deep sleep.&nbsp; And now he would rise into
+the air; - and it was his greatest joy sometimes to play with the light,
+and to reflect the heavens in the bright eyes of his wings; sometimes
+to listen to the soft language of the flowers, and catch their secrets.&nbsp;
+Such talk delighted the Child, and his breakfast was the sweeter to
+him, and the sunshine on leaf and flower seemed to him more bright and
+cheering.<br>
+<br>
+But when the Bee had flown off to beg from flower to flower, and the
+Butterfly had fluttered away to his playfellows, the Dragon-fly still
+remained, poised on a blade of grass.&nbsp; Her slender and burnished
+body, more brightly and deeply blue than the deep blue sky, glistened
+in the sun beam; and her net-like wings laughed at the flowers because
+<i>they </i>could not fly, but must stand still and abide the wind and
+the rain.&nbsp; The Dragon-fly sipped a little of the Child&rsquo;s
+clear dew-drops and blue violet-honey, and then whispered her winged
+words.&nbsp; And the Child made an end of his repast, closed his dark
+blue eyes, bent down his beautiful head, and listened to the sweet prattle.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Then the Dragon-fly told much of the merry life in the green wood; how
+sometimes she played hide-and-seek with her playfellows under the broad
+leaves of the oak and the beech trees; or hunt-the-hare along the surface
+of the still waters; sometimes quietly watched the sunbeams, as they
+flew busily from moss to flower and from flower to bush, and shed life
+and warmth over all.&nbsp; But at night, she said, the moonbeams glided
+softly around the wood, and dropped dew into the mouths of all the thirsty
+plants; and when the dawn pelted the slumberers with the soft roses
+of heaven, some of the half-drunken flowers looked up and smiled; but
+most of them could not so much as raise their heads for a long, long
+time.<br>
+<br>
+Such stories did the Dragon-fly tell; and as the Child sat motionless
+with his eyes shut, and his head rested on his little hand, she thought
+he had fallen asleep; so she poised her double wings and flew into the
+rustling wood.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER II.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+But the Child was only sunk into a dream of delight, and was wishing
+<i>he </i>were a sunbeam or a moonbeam; and he would have been glad
+to hear more and more, and for ever.&nbsp; But at last, as all was still,
+he opened his eyes and looked around for his dear guest; but she was
+flown far away; so he could not bear to sit there any longer alone,
+and he rose and went to the gurgling brook.&nbsp; It gushed and rolled
+so merrily, and tumbled so wildly along as it hurried to throw itself
+head over heels into the river, just as if the great massy rock out
+of which it sprang were close behind it, and could only be escaped by
+a break-neck leap.<br>
+<br>
+Then the Child began to talk to the little waves, and asked them whence
+they came.&nbsp; They would not stay to give him an answer, but danced
+away, one over another; till at last, that the sweet Child might not
+be grieved, a drop of water stopped behind a piece of rock.&nbsp; From
+her the Child heard strange histories, but he could not understand them
+all, for she told him about her former life, and about the depths of
+the mountain.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;A long while ago,&rdquo; said the Drop of Water, &ldquo;I lived
+with my countless sisters in the great ocean, in peace and unity.&nbsp;
+We had all sorts of pastimes; sometimes we mounted up high into the
+air, and peeped at the stars; then we sank plump down deep below, and
+looked how the coral builders work till they are tired, that they may
+reach the light of day at last.&nbsp; But I was conceited, and thought
+myself much better than my sisters.&nbsp; And so one day, when the sun
+rose out of the sea, I clung fast to one of his hot beams, and thought
+that now I should reach the stars, and become one of them.&nbsp; But
+I had not ascended far, when the sunbeam shook me off, and in spite
+of all I could say or do, let me fall into a dark cloud.&nbsp; And soon
+a flash of fire darted through the cloud, and now I thought I must surely
+die; but the whole cloud laid itself down softly upon the top of a mountain,
+and so I escaped with my fright, and a black eye.&nbsp; Now I thought
+I should remain hidden, when all on a sudden I slipped over a round
+pebble, fell from one stone to another, down into the depths of the
+mountain, till at last it was pitch dark, and I could neither see nor
+hear anything.&nbsp; Then I found, indeed, that &lsquo;pride goeth before
+a fall,&rsquo; resigned myself to my fate, and, as I had already laid
+aside all my unhappy pride in the cloud, my portion was now the salt
+of humility; and after undergoing many purifications from the hidden
+virtues of metals and minerals, I was at length permitted to come up
+once more into the free cheerful air; and now will I run back to my
+sisters, and there wait patiently till I am called to something better.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+But hardly had she done when the root of a forget-me-not caught the
+drop of water by her hair and sucked her in, that she might become a
+floweret, and twinkle brightly as a blue star on the green firmament
+of earth.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER III.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+The Child did not very well know what to think of all this: he went
+thoughtfully home and laid himself on his little bed; and all night
+long he was wandering about on the ocean, and among the stars, and over
+the dark mountain.&nbsp; But the moon loved to look on the slumbering
+Child as he lay with his little head softly pillowed on his right arm.&nbsp;
+She lingered a long time before his little window, and went slowly away
+to lighten the dark chamber of some sick person.<br>
+<br>
+As the moon&rsquo;s soft light lay on the Child&rsquo;s eyelids, he
+fancied he sat in a golden boat, on a great, great water; countless
+stars swam glittering on the dark mirror.&nbsp; He stretched out his
+hand to catch the nearest star, but it had vanished, and the water sprayed
+up against him.&nbsp; Then he saw clearly that these were not the real
+stars; he looked up to heaven, and wished he could fly thither.<br>
+<br>
+But in the meantime the moon had wandered on her way; and now the Child
+was led in his dream into the clouds, and he thought he was sitting
+on a white sheep, and he saw many lambs grazing around him.&nbsp; He
+tried to catch a little lamb to play with, but it was all mist and vapour;
+and the Child was sorrowful, and wished himself down again in his own
+meadow, where his own lamb was sporting gaily about.<br>
+<br>
+Meanwhile the moon was gone to sleep behind the mountains, and all around
+was dark.&nbsp; Then the Child dreamt that he fell down into the dark,
+gloomy caverns of the mountain, and at that he was so frightened, that
+he suddenly awoke, just as morning opened her clear eye over the nearest
+hill.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER IV.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+The Child started up, and, to recover himself from his fright, went
+into the little flower-garden behind his cottage, where the beds were
+surrounded by ancient palm-trees, and where he knew that all the flowers
+would nod kindly at him.&nbsp; But, behold, the Tulip turned up her
+nose, and the Ranunculus held her head as stiffly as possible, that
+she might not bow good-morrow to him.&nbsp; The Rose, with her fair
+round cheeks, smiled and greeted the Child lovingly; so he went up to
+her and kissed her fragrant mouth.&nbsp; And then the Rose tenderly
+complained that he so seldom came into the garden, and that she gave
+out her bloom and her fragrance the live-long day in vain; for the other
+flowers could not see her, because they were too low, or did not care
+to look at her, because they themselves were so rich in bloom and fragrance.&nbsp;
+But she was most delighted when she glowed in the blooming head of a
+child, and could pour out all her heart&rsquo;s secrets to him in sweet
+odours.&nbsp; Among other things, the Rose whispered in his ear that
+she was the fulness of beauty.<br>
+<br>
+And in truth the Child, while looking at her beauty, seemed to have
+quite forgotten to go on; till the Blue Larkspur called to him, and
+asked whether he cared nothing more about his faithful friend; she said
+that she was unchanged, and that even in death she should look upon
+him with eyes of unfading blue.<br>
