第1章

DEDICATION ToMarcellineDesbordes—Valmore，adaughterofFlanders，ofwhomthesemoderndaysmaywellbeproud，IdedicatethisquaintlegendofoldFlanders。 DEBALZAC。 CHRISTINFLANDERS AtadimlyremoteperiodinthehistoryofBrabant，communicationbetweentheIslandofCadzandandtheFlemishcoastwaskeptupbyaboatwhichcarriedpassengersfromoneshoretotheother。Middelburg，thechieftownintheisland，destinedtobecomesofamousintheannalsofProtestantism，atthattimeonlynumberedsometwoorthreehundredhearths；andtheprosperoustownofOstendwasanobscurehaven，astragglingvillagewherepiratesdweltinsecurityamongthefishermenandthefewpoormerchantswholivedintheplace。 ButthoughthetownofOstendconsistedaltogetherofsomescoreofhousesandthreehundredcottages，hutsorhovelsbuiltofthedriftwoodofwreckedvessels，itneverthelessrejoicedinthepossessionofagovernor，agarrison，aforkedgibbet，aconvent，andaburgomaster，inshort，inalltheinstitutionsofanadvancedcivilization。 WhoreignedoverBrabantandFlandersinthosedays？Onthispointtraditionismute。Letusconfessatoncethatthistalesavorsstronglyofthemarvelous，themysterious，andthevague；elementswhichFlemishnarratorshaveinfusedintoastoryretailedsooftentogatheringsofworkersonwinterevenings，thatthedetailsvarywidelyinpoeticmeritandincongruityofdetail。Ithasbeentoldbyeverygeneration，handeddownbygrandamesatthefireside，narratednightandday，andthechroniclehaschangeditscomplexionsomewhatineveryage。Likesomegreatbuildingthathassufferedmanymodificationsofsuccessivegenerationsofarchitects，somesombreweather—beatenpile，thedelightofapoet，thestorywoulddrivethecommentatorandtheindustriouswinnowerofwords，facts，anddatestodespair。Thenarratorbelievesinit，asallsuperstitiousmindsinFlanderslikewisebelieve；andisnotawhitwisernormorecredulousthanhisaudience。Butasitwouldbeimpossibletomakeaharmonyofallthedifferentrenderings，herearetheoutlinesofthestory； stripped，itmaybe，ofitspicturesquequaintness，butwithallitsbolddisregardofhistoricaltruth，anditsmoralteachingsapprovedbyreligion——amyth，theblossomofimaginativefancy；anallegorythatthewisemayinterprettosuitthemselves。Toeachhisownpasturage，andthetaskofseparatingthetaresfromthewheat。 TheboatthatservedtocarrypassengersfromtheIslandofCadzandtoOstendwasuponthepointofdeparture；butbeforetheskipperloosedthechainthatsecuredtheshalloptothelittlejetty，wherepeopleembarked，heblewahornseveraltimes，towarnlatelingerers，thisbeinghislastjourneythatday。Nightwasfalling。ItwasscarcelypossibletoseethecoastofFlandersbythedyingfiresofthesunset，ortomakeoutuponthehithershoreanyformsofbelatedpassengershurryingalongthewallofthedykesthatsurroundedtheopencountry，oramongthetallreedsofthemarshes。Theboatwasfull。 \"Whatareyouwaitingfor？Letusputoff！\"theycried。 Justatthatmomentamanappearedafewpacesfromthejetty，tothesurpriseoftheskipper，whohadheardnosoundoffootsteps。Thetravelerseemedtohavesprungupfromtheearth，likeapeasantwhohadlaidhimselfdownonthegroundtowaittilltheboatshouldstart，andhadslepttillthesoundofthehornawakenedhim。Washeathief？orsomeonebelongingtothecustom—houseorthepolice？ Assoonasthemanappearedonthejettytowhichtheboatwasmoored，sevenpersonswhowerestandinginthesternoftheshallophastenedtositdownonthebenches，soastoleavenoroomforthenewcomer。 Itwastheswiftandinstinctiveworkingofthearistocraticspirit，animpulseofexclusivenessthatcomesfromtherichman’sheart。FourofthesevenpersonagesbelongedtothemostaristocraticfamiliesinFlanders。Firstamongthemwasayoungknightwithtwobeautifulgreyhounds；hislonghairflowedfrombeneathajeweledcap；heclankedhisgildedspurs，curledtheendsofhismoustachefromtimetotimewithaswaggeringgrace，andlookedrounddisdainfullyontherestofthecrew。Ahigh—borndamsel，withafalcononherwrist，onlyspokewithhermotherorwithachurchmanofhighrank，whowasevidentlyarelation。Allthesepersonsmadeagreatdealofnoise，andtalkedamongthemselvesasthoughtherewerenooneelseintheboat；yetclosebesidethemsatamanofgreatimportanceinthedistrict，astoutburgherofBruges，wrappedaboutwithavastcloak。 Hisservant，armedtotheteeth，hadsetdownacoupleofbagsfilledwithgoldathisside。Nexttotheburghercameamanoflearning，adoctoroftheUniversityofLouvain，whowastravelingwithhisclerk。 