The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1902-02-07
}: THE HERMIT
"A Story illustrative of the Ways
of Heaven.
BY voLTAIRE.

lived at Babylon 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 scroll
which he was reading with attention.
Zadig stopped and made him a long
bow. The hermit returned the saluta-
ton 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
ut Is the Book of Destiny" replied
the hermit. would you like to read
itY
He handed 1t to Zadig, but the lat
ter. though he knew dozen languages,
could not understand word of 1t. His
curiosity increased.
"You appear to be In trouble" said
the kindly hermit.
ALAS" said Zadig, II have cause to
be SOP
eff you will allow me-" said the her
init, II will accompany You. Perhaps
may be useful to you. am some
times able to console the sorrowful."
zadIg felt deep respect for the APP
pearance, the white beard and the mys-
terious scroll of the old hermit and
perceived that his conversation was
that of superior mind. The old man
spoke of destiny, of justice, OF moral
fly, 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 kind of
charm and besought the hermit not to
leave him until they should return to
Babylon.
hermit. Promise me that, whatever
/ may do, you keep me company for
several days"
Zadig gave the promise, and they set
forth together.
That night the travellers arrived at
grand mansion. The hermit begged for
food and lodging for himself and his
companion. The porter, who might
have been mistaken for prince, usher
ed them In with contemptuous air of
welcome. 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 a
golden basin set with emeralds and
rubies. They were then conducted for
the night into beautiful apartment,
and the next morning before they left
the castle servant brought them each
piece of gold.
1.-THE master Of the house." said Ia
dig as they went their way. appears
to be generous man, although tribe
naughty. He practices noble hos
pitality." AS he spoke he perceived
that kind Of large pouch which the
hermit carried appeared singularly dis
tended. Within 1t was the golden basin
set with precious stones which the old
man had purloined. Zadig was amaz-
ed, but be said nothing.
AT noon the hermit stopped before a
little house, in which lived a wealthy
miser, and once more asked for hos
pitallty. 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
night before; then, addressing the old
valet. who had kept his eye upon them
to make sure that they stole nothing,
he gave him the two pieces of gold
which they had received that morning
and thanked him for his kind atten-
ton. BE so good" he added, 'as to let
me see your master"
The astonished valet showed them In
Most mighty signor," said the her.
NIT, II can only render you my hum
bic thanks for the noble manner in
which you have received us. L besecch
you to accept this golden basin as a
token of my gratitude"
The miser almost fell backward with
amazement. The hermit, without wait
ing for him to recover, set of with
speed with his companion.
"Holy father" said Zadig, what
does all this mean? You seem to me
to resemble other men in nothing. You
steal a golden basin set with jewels
from signor who receives you with
magniacence and you give it TO cur
smudgeon who treats you with indlg-
nifty"
'AIy son." replied the hermit, "this
mighty lord, who only welcomes trav-
elers through vanity and to display his
riches, will henceforth grow wiser,
while the miser will be taught to prac.
tice hospitality. Be amazed at nothing
and follow me-
Zadig knew not whether he was deal
ing with the most foolish OF the wisest
of all men. But the hermit spoke with
such ascendency that Zadig. who be
sides was fettered by his promise, had
no choice except to follow him.