+<br>
+The Child thanked her for her true-heartedness, and passed on to the
+Hyacinth, who stood near the puffy, full-cheeked, gaudy Tulips.&nbsp;
+Even from a distance the Hyacinth sent forth kisses to him, for she
+knew not how to express her love.&nbsp; Although she was not remarkable
+for her beauty, yet the Child felt himself wondrously attracted by her,
+for he thought no flower loved him so well.&nbsp; But the Hyacinth poured
+out her full heart and wept bitterly, because she stood so lonely; the
+Tulips indeed were her countrymen, but they were so cold and unfeeling
+that she was ashamed of them.&nbsp; The Child encouraged her, and told
+her he did not think things were so bad as she fancied.&nbsp; The Tulips
+spoke their love in bright looks, while she uttered hers in fragrant
+words; that these, indeed, were lovelier and more intelligible, but
+that the others were not to be despised.<br>
+<br>
+Then the Hyacinth was comforted, and said she would be content; and
+the Child went on to the powdered Auricula, who, in her bashfulness,
+looked kindly up to him, and would gladly have given him more than kind
+looks, had she had more to give.&nbsp; But the Child was satisfied with
+her modest greeting; he felt that he was poor too, and he saw the deep,
+thoughtful colours that lay beneath her golden dust.&nbsp; But the humble
+flower, of her own accord, sent him to her neighbour, the Lily, whom
+she willingly acknowledged as her queen.&nbsp; And when the Child came
+to the Lily, the slender flower waved to and fro and bowed her pale
+head with gentle pride and stately modesty, and sent forth a fragrant
+greeting to him.&nbsp; The Child knew not what had come to him: it reached
+his inmost heart, so that his eyes filled with soft tears.&nbsp; Then
+he marked how the lily gazed with a clear and steadfast eye upon the
+sun, and how the sun looked down again into her pure chalice, and how,
+amid this interchange of looks, the three golden threads united in the
+centre.&nbsp; And the Child heard how one scarlet Lady-bird at the bottom
+of the cup said to another, &ldquo;Knowest thou not that we dwell in
+the flower of heaven?&rdquo; and the other replied, &ldquo;Yes; and
+now will the mystery be fulfilled.&rdquo;&nbsp; And as the Child saw
+and heard all this, the dim image of his unknown parents, as it were
+veiled in a holy light, floated before his eyes: he strove to grasp
+it, but the light was gone, and the Child slipped, and would have fallen,
+had not the branch of a currant bush caught and held him; and he took
+some of the bright berries for his morning&rsquo;s meal, and went back
+to his hut and stripped the little branches.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER V.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+But in the hut he stayed not long, all was so gloomy, close, and silent
+within, and abroad everything seemed to smile, and to exult in the clear
+and unbounded space.&nbsp; Therefore the Child went out into the green
+wood, of which the Dragon-fly had told him such pleasant stories.&nbsp;
+But he found everything far more beautiful and lovely even than she
+had described it; for all about, wherever he went, the tender moss pressed
+his little feet, and the delicate grass embraced his knees, and the
+flowers kissed his hands, and even the branches stroked his cheeks with
+a kind and refreshing touch, and the high trees threw their fragrant
+shade around him.<br>
+<br>
+There was no end to his delight.&nbsp; The little birds warbled and
+sang, and fluttered and hopped about, and the delicate wood-flowers
+gave out their beauty and their odours; and every sweet sound took a
+sweet odour by the hand, and thus walked through the open door of the
+Child&rsquo;s heart, and held a joyous nuptial dance therein.&nbsp;
+But the Nightingale and the Lily of the Valley led the dance; for the
+Nightingale sang of nought but love, and the Lily breathed of nought
+but innocence, and he was the bridegroom and she was the bride.&nbsp;
+And the Nightingale was never weary of repeating the same thing a hundred
+times over, for the spring of love which gushed from his heart was ever
+new - and the Lily bowed her head bashfully, that no one might see her
+glowing heart.&nbsp; And yet the one lived so solely and entirely in
+the other, that no one could see whether the notes of the Nightingale
+were floating lilies, or the lilies visible notes, falling like dewdrops
+from the Nightingale&rsquo;s throat.<br>
+<br>
+The Child&rsquo;s heart was full of joy even to the brim.&nbsp; He set
+himself down, and he almost thought he should like to take root there,
+and live for ever among the sweet plants and flowers, and so become
+a true sharer in all their gentle pleasures.&nbsp; For he felt a deep
+delight in the still, secluded, twilight existence of the mosses and
+small herbs, which felt not the storm, nor the frost, nor the scorching
+sunbeam; but dwelt quietly among their many friends and neighbours,
+feasting in peace and good fellowship on the dew and cool shadows which
+the mighty trees shed upon them.&nbsp; To them it was a high festival
+when a sunbeam chanced to visit their lowly home; whilst the tops of
+the lofty trees could find joy and beauty only in the purple rays of
+morning or evening.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER VI.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+And as the Child sat there, a little Mouse rustled from among the dry
+leaves of the former year, and a Lizard half glided from a crevice in
+the rock, and both of them fixed their bright eyes upon the little stranger;
+and when they saw that he designed them no evil, they took courage and
+came nearer to him.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;I should like to live with you,&rdquo; said the Child to the
+two little creatures, in a soft, subdued voice, that he might not frighten
+them.&nbsp; &ldquo;Your chambers are so snug, so warm, and yet so shaded,
+and the flowers grow in at your windows, and the birds sing you their
+morning song, and call you to table and to bed with their clear warblings.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; said the Mouse, &ldquo;it would be all very well
+if all the plants bore nuts and mast, instead of those silly flowers;
+and if I were not obliged to grub under ground in the spring, and gnaw
+the bitter roots, whilst they are dressing themselves in their fine
+flowers and flaunting it to the world, as if they had endless stores
+of honey in their cellars.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Hold your tongue,&rdquo; interrupted the Lizard, pertly; &ldquo;do
+you think, because you are grey, that other people must throw away their
+handsome clothes, or let them lie in the dark wardrobe under ground,
+and wear nothing but grey too?&nbsp; I am not so envious.&nbsp; The
+flowers may dress themselves as they like for me; they pay for it out
+of their own pockets, and they feed bees and beetles from their cups;
+but what I want to know is, of what use are birds in the world?&nbsp;
+Such a fluttering and chattering, truly, from morning early to evening
+late, that one is worried and stunned to death, and there is never a
+day&rsquo;s peace for them.&nbsp; And they do nothing; only snap up
+the flies and the spiders out of the mouths of such as I.&nbsp; For
+my part, I should be perfectly satisfied, provided all the birds in
+the world were flies and beetles.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+The Child changed colour, and his heart was sick and saddened when he
+heard their evil tongues.&nbsp; He could not imagine how anybody could
+speak ill of the beautiful flowers, or scoff at his beloved birds.&nbsp;
+He was waked out of a sweet dream, and the wood seemed to him lonely
+and desert, and he was ill at ease.&nbsp; He started up hastily, so
+that the Mouse and the Lizard shrank back alarmed, and did not look
+around them till they thought themselves safe out of the reach of the
+stranger with the large, severe eyes.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER VII.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+But the Child went away from the place; and as he hung down his head
+thoughtfully, he did not observe that he took the wrong path, nor see
+how the flowers on either side bowed their heads to welcome him, nor
+hear how the old birds from the boughs, and the young from the nests,
+cried aloud to him, &ldquo;God bless thee, our dear little prince!&rdquo;&nbsp;
+And he went on and on, farther and farther, into the deep wood; and
+he thought over the foolish and heartless talk of the two selfish chatterers,
