Essential Tales And Poems Of Edgar Allan Poe Part 4

The angels, not half so happy in heaven, Went envying her and me- Yes!-that was the reason (as all men know, In this kingdom by the sea) That the wind came out of the cloud by night, Chilling and killing my ANNABEL LEE.

But our love it was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we- Of many far wiser than we- And neither the angels in heaven above, Nor the demons down under the sea, Can ever dissever my soul from the soul Of the beautiful ANNABEL LEE:

For the moon never beams, without bringing me dreams Of the beautiful ANNABEL LEE; And the stars never rise, but I feel the bright eyes Of the beautiful ANNABEL LEE; And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling-my darling-my life and my bride, In the sepulchre there by the sea, In her tomb by the sounding sea.

TALES.

Metzengerstein Pestis eram vivus-moriens tua mors ero.

-Martin Luther1

HORROR AND FATALITY HAVE been stalking abroad in all ages. Why then give a date to the story I have to tell? Let it suffice to say, that at the period of which I speak, there existed, in the interior of Hungary, a settled although hidden belief in the doctrines of the Metempsychosis. Of the doctrines themselves-that is, of their falsity, or of their probability-I say nothing. I a.s.sert, however, that much of our incredulity (as La Bruyere says of all our unhappiness) "vient de ne pouvoir etre seuls." "vient de ne pouvoir etre seuls."z But there were some points in the Hungarian superst.i.tion which were fast verging to absurdity. They-the Hungarians-differed very essentially from their Eastern authorities. For example. "The soul," "The soul," said the former-I give the words of an acute and intelligent Parisian-" said the former-I give the words of an acute and intelligent Parisian-"ne demeure qu'une seule fois dans un corps sensible: au reste-un cheval, un chien, un homme meme, n'est que la ressemblance peu tangible de ces animaux."aa The families of Berlifitzing and Metzengerstein had been at variance for centuries. Never before were two houses so ill.u.s.trious, mutually embittered by hostility so deadly. The origin of this enmity seems to be found in the words of an ancient prophecy-"A lofty name shall have a fearful fall when, as the rider over his horse, the mortality of Metzengerstein shall triumph over the immortality of Berlifitzing."

To be sure the words themselves had little or no meaning. But more trivial causes have given rise-and that no long while ago-to consequences equally eventful. Besides, the estates, which were contiguous, had long exercised a rival influence in the affairs of a busy government. Moreover, near neighbors are seldom friends; and the inhabitants of the Castle Berlifitzing might look, from their lofty b.u.t.tresses, into the very windows of the Palace Metzengerstein. Least of all had the more than feudal magnificence, thus discovered, a tendency to allay the irritable feelings of the less ancient and less wealthy Berlifitz ings. What wonder, then, that the words, however silly, of that prediction, should have succeeded in setting and keeping at variance two families already predisposed to quarrel by every instigation of hereditary jealousy? The prophecy seemed to imply-if it implied any thing-a final triumph on the part of the already more powerful house; and was of course remembered with the more bitter animosity by the weaker and less influential.

Wilhelm, Count Berlifitzing, although loftily descended, was, at the epoch of this narrative, an infirm and doting old man, remarkable for nothing but an inordinate and inveterate personal antipathy to the family of his rival, and so pa.s.sionate a love of horses, and of hunting, that neither bodily infirmity, great age, nor mental incapacity, prevented his daily partic.i.p.ation in the dangers of the chase.

Frederick, Baron Metzengerstein, was, on the other hand, not yet of age. His father, the Minister G--, died young. His mother, the Lady Mary, followed him quickly. Frederick was, at that time, in his eighteenth year. In a city, eighteen years are no long period; but in a wilderness-in so magnificent a wilderness as that old princ.i.p.ality, the pendulum vibrates with a deeper meaning.

From some peculiar circ.u.mstances attending the administration of his father, the young Baron, at the decease of the former, entered immediately upon his vast possessions. Such estates were seldom held before by a n.o.bleman of Hungary. His castles were without number. The chief in point of splendor and extent was the "Palace Metzengerstein." The boundary line of his dominions was never clearly defined; but his princ.i.p.al park embraced a circuit of fifty miles.

Upon the succession of a proprietor so young, with a character so well known, to a fortune so unparalleled, little speculation was afloat in regard to his probable course of conduct. And, indeed, for the s.p.a.ce of three days, the behavior of the heir out-Heroded Herod,2 and fairly surpa.s.sed the expectations of his most enthusiastic admirers. Shameful debaucheries-flagrant treacheries-unheard-of atrocities-gave his trembling va.s.sals quickly to understand that no servile submission on their part-no punctilios of conscience on his own-were thenceforward to prove any security against the remorseless fangs of a petty Caligula. and fairly surpa.s.sed the expectations of his most enthusiastic admirers. Shameful debaucheries-flagrant treacheries-unheard-of atrocities-gave his trembling va.s.sals quickly to understand that no servile submission on their part-no punctilios of conscience on his own-were thenceforward to prove any security against the remorseless fangs of a petty Caligula.ab On the night of the fourth day, the stables of the Castle Berlifitzing were discovered to be on fire; and the unanimous opinion of the neighborhood added the crime of the incendiary to the already hideous list of the Baron's misdemeanors and enormities. On the night of the fourth day, the stables of the Castle Berlifitzing were discovered to be on fire; and the unanimous opinion of the neighborhood added the crime of the incendiary to the already hideous list of the Baron's misdemeanors and enormities.

But during the tumult occasioned by this occurrence, the young n.o.bleman himself sat apparently buried in meditation, in a vast and desolate upper apartment of the family palace of Metzengerstein. The rich although faded tapestry hangings which swung gloomily upon the walls, represented the shadowy and majestic forms of a thousand ill.u.s.trious ancestors. Here, Here, rich-ermined priests, and pontifical dignitaries, familiarly seated with the autocrat and the sovereign, put a veto on the wishes of a temporal king, or restrained with the fiat of papal supremacy the rebellious sceptre of the Arch-enemy. rich-ermined priests, and pontifical dignitaries, familiarly seated with the autocrat and the sovereign, put a veto on the wishes of a temporal king, or restrained with the fiat of papal supremacy the rebellious sceptre of the Arch-enemy. There, There, the dark, tall statures of the Princes Metzengerstein-their muscular war-coursers plunging over the carca.s.ses of fallen foes-startled the steadiest nerves with their vigorous expression; and the dark, tall statures of the Princes Metzengerstein-their muscular war-coursers plunging over the carca.s.ses of fallen foes-startled the steadiest nerves with their vigorous expression; and here, here, again, the voluptuous and swan-like figures of the dames of days gone by, floated away in the mazes of an unreal dance to the strains of imaginary melody. again, the voluptuous and swan-like figures of the dames of days gone by, floated away in the mazes of an unreal dance to the strains of imaginary melody.

