Ludwig Tieck

“ Have you already forgotten that miserable vagabond, continued Eleazar with a ferocious look, who played off his stupid trick upon us the other day at the forge? I am to die soon. This was the only thing wanting to set all our affairs in the most dismal confusion. But here, here at this furnace, I have it already preparing, the only sure safeguard against all such idle fears; and as I have succeeded with the help of wisdom in turning unsightly things into gold, so I shall not fail in producing that elixir for which so many mighty minds have heretofore sought and laboured, and often in vain. ”

“ Edward lookt at the stunted figure with astonishment, then laid down the bars on the table again, and said:
— No, I won't rob you; the present would be much too valuable. But you should not let these vast treasures lie about here at random thus mixt up with all the rest of your things: it is holding out a lure to thieves and robbers.
— Nobody will look for gold in my house, answered the other, busying himself again at his furnace: nobody will recognize gold under this ungainly form. ”

“ Old Conrad too over yonder has fallen sick, and is bewailing the loss of his reputation. Such a knave as this stranger is just as bad as a murderer: nay worse: for he pours the poison down ones throat in the midst of a large party without himself risking life or limb. ”