+and could not understand it.&nbsp; He would fain have forgotten it,
+but he could not.&nbsp; And the more he pondered, the more it seemed
+to him as if a malicious spider had spun her web around him, and as
+if his eyes were weary with trying to look through it.<br>
+<br>
+And suddenly he came to a still water, above which young beeches lovingly
+entwined their arms.&nbsp; He looked in the water, and his eyes were
+riveted to it as if by enchantment.&nbsp; He could not move, but stood
+and gazed in the soft, placid mirror, from the bosom of which the tender
+green foliage, with the deep blue heavens between, gleamed so wondrously
+upon him.&nbsp; His sorrow was all forgotten, and even the echo of the
+discord in his little heart was hushed.&nbsp; That heart was once more
+in his eyes; and fain would he have drunk in the soft beauty of the
+colours that lay beneath him, or have plunged into the lovely deep.<br>
+<br>
+Then the breeze began to sigh among the treetops.&nbsp; The Child raised
+his eyes and saw overhead the quivering green, and the deep blue behind
+it, and he knew not whether he were waking or dreaming: which were the
+real leaves and the real heaven - those in the depths above or in the
+depths beneath?&nbsp; Long did the Child waver, and his thoughts floated
+in a delicious dreaminess from one to the other, till the Dragon-fly
+flew to him in affectionate haste, and with rustling wings greeted her
+kind host.&nbsp; The Child returned her greeting, and was glad to meet
+an acquaintance with whom he could share the rich feast of his joy.&nbsp;
+But first he asked the Dragon-fly if she could decide for him between
+the Upper and the Nether - the height and the depth?&nbsp; The Dragon-fly
+flew above, and beneath, and around; but the Water spake:- &ldquo;The
+foliage and the sky above are not the true ones: the leaves wither and
+fall; the sky is often overcast, and sometimes quite dark.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+Then the Leaves and the Sky said, &ldquo;The water only apes us; it
+must change its pictures at our pleasure, and can retain none.&rdquo;&nbsp;
+Then the Dragon-fly remarked that the height and the depth existed only
+in the eyes of the Child, and that the Leaves and the Sky were true
+and real only in his thoughts; because in the mind alone the picture
+was permanent and enduring, and could be carried with him whithersoever
+he went.<br>
+<br>
+This she said to the Child; but she immediately warned him to return,
+for the leaves were already beating the tattoo in the evening breeze,
+and the lights were disappearing one by one in every corner.&nbsp; Then
+the Child confessed to her with alarm that he knew not how he should
+find the way back, and that he feared the dark night would overtake
+him if he attempted to go home alone; so the Dragon-fly flew on before
+him, and showed him a cave in the rock where he might pass the night.<br>
+<br>
+And the Child was well content; for he had often wished to try if he
+could sleep out of his accustomed bed.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER VIII.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+But the Dragon-fly was fleet, and gratitude strengthened her wings to
+pay her host the honour she owed him.&nbsp; And truly, in the dim twilight
+good counsel and guidance were scarce.&nbsp; She flitted hither and
+thither without knowing rightly what was to be done; when, by the last
+vanishing sunbeam, she saw hanging on the edge of the cave some strawberries
+who had drunk so deep of the evening-red, that their heads were quite
+heavy.&nbsp; Then she flew up to a Harebell who stood near, and whispered
+in her ear that the lord and king of all the flowers was in the wood,
+and ought to be received and welcomed as beseemed his dignity.&nbsp;
+Aglaia did not need that this should be repeated.&nbsp; She began to
+ring her sweet bells with all her might; and when her neighbour heard
+the sound, she rang hers also; and soon all the Harebells, great and
+small, were in motion, and rang as if it had been for the nuptials of
+their Mother Earth herself with the Prince of the Sun.&nbsp; The tone
+of the Bluebells was deep and rich, and that of the white, high and
+clear, and all blended together in a delicious harmony.<br>
+<br>
+But the birds were fast asleep in their high nests, and the ears of
+the other animals were not delicate enough, or were too much overgrown
+with hair, to hear them.&nbsp; The Fire-flies alone heard the joyous
+peal, for they were akin to the flowers, through their common ancestor,
+Light.&nbsp; They inquired of their nearest relation, the Lily of the
+Valley, and from her they heard that a large flower had just passed
+along the footpath more blooming than the loveliest rose, and with two
+stars more brilliant than those of the brightest fire-fly, and that
+it must needs be their King.&nbsp; Then all the Fire-flies flew up and
+down the footpath, and sought everywhere, till at length they came,
+as the Dragon-fly had hoped they would, to the cave.<br>
+<br>
+And now, as they looked at the Child, and every one of them saw itself
+reflected in his clear eyes, they rejoiced exceedingly, and called all
+their fellows together, and alighted on the bushes all around; and soon
+it was so light in the cave, that herb and grass began to grow as if
+it had been broad day.&nbsp; Now, indeed, was the joy and triumph of
+the Dragon-fly complete.&nbsp; The Child was delighted with the merry
+and silvery tones of the bells, and with the many little bright-eyed
+companions around him, and with the deep red strawberries which bowed
+down their heads to his touch.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER IX.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+And when he had eaten his fill, he sat down on the soft moss, crossed
+one little leg over the other, and began to gossip with the Fire-flies.&nbsp;
+And as he so often thought on his unknown parents, he asked them who
+were their parents.&nbsp; Then the one nearest to him gave him answer;
+and he told how that they were formerly flowers, but none of those who
+thrust their rooty hands greedily into the ground and draw nourishment
+from the dingy earth, only to make themselves fat and large withal;
+but that the light was dearer to them than anything, even at night;
+and while the other flowers slept, they gazed unwearied on the light,
+and drank it in with eager adoration - sun, and moon, and star light.&nbsp;
+And the light had so thoroughly purified them, that they had not sucked
+in poisonous juices like the yellow flowers of the earth, but sweet
+odours for sick and fainting hearts, and oil of potent ethereal virtue
+for the weak and the wounded; and at length, when their autumn came,
+they did not, like the others, wither and sink down, leaf and flower,
+to be swallowed up by the darksome earth, but shook off their earthly
+garment and mounted aloft, into the clear air.&nbsp; But there it was
+so wondrously bright, that sight failed them; and when they came to
+themselves again, they were fire-flies, each sitting on a withered flower-stalk.<br>
+<br>
+And now the Child liked the bright-eyed flies better than ever; and
+he talked a little longer with them, and inquired why they showed themselves
+so much more in spring.&nbsp; They did it, they said, in the hope that
+their gold-green radiance might allure their cousins, the flowers, to
+the pure love of light.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER X.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+During this conversation the dragon-fly had been preparing a bed for
+her host.&nbsp; The moss upon which the Child sat had grown a foot high
+behind his back, out of pure joy; but the dragon-fly and her sisters
+had so revelled upon it, that it was now laid at its length along the
+cave.&nbsp; The dragon-fly had awakened every spider in the neighbourhood
+out of her sleep, and when they saw the brilliant light, they had set
+to work spinning so industriously that their web hung down like a curtain
+before the mouth of the cave.&nbsp; But as the Child saw the ant peeping
+up at him, he entreated the fire-flies not to deprive themselves any
+longer of their merry games in the wood on his account.&nbsp; And the
+dragon-fly and her sisters raised the curtain till the Child had laid
+him down to rest, and then let it fall again, that the mischievous gnats
+might not get in to disturb his slumbers.<br>
+<br>
+The Child laid himself down to sleep, for he was very tired; but he
+could not sleep, for his couch of moss was quite another thing than
+his little bed, and the cave was all strange to him.<br>
+<br>
+He turned himself on one side and then on the other, and, as nothing
