Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1904-08-04
THE GLASSES
OF TRUTH
What Prince Fortunate BehsId with Them

Il is related that once upon time, IN
Paris, there lived truly happy man
One would naturally suppose that he.
too, must have been without shirt ia
his back; on the cehtrary, 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 fol-
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-
plotting Nymph and a Satyr So well
pleased was he with the grace Of tbs
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, servant
ushered In 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 forefnger to heaven to COM
mand attention, he smiled pleasantly
and remarked: "sir, am selling
glasses. l have some of all colora
and for all eyes. Cant sell you
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
spoke, the peddler spread before the
sculptor the vari-colored glasses.
TITS no use," interrupted Prince For
tunate, II don't want your glasses; they
are delusion. Life is beautiful, and I
am content to see it as it really Is"
Again the peddler smiled, and, shak-
ing his head, searched the bottom Of his
bundle. I'm convinced that you are
superior man." said he. you want the
glasses of truth. Very well, here they
are. The color is gray and dull, in keep
ing with what they unerringly reflect"
Good" said the sculptor, undis-
mayed. "Ill take them. What are
they WORTH"
1.-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-looking
glasses in exchange, Whereupon the
peddler departed.
ITO learn the truth for one cent"
laughed the sculptor, merrily, as GER
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
Albert entered the room. The latter
was his old and faithful companion;
they had been through all the grades of
the public schools together; they had
entered and graduated from college in
company; they had shared the same
pleasures and trials of youth; and. when
Prince Fortunate finally married, Albert
had oflciated as best man.
81 am happy to see you" said Albert,
extending his hand in greeting. Life
would indeed be unbearable for bach
elor like me i'll were not sure OF always
being welcomed here. In fact, I'm afraid
my affection for you is the best trait !
have"
The sculptor, unable to speak, gazed
1t his friend in amazement, for Albert's
eyes were like thin glasses through which
his thoughts could be seen like pictures
In a book. Instead of feeling the sincere
affection which he protested, the hor-
rifled sculptor read his true thoughts,
which, put in words, were; "Compan-
Ion of my youth, loathe you for all
the good deeds you have done. You are
a perfect type Of manly beauty while l
am a monster of ugliness; you are rich,
! am poor; you are blessed with health,