"The vessel is small," said I, "and what is yet left of its
contents is but scanty; whether its drops suffice to replenish the
lights I cannot guess--I can but obey your instructions. But, more
important by far than the light to the lamps and the circle, which
in Asia or Africa might scare away the wild beasts unknown to this
land--more important than light to a lamp is the strength to your
frame, weak magician! What will support you through six weary
hours of night watch?"
"Hope," answered Margrave, with a ray of his old dazzling style.
"Hope! I shall live--I shall live through the centuries!"