Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-08-28

nown, | dreamed only Of the means Of &C.
quiring IT, This idea rendered me insensi.
Bile to all the gayesies and pleasures Of life.
The present was nothing to me, existed
only in the future, and that future always
presented itself TO me under the mos, SOM
bre aspect was almost thirty years old,
and had accomplished nothing. Then,
and from all sides, there were rising literary
regulations in the capital Of which the bril-
liaacy reached even to the provinces. .Ah /:
would often say to myself, If could make
for myself career 10 the world Of letters =
That would lead TO that fame ip which alone
happiness is 10 be found had a. q con-
idant Of my chagrin an ancient domestic,
an old negro. who had lived in tho chateau
from period long before my birth. He
was certainly the oldest person in the estab.
lishment, for no one could recollect when he
entered ii; and the country people pretend
ed that he had even known Marechal Fa-
bert, and was present at the DEATH
AT this moment my interlocutor saw me
start. He stopped his narrative, and asked
the cause. Nothing said I to him, in
spite Of myself, | could not keep from think
ing Of the black man Of whom the landlord had
spoken.
M. de C. continued
One day, while in company with Iago,
(that was the negro's name, was bewailing
oh nd o.,l . I
would give ten years of my life to become an
author Of the first class
Ten years. he said to me coldly, . that is
much, and would be paying very dear for lit
tie thing. But never mind, will accep, your
ten years. will take them and recall your
promise to you at another time
! could not restrain my surprise at hearing
him speak thus. l believed that years had ef-
fected his reassn. Laughing and Struggling
my shoulders, l left him. Some days after
wards, l quit the chateau for Paris. There
found myself launched into the society Of men
of letters. Their example encouraged me, and
1 published several works, the success of which
| will not recount to you. All Paris FASTENED
to see me; the journals resounded with my
praises; the new name which had taken be-
came celebrated, and no longer ago than yes
terday, young man, you yourslf, was admring
it,
Here new gesture Of surprise interrupted
the recital.
You are not then NJ. de Due de CT
exclaimed.
No. he coldly replied. And said to my
self, : A celebrated man of leners' II is Mar
montel, Perhaps it is D'Alembert, Can it
be Voltairer
The unknown sighed; a smile of regret
and sorrow curled his lips, and he resumed his
story.
The literary reputation that had wished,
soon became insufficient for a soul so ardent as
mine. I aspired to a more noble success; and
| said to Iago, who had followed me to Paris,
and who never left me, There is no real glory
to be had here, none of that true renown which
is acquired in the career Of arms. What is a
man of letters, poetl Nothing. Speak to
me of great captain, a commander of armies
that is the destiny which wish for, and for a
great military reputation would give ten Of
those years which remain to me-
i accept them, he answered 8 l will take
them,-they belong to me,-then do not forge,
it
All this time he kept striding about, and he
spoke with great heat and enthusiasm, while
surprise had frozen all my nerves. asked
myself, Who is this with whom am, Is il
Coloquy. Is it Richelieu, Is it Marechal DE-
Saxe,'
Passing from state of exultation to one o
detection, my unknown approached me, and
said, with sombre air:
'lago had said true; and when, later, dis
gusted with the vain phantoms Of military glo-
ry, aspired to the possession of that which
alone is real and positive III this world; when
at the price of five or six years of existence,
desired gold and wealth, he awarded them IL
me. Yes, young man, have seen fortune
even surpass all my wishes. Lands, forests
and chateaux were all in my possession this
morning; and, if you doubt me, if doubt Iago--
listen-listen-he is coming-and you will set
for yourself, with your own eyes; for thai
which confonnds your reason and mine is un
fortunately but too real
The unknown then approached the chimney
pihce, looked at the clock, made frightfu
gesture, and said to me in low voice,
This morning, at day-break, | felt so de-
jected and feeble that could hardly get up
l rang for my servant but it was lago who
appeared.
What is the matter with me said tt
him.
Nothing, master, but what is very natural,
be replied, the hour is at hand, the moment is
approaching.
what hour,' l asked.
DO YOU not know,' he answered, HEAVIER
had destined for you sixty years Of life. Thir
ty Of them had passed when commenced obey
ing you.'
.Iago,' said / with fright, do you speal
sincerely.'
Yes, master, in FIVE years you have e1pen
ded in glory twenty five years Of life; you gave
them to me, to me they belong, and those days
Of which you have deprived yourself will now
be added to mine'
What, was that the price Of your Ia
bors,' s.i. r,f
'Others have paid me higher than that wit