We entered upon the stage of life with great but fleeting illusions.
How gloriously grand and beautiful did the world appear to us; now
we look around us soberly, almost hopelessly! What remains of our
ideals? What has become of the dreams of our youth?"
"The storm-winds have shattered and scattered them," cried Amelia,
laughing. "The evil fiend has ploughed over the fair soil of your
youth and turned it to stone and ashes. I am content that this is so
I would rather wander amongst ruins and dust and ashes than to walk
gayly over a smooth surface with whose dark caves and pitfalls I was
unacquainted, and which might any day ingulf me. When both
foundation and superstructure lie in ruins at your feet, you have
nothing more to fear. But I say this for myself, sire, not for you,
the fame-crowned king, who has astonished the world by his
victories, and now fills it with admiration by the wisdom with which
he governs his subjects and advances the glory of his kingdom!"
"My child," said the king, mildly, "fame has no longer any
attraction for me. Nero was also renowned; he burned cities and
temples, and tortured Seneca to death. Erostratus succeeded in
making his name imperishable I am utterly indifferent as to the
world's admiration of my wisdom and power to govern.
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