Read Online Pictor's Metamorphoses by Hermann Hesse - Free Book Online Page A

Personal Volition. They are an immeasurably important element of that which we call Fate. It so happens that the proper and actual benefits of such a bond can only be reaped at the moment of separation and renunciation; these being subject to our Will, over which this affinity has no power.”
    â€œI do understand you,” said Lauscher in a completely different tone. “It seems you are my friend, Herr Turnabout!”
    â€œDid you ever doubt it?” The other smiled merrily.
    â€œYou must come to my farewell party tonight at the Crown!”
    â€œSo we shall see, Herr Lauscher. According to certain calculations, tonight an old problem of mine should be resolved, an old dream be fulfilled … But perhaps this can be combined with your party. Auf Wiedersehen! ” He jumped to his feet, waved goodbye, and quickly disappeared on the road leading to the valley.
    The friends stayed in the woods until noon, both of them thinking about Lauscher’s departure, each one filled with his love and a host of conflicting emotions. They arrived late for the midday meal at the Crown. But they found Lulu in a gay mood, wearing a bright, new dress. She cheerfully accepted the flowers and put them in a vase on the corner table at which she served them their meal. Her lovely figure moved about, happy and industrious, bringing and taking away plates, bowls, and bottles. After the meal, she joined them for a glass of wine; plans for Lauscher’s farewell party were the topic of conversation.
    â€œWe must get everything ready for the party; this room needs decorating,” said Lulu. “As you can see, I’ve taken the first step myself, putting on this brand-new dress. We could use some flowers…”
    â€œWe’ll see to that right away,” Ugel interrupted.
    â€œGood,” she said, smiling. “A few Chinese lanterns, and some colored ribbons would be nice as well.”
    â€œAs many as you like!” Ugel called out again. Lauscher nodded in silence.
    â€œYou’re awfully quiet, Herr Lauscher,” Lulu said, annoyed. “Have you any objections?”
    Lauscher made no reply. While his gaze hung on her slender figure and lovely countenance, all he could say was: “How beautiful you are today, Lulu.” And again: “How beautiful you are!”
    He was insatiable, he had to look again and again at her breathtaking image. Watching her and his friend make arrangements for his departure pained him beyond description and made him silent and gloomy. Every moment, a bitter and tormenting thought repeatedly occurred to him: that his renunciation and departure were not to be. He had to throw himself at her feet, to encircle her with all the burning flames of his passion, to woo and win her, to take her by force and ravish her. To do something, anything but sit idly by in her presence, while one blessed moment after another of his last hours in it hastily and irretrievably ran out. Nonetheless, he fought bitterly to gain control over his emotions, and in these last moments he concentrated on one thing: to impress her beautiful image deep into his soul, until it was branded there, glowing and painful, as desire never to be forgotten.
    Finally, when the three were alone in the room and Ugel was pressing to leave, Lauscher got up, walked up to Lulu, and clasped her hand in his own hot, trembling hand. Then he said softly, in a forced, festively comic tone: “My beautiful Princess, may it please Your Majesty graciously to accept my offer of service! Regard me, I beg of you, as your knight, your slave, your dog, your fool; your wish is my command…”
    â€œGood, my knight,” Lulu broke in, smiling. “I do require a service of you. Tonight I need a glad-hearted companion and buffoon, one who can help me make a certain party entertaining and pleasant. Will you accept this task?”
    Lauscher turned very white. Then he let out a harsh laugh and with comic