OF THE COUNTRY OF CULTURE
"Too far flew I into the future; a shivering seized me.
And when I looked round, behold! time was mine only contemporary there.
Then I flew backwards, homeward and ever in a greater haste. Thus I came unto you, ye present ones, and into the country of culture.
For the first time have I brought with me an eye to see you and a good desire. Verily, with a long- ing in my heart have I come.
But what befell me ? However frightened I was, I had to laugh ! Never hath mine eye seen any- thing so many-coloured !
I laughed and laughed whilst my foot was still trembling and my heart also. ' Behold, here is the home of all paint-pots ! ' said I.
With fifty spots of paint on your face and limbs, ye sat there and aroused mine astonishment, ye pres- ent ones !
And with fifty mirrors around you, which flattered your play of colours and spake in its favour !
Verily, ye could not possibly wear any better mask,
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