Thislittlegroupoffolk，wholookedcontemptuouslyateachother，wasseparatedfromthepassengersintheforwardpartoftheboatbythebenchofrowers。 Thebelatedtravelerglancedabouthimashesteppedonboard，sawthattherewasnoroomforhiminthestern，andwenttothebowsinquestofaseat。Theywereallpoorpeoplethere。Atfirstsightofthebareheadedmaninthebrowncamletcoatandtrunk—hose，andplainstifflinencollar，theynoticedthatheworenoornaments，carriednocapnorbonnetinhishand，andhadneitherswordnorpurseathisgirdle，andoneandalltookhimforaburgomastersureofhisauthority，aworthyandkindlyburgomasterlikesomanyaFlemingofoldtimes，whosehomelyfeaturesandcharactershavebeenimmortalizedbyFlemishpainters。Thepoorerpassengers，therefore，receivedhimwithdemonstrationsofrespectthatprovokedscornfultitteringattheotherendoftheboat。Anoldsoldier，inuredtotoilandhardship，gaveuphisplaceonthebenchtothenewcomer，andseatedhimselfontheedgeofthevessel，keepinghisbalancebyplantinghisfeetagainstoneofthosetraversebeams，likethebackboneofafish，thatholdtheplanksofaboattogether。Ayoungmother，whoboreherbabyinherarms，andseemedtobelongtotheworkingclassinOstend，movedasidetomakeroomforthestranger。Therewasneitherservilitynorscorninhermannerofdoingthis；itwasasimplesignofthegoodwillbywhichthepoor，whoknowbylongexperiencethevalueofaserviceandthewarmththatfellowshipbrings，giveexpressiontotheopen—heartednessandthenaturalimpulsesoftheirsouls；soartlesslydotheyrevealtheirgoodqualitiesandtheirdefects。Thestrangerthankedherbyagesturefullofgraciousdignity，andtookhisplacebetweentheyoungmotherandtheoldsoldier。Immediatelybehindhimsatapeasantandhisson，aboytenyearsofage。Abeggarwoman，old，wrinkled，andcladinrags，wascrouching，withheralmostemptywallet，onagreatcoilofropethatlayintheprow。Oneoftherowers，anoldsailor，whohadknownherinthedaysofherbeautyandprosperity，hadlethercomein\"fortheloveofGod，\"inthebeautifulphrasethatthecommonpeopleuse。 \"Thankyoukindly，Thomas，\"theoldwomanhadsaid。\"Iwillsaytwo/Paters/andtwo/Aves/foryouinmyprayersto—night。\" Theskipperblewhishornforthelasttime，lookedalongthesilentshore，flungoffthechain，ranalongthesideoftheboat，andtookuphispositionatthehelm。Helookedatthesky，andassoonastheywereoutintheopensea，heshoutedtothemen：\"Pullaway，pullwithallyourmight！Theseaissmilingatasquall，thewitch！Icanfeeltheswellbythewaytherudderworks，andthestorminmywounds。\" Thenauticalphrases，unintelligibletoearsunusedtothesoundofthesea，seemedtoputfreshenergyintotheoars；theykepttimetogether，therhythmofthemovementwasstillevenandsteady，butquiteunlikethepreviousmannerofrowing；itwasasifacanteringhorsehadbrokenintoagallop。Thegaycompanyseatedinthesternamusedthemselvesbywatchingthebrawnyarms，thetannedfaces，andsparklingeyesoftherowers，theplayofthetensemuscles，thephysicalandmentalforcesthatwerebeingexertedtobringthemforatriflingtollacrossthechannel。Sofarfrompityingtherowers’ distress，theypointedoutthemen’sfacestoeachother，andlaughedatthegrotesqueexpressionsonthefacesofthecrewwhowerestrainingeverymuscle；butintheforepartoftheboatthesoldier，thepeasant，andtheoldbeggarwomanwatchedthesailorswiththesympathynaturallyfeltbytoilerswholivebythesweatoftheirbrowandknowtheroughstruggle，thestrenuousexcitementofeffort。Thesefolk，moreover，whoseliveswerespentintheopenair，hadallseenthewarningsofdangerinthesky，andtheirfacesweregrave。Theyoungmotherrockedherchild，singinganoldhymnoftheChurchforalullaby。 \"Ifweevergetthereatall，\"thesoldierremarkedtothepeasant，\"itwillbebecausetheAlmightyisbentonkeepingusalive。\" \"Ah！HeistheMaster，\"saidtheoldwoman，\"butIthinkitwillbeHisgoodpleasuretotakeustoHimself。Justlookatthatlightdownthere……\"andshenoddedherheadasshespoketowardsthesunset。 Streaksoffieryredglaredfrombehindthemassesofcrimson—flushedbrowncloudthatseemedabouttounlooseafuriousgale。Therewasasmotheredmurmurofthesea，amoaningsoundthatseemedtocomefromthedepths，alowwarninggrowl，suchasadoggiveswhenheonlymeansmischiefasyet。Afterall，Ostendwasnotfaraway。Perhapspainting，likepoetry，couldnotprolongtheexistenceofthepicturepresentedbyseaandskyatthatmomentbeyondthetimeofitsactualduration。