But as the Baron listened, or affected to listen, to the gradually increasing uproar in the stables of Berlifitzing-or perhaps pondered upon some more novel, some more decided act of audacity-his eyes were turned unwittingly to the figure of an enormous, and unnaturally colored horse, represented in the tapestry as belonging to a Saracen ancestor of the family of his rival. The horse itself, in the foreground of the design, stood motionless and statue-like-while, farther back, its discomfited rider perished by the dagger of a Metzengerstein.

On Frederick's lips arose a fiendish expression, as he became aware of the direction which his glance had, without his consciousness, a.s.sumed. Yet he did not remove it. On the contrary, he could by no means account for the overwhelming anxiety which appeared falling like a pall upon his senses. It was with difficulty that he reconciled his dreamy and incoherent feelings with the certainty of being awake. The longer he gazed the more absorbing became the spell-the more impossible did it appear that he could ever withdraw his glance from the fascination of that tapestry. But the tumult without becoming suddenly more violent, with a compulsory exertion he diverted his attention to the glare of ruddy light thrown full by the flaming stables upon the windows of the apartment.

The action, however, was but momentary; his gaze returned mechanically to the wall. To his extreme horror and astonishment, the head of the gigantic steed had, in the meantime, altered its position. The neck of the animal, before arched, as if in compa.s.sion, over the prostrate body of its lord, was now extended, at full length, in the direction of the Baron. The eyes, before invisible, now wore an energetic and human expression, while they gleamed with a fiery and unusual red; and the distended lips of the apparently enraged horse left in full view his sepulchral and disgusting teeth.

Stupefied with terror, the young n.o.bleman tottered to the door. As he threw it open, a flash of red light, streaming far into the chamber, flung his shadow with a clear outline against the quivering tapestry; and he shuddered to perceive that shadow-as he staggered awhile upon the threshold-a.s.suming the exact position, and precisely filling up the contour, of the relentless and triumphant murderer of the Saracen Berlifitzing.

To lighten the depression of his spirits, the Baron hurried into the open air. At the princ.i.p.al gate of the palace he encountered three equerries. With much difficulty, and at the imminent peril of their lives, they were restraining the convulsive plunges of a gigantic and fiery-colored horse.

"Whose horse? Where did you get him?" demanded the youth, in a querulous and husky tone, as he became instantly aware that the mysterious steed in the tapestried chamber was the very counterpart of the furious animal before his eyes.

"He is your own property, sire," replied one of the equerries, "at least he is claimed by no other owner. We caught him flying, all smoking and foaming with rage, from the burning stables of the Castle Berlifitzing. Supposing him to have belonged to the old Count's stud of foreign horses, we led him back as an estray. But the grooms there disclaim any t.i.tle to the creature; which is strange, since he bears evident marks of having made a narrow escape from the flames.

"The letters W. V. B. are also branded very distinctly on his forehead," interrupted a second equerry: "I supposed them, of course, to be the initials of William Von Berlifitzing-but all at the castle are positive in denying any knowledge of the horse."

"Extremely singular!" said the young Baron, with a musing air, and apparently unconscious of the meaning of his words. "He is, as you say, a remarkable horse-a prodigious horse! although, as you very justly observe, of a suspicious and untractable character; let him be mine, however," he added, after a pause, "perhaps a rider like Frederick of Metzengerstein may tame even the devil from the stables of Berlifitzing."

"You are mistaken, my lord; the horse, as I think we mentioned, is not from the stables of the Count. If such had been the case, we know our duty better than to bring him into the presence of a n.o.ble of your family."

"True!" observed the Baron, drily; and at that instant a page of the bed-chamber came from the palace with a heightened color, and a precipitate step. He whispered into his master's ear an account of the sudden disappearance of a small portion of the tapestry, in an apartment which he designated; entering, at the same time, into particulars of a minute and circ.u.mstantial character; but from the low tone of voice in which these latter were communicated, nothing escaped to gratify the excited curiosity of the equerries.

The young Frederick, during the conference, seemed agitated by a variety of emotions. He soon, however, recovered his composure, and an expression of determined malignancy settled upon his countenance, as he gave peremptory orders that the apartment in question should be immediately locked up, and the key placed in his own possession.

"Have you heard of the unhappy death of the old hunter Berlifitzing?" said one of his va.s.sals to the Baron, as, after the departure of the page, the huge steed which that n.o.bleman had adopted as his own, plunged and curveted, with redoubled fury, down the long avenue which extended from the palace to the stables of Metzengerstein.

"No!" said the Baron, turning abruptly toward the speaker, "dead! say you?"

"It is indeed true, my lord; and, to the n.o.ble of your name, will be, I imagine, no unwelcome intelligence."

A rapid smile shot over the countenance of the listener. "How died he?"

"In his rash exertions to rescue a favorite portion of the hunting stud, he has himself perished miserably in the flames."

"I-n-d-e-e-d-!" e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed the Baron, as if slowly and deliberately impressed with the truth of some exciting idea.

"Indeed," repeated the va.s.sal.

"Shocking!" said the youth, calmly, and turned quietly into the palace.

From this date a marked alteration took place in the outward demeanor of the dissolute young Baron Frederick Von Metzengerstein. Indeed, his behavior disappointed every expectation, and proved little in accordance with the views of many a manoeuvring mamma; while his habits and manner, still less than formerly, offered any thing congenial with those of the neighboring aristocracy. He was never to be seen beyond the limits of his own domain, and, in his wide and social world, was utterly companionless-unless, indeed, that unnatural, impetuous, and fiery-colored horse, which he henceforward continually bestrode, had any mysterious right to the t.i.tle of his friend.

Numerous invitations on the part of the neighborhood for a long time, however, periodically came in. "Will the Baron honor our festivals with his presence?" "Will the Baron join us in a hunting of the boar?"-"Metzengerstein does not hunt"; "Metzengerstein will not attend," were the haughty and laconic answers.

These repeated insults were not to be endured by an imperious n.o.bility. Such invitations became less cordial-less frequent-in time they ceased altogether. The widow of the unfortunate Count Berlifitzing was even heard to express a hope "that the Baron might be at home when he did not wish to be at home, since he disdained the company of his equals; and ride when he did not wish to ride, since he preferred the society of a horse." This to be sure was a very silly explosion of hereditary pique; and merely proved how singularly unmeaning our sayings are apt to become, when we desire to be unusually energetic.

