14, HENKIETTA STEEET, COVENT GARDEH, LONBOK;
20, SOUIH FKEDEKICK STKEET, EDIMBTJKGH.

17, EUE BE L'ÉCOLE-BE-MÉDECINE, PAEIS;
BALLIÈEE BEOTHEES, 410, BEOADWAY, SEW-YOEK.

The formula for the acuteness of vision (v) is expressed by
the utmost distance at which the types are recognized (d),
divided by the distance at which they are seen at our standard
angle of five minutes (D).

Le degré de l'acuité de la vision (v) s'exprime par le rapport
de la distance à laquelle la lettre est distinguée (d), comparée
à la distance à laquelle la lettre se montre sous un angle de
cinq minutes (D).

Il grado d'acutezza délia vista {v) viene indicate dalla rela-
zione délia distanza alla quale il carattere è veduto distinto (d),
colla distanza alla quale esso si mostra sotto un angolo di
cinque minuti (D).

Die Sehschärfe (visus, v) wird ausgedrückt durch das Ver-
hältniss der grössten Distanz in der die Buchstaben noch deutlich
erkannt werden (d), zu der Distanz in welcher sich die Buch-
staben unter einem Winkel von 5' zeigen (D).

De gezichtsscherpte (visus, v) wordt uitgedrukt door de ver.
houding van de distantie waarop de letter wordt herkend (d),
tot de distantie waarop de letter zich onder een hoek van
vijf minuten vertoont (D).

1. The smallest angle, at which objects of known size and
known form can be distinguished, determines the degree of
the acuteness of vision.

The slM of the image formed on the retina depends on this angle, and the distinguishing power
increases with the growth of this image. The increase however is not in direct proportion,
a double sized image does not enlarge the distinctive power in a double ratio, in as much as
the percipient elements are not equally distributed over every part of the retina, but decrease
in number from the centre ot the yellow spot to the periphery. On this account the
,measuring of the aeuteness of vision by the inverse ratio to the smallest visual angle does not
afford us an absolute but only a relative value.

3. To determine the smallest visual angle we measure the
utmost distance, at which objects of definite size can be recognized.

This angle if small, can be considered as in inverse proportion to the distance, at which
the object is 'seen. If larger angles were concerned, then the size of the object, differing mate-
rially from that of the arc, would have to be valued as the double tangent of half the angle.

3. A visual angle and corresponding distance being taken as
unit of measure, the proportion between such distance and that
at which the object is actually seen, expresses the acuteness
of vision

4.nbsp;quot;We take as unit for comparison the recognition of letters,
seen at an angle of 5 minutes.

We have adopted as proper objects square letters, the 1 imbs of which have a diameter equal to one
fifth of the letters' height. Such letters are clearly distinguished by a normal eye at an angle
of 5 minutes. As the limbs and subdivisions of the letter just measure '/s of their height, they
present themselves at an angle of 1 minute; for Instance, our letter 0 shows an opening, as
compared with the O, of 1 minute visual angle.

In testing accuracy of vision, we accept perfect recognition and not uncertain perception
of the letters.

5.nbsp;The numbers placed above each type express in Parisian
feet the distance, at which the letters are seen at our standard
angle of 5 minutes.

6.nbsp;The dimensions of our letters, as well as those of the
interstices by which they are separated, accurately measured
off upon the lithographic stone, are as follows:

XXX
XL
L
LIV
LXX
C
CC

CCLXX = 56,546

7. THE UTMOST DISTANCE AT WHICH THE TYPES AEE EECOGNIZED (d),
DIVIDED BY THE DISTANCE AT WHICH THEY APPEAE AT AN ANGLE
OF 5 MINUTES (D), GIVES THE FOEMULA FOE THE ACUTENESS OF
VISION ¹) (uj :

If d and D be found equal, amp; No. XX be thus recognized at a distance of 2Ü feet, then
1; in other words, there is normal acuteness of vision. If, on the contrary,
d be less than D, and if No. XX be only visible within 10 feet, or No. X within 2 feet, or
No, VI within 1 foot, these three cases are thus respectively expressed^

Par. lines.

