Smyrna times., 1901-12-25
The HERMIT :
A Story Illustrative of the Ways I
or Heaven.
BY VOLTAIRE.


In the reign of King Moabdar there
lived at Babylon Il young man named
Zadig. He was handsome, rich and
naturally good hearted, and at the mo-
ment when this story opens he was
travelling on foot to see the world and
to learn philosophy and wisdom. But
hitherto he had encountered so much
misery and endured so many terrible
disasters that he had become tempted
to rebel against the will of heaven and
to believe that the Providence which
rules the world neglects the good and
lets the evil prosper. In this unhappy
spirit he was one day walking on the
banks of the Euphrates when he chanc-
ed to meet a venerable hermit, whose
snowy beard descended to his girdle
and who carried in his hand a scroll
which he was reading with attention.
Zadig stopped and made him long
bow. The hermit returned the saluta-
tion with an air so kindly and so noble
that Zadig felt a curiosity to speak to
him. He inquired what scroll was that
which he was reading.
''It is the Book of Destiny" replied
the hermit. Would you like to read
it?'
He handed it to Zadig. but the lat
ter. though he knew a dozen languages,
could not understand Il word of it. His
curiosity increased.
You appear to be in trouble" said
the kindly hermit.
ALAS" said Zadig. Il have cause to
be sor'
''If you will allow me-" said the her.
NIT, Il will accompany you. Perhaps
l may be useful to you. | am some
times able to console the sOrrowful"
Zadig felt a deep respect for the ap-
pearance. the white beard and the mys-
teriOus scroll of the old hermit and
perceived that his conversation was
that of Il superior mind. The old man
spoke of destiny, of justice. of moral
ity. of the chief good of life. of human
frailty. of virtue and of vice with so
much power and elOquence that Zadig
felt himself attracted by a kind Of
charm and besOugdt the hermit not to
leave him until they should return to
Babylon.
IL ask YOU the same favor" said the
hermit Promise me that, whatever
| may do, you keep NE company for
several days"
Zadig gave the promise. and they set
eorth together.
\ That night the travellers arrived at a
brand mansion. The hermit begged for
mod and lodging for himself and his
+ompanion. The porter, who might
we been mistaken for prince. usher
them in with a contemptuous air of
[ea4lcome. The chief servant showed
-|them the magnificent apartments. and
they were then admitted to the bot
tom of the table. where the master of
the mansion did not cOndescend to cast
a glance at them. They were, however,
served with delicacies in profusion and
after dinner washed their hands in
golden basin set with emeralds and
rubies. They were then conducted for
the night into a beautiful apartment,
and the next morning before they left
the castle servant brought them each
piece of gold.
The master of the house." said Ia
dig as they went their way. appears
to be generous man. although a trife
naughty He practices Il noble hos
pitality." As he spoke he perceived
that kind Of large pouch which the
hermit carried appeared singuIarly dis
tended. Within it was the golden basin
set with precious stones which the old
man had puriOined. Zadig was amaz-
ed, but he said nothing
At noon the hermit stopped before a
little house. in which lived a wealthy
bliser, and once more asked for hos
pitality. An old valet in shabby coat
Received them very rudely. showed
them into the stable and set before
them a few rotten olives. some mOldy
bread and beer which had turned sour
THE hermit ate and drank with as
much content as he had shown the
hight before: then. addressing the old
valet. who had kept his eye upon them
to make sure that they stole nothing
be gave him the two pieces of gold
which they had received that morning
Rnd thanked him for his kind atten
tion. "Be so good" he added. las to lei
me see your master"
The astonished valet showed them in
'"Most mighty signor." said the her
NIT, 81 can only render you my hum
BILE thanks for the noble manner il
which you have received us. 1 beseecl
you to accept this golden basin as
tOkcH latitude"
lie miser almost fell backward will
hmazement. The hermit. without wait
Ing for him to recover. set off witt
speed with his companion.
"Holy father" said Zadig, "wha
does all this mean? You seem to M
to resemble other men in nothing Yor
steal a golden basin set with jewel
from signOr who receives you wit
magnificence and you give it to a cul
mudgeon who treats you with indi2
1ity."
"My son. replied the hermit. "thi
11fcphfu lou h.