The charitable, nevertheless, attributed the alteration in the conduct of the young n.o.bleman to the natural sorrow of a son for the untimely loss of his parents;-forgetting, however, his atrocious and reckless behavior during the short period immediately succeeding that bereavement. Some there were, indeed, who suggested a too haughty idea of self-consequence and dignity. Others again (among whom may be mentioned the family physician) did not hesitate in speaking of morbid melancholy, and hereditary ill-health; while dark hints, of a more equivocal nature, were current among the mult.i.tude.

Indeed, the Baron's perverse attachment to his lately-acquired charger-an attachment which seemed to attain new strength from every fresh example of the animal's ferocious and demon-like propensities-at length became, in the eyes of all reasonable men, a hideous and unnatural fervor. In the glare of noon-at the dead hour of night-in sickness or in health-in calm or in tempest-the young Metzengerstein seemed riveted to the saddle of that colossal horse, whose intractable audacities so well accorded with his own spirit.

There were circ.u.mstances, moreover, which, coupled with late events, gave an unearthly and portentous character to the mania of the rider, and to the capabilities of the steed. The s.p.a.ce pa.s.sed over in a single leap had been accurately measured, and was found to exceed, by an astounding difference, the wildest expectations of the most imaginative. The Baron, besides, had no particular name name for the animal, although all the rest in his collection were distinguished by characteristic appellations. His stable, too, was appointed at a distance from the rest; and with regard to grooming and other necessary offices, none but the owner in person had ventured to officiate, or even to enter the enclosure of that horse's particular stall. It was also to be observed, that although the three grooms, who had caught the steed as he fled from the conflagration at Berlifitzing, had succeeded in arresting his course, by means of a chain-bridle and noose-yet not one of the three could with any certainty affirm that he had, during that dangerous struggle, or at any period thereafter, actually placed his hand upon the body of the beast. Instances of peculiar intelligence in the demeanor of a n.o.ble and high-spirited horse are not to be supposed capable of exciting unreasonable attention, but there were certain circ.u.mstances which intruded themselves by force upon the most skeptical and phlegmatic; and it is said there were times when the animal caused the gaping crowd who stood around to recoil in horror from the deep and impressive meaning of his terrible stamp-times when the young Metzengerstein turned pale and shrunk away from the rapid and searching expression of his human-looking eye. for the animal, although all the rest in his collection were distinguished by characteristic appellations. His stable, too, was appointed at a distance from the rest; and with regard to grooming and other necessary offices, none but the owner in person had ventured to officiate, or even to enter the enclosure of that horse's particular stall. It was also to be observed, that although the three grooms, who had caught the steed as he fled from the conflagration at Berlifitzing, had succeeded in arresting his course, by means of a chain-bridle and noose-yet not one of the three could with any certainty affirm that he had, during that dangerous struggle, or at any period thereafter, actually placed his hand upon the body of the beast. Instances of peculiar intelligence in the demeanor of a n.o.ble and high-spirited horse are not to be supposed capable of exciting unreasonable attention, but there were certain circ.u.mstances which intruded themselves by force upon the most skeptical and phlegmatic; and it is said there were times when the animal caused the gaping crowd who stood around to recoil in horror from the deep and impressive meaning of his terrible stamp-times when the young Metzengerstein turned pale and shrunk away from the rapid and searching expression of his human-looking eye.

Among all the retinue of the Baron, however, none were found to doubt the ardor of that extraordinary affection which existed on the part of the young n.o.bleman for the fiery qualities of his horse; at least, none but an insignificant and misshapen little page, whose deformities were in everybody's way, and whose opinions were of the least possible importance. He (if his ideas are worth mentioning at all) had the effrontery to a.s.sert that his master never vaulted into the saddle without an unaccountable and almost imperceptible shudder; and that, upon his return from every long-continued and habitual ride, an expression of triumphant malignity distorted every muscle in his countenance.

One tempestuous night, Metzengerstein, awaking from a heavy slumber, descended like a maniac from his chamber, and, mounting in hot haste, bounded away into the mazes of the forest. An occurrence so common attracted no particular attention, but his return was looked for with intense anxiety on the part of his domestics, when, after some hours' absence, the stupendous and magnificent battlements of the Palace Metzengerstein, were discovered crackling and rocking to their very foundation, under the influence of a dense and livid ma.s.s of ungovernable fire.

As the flames, when first seen, had already made so terrible a progress that all efforts to save any portion of the building were evidently futile, the astonished neighborhood stood idly around in silent if not pathetic wonder. But a new and fearful object soon riveted the attention of the mult.i.tude, and proved how much more intense is the excitement wrought in the feelings of a crowd by the contemplation of human agony, than that brought about by the most appalling spectacles of inanimate matter.

Up the long avenue of aged oaks which led from the forest to the main entrance of the Palace Metzengerstein, a steed, bearing an un bonneted and disordered rider, was seen leaping with an impetuosity which outstripped the very Demon of the Tempest.

The career of the horseman was indisputably, on his own part, uncontrollable. The agony of his countenance, the convulsive struggle of his frame, gave evidence of superhuman exertion: but no sound, save a solitary shriek, escaped from his lacerated lips, which were bitten through and through in the intensity of terror. One instant, and the clattering of hoofs resounded sharply and shrilly above the roaring of the flames and the shrieking of the winds-another, and, clearing at a single plunge the gate-way and the moat, the steed bounded far up the tottering staircases of the palace, and, with its rider, disappeared amid the whirlwind of chaotic fire.

The fury of the tempest immediately died away, and a dead calm sullenly succeeded. A white flame still enveloped the building like a shroud, and, streaming far away into the quiet atmosphere, shot forth a glare of preternatural light; while a cloud of smoke settled heavily over the battlements in the distinct colossal figure of-a horse.

