The Bellefontaine Republican. [volume] (Bellefontaine, Logan County, Ohio) 1855-1905, 1904-07-22
THE GLASSES
OF OF TRUTH Truth
vhaf Prince Fortunate Bsheid with Than

1T is related that once upon a time. in
! Paris. there lived a truly happy man.
One would naturally suppose that he,
too, must have been without 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 In 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 fretful: Il am indeed, the
most happy Of mortals."
| One day this favorite of fashion was
working alone in his studio. He was CIV
ing the finishing touches to a study de-
picting Nymph and a 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"
| In the midst of his reveries, a 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 mallet and chisel
Raising his forefingsr to heaven to COM
mand attention, he smiled pleasantly
and remarked: "Sir, am selling
glasses. | have some of all color:
and for all eyes. Can't l sell you q
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 other:
pink and green. The pink ones are fol
those afflicted with melancholy, for the!
make one see the rosy side of life; th'
blue glasses are for the poets; the yel
low are intended for unhappy husbands
Through them all wives are models o
truth and fidelity. There are some greer
ones which hold continually before th'
wearer the mirage OF hope" AS h
spoke. the peddler spread before tn
sculptor the vari-colored glasses.
ITS no use," interrupted Prince For
, tunate. 81 don't want your glasses; the.
are delusion. Life is beautiful. and
am content TO see 1t as 1t really is"
Again the peddler smiled, and, shak
ing his head. searched the bottom of hi
bundle. I'm convinced that you are
superior man." said he. You want tn
] glasses Of truth. Very well. here the
4 are. The color is gray and dull. in keep
ing with what they unerringly reflect"
Good" said the sculptor, undis
mayed. 'T'Il take them. What ar
they WORTH"
THE others bring fancy prices. T.
let you have these gray ones cheap-fo
a cent"
Prince Fortunate handed him tn
coin. and took the somber-lookin
glasses In exchange. Whereupon th
peddler departed.
ITO learn the truth for one cent,
laughed the sculptor. merrily, IFS Gel
tainly cheap" And turning over his pun
chase disdainfully. he added: This
fellow needn't think he has fooled me
ii, 'ver. in a spirit of fun. he pI
the glasses to his eyes just as his frien
Albert entered the room. The latt,
u was his old and faithful companion
= they had been through all the grades {
q the public schools together; they ha
entered and graduated from college
n company; they had shared the san
e pleasures and trials of youth; and. whe
Prince Fortunate finally married. Albe
had officiated as best man.
c Il am happy to see you." said Alber
extending his hand in greeting. Lii
would indeed be unbearable for bacl
elor like me II were not sure of alwa.
D being welcomed here. In fact, I'm afra
. my affection for you is the best trait
have"