If the bargain can be
broken off, then in God's name--!" He shook his head, and made a very
gloomy face. I continued: "I will then sell you nothing further of
mine, even for this offered price of my shadow; and, therefore, I
shall sign nothing. From this you may understand, that the muffling-up
to which you invite me must be much more amusing for you than for me.
Excuse me, therefore; and as it cannot now be otherwise, let us part."
"It grieves me, Monsieur Schlemihl, that you obstinately decline the
business which I propose to you as a friend. Perhaps another time I
may be more fortunate. Till our speedy meeting again!--Apropos: Permit
me yet to show you that the things which I purchase I by no means
suffer to grow moldy, but honorably preserve, and that they are well
taken care of by me."
With that he drew my shadow out of his pocket and with a dexterous
throw unfolding it on the heath, spread it out on the sunny side of
his feet, so that he walked between two attendant shadows, his own
and mine, for mine must equally obey him and accommodate itself to and
follow all his movements.
When I once saw my poor shadow again, after so long an absence, and
beheld it degraded to so vile a service, whilst I, on its account, was
in such unspeakable trouble, my heart broke, and I began bitterly to
weep. The detested wretch swaggered with the plunder snatched from me,
and impudently renewed his proposal.
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