The old gentleman, in fact, was a good deal overcome by
his journey among the clouds, which, to a frame so earth-incrusted
by long continuance in a lower region, was unavoidably more
fatiguing than to younger spirits. He was therefore conducted to an
easy-chair, well cushioned and stuffed with vaporous softness, and
left to take a little repose.
The Man of Fancy now discerned another guest, who stood so quietly
in the shadow of one of the pillars that he might easily have been
overlooked.
"My dear sir," exclaimed the host, grasping him warmly by the hand,
"allow me to greet you as the hero of the evening. Pray do not take
it as an empty compliment; for, if there were not another guest in
my castle, it would be entirely pervaded with your presence."
"I thank you," answered the unpretending stranger; "but, though you
happened to overlook me, I have not just arrived. I came very
early; and, with your permission, shall remain after the rest of the
company have retired."
And who does the reader imagine was this unobtrusive guest? It was
the famous performer of acknowledged impossibilities,--a character
of superhuman capacity and virtue, and, if his enemies are to be
credited, of no less remarkable weaknesses and defects. With a
generosity with which he alone sets us an example, we will glance
merely at his nobler attributes. He it is, then, who prefers the
interests of others to his own and a humble station to an exalted
one.
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