"First there appeared a garden, the like of which the Highland boy had never dreamed of. Upon lawns of velvet smoothness rose wonderful trees,—the palm, towering into feathery crests; the lemon, drooping a grateful shade of snowy blossoms; and the palmetto,—all interlaced by climbing plants. In this delightful retreat, wearing robes of satin, and reclining upon magnificent carpets, within hearing of trickling streams or the twitter of brilliant birds, was a man resembling Neil's own self. Servants flitted about him, bearing flagons of sherbet, or held tempting fruits in their cool leaves,—the delicious pomegranate and juicy date; while grave men, slaves only to his wealth, bowed in homage.
"The scene melted gradually into a palace of splendid appearance, where Neil still held a place, his turban spangled with diamond, his pipe-stem encrusted with emeralds, and the dagger hilt, half concealed in a Cashmere sash, glistened with amethyst and carbuncle. From the lofty hall, vaulted passages and pavilion extended, each more rich in coloring, more gorgeous in ornament, than the last; while beyond a balustrade of delicately carved marble sloped a terrace, blooming with roses and jasmine vines. Again the rich man was surrounded by servile homage and flattery; but Neil saw he was nothing but a cripple, after all.
"The East Wind sat in her couch of sunshine, with a triumphant smile upon her dark face.
"'Ah! it is all very grand, lady,' said Neil sadly; 'only must I be lame still?'
"'Yes.'
"'What good would the riches do me, then, with the pain also?'
"'Much good. Think of the power you can wield. The whole world would open her countless treasures. You could obtain knowledge; you could see every thing that is beautiful or interesting; and you could relieve the needy by your bounty. Better be a rich cripple than a poor one.'
"Little Neil thought so, too; but he concluded to cut another peach before he decided the question. He did so; and the interior of the second was lined with crystals of great brilliancy, that shimmered in points of light like a rainbow prism, yet their gleam was cold as ice.
"'I can give you fame,' said the West Wind in musical tones. 'Look!'
"She unfurled her green mantle, which grew into a mirror like the previous one, only of an intense, steely brightness. Neil saw a range of mountains, snow-capped, their steep slopes skirted by pine-trees; while far below spread a sunny landscape, ripening vineyard, tracts of waving grain, and olive-groves. Through the narrow defiles, down the precipitous heights, hewing a passage for their clumsy elephants by fire and vinegar, came an army, and in their midst moved a man, the master spirit of it all.