The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1881-01-13

end turned my steps toward home, sor
rov,ful and detected. 1t was then that
the enchanted castle rose before me in
all its aliurements. | was drawn, or
went, if you will, toward its portals, and
once 1 enter there my will is gone. That
means drink 10 resume--primary evil,
dreaming. Graft npon it, drink"
"Rouse yourself, man." replied the
physician with affectionate earnestness.
your case is in your own hands. Think
of all the wise hold dear in life-of mans
esteem, of woman's affection and of the
worlds honor"
''Supposing that like my world bet
ter than yours" replied the dreamer.
"Who knows which is the better, the
world of facts or that of fancy? Here,
am shabby outcast; the very children
on your streets cry out on me. There,
not royal Israel in his glory was arrayed
with more magnificent than L. | feast
off sumptuous fare served to me by
Numidian maids on golden salvers. L
drink rich wines from jeweled goblets,
cooled with mountain snow. My abodes
are ivory palaces, but by pleasant wa
ters, where the white cygnet woos the
lily queen, and there | am made glad.
In my gardens the tall cedar spreads her
ample canopy against the MONDAY sun.
Flowers of gorgeous hues and subtle
fragrance cluster over crystal fountains.
The luscious fruit hangs ripe upon the
lime and orange tree. Terrace upon ter
race rises range upon range, each
thronged with graceful statues, till all
are crowned in graceful flowers, whence
my banner floats. The groves beneath
are full of nightingales and dancing
elves. Fairy minstrels awaken the lutes
that give answer to soft dulcimers. The
distant clash of fair Titanias cymbals
comes from afar, each with silver
sound. My word is power. In my
audience halls await ambassadors from
subject nations. My laws give wealth
and peace to millions, and when L ride
abroad, attended by my court and minis
ters, my people crowd about my horses
rein to kiss my feet, and shout with
heart and voice. God save the king.
"That way lies madness, remarked
the doctor gravely. 1--WE call it doxo-
mania, or a morbid passion for vain
glory"
"What would you give me in exchange
for it?'' repeated the dreamer, grimly.
Chambers in Plump Court or Lincoln
Inn; Sunday dinner with my friendly
editor or kind attorney, till | had grown
base enough to be knighted by some
huxtcr, made rich by cheating his fell
low-men; or, were | stepped to the very
lips in infamy, till l was made a junior
baron in your falling house of lords,
tool of party, the very esaence of
rough?"
wake up, say" replied the doctor,
rather testify, wake up, and be man!
mo, thank you, replied Clifford. Il
would rather return to my slumbers.
Lately, too, there has come into my
slumbers vision of unutterablc leveli-
ness. Her form is all my soul has ever
pictured of the beautiful; her voice is
what my ears have keenest sought in
music; her eyes are lode-stars, and her
lips are sweeter than the honeycomb,
though shape and voice and lips he all OF
air. Goodbye"
Yet stay said Graham, anxiously,
cor, at least, do not go empty handed.
Take this, and when it is gone, why,
come again, for auld lang syne.
The vagabonds hand clutched almost
fiercely at the coins held out to him.
Never fear" said he with an absent
laugh, "you will see me again.
Then his spare, bent figure went sham
bling away out of the doctors house,
which was all bathed in sunshine, and
passed into the shadow beyond.
Poor deyil!' sighed the prosperous
physician. II must not let him go; he
is staggering straight to II mad house
And Graham seized his hat, but his
servant met him in the doorway before
he could pass out.
There are twelve patients, sir, in the
4 =
cally, land here are three kilograms"
The doctor put down his hat He was
vexed and angry with himself. Duty is
hard taskmaster. But could anything
have been done for Walter Clitlord?--
/ r.oplop 'Truth