= 2,513
= 3,141
= 4,189
= 6,283
= 8,377
= 10,472
= 11,309
= 14,660
= 20,943
= 41,886

III

1nbsp; Synonyma: „Acuteness of vision, acuité de la vision, acutezza della vista, acies visus
(u) , gezichtsscherpte , Sehschärfe (s)-quot;

Hnt d may sometimes be greater than D, and No. XX he visible at a greater distance than
31) feet; in such case the acuteness of vision is greater than the normal average,

8.nbsp;The normal acuteness of vision decreases with age. This
is caused, partly, by decreased transparency of the media of the
eye, which lessens the perfection of the retinal image; partly, by de-
creased perceptive and conductive power of the nervous structures.

The acuteness of vision at different ages was recently investigated ¹) in 281 cases, the eyes
having been previously ascertained t o be of normal refraction and free from disease, and the ages
varying from 7 to 83 years. The results of these psperiments showed that the average acuteness
of vinion may he considered to be

for the age of 10 years - 23,5 :
„ ., „ „ 20 „ = 22,5 : 20
„ ,. „ „ 30 „ = 22 : 20
„ „ „ „ 40 „ =: 20,5 : 20
,. „ „ „ 50 „ = IS : 20
., „ „ „ 60 „ = lt,5 : 30

9.nbsp;The value of V should be found equal in testing with the
different types, each at its corresponding distance. If such is not the
case, and V appears to diminish considerably within or beyond
a certain distance, it may be inferred that the refraction is in
fault, or that the eye is not adjusted for such distance.

In case of dimiiiislied acuteness of vision, t) must still — within tlie limits of adjustment —
he equal for dift'erent numbers of type each at its own distance: if therefore e. g. at 20 feet
V is proved to be =nbsp;then at 10 feet t; cannot differ considerably from -jl^jj-. In case

any other value for V were stated, it would imply carelessness, exaggeration, dissembling, or
simulation.

10.nbsp;Acuteness of vision being found considerably greater
for near than for distant objects, myopia must be assumed
to exist. The farthest point of clear sight (the farthest distance
at which V is at a maximum) expresses approximatively the degree
of the myopia. A person e. g. seeing clearly only within a dis-
tance of about 18 inches may have a myopia of '/is' and con-
sequently require glasses of — 18 to make his vision of distant
objects equal to that of near ones.

1nbsp; J. Vroesom de Haan .Ir., Onderzoekingen naar den invloed van den ieeftgd op de gezichts-
icherpte. tltrecht, 186S.

Myopic person, generally state the farthest point of clear sight as rather too near,
in coiseinence of the convergence of the visual axes preventing the total relaxation of
accommodation. Only in case of paralysis of the accommodation the farthest point of clear
sight in myopia of e. g. '/l8 reaches 13 inches.

11.nbsp;If the distinctneas of distant objects increases with positive
glasses, hypermetropia ¹) is proved to be present, and the strongest
glass with which V still improves, or at least remains unaltered,
determines the degree of manifest hypermetropia.

Hypermetropic persons cannot thoroughly rciax their accommodation, when looking at distant
objects and their manifest hypermetropia is but a part of the total. The dilTerence between
manifest and total hypermetropia depends on the amount of accommoda.ion, which decreases
regularly as age increases.

12.nbsp;Should the horizontal and vertical strokes not be dis-
cerned with equal clearness, the focus of the eye is not the
same for the horizontal and vertical meridians. The cylindrical
glass which equalizes such difference shows the degree of
astigmatism f)-

The eNtremes of dilferenee in refraction, in cases of astigmatism, are found in meridnin
planes which are perpendicular to each other. The direction of these planes however usually
deviates ranre or less from the horizontal and vertical.

Difference in sharpness ot horizontal and vertical lines produces an apparent alteration in
the form ot the letters. This distortion constitutes a rather important indication ot the

By determining the refractive power ot the eye for the diiferent radiated lines, m one plane,
carried vertically through the visu.l line, the degree ot astigmatism and the direction of the
principal meridians can readily be ascertained.nbsp;. . ,.

We indicate the direction of the principal meridians and of the axes ot the required cylin-
drical glasses by st:iting what angle they make with the perpendicular, conventionally indicating
„l,h the declination to the right, and with — the declination to the left.

This magnifying and diminishing effect increases with the power
of the lenses and especially with the distance at which they are
applied from the eye.

