stianity, which is the final chord
towards which everything strives, in the whole work (which to me, at
all events, according to the design of the second part, seems to belong
to another world), I have never been able to form a conception of to
myself in dramatic form; although in quite other sounds, and in those
only, I did conceive the possibility of a conclusion which, in terrific
sublimity, would surpass everything else which could be conceived of.
But this only became apparent to me when I had read Calderon's great
'Magus.' Moreover, the poet has not uttered himself as to the mode in
which he would finish the work; at least nothing of the sort has
reached my ears."

"It seems to me," said Vincent, "on the whole very much as though it
had gone with the poet, as to his work, as it did with old King
Waidewuthis and his graven images. It grew over his head; and that he
could not get control of his own power is proved by the very failure of
his inward energy, which, at length, does not allow anything sound,
healthy, vigorous, to come to the light of day. On the whole, even if
Cyprian is right in thinking that the old king had the best possible
dispositions for turning out a splendid and powerful Satan, I do not
see how he could have got into due relation with humanity again. The
Satan would have had to be, at the same time, a grand, powerful kingly
hero."

"And that is exactly what he was," answered Cyprian. "But to prove this
to you, I should require to know whole scenes by heart, which the
author communicated to us. I remember one in particular, very vividly,
which seemed to me magnificent. King Waidewuthis knew that none of his
sons would succeed him in the crown, so he selected a boy--I think he
appeared about twelve years old--as his successor. In the night they
two--Waidewuthis and the boy--are lying by the fire, and Waidewuthis.
occupies himself in kindling the boy's courage towards the idea of the
godly-might of the Euler of a People. This address of Waidewuthis
seemed to me quite masterly, quite perfect. The boy, who has a young
tame wolf, his faithful playmate, in his arms, listens attentively to
the old man's words; and when the latter at last asks him if, for the
sake of power he would be capable of sacrificing even his wolf, the boy
looks him gravely in the face, and without a word, throws the wolf into
the flames."

"I know," cried Theodore, as Vincent smiled strangely, and Lothair
seemed on the point