Bon-Bon Quand un bon vin meuble mon estomac Je suis plus savant que Balzac- Plus sage que Pibrac; Mon bras seul faisant l'attaque De la nation Cossaque, La mettroit au sac; De Charon je pa.s.serois le lac En dormant dans son bac; J'irois au fier Eac, Sans que mon ceur fit tic ni tac, Presenter du tabac.3

-French Vaudeville

THAT PIERRE BON-BON WAS a restaurateur restaurateur of uncommon qualifications, no man who, during the reign of--, frequented the little cafe in the of uncommon qualifications, no man who, during the reign of--, frequented the little cafe in the cul-de-sac cul-de-sac Le Febre at Rouen, will, I imagine, feel himself at liberty to dispute. That Pierre Bon-Bon was, in an equal degree, skilled in the philosophy of that period is, I presume, still more especially undeniable. His Le Febre at Rouen, will, I imagine, feel himself at liberty to dispute. That Pierre Bon-Bon was, in an equal degree, skilled in the philosophy of that period is, I presume, still more especially undeniable. His pates a la fois pates a la fois were beyond doubt immaculate; but what pen can do justice to his essays were beyond doubt immaculate; but what pen can do justice to his essays sur la Nature sur la Nature-his thoughts sur l'Ame sur l'Ame-his observations sur l'Esprit? sur l'Esprit? If his If his omelettes omelettes-if his fricandeaux fricandeaux were inestimable, what were inestimable, what litterateur litterateur of that day would not have given twice as much for an of that day would not have given twice as much for an "Idee de Bon-Bon" "Idee de Bon-Bon" as for all the trash of all the as for all the trash of all the "Idees" "Idees" of all the rest of the of all the rest of the savants? savants?ac Bon-Bon had ransacked libraries which no other man had ransacked-had read more than any other would have entertained a notion of reading-had understood more than any other would have conceived the possibility of understanding; and although, while he flourished, there were not wanting some authors at Rouen to a.s.sert "that his Bon-Bon had ransacked libraries which no other man had ransacked-had read more than any other would have entertained a notion of reading-had understood more than any other would have conceived the possibility of understanding; and although, while he flourished, there were not wanting some authors at Rouen to a.s.sert "that his dicta dictaad evinced neither the purity of the Academy, nor the depth of the Lyceum"-although, mark me, his doctrines were by no means very generally comprehended, still it did follow that they were difficult of comprehension. It was, I think, on account of their self-evidency that many persons were led to consider them abstruse. It is to Bon-Bon-but let this go no further-it is to Bon-Bon that Kant himself is mainly indebted for his metaphysics. The former was indeed not a Platonist, nor strictly speaking an Aristotelian-nor did he, like the modern Leibnitz, waste those precious hours which might be employed in the invention of a frica.s.see or, evinced neither the purity of the Academy, nor the depth of the Lyceum"-although, mark me, his doctrines were by no means very generally comprehended, still it did follow that they were difficult of comprehension. It was, I think, on account of their self-evidency that many persons were led to consider them abstruse. It is to Bon-Bon-but let this go no further-it is to Bon-Bon that Kant himself is mainly indebted for his metaphysics. The former was indeed not a Platonist, nor strictly speaking an Aristotelian-nor did he, like the modern Leibnitz, waste those precious hours which might be employed in the invention of a frica.s.see or, facili gradu, facili gradu,ae the a.n.a.lysis of a sensation, in frivolous attempts at reconciling the obstinate oils and waters of ethical discussion. Not at all. Bon-Bon was Ionic-Bon-Bon was equally Italic. He reasoned a the a.n.a.lysis of a sensation, in frivolous attempts at reconciling the obstinate oils and waters of ethical discussion. Not at all. Bon-Bon was Ionic-Bon-Bon was equally Italic. He reasoned a priori prioriaf-He reasoned a posteriori. posteriori.ag His ideas were innate-or otherwise. He believed in George of Trebizond-He believed in Bossarion. Bon-Bon was emphatically a-Bon-Bonist. His ideas were innate-or otherwise. He believed in George of Trebizond-He believed in Bossarion. Bon-Bon was emphatically a-Bon-Bonist.

I have spoken of the philosopher in his capacity of restaurateur. restaurateur. I would not, however, have any friend of mine imagine that, in fulfilling his hereditary duties in that line, our hero wanted a proper estimation of their dignity and importance. Far from it. It was impossible to say in which branch of his profession he took the greater pride. In his opinion the powers of the intellect held intimate connection with the capabilities of the stomach. I am not sure, indeed, that he greatly disagreed with the Chinese, who hold that the soul lies in the abdomen. The Greeks at all events were right, he thought, who employed the same word for the mind and the diaphragm. I would not, however, have any friend of mine imagine that, in fulfilling his hereditary duties in that line, our hero wanted a proper estimation of their dignity and importance. Far from it. It was impossible to say in which branch of his profession he took the greater pride. In his opinion the powers of the intellect held intimate connection with the capabilities of the stomach. I am not sure, indeed, that he greatly disagreed with the Chinese, who hold that the soul lies in the abdomen. The Greeks at all events were right, he thought, who employed the same word for the mind and the diaphragm.ah By this I do not mean to insinuate a charge of gluttony, or indeed any other serious charge to the prejudice of the metaphysician. If Pierre Bon-Bon had his failings-and what great man has not a thousand?-if Pierre Bon-Bon, I say, had his failings, they were failings of very little importance-faults indeed which, in other tempers, have often been looked upon rather in the light of virtues. As regards one of these foibles, I should not even have mentioned it in this history but for the remarkable prominency-the extreme By this I do not mean to insinuate a charge of gluttony, or indeed any other serious charge to the prejudice of the metaphysician. If Pierre Bon-Bon had his failings-and what great man has not a thousand?-if Pierre Bon-Bon, I say, had his failings, they were failings of very little importance-faults indeed which, in other tempers, have often been looked upon rather in the light of virtues. As regards one of these foibles, I should not even have mentioned it in this history but for the remarkable prominency-the extreme alto relievo alto relievoai-in which it jutted out from the plane of his general disposition. He could never let slip an opportunity of making a bargain.

Not that he was avaricious-no. It was by no means necessary to the satisfaction of the philosopher, that the bargain should be to his own proper advantage. Provided a trade could be effected-a trade of any kind, upon any terms, or under any circ.u.mstances-a triumphant smile was seen for many days thereafter to enlighten his countenance, and a knowing wink of the eye to give evidence of his sagacity.

At any epoch it would not be very wonderful if a humor so peculiar as the one I have just mentioned, should elicit attention and remark. At the epoch of our narrative, had this peculiarity not attracted observation, there would have been room for wonder indeed. It was soon reported that, upon all occasions of the kind, the smile of Bon-Bon was found to differ widely from the downright grin with which he would laugh at his own jokes, or welcome an acquaintance. Hints were thrown out of an exciting nature; stories were told of perilous bargains made in a hurry and repented of at leisure; and instances were adduced of unaccountable capacities, vague longings, and unnatural inclinations implanted by the author of all evil for wise purposes of his own.