Myopic persons, armed with appropriate negative lenses, necessarily show a diminition of «^i on

the contrary hypermetropic persons, armed with appropri.xte positive lenses, show
a relative increase of V- The last result is equally obtained by telescopes, the apparent
increase of V impUes 'h® magnifying power of such instruments.

1nbsp; V. 0. Bonders, On the Anomalies of Accommodation and Eetraction of the Eye ; translated
by Dr. W. D. Moorj. The New Sydenham Society, London , 1861.
t) Ibid.

14. Tke size of the pupil is not without its influence upon
the value of V- K the light be insufficient, V increases in pro-
portion to the dilatation of the pupil; contraction of the pupil on
the contrary improves the amount of V, where the retinal image
is confused (from imperfect adjustment of the eye, or from
irregular refraction of the media).

The pupil diminishes in size in aceommodating for near objects, and increases with adjustment
for distant objecls-. this may occasion some trifling difference in the amount of V assigned
for the several distances.

16. The amount of V is dependent on the intensity of light.
Insufficient intensity, but also too great intensity of light,
16SBGIIS IP»

The most favourable amount of light is variable, and depends
especially upon the degree of light to which the eye has been
exposed immediately before.

Independently of the strength of light, V is influenced moreover by the contrast •) between the
white and black of the letters.nbsp;. . . u. „,•

The contrast as well as the iliuminatiou of the letters is therefore required to be ot

16.nbsp;Coloured letters or white letters with coloured illumination
supply the means of ascertaining the acuteness of vision for each
colour. In limited light all colours are not equally well per-
ceived by every eye. If the refractive media of the eye have
a certain colour, that colour is seen better than its complemen-
tary colour; in colour-blindness relatively more light is required
to make those colours clearly visible, in regard to which sensi-
bility is feeble.

17.nbsp;The recognition of our isolated letters is a better test of
V than reading a line of words in the corresponding types. For,
in reading, some familiar words may be regarded as equivalent to
letters of a larger size; while the individual letters of unfamiliar
words may be less distinguishable, from their close apposition as
usually printed.

In reading-tests, fluency is chiefly to he regarded; a limited or interrupted fleld of vision makes
reading less fluent.

18.nbsp;Square figures, constructed in the proportion of one to
five, may be considered equal to our test-types.

For people who cannot read, there are added to the test-typea square figures, the form of
which can be promptly described.

19.nbsp;Eound dots of a certain diameter cannot be placed on an
equal footing witb parallel lines of the same diameter. The dots
require a larger visual angle.

Viewed by a sharp-sighted eye at the smallest visual angle, parallel stripes seem to lose their
regular form and to assume a beaded or a wavy appearance •), This is connected with the
anatomical disposition of the retinal elements.

For the same reason discs placed close together and viewed at the smallest angle of vision
often appear very dififerent iu size.

For comparative experiments we have added to our test-types a set of dots white on black
and black on white, in which the diameter of each dot and also the smallest intermediate
interstices appear, at 54 Parisian feet distance at an angle of one minute.

The Gallic tribes fell off, and sued for jfeace. Even
the Batavians became weary of the hopeless contest,
while fortune, after much capricious hovering, settled
at last upon the Roman side. Had Civilis been suc-
cessful, he would have been deified; but his misfortunes,
at last ,made him odious in spite of his heroism. But
the Batavian was not a man to be crushed, nor had
he lived so long in the Roman service to be out-
matched in politics by the barbarous Germans.
He was not to be sacrificed as a peace-offering to
revengeful Rome. Watching from beyond the Rhine
the progress of defection and the decay of national

enthusiasm, he determined to be beforehand with those who were now his enemies. He
accepted the offer of negotiation from Cerialis. The Roman general was eager to grant a
full pardon, and to re-enlist so brave a soldier in the service of the empire. A colloquy was
agreed upon. The bridge across the Nabalia was broken asunder in the middle, and Cerialis
and Civilis met upon the severed sides. The placid stream by which Roman enterprise had
connected the waters of the Rhine with the lake of Flevo, flowed between the imperial

commander and the rebel chieftain. — Here the story abruptly terminates.
The remainder of the Roman's narrative is lost, and upon that broken bridge
the form of the Batavian hero disappears for ever. His name fades from
history : not a syllable is known of his subsequent career ; everything is
buried in the profound oblivion which now steals over the scene where he
was the most imposing actor. The contest of Civilis with Kome contains a

