Chapter I: T. Ballin

Whispered malicious tales in his ears Frontispiece

He gazed at the fair form in bridal attire
lying upon the floor 104

Here, Miss, I ain't got no money but I'd
like to give you them shoes 117

Confessing all to the wonder-working
Saint 167

Near Dresden lies a garden,
Therein a cherry tree,
Beneath whose fragrant shadow,
Came happy dreams to me.

On its bark my love for her,
In ardent words I traced;
In rapture, then in sorrow,
Trembling with nervous haste.

The moon so bright had risen,
Those words glared forth at night.
I glanced at them all frightened,
Then screened them from my sight.

* * * * * * * *

On zephyr's wave a whisper came,
From wicked gnomes to me addressed:
"Come here, come here, thou human toy,
And find with us thy final rest."

The Gnomes of the Saline Mountains

A FANTASTIC NARRATIVE