Artdemandsvehementcontrasts，whereforeartistsusuallyseekoutNature’smoststrikingeffects，doubtlessbecausetheydespairofrenderingthegreatandgloriouscharmofherdailymoods； yetthehumansoulisoftenstirredasdeeplybyhercalmasbyheremotion，andbysilenceasbystorm。 Foramomentnoonespokeonboardtheboat。Everyonewatchedthatseaandsky，eitherwithsomepresentimentofdanger，orbecausetheyfelttheinfluenceofthereligiousmelancholythattakespossessionofnearlyallofusatthecloseoftheday，thehourofprayer，whenallnatureishushedsaveforthevoicesofthebells。Theseagleamedpaleandwan，butitshueschanged，andthesurfacetookallthecolorsofsteel。Theskywasalmostoverspreadwithlividgray，butdowninthewesttherewerelongnarrowbarslikestreaksofblood； whilelinesofbrightlightintheeasternsky，sharpandcleanasifdrawnbythetipofabrush，wereseparatedbyfoldsofcloud，likethewrinklesonanoldman’sbrow。Thewholescenemadeabackgroundofashengraysandhalf—tints，instrongcontrasttothebale—firesofthesunset。Ifwrittenlanguagemightborrowofspokenlanguagesomeoftheboldfiguresofspeechinventedbythepeople，itmightbesaidwiththesoldierthat\"theweatherhasbeenrouted，\"or，asthepeasantwouldsay，\"theskygloweredlikeanexecutioner。\"Suddenlyawindarosefromthequarterofthesunset，andtheskipper，whonevertookhiseyesoffthesea，sawtheswellonthehorizonline，andcried： \"Stoprowing！\" Thesailorsstoppedimmediately，andlettheiroarslieonthewater。 \"Theskipperisright，\"saidThomascoolly。Agreatwavecaughtuptheboat，carriedithighonitscrest，onlytoplungeit，asitwere，intothetroughoftheseathatseemedtoyawnforthem。Atthismightyupheaval，thissuddenoutbreakofthewrathofthesea，thecompanyinthesternturnedpale，andsentupaterriblecry。 \"Wearelost！\" \"Oh，notyet！\"saidtheskippercalmly。 Ashespoke，thecloudsimmediatelyabovetheirheadsweretornasunderbythevehemenceofthewind。Thegraymasswasrentandscatteredeastandwestwithominousspeed，adimuncertainlightfromtheriftintheskyfellfullupontheboat，andthetravelersbeheldeachother’sfaces。Allofthem，thenobleandthewealthy，thesailorsandthepoorpassengersalike，wereamazedforamomentbytheappearanceofthelastcomer。Hisgoldenhair，parteduponhiscalm，sereneforehead，fellinthickcurlsabouthisshoulders；andhisface，sublimeinitssweetnessandradiantwithdivinelove，stoodoutagainstthesurroundinggloom。Hehadnocontemptfordeath；heknewthatheshouldnotdie。Butifatthefirstthecompanyinthesternforgotforamomenttheimplacablefuryofthestormthatthreatenedtheirlives，selfishnessandtheirhabitsoflifesoonprevailedagain。 \"Howluckythatstupidburgomasteris，nottoseetherisksweareallrunning！Heisjustlikeadog，hewilldiewithoutastruggle，\"saidthedoctor。 Hehadscarcelypronouncedthishighlyjudiciousdictumwhenthestormunloosedallitslegions。Thewindblewfromeveryquarteroftheheavens，theboatspanroundlikeatop，andtheseabrokein。 \"Oh！mypoorchild！mypoorchild！……Whowillsavemybaby？\"themothercriedinaheart—rendingvoice。 \"Youyourselfwillsaveit，\"thestrangersaid。 Thethrillingtonesofthatvoicewenttotheyoungmother’sheartandbroughthopewiththem；sheheardthegraciouswordsthroughallthewhistlingofthewindandtheshrieksofthepassengers。 \"HolyVirginofGoodHelp，whoartatAntwerp，Ipromisetheeathousandpoundsofwaxandastatue，ifthouwiltrescuemefromthis！\"criedtheburgher，kneelinguponhisbagsofgold。 \"TheVirginisnomoreatAntwerpthansheishere，\"wasthedoctor’scommentonthisappeal。 \"Sheisinheaven，\"saidavoicethatseemedtocomefromthesea。 \"Whosaidthat？\" \"’Tisthedevil！\"exclaimedtheservant。\"HeisscoffingattheVirginofAntwerp。\" \"LetushavenomoreofyourHolyVirginatpresent，\"theskippercriedtothepassengers。\"Putyourhandstothescoopsandbailthewateroutoftheboat。——Andtherestofyou，\"hewenton，addressingthesailors，\"pullwithallyourmight！Nowisthetime；inthenameofthedevilwhoisleavingyouinthisworld，beyourownProvidence！ Everyoneknowsthatthechannelisfearfullydangerous；Ihavebeentoandfroacrossitthesethirtyyears。AmIfacingastormforthefirsttimeto—night？\" Hestoodatthehelm，andlooked，asbefore，athisboatandattheseaandskyinturn。 \"Theskipperalwayslaughsateverything，\"mutteredThomas。 \"WillGodleaveustoperishalongwiththosewretchedcreatures？\" askedthehaughtydamselofthehandsomecavalier。 \"No，no，noblemaiden……Listen！\"andhecaughtherbythewaistandsaidinherear，\"Icanswim，saynothingaboutit！Iwillholdyoubyyourfairhairandbringyousafelytotheshore；butIcanonlysaveyou。\" Thegirllookedatheragedmother。TheladywasonherkneesentreatingabsolutionoftheBishop，whodidnotheedher。Inthebeautifuleyestheknightreadavaguefeelingoffilialpiety，andspokeinasmotheredvoice。 \"SubmityourselftothewillofGod。IfitisHispleasuretotakeyourmothertoHimself，itwilldoubtlessbeforherhappiness——inanotherworld，\"headded，andhisvoicedroppedstilllower。\"Andforoursinthis，\"hethoughtwithinhimself。 TheDameofRupelmondewasladyofsevenfiefsbesidethebaronyofGavres。 Thegirlfeltthelongingforlifeinherheart，andforlovethatspokethroughthehandsomeadventurer，ayoungmiscreantwhohauntedchurchesinsearchofaprize，anheiresstomarry，orreadymoney。 TheBishopbestowedhisbenisononthewaves，andbadethembecalm； itwasallthathecoulddo。Hethoughtofhisconcubine，andofthedelicatefeastwithwhichshewouldwelcomehim；perhapsatthatverymomentshewasbathing，perfumingherself，robingherselfinvelvet，fasteninghernecklaceandherjeweledclasps；andtheperverseBishop，sofarfromthinkingofthepowerofHolyChurch，ofhisdutytocomfortChristiansandexhortthemtotrustinGod，mingledworldlyregretsandlover’ssighswiththeholywordsofthebreviary。Bythedimlightthatshoneonthepalefacesofthecompany，itwaspossibletoseetheirdifferingexpressionsastheboatwasliftedhighinairbyawave，tobecastbackintothedarkdepths；theshallopquiveredlikeafragileleaf，theplaythingofthenorthwindintheautumn； thehullcreaked，itseemedreadytogotopieces。Fearfulshriekswentup，followedbyanawfulsilence。 Therewasastrangedifferencebetweenthebehaviorofthefolkinthebowsandthatoftherichorgreatpeopleattheotherendoftheboat。Theyoungmotherclaspedherinfanttightlytoherbreasteverytimethatagreatwavethreatenedtoengulfthefragilevessel；butsheclungtothehopethatthestranger’swordshadsetinherheart。 Eachtimethattheeyesturnedtohisfaceshedrewfreshfaithatthesight，thestrongfaithofahelplesswoman，amother’sfaith。Shelivedbythatdivinepromise，thelovingwordsfromhislips；thesimplecreaturewaitedtrustinglyforthemtobefulfilled，andscarcelyfearedthedangeranylonger。 Thesoldier，holdingfasttothevessel’sside，nevertookhiseyesoffthestrangevisitor。Hecopiedonhisownroughandswarthyfeaturestheimperturbabilityoftheother’sface，applyingtothistaskthewholestrengthofawillandintelligencebutlittlecorruptedinthecourseofalifeofmechanicalandpassiveobedience。 Soemulouswasheofacalmandtranquilcouragegreaterthanhisown，thatatlast，perhapsunconsciously，somethingofthatmysteriousnaturepassedintohisownsoul。Hisadmirationbecameaninstinctivezealforthisman，aboundlessloveforandbeliefinhim，suchaloveassoldiersfeelfortheirleaderwhenhehasthepowerofswayingothermen，whenthehaloofvictoriessurroundshim，andthemagicalfascinationofgeniusisfeltinallthathedoes。Thepooroutcastwasmurmuringtoherself： \"Ah！miserablewretchthatIam！HaveInotsufferedenoughtoexpiatethesinsofmyyouth？Ah！wretchedwoman，whydidyouleavethegaylifeofafrivolousFrenchwoman？whydidyoudevourthegoodsofGodwithchurchmen，thesubstanceofthepoorwithextortionersandfleecersofthepoor？Oh！Ihavesinnedindeed！——OhmyGod！myGod！ letmefinishmytimeinhellhereinthisworldofmisery。\" Andagainshecried，\"HolyVirgin，MotherofGod，havepityuponme！\" \"Becomforted，mother。GodisnotaLombardusurer。Imayhavekilledpeoplegoodandbadatrandominmytime，butIamnotafraidoftheresurrection。\" \"Ah！masterLancepesade，howhappythosefairladiesare，tobesoneartoabishop，aholyman！Theywillgetabsolutionfortheirsins，\"saidtheoldwoman。\"Oh！ifIcouldonlyhearapriestsaytome，’Thysinsareforgiven！’Ishouldbelieveitthen。\" Thestrangerturnedtowardsher，andthegoodnessinhisfacemadehertremble。 \"Havefaith，\"hesaid，\"andyouwillbesaved。\" \"MayGodrewardyou，goodsir，\"sheanswered。\"Ifwhatyousayistrue，IwillgoonpilgrimagebarefootedtoOurLadyofLorettotopraytoherforyouandforme。\" Thetwopeasants，fatherandson，weresilent，patient，andsubmissivetothewillofGod，likefolkwhosewontitistofallininstinctivelywiththewaysofNaturelikecattle。