EVERYTHING 1N ITS RIGHT PLACE. 433 the poet should show and point out; especially in these times should he sing of it, for that does good, and pacifies and unites men. But wherea bit of mortality, because it has a genealogical tree and a coat of arms, rears up like an Arabian horse, and prances in the street, and says in the room, ‘ People out of the street have been here,’ when a commoner has been: that is nobi- lity in decay, and become a mere mask—a mask of the kind that Thespis created; and people are glad when such an one is turned into satire.” : . This was the speech of the clergyman’s son. It was certainly rather long, but then the flute was being finished while he made it. At the castle there was a great company. Many guests came from the neighbourhood and from the capital. Many ladies, some tastefully and others tastelessly dressed, were there, and the great hall was quite full of people. The clergymen from the neighbourhood stood respectfully congregated in a corner, which made it look almost as if there were to be a burial there. But it was not so, for this was a party of pleasure, only that the pleasure had not yet begun. A great concert was to be performed, and consequently the little baron had brought in his willow flute; but he could not get a note out of it, nor could his papa, and therefore the flute was worthnothing. There was instrumental music and song, both of the kind that delight the performers the most—quite charming ! “You are a performer?” said a cavalier—his father’s son and nothing else—to the tutor. ‘“ You play the flute and make it too —that’s genius. That should command, and should have the place of honour!” “No, indeed,” replied the young man, “I only advance with the times, as every one is obliged to do.” i Oh, you will enchant us with the little instrument, will you not ?” And with these words he handed to the clergyman’s son the flute cut from the willow tree by the pool, and announced aloud that the tutor was about to perform a:solo on that instrument. Now, they only wanted to make fun of him, that was easily seen; and therefore the tutor would not play, though indeed he could do so very well; but they crowded round him and impor- tuned him so strongly, that at last he took the flute and put it to his lips. : That was a wonderful flute! A sound as sustained as that which is emitted by the whistle of a steam engine, and much stronger, echoed far over courtyard, garden, and wood, miles away into the country; and simultaneously with the tone camea rushing wind that roared, “ Everything in its right place!” And papa flew as if carried by the wind straight out of the hall and into the shepherd’s cot; and the shepherd flew, not into the 28