+would do, he raised himself and sat upright to wait till sleep might
+choose to come.&nbsp; But sleep would not come at all; and the only
+wakeful eyes in the whole wood were the Child&rsquo;s.&nbsp; For the
+harebells had rung themselves weary, and the fire-flies had flown about
+till they were tired, and even the dragon-fly, who would fain have kept
+watch in front of the cave, had dropped sound asleep.<br>
+<br>
+The wood grew stiller and stiller; here and there fell a dry leaf which
+had been driven from its old dwelling place by a fresh one; here and
+there a young bird gave a soft chirp when its mother squeezed it in
+the nest; and from time to time a gnat hummed for a minute or two in
+the curtain, till a spider crept on tip-toe along its web, and gave
+him such a gripe in the wind-pipe as soon spoiled his trumpeting.<br>
+<br>
+And the deeper the silence became, the more intently did the Child listen,
+and at last the slightest sound thrilled him from head to foot.&nbsp;
+At length, all was still as death in the wood; and the world seemed
+as if it never would wake again.&nbsp; The Child bent forward to see
+whether it were as dark abroad as in the cave, but he saw nothing save
+the pitch-dark night, who had wrapped everything in her thick veil.&nbsp;
+Yet as he looked upwards his eyes met the friendly glance of two or
+three stars, and this was a most joyful surprise to him, for he felt
+himself no longer so entirely alone.&nbsp; The stars were, indeed, far,
+far away, but yet he knew them, and they knew him; for they looked into
+his eyes.<br>
+<br>
+The Child&rsquo;s whole soul was fixed in his gaze; and it seemed to
+him as if he must needs fly out of the darksome cave, thither where
+the stars were beaming with such pure and serene light; and he felt
+how poor and lowly he was, when he thought of their brilliancy; and
+how cramped and fettered, when he thought of their free unbounded course
+along the heavens.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER XI.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+But the stars went on their course, and left their glittering picture
+only a little while before the Child&rsquo;s eyes.&nbsp; Even this faded,
+and then vanished quite away.&nbsp; And he was beginning to feel tired,
+and to wish to lay himself down again, when a flickering Will-o&rsquo;-the-wisp
+appeared from behind a bush - so that the Child thought, at first, one
+of the stars had wandered out of its way, and had come to visit him,
+and to take him with it.&nbsp; And the Child breathed quick with joy
+and surprise, and then the Will-o&rsquo;-the-wisp came nearer, and sat
+himself down on a damp mossy stone in front of the cave, and another
+fluttered quickly after him, and sat down over against him and sighed
+deeply, &ldquo;Thank God, then, that I can rest at last!&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Yes,&rdquo; said the other, &ldquo;for that you may thank the
+innocent Child who sleeps there within; it was his pure breath that
+freed us.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Are you, then,&rdquo; said the Child, hesitatingly, &ldquo;not
+of yon stars which wander so brightly there above?&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Oh, if we were stars,&rdquo; replied the first, &ldquo;we should
+pursue our tranquil path through the pure element, and should leave
+this wood and the whole darksome earth to itself.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;And not,&rdquo; said the other, &ldquo;sit brooding on the face
+of the shallow pool.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+The Child was curious to know who these could be who shone so beautifully,
+and yet seemed so discontented.&nbsp; Then the first began to relate
+how he had been a child too, and how, as he grew up, it had always been
+his greatest delight to deceive people and play them tricks, to show
+his wit and cleverness.&nbsp; He had always, he said, poured such a
+stream of smooth words over people, and encompassed himself with such
+a shining mist, that men had been attracted by it to their own hurt.&nbsp;
+But once on a time there appeared a plain man, who only spoke two or
+three simple words, and suddenly the bright mist vanished, and left
+him naked and deformed, to the scorn and mockery of the whole world.&nbsp;
+But the man had turned away his face from him in pity, while he was
+almost dead with shame and anger.&nbsp; And when he came to himself
+again, he knew not what had befallen him, till, at length, he found
+that it was his fate to hover, without rest or change, over the surface
+of the bog as a Will-o&rsquo;-the-wisp.<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;With me it fell out quite otherwise,&rdquo; said the first: &ldquo;instead
+of giving light without warmth, as I now do, I burned without shining.&nbsp;
+When I was only a child, people gave way to me in everything, so that
+I was intoxicated with self-love.&nbsp; If I saw any one shine, I longed
+to put out his light; and the more intensely I wished this, the more
+did my own small glimmering turn back upon myself, and inwardly burn
+fiercely while all without was darker than ever.&nbsp; But if any one
+who shone more brightly would have kindly given me of his light, then
+did my inward flame burst forth to destroy him.&nbsp; But the flame
+passed through the light and harmed it not; it shone only the more brightly,
+while I was withered and exhausted.&nbsp; And once upon a time I met
+a little smiling child, who played with a cross of palm branches, and
+wore a beamy coronet around his golden locks.&nbsp; He took me kindly
+by the hand and said, &lsquo;My friend, you are now very gloomy and
+sad, but if you will become a child again, even as I am, you will have
+a bright circlet such as I have.&rsquo;&nbsp; When I heard that, I was
+so angry with myself and with the child, that I was scorched by my inward
+fire.&nbsp; Now would I fain fly up to the sun to fetch rays from him,
+but the rays drove me back with these words:<br>
+<br>
+&lsquo;Return thither whence thou camest, thou dark fire of envy, for
+the sun lightens only in love; the greedy earth, indeed, sometimes turns
+his mild light into scorching fire.&nbsp; Fly back, then, for with thy
+like alone must thou dwell.&rsquo;&nbsp; I fell, and when I recovered
+myself I was glimmering coldly above the stagnant waters.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+While they were talking the Child had fallen asleep, for he knew nothing
+of the world nor of men, and he could make nothing of their stories.&nbsp;
+Weariness had spoken a more intelligible language to him - <i>that</i>
+he understood, and he had fallen asleep.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER XII.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Softly and soundly he slept till the rosy morning clouds stood upon
+the mountain, and announced the coming of their lord, the sun.&nbsp;
+But as soon as the tidings spread over field and wood, the thousand-voiced
+echo awoke, and sleep was no more to be thought of.<br>
+<br>
+And soon did the royal sun himself arise; at first his dazzling diadem
+alone appeared above the mountains; at length he stood upon their summit
+in the full majesty of his beauty, in all the charms of eternal youth,
+bright and glorious, his kindly glance embracing every creature of earth,
+from the stately oak to the blade of grass bending under the foot of
+the wayfaring man.&nbsp; Then arose from every breast, from every throat,
+the joyous song of praise; and it was as if the whole plain and wood
+were become a temple, whose roof was the heaven, whose altar the mountain,
+whose congregation all creatures, whose priest the sun.<br>
+<br>
+But the Child walked forth and was glad, for the birds sang sweetly,
+and it seemed to him as if everything sported and danced out of mere
+joy to be alive.&nbsp; Here flew two finches through the thicket, and,
+twittering, pursued each other; there, the young buds burst asunder,
+and the tender leaves peeped out and expanded themselves in the warm
+sun, as if they would abide in his glance for ever; here, a dewdrop
+trembled, sparkling and twinkling on a blade of grass, and knew not
+that beneath him stood a little moss who was thirsting after him; there,
+troops of flies flew aloft, as if they would soar far, far over the
+wood: and so all was life and motion, and the Child&rsquo;s heart joyed
+to see it.<br>
+<br>
+He sat down on a little smooth plot of turf, shaded by the branches
+of a nut-bush, and thought he should now sip the cup of his delight,
