Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1904-07-28
THE GLASSES ;
OF TRUTH
WAss priona Portuusts DehslA svifh Than

a ~ Sh&kS kAtt O@SS @Ro@ NsA1Ng -
| Paris, there lived a truly happy man
One would naturally suppose that he
too, must have been without a shirt t
his back; on the contrary, he owned
many-some Of silk, some Of flannel, ant
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 a 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 wa 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 forefnger to heaven to COM
mand attention, he smiled pleasantly
and remarked: "Sir, I am selling
glasses. l have some of all colors
and for all eyes. Can't l sell you a
Prince Fortunate assured the strang-
ger that he needed none, but the ped
der of glasses persisted: Il have some
that are blue, some yellow, and others
pink and green. The pink ones are for
those afflicted with melancholy, for they
make n see the rosy side OF life; the
blue glasses r for the poets; the yell
low are intended for unhappy husbands
through them all wives are models Of
ruth and fidelity. There are some green
ines which hold continually before the
wearer the mirage Of hope" Az he
poke, the peddler spread before the
Iculptor the ~vari-colored glasses.
TITS no use." interrupted Prince FORE
innate, Il don't want your glasses; they
re q delusion. Life is beautiful, and
m content to see 1t a. 1t really is."
Again the peddier smiled. and, shak-
ng his head. searched the bottom Of his
'undle. I'm convinced that you are .
uperior man." said he. "You want the
Of truth. Very we'll. here they
re. The color 10 gray and dull. In keep ,
NC with what they unerringiy refiect"
Good" said the sculptor, undis- !
Mayed. "T1l take them. What are ,
hey WORTH" /,
The others bring fancy prices. I'll !
It you have these gray ones cheap-for ,
cent" |.
Prince Fortunate handed him the /,
DIN, and took the somber-looktng !
lasses In exchange. Whereupon the !
departed. :
10 learn the truth for one cent"
the sculptor. merrily, is GER
linly cheap" And turning over his pur-
base disdAinfully, he added: That '
llow needn't think be has fooled ma" '
However. IN . spirit Of fun, he put :
Ie glasses TO his eyes Just a. his friend :
bert entered the room. The latter !
a. his odd and faithful companion; =
icy had been through all the grades Of =
10 public schools together; they had .
itered and graduated from COLLEGE In
,mpany; they had shared the same
easures and trials Of youth; and, when .
rincs Fortunate finally married, Albert :.
"a oficatsd - best man :
Il an happy 10 ~ you," said Albert :,
tending hls hand In greeting. Life !,
ould indeed Be unbearable for bach :
Or nhs mstfI were not SUR Of alWkys =
ing welcomed hsrG In fact I'm afnid :
, affection fhs yOa = he best trait
IEA-