Attheoneendoftheboatstoodriches，pride，learning，debauchery，andcrime——humansociety，suchasartandthoughtandeducationandworldlyinterestsandlawshavemadeit；andatthisendtherewasterrorandwailing，innumerabledifferentimpulsesallrepressedbyhideousdoubts——atthisend，andatthisonly，theagonyoffear。 Aboveallthesehumanlivesstoodastrongman，theskipper；nodoubtsassailedhim，thechief，theking，thefatalistamongthem。HewastrustinginhimselfratherthaninProvidence，crying，\"Bailaway！\" insteadof\"HolyVirgin，\"defyingthestorm，infact，andstrugglingwiththesealikeawrestler。 Butthehelplesspoorattheotherendofthewherry！Themotherrockingonherbosomthelittleonewhosmiledatthestorm；thewomanoncesofrivolousandgay，andnowtormentedwithbitterremorse；theoldsoldiercoveredwithscars，amutilatedlifethesolerewardofhisunflaggingloyaltyandfaithfulness。Thisveterancouldscarcelycountonthemorselofbreadsoakedintearstokeepthelifeinhim，yethewasalwaysreadytolaugh，andwenthiswaymerrily，happywhenhecoulddrownhisgloryinthedepthsofapotofbeer，orcouldtelltalesofthewarstothechildrenwhoadmiredhim，leavinghisfuturewithalightheartinthehandsofGod。Lastly，therewerethetwopeasants，usedtohardshipsandtoil，laborincarnate，thelaborbywhichtheworldlives。Thesesimplefolkwereindifferenttothoughtanditstreasures，readytosinkthemallinabelief；andtheirfaithwasbutsomuchthemorevigorousbecausetheyhadneverdisputedaboutitnoranalyzedit。Suchanatureisavirginsoil，consciencehasnotbeentamperedwith，feelingisdeepandstrong；repentance，trouble，love，andworkhavedeveloped，purified，concentrated，andincreasedtheirforceofwillahundredtimes，thewill——theonethinginmanthatresembleswhatlearneddoctorscalltheSoul。 Theboat，guidedbythewell—nighmiraculousskillofthesteersman，camealmostwithinsightofOstend，when，notfiftypacesfromtheshore，shewassuddenlystruckbyaheavyseaandcapsized。Thestrangerwiththelightabouthisheadspoketothislittleworldofdrowningcreatures： \"Thosewhohavefaithshallbesaved；letthemfollowme！\" Hestoodupright，andwalkedwithafirmstepuponthewaves。Theyoungmotheratoncetookherchildinherarms，andfollowedathissideacrossthesea。Thesoldiertoosprangup，sayinginhishomelyfashion，\"Ah！/nomd’unpipe/！Iwouldfollow/you/tothedevil；\"andwithoutseemingastonishedbyit，hewalkedonthewater。Theworn—outsinner，believingintheomnipotenceofGod，alsofollowedthestranger。 Thetwopeasantssaidtoeachother，\"Iftheyarewalkingonthesea，whyshouldwenotdoastheydo？\"andtheyalsoaroseandhastenedaftertheothers。Thomastriedtofollow，buthisfaithtottered；hesankintheseamorethanonce，androseagain，butthethirdtimehealsowalkedonthesea。Theboldsteersmanclunglikearemoratothewreckofhisboat。Themiserhadhadfaith，andhadrisentogo，buthetriedtotakehisgoldwithhim，anditwashisgoldthatdraggedhimdowntothebottom。Thelearnedmanhadscoffedatthecharlatanandatthefoolswholistenedtohim；andwhenheheardthemysteriousstrangerproposetothepassengersthattheyshouldwalkonthewaves，hebegantolaugh，andtheoceanswallowedhim。Thegirlwasdraggeddownintothedepthsbyherlover。TheBishopandtheolderladywenttothebottom，heavilyladenwithsins，itmaybe，butstillmoreheavilyladenwithincredulityandconfidenceinidols，weighteddownbydevotion，intowhichalms—deedsandtruereligionenteredbutlittle。 Thefaithfulflock，whowalkedwithafirmstephighanddryabovethesurge，heardallaboutthemthedreadfulwhistlingoftheblast；greatbillowsbrokeacrosstheirpath，butanirresistibleforcecleftawayforthemthroughthesea。Thesebelievingonessawthroughthesprayadimspeckoflightflickeringinthewindowofafisherman’shutontheshore，andeachone，ashepushedonbravelytowardsthelight，seemedtohearthevoiceofhisfellowcrying，\"Courage！\"throughalltheroaringofthesurf；yetnoonehadspokenaword——soabsorbedwaseachbyhisownperil。Inthiswaytheyreachedtheshore。 Whentheywereallseatednearthefisherman’sfire，theylookedroundinvainfortheirguidewiththelightabouthim。Theseawashedupthesteersmanatthebaseofthecliffonwhichthecottagestood；hewasclingingwithmightandmaintotheplankasasailorcanclingwhendeathstareshimintheface；theMANwentdownandrescuedthealmostexhaustedseaman；thenhesaid，asheheldoutasuccoringhandabovetheman’shead： \"Good，forthisonce；butdonottryitagain；theexamplewouldbetoobad。