larly to condemn the little pictures representing the soldiers
as being whimsical, Traugott boldly maintained that, although it was
very likely true that all these things did not harmonize with the rules
of good taste, nevertheless he had experienced, what indeed several
others had also experienced, viz., a wonderful and fantastic world had
been unfolded to him in Arthur's Hall, and some few of the figures had
reminded him in even lifelike looks, nay, even in plain distinct words,
that he also was a great master, and could paint and wield the chisel
as well as the man out of whose unknown studio they themselves had
proceeded Herr Elias certainly looked more stupid than usual whilst the
young fellow was saying such grand things, but the uncle made answer in
a very malicious manner, "I repeat once more, I do not comprehend why
you want to be a merchant, why you haven't rather devoted yourself
altogether to art."

Traugott conceived an extreme repugnance to the man, and accordingly he
joined the nephew for the walk, and found his manner very friendly and
confidential. "O Heaven!" said the latter, "how I envy you your
beautiful and glorious talent! I wish I could only sketch like you! I
am not at all wanting in genius; I have already sketched some deucedly
pretty eyes and noses and ears, ay, and even three or four entire
heads;--but, dash it all! the business, you know! the business!" "I
always thought," said Traugott, "that as soon as a man detected the
spark of true genius--of a genuine love for art--within him, he ought
not to know anything about any other business." "You mean he ought to
be an artist!" rejoined the nephew. "Ah! how can you say so? See you
here, my estimable friend! I have, I believe, reflected more upon these
things than many others; in fact, I am such a decided admirer of art,
and have gone into the real essential nature of the thing far deeper
than I am even able to express, and so I can only make use of hints and
suggestions." The nephew, as he expressed these opinions, looked so
learned and so profound that Traugott really began to feel in awe of
him. "You will agree with me," continued the nephew, after he had taken
a pinch of snuff and had sneezed twice, "you will agree with me that
art embroiders our life with flowers; amusement, recreation after
serious business--that is the praiseworthy end of all effort in art;
and the attainment of this end is the more perfect in proportion as the
art product