+drop by drop.&nbsp; And first he plucked down some brambles which threatened
+him with their prickles; then he bent aside some branches which concealed
+the view; then he removed the stones, so that he might stretch out his
+feet at full length on the soft turf; and when he had done all this,
+he bethought himself what was yet to do; and as he found nothing, he
+stood up to look for his acquaintance the dragon-fly, and to beg her
+to guide him once more out of the wood into the open fields.&nbsp; About
+midway he met her, and she began to excuse herself for having fallen
+asleep in the night.&nbsp; The Child thought not of the past, were it
+even but a minute ago, so earnestly did he now wish to get out from
+among the thick and close trees; for his heart beat high, and he felt
+as if he should breathe freer in the open ground.&nbsp; The dragon-fly
+flew on before and showed him the way as far as the outermost verge
+of the wood, whence the Child could espy his own little hut, and then
+flew away to her playfellows.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER XIII.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+The Child walked forth alone upon the fresh dewy cornfield.&nbsp; A
+thousand little suns glittered in his eyes, and a lark soared warbling
+above his head.&nbsp; And the lark proclaimed the joys of the coming
+year, and awakened endless hopes, while she soared circling higher and
+higher, till, at length, her song was like the soft whisper of an angel
+holding converse with the spring, under the blue arch of heaven.&nbsp;
+The Child had seen the earth-coloured little bird rise up before him,
+and it seemed to him as if the earth had sent her forth from her bosom
+as a messenger to carry her joy and her thanks up to the sun, because
+he had turned his beaming countenance again upon her in love and bounty.&nbsp;
+And the lark hung poised above the hope-giving field, and warbled her
+clear and joyous song.<br>
+<br>
+She sang of the loveliness of the rosy dawn, and the fresh brilliancy
+of the earliest sunbeams; of the gladsome springing of the young flowers,
+and the vigorous shooting of the corn; and her song pleased the Child
+beyond measure.<br>
+<br>
+But the lark wheeled in higher and higher circles, and her song sounded
+softer and sweeter.<br>
+<br>
+And now she sang of the first delights of early love; of wanderings
+together on the sunny fresh hilltops, and of the sweet pictures and
+visions that arise out of the blue and misty distance.&nbsp; The Child
+understood not rightly what he heard, and fain would he have understood,
+for he thought that even in such visions must be wondrous delight.&nbsp;
+He gazed aloft after the unwearied bird, but she had disappeared in
+the morning mist.<br>
+<br>
+Then the Child leaned his head on one shoulder to listen if he could
+no longer hear the little messenger of spring; and he could just catch
+the distant and quivering notes in which she sang of the fervent longing
+after the clear element of freedom, after the pure all-present light,
+and of the blessed foretaste of this desired enfranchisement, of this
+blending in the sea of celestial happiness.<br>
+<br>
+Yet longer did he listen, for the tones of her song carried him there,
+where, as yet, his thoughts had never reached, and he felt himself happier
+in this short and imperfect flight than ever he had felt before.&nbsp;
+But the lark now dropped suddenly to the earth, for her little body
+was too heavy for the ambient ether, and her wings were not large nor
+strong enough for the pure element.<br>
+<br>
+Then the red corn-poppies laughed at the homely looking bird, and cried
+to one another and to the surrounding blades of corn in a shrill voice,
+&ldquo;Now, indeed, you may see what comes of flying so high, and striving
+and straining after mere air; people only lose their time, and bring
+back nothing but weary wings and an empty stomach.&nbsp; That vulgar-looking
+ill-dressed little creature would fain raise herself above us all, and
+has kept up a mighty noise.&nbsp; And now there she lies on the ground
+and can hardly breathe, while we have stood still where we are sure
+of a good meal, and have stayed, like people of sense, where there is
+something substantial to be had; and in the time she has been fluttering
+and singing, we have grown a good deal taller and fatter.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+The other little redcaps chattered and screamed their assent so loud
+that the Child&rsquo;s ears tingled, and he wished he could chastise
+them for their spiteful jeers; when a cyane said, in a soft voice, to
+her younger playmates, &ldquo;Dear friends, be not led astray by outward
+show, nor by discourse which regards only outward show.&nbsp; The lark
+is, indeed, weary, and the space into which she has soared is void;
+but the void is not what the lark sought, nor is the seeker returned
+empty home.&nbsp; She strove after light and freedom, and light and
+freedom has she proclaimed.&nbsp; She left the earth and its enjoyments,
+but she has drunk of the pure air of heaven, and has seen that it is
+not the earth, but the sun that is steadfast.&nbsp; And if earth has
+called her back, it can keep nothing of her but what is its own.&nbsp;
+Her sweet voice and her soaring wings belong to the sun, and will enter
+into light and freedom long after the foolish prater shall have sunk
+and been buried in the dark prison of the earth.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+And the lark heard her wise and friendly discourse, and with renewed
+strength she sprang once more into the clear and beautiful blue.<br>
+<br>
+Then the Child clapped his little hands for joy, that the sweet bird
+had flown up again, and that the redcaps must hold their tongues for
+shame.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+CHAPTER XIV.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+And the Child was become happy and joyful, and breathed freely again,
+and thought no more of returning to his hut, for he saw that nothing
+returned inwards, but rather that all strove outwards into the free
+air; the rosy apple blossoms from their narrow buds, and the gurgling
+notes from the narrow breast of the lark.&nbsp; The germs burst open
+the folding doors of the seeds, and broke through the heavy pressure
+of the earth in order to get at the light; the grasses tore asunder
+their bands, and their slender blades sprung upward.&nbsp; Even the
+rocks were become gentle, and allowed little mosses to peep out from
+their sides, as a sign that they would not remain impenetrably closed
+for ever.&nbsp; And the flowers sent out colour and fragrance into the
+whole world, for they kept not their best for themselves, but would
+imitate the sun and the stars, which poured their warmth and radiance
+over the spring.&nbsp; And many a little gnat and beetle burst the narrow
+cell in which it was enclosed and crept out slowly, and, half asleep,
+unfolded and shook its tender wings, and soon gained strength, and flew
+off to untried delights.&nbsp; And as the butterflies came forth from
+their chrysalids in all their gaiety and splendour, so did every humbled
+and suppressed aspiration and hope free itself, and boldly launch into
+the open and flowing sea of spring.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+HYMNS TO NIGHT.<br>
+(<i>Translated from the German of Novalis</i>.)<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+I.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Who that has life and intelligence, loves not, before all the surrounding
+miracles of space, ever-joyous light with its tints, its beams, and
+its waves, its mild omnipresence, when it comes as the waking day.&nbsp;
+Like the inmost soul of life, it is inhaled by the giant universe of
+gleaming stars, that dance as they swim in its blue flood; it is inhaled
+by the glittering, eternally motionless stone, by the living plant that
+drinks it in, by the wild and impetuous beast in its many forms; but
+above all, by the glorious stranger, with eyes of intellect, majestic
+step, with lips melodious, and gently closed.&nbsp; As a king over earthly
+nature, it calls forth to countless changes every power, binds and loosens
+bonds unnumbered, and hangs around every earthly being its heavenly
+picture.&nbsp; Alone its presence declares the wondrous glory of the
+kingdoms the world.<br>
+<br>
+I turn aside to the holy, the inexpressible, the mysterious Night.&nbsp;
+Afar off lies the world, buried in some deep chasm: desolate and lonely
+is the spot it filled.&nbsp; Through the chords of the breast sighs
+deepest sorrow.&nbsp; I will sink down into the dewdrops, and with ashes
