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。