Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1880-06-28
The Fatal Triumph.

gather every evening, when the weather
was favorable, beneath the shade of the
trees in the park, to enjoy the view of
the Tueringer forest, and to while away
the passing hours in free and jovlal con-
verse. At their head was the honored
veteran and assistant director of the
Ducal Theater Of Gotha. Meinherr Con-
rad Eckof, the father of the German
stage, who, by his brilliant genius, his
untiring efforts, and his unsullied in
tegrity, had raised to an elevated posi-,
tion the mimic scenes of the hitherto
despised drama, and inaugurated new
era in the history of the German thea
ter. Around the old master sat grouped
his favorite pupils-the conscientious
Iffland, the genial yet melancholy Bell.
the pleasant Beck and many others,
listening with attention to the words of
their beloved teacher. His praise was
their highest triumph; yet even his
censure had no power to wound even
the most sentative because, like faith
er, his only object was to benefit and
instruct his children, as he was accus-
toned lovingly to term the social gath
ering.
All present were inspired by the
same impulse, the love of their art, and
this was usually the theme of their con-
versation. Here, over glass of beer,
or sometimes over a bowl of steaming
punch, the talents of each individual
performer were closely but fairly criti-
cised, the beauties of the poetry set
forth, and the fidelity to nature with
which the different characters of the
drama were portrayed, was commented
upon and rehearsed. The aged Eckof,
by acting as moderator. prevented the
discussion from becoming too earnest
and personal, and, by the experience Of
his graver years, held in check the hot
and fiery rashness of the youths. Such
pleasant reunions, full of life, anima.
tion and instruction, were eagerly look.
ed forward to by all and, in after
time, the memories of the evenings sc
delightfully."- spent, came up refreshingly
to cheer their labors and assurage theil
sorrows.
They were thus assembled one day
with grave and earnest expression
upon every countfHGis hand fresh lau
rel wreath, with which, as was thei
custom from time to time, he intended
to crown the brow of the gentle Beck
as reward for his excellent acting il
the play of Emilia Galottii on the pre-
vious evening.
"Take," said Eckof, "this well-earnec
wreath, which your comrades present t.
you. Could my immortal friend, tn
great Lessing, have seen you in tn
character of the prince, he would lik
me have been struck with admiration
l regret that have not his genius t.
clothe my thoughts in language and ex
press Alright the emotions of my heart
You must therefore be content with thi
testimonial of your acknowledged worth
l bind it upon your youthful forehead
and say-'Long live our noble Beck =
"Long live our noble Beck !" repeat
ed the chorus of artists with enthu
siasm.
But when Eckhof attempted to plac
the wreath upon the head of the talent
ed youth, he, in resolute, almost rud
manner, declined the proffered honor.
) "Away with the wreath !" he cried
81 cannot bear to look upon it"
His cheeks were pale as death, hi
voice trembled with emotion, and Eckhc
with his friends looked at him in silen
establishment.
"What is this % at length inquire
the venerable master. "Why do 20
refuse the laurel with which your CO.
leagues present you through me? Th
excess of modesty appears to me out {
place at the present time. You wi
offend us all by declining to receive OF
we'll meant testimonial"
Again Eckhof advanced with the gal
land, and again, with all the symptom
of horror and repugnance, the youn
actor held back the hand of the age
veteran.
81 cannot do otherwise, my friends.
he stammered, in trembling accents
''Par1on me but l cannot bear eve
the sight of that laurel crown. 1t r.
aWaKens sorrows and trials which ha
long slumbered in my breast
With this the young artist fell bac
upon the bench near by, and covere
his face with his hands, to hide IL
tears which stgeamed down his cheeks.
"We certainly did not intend to hui
your feelings J" said Eckhof, laying b
hand kindly Gu the shoulder of tt
weeping youth and gently soothing hin
"Our well-interded offering has.
seems, revived some painful recolle
tions |"
ut has indeed, !" replied the youtl
gradually becoming composed "and
owe you an explanation of my strang