The Van Buren press., 1904-07-09
THE GLASSES
OF TRUTH
What Prince Fortunate Behddwiih Them
p--.--..----.--.-----~w~s.--.-----------~

1T is related that once upon time, in
| Paris, there lived a truly happy man.
One would naturally SUPPOSE that he,
too, must have been without a shirt 70
his back; on the contrary, he owned
many-some of silk, someof flannel, and
some embroidered, He vas happy be-
cause he possessed riches; be-
cause he was surround,d by many
whom he loved; and last, but not least,
because he was able to devote his life
to art. In truth, he was a sculptor of
no mean talent but, bei.g wealthy, he
often received more praisethan his work
deserved.
Most of his time was Pent in his
sunny studio, where frields were al
ways welcomed. and tlr wine cup
passed around freely IneXchange for
this hospitality his followers willingly
showered on him the fVlsome praise
which made him so happy He had
been nicknamed by them"Prnce For
tunate," and often did h( proudly say
to his comrade Albert, wh' was homely,
poor and fretful: 81 am indeed, the
most happy Of mortals"
One day this fayorIte 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 adWration before
his work, muttring to himself: This
certainly will be my masterpiece"
In the midst Of his reyeries, a servant
ushered in a snartly dressed gentleman
carrying a small bundle under his arm.
The visitor looked keenly at the artist
at work with his mallet and chiseI,
Raising his forefnger 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: 81 nave some
that are blue, some yellow, and others
pink and green. The pink ones are for
those afflicted with melancholy, for they
make one pe 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 yari-coored glasses.
'Its no USE interrupted Prince For-
tunate, 81 don't want your glasses, they
are a dolusion Life Is beautiful and
am content to see It as II 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 unorrntIy reflect"
Good, said the sculptor, undIs.
mayed, I'm take them What are
they worth?'
"The others bring fancf prices I'll
let You have these gray onts ehoap-for
n cent"
Prince Fortunate handed him tho
coin, and took the somber.ookIng
glasses In exchange Whtrcupon the
peddler departed,
ITO learn the truth for one cent"
laughed the sculptor mCrHly rs Ger,
,ainly cheap" And turning over hll pur.
chase disdanfully he addrd' THAT
fellow needn't think he has fooled me, >"
However, In a spirit of fun, he put
The glasses 70 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