\" Hetooktheskipperonhisshoulders，andcarriedhimtothefisherman’sdoor；knockedforadmittancefortheexhaustedman；then，whenthedoorofthehumblerefugeopened，theSaviourdisappeared。 TheConventofMercywasbuiltforsailorsonthisspot，whereforlongafterwards（soitwassaid）thefootprintsofJesusChristcouldbeseeninthesand；butin1793，atthetimeoftheFrenchinvasion，themonkscarriedawaythispreciousrelic，thatborewitnesstotheSaviour’slastvisittoearth。 ThereattheconventIfoundmyselfshortlyaftertheRevolutionof1830。Iwaswearyoflife。Ifyouhadaskedmethereasonofmydespair，Ishouldhavefounditalmostimpossibletogiveit，solanguidhadgrownthesoulthatwasmeltedwithinme。Thewestwindhadslackenedthespringsofmyintelligence。Acoldgraylightpoureddownfromtheheavens，andthemurkycloudsthatpassedoverheadgaveabodinglooktotheland；allthesethings，togetherwiththeimmensityofthesea，saidtome，\"Dieto—dayordieto—morrow，stillmustwenotdie？\"Andthen——Iwanderedon，musingonthedoubtfulfuture，onmyblightedhopes。Gnawedbythesegloomythoughts，I turnedmechanicallyintotheconventchurch，withthegraytowersthatloomedlikeghoststhoughtheseamists。Ilookedroundwithnokindlingoftheimaginationattheforestofcolumns，attheslenderarchessetaloftupontheleafycapitals，adelicatelabyrinthofsculpture。Iwalkedwithcarelesseyesalongthesideaislesthatopenedoutbeforemelikevastportals，everturningupontheirhinges。Itwasscarcelypossibletosee，bythedimlightoftheautumnday，thesculpturedgroiningsoftheroof，thedelicateandclean—cutlinesofthemouldingsofthegracefulpointedarches。Theorganpipesweremute。Therewasnosoundsavethenoiseofmyownfootstepstoawakenthemournfulechoeslurkinginthedarkchapels。I satdownatthebaseofoneofthefourpillarsthatsupportedthetower，nearthechoir。ThenceIcouldseethewholeofthebuilding。I gazed，andnoideasconnectedwithitaroseinmymind。Isawwithoutseeingthemightymazeofpillars，thegreatrosewindowsthathunglikeanetworksuspendedasbyamiracleinairabovethevastdoorways。Isawthedoorsattheendofthesideaisles，theaerialgalleries，thestainedglasswindowsframedinarchways，dividedbyslendercolumns，frettedintoflowerformsandtrefoilbyfinefiligreeworkofcarvedstone。Adomeofglassattheendofthechoirsparkledasifithadbeenbuiltofpreciousstonessetcunningly。Incontrasttotheroofwithitsalternatingspacesofwhitenessandcolor，thetwoaisleslaytorightandleftinshadowsodeepthatthefaintgrayoutlinesoftheirhundredshaftswerescarcelyvisibleinthegloom。Igazedatthemarvelousarcades，thescroll—work，thegarlands，thecurvinglines，andarabesquesinterwovenandinterlaced，andstrangelylighted，untilbysheerdintofgazingmyperceptionsbecameconfused，andIstoodupontheborderlandbetweenillusionandreality，takeninthesnaresetfortheeyes，andalmostlight—headedbyreasonofthemultitudinouschangesoftheshapesaboutme。 Imperceptiblyamistgatheredaboutthecarvenstonework，andIonlybehelditthroughahazeoffinegoldendust，likethemotesthathoverinthebarsofsunlightslantingthroughtheairofachamber。 Suddenlythestonelaceworkoftherosewindowsgleamedthroughthisvaporthathadmadeallformssoshadowy。Everymoulding，theedgesofeverycarving，theleastdetailofthesculpturewasdippedinsilver。 Thesunlightkindledfiresinthestainedwindows，theirrichcolorssentoutglowingsparksoflight。Theshaftsbegantotremble，thecapitalsweregentlyshaken。Alightshudderasofdelightranthroughthebuilding，thestoneswereloosenedintheirsetting，thewall— spacesswayedwithgracefulcaution。Hereandthereaponderouspiermovedassolemnlyasadowagerwhenshecondescendstocompleteaquadrilleatthecloseofaball。Afewslenderandgracefulcolumns，theirheadsadornedwithwreathsoftrefoil，begantolaughanddancehereandthere。Someofthepointedarchesdashedatthetalllancetwindows，who，likeladiesoftheMiddleAges，worethearmorialbearingsoftheirhousesemblazonedontheirgoldenrobes。Thedanceofthemitredarcadeswiththeslenderwindowsbecamelikeafrayatatourney。 Inanothermomenteverystoneinthechurchvibrated，withoutleavingitsplace；fortheorgan—pipesspoke，andIhearddivinemusicminglingwiththesongsofangels，andunearthlyharmony，accompaniedbythedeepnotesofthebells，thatboomedasthegianttowersrockedandswayedontheirsquarebases。ThisstrangeSabbathseemedtomethemostnaturalthingintheworld；andI，whohadseenCharlesX。 hurledfromhisthrone，wasnolongeramazedbyanything。