+will I be commingled.&nbsp; The distant lines of memory, desires of
+youth, the dreams of childhood, a whole life&rsquo;s short joys and
+hopes vain, unfulfilled, come clothed in grey, like evening mists, when
+the sun&rsquo;s glory has departed.&nbsp; Elsewhere has the light broken
+upon habitations of gladness.&nbsp; What, should it never return again
+to its children, who with the faith of innocence await its coming?<br>
+<br>
+What fount is thus suddenly opened within the heart, so full of forethought,
+that destroys the soft breath of sorrow?&nbsp; Thou also - dost thou
+love us, gloomy Night?&nbsp; What holdest thou concealed beneath thy
+mantle that draws my soul towards thee with such mysterious power?&nbsp;
+Costly balsam raineth from thy hand; from thy horn pourest thou out
+manna; the heavy wings of the spirit liftest thou.&nbsp; Darkly and
+inexpressibly do we feel ourselves moved: a solemn countenance I behold
+with glad alarm, that bends towards me in gentle contemplation, displaying,
+among endless allurements of the mother, lovely youth!&nbsp; How poor
+and childish does the light now seem!&nbsp; How joyous and how hallowed
+is the day&rsquo;s departure! - Therefore then only, because Night dismissed
+thy vassals, hast thou sown in the infinity of space those shining balls
+to declare thine almighty power, and thy return in the season of absence?&nbsp;
+More heavenly than those glittering stars seem the unnumbered eyes that
+Night has opened within us.&nbsp; Farther can they see than beyond the
+palest of that countless host; without need of light can they pierce
+the depths of a spirit of love, that fills a yet more glorious space
+with joy beyond expression.&nbsp; Glory to the world&rsquo;s Queen,
+the high declarer of spheres of holiness, the nurse of hallowed love!&nbsp;
+Thee, thou tenderly beloved one, doth she send to me - thee, lovely
+sun of the Night.&nbsp; Now I awaken, for I am thine and mine: the Night
+hast thou given as a sign of life, and made me man.&nbsp; Devour with
+glowing spiritual fire this earthly body, that I ethereal may abide
+with thee in union yet more perfect, and then may the bridal Night endure
+for ever.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+II.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Must ever the morn return?&nbsp; Is there no end to the sovereignty
+of earth?&nbsp; Unhallowed occupation breaks the heavenly pinion of
+the Night.&nbsp; Shall the secret offering of love at no time burn for
+ever?&nbsp; To the Light is its period allotted; but beyond time and
+space is the empire of the Night.&nbsp; Eternal is the duration of sleep.&nbsp;
+Thou holy sleep! bless not too rarely the Night&rsquo;s dedicated son
+in this earth&rsquo;s daily work!&nbsp; Fools alone recognise thee not,
+and know of no sleep beyond the shadow which in that twilight of the
+actual Night thou throwest in compassion over us.&nbsp; They feel thee
+not in the vine&rsquo;s golden flood, in the almond-tree&rsquo;s marvel
+oil, and in the brown juice of the manna; they know not that it is thou
+that enhaloest the tender maiden&rsquo;s breast, and makest a heaven
+of her bosom; conceive not that out of histories of old thou steppest
+forth an opener of heaven, and bearest the key to the abodes of the
+blessed, the silent messenger of unending mysteries.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+III.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Once, when I was shedding bitter tears, when my hope streamed away dissolved
+in sorrow, and I stood alone beside the barren hill, that concealed
+in narrow gloomy space the form of my existence - alone, as never solitary
+yet hath been, urged by an agony beyond expression, powerless, no more
+than a mere thought of sorrow; as I looked around me there for aid,
+could not advance, could not retire, and hung with incessant longing
+upon fleeting, failing life; - then came there from the blue distance,
+from the heights of my former happiness, a thin veil of the twilight
+gloom, and in a moment burst the bondage of the fetters of the birth
+of light.&nbsp; Then fled the glories of the earth, and all my sorrow
+with them; sadness melted away in a new, an unfathomable world; thou,
+inspiration of the Night, slumber of heaven, camest over me; the spot
+whereon I stood rose insensibly on high; above the spot soared forth
+my released and new-born spirit.&nbsp; The hill became a cloud of dust;
+through the cloud I beheld the revealed features of my beloved one.&nbsp;
+In her eyes eternity reposed; I grasped her hands, and my tears formed
+a glittering, inseparable bond.&nbsp; Ages were swept by like storms
+into the distance; on her neck I wept tears of ecstasy for life renewed.&nbsp;
+It was my first, my only dream; and from that time I feel an eternal
+and unchanging faith in the heaven of the Night, and in its light, the
+Loved One.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+IV.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Now do I know when the last morn will be; when the light shall no more
+give alarm to the night and to love; when the slumber shall be without
+end, and there shall be but one exhaustless dream.&nbsp; Heavenly weariness
+do I feel within me.&nbsp; Long and wearisome had become the pilgrimage
+to the holy grave - the cross a burthen.&nbsp; He who hath tasted of
+the crystal wave that gushes forth, unknown to common eye, in the dark
+bosom of that hill, against whose foot the flood of earthly waves is
+dashed and broken; he who hath stood upon the summit of the world&rsquo;s
+mountain bounds, and hath looked beyond them down into that new land,
+into the abode of Night; he, well I ween, turns not back into the turmoil
+of the world - into the land where the light, and eternal unrest, dwells.<br>
+<br>
+There, above, does he erect his huts - his huts of peace; there longs
+and loves, until comes the most welcome of all hours to draw him down
+into that fountain&rsquo;s source.&nbsp; Upon the surface floats all
+that is earthly - it is hurried back by storms; but that which was hallowed
+by the breath of love, freely streams it forth, through hidden paths,
+into that realm beyond the mountain chain, and there, exhaled as incense,
+becomes mixed with loves that have slept.&nbsp; Still, cheerful light,
+dost thou waken the weary to his toil, still pourest thou glad life
+into my breast; but from the mossy monument that memory has raised,
+thence canst thou not allure me.&nbsp; Willingly will I employ my hands
+in industry and toil; I will look around me at thy bidding; I will celebrate
+the full glory of thy splendour; trace out, untired, the beauteous consistency
+of thy wondrous work; willingly will I mark the marvellous course of
+thy mighty, glowing timepiece; observe the balance of gigantic powers,
+and the laws of the wondrous play of countless spaces and their periods.&nbsp;
+But true to the Night remains my heart of hearts, and to creative Love,
+her daughter.&nbsp; Canst thou show me a heart for ever faithful?&nbsp;
+Hath thy sun fond eyes that know me?&nbsp; Do thy stars clasp my proffered
+hand?&nbsp; Do they return the tender pressure, the caressing word?&nbsp;
+Hast thou clothed her with fair hues and pleasing outline?&nbsp; Or
+was it she who gave thine ornament a higher, dearer meaning?&nbsp; What
+pleasure, what enjoyment, can thy life afford, that shall overweigh
+the ecstasies of death?&nbsp; Bears not everything that inspires us
+the colours of the Night?&nbsp; Thee she cherishes with a mother&rsquo;s
+care; to her thou owest all thy majesty.&nbsp; Thou hadst melted in
+thyself, hadst been dissolved in endless space, had she not restrained
+and encircled thee, so that thou wert warm, and gavest life to the world.&nbsp;
+Verily I was, before thou wert: the mother sent me with my sisters to
+inhabit thy world, to hallow it with love, so that it might be gazed
+on as a memorial for ever, to plant it with unfading flowers.&nbsp;
+As yet they have borne no fruit, these godlike thoughts; but few as
+yet are the traces of our revelation.&nbsp; The day shall come when
+thy timepiece pointeth to the end of time, when thou shalt be even as
+one of us; and, filled with longing and ardent love, be blotted out
+and die.&nbsp; Within my soul I feel the end of thy distracted power,
+heavenly freedom, hailed return.&nbsp; In wild sorrow I recognise thy
+distance from our home, thy hostility towards the ancient glorious heaven.&nbsp;
+In vain are thy tumult and thy rage.&nbsp; Indestructible remains the
+cross - a victorious banner of our race.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;I wander over,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And every tear<br>
