TheProjectGutenbergEBookofTheNightLand,byWilliamHopeHodgson

ThiseBookisfortheuseofanyoneanywhereatnocostandwithalmostnorestrictionswhatsoever.Youmaycopyit,giveitawayorre-useitunderthetermsoftheProjectGutenbergLicenseincludedwiththiseBookoronlineatwww.gutenberg.net

Title:TheNightLand

Author:WilliamHopeHodgson

ReleaseDate:January9,2004[EBook#10662]

Language:English

***STARTOFTHISPROJECTGUTENBERGEBOOKTHENIGHTLAND***

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THENIGHTLAND

WILLIAMHOPEHODGSON

1912

THEDREAMSTHATAREONLYDREAMS

"ThistobeLove,thatyourspirittoliveinanaturalholinesswiththeBeloved,andyourbodiestobeasweetandnaturaldelightthatshallbeneverlostofalovelymystery….Andshametobeunborn,andallthingstogowholesomeandproper,outofanuttergreatnessofunderstanding;andtheMantobeanHeroandaChildbeforetheWoman;andtheWomantobeanHolyLightoftheSpiritandanUtterCompanionandinthesametimeagladPossessionuntotheMan….AndthisdothbeHumanLove…."

"…forthistobetheespecialgloryofLove,thatitdothmakeuntoallSweetnessandGreatness,anddothbeafireburningallLittleness;sothatdidallinthisworldtohavemetTheBeloved,thendidWantonnessbedead,andtheretogrowGladnessandCharity,dancingintheyears."

I

MIRDATHTHEBEAUTIFUL

"AndIcannottouchherfaceAndIcannottouchherhair,AndIkneeltoemptyshadows—Justmemoriesofhergrace;AndhervoicesingsinthewindsAndinthesobsofdawnAndamongtheflowersatnightAndfromthebrooksatsunriseAndfromtheseaatsunset,AndIanswerwithvaincallings…"

ItwastheJoyoftheSunsetthatbroughtustospeech.Iwasgonealongwayfrommyhouse,walkinglonely-wise,andstoppingoftenthatIviewthepilingupwardoftheBattlementsofEvening,andtofeelthedearandstrangegatheringoftheDuskcomeoveralltheworldaboutme.

ThelasttimethatIpaused,IwastrulylostinasolemnjoyoftheGloryoftheComingNight;andmaybeIlaughedalittleinmythroat,standingtherealoneinthemidstoftheDuskupontheWorld.And,lo!mycontentwasansweredoutofthetreesthatboundedthecountryroaduponmyright;anditwassoasthatsomeonehadsaid:"Andthoualso!"ingladunderstanding,thatIlaughedagainalittleinmythroat;asthoughIhadonlyahalf-believingthatanytruehumandidanswermylaugh;butrathersomesweetDelusionorSpiritthatwastunedtomymood.

Butshespokeandcalledmebymyname;andwhenIhadgonetothesideoftheroad,thatIshouldseehersomewhat,anddiscoverwhetherIknewher,Isawthatshewassurelythatlady,whoforherbeautywasknownthroughallofthat

sweetCountyofKentasLadyMirdaththeBeautiful;andanearneighbourtome;fortheEstatesofherGuardianaboundeduponmine.

Yet,untilthattime,Ihadnevermether;forIhadbeensooftandlongabroad;andsomuchgiventomyStudiesandmyExerciseswhenathome,thatIhadnofurtherKnowledgeofherthanRumourgavetomeoddtime;andfortherest,Iwaswellcontent;forasIhavegivenhint,mybooksheldme,andlikewisemyExercises;forIwasalwaysanathlete,andnevermetthemansoquickorsostrongasIdidbe;saveinsomefictionofataleorinthemouthofaboaster.

Now,Istoodinstantlywithmyhatinmyhand;andansweredhergentlebanteringsowellasImight,thewhilethatIpeeredintentandwonderingatherthroughthegloom;fortrulyRumourhadtoldnotaletoequalthebeautyofthisstrangemaid;whonowstoodjestingwithsosweetaspirit,andclaimingkinshipofCousinhoodwithme,aswastruth,nowthatIdidwaketothink.

And,truly,shemadenoado;butnamedmefrankbymylad'sname,andgavelaughterandrighttometonameherMirdath,andnothinglessormore—atthattime.Andshebidmethentocomeupthroughthehedge,andmakeuseofagapthatwasherownespecialsecret,assheconfessed,whenshetookoddleavewithhermaidtosomecountryfrolic,drestasvillagemaids;butnottodeceivemany,asIdarebelieve.

AndIcameupthroughthegapinthehedgeandstoodbesideher;andtallshehadseemedtome,whenIlookedupather;andtallshewas,intruth;butindeedIwasagreatheadtaller.Andsheinvitedmethentowalkwithhertothehouse,thatImeetherGuardianandgivewordtomysorrowthatIhadsolongneglectedtomakecalluponthem;andtrulyhereyestoshinewithmischiefanddelight,asshenamedmesoformyamissness.

But,indeed,shegrewsoberinamoment,andshesetupherfingertometohush,asthatsheheardsomewhatinthewoodthatlayallthewayuponourright.And,indeed,somethingIheardtoo;fortherewassurelyarustlingoftheleaves,andanonadeadtwigcracktwithasoundclearandsharpinthestillness.

Andimmediatelytherecamethreemenrunningoutofthewoodatme;andIcalledtothemsharplytokeepofforbewareofharm;andIputthemaidtomybackwithmylefthand,andhadmyoakstaffreadyformyuse.

Butthethreemengaveoutnowordofreply;butraninatme;andIsaw

somewhatofthegleamofknives;andatthat,Imovedverygladandbrisktotheattack;andbehindmetherewentshrillandsweet,thecallofasilverwhistle;fortheMaidwaswhistlingforherdogs;andmaybethecallwasalsoasignaltothemen-servantsofherhouse.

Yet,truly,therewasnouseinhelpthatwasyettocome;fortheneeddidbethenandinstant;andInowiseloathtousemystrengthbeforemysweetcousin.AndIsteppedforward,briskly,asIhavetold;andtheendofmystaffIdroveintothebodyoftheleft-wardman,sothathedroppedlikeadeadman.AndIhitverysharplyattheheadofanother,andsurelycracktitforhim;forhemadeinstantlyupontheearth;butthethirdmanImetwithmyfist,andneitherhadheanygreatneedofasecondblow;butwentinstanttojoinhiscompanions,andthefightthustohaveendedbeforeitwasevenproperbegun,andIlaughingalittlewithaproperpride,toknowthebewildermentthatIperceivedinthewaythattheLadyMirdath,mycousin,stoodandregardedmethroughtheduskofthehushedeven.

But,indeed,therewasnotimelefttous,beforetherecameboundingup,threegreatboar-hounds,thathadbeenloosedtoherwhistle;andshehadsomeadotokeepthebrutesoffme;andIthentobeatthemoffthemenupontheearth,lesttheymaulthemastheylay.Anddirectly,therewasanoiseofmenshouting,andthelightoflanthornsinthenight,andthefootmenofthehousetocomerunningwithlanthornsandcudgels;andknewnotwhethertodealwithme,ornot,inthefirstmoment,evenasthedogs;butwhentheysawthemenupontheground,andlearnedmynameandsawmeproper,theykeptwelltheirdistanceandhadnolackofrespect;but,indeed,mysweetcousintohavethemostofany;onlythatsheshowednointenttokeepdistanceofme;buttohaveanewanddeeperfeelingofkinshipthansheatfirsthadshown.

Andthemen-servantsaskedwhatshouldbedonewiththefoot-pads;seeingthattheywerenowrecovering.But,indeed,Ileftthematter,alongwithsomesilver,totheservants;andverysoundjusticetheydealtouttothemen;forIheardtheircriesagoodwhileafterwehadgoneaway.

Now,whenwewerecomeuptotheHall,mycousinmusttakemeintoherGuardian,SirAlfredJarles,anoldmanandvenerablethatIknewalittleinpassingandbecauseourestatesabounded.Andshepraisedmetomyface,yetquaintly-wise;andtheoldman,herGuardianthankedmemosthonourablyandwithanicecourtesy;sothatIwasawelcomehouse-friendfromthattimeonward.

AndIstayedallthatevening,anddined,andafterwardwentoutagainintothehome-groundswiththeLadyMirdath;andshemorefriendlytomethaneveranywomanhadbeen;andseemedtomeasthatshehadknownmealways.And,truly,Ihadthesamefeelinginmyhearttowardsher;foritwas,somehow,asthoughwekneweachthewayandturnoftheother,andhadaconstantdelighttofindthisthingandthatthingtobeincommon;butnosurprise;savethatsopleasantatruthhadsonaturaladiscovery.

AndonethingtherewasthatIperceivedheldtheLadyMirdathallthatdearfore-night;andthiswas,indeed,thewaythatIhadmypleasuresoeasywiththethreefoot-pads.AndsheaskedmeplainlywhetherIwasnottrulyverystrong;andwhenIlaughedwithyoungandnaturalpride,shecaughtmyarmsuddenlytodiscoverforherselfhowstrongImightbe.And,surely,sheloosediteventhemoresudden,andwithalittlegaspingofastonishment,becauseitwassogreatandhard.Andafterward,shewalkedbymeverysilent,andseemingthoughtful;butshewentneveranygreatwayofffromme.

And,truly,iftheLadyMirdathhadastrangepleasureinmystrength,Ihadlikewiseaconstantwonderandmarvelinherbeauty,thathadshownbutthemorelovelyinthecandle-lightatdinner.

Buttherewerefurtherdelightstomeinthedaysthatcame;forIhadhappinessinthewaythatshehadpleasureoftheMysteryoftheEvening,andtheGlamourofNight,andtheJoyofDawn,andallsuchlike.

Andoneevening,thatIeverremember,aswewanderedinthepark-lands,shebegantosay—halfunthinking—thatitwastrulyanelves-night.Andshestoppedherselfimmediately;asthoughshethoughtIshouldhavenounderstanding;but,indeed,Iwasuponmineownfamiliargroundofinwarddelight;andIrepliedinaquietandusualvoice,thattheTowersofSleepwouldgrowthatnight,andIfeltinmybonesthatitwasanighttofindtheGiant'sTomb,ortheTreewiththeGreatPaintedHead,or—AndsurelyIstoppedverysudden;forshegrippedmeinthatmoment,andherhandshookassheheldme;butwhenIwouldaskherwhatailed,shebidme,verybreathless,tosayon,tosayon.And,withahalfunderstanding,ItoldherthatIhadbutmeanttospeakoftheMoonGarden,thatwasanoldenandhappyfancyofmine.

And,inverity,whenIsaidthat,theLadyMirdathcriedoutsomethinginastrangelowvoice,andbroughtmetoahalt,thatshemightfaceme.Andshe

questionedmeveryearnest;andIansweredjustsoearnestasshe;forIwasgrownsuddenlytoanexcitement,inthatIperceivedsheknewalso.And,inverity,shetoldmethatshehadknowledge;buthadthoughtthatshewasaloneintheworldwithherknowledgeofthatstrangelandofherdreams;andnowtofindthatIalsohadtravelledinthosedear,strangedreamlands.Andtrulythemarvelofit—themarvelofit!Asshetosaytimeandoft.Andagain,aswewalked,shegaveoutwordthattherewaslittlewondershehadbeenurgedtocalltomethatnight,asshesawmepauseupontheroad;though,indeed,shehadlearnedofourcousin-shipbefore,havingseenmegobyonmyhorseprettyoft,andinquiredconcerningme;andmayhapdaintilyirkedthatIhadsolittleheedofLadyMirdaththeBeautiful.But,indeed,Ihadthoughtofothermatters;yethadbeenhumanenough,hadIbutmetherproperbeforeIseeher.

NowyoumustnotthinkthatIwasnotutterstirredbythewonderofthisthing,thatwehadbothadreamfulknowledgeofthesamematters,ofwhicheachhadthoughtnoneotherknew.Yet,whenIquestionedmore,therewasmuchthathadbeeninmyfanciesthatwasforeigntoher,andlikewisemuchthathadbeenfamiliartoher,thatwasofnomeaningtome.Butthoughtherewasthis,thatbroughtalittleregrettous,therewouldbe,timeandagain,somenewthingthatonetold,thattheotherknewandcouldfinishthetellingof,tothegladnessandamazementofboth.

Andsoshallyoupictureuswanderingandhavingconstantspeech,sothat,hourbyhour,wegrewgladlyagedindearknowledgeandsweetfriendshipoftheother.

Andtruly,howthetimepassed,Iknownot;buttherecamepresentlyahullabaloo,andtheshoutsofmen'svoicesandthebayingofdogs,andthegleamoflanthorns,sothatIknewnotwhattothink;until,verysudden,andwithasweetandstrangelittlelaughter,theLadyMirdathtoperceivethatwehadmissedthehoursutterinourconverse;sothatherGuardian(madeuneasybecauseofthethreefoot-pads)hadorderedasearch.Andweallthattimea-wandertogetherinhappyforgetfulness.

Andweturnedhomeward,then,andcametowardsthelights;butindeed,thedogsfoundusbeforewewerecomethere;andtheyhadgrowntoknowmenow,andleapedaboutme,barkingveryfriendly;andsoinaminutethemenhaddiscoveredus,andweregonebacktotellSirJarlesthatallwaswell.

Andthiswasthewayofourmeetingandthegrowingofouracquaintance,andthebeginningofmygreatloveforMirdaththeBeautiful.

Now,fromthattimeonward,eveningbyeveningwouldIgoa-wanderalongthequietandcountryroadthatledfrommyestatetotheestateofSirJarles.AndalwaysIwentinwardbythehedge-gap;andoftIshouldfindtheLadyMirdathwalkinginthatpartofthewoods;butalwayswithhergreatboar-houndsabouther;forIhadbeggedthatshedothisthingforhersweetsafety;andshetoseemwishfultopleasureme;buttrulytobejustsooftutterperverseindiversematters;andtostrivetoplagueme,asthoughshewoulddiscoverhowmuchIwouldendureandhowfarshemightgotoangerme.

And,truly,wellIrememberhowthatonenight,comingtothehedge-gap,Isawtwocountry-maidscomethenceoutfromthewoodsofSirJarles';buttheywerenaughttome,andIwouldhavegoneupwardthroughthegap,asever;onlythat,astheypassedme,theycurtseyedsomewhatover-gracefulforroughwenches.AndIhadasuddenthought,andcameuptothemtoseethemmoreanigh;andtrulyIthoughtthetallerwassurelytheLadyMirdath.But,indeed,Icouldnotbesure;forwhenIaskedwhoshedidbe,sheonlytosimperandtocurtseyagain;andsowasIverynaturalallindoubt;butyetsufficientinwonder(havingsomeknowledgeoftheLadyMirdath)tofollowthewenches,thewhichIdid.

Andtheythen,veryspeedyandsedate,asthoughIweresomerack-rapethattheydidwelltobefearedofaloneatnight;andsocameatlasttothevillagegreen,whereagreatdancewasa-foot,withtorches,andawanderingfiddlertosetthetune;andaleinplenty.

Andthetwotojointhedance,anddancedveryhearty;buthadonlyeachtheotherforapartner,andhadagoodcaretoavoidthetorches.Andbythis,IwasprettysurethattheyweretrulytheLadyMirdathandhermaid;andsoItookchancewhentheyhaddancedsomewhatmyway,tostepovertothem,andaskboldlyforadance.But,indeed,thetalloneanswered,simpering,thatshewaspromised;andimmediatelygaveherhandtoagreathulkingfarmer-lout,andwentroundthegreenwithhim;andwellpunishedshewasforherwaywardness;forshehadallherskilltosaveherprettyfeetfromhisloutishstampings;andverygladshewastomeettheendofthedance.

AndIknewnowforcertaintythatitwasMirdaththeBeautiful,despiteherplanofdisguise,andthedarknessandthewench'sdressandthefoot-gearthatmarred

herstepsogreat.AndIwalkedacrosstoher,andnamedher,whispering,byname;andgaveherplainwordtobedoneofthisunwisdom,andIwouldtakeherhome.Butshetoturnfromme,andshestampedherfoot,andwentagaintothelout;andwhenshehadsufferedanotherdancewithhim,shebidhimbeherescortapartoftheway;thewhichhewasnothingloathof.

Andanotherlad,thatwasmatetohim,wentlikewise;andinamoment,sosoonastheyweregoneawayfromthelightofthetorches,theroughhind-ladsmadetosettheirarmsaboutthewaistsofthetwowenches,notwettingwhotheyhadforcompanions.AndtheLadyMirdathwasnolongerabletoendure,andcriedoutinhersuddenfearanddisgust,andstrucktheroughhindthatembracedher,sohardthatheloosedheramoment,swearinggreatoaths.Anddirectlyhecamebacktoheragain,andhadherinamoment,tokissher;andshe,loathinghimtotheverydeath,beathimmadlyinthefacewithherhands;buttonoend,onlythatIwascloseuponthem.And,inthatmoment,shescreamedmynamealoud;andIcaughtthepoorloutandhithimonce,butnottoharmhimovermuch;yettogivehimalongmemoryofme;andafterwardIthrewhimintothesideoftheroad.Butthesecondhind,havingheardmyname,loosedfromthetiring-maid,andranforhislife;and,indeed,mystrengthwasknownallaboutthatpart.

AndIcaughtMirdaththeBeautifulbyhershoulders,andshookherverysoundly,inmyanger.Andafterward,Isentthemaidonward;andshe,havingnowordfromherMistresstostay,wentforwardalittle;andinthisfashionwecameatlasttothehedge-gap,withtheLadyMirdathveryhushed;butyetwalkinganightome,asthatshehadsomesecretpleasureofmynearness.AndIledherthroughthegap,andsohomewardtotheHall;andtherebidhergood-nightatasidedoorthatsheheldthekeyof.And,truly,shebidmegood-nightinanutterquietvoice;andwasalmostasthatshehadnohastetobegonefrommethatnight.

Yet,whenImetheronthemorrow,shewasfullofaconstantimpudencetome;sothat,havingheralonetomyself,whentheduskwascome,Iaskedherwhyshewouldneverbedoneofherwaywardness;becausethatIachedtohavecompanionshipofher;and,instead,shedeniedmyneed.And,atthat,shewasatonceverygentle;andfullofasweetandwinsomeunderstanding;andsurelyknewthatIwishedtoberested;forshebroughtoutherharp,andplayedmedearoldenmelodiesofourchildhood-daysallthatevening;andsohadmyloveforherthemoreintentandglad.Andshesawmethatnighttothehedge-gap,havingherthreegreatboar-houndswithher,tocompanyherhomeagain.But,

indeed,Ifollowedherafterwards,verysilent,untilIsawhersafeintotheHall;forIwouldnothaveheraloneinthenight;thoughshebelievedthatIwasthenfarawayonthecountryroad.Andasshewalkedwithherdogs,oneoranotherwouldrunbacktome,tonoseagainstmefriendly-wise;butIsentthemoffagainveryquiet;andshehadnoknowledgeofaught;forshetogosingingalove-songquietlyallthewayhome.Butwhethershelovedme,Icouldnottell;thoughshehadaniceaffectionforme.

Now,onthefollowingevening,Iwentsomewhatearlytothegap;andlo!whoshouldbestandinginthegap,talkingtotheLadyMirdath;butaveryclever-drestman,thathadalookoftheCourtabouthim;andhe,whenIapproached,madenowayformethroughthegap;butstoodfirm,andeyedmeveryinsolent;sothatIputoutmyhand,andliftedhimfrommyway.

Andlo!theLadyMirdathturnedabitternessofspeechuponmethatgavemeanutterpainandastonishment;sothatIwasassuredinamomentthatshehadnotrueloveforme,orshehadneverstrivensotoputmetoshamebeforethestranger,andnamedmeuncouthandbrutaltoasmallerman.And,indeed,youshallperceivehowIwasinmyheartinthatmoment.

AndIsawthattherewassomeseemingofjusticeinwhattheLadyMirdathsaid;butyetmightthemanhaveshownabetterspirit;andmoreoverMirdaththeBeautifulhadnotruecalltoshameme,hertruefriendandcousin,beforethisstranger.YetdidInotstoptoargue;butbowedverylowtotheLadyMirdath;andafterwardIbowedalittletothemanandmadeapology;for,indeed,hewasneithergreatnorstrong-made;andIhadbeenbettermantohaveshowncourtesytohim;atleastinthefirst.

Andso,havingdonejusticetomyownrespect,Iturnedandwenton,andleftthemtotheirhappiness.

Now,Iwalkedthen,maybetwentygoodmiles,beforeIcametomyownhome;fortherewasnorestinmeallthatnight,orever,becausethatIwasgrowndeadlyinloveofMirdaththeBeautiful;andallmyspiritandheartandbodyofmepainedwiththedreadfullossthatIwascomesosuddenupon.

AndforagreatweekIhadmywalksinanotherdirection;butintheendofthatweek,Imusttakemywalkalongtheoldenway,thatImightchancetohavebutasightofMyLady.And,truly,Ihadallsightthatevermandidneedtoputhim

indreadpainandjealousy;for,truly,asIcameinviewofthegap,therewastheLadyMirdathwalkingjustwithoutthebordersofthegreatwood;andbesidehertherewalkedtheclever-drestmanoftheCourt,andshesufferedhisarmaroundher,sothatIknewtheywerelovers;fortheLadyMirdathhadnobrothersnoranyyouthfulmenkin.

Yet,whenMirdathsawmeupontheroad,sheshamedinamomenttobesocaught;forsheputherlover'sarmfromabouther,andbowedtome,alittlechangedofcolourintheface;andIbowedverylow—beingbutayoungmanmyself—;andsopassedon,withmyheartverydeadinme.AndasIwent,Isawthatherlovercameagaintoher,andhadhisarmoncemoreabouther;andso,maybe,theylookedafterme,asIwentverystiffanddesperate;but,indeed,Ilookednotbackonthem,asyoumaythink.

Andforagreatmonththen,Iwentnotneartothegap;formyloveragedinme,andIwashurtinmypride;and,truly,neitherhadatruejusticebeendealttomebytheLadyMirdath.Yetinthatmonth,mylovewasaleaveninme,andmadeslowlyasweetnessandatendernessandanunderstandingthatwerenotinmebefore;andtrulyLoveandPaindoshapetheCharacterofMan.

Andintheendofthattime,IsawalittlewayintoLife,withanunderstandingheart,andbeganpresentlytotakemywalksagainpastthegap;buttrulyMirdaththeBeautifulwasnevertomysight;thoughoneeveningIthoughtshemightbenotagreatwayoff;foroneofhergreatboar-houndscameoutofthewood,anddownintotheroadtonoseagainstme,veryfriendly,asadogoftdothwithme.

Yet,thoughIwaitedagoodtimeafterthedoghadleftme,IhadnosightofMirdath,andsopassedonagain,withmyheartheavyinme;butwithoutbitterness,becauseoftheunderstandingthatwasbeguntogrowinmyheart.

Now,therepassedtwowearyandlonelyweeks,inwhichIgrewsicktohaveknowledgeofthebeautifulmaid.And,truly,intheendofthattime,ImadeasuddenresolvingthatIwouldgointhroughthegap,andcometothehome-groundsabouttheHall,andsomaybehavesomesightofher.

AndthisresolvingIhadoneevening;andIwentoutimmediately,andcametothegap,andwentinthroughthegap,andsobyalongwalkingtothegardensabouttheHall.And,truly,whenIwascomethere,Isawagoodlightof

lanthornsandtorches,andagreatcompanyofpeopledancing;andalldrestinquaintdress;sothatIknewtheyhadafestivalforsomecause.Andtherecamesuddenlyahorriddreadintomyheartthatthismightbethemarriage-danceoftheLadyMirdath;but,indeed,thiswasfoolishness;forIhadsurelyheardofthemarriage,iftherehadbeenany.And,truly,inamoment,Irememberedthatshewascomeone-and-twentyyearsofageonthatday,andtotheendofherward-ship;andthissurelytobefestivalinhonourofthesame.

