Selections from the Writings of Kierkegaard 53
charged it, a light open vehicle rolled in through the gate carrying a merry company of four journeymen who were entertained to be ready at the decisive moment to function as a corps of destruction: just as firemen are stationed in a theatre, for the opposite reason at once to extinguish a fire.
So long as one is a child one possesses sufficient imagina- tion to maintain one's soul at the very top-notch of expec- tation — for a whole hour in the dark room, if need be ; but when one has grown older one's imagination may easily cause one to tire of the Christmas tree before seeing it.
The folding doors were opened. The effect of the ra- diant illumination, the coolness wafting toward them, the beguiling fragrance of sweet perfumes, the excellent taste of the arrangements, for a moment overwhelmed the feel- ings of those entering ; and when, at the same time, strain? from the ballet of "Don Juan" sounded from the orchestra, their persons seemed transfigured and, as if out of rever- ence for an unseen spirit about them, they stopped short for a moment like men who have been roused by admiration and who have risen to admire.
Whoever knows that happy moment, whoever has ap- preciated its delight, and has not also felt the apprehension lest suddenly something might happen, some trifle perhaps, which yet might be sufficient to disturb all! Whoever has held the lamp of Aladdin in his hand and has not also felt the swooning of pleasure, because one needs but to wish? Whoever has held what is inviting in his hand and has not also learned to keep his wrist limber to let go at once, if need be ?
Thus they stood side by side. Only Victor stood alone, absorbed in thought ; a shudder seemed to pass through his soul, he almost trembled; he collected himself and saluted the omen with these words: "Ye mysterious, festive, and seductive strains which drew me out of the cloistered seclu- sion of a quiet youth and beguiled me with a longing as mighty as a recollection, and terrible, as though Elvira had