+To gem our pleasure<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Will then appear.<br>
+A few more hours,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And I find my rest<br>
+In maddening bliss,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the loved one&rsquo;s breast.<br>
+Life, never ending,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Swells mighty in me;<br>
+I look from above down -<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Look back upon thee.<br>
+By yonder hillock<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Expires thy beam;<br>
+And comes with a shadow,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The cooling gleam.<br>
+Oh, call me, thou loved one,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With strength from above;<br>
+That I may slumber,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And wake to love.<br>
+I welcome death&rsquo;s<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reviving flood;<br>
+To balm and to ether<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It changes my blood.<br>
+I live through each day,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Filled with faith and desire;<br>
+And die when the Night comes<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In heaven-born fire.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+V.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Over the widely-spreading races of mankind, ruled aforetime an iron
+Destiny with silent power.&nbsp; A dark and heavy band was around man&rsquo;s
+anxious soul; without end was the earth; the home of the gods and their
+abode.&nbsp; Throughout eternities had her mysterious structure stood.&nbsp;
+Beyond the red mountains of the morning, in the holy bosom of the sea,
+there dwelt the Sun, the all-inflaming, living light.&nbsp; A hoary
+giant bare the sacred world.&nbsp; Securely prisoned, beneath mountains,
+lay the first sons of the mother Earth, powerless in their destructive
+fury against the new and glorious race of the gods, and their kindred,
+joyous men.&nbsp; The dark, green ocean&rsquo;s depth was the bosom
+of a goddess.&nbsp; In the crystal grottoes rioted a voluptuous tribe.&nbsp;
+Rivers, trees, flowers, and brute beasts had human understanding.&nbsp;
+Sweeter was the wine poured forth by youth&rsquo;s soft bloom; a god
+in the vine&rsquo;s clusters; a loving, a maternal goddess, shooting
+forth among the full, golden sheaves; love&rsquo;s holy flame, a delicious
+service to the most beauteous of the goddesses.&nbsp; An ever gay and
+joyous festival of heaven&rsquo;s children and the dwellers upon earth,
+life rustled on as a spring, through centuries.&nbsp; All races venerated,
+like children, the tender, thousand-fold flame, as the highest of the
+world; one thought only was there, one hideous vision of a dream:-<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;That fearful to the joyous tables came,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And the gay soul in wild distraction shrouded.<br>
+Here could the gods themselves no counsel frame,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That might console the breast with sorrow clouded.<br>
+This monster&rsquo;s path mysterious, still the same,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unstilled his rage, though prayers on gifts were crowded.<br>
+His name was Death, who with distress of soul,<br>
+Anguish and tears, on the hour of pleasure stole.<br>
+<br>
+For ever now from everything departed<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That here can swell the heart with sweet delight,<br>
+Torn now from the beloved one, who, sad-hearted,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On earth could but desire and grief excite,<br>
+A feeble dream seemed to the dead imparted,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Powerless striving made man&rsquo;s only right;<br>
+And broken was enjoyment&rsquo;s heaving billow,<br>
+Upon the rock of endless care, its pillow.<br>
+<br>
+With daring mind, as heavenly fancy glows,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Man masks the fearful shape with fair resembling:<br>
+His torch put out, a mild youth doth repose;<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soft is the end as the lyre&rsquo;s mournful trembling.<br>
+Remembrance fades i&rsquo; the gloom a shadow throws:<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So sang the song, a dreadful doom dissembling.<br>
+Yet undefined remained eternal Night,<br>
+The stern reminder of some distant might.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+At length the old world bowed its head.&nbsp; The gay gardens of the
+young race were withered; beyond into the freer, desert space aspired
+less childish and maturing man.&nbsp; The gods then vanished with their
+train.&nbsp; Lonely and lifeless, Nature stood.&nbsp; The scanty number
+and the rigid measure bound her with fetters of iron.&nbsp; As into
+dust and air melted the inconceivable blossoms of life into mysterious
+words.&nbsp; Fled was the magic faith, and phantasy the all-changing,
+all-uniting friend from heaven.&nbsp; Over the rigid earth, unfriendly,
+blew a cold north wind, and the wonder-home, now without life, was lost
+in ether; the recesses of the heavens were filled with beaming worlds.&nbsp;
+Into a holier sphere, into the mind&rsquo;s far higher space, did the
+world draw the soul with its powers, there to wander until the break
+of the world&rsquo;s dawning glory.&nbsp; No longer was the light the
+gods&rsquo; abode, their token in the heavens: the veil of the night
+did they cast over them.&nbsp; The night was the mighty bosom of revelations;
+in it the gods returned, and slumbered there, to go forth in new and
+in more glorious forms over the altered world.<br>
+<br>
+Among the people above all despised, too soon matured, and wilful strangers
+to the blessed innocence of youth; among them, with features hitherto
+unseen, the new world came, in the poet&rsquo;s hut of poverty, a son
+of the first virgin mother, endless fruit of a mysterious embrace.&nbsp;
+The boding, budding wisdom of the East first recognised another Time&rsquo;s
+beginning; to the humble cradle of the monarch their star declared the
+way.&nbsp; In the name of the distant future, with splendour and with
+incense, did they make offering to him, the highest wonder of the world.&nbsp;
+In solitude did the heavenly heart unfold to a flowery chalice of almighty
+love, bent towards the holy countenance of the father, and resting on
+the happily-expectant bosom of the lovely pensive mother.&nbsp; With
+divine ardour did the prophetic eye of the blooming child look forth
+into the days of the future, towards his beloved, the offspring of the
+race of God, careless for his day&rsquo;s earthly destiny.&nbsp; The
+most child-like spirits, wondrously seized with a deep, heart-felt love,
+collected soon around him; as flowers, a new and unknown life budded
+forth upon his path.&nbsp; Words inexhaustible, the gladdest tidings
+fell, as sparks from a heavenly spirit, from his friendly lips.&nbsp;
+From a distant coast, born under Hellas&rsquo; cheerful sky, a minstrel
+came to Palestine, and yielded his whole heart to the wondrous child:-<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;The youth art thou, who for uncounted time,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon our graves hast stood with hidden meaning;<br>
+In hours of darkness a consoling sign,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of higher manhood&rsquo;s joyous, hailed beginning;<br>
+That which hath made our soul so long to pine,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now draws us hence, sweet aspirations winning.<br>
+In Death, eternal Life hath been revealed:<br>
+And thou art Death, by thee we first are healed.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+The minstrel wandered, full of joy, towards Hindostan, the heart elated
+with the sweetest love, which, beneath yonder heavens, he poured forth
+in fiery songs, so that a thousand hearts inclined towards him, and
+with a thousand branches grew towards heaven the joyous tidings.&nbsp;
+Soon after the minstrel&rsquo;s departure, the precious life became
+a sacrifice to the deep guilt of man: he died in youthful years, torn
+from the world he loved, from the weeping mother and lamenting friends.&nbsp;
+His mouth of love emptied the dark cup of inexpressible affliction.&nbsp;
+In fearful anguish approached the hour of the new world&rsquo;s birth.&nbsp;
+Deeply was he touched with the old world&rsquo;s fearful death - the