Andaverybrightandprettymatteritwastowatch,savethatIwassoheavyintheheartwithlonelinessandlonging;forthecompanywasgreatandgay,andthelightsplentifulandsetallaboutfromthetrees;andinleaf-madearboursaboutthegreatlawn.Andagreattablespreadwitheatingmattersandsilverandcrystal,andgreatlampsofbronzeandsilverwentalla-downoneendofthelawn;andthedanceconstantupontheotherpart.

Andsurely,theLadyMirdathtostepoutofthedance,verylovelydrest;yetseeming,tomineeyes,alittlepaleintheloomingofthelights.Andshetowandertoaseattorest;and,indeed,inamoment,theretobeadozenyouthsofthegreatfamiliesofthecountry-side,inattendanceabouther,makingtalkandlaughter,andeacheagerforherfavour;andsheverylovelyinthemidstofthem,butyet,asIdidthink,lackingofsomewhat,andalittlepale-seeming,asIhavetold;andherglancetogoodd-wisebeyondthegrouptmenabouther;sothatIunderstoodinamomentthatherloverwasnotthere,andshetobea-lackintheheartforhim.Yet,whyhewasnotthere,Icouldnotsuppose,savethathemighthavebeencalledbacktotheCourt.

And,surely,asIwatchedtheotheryoungmenabouther,Iburnedwithafierceandmiserablejealousyofthem;sothatIcouldnearhavesteptforthandpluckedheroutfromamongthem,andhadhertowalkwithmeinthewoods,asintheoldendays,whenshealsohadseemedneartolove.But,truly,whatusetothis?Foritwasnottheywhoheldherheart,asIsawplain;forIwatchedher,withaneagerandlonesomeheart,andknewthatitwasonesmallmanoftheCourtthatwaslovertoher,asIhavetold.

AndIwentawayagainthen,andcamenotneartothegapforthreegreatmonths,becausethatIcouldnotbearthepainofmyloss;butintheendofthattime,myverypaintourgemetogo,andtobeworsethanthepainofnotgoing;sothatIfoundmyselfoneeveninginthegap,peering,veryeagerandshaken,acrosstheswardthatlaybetweenthegapandthewoods;forthissameplaceto

beasanholygroundtome;fortherewasitthatfirstIsawMirdaththeBeautiful,andsurelylostmyhearttoherinthatonenight.

AndagreattimeIstayedthereinthegap,waitingandwatchinghopelessly.Andlo!suddentherecamesomethingagainstme,touchingmythighverysoft;andwhenIlookeddown,itwasoneoftheboar-hounds,sothatmyheartleaped,nearfrightened;fortrulyMyLadywascomesomewherenigh,asIdidthink.

And,asIwaited,veryhushedandwatchful;yetwithanutterbeatingheart;surelyIheardafaintandlowsingingamongthetrees,souttersad.Andlo!itwasMirdathsingingabrokenlovesong,anda-wanderthereinthedarkalone,saveforhergreatdogs.

AndIharked,withstrangepaininme,thatshedidbesoinpain;andIachedtobringherease;yetmovednot,butwasverystillthereinthegap;savethatmybeingwasallinturmoil.

Andpresently,asIharked,therecameaslimwhitefigureoutfromamongthetrees;andthefigurecriedoutsomething,andcametoaquickpause,asIcouldseeinthehalf-dark.Andlo!inthatmoment,therecameasuddenandunreasonedhopeintome;andIcameupoutofthegap,andwascometoMirdathinamoment,callingverylowandpassionateandeager:"Mirdath!Mirdath!Mirdath!"

AndthiswayIcametoher;andhergreatdogthatwaswithme,toboundbesideme,inthought,mayhap,thatitwassomegame.AndwhenIcametotheLadyMirdath,Iheldoutmyhandstoher,notknowingwhatIdid;butonlythetellingofmyheartthatneededhersoutter,andcravedtoeaseherofherpain.Andlo!sheputoutherarmstome,andcameintominearmswithalittlerun.Andthereshebode,weepingstrangely;butyetwithrestuponher;evenasrestwascomesuddenandwondrousuponme.

Andsudden,shemovedinminearms,andsliptherhandstome,verydear,andheldherlipsuptome,likesomesweetchild,thatIkissher;but,indeed,shewasalsoatruewoman,andinhonestanddearloveofme.

Andthistobethewayofourbetrothal;andsimpleandwordlessitwas;yetsufficient,onlythatthereisnosufficiencyinLove.

Now,presently,sheloosedherselfoutofminearms,andwewalkedhomeward

throughthewoods,veryquiet,andholdinghands,aschildrendo.AndItheninawhiletoaskheraboutthemanoftheCourt;andshelaughedverysweetintothesilenceofthewood;butgavemenoanswer,savethatIwaituntilwewerecometotheHall.

Andwhenwewerecomethere,shetookmeintothegreathall,andmadeaverydaintyandimpudentbow,mockingme.Andsomademeknowntoanotherlady,whosatthere,uponhertaskofembroidering,whichshedidverydemure,andasthatshehadalsoadaintyMischieflurkinginher.

Andtruly,theLadyMirdathnevertobedoneofnaughtylaughter,thatmadeherdearlybreathlesswithdelight,andtoswayalittle,andsetthetremblingofprettysoundsinherthroat;andsurelyshemustpulldowntwogreatpistolsfromanarm-rack,thatIfightadueltothedeathwiththeladyoftheembroidering,whoheldherfacedownoverherwork,andshooklikewisewiththewickednessofherlaughterthatshecouldnothide.

Andintheend,theLadyoftheEmbroideringlookedupsuddenintomyface;andIthentoseesomewhatofthemischiefinamoment;forshehadthefaceofthemanoftheCourtsuit,thathadbeenlovertoMirdath.

AndtheLadyMirdaththentoexplaintomehowthatMistressAlison(whichwashername)wasadearandbosomfriend,andsheitwasthathadbeendrestintheCourtsuittoplayaprankforawagerwithacertainyoungmanwhowouldbelovertoher,anhemight.AndIthentocomealong,andsospeedytooffencethattrulyIneversawherfaceplain,becausethatIwassoutterjealous.AndsotheLadyMirdathhadbeenmorejustlyinangerthanIsupposed,becausethatIhadputhandsuponherfriend,asIhavetold.

Andthistobeallofit,savethattheyhadplannedtopunishme,andhadmeteveryeveningatthegap,toplayatlovers,perchanceIshouldpass,sothatIshouldhavegreatercauseformyjealousy,andtrulytheytohaveagoodrevengeuponme;forIhadsufferedverygreatalongwhilebecauseofit.

Yet,asyoudomind,whenIcameuponthem,theLadyMirdathhadahalf-regret,thatwasverynatural,becauseeventhenshewasinloveofme,asIofher;andbecauseofthis,shedrewaway,asyoushallremember,being—assheconfessed—suddenlyandstrangelytroubledandtowantme;butafterwardsasmuchsetagaintomypunishment,becausethatIbowedsocoldandwentaway.

AndindeedwellImight.

Yet,truly,allwassafeendednow,andIutterthankfulandwithamaddelightintheheart;sothatIcaughtupMirdath,andwedancedveryslowandstatelyaroundthegreathall,thewhilethatMistressAlisonwhistledusatunewithhermouth,whichshecouldveryclever,asmanyanotherthing,Iwot.

AndeachdayandalldayafterthisGladness,MirdathandIcouldneverbeapart;butmustgoa-wanderalwaystogether,hereandthere,inanunendingjoyofourtogetherness.

Andinathousandthingswereweatoneindelight;forwehadbothofusthatnaturewhichdothlovetheblueofeternitywhichgathersbeyondthewingsofthesunset;andtheinvisiblesoundofthestarlightfallingupontheworld;andthequietofgreyeveningswhentheTowersofSleeparebuildeduntothemysteryoftheDusk;andthesolemngreenofstrangepasturesinthemoonlight;andthespeechofthesycamoreuntothebeech;andtheslowwayoftheseawhenitdothmood;andthesoftrustlingofthenightclouds.AndlikewisehadweeyestoseetheDanceroftheSunset,castinghermightyrobessostrange;andearstoknowthatthereshakesasilentthunderovertheFaceofDawn;andmuchelsethatweknewandsawandunderstoodtogetherinourutterjoy.

Now,therehappenedtousaboutthistimeacertainadventurethatcameneartocausethedeathofMirdaththeBeautiful;foronedayaswewandered,asever,liketwochildreninourcontentment,ImaderemarktoMirdaththattherewentonlytwoofthegreatboar-houndswithus;andshethentoldmethatthethirdwastothekennels,beingsick.

Yet,scarcehadshetoldmesomuch;ereshecriedoutsomethingandpointed;andlo!Isawthatthethirdhoundcametowardsus,atarun,yetverystrange-seeminginhisgoing.Andinamoment,Mirdathcriedoutthatthehoundwasmad;andtruly,Isawthenthatthebruteslaveredashecamerunning.

Andinamomenthewasuponus,andmadeneverasound;butleapedatmeinoneinstantoftime;allbeforeIhadanythoughtofsuchintent.Butsurely,MyBeautifulOnehadadreadfulloveforme,forshecastherselfatthedog,tosaveme,callingtotheotherhounds.Andshewasbitteninamomentbythebrute,asshestrovetoholdhimofffromme.ButItohavehiminstantbytheneckandthebody,andbrakehim,sothathediedatonce;andIcasthimtotheearth,and

gavehelptoMirdath,thatIdrawthepoisonfromthewounds.

AndthisIdidsowellasImight,despitethatshewouldhavemestop.Andafterwards,Itookherintominearms,andranveryfierceallthelongandwearywaytotheHall,andwithhotskewersIburnedthewounds;sothatwhenthedoctorcame,hetosayIhavesavedherbymycare,ifindeedshetobesaved.But,truly,shehadsavedmeinanywise,asyoushallthink;sothatIcouldneverbedoneofhonourtoher.

Andsheverypale;butyettolaughatmyfears,andtosaythatshesoontohaveherhealth,andthewoundshealedveryspeedy;but,indeed,itwasalongandbittertimebeforetheywereproperhealed,andshesowellasever.Yet,intime,soitwas;andanutterweightoffmyheart.

AndwhenMirdathwasgrownfullstrongagain,wesetourweddingday.AndwelldoImindhowshestoodthereinherbridaldress,onthatday,soslenderandlovelyasmayLovehavestoodintheDawnofLife;andthebeautyofhereyesthathadsuchsobersweetnessinthem,despitethedearmischiefofhernature;andthewayofherlittlefeet,andthelovelinessofherhair;andthedaintyrogue-graceofhermovements;andhermouthanenticement,asthatachildandawomansmiledoutoftheoneface.AndthistobenomorethanbutanhintofthelovelinessofMyBeautifulOne.

Andsoweweremarried.

Mirdath,MyBeautifulOne,laydying,andIhadnopowertoholdDeathbackwardfromsuchdreadintent.Inanotherroom,Iheardthelittlewailofthechild;andthewailofthechildwakedmywifebackintothislife,sothatherhandsflutteredwhiteanddesperatelyneedfuluponthecoverlid.

IkneeledbesideMyBeautifulOne,andreachedoutandtookherhandsverygentleintomine;butstilltheyflutteredsoneedful;andshelookedatme,dumbly;buthereyesbeseeching.

ThenIwentoutoftheroom,andcalledgentlytotheNurse;andtheNursebroughtinthechild,wrappedverysoftlyinalong,whiterobe.AndIsawtheeyesofMyBeautifulOnegrowclearerwithastrange,lovelylight;andIbeckonedtotheNursetobringthebabenear.

Mywifemovedherhandsveryweaklyuponthecoverlid,andIknewthatshe

cravedtotouchherchild;andIsignedtotheNurse,andtookmychildinminearms;andtheNursewentoutfromtheroom,andsowethreewerealonetogether.

ThenIsatverygentleuponthebed;andIheldthebabeneartoMyBeautifulOne,sothattheweecheekofthebabetouchedthewhitecheekofmydyingwife;buttheweightofthechildIkeptofffromher.

Andpresently,IknewthatMirdath,MyWife,strovedumblytoreachforthehandsofthebabe;andIturnedthechildmoretowardsher,andslippedthehandsofthechildintotheweakhandsofMyBeautifulOne.AndIheldthebabeabovemywife,withanuttercare;sothattheeyesofmydyingOne,lookedintotheyoungeyesofthechild.Andpresently,inbutafewmomentsoftime;thoughithadbeensomewaysaneternity,MyBeautifulOneclosedhereyesandlayveryquiet.AndItookawaythechildtotheNurse,whostoodbeyondthedoor.AndIclosedthedoor,andcamebacktoMineOwn,thatwehavethoselastinstantsalonetogether.

Andthehandsofmywifelayverystillandwhite;butpresentlytheybegantomovesoftlyandweakly,searchingforsomewhat;andIputoutmygreathandstoher,andtookherhandswithanuttercare;andsoalittletimepassed.

Thenhereyesopened,quietandgrey,andalittledazedseeming;andsherolledherheadonthepillowandsawme;andthepainofforgetfulnesswentoutofhereyes,andshelookedatmewithalookthatgrewinstrength,untoasweetnessoftendernessandfullunderstanding.

AndIbentalittletoher;andhereyestoldmetotakeherintominearmsforthoselastminutes.ThenIwentverygentleuponthebed,andliftedherwithanutterandtendercare,sothatshelaysuddenlystrangelyrestfulagainstmybreast;forLovegavemeskilltoholdher,andLovegaveMyBeautifulOneasweetnessofeaseinthatlittletimethatwaslefttous.

Andsowetwainweretogether;andLoveseemedthatithadmadeatrucewithDeathintheairaboutus,thatwebeundisturbed;fortherecameadrowseofrestevenuponmytenseheart,thathadknownnothingbutadreadfulpainthroughthewearyhours.

AndIwhisperedmylovesilentlytoMyBeautifulOne,andhereyesanswered;andthestrangelybeautifulandterriblemomentspassedbyintothehushof

eternity.

Andsuddenly,MirdathMyBeautifulOne,spoke,—whisperingsomething.AndIstoopedgentlytohark;andMineOwnspokeagain;andlo!itwastocallmebytheoldenLoveNamethathadbeenminethroughalltheutterlovelymonthsofourtogetherness.

AndIbeganagaintotellherofmylove,thatshouldpassbeyonddeath;andlo!inthatonemomentoftime,thelightwentoutofhereyes;andMyBeautifulOnelaydeadinminearms…MyBeautifulOne….

II

THELASTREDOUBT

SinceMirdath,MyBeautifulOne,diedandleftmelonelyinthisworld,Ihavesufferedananguish,andanutteranddreadfulpainoflonging,suchastrulynowordsshallevertell;for,intruth,Ithathadalltheworldthroughhersweetloveandcompanionship,andknewallthejoyandgladnessofLife,haveknownsuchlonesomemiseryasdothstunmetothinkupon.

YetamItomypenagain;foroflateawondroushopehasgrowninme,inthatIhave,atnightinmysleep,wakedintothefutureofthisworld,andseenstrangethingsanduttermarvels,andknownoncemorethegladnessoflife;forIhavelearnedthepromiseofthefuture,andhavevisitedinmydreamsthoseplaceswhereinthewombofTime,sheandIshallcometogether,andpart,andagaincometogether—breakingasundermostdrearlyinpain,andagainreunitingafterstrangeages,inagladandmightywonder.

AndthisistheutterstrangestoryofthatwhichIhaveseen,andwhich,truly,Imustsetout,ifthetaskbenottoogreat;sothat,inthesettingoutthereof,Imaygainalittleeaseoftheheart;andlikewise,mayhap,giveeaseofhopetosomeotherpoorhuman,thatdothsuffer,evenasIhavesufferedsodreadfulwithlongingforMineOwnthatisdead.

Andsomeshallreadandsaythatthisthingwasnot,andsomeshalldisputewiththem;buttothemallIsaynaught,save"Read!"AndhavingreadthatwhichIsetdown,thenshalloneandallhavelookedtowardsEternitywithme—untoitsveryportals.Andsotomytelling:

Tome,inthislasttimeofmyvisions,ofwhichIwouldtell,itwasnotasifIdreamed;but,asitwere,thatIwakedthereintothedark,inthefutureofthisworld.Andthesunhaddied;andformethusnewlywakedintothatFuture,to

lookbackuponthis,ourPresentAge,wastolookbackintodreamsthatmysoulknewtobeofreality;butwhichtothosenewly-seeingeyesofmine,appearedbutasafarvision,strangelyhallowedwithpeacefulnessandlight.

Always,itseemedtomewhenIawakedintotheFuture,intotheEverlastingNightthatlappedthisworld,thatIsawneartome,andgirdlingmeallabout,ablurredgreyness.Andpresentlythis,thegreyness,wouldclearandfadefromaboutme,evenasaduskycloud,andIwouldlookoutuponaworldofdarkness,lithereandtherewithstrangesights.AndwithmywakingintothatFuture,Iwakednottoignorance;buttoafullknowledgeofthosethingswhichlittheNightLand;evenasamanwakesfromsleepeachmorning,andknowsimmediatelyhewakes,thenamesandknowledgeoftheTimewhichhasbredhim,andinwhichhelives.Andthesamewhile,aknowledgeIhad,asitweresub-conscious,ofthisPresent—thisearlylife,whichnowIlivesoutterlyalone.

Inmyearliestknowledgeofthatplace,Iwasayouth,seventeenyearsgrown,andmymemorytellsmethatwhenfirstIwaked,orcame,asitmightbesaid,tomyself,inthatFuture,IstoodinoneoftheembrasuresoftheLastRedoubt—thatgreatPyramidofgreymetalwhichheldthelastmillionsofthisworldfromthePowersoftheSlayers.

AndsofullamIoftheknowledgeofthatPlace,thatscarcecanIbelievethatnonehereknow;andbecauseIhavesuchdifficulty,itmaybethatIspeakoverfamiliarlyofthosethingsofwhichIknow;andheednottoexplainmuchthatitisneedfulthatIshouldexplaintothosewhomustreadhere,inthisourpresentday.Forthere,asIstoodandlookedout,Iwaslessthemanofyearsofthisage,thantheyouthofthat,withthenaturalknowledgeofthatlifewhichIhadgatheredbylivingallmyseventeenyearsoflifethere;though,untilthatmyfirstvision,I(ofthisAge)knewnotofthatotherandFutureExistence;yetwoketoitsonaturallyasmayamanwakehereinhisbedtotheshiningofthemorningsun,andknowitbyname,andthemeaningofaughtelse.Andyet,asIstoodthereinthevastembrasure,Ihadalsoaknowledge,ormemory,ofthispresentlifeofours,deepdownwithinme;buttouchedwithahaloofdreams,andyetwithaconsciouslongingforOne,knowneventhereinahalfmemoryasMirdath.

AsIhavesaid,inmyearliestmemory,ImindthatIstoodinanembrasure,highupinthesideofthePyramid,andlookedoutwardsthroughaqueerspy-glasstotheNorth-West.Aye,fullofyouthandwithanadventurousandyethalf-fearful

heart.

Andinmybrainwas,asIhavetold,theknowledgethathadcometomeinalltheyearsofmylifeintheRedoubt;andyetuntilthatmoment,thisManofthisPresentTimehadnoknowledgeofthatfutureexistence;andnowIstoodandhadsuddenlytheknowledgeofalifealreadyspentinthatstrangeland,anddeeperwithinmethemistyknowingsofthisourpresentAge,and,maybe,alsoofsomeothers.

TotheNorth-WestIlookedthroughthequeerspy-glass,andsawalandscapethatIhadlookeduponandporeduponthroughalltheyearsofthatlife,sothatIknewhowtonamethisthingandthatthing,andgivetheverydistancesofeachandeveryonefromthe"Centre-Point"ofthePyramid,whichwasthatwhichhadneitherlengthnorbreadth,andwasmadeofpolishedmetalintheRoomofMathematics,whereIwentdailytomystudies.

TotheNorth-WestIlooked,andinthewidefieldofmyglass,sawplainthebrightglareofthefirefromtheRedPit,shineupwardsagainsttheundersideofthevastchinoftheNorth-WestWatcher—TheWatchingThingoftheNorth-West…."ThatwhichhathWatchedfromtheBeginning,anduntiltheopeningoftheGatewayofEternity"cameintomythoughts,asIlookedthroughtheglass…thewordsofAesworpth,theAncientPoet(thoughincrediblyfuturetothisourtime).Andsuddenlytheyseemedatfault;forIlookeddeepdownintomybeing,andsaw,asdreamsareseen,thesunlightandsplendourofthisourPresentAge.AndIwasamazed.

AndhereImustmakeitcleartoallthat,evenasIwakedfromthisAge,suddenlyintothatlife,somustI—thatyouththereintheembrasure—haveawakenedthentotheknowledgeofthisfar-backlifeofours—seemingtohimavisionoftheverybeginningsofeternity,inthedawnoftheworld.Oh!IdobutdreadImakeitnotsufficientclearthatIandhewerebothI—thesamesoul.Heofthatfardateseeingvaguelythelifethatwas(thatIdonowliveinthispresentAge);andIofthistimebeholdingthelifethatIyetshalllive.Howutterlystrange!

Andyet,IdonotknowthatIspeakholytruthtosaythatI,inthatfuturetime,hadnoknowledgeofthislifeandAge,beforethatawakening;forIwoketofindthatIwasonewhostoodapartfromtheotheryouths,inthatIhadadimknowledge—visionary,asitwere,ofthepast,whichconfounded,whilstyetit

angered,thosewhowerethemenoflearningofthatage;thoughofthismatter,moreanon.ButthisIdoknow,thatfromthattime,onwards,myknowledgeandassurednessofthePastwastenfold;forthismymemoryofthatlifetoldme.

Andsotofurthermytelling.YetbeforeIpassonwards,oneotherthingisthereofwhichIshallspeak—InthemomentinwhichIwakedoutofthatyouthfulness,intotheassuredawarednessofthisourAge,inthatmomentthehungerofthismyloveflewtomeacrosstheages;sothatwhathadbeenbutamemory-dream,grewtothepainofReality,andIknewsuddenlythatIlacked;andfromthattimeonwards,Iwent,listening,asevennowmylifeisspent.

AndsoitwasthatI(fresh-borninthatfuturetime)hungeredstrangelyforMyBeautifulOnewithallthestrengthofthatnewlife,knowingthatshehadbeenmine,andmightliveagain,evenasI.Andso,asIhavesaid,Ihungered,andfoundthatIlistened.

Andnow,togobackfrommydigression,itwas,asIhavesaid,Ihadamazementatperceiving,inmemory,theunknowablesunshineandsplendourofthisagebreakingsoclearthroughmyhithertomostvagueandhazyvisions;sothattheignoranceof,AesworpthwasshoutedtomebythethingswhichnowIknew.

Andfromthattime,onward,foralittlespace,IwasstunnedwithallthatIknewandguessedandfelt;andallofalongwhilethehungergrewforthatoneIhadlostintheearlydays—shewhohadsungtomeinthosefaerydaysoflight,thathadbeeninverity.Andtheespecialthoughtsofthatagelookedbackwithakeen,regretfulwonderintothegulfofforgetfulness.

But,presently,Iturnedfromthehazeandpainofmydream-memories,oncemoretotheinconceivablemysteryoftheNightLand,whichIviewedthroughthegreatembrasure.Foronnonediditevercomewithwearinesstolookoutuponallthehideousmysteries;sothatoldandyoungwatched,fromearlyyearstodeath,theblackmonstrosityoftheNightLand,whichthisourlastrefugeofhumanityheldatbay.

TotherightoftheRedPittherelayalong,sinuousglare,whichIknewastheValeofRedFire,andbeyondthatformanydrearymilestheblacknessoftheNightLand;acrosswhichcamethecoldnessofthelightfromthePlainofBlueFire.

Andthen,ontheverybordersoftheUnknownLands,therelayarangeoflow

volcanoes,whichlitup,farawayintheouterdarkness,theBlackHills,whereshonetheSevenLights,whichneithertwinklednormovednorfalteredthroughEternity;andofwhicheventhegreatspy-glasscouldmakenounderstanding;norhadanyadventurerfromthePyramidevercomebacktotellusaughtofthem.Andhereletmesay,thatdownintheGreatLibraryoftheRedoubt,werethehistoriesofallthose,withtheirdiscoveries,whohadventuredoutintothemonstrousnessoftheNightLand,riskingnotthelifeonly,butthespiritoflife.

