The King in Yellow

by Robert W. Chambers

  THE GREEN ROOM

  The Clown turned his powdered face to the mirror.

  "If to be fair is to be beautiful," he said, "who can compare with me inmy white mask?"

  "Who can compare with him in his white mask?" I asked of Death beside me.

  "Who can compare with me?" said Death, "for I am paler still."

  "You are very beautiful," sighed the Clown, turning his powdered facefrom the mirror.

  THE LOVE TEST

  "If it is true that you love," said Love, "then wait no longer. Give herthese jewels which would dishonour her and so dishonour you in lovingone dishonoured. If it is true that you love," said Love, "then wait nolonger."

  I took the jewels and went to her, but she trod upon them, sobbing:"Teach me to wait--I love you!"

  "Then wait, if it is true," said Love.