remarkable foreshadowing of the future conflict with Spain, through
which the Batavian republic, fifteen centuries later, was to be
founded. The characters, the events, the amphibious battles, despe-
rate sieges, slippery alliances, the traits of generosity, audacity,
and cruelty, the generous confidence, the broken faith, seem so
closely to repeat themselves, that History appears to present the

selfsame drama played over and over again, with but
a change of actors and of costume. There is more than
a fanciful resemblance between Civilis and William the
Silent, two heroes of ancient German stock, who had
learned the arts of war and peace in the service of a
foreign and haugthy world-empire. Determination,

concentration of purpose, constancy in cala-
mity, elasticity almost preternatural, self-
denial, consummate craft in political combi-
nations, personal fortitude, and passionate
patriotism, -were the heroic elements in both.
The ambition of each was subordinate to the

cause wich he served. Both refused
the crown, although each, perhaps,
contemplated, in the sequel, a Bata-
vlan realm of wich he would have
been the inevitable chief. Both offe-
red the throne to a Gallic prince^

for Classicus was but the
prototype of Anjou, as
Brinno of Brederode, and
neither was destined, in
this world 9 to see his sacri-
fices crowned with success.

• •

'.A

The characteristics of
the two great races
of the land portrayed
themselves in the Ro-
man and the Spanish
struggle with much

the same colors:
twice a Batavian
republic took its
rank among the
leading powers
of the earht; the

CLADDItJS CIVILI8 WAS A BATATIAN OF NOBLE RACK , WHO HAD SERVED TWKNTY-FTVE YEARS IN THK
KOMAN ARMIES. UE WAS A SOLDIER OP FORTUNE , AND HAD FOUGHT WHKREVER THE ROMAN EAGLES
KLEW; AFTER A QUARTER OF A C1£NTURY'S SERVICE HE WAS SENT IN CHAINS TO ROMK , AND HIS BROTHER
EXECUTED, BOTH FALSELY CHARGED WITH CONSFIRACY} SUCH WERE THE TRIUMPHS ADJUGED TO BATAVIAN

AUXILIARIES. HE ESCAPED WITH LIVE , AND WAS DISPOSED TO CONSECKATE WHAT REMAINED
OF IT TO A NOBLER CAUSE. CIVILIS WAS NO BARBARIAN. LIKE THE GERMAN HERO AR.
MINIDS, HE HAD RECEIVED A ROMAN EDUCATION, AND HAD LEARNED THE DEGRADED
CONDITION OP HOME. HE KNEW THE INPAMOUS VICES OP HER RULERS; HE RETAINED

AN UNCONQUERABLE LOVE FOE LIBEETY AND FOE HIS OWN RACE. DESIRE TO
AVENGE HIS OWN WRONGS WAS MINGLED WITH LOFTIEE MOTIVES IN HIS
BEEAST. HE KNEW THAT THE SOEPTEE WAS IN THE GIFT OF THE BATAVIAN
SOLDIEEY. IT SEEMED A TIME TO STEIKE A BLOW FOE FREEDOM. THE DETAILS

OP THE REVOLT HAVE BEEN CAEEETJLLY PEESEEVED
BY TACITUS, AND POEM ONE OP HIS GEANDEST AND
MOST ELABOEATE PICTimES. THE SPECTACLE OP A
BEAVE NATION. INSPIEED BY THE SOUL OP ONE GEEAT

MAN AND RISING AG-AINST AN OVERWHEL-
MING DESPOTISM, WILL ALWAYS SPEAK TO THE
HEART, PROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.
THE BATTLES, THE SIEGES, THE DEFEATS,

THE INDOMITAJBLE SPIRIT OP CIVILIS,
STILL FLAMING MOST BRIGHTLY WHEN
THE CLOUDS WERE DARKEST AROUND
mm, HAVE BEEN DESCRIBED BY THE