Andsurelyitisallsostrangeandwonderfultosetout,thatIcouldalmostdespairwiththecontemplationofthatwhichImustachieve;forthereissomuchtotell,andsofewwordsgiventomanbywhichhemaymakeclearthatwhichliesbeyondthesightandthepresentandgeneralknowingsofPeoples.

Howshallyoueverknow,asIknowinverity,ofthegreatnessandrealityandterrorofthethingthatIwouldtellplaintoall;forwe,withourpunyspanofrecordedlifemusthavegreathistoriestotell,butthefewbaredetailsweknowconcerningyearsthatarebutafewthousandsinall;andImustsetouttoyouintheshortpagesofthismylifethere,asufficiencyofthelifethathadbeen,andthelifethatwas,bothwithinandwithoutthatmightyPyramid,tomakecleartothosewhomayread,thetruthofthatwhichIwouldtell;andthehistoriesofthatgreatRedoubtdealtnotwithoddthousandsofyears;butwithverymillions;aye,awaybackintowhattheyofthatAgeconceivedtobetheearlydaysoftheearth,whenthesun,maybe,stillgloomeddullyinthenightskyoftheworld.Butofallthatwentbefore,nothing,saveasmyths,andmatterstobetakenmostcautiously,andbelievednotbymenofsanityandprovedwisdom.

AndI,…howshallImakeallthiscleartoyouwhomayread?Thethingcannotbe;andyetImusttellmyhistory;fortobesilentbeforesomuchwonderwouldbetosufferoftoofullaheart;andImusteveneasemyspiritbythismystruggletotelltoallhowitwaswithme,andhowitwillbe.Aye,eventothememorieswhichwerethepossessionofthatfarfutureyouth,whowasindeedI,ofhischildhood'sdays,whenhisnurseofthatAgeswunghim,andcroonedimpossiblelullabiesofthismythicalsunwhich,accordingtothosefuturefairy-tales,hadoncepassedacrosstheblacknessthatnowlayabovethePyramid.

SuchisthemonstrousfuturenessofthiswhichIhaveseenthroughthebodyofthatfar-offyouth.

Andsobacktomytelling.Tomyright,whichwastotheNorth,therestood,

veryfaraway,theHouseofSilence,uponalowhill.AndinthatHouseweremanylights,andnosound.AndsohaditbeenthroughanuncountableEternityofYears.Alwaysthosesteadylights,andnowhisperofsound—notevensuchasourdistance-microphonescouldhavediscovered.AndthedangerofthisHousewasaccountedthegreatestdangerofallthoseLands.

AndroundbytheHouseofSilence,woundtheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk.AndconcerningthisRoad,whichpassedoutoftheUnknownLands,nighbythePlaceoftheAb-humans,wherewasalwaysthegreen,luminousmist,nothingwasknown;savethatitwasheldthat,ofalltheworksabouttheMightyPyramid,itwas,alone,theonethatwasbred,longagespast,ofhealthyhumantoilandlabour.Andonthispointalone,hadathousandbooks,andmore,beenwrit;andallcontrary,andsotonoend,asiseverthewayinsuchmatters.

AndasitwaswiththeRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk,soitwaswithallthoseothermonstrousthings…wholelibrarieshadtherebeenmadeuponthisanduponthat;andmanyathousandmillionmoulderedintotheforgottendustoftheearlierworld.

ImindmenowthatpresentlyIsteppeduponthecentraltravelling-roadwaywhichspannedtheonethousandthplateauoftheGreatRedoubt.AndthislaysixmilesandthirtyfathomsabovethePlainoftheNightLand,andwassomewhatofagreatmileormoreacross.Andso,inafewminutes,IwasattheSouth-Easternwall,andlookingoutthroughTheGreatEmbrasuretowardstheThreeSilver-fireHoles,thatshonebeforetheThingThatNods,awaydown,farintheSouth-East.Southwardofthis,butnearer,thererosethevastbulkoftheSouth-EastWatcher—TheWatchingThingoftheSouth-East.AndtotherightandtotheleftofthesquatmonsterburnedtheTorches;maybehalf-a-mileuponeachside;yetsufficientlighttheythrewtoshowthelumbered-forwardheadofthenever-sleepingBrute.

TotheEast,asIstoodthereinthequietnessoftheSleeping-TimeontheOneThousandthPlateau,Iheardafar,dreadfulsound,downinthelightlessEast;and,presently,again—astrange,dreadfullaughter,deepasalowthunderamongthemountains.AndbecausethissoundcameoddwhilesfromtheUnknownLandsbeyondtheValleyofTheHounds,wehadnamedthatfarandnever-seenPlace"TheCountryWhenceComesTheGreatLaughter."AndthoughIhadheardthesound,manyandoftatime,yetdidIneverhearitwithoutamoststrangethrillingofmyheart,andasenseofmylittleness,andoftheutterterror

whichhadbesetthelastmillionsoftheworld.

Yet,becauseIhadheardtheLaughteroft,Ipaidnotover-longattentiontomythoughtsuponit;andwhen,inalittleitdiedawayintothatEasternDarkness,Iturnedmyspy-glassupontheGiants'Pit,whichlaytotheSouthoftheGiants'Kilns.AndthesesameKilnsweretendedbythegiants,andthelightoftheKilnswasredandfitful,andthrewwaveringshadowsandlightsacrossthemouthofthepit;sothatIsawgiantscrawlingupoutofthepit;butnotproperlyseen,byreasonofthedanceoftheshadows.Andso,becauseevertherewassomuchtobehold,Ilookedaway,presently,tothatwhichwasplainertobeexamined.

TothebackoftheGiants'Pitwasagreat,blackHeadland,thatstoodvast,betweentheValleyofTheHounds(wherelivedthemonstrousNightHounds)andtheGiants.AndthelightoftheKilnsstruckthebrowofthisblackHeadland;sothat,constantly,Isawthingspeerovertheedge,comingforwardalittleintothelightoftheKilns,anddrawingbackswiftlyintotheshadows.Andthusithadbeenever,throughtheuncountedages;sothattheHeadlandwasknownasTheHeadlandFromWhichStrangeThingsPeer;andthuswasitmarkedinourmapsandchartsofthatgrimworld.

AndsoIcouldgoonever;butthatIfeartoweary;andyet,whetherIdoweary,ornot,ImusttellofthiscountrythatIsee,evennowasIsetmythoughtsdown,soplainlythatmymemorywandersinahushedandsecretfashionalongitsstarkness,andamiditsstrangeanddreadhabitants,sothatitisbutbyaneffortIrealisemethatmybodyisnotthereinthisverymomentthatIwrite.Andsotofurthertellings:

BeforemerantheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk;andIsearchedit,asmanyatimeinmyearlieryouthhadI,withthespy-glass;formyheartwasalwaysstirredmightilybythesightofthoseSilentOnes.

And,presently,aloneinallthemilesofthatnight-greyroad,Isawoneinthefieldofmyglass—aquiet,cloakedfigure,movingalong,shrouded,andlookingneithertorightnorleft.Andthuswasitwiththesebeingsever.ItwastoldaboutintheRedoubtthattheywouldharmnohuman,ifbutthehumandidkeepafairdistancefromthem;butthatitwerewisenevertocomecloseuponone.AndthisIcanwellbelieve.

Andso,searchingtheroadwithmygaze,IpassedbeyondthisSilentOne,and

pasttheplacewheretheroad,sweepingvastlytotheSouth-East,waslitaspace,strangely,bythelightfromtheSilver-fireHoles.AndthusatlasttowhereitswayedtotheSouthoftheDarkPalace,andthenceSouthwardstill,untilitpassedroundtotheWestward,beyondthemountainbulkoftheWatchingThingintheSouth—thehugestmonsterinallthevisibleNightLands.Myspy-glassshowedittomewithclearness—alivinghillofwatchfulness,knowntousasTheWatcherOfTheSouth.Itbroodedthere,squatandtremendous,hunchedoverthepaleradianceoftheGlowingDome.

Much,Iknow,hadbeenwritconcerningthisOdd,VastWatcher;forithadgrownoutoftheblacknessoftheSouthUnknownLandsamillionyearsgone;andthesteadygrowingnearnessofithadbeennotedandsetoutatlengthbythementheycalledMonstruwacans;sothatitwaspossibletosearchinourlibraries,andlearnoftheverycomingofthisBeastintheolden-time.

And,whileImindme,therewereeventhen,andalways,mennamedMonstruwacans,whosedutyitwastotakeheedofthegreatForces,andtowatchtheMonstersandtheBeaststhatbesetthegreatPyramid,andmeasureandrecord,andhavesofullaknowledgeofthesesamethat,didonebutswayanheadinthedarkness,thesamematterwassetdownwithparticularnessintheRecords.

And,sototellmoreabouttheSouthWatcher.Amillionyearsgone,asIhavetold,cameitoutfromtheblacknessoftheSouth,andgrewsteadilynearerthroughtwentythousandyears;butsoslowthatinnooneyearcouldamanperceivethatithadmoved.

Yetithadmovement,andhadcomethusfaruponitsroadtotheRedoubt,whentheGlowingDomeroseoutofthegroundbeforeit—growingslowly.AndthishadstayedthewayoftheMonster;sothatthroughaneternityithadlookedtowardsthePyramidacrossthepaleglareoftheDome,andseemingtohavenopowertoadvancenearer.

Andbecauseofthis,muchhadbeenwrittoprovethattherewereotherforcesthanevilatworkintheNightLands,abouttheLastRedoubt.AndthisIhavealwaysthoughttobewiselysaid;and,indeed,theretobenodoubttothematter,forthereweremanythingsinthetimeofwhichIhaveknowledge,whichseemedtomakeclearthat,evenastheForcesofDarknesswerelooseupontheEndofMan;sowerethereotherForcesouttodobattlewiththeTerror;though

inwaysmoststrangeandunthoughtofbythehumanmind.AndofthisIshallhavemoretotellanon.

Andhere,beforeIgofurtherwithmytelling,letmesetoutsomeofthatknowledgewhichyetremainssoclearwithinmymindandheart.OfthecomingofthesemonstrositiesandevilForces,nomancouldsaymuchwithverity;fortheevilofitbeganbeforetheHistoriesoftheGreatRedoubtwereshaped;aye,evenbeforethesunhadlostallpowertolight;though,itmustnotbeathingofcertainty,thatevenatthisfartimetheinvisible,blackheavensheldnowarmthforthisworld;butofthisIhavenoroomtotell;andmustpassontothatofwhichIhaveamorecertainknowledge.

TheevilmustsurelyhavebegunintheDaysoftheDarkening(whichImightlikentoastorywhichwasbelieveddoubtfully,muchasweofthisdaybelievethestoryoftheCreation).Adimrecordtherewasofoldensciences(thatareyetfaroffinourfuture)which,disturbingtheunmeasurableOutwardPowers,hadallowedtopasstheBarrierofLifesomeofthoseMonstersandAb-humancreatures,whicharesowondrouslycushionedfromusatthisnormalpresent.Andthustherehadmaterialized,andinothercasesdeveloped,grotesqueandhorribleCreatures,whichnowbesetthehumansofthisworld.Andwheretherewasnopowertotakeonmaterialform,therehadbeenallowedtocertaindreadfulForcestohavepowertoaffectthelifeofthehumanspirit.Andthisgrowingverydreadful,andtheworldfulloflawlessnessanddegeneracy,therehadbandedtogetherthesoundmillions,andbuilttheLastRedoubt;thereinthetwilightoftheworld—soitseemstous,andyettothem(bredatlasttothepeaceofusage)asitweretheBeginning;andthisIcanmakenoclearer;andnonehathrighttoexpectit;formytaskisverygreat,andbeyondthepowerofhumanskill.

AndwhenthehumanshadbuiltthegreatPyramid,ithadonethousandthreehundredandtwentyfloors;andthethicknessofeachfloorwasaccordingtothestrengthofitsneed.Andthewholeheightofthispyramidexceededsevenmiles,bynearamile,andaboveitwasatowerfromwhichtheWatchmenlooked(thesebeingcalledtheMonstruwacans).ButwheretheRedoubtwasbuilt,Iknownot;savethatIbelieveinamightyvalley,ofwhichImaytellmoreinduetime.

AndwhenthePyramidwasbuilt,thelastmillions,whoweretheBuildersthereof,wentwithin,andmadethemselvesagreathouseandcityofthisLastRedoubt.AndthusbegantheSecondHistoryofthisworld.AndhowshallIset

italldownintheselittlepages!Formytask,evenasIseeit,istoogreatforthepowerofasinglelifeandasinglepen.Yet,toit!

And,later,throughhundredsandthousandsofyears,theregrewupintheOuterLands,beyondthosewhichlayundertheguardoftheRedoubt,mightyandlostracesofterriblecreatures,halfmenandhalfbeast,andevilanddreadful;andthesemadewarupontheRedoubt;butwerebeatenofffromthatgrim,metalmountain,withavastslaughter.Yet,musttherehavebeenmanysuchattacks,untiltheelectriccirclewasputaboutthePyramid,andlitfromtheEarth-Current.Andthelowesthalf-mileofthePyramidwassealed;andsoatlasttherewasapeace,andthebeginningsofthatEternityofquietwatchingforthedaywhentheEarth-Currentshallbecomeexhausted.

And,atwhiles,throughtheforgottencenturies,hadtheCreaturesbeengluttedtimeandagainuponsuchoddbandsofdaringonesashadadventuredforthtoexplorethroughthemysteryoftheNightLands;forofthosewhowent,scarceanydideverreturn;fortherewereeyesinallthatdark;andPowersandForcesabroadwhichhadallknowledge;orsowemustfainbelieve.

Andthen,soitwouldseem,asthatEternalNightlengtheneditselfupontheworld,thepowerofterrorgrewandstrengthened.AndfreshandgreatermonstersdevelopedandbredoutofallspaceandOutwardDimensions,attracted,evenasitmightbeInfernalsharks,bythatlonelyandmightyhillofhumanity,facingitsend—soneartotheEternal,andyetsofardeferredinthemindsandtothesensesofthosehumans.Andthushathitbeenever.

Andallthisbutbytheway,andvagueandilltold,andsetoutindespairtomakealittleclearthebeginningsofthatStatewhichissostrangetoourconceptions,andyetwhichhadbecomeaConditionofNaturalnesstoHumanityinthatstupendousfuture.

Thushadthegiantscome,fatheredofbestialhumansandmotheredofmonsters.Andmanyanddiversewerethecreatureswhichhadsomehumansemblance;andintelligence,mechanicalandcunning;sothatcertainoftheselesserBruteshadmachineryandundergroundways,havingneedtosecuretothemselveswarmthandair,evenashealthyhumans;onlythattheywereincrediblyinuredtohardship,astheymightbewolvessetincomparisonwithtenderchildren.Andsurely,doImakethisthingclear?

AndnowtocontinuemytellingconcerningtheNightLand.TheWatcheroftheSouthwas,asIhavesettomakeknown,amonsterdifferingfromthoseotherWatchingThings,ofwhichIhavespoken,andofwhichtherewereinallfour.OnetotheNorth-West,andonetotheSouth-East,andoftheseIhavetold;andtheothertwainlaybrooding,onetotheSouth-West,andtheothertotheNorth-East;andthusthefourwatcherskeptwardthroughthedarkness,uponthePyramid,andmovednot,neithergavetheyoutanysound.Yetdidweknowthemtobemountainsoflivingwatchfulnessandhideousandsteadfastintelligence.

Andso,inawhile,havinglistenedtothesorrowfulsoundwhichcameevertousovertheGreyDunes,fromtheCountryofWailing,whichlaytotheSouth,midwaybetweentheRedoubtandtheWatcheroftheSouth,IpassedupononeofthemovingroadwaysovertotheSouth-WesternsideofthePyramid,andlookedfromanarrowembrasurethencefardownintotheDeepValley,whichwasfourmilesdeep,andinwhichwasthePitoftheRedSmoke.

AndthemouthofthisPitwasonefullmileacross,andthesmokeofthePitfilledtheValleyattimes,sothatitseemedbutasaglowingredcircleamiddullthunderouscloudsofredness.YettheredsmokerosenevermuchabovetheValley;sothattherewasclearsightacrosstothecountrybeyond.Andthere,alongthefurtheredgeofthatgreatdepth,weretheTowers,each,maybe,amilehigh,greyandquiet;butwithashimmeruponthem.

Beyondthese,SouthandWestofthem,wastheenormousbulkoftheSouth-WestWatcher,andfromthegroundrosewhatwenamedtheEyeBeam—asinglerayofgreylight,whichcameupoutoftheground,andlittherighteyeofthemonster.Andbecauseofthislight,thateyehadbeenmightilyexaminedthroughunknownthousandsofyears;andsomeheldthattheeyelookedthroughthelightsteadfastlyatthePyramid;butotherssetoutthatthelightblindedit,andwastheworkofthoseOtherPowerswhichwereabroadtodocombatwiththeEvilForces.Buthoweverthismaybe,asIstoodthereintheembrasure,andlookedatthethingthroughthespy-glass,itseemedtomysoulthattheBrutelookedstraightlyatme,unwinkingandsteadfast,andfullyofaknowledgethatIspieduponit.AndthisishowIfelt.

TotheNorthofthis,inthedirectionoftheWest,IsawThePlaceWhereTheSilentOnesKill;andthiswassonamed,becausethere,maybetenthousandyearsgone,certainhumansadventuringfromthePyramid,cameofftheRoad

WhereTheSilentOnesWalk,andintothatplace,andwereimmediatelydestroyed.Andthiswastoldbyonewhoescaped;thoughhediedalsoveryquickly,forhisheartwasfrozen.AndthisIcannotexplain;butsoitwassetoutintheRecords.

FarawaybeyondThePlaceWhereTheSilentOnesKill,intheverymouthoftheWesternNightwasthePlaceoftheAb-humans,wherewaslosttheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk,inadullgreen,luminousmist.Andofthisplacenothingwasknown;thoughmuchitheldthethoughtsandattentionsofourthinkersandimaginers;forsomesaidthattherewasaPlaceOfSafety,differingfromtheRedoubt(asweofthisdaysupposeHeaventodifferfromtheEarth),andthattheRoadledthence;butwasbarredbytheAb-humans.AndthisIcanonlysetdownhere;butwithnothoughttojustifyorupholdit.

Later,ItravelledovertotheNorth-EasternwalloftheRedoubt,andlookedthencewithmyspy-glassattheWatcheroftheNorth-East—theCrownedWatcheritwascalled,inthatwithintheairaboveitsvastheadtherehungalwaysablue,luminousring,whichshedastrangelightdownwardsoverthemonster—showingavast,wrinkledbrow(uponwhichanwholelibraryhadbeenwrit);butputtingtotheshadowallthelowerface;allsavetheear,whichcameoutfromthebackofthehead,andbelledtowardstheRedoubt,andhadbeensaidbysomeobserversinthepasttohavebeenseentoquiver;buthowthatmightbe,Iknewnot;fornomanofourdayshadseensuchathing.

AndbeyondtheWatchingThingwasThePlaceWhereTheSilentOnesAreNever,closebythegreatroad;whichwasboundeduponthefarsidebyTheGiant'sSea;anduponthefarsideofthat,wasaRoadwhichwasalwaysnamedTheRoadByTheQuietCity;foritpassedalongthatplacewhereburnedforevertheconstantandnever-movinglightsofastrangecity;butnoglasshadevershownlifethere;neitherhadanylighteverceasedtoburn.

AndbeyondthatagainwastheBlackMist.Andhere,letmesay,thattheValleyofTheHoundsendedtowardstheLightsoftheQuietCity.

AndsohaveIsetoutsomethingofthatland,andofthosecreaturesandcircumstanceswhichbesetusabout,waitinguntiltheDayofDoom,whenourEarth-Currentshouldcease,andleaveushelplesstotheWatchersandtheAbundantTerror.

AndthereIstood,andlookedforthcomposedly,asmayonewhohasbeenborntoknowofsuchmatters,andrearedintheknowledgeofthem.And,anon,Iwouldlookupward,andseethegrey,metalledmountaingoingupmeasurelessintothegloomoftheeverlastingnight;andfrommyfeetthesheerdownwardsweepofthegrim,metalwalls,sixfullmiles,andmore,totheplainbelow.

Andonething(aye!andIfearme,many)haveImissedtosetoutwithparticularness:

Therewas,asyoudoknow,allaroundthebaseofthePyramid,whichwasfiveandone-quartermileseveryway,agreatcircleoflight,whichwassetupbytheEarth-Current,andburnedwithinatransparenttube;orhadthatappearance.AnditboundedthePyramidforaclearmileuponeveryside,andburnedforever;andnoneofthemonstershadpowerevertopassacross,becauseofwhatwedidcallTheAirClogthatitdidmake,asaninvisibleWallofSafety.Anditdidgiveoutalsoamoresubtilevibration,thatdidaffecttheweakBrain-ElementsofthemonstersandtheLowerMen-Brutes.AndsomedidholdthattherewentfromitafurthervibrationofagreatersubtilenessthatgaveaprotectingagainsttheEvilForces.Andsomequalityithadtrulythiswise;fortheEvilPowershadnoabilitytocauseharmtoanywithin.Yetweretheresomedangersagainstwhichitmightnotavail;butthesehadnocunningtobringharmtoanywithintheGreatRedoubtwhohadwisdomtomeddlewithnodreadfulness.AndsowerethoselastmillionsguardeduntiltheEarth-Currentshouldbeusedtoitsend.AndthiscircleisthatwhichIhavecalledtheElectricCircle;thoughwithfailuretoexplain.Butthereitwascalledonly,TheCircle.

AndthushaveI,withgreateffort,madealittleclearthatgrimlandofnight,where,presently,mylisteningheardonecallingacrossthedark.Andhowthatthisgrewuponme,Iwillsetoutforthwith.

III

THEQUIETCALLING

Now,ofthadIheardtell,notonlyinthatgreatcitywhichoccupiedthethousandthfloor,butinothersoftheonethousand,threehundredandtwentycitiesofthePyramid,thattherewassomewhereoutinthedesolationoftheNightLandsasecondPlaceofRefuge,wherehadgathered,inanotherpartofthisdeadworld,somelastmillionsofthehumanrace,tofightuntotheend.

AndthisstoryIheardeverywhereinmytravelsthroughthecitiesoftheGreatRedoubt,whichtravelsbeganwhenIcameuponmyseventeenthyear,andcontinuedforthreeyearsandtwohundredandtwentyfivedays,beingeventhenbutonedayineachcity,aswasthecustominthetrainingofeverychild.

Andtrulyitwasagreatjourney,andinitImetwithmany,whomtoknowwastolove;butwhomnevercouldIseeagain;forlifehasnotspaceenough;andeachmusttohisdutytothesecurityandwell-beingoftheRedoubt.Yet,forallthatIhavesetdown,wetravelledmuch,always;butthereweresomanymillions,andsofewyears.

And,asIhavesaid,everywhereIwenttherewasthesamestoryofthisotherPlaceofRefuge;andinsuchoftheLibrariesofthosecitiesasIhadtimetosearch,thereweregreatnumbersofworksupontheexistenceofthisotherRefuge;andsome,farbackintheyears,madeassertionwithconfidencethatsuchaPlacewasinverity;and,indeed,nodoubtdidthereseeminthoseby-goneages;butnowtheseveryRecordswerereadonlybyScholars,whodoubted,evenwhilsttheyread.Andsoisitever.

ButoftherealityofthisRefuge,Ihadneverasounddoubt,fromthedayofmyhearingconcerningitfromourMasterMonstruwacan,whowithallhisassistantsoccupiedtheTowerofObservationintheapexofthePyramid.Andhereletme

tellthatheandIhadalwaysanaffinityandclosefriendshiponefortheother;thoughhewasfullgrown,andIbutayouth;yetsoitwas;andthus,whenIhadcometoanageoftwenty-oneyearsoflife,heopenedtomeapostwithintheTowerofObservation;andthiswasamostwondrousgoodfortunetome;forinallthevastRedoubt,tobeappointedtotheTowerofObservationwasthemostdesired;forthereby,evenasinthesedaysdothAstronomy,wasthenaturalcuriosityofManeasedsomewhat,evenwhilethwarted.