Nay，I myselfwasgentlyswayingwithasee—sawmovementthatinfluencedmynervespleasurablyinamannerofwhichitisimpossibletogiveanyidea。Yetinthemidstofthisheatedriot，thecathedralchoirfeltcoldasifitwereawinterday，andIbecameawareofamultitudeofwomen，robedinwhite，silent，andimpassive，sittingthere。Thesweetincensesmokethatarosefromthecenserswasgratefultomysoul。Thetallwaxcandlesflickered。Thelectern，gayasachanterundonebythetreacheryofwine，wasskippingaboutlikeapealofChinesebells。 ThenIknewthatthewholecathedralwaswhirlingroundsofastthateverythingappearedtobeundisturbed。ThecolossalFigureonthecrucifixabovethealtarsmileduponmewithamingledmaliceandbenevolencethatfrightenedme；Iturnedmyeyesaway，andmarveledatthebluishvaporthatslidacrossthepillars，lendingtothemanindescribablecharm。Thensomegracefulwomen’sformsbegantostironthefriezes。Thecherubswhoupheldtheheavycolumnsshookouttheirwings。Ifeltmyselfupliftedbysomedivinepowerthatsteepedmeininfinitejoy，inasweetandlanguidrapture。Iwouldhavegivenmylife，Ithink，tohaveprolongedthesephantasmagoriaforalittle，butsuddenlyashrillvoiceclamoredinmyears： \"Awakeandfollowme！\" Awitheredwomantookmyhandinhers；itsicycoldnesscreptthrougheverynerve。Thebonesofherfaceshowedplainlythroughthesallow，almostolive—tintedwrinklesoftheskin。Theshrunken，ice—coldoldwomanworeablackrobe，whichshetrailedinthedust，andatherthroattherewassomethingwhite，whichIdarednotexamine。Icouldscarcelyseeherwanandcolorlesseyes，fortheywerefixedinastareupontheheavens。Shedrewmeafterheralongtheaisles，leavingatraceofherpresenceintheashesthatsheshookfromherdress。Herbonesrattledasshewalked，likethebonesofaskeleton； andaswewentIheardbehindmethetinklingofalittlebell，athin，sharpsoundthatrangthroughmyheadlikethenotesofaharmonica。 \"Suffer！\"shecried，\"suffer！Soitmustbe！\" Wecameoutofthechurch；wewentthroughthedirtieststreetsofthetown，tillwecameatlasttoadingydwelling，andshebademeenterin。Shedraggedmewithher，callingtomeinaharsh，tunelessvoicelikeacrackedbell： \"Defendme！defendme！\" Togetherwewentupawindingstaircase。Sheknockedatadoorinthedarkness，andamute，likesomefamiliaroftheInquisition，openedtoher。Inanothermomentwestoodinaroomhungwithancient，raggedtapestry，amidpilesofoldlinen，crumpledmuslin，andgildedbrass。 \"Beholdthewealththatshallendureforever！\"saidshe。 Ishudderedwithhorror；forjustthen，bythelightofatalltorchandtwoaltarcandles，Isawdistinctlythatthiswomanwasfreshfromthegraveyard。Shehadnohair。Iturnedtofly。Sheraisedherfleshlessarmandencircledmewithabandofironsetwithspikes，andassheraiseditacrywentupallaboutus，thecryofmillionsofvoices——theshoutingofthedead！ \"Itismypurposetomaketheehappyforever，\"shesaid。\"Thouartmyson。\" Weweresittingbeforethehearth，theasheslaycolduponit；theoldshrunkenwomangraspedmyhandsotightlyinhersthatIcouldnotchoosebutstay。Ilookedfixedlyather，strivingtoreadthestoryofherlifefromthethingsamongwhichshewascrouching。Hadsheindeedanylifeinher？Itwasamystery。YetIsawplainlythatonceshemusthavebeenyoungandbeautiful；fair，withallthecharmofsimplicity，perfectassomeGreekstatue，withthebrowofavestal。 \"Ah！ah！\"Icried，\"nowIknowthee！Miserablewoman，whyhastthouprostitutedthyself？Intheageofthypassions，inthetimeofthyprosperity，thegraceandpurityofthyyouthwereforgotten。 Forgetfulofthyheroicdevotion，thypurelife，thyabundantfaith，thoudidstresignthyprimitivepowerandthyspiritualsupremacyforfleshlypower。Thylinenvestments，thycouchofmoss，thecellintherock，brightwithraysoftheLightDivine，wasforsaken；thouhastsparkledwithdiamonds，andshonewiththeglitterofluxuryandpride。Then，grownboldandinsolent，seizingandoverturningallthingsinthycourselikeacourtesaneagerforpleasureinherdaysofsplendor，thouhaststeepedthyselfinbloodlikesomequeenstupefiedbyempery。Dostthounotremembertohavebeendullandheavyattimes，andthesuddenmarvelouslucidityofothermoments；aswhenArtemergesfromanorgy？Oh！poet，painter，andsinger，loverofsplendidceremoniesandprotectorofthearts，wasthyfriendshipforartperchanceacaprice，thatsothoushouldstsleepbeneathmagnificentcanopies？