woman; and I myself, who speak to you, have seen
occasions so tempting, provocations so irresistible to the strength of
human virtue, that I have been glad to tread in your steps and recommend
myself to the grace of God. It is thus, thanks to that modest and
becoming habit alone," he added, "that you and I can walk this town
together with untarnished hearts."

"I had always heard that you were brave," replied the officer, "but I
was not aware that you were wise and pious. You speak the truth, and
you speak it with an accent that moves me to the heart. This world is
indeed a place of trial."

"We are now," said Florizel, "in the middle of the bridge. Lean your
elbows on the parapet and look over. As the water rushing below, so the
passions and complications of life carry away the honesty of weak men.
Let me tell you a story."

"I receive your Highness's commands," replied the man.

And, imitating the Prince, he leaned against the parapet, and disposed
himself to listen. The city was already sunk in slumber; had it not been
for the infinity of lights and the outline of buildings on the starry
sky, they might have been alone beside some country river.

"An officer," began Prince Florizel, "a man of courage and conduct, who
had already risen by merit to an eminent rank, and won not only
admiration but respect, visited, in an unfortunate hour for his peace of
mind, the collections of an Indian Prince. Here he beheld a diamond so
extraordinary for size and beauty that from that instant he had only one
desire in life: honour, reputation, friendship, the love of country--he
was ready to sacrifice all for this lump of sparkling crystal. For three
years he served this semi-barbarian potentate as Jacob served Laban; he
falsified frontiers, he connived at murders, he unjustly condemned and
executed a brother-officer who had the misfortune to displease the Rajah
by some honest freedoms; lastly, at a time of great danger to his native
land, he betrayed a body of his fellow-soldiers, and suffered them to be
defeated and massacred by thousands. In the end he had amassed a
magnificent fortune, and brought home with him the coveted diamond.

"Years passed," continued the Prince, "and at length the diamond is
accidentally lost. It falls into the hands of a simple and laborious
youth, a student, a minister of God, just entering on a career of
usefulness and even distinction. Upon him also the spell is cast; he
deserts everything, hi