Now,letmetellherealso,lestitbethoughtthatIwasundulyfavouredbecauseofmyfriendshipwiththeMasterMonstruwacan,thattherewasasoundjustificationforhischoice,inthattomehadbeengiventhatstrangegiftofhearing,whichwecalledNight-Hearing;thoughthiswasbutafancifulname,andmeantlittle.Yetthepeculiargiftwasrare,andinallthemillionsofthePyramid,therewasnonewiththegifttoagreatdegree,savingonlymyself.

AndI,becauseofthisgift,couldhearthe"invisiblevibrations"oftheaether;sothat,withoutharkingtothecallingofourrecordinginstruments,Icouldtakethemessageswhichcamecontinuallythroughtheeternaldarkness;aye,evenbetterthanthey.Andnow,itmaybethebetterunderstood,howmuchwastobecountedthatIhadgrowntolistenforavoicethathadnotrunginmineearsforaneternity,andyetwhichsangsweetandclearinmymemory-dreams;sothatitseemedtomethatMirdaththeBeautifulsleptwithinmysoul,andwhisperedtomeoutofalltheages.

Andthen,oneday,atthefifteenthhour,whenbegantheSleep-Time,Ihadbeenponderingthisloveofminethatlivedwithmestill;andmarvellingthatmymemory-dreamsheldthevoiceofalovethathadbeeninsoremoteanage.Andponderinganddreamingthus,asayoungmanmay,Icouldfancythisaeon-lostOnewerewhisperingbeautyintomyears,inverity;soclearhadmymemorygrown,andsomuchhadIpondered.

Andlo!asIstoodthere,harkingandcommuningwithmythoughts,Ithrilledsuddenly,asifIhadbeensmitten;foroutofalltheeverlastingnightawhisperwasthrillingandthrillinguponmymoresubtilehearing.

ThroughfourlongyearshadIlistened,sincethatawakeningintheembrasure,whenbutayouthofseventeen;andnowoutoftheworld-darknessandalltheeternalyearsofthatlostlife,whichnowIliveinthisPresentAgeofours,wasthewhispercome;forIknewituponthatinstant;andyet,becauseIwasso

taughttowisdom,Iansweredbynoname;butsenttheMaster-Wordthroughthenight—sendingitwithmybrain-elements,asIcould,andasallmay,muchorlittle,asmaybe,iftheybenotclods.And,moreover,Iknewthatshewhocalledquietlywouldhavethepowertohearwithoutinstruments,ifindeeditwereshe;andifitwerebutoneofthefalsecallingsoftheEvilForces,ormorecunningmonsters,oraswassometimesthoughtconcerningthesecallings,theHouseofSilence,meddlingwithoursouls,thenwouldtheyhavenopowertosaytheMaster-Word;forthishadbeenproventhroughalltheEverlasting.

Andlo!asIstood,tremblingandstrivingnottobetense,whichdestroysthereceptivity,therecamethrillingroundandroundmyspiritualessencethethroboftheMaster-Word,beatingsteadilyinthenight,asdoththatmarvelloussound.Andthen,withallthatwassweetinmyspirit,Icalledwithmybrainelements:"Mirdath!Mirdath!Mirdath!"AndatthatinstanttheMasterMonstruwacanenteredthatpartoftheTowerofObservation,whereIstood;and,seeingmyface,stoodveryquiet;forthoughhehadnotthepowerofNight-Hearing,hewaswiseandthoughtful,andtookmuchaccountofmygift;more-over,hehadbutcomefromtheReceivingInstrument,andthoughtvaguelytohavecaughtthethroboftheMaster-Word,thoughtoofainttocomeproperthroughtheInstrument,sothathesearchedforme,inthatI,whohadtheHearing,mightlistenforit,Ibeing,asIhavesaid,giftedinthatwise.

AndtohimItoldsomethingofmystoryandmythoughtsandmymemories,andofthatawakening;andthusuptothispresenthappening,andhehearkenedwithsympathyandatroubledandwonderingheart;forinthatageamanmighttalksanelyuponthatwhich,inthisageofourswouldbeaccountedfoolishnessandmaybethebreathingsofinsanity;forthere,bytherefinementofartsofmentalityandtheresultsofstrangeexperimentsandtheaccomplishmentoflearning,menwereabledtoconceiveofmattersnowclosedtoourconceptions,evenasweofthisdaymayhaplygiveacalmeartotalk,thatinthedaysofourfatherswouldhavebeensurelysettothecountoflunacy.Andthisisveryclear.

AndallthewhilethatItoldmystory,Ilistenedwithmyspirit;butsaveforasenseoffaint,happylaughterthatwrappedaboutme,Iheardnaught.Andnothingmoreallthatday.

Hereletmeputdownthat,becauseofmymemoriesandhalfmemories,Iwouldtimeandagaindisputewithourlearnedmen;theybeingindoubtastotheverityofthatoldenstoryoftheDaysofLight,andtheexistenceoftheSun;though

somethingofallthiswassetout,asoftruth,inouroldestrecords;butI,remembering,toldthemmanytalesthatseemedfairy-liketothem,andentrancedtheirhearts,evenwhilstIangeredtheirbrains,whichrefusedtotakeseriouslyandasveritythatwhichtheirheartsacceptedgladly,evenaswereceivethewonderofpoetryintooursouls.ButtheMasterMonstruwacanwouldlistentoaughtIhadtotell;aye!thoughIspokethroughhours;andsoitwouldbe,oddtimes,thathavingtalkedlong,drawingmystoriesfrommyMemory-Dreams,IwouldcomebackagainintothepresentofthatFuture;andlo!alltheMonstruwacanswouldhavelefttheirinstrumentsandobservationsandrecording,andbegatheredaboutme;andtheMastersosunkenininterestthathenottohavediscoveredthem;neitherhadInoticed,beingsofullofthethingswhichhadbeen.

ButwhentheMastercamebacktoknowledgeofthatpresent,hewouldrouseandchide,andthey,allthoselesserones,wouldflyswiftlyandguiltilytotheirvariousworks;andyet,soIhavethoughtsince,eachwithamuddledandbewilderedandthoughtfulairuponhim;andhungrytheywereformore,andeverwonderingandsettingquestionsabout.

Andsoitwasalsowiththoseothers—thoselearnedoneswhowerenotoftheTowerofObservation,andwhodisbelievedevenwhilsttheyhungered.Listenwouldthey,thoughItalkedfromthefirsthour,whichwasthe"dawn,"tothefifteenthhour,whichwasthebeginningofthe"night";fortheSleep-Timewassetthus,afterotherusageandexperiment.And,oddwhiles,Ifoundthattherewereamongthem,menofextraordinarylearningwhoupheldmytellingsastalesofverity;andsotherewasafaction;but,later,theregrewmoretobelieve;andwhethertheybelieved,ornot,allwerereadytolisten;sothatImighthavespendedmydaysintalk;onlythatIhadmyworktodo.

ButtheMasterMonstruwacanbelievedfromthebeginning,andwaswisealwaystounderstand;sothatIlovedhimforthis,asformanyanotherdearquality.

Andso,asmaybeconceived,amongallthosemillionsIwassingledouttobeknown;forthestoriesthatItoldwentdownwardthroughathousandcities;and,presently,inthelowesttieroftheUndergroundFields,anhundredmilesdeepintheearthbelowtheRedoubt,Ifoundthattheveryploughboysknewsomethingconcerningmytellings;andgatheredaboutmeonetimeandanotherwhentheMasterMonstruwacanandIhadgonedown,regardingsomematterthatdealt

withtheEarth-CurrentandourInstruments.

AndoftheUndergroundFields(thoughinthatagewecalledthemnomorethan"TheFields")Ishouldsetdownalittle;fortheywerethemightiestworkofthisworld;sothateventheLastRedoubtwasbutasmallthingbesidethem.AnhundredmilesdeeplaythelowestoftheUndergroundFields,andwasanhundredmilesfromsidetoside,everyway;andaboveittherewerethreehundredandsixfields,eachonelessinareathanthatbeneath;andinthiswisetheytapered,untilthetopmostfieldwhichlaydirectbeneaththelowermostflooroftheGreatRedoubt,wasbutfourmileseveryway.

Andthusitwillbeseenthatthesefields,lyingonebeneaththeother,formedamightyandincrediblePyramidofCountryLandsinthedeepearth,anhundredmilesfromthebaseuntothetopmostfield.

Andthewholewassheathed-inatthesideswiththegreymetalofwhichtheRedoubtwasbuilded;andeachfieldwaspillared,andflooredbeneaththesoil,withthissamecompoundofwonder;andsowasitsecure,andthemonsterscouldnotdigintothatmightygardenfromwithout.

AndallofthatUndergroundLandwaslit,whereneeded,bytheEarth-Current,andthatsamelife-streamfructifiedthesoil,andgavelifeandbloodtotheplantsandtothetrees,andtoeverybushandnaturalthing.

AndthemakingofthoseFieldshadtakenmaybeamillionyears,andthe"dump"thereofhadbeencastintothe"Crack,"whencecametheEarth-Current,andwhichhadbottombeyondallsoundings.AndthisUndergroundCountryhaditsownwindsandair-currents;sothat,tomymemory,itwasinnowaysconnectedtothemonstrousair-shaftsofthePyramid;butinthisImaybemistaken;forithasnotbeengiventometoknowallthatistobeknownconcerningthatvastRedoubt;norbyanyonemancouldsomuchknowledgebeachieved.

YetthattherewerewiseandjustlypromotedwindsinthatUndergroundCountry,Idoknow;forhealthfulandsweettheywere,andinthecorn-fieldstherewasthesweetrustleofgrain,andtheglad,silkenlaughterofpoppies,allbeneathawarmandhappylight.Andhere,didthemillionswalkandtakeexcursion,andgoorderlyornot,evenasinthesedays.

AndallthishaveIseen,andthetalkofathousandloversinthegardensofthat

place,comesbacktome;andwithitallthememoryofmydearone;andofafaintcallingthatwouldseemtowhisperaboutmeattimes;butsofaintandattenuated,thatevenI,whohadtheNight-Hearing,couldnotcatchitsimport;andsowent,listeningeverthemoreintently.Andofttimescalling.

NowtherewasaLawinthePyramid,triedandhealthful,whichheldthatnomaleshouldhavefreedomtoadventureintotheNightLand,beforetheageoftwenty-two;andnofemaleever.Yetthat,aftersuchage,ifayouthdesiredgreatlytomaketheadventure,heshouldreceivethreelecturesuponthedangersofwhichwehadknowledge,andastrictaccountofthemutilatingsandhorriddeedsdonetothosewhohadsoadventured.Andif,afterthishadpassedoverhim,hestilldesired,andifhewereaccountedhealthfulandsane;thenshouldhebeallowedtomaketheadventure;anditwasaccountedhonourtotheyouthwhoshouldaddtotheknowledgeofthePyramid.

ButtoallsuchaswentforthintothedangeroftheNightLand,therewassetbeneaththeskinoftheinnersideoftheleftforearm,asmallcapsule,andwhenthewoundhadhealed,thenmighttheyouthmaketheadventure.

Andthewhereforeofthis,wasthatthespiritoftheyouthmightbesaved,ifhewereentrapped;forthen,uponthehonourofhissoul,musthebiteforththecapsule,andimmediatelyhisspiritwouldhavesafetyindeath.AndbythisshallyouknowsomewhatthegrimandhorriddangeroftheDarkLand.

AndthisIhavesetdownbecauselaterIwastomakehugeadventureintothoseLands;andevenatthistime,somethoughtofthesamehadcometome;foralwaysIwentlisteningforthatquietcalling;andtwiceIsenttheMaster-Wordthrobbingsolemnlythroughtheeverlastingnight;yetthisIdidnomore,withoutcertainty;fortheWordmustnotbeusedlightly.ButoftenwouldIsaywithmybrain-elements"Mirdath!Mirdath!"—sendingthenameoutintothedarkness;andsometimeswouldIseemtohearthefaintthrillingoftheaetheraroundme;asthoughoneanswered;butweakly,asitwerewithaweakenedspirit,orbyinstrumentthatlackedofitsearth-force.

Andthus,foragreatwhiletherewasnocertainty;butonlyastrangeanxiousnessandnoclearanswer.

Then,onedayasIstoodbytheinstrumentsintheTowerofObservation,atthethirteenthhourtherecamethethrillingofbeatenaetherallaboutme,asitwere

thatallthevoidwasdisturbed.AndImadetheSignforSilence;sothatthemenmovednotinalltheTower;butbowedovertheirbreathing-bells,thatalldisturbancemightcease.

Andagaincamethegentlethrilling,andbrokeoutintoaclear,lowcallinginmybrain;andthecallingwasmyname—theold-earthnameofthisday,andnotthenameofthatage.Andthenamesmoteme,withafrightenednessoffreshawakeningmemories.And,immediately,IsenttheMaster-Wordintothenight;andalltheaetherwasfullofmovement.Andasilencecame;andlaterabeatafaroffinthevoidofnight,whichonlyIinallthatgreatRedoubtcouldhear,untiltheheaviervibrationswerecome.AndinamomenttherewasallaboutmethethrobbingoftheMaster-Word,beatinginthenightasureanswer.Yet,beforethisIknewthatMirdathhadcalled;butnowhadsurety.

Andimmediately,Isaid"Mirdath,"makinguseoftheinstruments;andtherecameaswiftandbeautifulanswer;foroutofthedarktherestoleanoldlove-name,thatsheonlyhadeverusedtome.

And,presently,Imindedmeofthemen,andsignedtothemthattheyshouldcontinue;fortheRecordsmustnotbebroken;andnowIhadthecommunicationfullestablished.

AndbymestoodtheMasterMonstruwacan,quietlyasanyyoungMonstruwacan,waitingwithslipstomakeanynotesthatwereneedful;andkeepingastricteyeuponthoseothers;butnotunkindly.Andso,foraspaceofwonder,Ihadspeechwiththatgirloutinthedarknessoftheworld,whohadknowledgeofmyname,andoftheold-earthlove-name,andnamedherselfMirdath.

AndmuchIquestionedher,andpresentlytomysorrow;foritseemedthathernamewasnottrulyMirdath;butNaani;neitherhadsheknownmyname;butthatinthelibraryofthatplacewheresheabode,therehadbeenastoryofonenamedbymyname,andcalledbythatsweetlove-namewhichshehadsentoutsomewhatruthlessintothenight;andthegirl'snamehadbeenMirdath;andwhenfirstshe,Naanihadcalled,therehadcomebacktoheracryofMirdath,Mirdath;andthishadmindedhersostrangelyofthatoldenstorywhichhadstayedinhermemory;thatshehadansweredasthemaidinthatbookmighthaveanswered.

AndthusdiditseemthattheutterRomanceofmyMemory-lovehadvanished,andIstoodstrangelytroubledforsorrowofaloveofoldentimes.Yet,eventhenImarvelledthatanybookshouldhavestorysomuchliketomine;notheedingthatthehistoryofallloveiswritwithonepen.

Yet,eventheninthathourofmystrange,andquaintlyfoolishpain,therecameathingthatsetmethrilling;thoughmoreafterwards,whenIcametothinkafreshuponit.Forthegirlwhospoketomethroughthenightmadesomewonderthatmyvoicewerenotdeeper;yetinquietfashion,andasonewhosaysathing,scarcewottingwhattheysay.Buteventomethen,therecameasuddenhope;forintheoldendaysofthisPresentAgemyvoicehadbeenverydeep.AndIsaidtoherthatmaybethemaninthebookwassaidtohavehadadeeptoneofspeech;butshe,seemingpuzzled,saidnay;andatthatIquestionedherthemore;butonlytothetroubleofhermemoryandunderstanding.

Andstrangemustitseemthatwetwoshouldtalkonsotrivialamatter,whentherewassomuchelsethatwehadneedtoexchangethoughtupon;forwereamaninthispresentdaytohavespeechwiththosewhomaylivewithinthatredplanetofMarswithinthesky,scarcecouldthewonderofitexceedthewonderofahumanvoicecomingthroughthatnightuntotheGreatRedoubt,outofallthatlostdarkness.For,indeed,thismusthavebeenthebreakingof,maybe,amillionyearsofsilence.Andalready,asIcametoknowlater,wasthenewspassingdownwardfromCitytoCitythroughallthevastPyramid;sothattheHour-Slipswerefullofthenews;andeveryCityeagerandexcited,andwaiting.AndIbetterknowninthatonemoment,thaninallmylifebefore.Forthatpreviouscalling,hadbeenbutvaguelyputabout;andthensettothecountofanature,blownuponover-easilybyspirit-windsofthehalf-memoryofdreams.Thoughitisindeedtrue,asIhavesetdownbeforethis,thatmytalesconcerningtheearlydaysoftheworld,whenthesunwasvisible,andfulloflight,hadgonedownthroughallthecities,andhadmuchcommentandsettingforthintheHour-Slips,andwereacauseforspeechandargument.

Nowconcerningthevoiceofthisgirlcomingtousthroughthedarknessoftheworld,Iwillsetoutthatwhichshehadtotell;andthis,indeed,butverifiedthetellingsofourmostancientRecords,whichhadsolongbeentreatedoverlightly:Therewas,itwouldseem,somewhereoutinthelonesomedarkoftheOuterLands,butatwhatdistancenonecouldeverdiscover,asecondRedoubt;thatwasathree-sidedPyramid,andmoderatesmall;beingnomorethanamileinheight,andscarcethreequartersofamilealongthebases.

WhenthisRedoubtwasfirstbuilded,ithadbeenuponthefarshoreofasea,wherenowwasnosea;andithadbeenraisedbythosewanderinghumanswhohadgrownwearyofwandering,andwearyofthedangerofnightattacksbythetribesofhalf-humanmonsterswhichbegantoinhabittheearthevensoearlyasthedayswhenthehalf-gloomwasupontheworld.Andhethathadmadetheplanuponwhichitwasbuilded,wasonewhohadseentheGreatRedoubt,havinglivedthereinthebeginning,butescapedbecauseofacorrectionsetuponhimforhisspiritofirresponsibility,whichhadmadehimtocausedisturbanceamongtheorderlyonesinthelowestcityoftheGreatRedoubt.

Yet,intime,hetoohadcometobetamedbytheweightoffearoftheever-growinghordesofmonsters,andtheForcesthatwereabroad.Andsohe,beingamaster-spirit,plannedandbuildedthesmallerRedoubt,beingaidedtheretobyfourmillions,whoalsowerewearyoftheharassofthemonsters;butuntilthenhadbeenwanderers,becauseoftherestlessnessoftheirblood.

Andtheyhadchosenthatplace,becausetheretheyhaddiscoveredasignoftheEarth-Currentinagreatvalleywhichledtotheshore;forwithouttheEarth-CurrentnoRefugecouldhaveexistence.Andwhilstmanybuildedandguarded,andcaredfortheGreatCampinwhichalllived,othersworkedwithinagreatshaft;andintenyearshadmadethistoadistanceofmanymiles,andtherewiththeytapttheEarth-Current;butnotagreatstream;yetasufficiency,aswasbelieved.

And,presently,aftermanyyears,theyhadbuildedthePyramid,andtakenuptheirrefugethere,andmadetheminstruments,andordainedMonstruwacans;sothattheyhadspeechdailywiththeGreatPyramid;andthusformanylongages.

AndtheEarth-Currentthentobegintofail;andthoughtheylabouredthroughmanythousandsofyears,theycametonobetterresource.AndsoitwastheyceasedtohavecommunicationwiththeGreatRedoubt;forthecurrenthadalackofpowertoworktheinstruments;andtherecordinginstrumentsceasedtobesensibleofourmessages.

Andthereaftercameamillionyears,maybe,ofsilence;witheverthebirthingandmarryinganddyingofthoselonesomehumans.Andtheygrewless;andsomeputthistothelackoftheEarth-Current,whichdwindledslowlythroughthecenturiesofthatEternity.

Andonceinathousandyears,maybe,oneamongthemwouldbeSensitive,andabledtohearbeyondordinary;andtothese,attimes,therewouldseemtocomethethrillingoftheaether;sothatsuchanonewouldgolistening;andsometimesseemtocatchhalfmessages;andsoawakenagreatinterestinallthePyramid;andtherewouldbeturningupofoldRecords,andmanywordsandwritings,andattemptstosendtheMaster-Wordthroughthenight;inwhich,doubtlesssometimestheysucceeded;fortherewassetdownintheRecordsoftheGreatRedoubtcertainoccasionsonwhichtherehadcomethecalloftheMaster-Word,whichhadbeenarrangedandmadeholybetweenthetwoRedoubtsintheearlydaysofthatsecondlifeofthisworld.

Yet,nowforanhundredthousandyears,therehadbeennoneSensitive;andinthattimethepeopleofthePyramidhadbecomenomorethantenthousand;andtheEarth-Currentwasweakandpowerlesstoputthejoyoflifeintothem;sothattheywentlistlessly,butdeemeditnotstrange,becauseofsomanyaeonsofusage.

Andthen,tothewonderofall,theEarth-Currenthadputforthanewpower;sothatyoungpeopleceasedtobeoldover-soon;andtherewashappinessandacertainjoyintheliving;andastrangebirthingofchildren,suchashadnotbeenthroughhalfamillionyears.

Andthencameanewthing.Naani,thedaughteroftheMasterMonstruwacanofthatRedoubthadshowntoallthatshewasSensitive;forshehadperceivedoddvibrationsafloatinthenight;andconcerningtheseshetoldherfather;andpresently,becausetheirbloodmovedafreshintheirbodies,theyhadhearttodiscovertheplansoftheancientinstruments;fortheinstrumentshadlongrusted,andbeenforgotten.

Andsotheybuildedthemanewinstrumenttosendforthamessage;fortheyhadnomemoryatthattimethatthebrain-elementshadpowertodothus;though,mayhap,theirbrain-elementswereweakened,throughsomanyagesofstarvationoftheEarth-Current,andcouldnothaveobeyed,evenhadtheirmastersknownallthatweoftheGreatRedoubtknew.

Andwhentheinstrumentwasfinished,toNaaniwasgiventherighttocallfirstacrossthedarktodiscoverwhetherindeed,afterthatmillionyearsofsilence,theywereyetcompanieduponthisearth,orwhethertheywereintruthlonely—thelastpoorthousandsoftheHumans.

Andagreatandpainfulexcitementcameuponthepeopleofthelesserpyramid;forthelonelinessoftheworldpresseduponthem;anditwastothemasthoughweinthisagecalledtoastaracrosstheabyssofspace.

Andbecauseoftheexcitementandpainofthemoment,Naanicalledonlyvaguelywiththeinstrumentintothedark;andlo!inamoment,asitseemed,therecameallaboutherinthenightthesolemnthroboftheMaster-Word,beatinginthenight.AndNaanicriedoutthatshewasanswered,and,asmaybethought,manyofthepeoplewept,andsomeprayed,andsomeweresilent;butothersbeseechedherthatshecallagainandquicklytohavefurtherspeechwiththoseoftheirkind.

AndNaanispoketheMaster-Wordintothenight,anddirectlytherecameacallingallabouther:"Mirdath!Mirdath!"andthestrangewonderofitmadehersilentamoment;butwhenshewouldhavemadereply,theinstrumenthadceasedtowork,andshecouldhavenofurtherspeechatthattime.

This,asmaybethought,occasionedmuchdistress;andconstantworktheyhadbetweentheinstrumentandtheEarth-Current,todiscoverthereasonforthisfailing;butcouldnotforagreatwhile.Andinthattime,oftdidNaanihearthecallof"Mirdath"thrillingabouther;andtwicetherecamethesolemnbeatoftheMaster-Wordinthenight.Yetneverhadshethepowertoanswer.Andallthatwhile,asIlearnedintime,wasshestirredwithaquaintacheatheartbythevoicethatcalled"Mirdath!"asitmightbetheSpiritofLove,searchingforitsmate;forthisishowsheputit.

