Attempt > Volume 3

THE ATTKMPT. 83
were privileged sometimes to hear. And now," he added, " let me hasten to the
conclusion of my tale. In this Island of Thought many precious stones are gathered,
which, when washed in the Fountain of Composition, assume a certain shape and
brilliancy. Now and then, chiefly for amusement's sake, I had gathered a pebble or
two from the shore, and put them in the Fountain. The Bull-dog soon discovered
this. ' Ho ! ho ! Froggie,' said he, ' the Palace is built of stones like these ; come
along and help in tlie work.' I have already told you," continued the Frog,
" how I replied to his entreaties and commands ; but now I am going to tell you
something which I thought fit to j-eserve till the end of my tale, I have consented."
The Frog drew a long breath, and looked at me very hard with its small eyes.
" Impossible," cried I, " what powerful arguments overcame your objections?"
" No argument at all, I was just led to do it, by my own weakness, or good
nature, if you will giA^e me credit for it. And now my tale is done, I shall bid you
adieu."
" One moment," I cried, " you have not told me much about the Palace itself."
" Why, I suppose it is just like other buildings of the kind. It has its solid,
plain parts, and its ornamented ones; but I cannot say much on the subject, as I am
not a connoisseur in architecture."
" But doubtless," said I, " you now take a great interest in the whole proceed¬
ing?"
" Great interest," cried the Frog, half scornfully, " what! did you never hear
that Frogs were cold-blooded animals ? Such creatures can take great interest in
nothing. But see ! the sun is almost set; adieu, adieu," and the Frog was gone.
Feucara.
FROM THE GERMAN OF GUSTAV. JAHN.
Farewell, ye sisters ! take from me this morning,
My parting thanks for this—your parting care;
The myrtle wreath, even now my brows adorning
Parts us, and bids me for my course prepare.