J'ai connu de« gens élevée sur le seuil de la boutique
de leur père; ils avaient retenu de ce genre de vie
certaine connaissance pratique des hommes, certain
penchant musard, le goiU des ruea, quelque trivialité
d'idées, la morale et les préjugés du quartier. On en a
fait des avocats, des ministres, et, dans chacune de ces
vocations, ils ont apporté de ce seuil de boutique
bien des éléments bons ou mauvais, toujours ineffa-
çables. D'autres, en ce temps-U, je veux dire-vers
quinze ans, avaient leur petite chambre sur une
cour silencieuse, sur des toits désert». Ils y «ont
devenus méditatifs peu au fait des affaires de la

rue, assez riches d'observations privées sur un petit nombre de voisins. Il y ont acquis une
connaissance de l'homme moins générale , mais plus intime. Combien de Ibis aussi, privés de
tout spectacle, ils ont vécu avec eux seuls ; pendant que l'autre, sur son seuil, toujours
récréé par la vue de quelque objet nouveau, n'avait ni le temps ni l'envie de faire connais-
sance avec lui-même. Avocat ou ministre, pensez-vous que celui de la petite chambre n'aura
pas une manière autre que celui du seuil ? Et ce qu'on voit passer son logis, et les gens

qui circulent autour, et les bruits qui s'y entendent, et les objets tristes ou
riants qui s'y rencontrent, et le voisinage, et les cas fortuits ? Oli ! que
l'éducation est une cbose difficile I Tandis qu'à lumineuse intention, sur le
conseil d'un ami ou d'un livre, vous dirigez l'esprit et le coeur de votre fils
vers le côté qui vous agrée , les choses, les bruits, les voisins , les cas
fortuits conspirent contre vous, ou vous secondent, sans que vous puissiez

détruire ces influences ni vous passer de leur concours. Plus tard,
il est vrai, après vingt, vingt-cinq ans, le logement fait peu. 11 est
triste ou gai, confortable ou délabré, mais c'est une école où les
enseignements ont cessé. A cet âge, l'homme fournit sa carrière; il
a atteint ce nuage d'avenir qui, tout à l'heure encore, lui paraissait
si lointain; son âme n'est plus rêveuse et docile: les objets s'y mirent,

mais ils n'y laissent plus d'empreinte. Pour moi j'habi-
tais un quartier solitaire. C'est derrière le temple de
Saint-Pierre, prés de la prison de l'Evêché. Par-dessus
le feuUlage d'un acacia, je voyais les ogives du temple,
le bas de la grosse tour, un soupirail de la prison, et au
delà, par une trouée, le lac et ses rives. Quels beaux

enseignements, si j'avais su en profiter! Com-
bien la destinée m'avait favorisé entre les
garçons de mon âge! Si j'ai mal profité, je tire
gloire néanmoins d'être issu de cette école, plus
noble que celle du seuil de boutique, plus
riche que celle de la chambre solitaire, et d'où

devait sortir un poète, pour peu que
ma nature s'y fût prêtée. Au fait, tout
est pour le mieux; car je me doute
qu'à aucune époque les poètes n'ont
été heureux. En savez-vous un, parmi
les plus favorisés, qui ait jamais pu

étancher sa soif de gloire et
d'hommages; en connaissez-
vous un, parmi les plus
grands, et surtout parmi
ceux-là, qui ait jamais pu
être satisfait de ses oeuvres.

y reconnaître les cé-
lestes tableaux que
lui révélait son génie?
Vie de leurres, de dé-
ceptions, de dégoûts!
Et encore, ceci n'en

est que la surfa-
ce; je m'imagine
qu'elle recouvre
des troubles plus
grands, des dé-
goûts plus amer

Essere costretto da sveotura ad a ban donnare la patria
ó sempre doloroao, ma abandonarla incatenato, con-
dotto in climi orrendi, destinato a langnire per anni
Jra sgherri è cosa si straziante che non v'ha termini
per accennarla! Prima di varcare Ie Alpi, vieppiü mi
si facea cara d'ora in ora la mia nazione, stante
la piëta che dappertutto ci dimostravano quelli
che incontravamo. In ogni citta, in ogni villnggio,
per ogni sparso casolare, la notizia della nostra
condanna essendo già pubblica da qualche settimana
eravamo aspettati. In parccchi luoghi, i commis-
sarii e Ie guardie stentavano a dissipare la folla

che ne circondava. Era mirabile il benevolo sentimento che veniva palesafco a nostro riguardo.
In Udine ci accadde una commovente sorpresa. Giunti alia locanda, il commissario Icce
ehiudere la porta del cortile e respingere il popolo. Ci assegnö una stanza, e disse ai came-
rieri che portassero da cena e I'occorrente per dormire. Ecco un instante appresso entrare
tre uomini, con materassi sulle spalle. Qual' 6 la nostra meraviglia, accorgendoci che solo
uno di loro fe al servizio della locanda, e che gli altri sono due nostri eonoscenti! Fingemmo

