among all the treasures I have in my pocket, among which are a
variety of enchanting articles, not exactly adapted for you, who, I
am sure, would like better to have the wishing-cap of Fortunatus,
all made new and sound again, and a lucky purse which also belonged
to him."

"Fortunatus's purse!" cried I; and, great as was my mental anguish,
with that one word he had penetrated the deepest recesses of my
soul. A feeling of giddiness came over me, and double ducats
glittered before my eyes.

"Be pleased, gracious sir, to examine this purse, and make a trial
of its contents." He put his hand in his pocket, and drew forth a
large strongly stitched bag of stout Cordovan leather, with a couple
of strings to match, and presented it to me. I seized it--took out
ten gold pieces, then ten more, and this I repeated again and again.
Instantly I held out my hand to him. "Done," said I; "the bargain
is made: my shadow for the purse." "Agreed," he answered; and,
immediately kneeling down, I beheld him, with extraordinary
dexterity, gently loosen my shadow from the grass, lift it up, fold
it together, and, at last put it in his pocket. He then rose, bowed
once more to me, and directed his steps towards the rose bushes. I
fancied I heard him quietly laughing to himself. However, I held
the purse fast by the two strings. The earth was basking beneath
the brightness of the sun; but I presently lost all consciousness.

On recovering my senses, I hastened to quit a place where I hoped
there was nothing further to detain me. I first filled my pockets
with gold, then fastened the strings of the purse round my neck, and
concealed it in my bosom. I passed unnoticed out of the park,