Are you a man of imagination--a poet?
taste this, and the boundaries of possibility disappear; the fields of infinite space open to you, you advance free in heart, free in mind, into the boundless realms of unfettered revery.

Are you ambitious, and do you seek after the greatnesses of the earth?
taste this, and in an hour you will be a king, not a king of a petty kingdom hidden in some corner of Europe like France, Spain, or England, but king of the world, king of the universe, king of creation; without bowing at the feet of Satan, you will be king and master of all the kingdoms of the earth.

Is it not tempting what I offer you, and is it not an easy thing, since it is only to do thus?
look!" At these words he uncovered the small cup which contained the substance so lauded, took a teaspoonful of the magic sweetmeat, raised it to his lips, and swallowed it slowly with his eyes half shut and his head bent backwards.

Franz did not disturb him whilst he absorbed his favorite sweetmeat, but when he had finished, he inquired,--"What, then, is this precious stuff ?" "Did you ever hear," he replied, "of the Old Man of the Mountain, who attempted to assassinate Philip Augustus ?" "Of course I have." "Well, you know he reigned over a rich valley which was overhung by the mountain whence he derived his picturesque name.

In this valley were magnificent gardens planted by Hassen-ben-Sabah, and in these gardens isolated pavilions.