Andthusitchanced,thattheconstantthrillingofthisnameabouther,wokehertomemoryofabookshehadreadinearlyyears,andbuthalfunderstood;foritwasancient,andwritinanoldenfashion,anditsetouttheloveofamanandamaid,andthemaid'snamewasMirdath.Andso,becauseshewasfullofthisgreatawakeningofthoseagesofsilence,andthecallingofthatname,shefoundthebookagain,andreaditmanytimes,andgrewtoasoundloveofthebeautyofthattale.

And,presently,whentheinstrumentwasmaderight,shecalledintothenightthenameofthatmanwithinthebook;andsoitcameaboutthatIhadhopedtoomuch;yetevennowwasIstrangelyunsurewhethertoceasefromhoping.

AndoneotherthingthereiswhichIwouldmakeclear.Manyandoftatimehad

Iheardathrillingofsweet,faintlaughteraboutme,andthestirringoftheaetherbywordstoogentletocomeclearly;andtheseImakenodoubtcamefromNaani,usingherbrain-elementsunwittinglyandinignorance;butveryeagertoanswermycallings;andhavingnoknowledgethat,faroffacrosstheblacknessoftheworld,theythrilledaboutme,constantly.

AndafterNaanihadmadeclearallthatIhavesetoutconcerningtheLesserRefuge,shetoldfurtherhowthatfoodwasnotplentifulwiththem;though,untilthereawakeningoftheEarth-Current,theyhadgoneunknowingofthis,beingofsmallappetite,andcaringlittleforaught;butnowwakened,andnewlyhungry,theysavouredalackoftasteinallthattheyate;andthiswecouldwellconceive,fromourreasoningsandtheory;buthappilynotfromourknowledge.

Andwesaiduntothem,thatthesoilhadlostitslife,andthecropstherefromwerenotvital;andagreatwhileitwouldtakefortheearthwithintheirpyramidtoreceivebackthelife-elements.Andwetoldthemcertainwaysbywhichtheymightbringamorespeedylifetothesoil;andthistheywereeagertodo,beingfreshlyaliveaftersolongatimeofhalf-life.

Andnow,youmustknowthatinallthegreatRedoubtthestorywentdownwardsswiftly,andwaspublishedinalltheHour-Sheets,withmanycomments;andthelibrarieswerefullofthosewhowouldlookuptheoldenRecords,whichforsolonghadbeenforgotten,ortaken,asweofthisdaywouldsay,withapinchofsalt.

AndallthetimeIwaspesteredwithquestions;sothat,hadInotbeendetermined,Ishouldscarcehavebeenallowedtosleep;moreover,somuchwaswritaboutme,andmypowertohear,anddiversstoriesconcerningtalesoflove,thatIhadbeenliketohavegrownmazedtotakenoteofitall;yetsomenoteIdidtake,andmuchIfoundpleasant;butsomedispleasing.

And,fortherest,Iwasnotspoiled,asthesayinggoes;forIhadmyworktodo;moreover,IwasalwaysbusiedListening,andhavingspeechthroughthedarkness.Thoughifanysawmeso,theywouldquestion;andbecauseofthis,IkeptmuchtotheTowerofObservation,wherewastheMasterMonstruwacan,andagreaterdiscipline.

Andthenbeganafreshmatter;thoughbutanoldenoughtrick;forIspeaknowofthedaysthatfollowedthatre-openingofthetalkbetweenthePyramids.Oft

wouldspeechcometousoutofthenight;andtherewouldbetalesofthesoreneedoftheLesserRedoubt,andcallingsforhelp.Yet,whenIsenttheMaster-Wordabroad,therewouldbenoanswering.AndsoIfearedthattheMonstersandForcesofEvilknew.

Yet,attimes,theMaster-Wordwouldanswertous,beatingsteadilyinthenight;andwhenwequestionedafresh,weknewthattheyintheLesserRedoubthadcaughtthebeatoftheMaster-Word,andsomadereply;thoughithadnotbeentheywhohadmadetheprevioustalk,whichwehadsoughttotestbytheWord.Andthentheywouldmakecontradictionofallthathadbeenspokensocunningly;sothatweknewtheMonstersandForceshadsoughttotemptsomefromthesafetyoftheRedoubt.Yet,wasthisnonewthing,asIhavemadetohint;savingthatitgrewnowtoagreaterpersistence,andtherewasaloathsomecunningintheusingofthisnewknowledgetothemakingofwickedandfalsemessagesbythoseevilthingsoftheNightLand.Andittoldtous,asIhavemaderemark,howthatthoseMonstersandForceshadafullawarednessofthespeechbetweenthePyramids;yetcouldtheyhavenopowertosaytheMaster-Word;sohadwesometestleft,andawaytosureknowledgeofwhatmadetalkinthenight.

AndallthatIhavetoldshouldbringtothoseofthisAgesomethingoftheyetunbegottenterrorofthat;andaquietandsoundthankfulnesstoGod,thatwesuffernotashumanityshallyetsuffer.

But,forallthis,letitnotbethoughtthattheyofthatAgeaccounteditassuffering;butasnomorethantheusualofhumanexistence.Andbythismayweknowthatwecanmeetallcircumstances,anduseourselvestothemandlivethroughthemwisely,ifwebebutprudentandconsidermeansofinvention.

AndthroughalltheNightLandtherewasanextraordinaryawakeningamongtheMonstersandForces;sothattheinstrumentsmadeconstantnoteofgreaterpowersatworkoutthereinthedarkness;andtheMonstruwacanswerebusiedrecording,andkeepingaverystrictwatch.Andsowasthereatallthattimeasenseofdifferenceandawakening,andofwondersabout,andtocome.

AndfromTheCountryWhenceComesTheGreatLaughter,theLaughtersoundedconstant…asitwereanuncomfortableandheart-shakingvoice-thunderrollingthenceovertheLands,outfromtheunknownEast.AndthePitoftheRedSmokefilledalltheDeepValleywithredness,sothatthesmokerose

abovetheedge,andhidthebasesoftheTowersuponthefarside.

AndtheGiantscouldbeseenplentifularoundtheKilnstotheEast;andfromtheKilnsgreatbelchesoffire;thoughthemeaningofit,asofallelse,wecouldnotsay;butonlythecause.

AndfromtheMountainOfTheVoice,whichrosetotheSouth-EastoftheSouth-EastWatcher,andofwhichIhavemadenotellinghitherto,inthisfaultysetting-out,Iheardforthefirsttimeinthatlife,thecallingoftheVoice.AndthoughtheRecordsmadementionofit;yetnotoftenwasitheard.Andthecallingwasshrill,andverypeculiaranddistressfulandhorrible;asthoughagiant-woman,hungeringstrangely,shoutedunknownwordsacrossthenight.Andthiswashowitseemedtome;andmanythoughtthistodescribethesound.

And,byallthis,mayyouperceivehowthatLandwasawakened.

AndothertricksthereweretoenticeusintotheNightLand;andonceacallcamethrillingintheaether,andtoldtousthatcertainhumanshadescapedfromtheLesserRedoubt,anddrewnightous;butwerefaintforfood,andcravedsuccour.Yet,whenwesenttheMaster-Wordintothenight,thecreatureswithoutcouldmakenoreply;whichwasaveryhappythingforoursouls;forwehadbeenallmightilyexercisedinourheartsbythisonemessage;andnowhadproofthatitwasbutatrap.

Andconstantly,andatallhours,IwouldhavespeechwithNaanioftheLesserRedoubt;forIhadtaughtherhowshemightsendherthoughtsthroughthenight,withherbrain-elements;butnottoover-usethispower;foritexhauststhebodyandthepowersofthemind,ifitbeabusedbyexceedingusage.

Yet,despitethatIhadtaughthertheuseofherbrain-elements,shesenthermessagealwayswithoutstrength,savewhenshehaduseoftheinstrument;andthisIsettothecausethatshehadnotthehealthforceneedful;but,apartfromthis,shehadtheNight-Hearingverykeen;thoughlessthanmine.

Andso,withmanytimesofspeech,andconstanttellingsofourdoingsandthoughts,wedrewnearinthespirittooneanother;andhadalwaysafeelinginourheartsthatwehadbeengivenpreviousacquaintance.

Andthis,asmaybethought,thrilledmyheartverystrangely.

IV

THEHUSHINGOFTHEVOICE

("Dearest,thineownfeettreadtheworldatnight—Treading,asmoon-flakesstepacrossadark—Kissingtheverydewtoholierlight…ThyVoiceasongpastmountains,whichtoharkFrightensmysoulwithanutterlostdelight.")

Now,onenight,towardstheendofthesixteenthhour,asImadereadytosleep,therecameallaboutmethethrillingoftheaether,ashappenedoftinthosedays;butthethrillinghadastrangepowerinit;andinmysoulthevoiceofNaanisoundedplain,allwithinandaboutme.

Yet,thoughIknewittobethevoiceofNaani,Ianswerednotimmediately;savetosendthesurequestionoftheMaster-Wordintothenight.And,directly,Iheardtheanswer,theMaster-Wordbeatingsteadilyinthenight;andIquestionedNaaniwhyshehadspeechwithmebytheInstrumentatthattime,whenallweresleeping,andthewatchsetamongtheMonstruwacans;fortheyinthelittlePyramidhadtheirsleep-timetocommenceattheeleventhhour;sothatbythisitwasfivehoursadvancedtowardsthetimeofwaking;andNaanishouldhaveslept;norhavebeenabroadtotheTowerofObservation,apartfromherfather.ForIsupposedthatshespokebytheInstrument,hervoicesoundingveryclearinmybrain.Yet,tothisquestion,shemadenoanswerinkind;butgaveacertainthingintomyspirit,whichsetmetrembling;forshesaidcertainwords,thatbegan:

"Dearest,thineownfeettreadtheworldatnight—"

Anditwellmaybethatshesetmetotremble;forasthewordsgrewaboutme,therewakenedamemory-dreamhowthatIhadmadethesesamewordsto

MirdaththeBeautifulinthelong-goneEternityofthisourAge,whenshehaddiedandleftmealoneinalltheworld.AndIwasweakalittlewiththetumultandforceofmyemotion;butinamomentIcalledeagerlywithmybrain-elementstoNaanitogivesomeexplainingofthisthingthatshehadspokentotheuttertroublingofmyheart.

Yet,oncemoreshemadenodirectanswer;butspokethewordsagaintomeacrossallthedarkoftheworld.Anditcametomesuddenly,thatitwasnotNaanithatspoke;butMirdaththeBeautiful,fromoutofalltheeverlastingnight.AndIcalled:"Mirdath!Mirdath,"withmybrain-elements,intothenight;andlo!thefar,faintvoicespokeagaintomyspiritthroughallthedarknessofeternity,sayingagainthosewords.Yet,thoughthevoicewasthevoiceofMirdaththeBeautiful,itwasalsothevoiceofNaani;andIknewinallmyheartthatthisthingwasinverity;andthatithadbeengiventometobebirthedoncemoreintothisworldintheliving-timeofthatOnlyOne,withwhommyspiritandessencehathmatedinallagesthroughtheeverlasting.AndIcalledwithmybrain-elementsandallmystrengthtoNaani;buttherecamenoanswer;neithersignofhearing,thoughthroughhoursIcalled.

AndthusatlastIcametoanutterexhaustion;butneithercouldbequiet,norsleep.Yet,presently,Islept.

AndwhenIwaked,myfirstmemorywasofthewondrousthingwhichhadbefalleninthesleep-time;fornoneinallthisworldcouldhaveknownthosewords;saveithadbeenthespiritofMirdath,myBeautifulOne,lookingfromabovemyshoulderinthatutter-losttime,asImadethosewordstoher,outofanachingandabrokenheart.AndthevoicehadbeenthevoiceofMirdath;andthevoiceofMirdathhadbeenthevoiceofNaani.Andwhatshallanysaytothis,savethatwhichIhadinmyheart.

AndimmediatelyIcalledtoNaani,once,andagaintwice;andinalittlemomenttherecameallaboutmethethrobbingoftheMaster-Word,beatingsolemnlyinthenight;andIsenttheMaster-Wordtogiveassurance,andimmediatelythevoiceofNaani,alittleweakaswasitalwayswhenshehadnottheInstrument,butsentthemessagewithherbrain-elements.

AndIansweredher,andquestionedhereagerlyconcerninghersayingsofthepasttimeofsleep;butshedisclaimed,andmadecleartomethatshehadnoknowledgeofhavingspoken;buthadsleptthroughallthattimeofwhichImade

totell;and,indeed,haddreamedaverystrangedream.

AndforalittlewhileIwasconfused,andmeditated,notknowingwhattothink;butcamesuddenlyagaintoaknowledgethatNaani'sfarvoicewasthrillingtheaetherallabout;andthatshewouldtelltomeherdream;whichhadsetstronguponhermind.

Andshetoldthedreamtome,andinthedreamshehadseenatall,darkman,builtverybig,anddressedinunfamiliarclothing.Andthemanhadbeeninalittleroom,andverysorrowful,andlonesome;andinherdreamshehadgonenightohim.

Andpresentlythemanmadetowrite,thathemighteasehimbygivingexpressiontohissorrow;andNaanihadbeenabletoreadthewordsthathewrote;thoughtoherwakingspiritthelanguageinwhichtheywerewritwasstrangeandunknown.Yetshecouldnotrememberwhathehadwrit,savebutoneshortline,andthisshehadmindofinthathehadwritthewordMirdathabove.Andshespokeofthestrangenessofthisthing,thatsheshoulddreamofthisname;butsupposedthatIhadfixedituponher,bymyfirstcallings.

AndthendidI,withsomethingofatrembleinmyspirit,askNaanitotellmewhatsherememberedofthewritingofthatbig,sorrowfulstranger.And,inalittlemoment,herfarvoicesaidthesewordsallaboutme:

"Dearest,thineownfeettreadtheworldatnight—"

Butnomorehadshememoryof.Yetitwasasufficiency,andI,maybewithamad,strangetriumphinmysoul,saiduntoherwithmybrain-elementsthatwhichremainedofthosewords.AndmyspiritfeltthemstrikeuponthespiritofNaani,andawakehermemory,aswiththeviolenceofablow.Andforalittlewhileshestumbled,dumbbeforesomuchnewnessandcertainly.Andherspiritthentowaken,andshenearweptwiththefrightandthesudden,newwonderofthisthing.

Andimmediately,allaboutmetherecamehervoicethrilling,andthevoicewasthevoiceofMirdath,andthevoiceofNaani;andIheardthetearsofherspiritmakepureandwonderfulthebewilderedandgrowinggladnessofherfarvoice.Andsheaskedme,asonewhohadsuddenlyopenedtheGatesofMemory,whethershemightbetrulyMirdath.AndI,utterweakandshakenstrangelybecauseofthissplendouroffulfilment,couldmakenoinstantanswer.Andshe

askedagain,butusingmineoldlove-name,andwithasurenessinherfarvoice.AndstillIwassostrangelydumb,andthebloodtothudpeculiarinmineears;andthistopass;andspeechtocomeswift.

Andthiswaytobethatmeetingofourspirits,acrossalltheeverlastingnight.

Andyoushallhaveforamemory-picture,howthatNaanistoodthereintheworldinthatfareternity,and,withherspirithavingspeechwithmine,lookedbackthroughthepart-openedgatesofhermemory,intothepastofthisourlifeandAge.Yetmorethanthisshesaw,andmorethanwasgiventomeinthatAge;forshehadmemorynowandsightofotherinstances,andofothercomingstogether,whichhadsomeconfusionandbuthalf-meaningstome.YetofthisourpresentAgeandlife,wespokeasofsomeyesterday;butveryhallowed.

Now,asmaybeconceived,thewonderofthissuretywhichhadcomeintomylifestirredmefiercelytoitscompletion;forallmyheartandspiritcriedouttobewiththatonewhowasMirdath,andnowspokewiththevoiceofNaani.

Yet,howshouldthisbewon;fornoneamongallthelearnedmenofthatMightyPyramidknewthepositionoftheLesserRedoubt;neithercouldtheRecordsandHistoriesoftheWorldgiveusthatknowledge;onlythattherewasageneralthoughtamongtheStudentsandtheMonstruwacansthatitlaybetweentheNorth-WestandtheNorth-East.Butnomanhadanysurety;neithercouldanyconceiveofthedistancefromusofthatRefuge.

Andcountingallthis,therewasyettheincredibledangerandperiloftheNightLand,andthehungeranddesolationoftheOuterLands,whichweresometimesnamedtheUnknownLands.

AndIspokemuchwithNaaniconcerningthismatteroftheirposition;yetneithershenorherfather,theMasterMonstruwacanofthatRefuge,hadanyknowingeitherofourposition;onlythattheBuilderoftheLesserRedoubthadcomeoutoftheSouthwardWorldintheBeginning,astheyhadknowledgeofbytheRecords.

Also,thefatherofNaanisetthatancientCompasstobear;for,ashemadeexplanationtousthroughtheInstrument,sogreatapoweroftheEarth-Currentmustbeoursthat,perchanceitwasourforcewhichdidaffectthepointerfromsteadfastness.For,indeed,theneedledidswinginanarc,asweheard,thatheldbetweentheNorthandtheSouth;withintheWestwardarc;butthisithaddone

everwiththem,andsowasaveryhelplessguide;savethat,maybe,aswehadthought,theforceoftheEarth-Currentthatwaswithus,hadintruthsomepowertopulltheneedletowardsus.Andifthisweresoofverity,wemadeareckoningthatsettheLesserRedoubttotheNorth;andtheydidlikewise,andputustotheSouth;yetwasitallbuiltuponthesandofguess-work;andnothingtoadventurethelifeandsoulupon.

Nowwe,ofcuriosity;thoughamilliontimeshaditbeendoneinthepastages,setthecompassbeforeus,havingitfromtheGreatMuseum.But,aseverinthatage,itdidspinifwebutstirredtheneedle,andwouldstopnowhereswithsurety,fortheflowoftheEarth-Currentfromthe"Crack"beneaththePyramidhadapowertoaffectitawayfromtheNorth,andtosetitwandering.AndthismayseemverystrangetothispresentAge;yettothat,itwasmosttruetotheseemingnatureofthings;andhardertobelievethateveritdidoncepointsteadfastly,toproveaguideofsureness,andunfailing.

For,beitknown,weknewthepositionsoftheLandbytradition,comingfromthatancienttimewhen,intheHalf-GloomtheyhadbuildedthePyramid;theyhavingknowntheuseofthatancientcompass,andwithsightoftheSunhadnamedthePositions;thoughweofthatfarfuturedayhadforgottentheverybeginningsofthoseNamesofDirection;andusedthembutbecauseourfathersdidamillionyearsandmore.Andlikewisewedidthesamewiththenamesofthedayandthenightandtheweeksandthemonthsandtheyears;thoughofthevisiblemarkingsofthesetherewasnothingbutonlyandalwaystheeverlastingnight;yetthesameseemingverynaturaltothatpeople.

Now,Naani,havingheedtomyconstantquestions,cravedwithanutterkeenhungerthatImightcometoher;butyetforbadeit,inthatitwerebettertoliveandcommuneinthespirit,thantoriskmysoul,andmayhapsdie,inthefoolishnessoftryingtofindherinallthedarknessofthedeadworld.Yet,noheedhadItakenofhercommands,hadIbutknownofasuretythedirectioninwhichshemightbediscovered;andgainedsomeknowledgeofthespacebetween,forthismightbenamedbythousandsofmiles,orbutbyhundreds;thoughagreatdistanceitwassurely.

Yet,oneotherthingtherewas,thathaspointinthisplace;forwhenIsentmyspeechoutintothenight,usingmybrain-elements,Icametoknowthat,whetherIhadaknowledgeoftheNorth,ornoknowledgeatthemoment,yetdidIturnoftwithasureinstinctiontothatDirection.Andofthis,theMaster

Monstruwacantookverygreatnote,andhadmetoexperimentmanyatimeandway,andsoenclosedaboutwithscreens,orwithbandagesacrossmineeyes,thatIcouldnot,savebythatinwardKnowing,haveanyknowledgetopointmetheway.YetwouldIturnNorthwardsveryfrequent,byacertainfeeling;andseemedunableofspeech,ifIwereturnedotherwisebyforce.

ButwhenweaskedNaaniwhethershehadanunusualnessinthismatter,shecoulddiscovernone;andwecouldbuttakenotecuriouslyofthatwhichaffectedmyhabits;andwhichtrulyIsettotheattractingofherspirit;forIhadmindthatshedidbesomewheresoutthatwayinthedarknessoftheworld;butyetwasthisnomorethantosuppose,asyouperceive.

AndtheMasterMonstruwacanwroteastudyofthismatteroftheNorthwardnessofmyturning;anditwassetoutintheHour-SlipsoftheTowerofObservation;andsoitcametobecopiedbytheHour-Slipsofthegreatcities,andmademuchcomment,andmuchcallinguptomethroughthehomeinstruments;sothatwiththis,andthespeechthatwentaboutconcerningmypowerstohear,Iwasmuchintalk,anddiverselypleasedandoftangeredbyovermuchattentionandimportunity.

Andnow,whilstIponderedthismatterinallmyspiritandbeing,howthatIshouldsomewaycometoNaani,therebefellaveryterriblething.AndinthiswisemustItellit:

Itwasattheseventeenthhour,whenallthemillionsoftheMightyPyramidslept,thatIwaswiththeMasterMonstruwacanintheTowerofObservationtakingmydueturn.Andsudden,Iheardthethrillingoftheaetherallaboutme,andthevoiceofNaaniinmysoul,speaking.AndIsenttheMaster-Wordintothedarknessoftheworld,andpresently,Iheardthesolemnanswerbeatingsteadfastlyinthenight;andimmediatelyIcalledtoNaaniwithmybrain-elements,toknowwhatthingtroubledherinhersleep.

Andhervoicecameintomyspirit,weakandfarandfaint,andsothatscarceIcouldmaketohearthewords.Yet,inawhileIgatheredthatallthepeoplesoftheLesserRedoubtwereinverydeadlytrouble;forthattheEarth-Currenthadfailedsuddenlyandmightily;andtheyhadcalledherfromhersleep,thatshemightlistenwhetherweansweredtheircallingsbytheInstrument;but,indeed,nocallinghadcometous.

Andtheywhohadbeenoflatesojoyful,werenowgrownoldwithsorrowinbutanhourortwo;fortheyfearedthatthefreshcomingoftheEarth-Currenthadbeenbutthefinalflickerandoutburstbeforetheend.And,eveninthisshortwhileofourspeech,diditseemtomethatthevoiceofNaanigrewfurtherofffromme;andIfeltliketohavebrokenmyheartwiththetroubleofthisthing.

Andthroughallthatremainedofthatsleep-time,didIconversewithNaani,asmighttwoloverswhoshallpresentlypartforever.Andwhenthecitiesawoke,thenewswentthroughoutthem,andallourmillionswereinsorrowandtrouble.

Andthuswasitfor,maybe,alittlemonth;andinthattimehadthevoiceofNaanigrownsoweakandfar-offthatevenIthathadtheNight-Hearing,couldscarcemakerealitsmeaning.Andeverywordwastomeatreasureandatouchuponmysoul;andmygriefandtroublebeforethiscertainpartingdrovemethatIcouldnoteat,neitherhaverest;andthisdidtheMasterMonstruwacantakeuponhimtochideandcorrect;forthat,ifanyweretohelp,howshoulditbedoneifIthathadtheNight-Hearing,andheardevennowthattherecordingInstrumentsweredumb,cametoill-health.

Andbecauseofthis,andsuchwisdomaswasmine,ImadetoeatandordermylifethatImighthavemyfullpowers.Yetwasthisbeyondallmystrength;for,presently,IknewthatthepeopleoftheLesserPyramidwerethreatenedbythemonstersthatbesetthem;andlaterIhadknowledgefromfaint,farwordswhisperedinmybrain,thattherehadbeenafightwithanoutsideForcethathadharmedmanyintheirminds;sothatinmadnesstheyhadopenedthegateandhadrunfromtheLesserPyramid,outintothedarknessoftheLandsaboutthem;andtherehadtheirphysicalbodiesfallentothemonstersofthoseLands;butoftheirsoulswhomayknow?