d'aiutari; a por giu i materassi, e toccammo loro furtivamente la mano. Le
lagrlme sgorgavano dal cuore ad essi ed a noi. Oli (fuanto d fu penoso di
non poterle versare tra le braccia gli uni degli altri. I commissarii non
s'awidero di (juella pietosa scena, ma dubltai che una delle guard! e pene-
trasse il mistero, nell' atto che il buou Dario mi stringeva la mano. Quellq
guardia era un Veneto, Miro in volto Dario e me; impallidi, sembro tenteimare.

se dovesse alzar la voce, ma tacque, e pose gli occhi altrove, dissiniu-
lando. Se non indovinb che quelli eraiio amici nostri, peusb almono die
fossero camerieri di nostra conoscenza. II matino partivamo d'Udine,
ed albeggiava appena: quell' affettuoso Dario era giJi nella strada,
tutto mantellato; ci salutb ancora, e ci segui lungo tempo. Vedemmo
anche una carozza venirci dietro per due o tre miglia. In essa

qualcheduno facea sventolare un fazzoletto. Alûne
retrocesse. Chi sarà stato ? Lo supponemmo. — Un
giorno, verso sera (ogni volta che ci pense mi si rinno-
vano i palpiti che allora mi ci destarono), le sentinelle,
per felice caso, furono meno attente, ed intesi spie-
garsi e proseguirsi, con voce alquanto sommessa ma

Es war ein klarer, fröstelnder Herbsttag, als ein junger
Mensch von studentischem Aussehn durch die Allee des
Düsseldorfer Hofgartens langsam wanderte , manchmal,
wie aus kindischer Lust, das raschelnde Laub, das den
Boden bedeckte, mit den Füssen aufwarf, manchmal aber
auch wehmüthig hinaufblickte nach den dürren Bäumen,
woran nur noch wenige Goldblätter hingen. In
früheren Tagen hatte der junge Mensch mit gan»
andern Gedanken an eben dieselben Bäume hinauf-
gesehen , und er war damals ein Knabe und suchte
Vogelnester oder Sommerkäfer, die ihm gar sehr
ergötzten, wenn sie lustig dahinsummten, sich der

hübschen Welt erfreuten , und zufrieden waren mit einem saftig grünen Blättchen, mit einem
Tröpfchen Thau; mit einem warmen Sonnenstrahl, und mit dem süssen Kräuterduft. Damals
war des Knaben Herz eben so vergnügt wie die flatternden Thierchen. Jetzt aber war sein
Herz älter geworden, die kleinen Sonnenstrahlen waren darin erloschen , alle Blumen waren
darin abgestorben, sogar der schöne Traum der Liebe war darin verblichen, im armen Herzen
war Nichts als Muth und Gram, und damit ich das Schermzlichste sage —es war mein Herz.

Denselben Tag war ich zur alten Vaterstadt zurückgekehrt. Ich hatte die
lieben Gräber besucht. Von allen lebenden Freunden und Verwandten hatte
ich nur einen Ohm und eine Muhme wiedergefunden. Fand ich auch sonst
noch bekannte Gestalten auf der Strasse , so kannte mich doch Niemand mehr,
und die Stadt selbst sah mich an mit fremden Augen, viele Häuser waren
unterdessen neu angestrichen worden, aus den Fenstern guckten fremde Gesichter ,

um die alten Schornsteine flatterten abgelebte Spatzen. Alles sah so
todt und doch so frisch aus, wie Salat, der auf einem Kirchhofe
wächst. Nur der alte Kurfürst erkannte mich, er stand noch auf den
alten Platz, aber er schien magerer geworden zu sein. Eben weil er
immer mitten auf dem Markte stand, hatte er alle Misère der Zeit mit
angesehen, und von solchem Anblick wird man nicht fett. Ich war

wie im Traume, und dachte an das Märchen von den
verzauberten Städten, und ich eilte zum Thore hinaus,
damit ich nicht zu früh erwachte. Im Hofgarten ver-
misste ich manchen Baum, und mancher war verkrüppelt,
und die vier grossen Pappeln, die mir sonst wie grüne
Riesen erschienen, waren klein geworden. Ich war nicht

