always contain the faculty to acquire. I can give thee, it is true, the
teacher,--the rest must depend on thee. Be wise in time, and take that
which I can assure to thee."

"Answer me but these questions, and according to your answer I will
decide. Is it in the power of man to attain intercourse with the beings
of other worlds? Is it in the power of man to influence the elements,
and to insure life against the sword and against disease?"

"All this may be possible," answered Zanoni, evasively, "to the few; but
for one who attains such secrets, millions may perish in the attempt."

"One question more. Thou--"

"Beware! Of myself, as I have said before, I render no account."

"Well, then, the stranger I have met this night,--are his boasts to be
believed? Is he in truth one of the chosen seers whom you allow to have
mastered the mysteries I yearn to fathom?"

"Rash man," said Zanoni, in a tone of compassion, "thy crisis is past,
and thy choice made! I can only bid thee be bold and prosper; yes, I
resign thee to a master who HAS the power and the will to open to thee
the gates of an awful world. Thy weal or woe are as nought in the eyes
of his relentless wisdom. I would bid him spare thee, but he will heed
me not. Mejnour, receive thy pupil!" Glyndon turned, and his heart beat
when he perceived that the stranger, whose footsteps he had not heard
upon the pebbles, whose approach he had not beheld in the moonlight, was
once more by his side.