Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-02-13

worldly than the dukes fool. Involun- tarily his face softened. This pauvre tliable gazed upon eternity with the calm eyes of Socrates You do not then beg for life:" said :he plaisant his former impatience merging into mild curiosity. ''Is it worth begging for:" asked the straitened bookworm. life means a pinched stomach, a cold body; death, no hunger to fear and bed that, though cold. chills us not. What we know not doth not exist--for us; ergo, to lie ill the earth is to rest in the lap of luxury for all our consciousness of ii. But to be unconscious of the ills of this perishable frame Horace likewise must be as dead to us as our aches and pains. Thus is life made prefera- ble to death. Yes. I would live Hold, though" he again hestated in deep thought. What avails Horace if''- he began.
 "Why, what new data have entered in the premises?' observed the won dering jester.
 'Nanette!' was the gloomy answer.
 'Who, pray. is Nanette?' asked the fool, thrusting his assailants weapon in his ierkin.
 "A wanton haggard whose tongue will run post sixteen stages together; who would make the devil himself malleable, then work. hammer and wire-draw him.
 And what is she to you?"
 My wife-that is. she claims that exalted place. having married me one night when I was in my cups through false priest who dresses as Fran ciscan monk. Fools in the court of God are these priests called, and truly he is Il jester, for certainly is he no true monk. But Nanette nevertheless asserts she is the lawful partner of my sorrows. So work your will on me A stroke. and the shivering spirit is waited across the StyX''
 And if I gave you not only your life~for a consideration hereafter to be mentioned-but a small silver piece as wcll:" suggested the jester. who had been for some moments buried in thought
 "Ha. calculated the scamp student. frightening. "Yonr gift would match the piece I already have and which dolt that I was-I overlooked to in. clude in my chain of reasoning" And. thrustng his hand into his ragged dOublet. after some search he extract ed diminutive disk upon which he gnzed not without ardor Thus are we forced to start the chain of reason i ing anew" he remarked. with Horace and this bit of metal on one side of the scales and Nanette on the other. | Now, unless the devil sits on the beam with Nanette. which he's like to do. weigh her and we arrive at the certi- tude that life. qualified as to duration. may he happily endured"
 What argument does the dross car ry. knave:" demanded the fool, look ing down at the hound that crouched at his feet.
 With it may be purchased that i which-warms the pinched stomach. With it may be bought an elixir so strong and magical it may breed de- fiance even of Nanette. Sir Fool. I have concluded to accept life and the small silver piece"
 "Well and good" commented the jest CT. But there are conditions attach cd to my clemency."
 "Conditions'' retOrted the vagabOnd. "What are conditions to q philosopher once he has reached logical assur. ance:"
 First. you must find me horse. Your Nanette. as take it. is q gypsy. and in the camp are surely horses
 But why should you want a horse? puzzled scholar
 "No. but 'tis far away from it. Next, tell me where you got that small piece of silver. like the one have promised youT"
 Prom Mar cite"
 What for:"
 ITO accomplish that which I have failed to do.' replied the student will ingly. But. alas. not having earned 1t. have l the right idly to spend it:" he added dolefully. half to himself.
 "Why did Nanettc"- began the jest or
 But the other raised his arm with an expostulatory gesture. Many things know" he interrupted. odds and ends of erudition. but wOman's mind know not nor want to know. L ilad as soon question Beelzebub as her: yea. to stir up the devil with stick. If spar ing ny life Is contingent on my know ing why she does this or that, then let me pay the debt of nature
 No. 'Tis slight punishment to take from man that which he values so little he must reason with himself to learn if lie value if at all.'' returned the dukes jester slowly. wen waive the question if you find me the horse"
 " lis Nanette you must ask. There's but one. old. yet serviceable.
 Then take me to Nanette''
 Very well. Follow mo. sir. and if you're still of mind when you see her you can question her.
 Why. is she so weird and witch-like to look upon:" said the fool.
 Nay. The devil hides his claws be hind the daintiest fingers. all pink and white He conceals his cloven hoof in q slipper truly sylph-like.'
 You arouse my curiosity. l would fain meet this fair monster ! Come. then. Master Fool" replied the scamp student. leaving the road for the field to fine right. and the jester