None of these thoughts were uttered aloud, however; for hewas a good, honorable old lamp, who would not willingly do harm to anyone, especially to those in authority. As many things were recalled tohis mind, the light would flash up with sudden brightness; he had,at such moments, a conviction that he would be remembered. "Therewas a handsome young man once," thought he; "it is certainly a longwhile ago, but I remember he had a little note, written on pinkpaper with a gold edge; the writing was elegant, evidently a lady'shand: twice he read it through, and kissed it, and then looked up atme, with eyes that said quite plainly, 'I am the happiest of men!'Only he and I know what was written on this his first letter fromhis lady-love. Ah, yes, and there was another pair of eyes that Iremember,- it is really wonderful how the thoughts jump from one thingto another! A funeral passed through the street; a young and beautifulwoman lay on a bier, decked with garlands of flowers, and attendedby torches, which quite overpowered my light. All along the streetstood the people from the houses, in crowds, ready to join theprocession. But when the torches had passed from before me, and Icould look round, I saw one person alone, standing, leaning against mypost, and weeping. Never shall I forget the sorrowful eyes that lookedup at me." These and similar reflections occupied the old street lamp,on this the last time that his light would shine. The sentry, whenhe is relieved from his post, knows at least who will succeed him, andmay whisper a few words to him, but the lamp did not know hissuccessor, or he could have given him a few hints respecting rain,or mist, and could have informed him how far the moon's rays wouldrest on the pavement, and from which side the wind generally blew, andso on.
  On the bridge over the canal stood three persons, who wished torecommend themselves to the lamp, for they thought he could give theoffice to whomsoever he chose. The first was a herring's head, whichcould emit light in the darkness. He remarked that it would be a greatsaving of oil if they placed him on the lamp-post. Number two was apiece of rotten wood, which also shines in the dark. He consideredhimself descended from an old stem, once the pride of the forest.The third was a glow-worm, and how he found his way there the lampcould not imagine, yet there he was, and could really give light aswell as the others. But the rotten wood and the herring's headdeclared most solemnly, by all they held sacred, that the glow-wormonly gave light at certain times, and must not be allowed to competewith themselves. The old lamp assured them that not one of themcould give sufficient light to fill the position of a street lamp; butthey would believe nothing he said. And when they discovered that hehad not the power of naming his successor, they said they were veryglad to hear it, for the lamp was too old and worn-out to make aproper choice.
  At this moment the wind came rushing round the corner of thestreet, and through the air-holes of the old lamp. "What is this Ihear?" said he; "that you are going away to-morrow? Is this eveningthe last time we shall meet? Then I must present you with a farewellgift. I will blow into your brain, so that in future you shall notonly be able to remember all that you have seen or heard in thepast, but your light within shall be so bright, that you shall be ableto understand all that is said or done in your presence."
  "Oh, that is really a very, very great gift," said the old lamp;"I thank you most heartily. I only hope I shall not be melted down."
  "That is not likely to happen yet," said the wind; "and I willalso blow a memory into you, so that should you receive othersimilar presents your old age will pass very pleasantly."
  "That is if I am not melted down," said the lamp. "But should I inthat case still retain my memory?"