ck hanging on the wall, the huge
Dutch stove, the broad benches, the crockery arranged along the cornice
were just as one might see anywhere.

Michael bade Peter take a seat at the great table, and then left the
room, returning immediately with a jug of wine and glasses. He poured
out some for Peter and himself, after which they sat and talked, Dutch
Michael speaking of the joys of life, of foreign countries, of
beautiful cities and rivers, until Peter became possessed of a longing
to visit the same, and expressed his desire to the Dutchman.

[Illustration: And stretched forth an arm as long as a weaver's beam,
and a hand as broad as a large table.]

"But even if your whole frame were pulsating with the courage and
energy to undertake something of the sort, would not a few beats of
that foolish heart of yours set you all of a tremble at the prospect?
And why should a sensible fellow such as you be troubled with such
things as misfortune or wounded pride? The other day when they called
you a cheat and a villain, was it in your head that you felt the
disgrace? Did you get a pain in your stomach when the bailiff appeared
just now and turned you out of doors? Come, tell me, where did you feel
most anguish?"

"In my heart," Peter replied, pressing his hand on his throbbing
breast; for he felt that his heart was turning over and over in his
bosom.

"Now, don't be angry at what I am going to say--you have thrown away
many a hundred guilders to beggars and other worthless people; and what
profit has it brought you? They have showered blessings on your head,
and wished you good health; but did you ever feel any better for that?
Why, you could have kept a physician on half the money you thus wasted.
A blessing, indeed--a fine blessing, now that they have seized your
goods and turned you out! What was it that drove you to dive your hands
into your pockets every time a beggarman stretched out his tattered hat
to you?--Your heart it was, and always your heart; never your eyes, nor
your tongue, your arms, nor your legs,--but your heart; you have always
taken it too much to heart, as the saying is."

"But how can one manage to avoid it? I am trying all I can to suppress
it, but my heart keeps on thumping and causing me anguish."

"By yourself, poor wretch that you are, you can do nothing," cried the
other with a laugh; "but just let me take charge of the fluttering
thing, and you will see how much more pleasant it will be."