Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-08-01
THE GLASSES OF TRUTH
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What Prince Fortunate Bshsidwith Them

| | Paris, there lived truly happy man. One would naturally suppose that he. too, must have been without a shirt to his back; on the contrary, he owned many-some of silk, some of flannel, and some embroidered. He was happy be- cause he possessed riches: be- cause he was surrounded by many whom he loved; and last, but not least. because he was able to devote his life to art. Tn truth, he was sculptor of no mean talent; but, being wealthy he often received more praise than his work deserved.
 Most of his time was spent in his sunny studio, where friends were al-. ways welcomed. and the wine cup passed around freely, In exchange for this hospitality. his followers willingly showered on him the fulsome praise which made him so happy, He had been nicknamed by them Prince For tunate," and often did he proudly say to his comrade Albert, who was homely. poor and fretfuls T am indeed, the most happy of mortals.
 One day this favorite of fashion was working alone in his studio. He was giv- ing the finishing touches to a study de- picting Lymph and Satyr So well pleased was he with the grace Of the former and the manly beauty of the lat ter. that he stood in admiration before his work, muttering to himself: This certainly will be my masterpiece.
 Tn the midst of his reveries, servant ushered in a smartly dressed gentleman carrying a small bundle under his arm. The visitor looked keenly at the artist at work with his maIlet and chiseI. Raising his foreinger to heaven to com mand attention, he smiled pleasantly and remarked: "Sir, am selling glasses. have some of all colors and for all eyes. Can't sell you a pair?"
 Prince Fortunate assured the strang- ger that he needed none, but the ped dler of glasses persisted: II have some that are blue, some yellow, and others pink and green The pink ones are for those afflicted with melancholy, for they make one see the rosy side of life; the blue glasses are for the poets; the yell low are intended for unhappy husbands through them all wives are models of truth and fidelity. There are some green ones which hold continually before the wearer the mirage of hope" As he l spoke, the peddler spread before the l sculptor the vari-colored glasses.
 ''It's no use," interrupted Prince For~ ], tunate, 'T don't want your glasses; they are delusion. Life is beautiful, and l ]. am content to see it as 1t really is" 1 Again the peddler smiled, and, shak- ] ing his head, searched the bottom of his i bundle I'm convinced that you are 3 superior man" said he. You want the glasses of truth. Very we'll, here they are The color is gray and dull, in keep ing with what they unerringly reflect"
 Good" said the sculptor, undis- mayed. "I'll take them. What are they worthy"
 l "The others bring fancy prices. I'll let you have these gray ones cheap--for a cent"
 Prince Fortunate handed him the coin, and took the somber-l Hooking glasses in exchange. Whereupon the l speddler departed.
 "To learn the truth for one cent, 2 laughed the sculptor, merrily, 'is cer- tainly cheap And turning over his pur- chase disdainfully, he added: That fellow needn't think he has fooled me- {
 However, in a spirit of fun, he put the glasses to his eyes just as his friend l Albert entered the room The latter was his old and faithful companion; they had been through all the grades oi the public schools together; they had entered and graduated from college 1T company; they had shared the same I pleasures and trials of youth; and, wher Prince Fortunate finally married, Alber, had oficiated as best man.
 T am happy to see you" said Albert extending his hand in greeting Tiff, would indeed be unbearable for bach elor like me if were not sure of always being welcomed here. In.fact, I'm afraic my affection for you is the best trait
 have"
 The sculptor, unable to speak, gaze< Et his friend in amazement, for Albert eyes were like thin glasses through whicl his thoughts could be seen like pictures in book. Instead of feeling the sincert affection which he protested, the hor rified sculptor read his true thoughts which, E>s. sn words, were: "Compan Ion of my youth, loathe you for al the good deeds you have done. You ars perfect type of manly beauty while ]