The philosopher had other weaknesses-but they are scarcely worthy our serious examination. For example, there are few men of extraordinary profundity who are found wanting in an inclination for the bottle. Whether this inclination be an exciting cause, or rather a valid proof, of such profundity, it is a nice thing to say. Bon-Bon, as far as I can learn, did not think the subject adapted to minute investigation; -nor do I. Yet in the indulgence of a propensity so truly cla.s.sical, it is not to be supposed that the restaurateur restaurateur would lose sight of that intuitive discrimination which was wont to characterize, at one and the same time, his essais and his would lose sight of that intuitive discrimination which was wont to characterize, at one and the same time, his essais and his omelettes. omelettes. In his seclusions the Vin de Bourgogne had its allotted hour, and there were appropriate moments for the Cotes du Rhone. With him Sauterne was to Medoc what Catullus was to Homer. He would sport with a syllogism in sipping St. Peray, but unravel an argument over Clos de Vougeot, and upset a theory in a torrent of Chambertin. Well had it been if the same quick sense of propriety had attended him in the peddling propensity to which I have formerly alluded-but this was by no means the case. Indeed to say the truth, In his seclusions the Vin de Bourgogne had its allotted hour, and there were appropriate moments for the Cotes du Rhone. With him Sauterne was to Medoc what Catullus was to Homer. He would sport with a syllogism in sipping St. Peray, but unravel an argument over Clos de Vougeot, and upset a theory in a torrent of Chambertin. Well had it been if the same quick sense of propriety had attended him in the peddling propensity to which I have formerly alluded-but this was by no means the case. Indeed to say the truth, that that trait of mind in the philosophic Bon-Bon trait of mind in the philosophic Bon-Bon did did begin at length to a.s.sume a character of strange intensity and mysticism, and appeared deeply tinctured with the begin at length to a.s.sume a character of strange intensity and mysticism, and appeared deeply tinctured with the diablerie diablerie of his favorite German studies. of his favorite German studies.

To enter the little cafe cafe in the in the cul-de-sac cul-de-sac Le Febre was, at the period of our tale, to enter the Le Febre was, at the period of our tale, to enter the sanctum sanctum of a man of genius. Bon-Bon was a man of genius. There was not a of a man of genius. Bon-Bon was a man of genius. There was not a sous-cuisinier sous-cuisinieraj in Rouen, who could not have told you that Bon-Bon was a man of genius. His very cat knew it, and forbore to whisk her tail in the presence of the man of genius. His large water-dog was acquainted with the fact, and upon the approach of his master, betrayed his sense of inferiority by a sanct.i.ty of deportment, a debas.e.m.e.nt of the ears, and a dropping of the lower jaw not altogether unworthy of a dog. It is, however, true that much of this habitual respect might have been attributed to the personal appearance of the metaphysician. A distinguished exterior will, I am constrained to say, have its way even with a beast; and I am willing to allow much in the outward man of the in Rouen, who could not have told you that Bon-Bon was a man of genius. His very cat knew it, and forbore to whisk her tail in the presence of the man of genius. His large water-dog was acquainted with the fact, and upon the approach of his master, betrayed his sense of inferiority by a sanct.i.ty of deportment, a debas.e.m.e.nt of the ears, and a dropping of the lower jaw not altogether unworthy of a dog. It is, however, true that much of this habitual respect might have been attributed to the personal appearance of the metaphysician. A distinguished exterior will, I am constrained to say, have its way even with a beast; and I am willing to allow much in the outward man of the restaurateur restaurateur calculated to impress the imagination of the quadruped. There is a peculiar majesty about the atmosphere of the little great-if I may be permitted so equivocal an expression-which mere physical bulk alone will be found at all times inefficient in creating. If, however, Bon-Bon was barely three feet in height, and if his head was diminutively small, still it was impossible to behold the rotundity of his stomach without a sense of magnificence nearly bordering upon the sublime. In its size both dogs and men must have seen a type of his acquirements-in its immensity a fitting habitation for his immortal soul. calculated to impress the imagination of the quadruped. There is a peculiar majesty about the atmosphere of the little great-if I may be permitted so equivocal an expression-which mere physical bulk alone will be found at all times inefficient in creating. If, however, Bon-Bon was barely three feet in height, and if his head was diminutively small, still it was impossible to behold the rotundity of his stomach without a sense of magnificence nearly bordering upon the sublime. In its size both dogs and men must have seen a type of his acquirements-in its immensity a fitting habitation for his immortal soul.

I might here-if it so pleased me-dilate upon the matter of habiliment, and other mere circ.u.mstances of the external metaphysician. I might hint that the hair of our hero was worn short, combed smoothly over his forehead, and surmounted by a conical-shaped white flannel cap and ta.s.sels-that his pea-green jerkin was not after the fas.h.i.+on of those worn by the common cla.s.s of restaurateurs restaurateurs at that day-that the sleeves were something fuller than the reigning costume permitted-that the cuffs were turned up, not as usual in that barbarous period, with cloth of the same quality and color as the garment, but faced in a more fanciful manner with the particolored velvet of Genoa-that his slippers were of a bright purple, curiously filigreed, and might have been manufactured in j.a.pan, but for the exquisite pointing of the toes, and the brilliant tints of the binding and embroidery-that his breeches were of the yellow satin-like material called at that day-that the sleeves were something fuller than the reigning costume permitted-that the cuffs were turned up, not as usual in that barbarous period, with cloth of the same quality and color as the garment, but faced in a more fanciful manner with the particolored velvet of Genoa-that his slippers were of a bright purple, curiously filigreed, and might have been manufactured in j.a.pan, but for the exquisite pointing of the toes, and the brilliant tints of the binding and embroidery-that his breeches were of the yellow satin-like material called aimable aimableak-hat his sky-blue cloak, resembling in form a dressing-wrapper, and richly bestudded all over with crimson devices, floated cavalierly upon his shoulders like a mist of the morning-and that his tout ensemble tout ensembleal gave rise to the remarkable words of Benevenuta, the Improvisatrice of Florence, "that it was difficult to say whether Pierre Bon-Bon was indeed a bird of Paradise, or the rather a very Paradise of perfection." I might, I say, expatiate upon all these points if I pleased,-but I forbear; merely personal details may be left to historical novelists,-they are beneath the moral dignity of matter-of-fact. gave rise to the remarkable words of Benevenuta, the Improvisatrice of Florence, "that it was difficult to say whether Pierre Bon-Bon was indeed a bird of Paradise, or the rather a very Paradise of perfection." I might, I say, expatiate upon all these points if I pleased,-but I forbear; merely personal details may be left to historical novelists,-they are beneath the moral dignity of matter-of-fact.

