n to the secrets of the division of light and shade, to the
glitter of the flowers and the metals, to the singular shapes which,
rising up out of the calyx of the lilies, entwined themselves about
the forms of the divinely beautiful youths and maidens who were dancing
to the strains of music, and he called his attention to the bearded men
who, with all the strong pride of youth in their eyes and movements,
were apparently talking to various kinds of curious animals. The old
man's words, whilst they grew continually more emphatic, grew also
continually more incomprehensible and confused. "That's right, old
greybeard, let thy diamond crown flash and sparkle," he cried at last,
riveting a fixed but fiery glance upon the canvas. "Throw off the Isis
veil which thou didst put over thy head when the profane approached
thee. What art thou folding thy dark robe so carefully over thy breast
for? I want to see thy heart; that is the philosopher's stone through
which the mystery is revealed. Art thou not I? Why dost thou put on
such a bold and mighty air before me? Wilt thou contend with thy
master? Thinkest thou that the ruby, thy heart, which sparkles so, can
crush my breast? Up then--step forward--come here! I have created thee,
for I am"---- Here the old man suddenly fell on the floor like one
struck by lightning. Whilst Traugott lifted him up, the youth quickly
wheeled up a small arm-chair, into which they placed the old man, who
soon appeared to have fallen into a gentle sleep.

"Now you know, my kind sir, what is the matter with my good old
father," said the youth softly and gently. "A cruel destiny has
stripped off all the blossoms of his life; and for several years past
he has been insensible to the art for which he once lived. He spends
days and days sitting in front of a piece of outstretched primed
canvas, with his eyes fixed upon it in a stare; that he calls painting.
Into what an overwrought condition the description of such a picture
brings him, you have just seen for yourself. Besides this he is haunted
by another unhappy thought, which makes my life to be a sad and
agitated one; but I regard it as a fatality by which I am swept along
in the same stream that has caught him. You would like something to
help you to recover from this extraordinary scene; please follow me
then into the adjoining room, where you will find several pictures of
my father's early days, when he was still a productive artist."

And great was