The elder, gray from head to foot with the dust of the road, seated
himself on a stone by the wayside. The youth jumped lightly to the
earth, and threw himself into the arms of his friend. I saw him give his
horse in charge to his servants, take the arm of his companion, enter
the gate of the great city, and lead him to the imperial Palace. In one
of the inner chambers they sat down together to rest. They conversed
however in whispers, as if they feared the ear of the enemy even through
the massive stone walls. Stretching himself on the soft Persian carpet,
the younger raised the cup of wrought silver to his thirsty lip. But
when he handed it to the elder, he refused to taste the wine from the
rich goblet. Nor would he look upon the tapestried walls, or the objects
of luxury lying profusely scattered around the room, even when pointed
out to him by his young companion. At last he rose, and taking the hand
of the youth, led him to a window, from which the entire city was seen
lying below, with the moving crowds of the populous nation. The immense
city, wonderfully monotonous in its whitewashed walls! the immense
nation, wonderfully monotonous in its black garments! The young man
looked on curiously; the wanderer sighed, and said: 'When they shall
lead you into cities without castles or temples, where the spirit of
freedom is chained, murmur ye: THE DEAD!'
But the younger continued to gaze with ever-growing interest.
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