I have said that "to enter the cafe cafe in the in the cul-de-sac cul-de-sac Le Febre was to enter the Le Febre was to enter the sanctum sanctum of a man of genius"-but then it was only the man of genius who could duly estimate the merits of the sanctum. A sign, consisting of a vast folio, swung before the entrance. On one side of the volume was painted a bottle; on the reverse a of a man of genius"-but then it was only the man of genius who could duly estimate the merits of the sanctum. A sign, consisting of a vast folio, swung before the entrance. On one side of the volume was painted a bottle; on the reverse a pate. pate. On the back were visible in large letters On the back were visible in large letters uvres de Bon-Bon. uvres de Bon-Bon.am Thus was delicately shadowed forth the twofold occupation of the proprietor. Thus was delicately shadowed forth the twofold occupation of the proprietor.

Upon stepping over the threshold, the whole interior of the building presented itself to view. A long, low-pitched room, of antique construction, was indeed all the accommodation afforded by the cafe. cafe. In a corner of the apartment stood the bed of the metaphysician. An array of curtains, together with a canopy In a corner of the apartment stood the bed of the metaphysician. An array of curtains, together with a canopy a la Greque, a la Greque,an gave it an air at once cla.s.sic and comfortable. In the corner diagonally opposite, appeared, in direct family communion, the properties of the kitchen and the gave it an air at once cla.s.sic and comfortable. In the corner diagonally opposite, appeared, in direct family communion, the properties of the kitchen and the bibliotheque. bibliotheque.ao A dish of polemics stood peacefully upon the dresser. Here lay an ovenful of the latest ethics-there a kettle of duodecimo A dish of polemics stood peacefully upon the dresser. Here lay an ovenful of the latest ethics-there a kettle of duodecimo melanges. melanges.ap Volumes of German morality were hand and glove with the gridiron-a toasting-fork might be discovered by the side of Eusebius-Plato reclined at his ease in the frying-pan-and contemporary ma.n.u.scripts were filed away upon the spit. Volumes of German morality were hand and glove with the gridiron-a toasting-fork might be discovered by the side of Eusebius-Plato reclined at his ease in the frying-pan-and contemporary ma.n.u.scripts were filed away upon the spit.

In other respects the Cafe de Bon-Bon Cafe de Bon-Bon might be said to differ little from the usual might be said to differ little from the usual restaurants restaurants of the period. A large fireplace yawned opposite the door. On the right of the fireplace an open cupboard displayed a formidable array of labelled bottles. of the period. A large fireplace yawned opposite the door. On the right of the fireplace an open cupboard displayed a formidable array of labelled bottles.

It was here, about twelve o'clock one night, during the severe winter of--, that Pierre Bon-Bon, after having listened for some time to the comments of his neighbors upon his singular propensity-that Pierre Bon-Bon, I say, having turned them all out of his house, locked the door upon them with an oath, and betook himself in no very pacific mood to the comforts of a leather-bottomed armchair, and a fire of blazing f.a.gots.

It was one of those terrific nights which are only met with once or twice during a century. It snowed fiercely, and the house tottered to its centre with the floods of wind that, rus.h.i.+ng through the crannies of the wall, and pouring impetuously down the chimney, shook awfully the curtains of the philosopher's bed, and disorganized the economy of his pate-pans and papers. The huge folio sign that swung without, exposed to the fury of the tempest, creaked ominously, and gave out a moaning sound from its stanchions of solid oak.

It was in no placid temper, I say, that the metaphysician drew up his chair to its customary station by the hearth. Many circ.u.mstances of a perplexing nature had occurred during the day, to disturb the serenity of his meditations. In attempting des ufs a la Princesse, des ufs a la Princesse,aq he had unfortunately perpetrated an he had unfortunately perpetrated an omelette a la omelette a la Reine; Reine;ar the discovery of a principle in ethics had been frustrated by the overturning of a stew; and last, not least, he had been thwarted in one of those admirable bargains which he at all times took such especial delight in bringing to a successful termination. But in the chafing of his mind at these unaccountable vicissitudes, there did not fail to be mingled some degree of that nervous anxiety which the fury of a boisterous night is so well calculated to produce. Whistling to his more immediate vicinity the large black water-dog we have spoken of before, and settling himself uneasily in his chair, he could not help casting a wary and unquiet eye toward those distant recesses of the apartment whose inexorable shadows not even the red fire-light itself could more than partially succeed in overcoming. Having completed a scrutiny whose exact purpose was perhaps unintelligible to himself, he drew close to his seat a small table covered with books and papers, and soon became absorbed in the task of retouching a voluminous ma.n.u.script, intended for publication on the morrow. the discovery of a principle in ethics had been frustrated by the overturning of a stew; and last, not least, he had been thwarted in one of those admirable bargains which he at all times took such especial delight in bringing to a successful termination. But in the chafing of his mind at these unaccountable vicissitudes, there did not fail to be mingled some degree of that nervous anxiety which the fury of a boisterous night is so well calculated to produce. Whistling to his more immediate vicinity the large black water-dog we have spoken of before, and settling himself uneasily in his chair, he could not help casting a wary and unquiet eye toward those distant recesses of the apartment whose inexorable shadows not even the red fire-light itself could more than partially succeed in overcoming. Having completed a scrutiny whose exact purpose was perhaps unintelligible to himself, he drew close to his seat a small table covered with books and papers, and soon became absorbed in the task of retouching a voluminous ma.n.u.script, intended for publication on the morrow.

He had been thus occupied for some minutes, when "I am in no hurry, Monsieur Bon-Bon," suddenly whispered a whining voice in the apartment.

"The devil!" e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed our hero, starting to his feet, overturning the table at his side, and staring around him in astonishment.

"Very true," calmly replied the voice.

"Very true!-what is very true?-how came you here?" vociferated the metaphysician, as his eye fell upon something which lay stretched at full length upon the bed.

"I was saying," said the intruder, without attending to the inter rogatories,-"I was saying that I am not at all pushed for time-that the business upon which I took the liberty of calling, is of no pressing importance-in short, that I can very well wait until you have finished your Exposition."

"My Exposition!-there now!-how do you you know?-how came know?-how came you you to understand that I was writing an Exposition-good G.o.d!" to understand that I was writing an Exposition-good G.o.d!"

"Hus.h.!.+" replied the figure, in a shrill undertone; and, arising quickly from the bed, he made a single step toward our hero, while an iron lamp that depended overhead swung convulsively back from his approach.