+weight of the old world fell heavily upon him.&nbsp; Once more he gazed
+placidly upon the mother, then came the loosening hand of eternal love,
+and he slumbered.&nbsp; Few days only hung a deep veil over the swelling
+sea, over the quaking land; the beloved ones wept countless tears; the
+mystery was unsealed: the ancient stone heavenly spirits raised from
+the dark grave.&nbsp; Angels sat beside the slumberer, tenderly formed
+out of his dreams.&nbsp; Awakened in the new glory of a god, he ascended
+the height of the new-born world; and with his own hand buried within
+the deserted sepulchre the old one&rsquo;s corpse, and with almighty
+hand placed over it the stone no power can raise.<br>
+<br>
+Yet do thy dear ones weep rich tears of joy, tears of emotion, and of
+eternal gratitude beside thy grave; even yet, with glad alarm, do they
+behold thee rise, themselves with thee; behold thee weeping, with sweet
+feeling, on the happy bosom of thy mother, solemnly walking with thy
+friends, speaking words as if broken from the tree of life; see thee
+hasten, full of longing, to thy Father&rsquo;s arms, bringing the young
+race of man, and the cup of a golden future, which shall never be exhausted.&nbsp;
+The mother soon followed thee in heavenly triumph; she was the first
+to join thee in the new home.&nbsp; Long ages have flown by since then,
+and ever in yet higher glory hath thy new creation grown, and thousands
+from out of pain and misery have, full of faith and longing, followed
+thee; roam with thee and the heavenly virgin in the realm of love, serve
+in the temple of heavenly Death, and are in eternity thine.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+&ldquo;Lifted is the stone,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Manhood hath arisen:<br>
+Still are we thine own,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unharmed by bond or prison.<br>
+When earth - life - fade away<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the last meal&rsquo;s solemn gladness,<br>
+Around thy cup dare stray<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No trace of grief or sadness.<br>
+<br>
+To the marriage, Death doth call,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The brilliant lamps are lighted;<br>
+The virgins come, invited,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And oil is with them all.<br>
+Space now to space is telling<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How forth thy train hath gone,<br>
+The voice of stars is swelling<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With human tongue and tone!<br>
+<br>
+To thee, Maria, hallowed,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A thousand hearts are sent;<br>
+In this dark life and shadowed,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On thee their thoughts are bent:<br>
+The soul&rsquo;s releasement seeing<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They, longing, seek its rest;<br>
+By thee pressed, holy being,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon thy faithful breast.<br>
+<br>
+How many who, once glowing,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Earth&rsquo;s bitterness have learned,<br>
+Their souls with grief o&rsquo;erflowing,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To thee have sadly turned;<br>
+Thou pitying hast appear&eacute;d,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In many an hour of pain;<br>
+We come to thee now, wearied,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There ever to remain.<br>
+<br>
+By no cold grave now weepeth<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A faithful love, forlorn;<br>
+Each still love&rsquo;s sweet rights keepeth,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From none will they be torn.<br>
+To soften his sad longing<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her fires doth Night impart;<br>
+From heaven cherubs thronging,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hold watch upon his heart.<br>
+<br>
+Content, our life advancing<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To a life that shall abide,<br>
+Each flame its worth enhancing,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The soul is glorified.<br>
+The starry host shall sink then<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To bright and living wine,<br>
+The golden draught we drink then,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And stars ourselves shall shine.<br>
+<br>
+Love released, lives woundless,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No separation more;<br>
+While life swells free and boundless<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a sea without a shore.<br>
+One night of glad elation,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One joy that cannot die,<br>
+And the sun of all creation<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is the face of the Most High.&rdquo;<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+VI - LONGING FOR DEATH.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+Below, within the earth&rsquo;s dark breast,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From realms of light departing,<br>
+There sorrow&rsquo;s pang and sigh oppressed<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is signal of our starting.<br>
+In narrow boat we ferry o&rsquo;er<br>
+Speedily to heaven&rsquo;s shore.<br>
+<br>
+To us be hallowed endless Night,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hallowed eternal slumber!<br>
+The day hath withered us with light,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And troubles beyond number.<br>
+No more &rsquo;mong strangers would we roam;<br>
+We seek our Father, and our home.<br>
+<br>
+Upon this world, what do we here,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As faithful, fond, and true men?<br>
+The Old but meets with scorn and sneer:-<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What care we for the New, then?<br>
+Oh, lone is he, and sadly pines,<br>
+Who loves with zeal the olden times!<br>
+<br>
+Those old times when the spirits light<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To heaven as flame ascended;<br>
+The Father&rsquo;s hand and features bright<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When men yet comprehended;<br>
+When many a mortal, lofty-souled,<br>
+Yet bore the mark of heavenly mould.<br>
+<br>
+Those olden times when budded still<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The stems of ancient story,<br>
+And children, to do Heaven&rsquo;s will,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In pain and death sought glory;<br>
+Those times when life and pleasure spoke,<br>
+Yet many a heart with fond love broke.<br>
+<br>
+Those old times when in fires of youth<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Was God himself reveal&eacute;d,<br>
+And early death, in love and truth,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His sweet existence seal&eacute;d,<br>
+Who put not from him care and pain,<br>
+That dear to us he might remain.<br>
+<br>
+With trembling longing these we see,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By darkness now belated,<br>
+In Time&rsquo;s dominions ne&rsquo;er will be<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our ardent thirsting sated.<br>
+First to our home &rsquo;tis need we go,<br>
+Seek we these holy times to know.<br>
+<br>
+And our return what still can stay?<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Long have the best-loved slumbered;<br>
+Their grave bounds for us life&rsquo;s drear way,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our souls with grief are cumbered.<br>
+All that we have to seek is gone,<br>
+The heart is full - the world is lone.<br>
+<br>
+Unending, with mysterious flame,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;O&rsquo;er us sweet awe is creeping;<br>
+Methought from viewless distance came<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An echo to our weeping;<br>
+The loved ones long for us on high,<br>
+And sent us back their pining sigh.<br>
+<br>
+Below, to seek the tender bride,<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Jesus, whom we cherish!<br>
+Good cheer! lo, greys the even-tide, -<br>
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Love&rsquo;s agonies shall perish. -<br>
+A dream - our fetters melt, at rest<br>
+We sink upon the Father&rsquo;s breast.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, PETER SCHLEMIHL ETC. ***<br>
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