586 ROMANCE OF THE SELF. 



a wound, received in the vicinity of his brain, he is at times afflicted 

 with fits of temporary derangement ; and when I inform you that 

 during these fits he is always seized with this odd whim of imitation, 

 you will no longer feel so much amazed." This speech Hubert had 

 framed, thinking it would obviate all suspicions as to what his com- 

 panion really was. His address evidently produced little effect. 

 The visitors continued to stare and whisper, and at an early hour, 

 they all slunk away with looks of alarm. 



The next day Hubert thought proper to walk abroad, for the first 

 time since he had acquired his riches. As he paced through the 

 streets, the children fled before him, and doors and windows were 

 crowded with people who had gathered together for the purpose of 

 gazing at him. These he imagined were tokens of their deference to 

 wealth and power, and their admiration of his jewels and apparel ; 

 but he was soon woefully undeceived. There was a loud and conti- 

 nued cry raised after him of " Behold the double man, behold the 

 wretch who has sold himself to the wizard !" Then followed hootings 

 and imprecations ; and a shower of stones, and other offensive mis- 

 siles fell around him. Some of the boldest and most rancorous of 

 his persecutors, armed themselves with clubs, and ran after him 

 breathing threats, and he was obliged to seek safety in flight. By a 

 circuitous route he contrived to get within his own gate. Trembling 

 from head to foot, he sought refuge in his own chamber, for his pur- 

 suers proceeded to shew further demonstrations of their wrath, by 

 demolishing his windows, and vowing they would effect an entrance, 

 arid drag him from his hiding-place. The Self was still at his side. 

 " Accursed monster !" he exclaimed, " were it not for thee, I might 

 now be truly happy ; and hast thou no comfort to offer me ? no 

 voice, save to repeat my own words ? Fiend, mocker, can'st thou not 

 answer me ?" He hid his face in his hands, and turned from the 

 figure with loathing. 



In vain did he try to shun the Self sleeping or waking, it was ever 

 by his side. If he stirred abroad, the persecutions of the peasantry 

 rendered his life in peril j if he sought to steep his senses into forget- 

 fulness by wine, when about to raise the cup to his lips, his eyes en- 

 countered those of the Self, and the draught was turned to bitterness. 

 " Fool, madman, that I was," thought he, " to expect happiness 

 from leaguing myself with the powers of darkness ! I am a hermit 

 amongst my fellow-men, a prisoner in my own mansion, despised by 

 those that loved me, hated and avoided by all. I will return to the 

 wizard, and implore him to restore me my poor hut, homely fare, and 

 coarse garments." 



When darkness was around, Hubert again bent his steps towards 

 the wizard's dwelling, and found him, as before, occupied in poring 

 over a large volume. " What more dost thou require," said he, 

 " that thou again disturbest my solitude ? Have I not supplied thee 

 with all thou didst wish ? Art thou not satisfied ?" " Thou hast 

 granted to me all, nay, more than I wished," replied Hubert, " and 

 yet I am not satisfied. Take back thy wealth, take back thy mon- 

 ster ; and give me in return poverty and content." " Dolt, idiot !" 

 said the magician, " would'st thou again exist in rags and wretched- 