Andthis,wesetassuredlytothefailureoftheEarth-Current,whichhadrobbedthemofallforceandpower;sothat,inthosefewweeksalllifeandjoyoflivinghadleftthem;andneitherhungernorthirsthadthey,much,noranygreatdesiretolive;butyetanewandmightyfearofdeath.Andthisdothseemverystrange.

And,asmaybethought,allthismadethePeoplesoftheGreatRedoubtthinknewlyoftheEarth-Currentthatissuedfromthe"Crack"beneaththePyramid;andoftheirlatterend;sothatmuchwaswritintheHour-Slipsconcerningthismatter;yetinthemaintoassureusthatweourselvesmighteachbefreefromadisturbedheart;thoughsomewentfoolishlytotheotherevent,andspokeofa

speedydangertous,likewise;asisevertheway.Butthetruthofourowncaselay,maybe,somewherebetween.

AndalltheHour-Slipswerefullalsoofimaginingsoftheterrorofthosepoorhumansoutinthedarknessoftheworld,facingthatendwhichmustcomeuponall,evenuponourmightyPyramid;though,asmostwouldbelieve,sofarawayinsomefutureeternity,thatwehavenocausetotrouble.

AndthereweresadpoemswrittothepeoplesofthatLesserRedoubt,andfoolishplanssetabouttorescuethem;butnonetoputthemtoeffect;andnowaybywhichsogreatathingmightbedone;anddothbutshowhowlooselypeoplewillspeakoutofanover-security.Yettome,therehadcomeacertainknowledgethatImustmaketheadventure,thoughIachievednaughtsavemineownend.Yet,itwerebettertoceasequickly,thanthatIshouldfeel,asnowIdidfeel.

Thatsamenight,intheEighteenthHour,therewasagreatdisturbanceintheaetherabouttheMightyPyramid;andIwasawakenedsuddenlybytheMasterMonstruwacan;thatImightusemygiftoftheNight-HearingtohearkenforthethrobbingoftheMaster-Word,whichtheyhadthoughttocomevaguelythroughtheInstruments;butnooneoftheMonstruwacanswassensitiveenoughofsoultoaccounttrulywhetherthiswasso.

Andlo!asIsatupinthebed,therecamethesoundoftheMaster-Word,beatinginthenightaboutthePyramid.Andimmediatelytherewasacryingintheaetherallaboutme:"Wearecoming!Wearecoming!"

Andmineinwardsleapedandsickenedmeamoment,soshakenwasIwithasuddenbelief;forthemessageseemedsomewaystocometomefromveryneartotheGreatRedoubt;asthattheywhosentitwerenightohand.

And,forthwith,IcalledtheMaster-Wordintothenight;butnoanswerdidtherecomeforawhile,andthenafaintthrillingoftheaetheraboutme,andtheweakpulseoftheMaster-Wordinthenight,sentbyafarvoice,strangelydistant.AndIknewthatthevoicewasthevoiceofNaani;andIputaquestionthroughallthedarknessofthedeadworld,whethershewerewithintheLesserRedoubt,andsafethusfar.

Andpresently,therecameafaintdisturbanceaboutme,andasmallvoiceinmysoul,speakingweaklyandoutofaninfinitedistance;andIknewthatfaraway

throughthenightNaanispokefeebly,withherbrain-elements;andthatsheabodewithintheLesserPyramid;butthatshetoohadheardthatstrangepulseoftheMaster-Wordinthenight,andthatmessage:"Wearecoming!Wearecoming!"Andvastlyhadthisthingdisturbedher,wakingherwithinhersleep;sothatsheknewnotwhattothink;savethatweweredevisingsomemethodtocometothem.ButthisIremovedfromdoubt,sayingthatshemustnotbuildonvainhoping;forIwouldnothaveherdoublytorturedbythevanityofsuchbelieving.And,thereafter,havingsaidsuchthingsasImight,thoughfewtheywere,tocomforther,Ibadeher,gently,tosleep;andturnedtherewithtotheMasterMonstruwacan,whowaitedinquietpatience;andhadnoknowledgeofthatwhichIhadheardandsent;forhishearingwasbutthenormal;thoughhisbrainandheartweresuchasmademetolovehim.

AndItoldtheMasterMonstruwacanmanythingsasIputmyclothingaboutme;howthattherehadindeedbeenthecallingoftheMaster-Word;butnotbyanyofthatLesserRedoubt;butthat,tomybelief,ithadcomefromnighabouttheGreatPyramid.Moreover,itwassentbynoinstrument;asIwottedthathedidguess;but,asitseemedtome,bythebrain-elementsofmany,callinginunison.

AndallthisdidIsetouttotheMasterMonstruwacan;andwithsomethinguncertainoffearandtroubleinmyheart;yetwithablindexpectation;as,indeed,whowouldnot.Though,nolongerwasIshakenbythatfirstthoughtofHernearness.

AndIsaidtotheMasterMonstruwacanthatweshouldgototheTowerofObservation,andsearchtheNightLandswiththegreatspy-glass.

Andwedidthis,andlo!presently,wesawagreatnumberofmenpassovertheElectricCirclethatwentaboutthePyramid;yettheycamenottous;butwentoutwardstowardstheblacknessandthestrangefiresandhideousmysteriesoftheNightLand.Andweceasedfromspying,andlookedswiftlyatoneanother,andknewinourheartsthatsomehadlefttheMightyPyramidintheSleep-Time.

ThentheMasterMonstruwacansentwordtotheMasterWatchmanthathiswardershiphadbeenoutraged,andthatpeopleleftthegreatPyramidintheSleep-Time;forthiswasagainsttheLaw;andnoneeverwentoutintotheNightLand,savetheFullWatchwerepostedtotheGreatDoor;andataduetime,whenallwerewakeful;fortheOpeningOfTheDoorwasmadeknowntoalltheMillionsoftheGreatRedoubt;sothatallmightbeaware;andknowthatno

foolishnesswasdonewithouttheirwotting.

Moreover,ereanyhadpowertoleavethePyramid,theymustpassTheExamination,andBePrepared;andsomeofthishaveIsetoutalready.AndsosternwastheframingoftheLaw,thattherewereyetthemetalpegsupontheinnersideoftheGreatGate,wherehadbeenstretchedtheskinofonewhodisobeyed;andwasflayedandhishidesettheretobeawarningintheEarlyDays.Yetthetraditionwasremembered;for,asImightsayit,welivedverycloseabouttheplace;andMemoryhadnoroomwherebyshemightescape.

NowtheMasterWatchman,whenheheardthatwhichtheMasterMonstruwacanhadtotell,wenthastilywithsomeoftheCentralWatchfromtheWatch-Dome,totheGreatGate;andhefoundthemenoftheSleep-TimeWatch,withtheWarderoftheGate,allbound,andstoptinthemouth,sothatnonecouldmakeoutcry.

Andhefreedthem,andlearnedthatnighfivehundredyoungmen,fromtheUpperCities,bythebignessoftheirchests,hadcomeuponthemsuddenly,andboundthem,andescapedintothenightthroughtheEye-GateinthetopoftheGreatGate.

AndtheMasterWatchmanwasangry,anddemandedwhythatnonehadcalledbytheinstrumentsoftheWatchHouse;butlo!somehadmadetocallthus,andfoundthemunabletowaketherecorderswhichlayinthecentralWatch-Dome;fortherehadbeentampering.

Now,afterthis,theymadecertainnewrulesandLawsconcerningtheorderofWatching,andmadetestsofthelesserinstrumentsoftheinwardPyramid,nightly,uponthecomingoftheSleep-Time,whichwas,eveninthatstrangeage,bytraditioncalledtheNight,asIhavegivenhint;thoughhitherto,untilthewayofmystorywasknown,Ihaveusedawordforthesleephoursthatwasyetnotofthattime;butsomewhataninventiontomakethishistoryfreefromtheconfusionof"night"and"day,"when,intruth,itwasalwaysnightwithoutupontheworld.Yet,afterthis,shallIkeeptomineusetheluxuryofthetruenamesofthattime;andyet,howstrangeisitthatthetruthshouldbeofsolittletoourthinking.

Andsotogoforwardwithmytelling;for,thoughallthiscarewerenowtaken,ithadnoforceuntilafterward;andatthismomentwerethosepoorfoolishyouths

outinallthedangeroftheNightLand,andnowaybywhichtheymightbesuccoured,orcalledback;savethatFearorWisdomshouldcometothemquickly,thattheyceasefromsowildanattempt.Foritwastomakerescueofthoseinthatother,unknownPyramid,outinallthedarknessoftheWorld'sNightthatwastheirintent,aswehadspeedyknowledgefromthoseboonfriendsthathadbeeninthesecretoftheirplot,whichhadseemedtothemgreatandheroic;andwasso,inverity,butthatneithertheywhowent,northeywhostayed,hadatrueawarednessofthedangertheyhaddealingwith,beingallnaughtbutrawandcrudeyouths;yet,doubtless,withthemakingsofmanyfineandgreatmenamongthem.

AndbecausesomehadthusabettedthatwhichtheyknewtobeagainsttheLaw,whichwasframedtothewell-beingandsafetyofall,therewerecertainfloggings,whichmightthebetterhelptheirmemoriesinthefutureastothepropernessoftheiractionsandwisdom.

Moreover,theywhoreturned,ifany,wouldbeflogged,asseemedproper,afterdueexamination.Andthoughthenewsoftheirbeatingsmighthelpallotherstohesitation,eretheydidfoolishly,inlikefashion,yetwastheprincipleofthefloggingnotonthisbase,whichwouldbebothimproperandunjust;butonlythattheoneinquestionbecorrectedtothebestadvantageforhisownwell-being;foritisnotmeetthatanyprincipleofcorrectionshouldshapetothemakingofhumansignpostsofpainforthebenefitofothers;forinverity,thisweretomakeonepaythecostofmany'slearning;andeachshouldowetopayonlysomuchasshallsufficefortheteachingofhisownbodyandspirit.Andifothersprofitthereby,thisisbutaccident,howeverhelpful.Andthisiswisdom,anddenotethnowthatasoundPrincipleshallpreventPracticefrombecomingmonstrous.

Yet,nowImusthastenthatIsetdownhowitfaredwiththosefivehundredyouthsthathadmadesosadanadventureoftheirlivesandunpreparedsouls;andwerebeyondouraidtohelpthem,whomightnotsomuchasmakeanycallingtothem,tobidthemtoreturn;fortodothiswouldhavebeentotelltoalltheMonstersoftheLandthathumanswereabroadfromtheMightyPyramid.

Andthiswouldhavebeentocausethemonsterstosearchtheyouthsouttotheirdestruction,andmaybeeventoawakentheForcestoworkthemsomedreadSpiritualharm,whichwasthechiefFear.

Now,presently,throughallthecitiesoftheGreatRedoubt,thenewshadgonehowthatfivehundredfoolishYouthshadadventuredoutintothedespairoftheNightLand;andthewholePyramidwakedtolife,andthePeoplesoftheSouthcametotheNorthernsides,fortheGreatGatelayintheNorth-Westside;andtheYouthshadmadefromthere,notstraightlyoutwards,buttowardstheNorth;andsoweretobeseenfromtheNorth-Eastembrasures,andfromthosewithintheNorth-Westwall.

Andthus,inawhileweretheywatchedbyallthemightymultitudesoftheGreatPyramid,throughmillionsofspy-glasses;foreachhumanhadaspying-glass,asmaybethought;andsomewereanhundredyearsold,andsome,maybetenthousand,andhandeddownthroughmanygenerations;andsomebutnewlymade,andverystrange.ButallthosepeoplehadsomeinstrumentbywhichtheymightspyoutuponthewonderoftheNightLand;forsohaditbeeneverthroughalltheeternityofdarkness,andagreatdiversionandwonderoflifewasittobeholdthemonstersabouttheirwork;andtoknowthattheyplottedalwaystoourdestruction;yetwereeverfoiled.

AndneverdidallthatgreatandterribleLandgrowstaleuponthesoulofany,frombirthuntildeath;andbythisyoushallknowtheconstantwonderofit,andthatsenseofenemiesinthenightaboutus,whicheverfilledtheheartandspiritofallBeholders;sothatneverweretheembrasuresutterlyempty.

Yet,manybeheldnottheLandfromtheembrasures;butsatabouttheView-Tables,whichweresetproperlyincertainplacesthroughoutthecities,andsobeheldtheNightLand,withoutunduecranings,orpoisingofspy-glasses,thoughlessplain-seen.AndthesesametablesweresomeformofthatwhichweofthisagenameCameraObscura;butmadeverygreat,andwithinventions,andlowtothefloor,sothattenthousandpeoplemightsitaboutthemintheraisedgalleries,andhavecomfortablesight.Yetthisattractednottheyoungpeople,savetheywerelovers;andthen,intruth,weretheycomfortableseatsforquietnessandgentlewhisperings.

Yetnow,asmaybesupposed,withallthePeoplesoftheMightyPyramidgrowneagertolooktowardsonepartoftheNightLand,theembrasureswerehidinthecrowds;andsuchascouldgainnoviewtherethrough,throngedabouttheView-Tables.Andsowasitinallthehoursofleisure;sothatwomenhadscarcepatiencetoattendtheirchildren;butmusthastentowatchagain,thatlonesomebandoffoolishyouthsmakingsoblindandunshapedatrialtocomeuponthat

unknownLesserRedoubt,somewhereoutinallthenightoftheworld.

Andinthiswisepassedthreedaysandnights;yetbothinthesleep-timeandthetimeofwakingdidgreatmultitudesceasenottowatch;sothatmanywenthungryforsleep,asintruthdidI.AndsometimeswesawthoseYouthswithplainness;butothertimestheywerelosttooursightintheuttershadowsoftheNightLand.Yet,bythetellingofourinstruments,andthesenseofmyhearing,therewasnoawarednessamongtheMonsters,andtheForcesofEvil,thatanywereabroadfromthePyramid;sothatalittlehopecameintoourheartsthatyettheremightbenotragedy.

Andtimes,wouldtheyceasefromtheirway,andsitaboutincirclesamongtheshadowsandthegreymoss-bushes,whichgrewhardlyhereorthereabout.Andweknewthattheyhadfoodwiththemtoeat;forthiscouldweseewithplainness,assomeodd,grimflareoflightfromtheinfernalfiresstruckupononeoranotherstrangely,andpassed,andlefttheminthedarkness.

Andwhoofyoushallconceivewhatwasintheheartsofthefathers,andthemothersthatboretheyouths,andwhoneverceasedawayfromtheNorthwardembrasures;butspiedoutinterrorandintears,andmaybeoftwithsogoodglassesasdidshowthemtheveryfeaturesandlookuponthefaceofsonandson.

Andthekinofthewatchersbroughttothemfood,andtendedthem,sothattheyhadnoneedtoceasefromtheirwatching;andbedsweremadeintheembrasures,roughandresourceful,thattheymightsleepquicklyalittle;yetbeeverready,ifthosecruelMonsterswithoutmadediscoveryofthosetheirchildren.

ThriceinthosethreedaysofjourneyingtotheNorthward,didtheYouthssleep,andweperceivedthatsomekeptawatch,andsoknewthattherewasakindoforderandleadershipamongthem;also,theyhadeachhisweaponuponhiship,andthisgavetousafurtherpleatohope.

Andconcerningthissamecarryingofweapons,IcanbutsetoutherethatnohealthfulmaleorfemaleinalltheMightyPyramidbutpossessedsuchaweapon,andwastrainedtoitfromchildhood;sothataripeandextraordinaryskillintheusethereofwascommontomost.YetsomebreakingofRulehadtherebeen,thattheYouthshadeachachievedtobearmed;fortheweaponswerestoredinevery

tenthhouseofthecities,inthecareofthecharging-masters.

AndhereImustmakeknownthattheseweaponsdidnotshoot;buthadadiskofgreymetal,sharpandwonderful,thatspunintheendofarodofgreymetal,andweresomewayschargedbytheEarth-Current,sothatwereanybutstrickenthereby,theywerecutintwainsoeasyasaught.AndtheweaponswerecontrivedtotherepellingofanyArmyofMonstersthatmightmaketowinentrancetotheRedoubt.Andtotheeyetheyhadsomewhatthelookofstrangebattle-axes,andmightbelengthenedbythepullingoutofthehandles.

Now,theYouthsmade,asIhavetold,totheNorthward;buthadfirsttokeepalongwaytotheNorth-East,thattheymightcomeclearoftheValeofRedFire.Andthiswisetheyjourneyed,andkepttheValeaboutsevenmilestotheNorth-Westofthem,andsowerepresentlybeyondtheWatcheroftheNorth-East,andgoingwithagreaterfreedom,andhavinglesscaretohide.

Andthisway,itmaybe,certainofthegiants,wandering,perceivedthem,andwentswiftlytomakeattackanddestroythem.Butsomeorderwentaboutamongtheyouths,andtheymadealongline,withacertainspacebetweeneach,becauseoftheterroroftheirweapon,andimmediately,itseemed,theGiantswereuponthem,ascoreandseventheywere,andseemingtobehairedliketomightycrabs,asIsawwiththeGreatSpy-Glass,whenthegreatflaresoffarandmightyfiresthrewtheirfiercelightacrosstheDarkLands.

Andtherewasaverygreatandhorridfight;fortheYouthsbrokeintocirclesabouteachoftheGiants,andmanyofthoseyoungmenweretorninpieces;buttheysmotetheMonstersfrombehindanduponeveryside,andweoftheMightyPyramidcouldbeholdattimesthegrey,strangegleamoftheirweapons;andthejetherwasstirredaboutmebythepassingofthosethatdied;yet,byreasonofthegreatmiles,theirscreamscamenottous,neitherheardwetheroarsoftheMonsters;butintoourhearts,evenfromthatgreatdistanceandsafety,therestoletheterrorofthoseawesomeBrutes;andintheGreatSpy-GlassIcouldbeholdthegreatjointsandlimbsande'en,Ithought,thefoulsweatofthem;andtheirsizeandbrutishnesswasliketothatofoddandmonstrousanimalsoftheoldenworld;yetparthuman.AnditmustbebornetomindthattheFathersandtheMothersofthoseYouthsbeheldallthisdreadfightfromtheembrasures,andtheirotherkinlikewisewatched,andaverydrearsightwasittotheirheartsandtheirhuman,naturalfeelings,andliketobreedoldage,ereitsdue.

Then,inatime,thefightceased;forofthosesevenandtwentyGiantBrutesthereremainednone;onlythattherecumberedthegroundsevenandtwentylumberinghillocks,dreadfulandgrim.Forthelesserdeadwecouldnotseeproper.

AndwethatwerewithinthePyramidsawtheYouthssortedtogetherbytheirleaders,allinthedimtwilightofthatplace;andwiththeGreatSpy-GlassImadearoughcount,andfoundthattherelivedofthem,threehundred;andbythisshallyouknowthepowerofthosefewmonstrousthings,whichhadslainfulltwohundred,thougheachyouthwasarmedwithsowondrousaweapon.AndIsetthewordthroughthePyramid,thatallmighthavesomeknowledgeofthenumberthathaddied;foritwasbettertoknow,thantobeindoubt.Andnospy-glasshadthepowerofTheGreatSpy-Glass.

Afterthisfight,theyouthsspentatimehavingacaretotheirbodiesandwounds;andsomeweremadeseparatefromtheothers,andoftheseIcounteduponfifty;andwhilsttheothersmadetocontinuetheirmarchtowardstheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk,thesewereconstrainedbyonewhowastheLeader,toreturntothePyramid.Andinalittle,Isawthattheycametowardsus,wearilyandwithmanyahalt,asthattheysufferedgreatwoundsandharmofthefight.

Butthoseothers(maybetwohundredandfiftyYouths)wentonwardsintotheNightLand;andthoughwesorrowedatthisthing;yetwastherecomeahugeprideintoourheartsthatthoserawones,whoyesterdaywerebutchildren,hadsoheldthemselvesinthebattle,anddoneagreatdeedthatday.AndIwotthatwhilsttheirmotherswept,easeless,theirfathers'heartsswelledwithinthem,andheldsomewhatoftheirPainawayfromthemforatime.

Andallthiswhile,thosewoundedYouthscameslowly,andrested,andcameonagain,thebetterhelpingtheworse;andagreatexcitementandtroubletherewasinalltheMightyPyramid,tolearnwhichweretheythatcame,andtheythatwent,andwholayouttherequietlyamongtheslain.Butnonemightsayanythingwithsurety;for,evenwiththatgreatspy-glassintheTowerofObservation,theywerenotoverplain;savewhensomelightfromthefiresoftheLandflaredhigh,andlitthem.Fortheystoodnotupintotheglareofthefires,ashadtheGiants.AndthoughIsawthemwithclearness,yetIknewthemnot;fortherewassomightyamultitudeinthatVastRedoubt,thatnonemighteverknowthehalfevenoftheirrulers.

Andaboutthistime,therecameafreshmatteroftroubletoourminds;foroneoftheMonstruwacansmadereportthattheinstrumentswererecordinganinfluenceabroadinthenight;sothatwehadknowledgethatoneoftheEvilForceswasOut.AndtometherecameanawarednessthatastrangeunquietstoleovertheLand;yetIknewitnotwithmineears;butmyspiritheard,anditwasasthoughtroubleandanexpectationofhorrordidswarmaboutme.

Andonce,listening,IheardtheMaster-Wordbeatingstrangelylow,andIknewtheaethertothrillaboutme,andafaintstirringwasthereinmysoul,asofafaintvoice,speaking;andIknewthatNaanicalledtomesomemessageacrossthenightoftheworld;yetweakandcomingwithoutclearmeaning;sothatIwastormentedandcouldbutsendcomforttoher,withmybrain-elements.AndpresentlyIknewthatsheceasedtospeak.

And,later,IheardthattherewasanewmatterforwardintheRedoubt;fortenthousandmenhadassembledtoattendtheRoomofPreparationfortheShortPreparation;andbythisweknewthatthosepoorYouthswhostumbledtowardsusthroughthedark,werepresentlytohavehelp.

AndthroughallthatSleep-Time,therewentforwardtheSpiritualandthePhysicalPreparationofthetenthousand;anduponthemorrowtheyslept,whilstanhundredthousandmadereadytheirarms.

AndinthisspaceoftimethetwohundredandfiftyYouthsthatwenttowardstheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk,hadcomeverynighthereto;havinggoneverywarilyandwithsomeslowness,because,asmaybe,ofthelessonoftheGiants.

AndtousinthePyramid,theinstrumentsmadeknownconstantlythatInfluencewhichwasabroad,andwhichallthoseoftheTowerofObservationthoughttoproceedfromtheHouseofSilence.Yet,nothingcouldweseewiththeGreatSpy-Glass,andsocouldcometonosureknowing;butonlytofearandwonder.

And,presently,theYouthswereupontheGreatRoad,andturnedtotheNorthward.Andbeyondthem,agreatway,stoodtheHouseofSilence,uponalowhillatacertaindistancetotherightoftheRoad.

Bynow,theythatwerewoundedhadcometowithin,maybe,fifteenmilesoftheGreatRedoubt;andthenewswentthroughalltheCities,thatthetenthousandmenthatwerePrepared,madetoarmthemselves.AndIwentdownbytheTowerLift,andsawthemcomedownbythousandsfromtheRoomofPreparation;andnonemightgonightothem,orcausethemtospeak;fortheyweremadeReady,andwere,asitmightbe,holy.

AndallthemillionsoftheMightyPyramidstoodintheircitiesaboutcertainoftheMainLifts,andwatchedthosethousandsgodownwards,allintheirarmourofgreymetal,andeachonearmedwiththeDiskos,whichwasthatsameveryterribleweapon,whichallhadtrainingto.

AndIdoubtnotbutthattheYoungMenofthePyramidlooked,withlongingintheirhearts,thattheymighthavebeenamongthosethatwentforthtosuccour.Yet,theoldermenhadgraverthoughtsintheirhearts;forthebloodranmoresoberlyinthem,andtheyhadknowledgeandmemoryofthePeril.Andbythis,IwouldmakeclearthatIspeaklessoftheperilofthebody,whichiscommontoeverystateoflife;butoftheperilofthespirit.