müde, aber ich bekam doch Lust mich noch
einmal auf die hölzerne Bank zu setzen, in
die ich einst den Namen meines Mädchens
eingeschnitten. Ich konnte ihn kaum wieder-
finden, es waren so viele neue Namen darüber
hingeschnitzelt. Während ich aber, auf der

alten Bank des Hofgartens sitzend,
in die Vergangenheit zurückträumte,
hörte ich hinter mir verworrene Men-
schenstimmen, welche das Schicksal
der armen Franzosen beklagten, die,
im russischen Kriege als Gefangene

nach Siberien geschleppt,
dort mehre lange Jahre,
obgleich schon Frieden war,
zurückgehalten worden und
jetzt erst heimkehrten. Als
ich nun aufsah, erblickte ich

ïr'

wirklich diese Wai-
senkinder des Ruh-
mes; durch die Risse
ihrer zerlumpten Uni-
formen lauschte das
nackte Elend; obgleich

verstümmelt, er-
mattet, meistens
hinkend, blieben
sie doch noch in
einer Art militai-
rischen Schrittes.

i '

pressen, in Engeland zoo gewoon, is daarom
onder ons nimmer noodzakelijk geweest; en
om onze vloten van manschappen te voorzien
heeft men hier nooit tot harde middelen zijne
toevlugt genomen. Daarenboven verschaft
het groote getal van menschen, die zich vrij-

willig tot de zeevaart begeven, nog
dit voorregt, dat men veel meer kan-
sen heeft om mannen van eenen
ongemeenen geest en moed aan te
kweeken, die ook gemeenlijk beter
dan te lande naar hunne verdiensten

beloond worden. Een ieder
weet dat onze doorluchtig-
ste zeehelden doorgaans ge-
ring of zeer middelmatig van
geboorte geweest zijn. Men
zal, hoop ik, deze algemeene

indien
men die anders goed-
keurt, hier niet kwa-
lijk geplaatst vinden,
dewijl ze tot voorbe-
reiding verstrekken.

om minder ver-
zet te staan over
dien schielijken
aanwas van het
vermogen onzer
vereenigde Ne-

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J'ai connu des gens élevés sur le seuil de la boutique
de leur père ; ils avaient retenu de ce genre de vie
certaine connaissance pratique des hommes, certain
penchant musard, le goût des rues, quelque trivialité
d'idées, la morale et les préjugés du quartier. On en a
fait des avocats, des ministres, et, dans chacune de ces
vocations, ils ont apporté de ce seuil de boutique
bien des éléments bons ou mauvais, toujours ineffa-
çables. D'autres, en ce temps-là, je veus dire vers
quinze ans, avaient leur petite chambre sur une
cour silencieuse, sur des toits déserts. Ils y sont
devenus méditatifs, peu au fait des affaires de 1%

rue, assez riches d'observations privées sur un petit nombre de voisins. Ils y ont acquis une
connaissance de l'homme moins générale, mais plus Intime. Combien de fols aussi, privés de
tout spectacle, Ils ont vécu avec eux seuls: pendant que l'autre, sur son seuil, quot;toujours
récréé par la vue de quelque objet nouveau, n'avait ni le temps ni l'envie de faire connals-
sanee avec lui-même. Avocat ou ministre , pensez-vous que celui de la petite chambre n'aura
pas une manière autre que celui du seuil? Et ce qu'on voit passer de son logis, et les gens

qui circulent autour, et les bruits cjui s'y entendent, et les objets tristes ou
riants lt;jui s'y rencontrent, et le voisinage, et les cas fortuits? Oh! que
l'éducation est une chose difficile! Tandis qu'à lumineuse intention, sur le
conseil d'un ami on d'un livre, vous dirigez l'esprit et le coeur de votre fils
vers le côté qui vous agrée, les choses, les bruits, les voisins, les cas
fortuits conspirent contre vous, ou vous secondent, sans que vous puissiez

détruire ces influences ni vous passer de leur concours. Plus tard,
il est vrai, aprës vingt, vingt-cinq ans, le logement fait peu. Il est
triste ou gai, confortable ou délabré, mais c'est une école où les
enseignements ont cessé. A cet âge, l'homme fournit sa carrière; il
a atteint ce nuage d'avenir qui, tout à l'heure encore, lui paraissait
si lointain; son âme n'est plus rêveuse et docile: les objets s'y mirent,

mais ils n'y laissent plus d'empreinte. Pour moi, j'habi-
tais un quartier solitaire. C'est derrière lo temple de
Saint-Pierre, près de la prison de l'Évêché. Par-dessus
le feuillage d'un acacia, je voyais les ogives du temple,
le bas de la grosse tour, un soupirail de la prison, et au
delà, par une trouée, le lac et ses rives. Quels beaux

