"Which of these do you like the best?"

"Alexander."

"What do you think of the neighbor who obliges his neighbor?"

"I think that the first has the advantage of the second."

The little gentleman considered a moment, and began again--

"What is your father's trade, young man?"

This simple question made Durer blush. He did not say a word in answer.
The little man, who was very clear-sighted, said--"This young fellow is
ashamed to own that he belongs to a poor shepherd in the village hard by.
Bad heart--strong head--detestable nature! This boy will never make
anything but a diplomatist." Then, after a moment's reflection, he said
to himself--"But it's of no consequence."

The end was, that young Durer went back to the cottage wild with joy. He
took leave of his father and his mother, who shed torrents of tears at
his leaving them. John was turning his back on the shepherd's cabin for
ever: he was to go to Vienna, to finish his studies there. For the
little man had put into his hand three purses full of gold, and had said,
"I am Counsellor Werter, favorite of his Majesty the Emperor. Your
assiduity in study has become known to me. Work on--for aught you know,
you may be on the high road."

Three years afterward, Durer entered the office of the Emperor's
secretary. Later, he became, himself, private secretary. Later still,