Anditmaybethoughtbythoseofthisage,thatitwasmoststrangethattheyofthat,havingalltheknowledgeofeternitytoaidthem,hadnoweaponbywhichtoshoot,andkillatadistance.

But,indeed,thishadnotbeensointhepast;asourHistoriesdidshow;forsomewondrousweaponstherehadbeen,thatmightslaywithoutsoundorflashatafullscoremilesandmore;andsomewehadwholewithintheGreatMuseum;andofothersbutthepartsindecay;fortheyhadbeenfoolishthings,andrecklesstouse;forweofthatGreatPyramid,wantednottokillafewoftheMonstersthatlayatagreatdistance;butonlythosewhichcamenigh,toharmus.

Andconcerningthosesameweaponsthatkilledsilentlyatagreatdistance,wehadnowlittleknowledge,savethattheydidwastetheEarth-Current;andnopracticehadweconcerningtheirworkings;foritwas,maybe,anhundredthousandyearsgonethattheyhadbeenused,andfoundtobeofnogreatworth

inacloseattack,andharmfulotherwisetothepeace,inthattheyangered,unneedful,theForcesofthatland,slayingwantonlythosemonsterswhichdidnomorethanbesettheMightyRedoubtatagreatdistance.For,asmaybeseenbyalittlethought,wedidverygladlykeepareasonablequietness,andrefrainedfromaughtthatshouldwakethatLand;forwewereborntothecustomofthatstrangelife,andlivedanddiedinpeace,forthemostpart;andwereverycontenttohavesecurity,andtobeneutralinallthingsthatdidnotoverbearus;but,asitwere,alwaysarmed,andready.

ButconcerningthegreatandEvilForcesthatwereabroadintheNightLand,thesewehadnopowertoharm;norcouldwehopeformorethanthatwehadsecurityfromthem,whichindeedwehad;butthehugenessoftheirpowerwasaboutus,andwedarednottowakeit;savethroughsuchextremityashadcometopassbythisfollyoftheYouths;though,evennow,wehadnothoughttoattackaught;butonlytosuccourthosewoundedones.

Andconcerningthissimplicityofweapons,whichexcitessomewhatevenmywonderinthisourpresentage,itmaybethatthepowersofchemistryweresomewaysquaintlylimitedbyconditionsinthatage;andtheretobealwaysaneedtosparetheEarth-Current;andhence,bythiscauseandbythat,wewerebrought,bytheextreme,nightothesimplicityoftheearlyworld;yetwithastrangeandmightydifference,asallmayknowwhohaveread.

Now,presently,theWordwassenttoeveryCitythroughouttheGreatRedoubt—aswastheLaw—thattheGreatGateshouldbeopened;andeachcitysentitsMaster,toformtheFullWatch,aswastheLaw.Andeachwentcladingreyarmour,andcarryingtheDiskos.AndtheFullWatchnumbered,twothousand;fortherewerealsotheWatchmen.

ThenthelightsintheGreatCausewayweremadedim;sothattheopeningoftheGateshouldcastnogreatglarefromwithinintotheNightLand,totelltheWatcheroftheNorth-West,andalltheMonsters,thatcertainhumanswentoutfromtheMightyPyramid.ButwhetherthevastandhiddenForcesofEvilhadknowledge,weknewnot;andtheywhowentmustbutchanceit,rememberingthattheywerePrepared,andhadtheCapsule.

AndthetenthousandthatwerePrepared,wentoutthroughtheGreatGateway,intothenight;andtheFullWatchstoodbackfromthem,andspokenoword,butsalutedsilentlywiththeDiskos;andtheythatwent,raisedeachtheDiskosa

little,andpassedoutintothedark.

ThentheGreatGatewasshut;andwemadetowaitandtowatch,withtroubleandexpectationwithinourhearts.Andattheembrasuresmanydidcomfortthewomenofthosemen.

AndIwentback,upwardsbymiles,untilIcametotheTowerofObservation;andIlookedoutfromthereintotheNightLand,andsawthatthetenthousandhaltedattheCircle,andmadearrangementofthemselves,andsentsomebeforeanduponeitherhand,andsowentforwardintotheNightLand.

Andafterthat,IwenttotheGreatSpy-Glass,andturnedittowardsthetwohundredandfiftyYouthsthatwerefaroff,upontheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk;yetforawhileIcouldnotperceivethem,foralltheRoadseemedempty.ButafterwardIsawthem,andtheywereclamberingbackintotheRoad,havinggoneaside,asIthought,becauseofthepassingofoneofthoseSilentOnes,thatIsawnowatadistancetotheSouthwardofthem.

Therepassedthen,somethreehours;andinthattimeIvariedmywatchingbetweenthosefar-offYouths,andtheTen-thousandthatwentforwardtosuccourthewounded,thatwerenow,maybe,scarceninemilesdistantfromtheMightyPyramid,andtheTen-thousandcameveryclosetothem.And,intruth,inalittlewhile,theyspiedonetheother,andIgathered,inspirit,somethingoftherejoicingofthoseyouths;yetweakandtroubledwerethey,becauseoftheirwounds,andtheirknowledgeoffailure,andtheirdisobedienceoftheLaw.

And,presently,theyweresurroundedbytheTen-thousand,andcarrieduponslings;andallthatbodyswungroundtowardsthePyramid,andcamebackatagreatpace.

And,inthesametime,Iheardthesoundthatmadethemsoswifttohasten;fortheresmoteupthroughthenighttheBayingoftheHounds;andweknewthattheywerediscovered.AndIswepttheGreatSpy-GlassovertheLand,towardstheValleyOfTheHounds,thatImightdiscoverthemquickly;andIsawthemcomelumbering,atastrangegallop,andgreatashorses,anditmightbeonlytenmilestotheEast.

AndIlookedonceupontheWatcheroftheNorth-East,andIsawandmarvelledthatthegreatbell-earquiveredconstantly;andIknewthatithadknowledge,andgavesignaltoalltheLand.ThendidoneoftheMonstruwacansreportthatanew

andterribleInfluencewasabroadintheLand;andbytheinstrument,wehadknowledgethatitapproached;andsomeoftheMonstruwacanscalledfoolishlywithweakvoicestotheTen-thousandtohaste;forgetting,anddesiringonlytheirsafetyfromthatwhichcamenear.

Then,lookingwiththeGreatSpy-Glass,IsawthattheremovedacrosstheLand,fromthedirectionofthePlainofBlueFire,amightyHump,seemingofBlackMist,andcamewithprodigiousswiftness.AndIcalledtotheMasterMonstruwacan,thathecomeandlookthroughoneoftheeye-piecesthatwereabouttheGreatSpy-Glass;andhecamequickly,andwhenhehadlookedawhile,hecalledtotheMonstruwacanthathadmadereport.AndtheMonstruwacananswered,andrepliedthattheInfluencedrewnearer,bythereadingoftheinstrument;yetofthethingitselfthemanhadnosight.

AndIceasednottolook,andinalittlewhile,theHumpedthingpasseddownwardsintotheValeofRedFire,whichlayacrosstheLandthatway.ButIwatchedsteadfastly,andpresentlyIsawtheblackHumpclimbupfromtheValeofRedFireuponthisside,andcomethroughthenight,sothatinscarceaminuteithadcomehalfwayacrossthatpartoftheNightLand.

Andmyheartstoodquietwithfear,andtheutterterrorofthisMonster,whichIknewtobesurelyoneoftheGreatForcesofEvilofthatLand,andhadpower,withoutdoubt,todestroythespirit.AndtheMasterMonstruwacanleapttowardstheHome-Call,andsentthegreatSounddowntotheTen-thousand,thattheymightattend,andimmediately,hesignalledtothemtoBeware.Yet,alreadyIperceivedthattheyknewofthisUtterDangerthatwasuponthem;forIsawthemslaytheYouthsquickly,thattheirspiritsmightnotbelost;fortheywereUnprepared.Butthemen,beingPrepared,hadtheCapsule,andwoulddieswiftlyinthelastmoment.

IlookedagaintowardstheHump,andsawthatitcamelikeaHillofBlacknessintheLand,andwasalmostanigh.Thentherehappenedawonder;forinthatmomentwhenallhadelsegonequickly,thattheymightsavetheirsouls,outoftheearththererosealittleLight,liketothecrescentoftheyoungmoonofthisearlyday.Andthecrescentroseupintoanarchofbrightandcoldfire,glowingbutlittle;anditspannedabovetheTen-thousandandthedead;andtheHumpstoodstill,andwentbackwardsandwaspresentlylost.

AndthemencameswiftlytowardstheMightyPyramid.Yet,eretheywerecome

tosafety,theBayingoftheHoundssoundedcloseuponthem,andtheyfacedtothedanger;yet,asIcouldknow,withoutdespair,becausethattheyyetlivedaftersoenormousaperil.

AndtheHoundswereverynigh,asnowIbeheldwiththeGreatSpy-Glass;andIcountedfivescore,runningwithmightyheadslow,andinapack.Andlo!astheHoundscameatthem,theTen-thousanddrewapart,andhadaspacebetweenthemen,thattheymighthavefulluseofthatterribleDiskos;andtheyfoughtwiththehandlesatlength,andIsawthedisksspinandglistenandsendoutfire.

Thenwasthereaverygreatbattle;fortheLightthatarchedabovethem,andheldawayThePowerfromtheirsouls,madenottoprotectthemfromthisdangerofthelessermonsters.AndatanhundredthousandembrasureswithintheMightyPyramid,thewomencriedandsobbed,andlookedagain.Andinthelowercitiesitwastold,after,thatthePeoplescouldhearthecrashandsplinterofthearmour,astheHoundsrantoandfro,slaying;aye,eventhesoundofthearmourbetweentheirteeth.

Yet,theTen-thousandceasednottosmitewiththeDiskos;andtheyhewedtheHoundsinpieces;butofthementhatwentforth,therewereathousandandsevenhundredslainbytheHounds,erethemenwontovictory.

ThencamethatweariedbandofheroesbacktothehomeshelteroftheVastRedoubt;andtheyboretheirdeadwiththem,andtheYouthsthattheyslew.Andtheywerereceivedwithgreathonour,andwithexceedinggrief,andinagreatsilence;forthethingadmittednotofwords,untilatimehadpassed.AndinthecitiesofthePyramidtherewasmourning;fortherehadbeennosorrowlikeuntothisthrough,mayhap,anhundredthousandyears.

AndtheyboretheYouthstotheirMothersandtotheirFathers;andtheFatherofeachmadethankstothementhattheyhadsavedthesoulofhisson;butthewomenweresilent.Yet,neithertotheFathernortotheMother,wasevermadeknownthenameoftheslayers;forthismightnotbe;asallshallseewithalittlethought.

Andsomedidrememberthat,inverity,allwasduetotheunwisdomofthoseYouths,whohadheedednottheLawandtheirlife-teachings.Yethadtheypaidtotheuttermost,andpassedoutwards;andtheaccountoftheirDeedswasclosed.

AndallthiswhiledidgreatnumbersspytowardtheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk,thattheymightwatchthatbandofYouthsafarintheNightLand,whowentforwardamidthosehorriddangers.Yet,whenthedeadYouthshadbeenbroughtin,manyhadceasedtolookoutforatimeandhadturnedtoquestioning,andsomehadmadeinspectionthattheymightknowwhichhadcomeback,andwhichlayouttherewheretheGiantshadslainthem,orwentforwardtomoredreadfulmatters.

Butwhoofthosethatwereabroad,wereslain,orstillwentonward,wehadbutindifferentknowledge;thoughthemenoftheTen-thousandknewsomewhat,havinghadspeechwiththewoundedYouths,eretheyslewthem.And,asmaybethought,thesemenweresorelyquestionedbytheMothersandtheFathersofthoseYouthsthatwerenotaccountedof;yetIdoubtthatfewhadmuchknowledgewherewithtoconsolethem.

Nowtherewaspresently,intheGardenofSilence,whichwasthelowermostofalltheUndergroundFields,theEndingofthoseseventeenhundredheroes,andoftheYouthsthattheysavedandslew.AndtheGardenwasagreatcountry,andanhundredmileseveryway,andtheroofthereofwasthreegreatmilesabove,andshapedtoamightydome;asithadbeenthattheBuildersandMakersthereofdidrememberintheirspiritsthevisibleskyofthisourpresentage.

AndthemakingofthatCountrywasallsetoutinasingleHistoryofseventhousandandseventyVolumes.AndtherewerelikewiseseventhousandandseventyyearsspenttothemakingofthatCountry;sothattherehadunrememberedgenerationslivedandlabouredanddied,andseennottheendoftheirlabour.AndLovehadshapeditandhallowedit;sothatofallthewondersoftheworld,therehasbeennonethatshallevercomeanightothatCountryofSilence—anhundredmileseverywayofSilencetotheDead.

Andtherewereinthatroofsevenmoonssetinamightycircle,andlitbytheEarth-Current;andthecirclewassixtymilesacross,sothatallthatCountryofQuietwasvisible;yettonogreatglare,butasweetandholylight;sothatIdidalwaysfeelinmyheartthatamanmightweepthere,andbeunashamed.

AndinthemidstofthatsilentCountry,therewasagreathill,anduponthehillavastDome.AndtheDomewasfullofaLightthatmightbeseeninallthatCountry,whichwastheGardenofSilence.AndbeneaththeDomewasthe"Crack,"andwithinitthegloryoftheEarth-Current,fromwhichallhadlifeand

lightandsafety.AndintheDome,attheNorth,therewasagateway;andanarrowroadwentupwardtothegateway;andtheRoadwasnamedTheLastRoad;andtheGatewaywasnamedbynoname,butknowntoallasTheGateway.

AndtherewereinthatmightyCountry,longroadways,andhiddenmethodstohelptravel;andconstanttemplesofrestalongthemiles;andgroves;andthecharmofwater,falling.AndeverywheretheStatuesofMemory,andtheTabletsofMemory;andthewholeofthatGreatUndergroundCountryfullofanechoofEternityandofMemoryandLoveandGreatness;sothattowalkaloneinthatLandwastogrowbacktothewonderandmysteryofChildhood;andpresentlytogoupwardsagaintotheCitiesoftheMightyPyramid,purifiedandsweetenedofsoulandmind.

Andinmyboyhood,IhavewanderedoftaweekofdaysinthatCountryofSilence,andhadmyfoodwithme,andsleptquietlyamidthememories;andgoneonagain,wrappedaboutwiththequietoftheEverlasting.Andtheman-soulwithinwouldbedrawnmightilytothoseplaceswheretheGreatOnesofthepastEternityoftheWorldhadtheirMemorynamed;buttherewasthatwithinmewhicheverdrewme,intheending,totheHillsoftheBabes;thoselittlehillswheremightbeheardamidthelonesomenessofanutterquiet,astrangeandwondrousecho,asofalittlechildcallingoverthehills.ButhowthiswasIknownot,savebythesweetcunningofsomedeadMakerintheforgottenyears.

Andhere,mayhapsbyreasonofthisVoiceofPathos,weretobefoundthecountlessTokensofMemorytoallthebabesoftheMightyPyramid,throughathousandages.And,oddwhiles,wouldIcomeuponsomeMother,sittingtherelonely,ormayhapscompaniedbyothers.AndbythislittletellingshallyouknowsomewhatofthequietnessandthewonderandtheholinessofthatgreatCountryhallowedtoallMemoryandtoEternityandtoourDead.

Anditwashere,intotheCountryofSilence,thattheybroughtdowntheDeadtotheirBurial.AndtherecamedownintotheCountryofSilence,maybeanHundredMillion,outoftheCitiesofthePyramid,tobepresent,andtodoHonour.

NowtheythathadchargeoftheDead,didlaythemupontheroadwhichranupuntoTheGateway,eventhatsameroadwhichwasnamedTheLastRoad.AndtheRoadmovedupwardsslowlywiththeDead;andtheDeadwentinward

throughTheGateway;firstthepoorYouths,andafterwardtheythathadgivenuplifethattheymightsavethem.

AndastheDeadwentupwards,therewasaverygreatSilenceoverallthemilesoftheCountryofSilence.Butinalittlewhiletherecamefromafaroff,asoundasofawindwailing;anditcameonwardsoutofthedistance,andpassedovertheHillsoftheBabes,whichwereagreatwayoff.AndsocameanightotheplacewhereIstood.Evenastheblowingofasorrowfulwinddiditcome;andIknewthatallthegreatmultitudesdidsingquietly;andthesingingpassedonwards,andleftbehinditanuttersilence;evenasthewinddothrustlethecorn,andpassonwards,andallfalltoagreaterseemingquietnessthanbefore.AndtheDeadpassedinwardthroughTheGateway,intothegreatlightandsilenceoftheDome;andcameoutnomore.

AndagainfrombeyondthefarHillsoftheBabestherewasthatsoundofthemillionssinging;andthereroseupoutoftheearthbeneath,thevoicesoftheundergroundorgans;andthenoiseofthesorrowpassedoverme,andwentagainintothedistance,andleftallhushed.

Andlo!astherepassedinwardtothesilenceoftheDomethelastofthosedeadHeroes,therecameagainthesoundfrombeyondtheHillsoftheBabes;andasitcamemorenigh,IknewthatitwastheSongofHonour,loudandtriumphant,andsungbycountlessmultitudes.AndtheVoicesoftheOrgansroseupintothunderfromthedeepearth.AndtherewasagreatHonourdonetothegloryoftheDead.Andafterwards,oncemoreasilence.

ThendidthePeoplesoftheCitiesarrangethemselvessothatfromeverycitywhencehadcomeaHero,werethePeopleofthatCitygatheredtogether.Andwhentheyweresogathered,theysetupTokensofMemorytotheDeadoftheirCity.ButafterwardsdidchargeArtiststothemakingofsculpturegreatandbeautifultothatsameend;andnowdidbutplaceTabletsagainstthattime.

AndafterwardsthePeopledidwanderoverthatCountryofSilence,andmadevisitandhonourtotheirAncestors,ifsuchweredeserving.

Andpresently,themightyliftsdidraisethemalltotheCitiesofthePyramid;andthereaftertherewassomethingmoreofusualness;savethatevertheembrasureswerefullofthosethatwatchedtheYouthsafarupontheGreatRoad.AndinthisplaceItorememberhowthatourspy-glasseshadsurelysomepower

oftheEarth-Currenttomakegreatertheimpulseofthelightupontheeye.Andtheywerelikenospy-glassthateveryoudidsee;butoddlyshapedandtotouchboththeforeheadandtheeyes;andgavewonderfulsightoftheLand.ButtheGreatSpy-Glasstobebeyondallthis;forithadtheEyesofituponeverysideofTheMightyPyramid,anddidbetrulyanHugeMachine.

Andtome,asIwentaboutmyduties,orpeeredforththroughtheGreatSpy-GlassattheYouthsupontheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk,therecameattimesafarfaintthrillingoftheaether;sothatsometimesIwasawarethattherewasthebeatingoftheMaster-Wordinthenight;butsostrangeandweak,thattheInstrumentshadnowottingofit.Andwhenthiscame,thenwouldIcallbackthroughalltheeverlastingnighttoNaani,whowasindeedMirdath;andIwouldsendtheMaster-Wordwithmybrain-elements;andafterwardssuchcomfortasImight.

Yethardandbitterwasthetruthofmyhelplessnessandweakness,andtheutterterrorandmightoftheEvilForcesandMonstersoftheNightLand.SothatIwasliketohavebrakemyheartwithpondering.

Andthesilencewouldcomeagain;andanontheweakthrillingoftheAether;butnomorethefarvoicespeakinginmysoul.

V

INTOTHENIGHTLAND

Now,afterthatdestructionwhichhadcomeupontheTen-thousand,andthefreshassurancethatwasuponusoftheterroroftheNightLand,itmaybeknownthattherecouldbenomorethoughttosuccour.Though,intruth,thoseYouthsthatwentnowupontheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalkwerefarbeyondouraid.

Yetmightitbethoughtthatweshouldhavesignalledtothem,callingbytheHome-Call,whichwasthatgreatVoicewhichwentforthfromtheMachineabovethesealedbaseoftheMightyPyramid.Butthiswemightnotdo;forthenwegavesignaltotheMonstersofthatLand,thatsomewereevennowabroadfromthePyramid;yetwecouldnomorethanhopethattheEvilForceshadnowottingofthem;for,inverity,nonemighteverknowtheknowledgeortheIgnorancewhichthosePowersdidpossess.

Yet,itmustbekepttothemindthatwekneweventhentherewasanInfluenceabroadintheLand,strangeandquiet;sothattheInstrumentsdidnotmorethanmakerecordofit.AndasIhavesurelysetdownerenow,wehadbeliefthatitdidcomefromthatHouseofSilence,afarintheNightLand,uponthatlowhilltotheNorthoftheGreatRoad.AndmanyamongtheMonstruwacansfearedthatitwasdirectedupontheYouths;butofthistherecouldbenosurety;andwecouldbutwaitandwatch.

Now,aboutthistimethosepoorYouthsdiddrawnightothatpartoftheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk,whereitturnedmoreswiftlytotheNorth;andtheytobenowatnomightydistancefromthatgrimandhorridHouse.

AndpresentlyweknewthattheInfluencehadagreaterPowerintheLand;andI

hadanassurednessthatitcamefromtheHouse;yetnocertainproofwasthis.ButIsetoutmyfeelingstotheMasterMonstruwacan;andhehadtrustinthemandinmypower;moreover,healsohadbeliefwithinhimselfthatsomesecretPowercameoutfromtheHouseofSilence.

AndsometalktherewasattimesthatwesendtheHome-Callintothenight,togivewarningtotheYouthsofourknowledgeandourfear;andtoentreatthemtomakeasafeendeavourtoreturnswiftly.Yetwasthisanerror;andrefusedbytheMasterMonstruwacan;foritwasnotmeetthatweputthesoulsofthoseYouthsinperil,untilsuchtimeaswehadcertaintythattheyshouldbelostifwedidnotbestirourselves.For,indeed,thisHome-CallwasasamightyVoice,callingovertheworld,anddidhavesoexceedinganoise,thatithadimmediatelytoldallthatLandhowthatsomewereyetabroadfromtheGreatRedoubt.AndherewillIsetdownhowthattheHome-Callhadnouseinthoseages;buthadbeenaCallintheoldentimewhenyetthegreatflying-shipswentabroadovertheworld.

Andtherepassednowadayandanight;andinallthattimethereceasednotgreatmultitudestopeerforthintotheNightLandattheYouths.ForitwasknownconcerningtheInfluence,andallfeltthattheYouthsdiddrawnighveryspeedytotheirfate;andmuchtalktherewas;andmanythingssaid,andmuchfoolishspeech,andkindintent;butnocouragetogoforthtomakefurtherattempttorescue;which,intruth,callsnotforgreatastonishment,asIhavesurelywritoroftthought.

AndinthisplaceletmesetdownthattheLandwas,asitmightbesaid,waked,andunquiet,andasenseofthingspassinginthenight,andofhorridwatchfulness;andtherewere,atthistimeandatthat,lowroarsthatwentacrosstheLand.AndifIhavenottoldthesamebeforethistime,itmustbesettocountagainstmeandmytelling;for,indeed,Ishouldhavewrititdownbeforethisplace.Yetisthedifficultyofmytaskgreat;andallmustbearwithme,andentreatformethatIhavecourage,sothatImaycomeatlasttostrengthandwisdomtotellallthatIdidsee.

Now,inthespaceofthisdayandnight,itwasknownthattheYouthshadnotslept,neitherhadtheyeaten,saveonce,astheywhohadthewatchthroughtheGreatSpy-Glassdidaffirm.ButtheytohastenalwayatawoefulspeedtowardstheNorth,alongthatGreatDismalRoad,sothatpresentlytheymustcease,orslaythemselveswiththeirendeavour.

AndallthisdidgivesuretytoourfearsthattheywereunderaspellfromthathorridHouseafarintheLand;andwehadanassurancethatthisthingwas.For,presently,therecameaMonstruwacantotheMasterMonstruwacantoreportthattherehadcomesuddenamightyInfluenceintotheLand;andinthesamemoment,asitmightbe,IspiedthroughtheGreatSpy-Glass,anddidseethoseYouthsbreakswiftlyfromtheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk,andbegintorunveryswiftthattheymightcomequicklytotheHouseofSilence.

