the point of death at the age of fifty, but just at this time he
made the fortunate discovery of the magic stone, and so continued
to live in health and affluence for sixty years more. And De
Lisle was but one case among hundreds.

An aged and wealthy alchemist could claim with seeming
plausibility that he was prolonging his life by his magic;
whereas a younger man might assert that, knowing the great
secret, he was keeping himself young through the centuries. In
either case such a statement, or rumor, about a learned and
wealthy alchemist was likely to be believed, particularly among
strangers; and as such a man would, of course, be the object of
much attention, the claim was frequently made by persons seeking
notoriety. One of the most celebrated of these impostors was a
certain Count de Saint-Germain, who was connected with the court
of Louis XV. His statements carried the more weight because,
having apparently no means of maintenance, he continued to live
in affluence year after year--for two thousand years, as he
himself admitted--by means of the magic stone. If at any time his
statements were doubted, he was in the habit of referring to his
valet for confirmation, this valet being also under the influence
of the elixir of life.

"Upon one occasion his master was telling a party of ladies and
gentlemen, at dinner, some conversation he had had in Palestine,
with King Richard I., of England, whom he described as a very
particular friend of his. Signs of astonishment and incredulity
were visible on the faces of the company, upon which
Saint-Germain very coolly turned to his servant, who stood behind
his chair, and asked him if he had not spoken the truth. 'I