The philosopher's amazement did not prevent a narrow scrutiny of the stranger's dress and appearance. The outlines of his figure, exceedingly lean, but much above the common height, were rendered minutely distinct by means of a faded suit of black cloth which fitted tight to the skin, but was otherwise cut very much in the style of a century ago. These garments had evidently been intended for a much shorter person than their present owner. His ankles and wrists were left naked for several inches. In his shoes, however, a pair of very brilliant buckles gave the lie to the extreme poverty implied by the other portions of his dress. His head was bare, and entirely bald, with the exception of the hinder part, from which depended a queue queueas of considerable length. A pair of green spectacles, with side gla.s.ses, protected his eyes from the influence of the light, and at the same time prevented our hero from ascertaining either their color or their conformation. About the entire person there was no evidence of a s.h.i.+rt; but a white cravat, of filthy appearance, was tied with extreme precision around the throat, and the ends, hanging down formally side by side gave (although I dare say unintentionally) the idea of an ecclesiastic. Indeed, many other points both in his appearance and demeanor might have very well sustained a conception of that nature. Over his left ear, he carried, after the fas.h.i.+on of a modern clerk, an instrument resembling the of considerable length. A pair of green spectacles, with side gla.s.ses, protected his eyes from the influence of the light, and at the same time prevented our hero from ascertaining either their color or their conformation. About the entire person there was no evidence of a s.h.i.+rt; but a white cravat, of filthy appearance, was tied with extreme precision around the throat, and the ends, hanging down formally side by side gave (although I dare say unintentionally) the idea of an ecclesiastic. Indeed, many other points both in his appearance and demeanor might have very well sustained a conception of that nature. Over his left ear, he carried, after the fas.h.i.+on of a modern clerk, an instrument resembling the stylus stylusat of the ancients. In a breast-pocket of his coat appeared conspicuously a small black volume fastened with clasps of steel. This book, whether accidentally or not, was so turned outwardly from the person as to discover the words of the ancients. In a breast-pocket of his coat appeared conspicuously a small black volume fastened with clasps of steel. This book, whether accidentally or not, was so turned outwardly from the person as to discover the words "Rituel Catholique" "Rituel Catholique"au in white letters upon the back. His entire physiognomy was interestingly saturnine-even cadaverously pale. The forehead was lofty, and deeply furrowed with the ridges of contemplation. The corners of the mouth were drawn down into an expression of the most submissive humility. There was also a clasping of the hands, as he stepped toward our hero-a deep sigh-and altogether a look of such utter sanct.i.ty as could not have failed to be unequivocally prepossessing. Every shadow of anger faded from the countenance of the metaphysician, as, having completed a satisfactory survey of his visitor's person, he shook him cordially by the hand, and conducted him to a seat. in white letters upon the back. His entire physiognomy was interestingly saturnine-even cadaverously pale. The forehead was lofty, and deeply furrowed with the ridges of contemplation. The corners of the mouth were drawn down into an expression of the most submissive humility. There was also a clasping of the hands, as he stepped toward our hero-a deep sigh-and altogether a look of such utter sanct.i.ty as could not have failed to be unequivocally prepossessing. Every shadow of anger faded from the countenance of the metaphysician, as, having completed a satisfactory survey of his visitor's person, he shook him cordially by the hand, and conducted him to a seat.

There would however be a radical error in attributing this instantaneous transition of feeling in the philosopher, to any one of those causes which might naturally be supposed to have had an influence. Indeed, Pierre Bon-Bon, from what I have been able to understand of his disposition, was of all men the least likely to be imposed upon by any speciousness of exterior deportment. It was impossible that so accurate an observer of men and things should have failed to discover, upon the moment, the real character of the personage who had thus intruded upon his hospitality. To say no more, the conformation of his visitor's feet was sufficiently remarkable-he maintained lightly upon his head an inordinately tall hat-there was a tremulous swelling about the hinder part of his breeches-and the vibration of his coat tail was a palpable fact. Judge, then, with what feelings of satisfaction our hero found himself thrown thus at once into the society of a person for whom he had at all times entertained the most unqualified respect. He was, however, too much of the diplomatist to let escape him any intimation of his suspicions in regard to the true state of affairs. It was not his cue to appear at all conscious of the high honor he thus unexpectedly enjoyed; but, by leading his guest into conversation, to elicit some important ethical ideas, which might, in obtaining a place in his contemplated publication, enlighten the human race, and at the same time immortalize himself-ideas which, I should have added, his visitor's great age, and well-known proficiency in the science of morals, might very well have enabled him to afford.

Actuated by these enlightened views, our hero bade the gentleman sit down, while he himself took occasion to throw some f.a.gots upon the fire, and place upon the now re-established table some bottles of Mousseux. Mousseux. Having quickly completed these operations, he drew his chair Having quickly completed these operations, he drew his chair vis-a-vis vis-a-vis to his companion's, and waited until the latter should open the conversation. But plans even the most skilfully matured are often thwarted in the outset of their application-and the to his companion's, and waited until the latter should open the conversation. But plans even the most skilfully matured are often thwarted in the outset of their application-and the restaurateur restaurateur found himself found himself nonplussed nonplussed by the very first words of his visitor's speech. by the very first words of his visitor's speech.

"I see you know me, Bon-Bon," said he; "ha! ha! ha!-he! he! he!-hi! hi! hi!-ho! ho! ho!-hu! hu! hu!"-and the Devil, dropping at once the sanct.i.ty of his demeanor, opened to its fullest extent a mouth from ear to ear, so as to display a set of jagged and fang-like teeth, and, throwing back his head, laughed long, loudly, wickedly, and uproariously, while the black dog, crouching down upon his haunches, joined l.u.s.tily in the chorus, and the tabby cat, flying off at a tangent, stood up on end, and shrieked in the farthest corner of the apartment.

Not so the philosopher: he was too much a man of the world either to laugh like the dog, or by shrieks to betray the indecorous trepidation of the cat. It must be confessed, he felt a little astonishment to see the white letters which formed the words "Rituel Catholique" "Rituel Catholique" on the book in his guest's pocket, momently changing both their color and their import, and in a few seconds, in place of the original t.i.tle, the words on the book in his guest's pocket, momently changing both their color and their import, and in a few seconds, in place of the original t.i.tle, the words "Regitre des Cond.a.m.nes" "Regitre des Cond.a.m.nes" blaze forth in characters of red. This startling circ.u.mstance, when Bon-Bon replied to his visitor's remark, imparted to his manner an air of embarra.s.sment which probably might not otherwise have been observed. blaze forth in characters of red. This startling circ.u.mstance, when Bon-Bon replied to his visitor's remark, imparted to his manner an air of embarra.s.sment which probably might not otherwise have been observed.

