LOVES OF THE HOSES. 35 



in which a magician changes into trees or flowers her rejected 

 lovers ; have we not, besides, in mythology, Daphne changed 

 into a laurel, Clytie into a sunflower? Did not Nai-oissus 

 and Adonis become flowers, to which they left their names? 

 Well, every one of the rose-leaves ^beyond five) which sur- 

 round the nymph who dwells in the double rose, is one of 

 these lovers — each of the petals is made of one of the stamens 

 that she had. Certain roses are so double that they have 

 not one stamen left, and then they never have any seeds. 

 Our white rose, which has but five rows of petals, has pre- 

 served a few of its lovers. 



Then we left the white rose-tree ; and, taking three steps, 

 we found ourselves in a hostelry, which has the advantage of 

 being our own home. And you, my friend, where are you 

 going to dine? or, rather, where do you not dine? Where do 

 you sleep? or rather, where do you not sleep? 



Ancient robbers upon the highways observed that they 

 were often imprisoned, that they were sometimes hung, and 

 they found it necessary to introduce some modification into 

 one of the most ancient professions; they discai'ded those 

 brown vests, those red pantaloons, those pistol bedecked 

 girdles, which are only met with in melodramas, and they 

 assumed a cotton cap and a white apron ^ they took out the 

 licence of an aubergiste, and continue to plunder upon the 

 high roads, the theatre of their ancient exploits, but now 

 under the immediate protection of their ancient enemies, the 

 authorities and gendarmes. 



In which of fliese caverns are you this evening — if even 

 you are happy enough to have reached one? What suspicious 

 food is presented to your appetite ? Do you think you are 

 certain the sheets of your bed have never been used by any 

 one else? And with what insects are you about to share 

 your couch? 



