g to pay you for the bequest of this _x_, of this
galvanic power, or polarized Activity, or what-ever-this silly thing
may be, with something actual; that is to say, with your real shadow,
through which you may arrive at the hand of your beloved and at the
accomplishment of all your desires. Will you rather push forth, and
deliver up that poor young creature to that low bred scoundrel Rascal?
No, you must witness that with your own eyes. Here, I lend you the
magic-cap"--he drew it from his pocket--"and we will proceed unseen to
the Forester's garden."

I must confess that I was excessively ashamed of being derided by this
man. I detested him from the bottom of my heart; and I believe that
this personal antipathy withheld me, more than principle or prejudice,
from purchasing my shadow, essential as it was, by the required
signature. The thought also was intolerable to me of making the
excursion which he proposed, in his company. To see this abhorred
sneak, this mocking kobold, step between me and my beloved, two torn
and bleeding hearts, revolted my innermost feeling. I regarded what
was past as predestined, and my wretchedness as unchangeable, and
turning to the man, I said to him--

"Sir, I have sold you my shadow for this in itself most excellent
purse, and I have sufficiently repented of it. If the bargain can be
broken off, then in God's name--!" He shook his head, and made a very
gloomy face. I continued: "I will then sell you nothing further of
mine, even for this offered price of my shadow; and, therefore, I
shall sign nothing. From this you may understand, that the muffling-up
to which you invite me must be much more amusing for you than for me.
Excuse me, therefore; and as it cannot now be otherwise, let us part."

"It grieves me, Monsieur Schlemihl, that you obstinately decline the
business which I propose to you as a friend. Perhaps another time I
may be more fortunate. Till our speedy meeting again!--Apropos: Permit
me yet to show you that the things which I purchase I by no means
suffer to grow moldy, but honorably preserve, and that they are well
taken care of by me."

With that he drew my shadow out of his pocket and with a dexterous
throw unfolding it on the heath, spread it out on the sunny side of
his feet, so that he walked between two attendant shadows, his own
and mine, for mine must equally obey him and accommodate itself to and
follow all his movements.

When I once saw my poor shadow again,