"Why, sir," said the philosopher, "why, sir, to speak sincerely-I believe you are-upon my word-the d-dest-that is to say, I think-I imagine-I have have some faint-some some faint-some very very faint idea-of the remarkable honor-" faint idea-of the remarkable honor-"

"Oh!-ah!-yes!-very well!" interrupted his Majesty; "say no more-I see how it is." And hereupon, taking off his green spectacles, he wiped the gla.s.ses carefully with the sleeve of his coat, and deposited them in his pocket.

If Bon-Bon had been astonished at the incident of the book, his amazement was now much increased by the spectacle which here presented itself to view. In raising his eyes, with a strong feeling of curiosity to ascertain the color of his guest's, he found them by no means black, as he had antic.i.p.ated-nor gray, as might have been imagined-nor yet hazel nor blue-nor indeed yellow nor red-nor purple-nor white-nor green-nor any other color in the heavens above, or in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth. In short, Pierre Bon-Bon not only saw plainly that his Majesty had no eyes whatsoever, but could discover no indications of their having existed at any previous period-for the s.p.a.ce where eyes should naturally have been was, I am constrained to say, simply a dead level of flesh.

It was not in the nature of the metaphysician to forbear making some inquiry into the sources of so strange a phenomenon; and the reply of his Majesty was at once prompt, dignified, and satisfactory.

"Eyes! my dear Bon-Bon-eyes! did you say?-oh!-ah!-I perceive! The ridiculous prints, eh, which are in circulation, have given you a false idea of my personal appearance? Eyes!-true. Eyes, Pierre Bon-Bon, are very well in their proper place-that, you would say, is the head?-right-the head of a worm. To you would say, is the head?-right-the head of a worm. To you, you, likewise, these optics are indispensable-yet I will convince you that my vision is more penetrating than your own. There is a cat I see in the corner-a pretty cat-look at her-observe her well. Now, Bon-Bon, do you behold the thoughts-the thoughts, I say-the ideas-the reflections-which are being engendered in her pericranium? There it is, now-you do not! She is thinking we admire the length of her tail and the profundity of her mind. She has just concluded that I am the most distinguished of ecclesiastics, and that you are the most superficial of metaphysicians. Thus you see I am not altogether blind; but to one of my profession, the eyes you speak of would be merely an inc.u.mbrance, liable at any time to be put out by a toasting-iron or a pitchfork. To you, I allow, these optical affairs are indispensable. Endeavor, Bon-Bon, to use them well;- likewise, these optics are indispensable-yet I will convince you that my vision is more penetrating than your own. There is a cat I see in the corner-a pretty cat-look at her-observe her well. Now, Bon-Bon, do you behold the thoughts-the thoughts, I say-the ideas-the reflections-which are being engendered in her pericranium? There it is, now-you do not! She is thinking we admire the length of her tail and the profundity of her mind. She has just concluded that I am the most distinguished of ecclesiastics, and that you are the most superficial of metaphysicians. Thus you see I am not altogether blind; but to one of my profession, the eyes you speak of would be merely an inc.u.mbrance, liable at any time to be put out by a toasting-iron or a pitchfork. To you, I allow, these optical affairs are indispensable. Endeavor, Bon-Bon, to use them well;-my vision is the soul." vision is the soul."

Hereupon the guest helped himself to the wine upon the table, and pouring out a b.u.mper for Bon-Bon, requested him to drink it without scruple, and make himself perfectly at home.

"A clever book that of yours, Pierre," resumed his Majesty, tapping our friend knowingly upon the shoulder, as the latter put down his gla.s.s after a thorough compliance with his visitor's injunction. "A clever book that of yours, upon my honor. It's a work after my own heart. Your arrangement of the matter, I think, however, might be improved, and many of your notions remind me of Aristotle. That philosopher was one of my most intimate acquaintances. I liked him as much for his terrible ill temper, as for his happy knack at making a blunder. There is only one solid truth in all that he has written, and for that I gave him the hint out of pure compa.s.sion for his absurdity. I suppose, Pierre Bon-Bon, you very well know to what divine moral truth I am alluding?"

"Cannot say that I-"

"Indeed!-why it was I who told Aristotle that, by sneezing, men expelled superfluous ideas through the proboscis."

"Which is-hiccup!-undoubtedly the case," said the metaphysician, while he poured out for himself another b.u.mper of Mousseux, and offered his snuff-box to the fingers of his visitor.

"There was Plato, too," continued his Majesty, modestly declining the snuff-box and the compliment it implied-"there was Plato, too, for whom I, at one time, felt all the affection of a friend. You know Plato, Bon-Bon?-ah, no, I beg a thousand pardons. He met me at Athens, one day, in the Parthenon, and told me he was distressed for an idea. I bade him write down that. He said that he would do so, and went home, while I stepped over to the pyramids. But my conscience smote me for having uttered a truth, even to aid a friend, and hastening back to Athens, I arrived behind the philosopher's chair as he was inditing the 'o.'

"Giving the lambda a fillip with my finger, I turned it upside down. So the sentence now reads 'and is, you perceive, the fundamental doctrine in his metaphysics."av "Were you ever at Rome?" asked the restaurateur, restaurateur, as he finished his second bottle of Mousseux, and drew from the closet a larger supply of Chambertin. as he finished his second bottle of Mousseux, and drew from the closet a larger supply of Chambertin.

"But once, Monsieur Bon-Bon, but once. There was a time," said the Devil, as if reciting some pa.s.sage from a book-"there was a time when occurred an anarchy of five years, during which the republic, bereft of all its officers, had no magistracy besides the tribunes of the people, and these were not legally vested with any degree of executive power-at that time, Monsieur Bon-Bon-at that time only only I was in Rome, and I have no earthly acquaintance, consequently, with any of its philosophy." I was in Rome, and I have no earthly acquaintance, consequently, with any of its philosophy."aw "What do you think of-what do you think of-hiccup!-Epicu rus?"

"What do I think of whom?" whom?" said the Devil, in astonishment; "you surely do not mean to find any fault with Epicurus! What do I think of Epicurus! Do you mean me, sir?-I am Epicurus! I am the same philosopher who wrote each of the three hundred treatises commemorated by Diogenes Laertes." said the Devil, in astonishment; "you surely do not mean to find any fault with Epicurus! What do I think of Epicurus! Do you mean me, sir?-I am Epicurus! I am the same philosopher who wrote each of the three hundred treatises commemorated by Diogenes Laertes."