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étancher sa soif de gloire et
d'hommages; en connaissez-
vous un, parmi les plus
grands, et surtout parmi
ceux-là, qui ait jamais pu
être satisfait de ses oeuvres,

y reconnaitre les cé-
lestes tableaux que
lui révélait son genie ?
Vie de leurres, de dé-
ceptions, de dégoûts l
Et encore, ceci n'en

est que la surfa-
ce; je m'imagine
qu'elle recouvre
des troubles plus
grands, des dé-
goûts plus amer

ÏL Y A DES MOMENTS DAXS LA VIE OÙ USE HEUREUSE REUXIOX DE CIRCONSTANCES SEMBLE FiXEU
SUR NOUS LE BONHEUR. LE CALME DES PASSIONS, L'ABSENCE D'INQUIÉTUDE KOUS PRÉDISPOSENT à JOUIR;
ET, 81 AU CONTENTEMENT D'ESPRIT VIENT S'UNIR UNE SITUATION MATÉRIELLEMENT DOUCE, EMBELLIE
PAR D'AGR£AI!LES SENSATIONS, LES HEURES COULENT ALORS DÉLICIEUSEMENT, ET LE SENTIMENT DK

L'EXISTENCE SE PABE DE SES PLUS RIANTES COULEURS. C'EST PEIîCIsiMENT LE CAS
OÙ SE TROUVAIENT LES TROIS PERSONNAGES QDE J'AVAIS SOUS LES YEUX. RIEN AU
MONDE DANS LEUR PHYSIONOMIE QUI TRAHÎT LE MOINDRE SOUCI, LE PLUS PETIT
TROUBLE, LE PLUS FAIBLE REMORDSj AU CONTRAIRE, ON DEVINAIT, AU LÉGER

EESQ0E6EMET DE LEDE COU, CE LÉGITIME 0EGÜEIL QUI PEOCÈDE DU CONTEN-
TEMENT D'ESPKIT: LA GRAVITÉ DE LEUE DÉMARCHE ANNONÇAIT LE CALME DE
LEUE COEUE, LA MOEALITÉ DE LEUES PENSÉES; ET, DANS CE MEMENT MÊME
OU, CÉDANT AUX MOLLES INFLUENCES D'UN DOUX SOLEIL, ILS VENAIENT DE

S'EKDOEmiK, EETCOKE SEMBLAIT-IL QUE DE CE SOMMEIL
S'EXHALAT UN SUAVE PAEPUM D'INNOCEBrCE ET DE PAIX.
POUR MOI (L'HOMME EST SUJET AUX MAUVAISES PENSÉES),
DANS CE MOMENT JE MANIAIS UNE PIERRE. A LA PIN,

rOETEMENT SOLLICITÉ PAR UN MALIN BBSIB
JE LA LANÇAI DANS LA MAKE, TOUT A CÔTE...
AUSSITÔT LES TBOIS TÊTES SORTIRENT EN
SURSAUT DE DESSOUS L'AILE. C'ÉTAIENT TROIS

■jf

.......

CANARDS, J'OUBLIAIS DE LE DIRE. ILS
FAISAIENT LÀ LEUR SIESTE, TANDIS
QU'ASSIS AU BORD DE LA PLAQUE JE
SONGEAIS, PRESQUE AUSSI HEUREUX

QUE MES PAISIBLES COMPAGNONS.
AUX CHAMPS, L'HEURE DE MIDI
EST CELLE DU SILENCE, DU REPOS,
DE LA RÊVERIE. PENDANT QUE

IiE SOIiEII- DARDES À
PliOMB SA IilTMIÈiRI!
SUR LA PIiAIIVXS, HOM-
MES ET ANIMAUX SUS-

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