torician seemed to me to raise with great talent
a firmly constructed fabric, which was at once self-based and
self-supported, and stood as by an innate necessity. I missed in it
completely, however, what most of all I was desirous to find, and so
it became for me merely a work of art, whose elegant compactness and
completeness served to charm the eye only; nevertheless I listened
willingly to the eloquent man who drew my attention from my grief to
him; and I would have gladly yielded myself wholly up to him, had he
captivated my heart as much as my understanding.

Meanwhile the time had passed, and unobserved the dawn had already
enlightened the heaven. I was horrified as I looked up suddenly, and
saw the glory of colors unfold itself in the east, which announced
the approach of the sun; while at this hour in which the shadows
ostentatiously display themselves in their greatest extent, there was
no protection from it; no refuge in the open country to be descried.
And I was not alone! I cast a glance at my companion, and was again
terror-stricken. It was no other than the man in the gray coat!

He smiled at my alarm, and went on without allowing me a single word.
"Let, however, as is the way of the world, our mutual advantage for
awhile unite us. It is all in good time for separating. The road here
along the mountain-range, though you have not yet thought of it, is,
nevertheless, the only one into which you could logically have struck.
Down into the valley you cannot venture; and still less will you
desire to return again over the heights whence you came; and this
also happens to be my way. I see that you already turn pale before
the rising sun. I will, for the time we keep company, lend you your
shadow, and you, in exchange, tolerate me in your society. You have
no longer your Bendel with you, I will do you good service. You do not
like me, and I am sorry for it; but, notwithstanding, you can make use
of me. The devil is not so black as he is painted. Yesterday you
vexed me, it is true; I will not upbraid you with it today; and I have
already shortened the way hither for you; that you must admit. Only
just take your shadow again awhile on trial."

The sun had ascended; people appeared on the road; I accepted, though
with internal repugnance, the proposal. Smiling he let my shadow glide
to the ground, which immediately took its place on that of the horse,
and trotted gaily by my side. I was in the strangest state of m