CUERVO - Biblioteca Nacional de Colombia

122 PARACELSUS
For this peculiar mood-some hidden purpose;
Did I not tell you something of it, Festus?
I had it fast, but it has somehow slipt
Away from me; it will return anon.
Festus. (Indeed his cheek seems young again, his
voice
Complete with its old tones: that little laugh
Concluding every phrase, with up-turned eye,
As though one stooped above his head, to whom
He looked for confirmation and applause,­
Where was it gone so long, being kept so well ?
Then, the fore-finger pointing as he speaks,
Like one who traces in an open book
The matter he declares; 'tis many a year
Since I remarked it last: and this in him,
But now a ghastly wreck I)
And can it be,
Dear Aureole, you have then found out at last
That worldly things are utter vanity?
That man is made for weakness, and should wait
In patient ignorance till God appoint . . .
Paracelsus. Ha, the purpose; the true purpose: that
is it 1
How could I fail to apprehend I You here,
I thus 1 But no more trifling; I see all,
I know all: my last mission shall be done
If strength suffice. No trifling 1 Stay; this posture
Hardly befits one thus about to speak :
I will arise.
Festus. Nay, Aureole, are you wild?
You cannot leave your couch.
Paracelsus. No help; no help;
Not even your hand. So J there, I stand once more I
Speak from a couch? I never lectured thus.
My gown-the scarlet, lined with fur; now put
The chain about my neck; my signet-ring
Is still upon my hand, I think-even so ;
Last, my good sword; ha, trusty Azoth, leapest
Beneath thy:master's grasp for the last time?
This couch shall be my throne: I bid these walls
Be consecrate; this wretched cell become
A shrine; for here God speaks to men through me J
Now, Festus, I am ready to begin.
Festus. I am dumb with wonder.
Paracelsus. Listen, therefore, Festus!
There will be time enough, but none to spare.
I must content myself with telling only
The most important points. You doubtless feel
That I am happy, Festus; very happy.
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