Wastherenotadaywhen，inthyfantasticpride，thoughchastityandhumilitywereprescribedtothee，thouhadstbroughtallthingsbeneaththyfeet，andsetthyfootonthenecksofprinces；whenearthlydominion，andwealth，andthemindofmanborethyyoke？Exultingintheabasementofhumanity，joyingtowitnesstheuttermostlengthstowhichman’sfollywouldgo，thouhastbiddenthyloverswalkonallfours，andrequiredofthemtheirlandsandwealth，nay，eventheirwivesiftheywereworthaughttothee。 Thouhastdevouredmillionsofmenwithoutacause；thouhastflungawayliveslikesandblownbythewindfromWesttoEast。Thouhastcomedownfromtheheightsofthoughttositamongthekingsofmen。 Woman！insteadofcomfortingmen，thouhasttormentedandafflictedthem！Knowingthatthoucouldstaskandhave，thouhastdemanded—— blood！Alittlefloursurelyshouldhavecontentedthee，accustomedasthouhastbeentoliveonbreadandtominglewaterwiththywine。 Unlikeallothersinallthings，formerlythouwouldstbidthyloversfast，andtheyobeyed。Whyshouldthyfancieshaveledtheetorequirethingsimpossible？Why，likeacourtesanspoiledbyherlovers，hastthoudotedonfollies，andleftthoseundeceivedwhosoughttoexplainandjustifyallthyerrors？Thencamethedaysofthylaterpassions，terribleliketheloveofawomanoffortyyears，withafiercecrythouhastsoughttoclaspthewholeuniverseinonelastembrace——andthyuniverserecoiledfromthee！ \"Thenoldmensucceededtothyyounglovers；decrepitudecametothyfeetandmadetheehideous。Yet，eventhen，menwiththeeaglepowerofvisionsaidtotheeinaglance，’Thoushaltperishingloriously，becausethouhastfallenaway，becausethouhastbrokenthevowsofthymaidenhood。Theangelwithpeacewrittenonherforehead，whoshouldhaveshedlightandjoyalongherpath，hasbeenaMessalina，delightinginthecircus，indebauchery，andabuseofpower。Thedaysofthyvirginitycannotreturn；henceforwardthoushaltbesubjecttoamaster。Thyhourhascome；thehandofdeathisuponthee。Thyheirsbelievethatthouartrich；theywillkilltheeandfindnothing。Yettryatleasttoflingawaythisraimentnolongerinfashion；beoncemoreasinthedaysofold！——Nay，thouartdead，andbythyowndeed！’ \"Isnotthisthystory？\"soIended。\"Decrepit，toothless，shiveringcrone，nowforgotten，goingthywayswithoutsomuchasaglancefrompassers—by！Whyartthoustillalive？Whatdoestthouinthatbeggar’sgarb，uncomelyanddesiredofnone？Wherearethyriches？——forwhatweretheyspent？Wherearethytreasures？——whatgreatdeedshastthoudone？\" Atthisdemand，theshriveledwomanraisedherbonyform，flungoffherrags，andgrewtallandradiant，smilingasshebrokeforthfromthedarkchrysalidsheath。Thenlikeabutterfly，thisdiaphanouscreatureemerged，fairandyouthful，clothedinwhitelinen，anIndianfromcreationissuingherpalms。Hergoldenhairrippledoverhershoulders，hereyesglowed，abrightmistclungabouther，aringofgoldhoveredaboveherhead，sheshooktheflamingbladeofaswordtowardsthespacesofheaven。 \"Seeandbelieve！\"shecried。 AndsuddenlyIsaw，afaroff，manythousandsofcathedralsliketheonethatIhadjustquitted；butthesewerecoveredwithpicturesandwithfrescoes，andIheardthemechowithentrancingmusic。Myriadsofhumancreaturesflockedtothesegreatbuildings，swarmingaboutthemlikeantsonanant—heap。Somewereeagertorescuebooksfromoblivionortocopymanuscripts，otherswerehelpingthepoor，butnearlyallwerestudying。Upabovethiscountlessmultituderosegiantstatuesthattheyhaderectedintheirmidst，andbythegleamsofastrangelightfromsomeluminaryaspowerfulasthesun，Ireadtheinscriptionsonthebasesofthestatues——Science，History，Literature。 Thelightdiedout。AgainIfacedtheyounggirl。Graduallysheslippedintothedrearysheath，intotheraggedcere—cloths，andbecameanagedwomanagain。Herfamiliarbroughtheralittledust，andshestirreditintotheashesofherchafing—dish，fortheweatherwascoldandstormy；andthenhelightedforher，whosepalaceshadbeenlitwiththousandsofwax—tapers，alittlecresset，thatshemightseetoreadherprayersthroughthehoursofnight。 \"Thereisnofaithleftintheearth！……\"shesaid。 InsuchaperilousplightdidIbeholdthefairestandthegreatest，thetruestandmostlife—givingofallPowers。 \"Wakeup，sir，thedoorsarejustabouttobeshut，\"saidahoarsevoice。Iturnedandbeheldthebeadle’suglycountenance；themanwasshakingmebythearm，andthecathedrallaywrappedinshadowsasamaniswrappedinhiscloak。 \"Belief，\"Isaidtomyself，\"isLife！Ihavejustwitnessedthefuneralofamonarchy，nowwemustdefendthechurch。\" PARIS，February183l。