had the mouths of my
mold immediately opened, and at the same time drove in the two plugs
which kept back the molten metal. But I noticed that it did not flow
as rapidly as usual, the reason being probably that the fierce heat of
the fire we kindled had consumed its base alloy. Accordingly I sent
for all my pewter platters, porringers, and dishes, to the number of
some two hundred pieces, and had a portion of them cast, one by one,
into the channels, the rest into the furnace. This expedient
succeeded, and every one could now perceive that my bronze was in most
perfect liquefaction, and my mold was filling; whereupon they all with
heartiness and happy cheer assisted and obeyed my bidding, while I,
now here, now there, gave orders, helped with my own hands, and cried
aloud, "O God! thou that by thy immeasurable power didst rise from the
dead, and in thy glory didst ascend to heaven!"... Even thus in a
moment my mold was filled; and seeing my work finished, I fell upon my
knees, and with all my heart gave thanks to God.

After all was over, I turned to a plate of salad on a bench there, and
ate with hearty appetite, and drank together with the whole crew.

Afterwards I retired to bed, healthy and happy, for it was now two
hours before morning, and slept as sweetly as though I had never felt
a touch of illness. My good housekeeper, without my giving any orders,
had prepared a fat capon for my repast. So that when I rose, about the
hour for breaking fast, she presented herself with a smiling
countenance and said, "Oh, is that the man who felt that he was
dying? Upon my word, I think the blows and kicks you dealt us last
night, when you were so enraged, and had that demon in your body as it
seemed, must have frightened away your mortal fever! The fever feared
that it might catch it too, as we did!" All my poor household,
relieved in like measure from anxiety and overwhelming labor, went at
once to buy earthen vessels in order to replace the pewter I had cast
away. Then we dined together joyfully: nay, I cannot remember a day in
my whole life when I dined with greater gladness or a better appetite.

After our meal I received visits from the several men who had assisted
me. They exchanged congratulations and thanked God for our success,
saying they had learned and seen things done which other masters
judged impossible. I too grew somewhat glorious; and deeming I had
shown myself a man of talent, indulged a boastful humor. S