have perhaps some bad news to disclose,
and fearing I will be crushed by it, you desire, beforehand, to apply a
balsam."

The king's glance was tender and sympathetic. "Poor Amelia! you will,
then, never believe in my affection," said he, mildly. "You distrust
even your brother! Oh, Amelia! life has hardened us both. We entered
upon the stage of life with great but fleeting illusions. How gloriously
grand and beautiful did the world appear to us; now we look around us
soberly, almost hopelessly! What remains of our ideals? What has become
of the dreams of our youth?"

"The storm-winds have shattered and scattered them," cried Amelia,
laughing. "The evil fiend has ploughed over the fair soil of your youth
and turned it to stone and ashes. I am content that this is so I would
rather wander amongst ruins and dust and ashes than to walk gayly over
a smooth surface with whose dark caves and pitfalls I was unacquainted,
and which might any day ingulf me. When both foundation and
superstructure lie in ruins at your feet, you have nothing more to fear.
But I say this for myself, sire, not for you, the fame-crowned king,
who has astonished the world by his victories, and now fills it with
admiration by the wisdom with which he governs his subjects and advances
the glory of his kingdom!"

"My child," said the king, mildly, "fame has no longer any attraction
for me. Nero was also renowned; he burned cities and temples, and
tortured Seneca to death. Erostratus succeeded in making his name
imperishable I am utterly indifferent as to the world's admiration of
my wisdom and power to govern. I try to do my duty as a king. But I tell
you, child, in one little corner of the king's heart there remains ever
something human, and the poor creature man sometimes cries out for a
little personal comfort and happiness. One may be very rich as a king,
but poor--oh, how poor--as a man! Let us, however, dismiss these sad
thoughts. I was speaking to you of money, Amelia. We will return to this
theme. I cannot prevent your heart from suffering, but I can secure to
you every outward good. Your income, until now, has been small; tell me
what debts you have contracted, and I will pay them!"

"Your majesty falls into my room like a shower of gold," cried Amelia;
"you will find no Danae here, only an ugly old maid, who is, however,
ready to receive the glittering treasure; but you give me credit for too
good a memory when you think I know the amount