Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1864-04-30
THE STORY OF A NOSE.
A Scene at a Masquerade.

l.F.rT.l ri 90 HerrerOs.l
"Will you allow me to join you, fair
lady?" 'ytT'I fGj
"With pleasure, and thanks for your
preference of me among all the beauty that
sparkles here. Do you know me?"
''Until now, No; and it Is possible that
might say the same, were you to remove
your mask. But what of that? The interior
course Of masquerade Is not the most un-
pleasant in the world.n
''No, but it often ends in terrible disap-
pointment. -
II cannot deny that 1 have experienced
that; still"
"And caused It also?"
"He can deceive little who habitually APP
pears at all places not excepting the great
balls of carnival, with uncovered face. In
fact, you perceive there Is no cOncealment
about me; that cannot be said of all men.
Thanks, lovely lady. You know me, then,
do you notI"
Eyes, by sight. They say you are a poet;
will you make me some verses?"
Certainly, if you wish; for it is always
my delight to please the fair; but first let
me know your name"
"Give me any name You please; Phillis,
Laura, Philena; any that sweet and poetic
al. should not tell you my true one but
the first one that occurred to me, therefore
you would better suit yourself"
But unless | behold at least the face
whose periections | am to extol, unless /
know the sweet source of my inspira-
ton" ~ '.
'Was that poet who spoke? You who
live in the bOundless regions of fancy, what
need have you of the material presence of
the objects of your alteration? For my
part do not think so highly of my face
nor so meanly of your imagination as to un-
mask"
Sand what pleasure do you promise your
self in beholding my face?"
"That of admiratiOn; If it be as lovely rs
/ guess-that of alteration"
ut is always that ord-a1oratiOn!-YOu
poets deserve to be banished from every
well constituted and Christian state"
"Why. my fair One?"
"If you speak the truth, for your idOiatry;
If the contrary, for your blasphemy. You
may well do without mask. Poets do not
need it in order to lie. They are always false
enough"
III so, for my own part, accept with
much pleasure a quality which assimilates
me so near to the fair sex"
80 women are false, you thiDk?"
II do, my fair mask. And, as to that, l
cannot say that you accuse men altogether
unjustly; 1t must be acknowledged that
the jealousyand tyranny of men cause your
want OF sincerity, and that your stratagems
are more entitled to indulgence, because
you contrive them from desire to please
us. But Is it really true that / am not to
see your face?"
.sYou are not, indeed. The desire to
please you leads me to preserve my mask"
"Your conversation enchants me, and
every word increases my impatence to
know you."
perhaps you are impatient to see my
face because you think 1t is full of perfcc-
tions. But did you not at first call me the
sweet source of your inspiration? Believe
me, your interests and mine are opposed to
granting the favor which you solicit
Whilst remain concealed, shall be sure
of hearing from your mouth such fattering
words as perhaps am not accustomed to.
Should take from my face its protecting
veil, farewell illusions! Stiff courtesy and
gloomy seriousness would take the place
of praises and endearments, and the tender
persistence, which, while | do not weld,
keeps me at least diverted and content"
This. modcsty strikes me as the greatest
proof Of your charms"
"Yes,R lack other things, | have at
least the merit Of modesty-I speak foolishly
-of sincerity"
'Were it possible to confound you with
the crowd of women, might believe it,
The carnival smoothing else than the reverse
of the medal. the world; and doubtless the
figures in the shadow which seem to invite
deception, feign less than those upon its face
Itisseldom thatthe truth can be spoken with
impunity."
siYet you-r .slt asetf Ior3f'
Z, 'sYou are not ugly; could swear to that.
Frequent deceptiOns and disenchantments
have taught me tact and skill In detecting
maskers. You cannot foil me so easily.
have good nose" Tsp. idiom for IL am a
good judge."),
On pronouncing the last word, observed
in my companions face movement Of sur
prise, and, as i thought, displeasure. Be-
lieving that the common phrase which
had thoughtlessly made Use of had disgust
ed her refined ears, hastened to make my
excuses for not having expressed myself
better; upon which the lady laughed, and
taking my hand assured Inc with the most
consummate grace that she willingly par
doned so trivial u slip of the tongue. / con-
tinucl: There Is only one reason why
| should be very sorry to have you un-
mask" rfrs
What Is that" [t1
because then could no longer talk to
you freely. Would it not grieve me to
renounce this atiectionate familiarity which
the carnival balls permit? Now speak to
You as an intimate friend, visitor, be-
trothcd. beloved one" am
swell, then, if should be so indiscreet
as to unmask, you would be as eager to
forsake me, and would hardly stay for cold
and formal. your most obedient.'"
..How You mortify me! Do you then
think me capable OF such impoliteness?-
Suppose for moment that you were ugly,
horrible. Could you lay aside, with the
mask which so tantalizes me, the charms of
your conversation, your bewitching voice,
the affability which captivates me, and the |
grace which fills me with admiration? How |
could a woman with such gifts want at
fractions? If your face Is plain, / can well |
bear it." ,,l ai' llr a
.You say SO. But would you he more |
indulgcnt than the rest Of mankind?- |
Would YOU be less influenced by selfish |
For ugliness Is considered |
by most men woman's greatest crime."
20. am of another species, or else you |
slander the sex, lady. If you don't believe |
me, unite that mask which interferes with |
my happiness, and you shall see how, far |
from growing cool, my ardor will increase.
DO not think my proposal presumptuous.
For IN what can that deformity consist, |
with which you try to frighten ME? Do |
not discern the languid grace of your form? |
Am not already bewitched by your pretty |
lutte foot? Do not the glances OF those en- |
eyes pierce my very heartp And |
have 1 not caught glimpscs of your heaven 1