The Devil's Elixir

ved, and a straw mattress in its stead laid on the ground. The table was fir

ible phantoms and distorted reveries, such as have often been described, though mine probably were of a new character. The detail of them, however, is not within the limits of my presen

ght my food, and in the evening lighted my lamp. Hitherto, I had felt like a warrior, who, in a mood of martial excitement, was det

unless I had been in body as much disordered as in mind, this state of apathy could not, of necessity, continue long. In a short time my spirit was again roused, only to f

emed to be grinning out upon me. To avoid this annoyance, I extinguished my lamp, and drew the upper mattress over my head-but in vain! It was now dark, indeed, but the spectres were visibl

out furiously with these words, when, on the silence that for a moment succeeded, there distinctly and unequivocally arose a long deep-drawn sigh or groan, differing from the noises which had disturbed me before. The latter mi

the ground directly under me a light, but very audible knocking, which was repeated at measured intervals. I listened attentively. The noise was continued, a

stammering, hoarse voice syllabically pronounce my name-"Me-dar-dus!-Me-dar-dus!"-My blood ran ice cold through every vein; but with a vehement effort I gained courage

serable captive, step forth visibly before mine eyes, that I may look on thee, or desist from this unmeaning persecution!" The beating was

chill shivering of horror, I almost began to think there was something in the accents that I now heard, resembling the tones of my

all go hence, to the wood-to the wood!" "Poor insane wretch!" said I; "I cannot open the door for thee-I cannot enable thee to go forth into the pleasant woods, to hear the

of despairing grief; and the knocking became always more faint and indistinct, ti

through the window; the locks and keys rattled, and the g

heard all sorts of strange noises in your ap

in my sleep, and even when awake I indulge in soli

versation with any of your fellow-prisoners, will be interpreted to your disadvantage?" I declared

judge by whom I had before been examined, but a very different personage, who now sat on the bench. He was

left his place, came up to me in the friend

roken down; he was very bald, and wore spectacles. But in his whole demeanour there was so much of kindness and good-humour, that, on t

ary conversation, but they were well contrived, and so precisely co

perfectly consistent with truth; or, at least, whether many other circumstances may not ha

umstance which I could mention, or which it can be necessary

iated much with clerg

g. In the latter place especially, with two lay m

before that you w

ention a short residence there of about eigh

a native of

rrect dialect, (all the while looking quite unconcerned, as if his use

ied, however; tried to recollect what little Polish I had

property of my fath

he name of

e family estate

wn language remarkably well. To say the truth,

udents, who wished to learn from me our difficult language. Unawares, I may have accustomed myself to their a

y, he dictated to him something in a whisper, of which I could distinctly make out the words "visibly embarrasse

?nigswald, where there is

ev

?nigsberg should have

anothe

cquainted with a monk

ev

rung the bell, and in a low voice ga

whole frame shaken, and my very heart withered by terror,

know t

never seen

yes-"Medardus!" cried he, "Brother Medardus! In God's name, how comes it that I find you thus horribly changed? How came you into this condition

d the judge, "for the Monk Medardus fr

appears in a lay dress, is that very Medardus, who lived under my care as a novice at the Capuchin Convent, and whom I attended at the

tly conjecture that the real monk alluded to has been guilty of serious crimes. But this man has a particular mark on his neck, which, accordi

oat, such as has been described."-"Remove your neckcloth," repeated the judge. I did so; and the scar left by the wound from the Abbess's diamond cross, which had never been effaced, was immediately perceived. Here

e to the assertion of this v

ired by supernatural strength. It seemed as

thee, who art yet strong and undaunted in spirit

ntastic, feeble-minded, drivelling dotard. In his absurd visions, he takes me for a runaw

ssion. He rose, as if the better to observe me, and even the glare of his spectacles was intolerable to my feelings, so that I could not utter a word more of my intended defence. For a moment

which, though calm, had yet the effect of thunder, and rev

e crimes, whatever they may be, that are charged against me. Have compassion, therefore; and for the present, at least,

id not know the import. At last he read over to me a record, in which all his questions and my answers, with

d in German. I did so, without being aware what object he had in view. He then immediately gave the German leaf to Cy

, was about to speak; but a look of the judge admonished him to silence. The latter examined caref

ther incorrect, full of errors, both in grammar and spelling. No native Pole would wr

nd if circumstances compelled me to conceal my true rank and name, yet it would by no means follow, in consequence of t

idence in your fidelity, prudence, and pious conduct; and is it thus that you requite him? Brother Medardus,

t us," said the judge, and, t

ought not to conceal, that various other persons will be brought forward, who also insist that they have unequivocally recognised you for that individual. Among them is one, to whom your escape from the due punishment or co

d, to extort from you the truth, which you wish to conceal, but which, at all events, will soon be brought to light. Prepare yourself, therefore, before-hand, as you best can. If you are really that criminal named Medardus the Capuchin, you may be assured that justice will soon penetrate through your deepest

e I wished that you should be allowed sufficient time for mature reflection. Af

have said to-day as utter falsehood? You b

w, with the words, "Adieu, Herr von Krczinski