Of all dreams, that of the alchemist is the most poetical, for he looked at the finest symbol.

"Gold," says one of our friends, "is the hidden light of the earth, it crowns the mineral, as wine the vegetable order, being the last expression of vital energy." _J._ Have you paid for your passage?
_J._ Yes! and in gold, not in shells or pebbles.
_J._ No really wise gnome would scoff at the water, the beautiful water.

"The spirit of man is like the water." _S._ And like the air and fire, no less.
_J._ Yes, but not like the earth, this low-minded creature's chosen, dwelling.
_M._ The earth is spirit made fruitful,--life.

And its heartbeats are told in gold and wine.
_J._ Oh! it is shocking to hear such sentiments in these times.

I thought that Bacchic energy of yours was long since repressed.
_M._ No! I have only learned to mix water with my wine, and stamp upon my gold the heads of kings, or the hieroglyphics of worship.