ThendidtheMasterMonstruwacanhesitatenot;butdidsendtheHome-Callacrosstheworld,aye,eventothosepoordoomedonesthathastened,unknowing,totheterrorwhichdidcompelthem.Andimmediatelyuponthesound,theMasterdidsendamessagetothenaturaleye,insetlanguage,andmadewarningthattheysufferedthemselvestobedrawntotheirdestructionbyaForcethatcamefromwithintheHouseofSilence.

Andhebesoughtthemtoputforththestrengthoftheirspirits,anddobattlefortheirsouls;andiftheycouldinnowisecompassavictoryoverthatwhichdrewthemonwards,toslaythemselvesquickly,eretheywentintothatHousetothehorrorofutterdestruction.

AndinallthePyramidwasthereagreatsilence;forthebellowingoftheHome-Callbredaquietness,becauseofthatwhichitdidportend;anditwasswiftlyknownbythemillionsthattheMasterMonstruwacandidpleadforthesoulsoftheYouths;andtherewentforth,unknowingly,acounter-forcefromtheMightyPyramid,byreasonoftheprayersandsoul-wishingsofthecountlessmillions.

Andthecounter-forcewasplaintomyinwardhearing,andbeatalltheaetheroftheworldintoasurgeofsupplication;sothatitstunnedmyspiritwiththegreatpowerofit.Anditseemedtome,asitwere,thattherewasavastspiritual-noiseinallthenight;andIspiedtremblinglythroughtheGreatSpy-Glass,andlo!theYouthsdidceasefromtheirswiftrunning,andwerecometogetherinacrowd,andhadaseemingtobeconfused;asmightsomewhohavewakedsuddenlyfromsleep,tofindthattheywalkedintheirsleep,andhadcometoastrangeplace.

Thencamethereagreatroarfromallthemillionsthatspiedfromtheembrasures—fromnighfivehundredthousandembrasurestheydidlook,andIcountnotthegreatView-Tables.Andtheshoutingroseupliketotheroaringofamightywindoftriumph,yetwasitover-earlytosoundforvictory.Forthecounter-force

whichcamefromtheintensityofsomanywillsblenttooneintent,wasbrake,andtheEvilForcewhichcameforthoutoftheHousediddrawtheYouthsagain;sothattheyheedednottheirsalvation;butturnedonceagaintotheirrunning.

AndtheMightyPyramidwasfullofashakensilence,andimmediatelyoflamentationandsorrowandhorroratthisthing.Butinthatmomenttheredidhappenafreshwonder;fortheregrewsuddenlybeforethosepoorYouths,billowsofmist—asithadbeenofpurewhitefire,shiningverychill;yetgivingnolightuponthem.

Andthemistofcoldfirestayedtheirway,sothatwehadknowledgethattherefoughtforthesoulsofthem,oneofthosesweetPowersofGoodness,whichwehadbeliefdidstrivetowardourspiritsatalltimesfromthoseForcesofEvilandDestruction.Andallthemillionssawthething;butsomewithagreatclearness,andmanydoubtful;yetwerealladvancedmoreinspiritualsightandhearingthanthenormalPeoplesofthisAge.

Butofthemall,nonehadtheNight-Hearing,toknowasoulhavingspeechintheaetherhalfacrosstheworld.Yet,asIhavesaid,sometherehadbeenaforetimewhowerethusgiventheHearing,evenaswasI.

AndtherecameaMonstruwacantotheMasterMonstruwacantomakereportthattheInfluencehadceasedtoworkupontheInstruments;andbythisthingweknewthatinveritytheForcewhichproceededoutfromtheHouseofSilencewascutofffromus,andfromthoseYouths;andwehadassurancethattherefoughtaverymightyPowerforthesalvationofthesoulsoftheYouths.

AndallthePeoplesweresilent,saveforanunderbreathofwonderandtalk;forallwereutterstirredwithhopeandfear,perceivingthattheYouthshadsomechancegivenuntothemtoreturn.

AndwhilsttheYouthsyetwaveredintheirminds,asIperceivedwiththeGreatSpy-Glass,andtheknowledgeofmysoul,andofmynaturalwit,lo!theMasterMonstruwacansentoncemorethegreatVoiceoftheHome-CallabroadintotheLand;andimmediatelybesoughtthoseYouthsforthesakeoftheirsoulsandthelovewhichtheirMothershadforthem,tocomeswiftlyHomewards,whilsttheyhadyetthisgreatPowertoshieldthem,andallowthemsweetsanity.

AndIthoughtthatsomedidlooktowardsthePyramid,asthattheyansweredtothemightyVoiceoftheHome-Call,anddidreadthemessagewhichtheMaster

Monstruwacanmadetothem.Butinamomenttheyfacedabout,seemingtohaveagoodobediencetoonewhodidalwayslead;andofwhomIhadinquired,andfoundtobeonenamedAschoff,whowasagreatathleteoftheNine-Hundredth-City.AndthissameAschoff,outoftheboldnessandbraveryofhisheart,didmake,unwitting,todestroythesoulsofthemall;forhewentforwardandleaptintothebillowsofthebrightshiningfirethatmadeaBarrierinthewayoftheirDestruction.

Andimmediatelythefireceasedfromitsshining,andgavewayandsankandgrewtoanothingness;andAschoffoftheNine-Hundredth-CitybeganagaintoruntowardstheHouseofSilence;andalltheythatwerewithhim,didfollowfaithfully,andceasednottorun.

AndtheycamepresentlytothelowHillwhereonwasthathorridHouse;andtheywentupswiftly—andtheyweretwohundredandfifty,andwholesomeofheart,andinnocent;saveforanaturalwaywardnessofspirit.

Andtheycametothegreatopendoorwaythat"hathbeenopensincetheBeginning,"andthroughwhichthecoldsteadfastlightandtheinscrutablesilenceofEvil"hathmadeforeverasilencethatmaybefeltinalltheLand."Andthegreat,uncasedwindowsgaveoutthesilenceandthelight—aye,theuttersilenceofanunholydesolation.

AndAschoffraninthroughthegreatdoorwayofsilence,andtheythatfollowed.Andtheynevermorecameoutorwereseenbyanyhuman.

AnditmustbeknownthattheMothersandtheFathersofthoseYouthslookedoutintotheNightLand,andsawthatthingwhichcametopass.

Andallthepeopleweresilent;butsomesaidpresentlythattheYouthswouldcomeforthagain;yetthepeopleknewintheirheartsthattheyoungmenhadgoneintoDestruction;for,intruth,therewasthatinthenightwhichspokehorrortothesoulsofall,andasuddenutterquietinalltheLand.

Butuntome(thathadtheNight-Hearing)therecameagreatFearofthatwhichmightbewhisperedintomyspirit,outoftheQuietnessofthenight—oftheagonyofthoseyoungmen.Yettherecamenosound,tothehearingofthesoul;neitherthennorinalltheyearsthatweretocome;for,inverity,hadthoseYouthspassedintoaSilenceofwhichtheheartcannotthink.

AndherewillItellhowthatthestrangeQuietwhichdidfillalltheLand,seemingtobroodwithinthenight,washorridbeyondalltheroaringswhichhadpassedoverthedarknessinthetimethatwentbefore;sothatithadgivenmyspiritsomerestandassurancetohearbutthefar-echoing,lowthunderoftheGreatLaughter,orthewhiningwhichwasusedattimestosoundinthenightfromtheSouth-East,whereweretheSilver-fireHolesthatopenedbeforetheThingthatNods.OrtheBayingoftheHounds,ortheRoaringoftheGiants,oranyofthosedreadfulsoundsthatdidoftenpassthroughthenight.Fortheycouldnothaveoffendedmeasdidthattimeofsilence;andsoshallyoujudgehowdreadfulwasthatquiet,whichdidholdsomuchofhorror.

Andsurelyitwillbeknownthatnonehadthinkingsnow,eveninidlespeech,thatanyshouldhavepowertosuccourthePeoplesoftheLesserRedoubt.Neither,asIhavesaid,hadanytheknowledgeoftheplacewhereitdidstand.

AndsowasitmadeplainthatthosePeoplesmustsufferandcomeunhelpedandalonetotheirend;whichwasasadanddreadfulthoughttoany.YethadthosewithintheGreatPyramidcomealreadytomuchsorrowandcalamitybecausethatsomehadmadeattemptinthismatter.Andtherehadbeenforgain,onlyfailure,andthesorrowofMothers,andthelonelinessofWives,andofkin.Andnowthisdreadhorroruponus,whichconcernedthoselostYouths.

Now,asmaybeconceived,thissureknowledgethatwemightgivenosuccourtothePeopleoftheLesserRedoubt,weighedheavyuponmyheart;forIhad,maybewithfoolishness,heldvaguehopesandwondersconcerningourpowertomakeexpeditionsecretlyintotheNight,todiscoverthatLesserPyramid,andrescuethosepoorthousands;andaboveall,asmaybethought,hadIthethoughtofthatsweetmomentinwhichIshouldstepforwardoutofthenightandallmysteryandterror,andputforthminearmstoNaani,saying:"IamThatOne."Andknowing,inmysoul,thatshethathadbeenmineinthatbygoneEternity,shouldsurelyknowmeupontheinstant;andcalloutswiftly,andcomeswiftly,andbeagainuntomeinthatage,evenasshehadbeeninthis.

Andtothinkuponit,andtoknowthatthisthingshouldneverbe;butthat,eveninthatmomentofthought,shethathadbeenmineintheseoldendaysofsweetness,mightbeeventhensufferinghorrorinthePowerofsomefoulMonster,waslikeakindofmadness;sothatnearlyIcouldseizetheDiskos,andrunforthunpreparedintotheevilandterroroftheNightLand,thatIshouldmakeoneattempttocometothatPlacewheresheabode,orelsetocastoffmy

lifeintheattempt.

AndoftdidIcalltoNaani;andalwaysIsenttheMaster-Wordbeatingthroughthenight,thatshemighthaveassurancethatitwasindeedIthatdidspeakuntoherspirit,andnofoulthingorMonster,spellingevilandliesuntoher.

AndoftdidImaketoinstructherthatnevershouldshebetemptedforthfromtheshelterofthatRedoubtinwhichshedidlive,byanymessageoutofthenight;butalwaystoawaittheMaster-Word;and,moreover,tohaveasureknowledgethatnonethatwasherFriendwouldeverseektoenticeherintothenight.

AndthiswayandthatwaywouldIspeakwithNaani,sendingmywordssilentlywithmybrain-elements;yetwasitdolefulandwearifulanddreadfulalwaystohavespeechintothedark,andnevertoheartheansweringbeatoftheMaster-Word,andthesweet,faintvoicewhisperingwithinmysoul.Yet,onceandagain,wouldIhaveknowledgethattheaetherdidthrillaboutme,weakly,andtomineinwardhearingitwouldseemthattheMaster-Worddidbeatfaintlyinthenight;andthereafterwouldmyhearthavealittlecomfort,inthatIhadassurance,ofakind,thatthelove-maidofmymemory-dreamsdidstilllive.

Andconstant,Iputforthmysoultohark;sothatmyhealthfailedme,withtheeffortofmyharking;andIwouldchidemybeing,thatIhadnotawisercontrol;andsomakeafighttodosanely.

Yet,daybyday,didmyheartgrowmorewearyandrestless;for,indeed,itdidseemthatlifewasbutaverylittlematter,againstsogreatalossasmyheartdidfeeltosuffer.

Andoft,atthistimeandthat,didtherecomeaVoicespeakingplainlyoutofthenight,anddidpurporttobethevoiceofNaani;buteverIdidsaytheMaster-WorduntotheVoice,andtheVoicehadnopowerbywhichitcouldmaketheoneanswer.YetIjeerednotattheVoice,toshowcontemptofitsfailingtobewitme;butletthematterbide;andtheVoicewouldbesilentatime;andagainwouldmakeacallinguntome;butneverdidImakespeechwithit(forthereinliesthedangertothesoul),butalwaysdidspeaktheMaster-Wordtoitssilencing;andthereafterwouldshutthethingfrommymemory,andthinkonlyuponsweetandholymatters,asitmightbeTruthandCourage,butmoreoftenofNaani,whichwasbothsweetandholytomyspiritandheartandbeing.

AndsoitwasasIhavesetdown,therewereMonsterswithoutintheNightthatdidtormentme;having,itmaybe,intenttoluremeuntodestruction;orindeeditdothchancethattheyhadnohopebuttoplaguemewithmalice.

And,asmaybethought,allthisconsideringofmytrouble,andthegivingofmystrengthuntoNaanithroughthenightoftheworld,thatshemighthavecomfortandhelp,didworkuponme;sothatIgrewthin,plainlytotheeyeofthosethatlovedme.

AndtheMasterMonstruwacan,hethatdidloveme,asIwerehisson,chidmegently,andhadwisespeechwithme;sothatIbutlovedhimthemore,yetwithouthavinggainofhealth;formyheartdestroyedme,asitdothiflovebeheldbackandmadealwaystoweep.

AnditmaybethoughtstrangethatmyMotherandmyFatherdidnottalkalsowithme;butIhadneitherMothernorFatherthosemanyyears;andthisthingIshouldhavesetdownearly;sothatnoneshouldwastethoughtponderingtonoend.Buttheblameistomytelling.

Now,concerningmylove-trouble,theredidhappenacertainthingwhichgavemetodecide;foronenightIwakedfromasoretroubledsleep,anditdidseemthatNaanididcallmyname,mineoldenlovename,andinavoiceofutteranguishandwithbeseeching.AndIsatupinthebed,andsenttheMaster-WordintotheNight,withmybrain-elements;andpresentlyallaboutmetherewasthesolemnbeatoftheMaster-Word,answering;butweak,andgonefaint,thatscarceImighthearit.

AndIcalledagainwithmybrain-elementsuntoNaani,thatwasMirdath;andspoketogiveherassurance,andtohastetotelluntomethatwhichwassowrongandpitifulwithher.AndwhoshallbeamazedthatIwasshakenwiththeeagernessofmyspirit,inthatitwassolongsinceNaanihadspokenclearwithinmysoul;andnowbehold,hervoice.

Yet,thoughIdidcallmanyatimeuntotheeverlastingnight,therecamenomorethevoiceofNaani,speakingstrangelywithinmyspirit;butonlyattimesaweakthrillingoftheaetheraboutme.

And,atthelastIgrewmaddenedwiththesorrowofthisthing,andthesenseandknowledgeofharmaboutthemaid;andIstooduprightuponmyfeet,andIraisedmyhands,andgavewordandhonouruntoNaanithroughallthe

blacknessofthenight,thatIwouldnomoreabidewithintheMightyPyramidtomysafety,whilstshe,thathadbeenmineOwnthroughEternity,cametohorroranddestructionbytheBeastsandEvilPowersofthatDarkWorld.AndIgavethewordwithmybrain-elements,andbadehertobeofheart;forthatuntilIdiedIwouldseekher.ButoutoftheDarknesstherecamenaughtbutthesilence.

ThenIclothedmeswiftly,andwentupquicklytotheTowerofObservation,thatImightspeakinstantwiththeMasterMonstruwacan;formyheartburnedinmetointention,andtobedoingspeedilythatwhichIhadsetuponmyselftodo.

AndIcametotheMasterMonstruwacan,andtoldalltohim;andhowthatIdidmeannomoretosufferinquietandtonoend;buttomakeadventureintotheNightLand,thatIfindNaani,orperchancefindaswiftpeacefromthismylongtroubling.

Now,whentheMasterMonstruwacanheardthatwhichIhadtosay,itsatheavilyuponhim,andhebesoughtmelongandmanytimesthatIrefrainfromthisthing;forthatnonemightachievesogreatatask;butthatIshouldbelostinmyYouthbeforemanydaysweregoneby.YettoallhisspeechIsaidnaught,savethatthisthingwaslaiduponme,andevenasIhadpromised,soshouldImaketoact.

Andintheending,theMasterMonstruwacanperceivedthatIwassettothisthing,andnottobemoved;andhedidputittomehowthatIhadgrowntoleanness,withsomuchtroubling,andthatIshouldhavewisdomtowaitawhile,thatIputonmyfullstrength.

ButevenasIwas,sowouldIgo;andthisItoldtohim,gently;andshowedhowthatthethingwasmeetandhelpfultothesafetyofmysoul;forthatmystrengthwasstillinme;yetwasIsweeterinspiritbecausethatIstoodleanandpure,andmuchpoordrossandlittlenesshadbeenburnedfromme;sothatfearwasnotinme.AndalldoIlaytothecountofmylove,whichdothpurifyandmakesweetandfearlessthehumanheart.

AndbecauseIwasevenasIhavesaid,sowasIthelessintroubleoftheForcesofEvil;forlongandsorehadbeenmyPreparationofSpirit;andIwotthatnonehadevergoneforthintotheDarkness,solongwithholdenfromthatwhichdothweakenandtaintthespirit.

AndhereletmesetdownhowthattheThreeDaysofPreparation,whichwere

PropertothosethatwilledtogoforthintotheNightLand,hadfortheirchiefaimthecleansingofthespirit;sothatthePowersofEvildidhavealessablenesstoharm.

Butalsoitwas,asIhavesaid,thatnoneshouldgoforthinignoranceofthefulldreadfulnessofallthatheldtheNight;foritwasatthePreparationthattherewasmadeknowncertainhorrorsthatwerenottolduntotheyoung;andofhorridmutilations,andofabasementsofthesoul,thatdidshaketheheartwithfear,ifbuttheywerewhisperedintothehearing.Andthesethingswerenotsetdowninanybookthatmightbelightlycomeby;butwerewardedandsafelockedbytheMasterofThePreparation,intheRoomofPreparation.

And,indeed,whenIdidhearthatwhichpresentlyIwastohear,IhadwonderinmyheartthateveranywentoutintotheNightLand;orthatevertheRoomofPreparationshouldhaveotherthanStudentsthatmeantnottogoforth,butonlytoachievesomeknowledgeofthatwhichhathbeendone,andmayhapsshallbeonceagain.

Yet,inverity,isthisbutthewayofthehumanheart;andhathalwaysbeen,andwillbesoinalltheyears,forever.FortoadventureisthelustofYouth;andtoleaveSafetyisthenaturalwaywardnessofthespirit;andwhoshallreproveorregret;foritweresorrowfulthatthisSpiritofManshouldcease.YetmustitnotbethoughtthatIdoupholdfightingstothedeathortomutilation,betweenmanandman;butratherdosorrowuponthisthought.

Now,whenthemorrowcame,ifthusIshallspeakofthatwhichwasoutwardlyevenasthenight,thoughchangingalwaywithintheMightyPyramid,IwentuntotheRoomofPreparation;andtheDoorwascloseduponme;andIunderwenttheFullPreparation;thatImighthavefullpowerandaidtocometosuccessthroughalltheterroroftheNightLand.

AndthreedaysandthreenightsdidIabidewithintheRoomofPreparation;anduponthefourthdaywasminearmourbroughtuntome;andtheMasterofthePreparationstoodawayfromme,silentandwithsorrowuponhisface;buttouchingmenot,neithercominganightoaidme;norhavinganyspeechwithme;fornonemightcrowduponme,orcausemetoanswer.

And,presently,wasIcladwiththegreyarmour;andbelowthearmouraclose-knitsuitofspecialshapingandtexture,tohavetheshapeofthearmour,andthat

ImightnotdiebythecoldoftheNightLand.AndIplaceduponmeascripoffoodanddrink,thatmightkeepthelifewithinmeforagreattime,byreasonofitspreparation;andthislayreadytome,withthearmour,andwasstitchedaboutwiththeMarkofHonour;sothatIknewlovingwomenthustospeedme.

Andwhenallwasdoneandmadeready,ItookuptheDiskos,andbowedinsilencetotheMasterofthePreparation;andhewenttowardsthedoor,andopenedit;andsignalledthatthePeoplestandback;sothatImightgoforthuntouched.AndthePeoplestoodback;formanyhadcrowdedtothedooroftheRoomofPreparation,sothatIknewhowthatmystorymustbetotheheartofall,inalltheCitiesoftheGreatRedoubt;fortocomeunbiddenanighthatDoorwasagainsttheLesserLaw,andthatanyerredinthismatter,betokenedmuch.

AndIwentoutthroughtheDoor;andtherewasamightylaneofpeopleuntotheGreatLift.AndabouttheGreatLift,asIwentdownwards,didthecountlessmillionsstand;andallinagreatsilence;buthavingdearsympathyintheirsouls;yetloyaluntomysafety,inthatnoneinalltheMightyPyramiddidmakespeechuntome,orcalloutaught.AndasIwentdownwardthroughthemiles,lo!alltheaetheroftheworldseemedtobesurgedwiththesilentprayersandspeedingsofthosequietmultitudes.

AndIcameatlastuntotheGreatGate;andbeholdthedearMasterMonstruwacandidstandinfullarmour,andwiththeDiskos,todomehonour,withtheFullWatch,asIwentforth.AndIlookedathim,quietly,andhelookeduntome,andIbentmyheadtoshowrespect;andhemadesilentsalutewiththeDiskos;andafterwardsIwentonwardstowardstheGreatGateway.

AndtheymadedimthelightsintheGreatCauseway,thatthereshouldnoglaregoforthintotheLand,whentheGatewasopened;andbehold,theyopenednotthelessergatewithinthegreater,forme;butdidhonourmyjourney,inthattheyswungwidetheGreatGateitself,throughwhichamonstrousarmymightpass.AndtherewasanuttersilenceallabouttheGate;andinthehushedlightthetwothousandthatmadetheFullWatch,heldupeachtheDiskos,silently,tomakesalute;andhumbly,IhelduptheDiskosreversed,andwentforwardintotheDark.

VI

THEWAYTHATIDIDGO

NowIwentforwardforaspace,andtookheednottolookbackwards;buttobestrongofheartandspirit;forthatwhichdidliebeforemehadneedofallmymanhoodandcourageofsoul,thatIcometothesuccourofthatMaidafarinthedarknessoftheWorld,ormeetmydeathproper,asitmightneedtobe.

AndthusdidIgoforwardsteadfastly,andconsciousinallmybeingoftheemotionsofthatpartingfrommymightyHome,andofthetendernessandwisenessthatdidunderliesomuchcurbedruleandguidance.

AndmyheartwaswarmtowardstheMasterMonstruwacanforthatgreathonour,thatheshouldcomedownwardinarmourtomakeonewiththeFullWatch,thathemightupholdmetoaloftyspiritatthemomentofmygoing.

AndallthattimeasIwentforward,wastheaetherofthenightaboutme,intumultwiththethoughtsandblindwishingsofthegreatmillionsIhadbutnowlefttomyback.

And,presently,asIsteadiedsomewhatuponmyemotions,Iwasconsciousoftheexceedingcoldnessofthenightair,andofthedifferenttasteofituponmylungsandinthemouth;andithad,asitwere,awondrouskeensharpinguponmypalate,anddidfillthelipsmoreinthebreathing;sothatitmaybesupposedithadmorebodywithinitthanthatairwhichdidfilltheplateauoftheThousandthCitywherewasmyhome;fortheairofeveryCitywasofdifference,andthegreaterbetweenonethatwasafarupandanothernightotheearth,asmaybethought;sothatmanyPeoplesdidmigrateuntothatlevelwhichgavethembesthealthfulness;butunderrule,andwithaguidanceofquantities.Andnotallthatwerelackingofhealth;for,someareevercontrary.

Andhereletmesetdownthat,withinthedeepsoftheFields,therewasairuttervariedandwonderful,thatmightcharmonehereandlikewisesorrowanotherthatwerehappierelsewhere;sothatallmighthavesuiting,didtheybutwander,andhaveReasontocompanionthem.

AndthusdidIgoforward,fullofnewthoughtsandoldenmemories,andfresh-breakingwonders;neitherforgettingsomethingofdoubtsandfearsmorethanalittle.AndagainwasitmostcunningstrangetobeoutthereintheNightLand—thoughnotyetafar—whereoftenhadmyfanciesandimaginingsledme;yetuntilthattimeneverhadItouchedfoot,inallthatlife,upontheoutwardearth.Andthismustbeawondrousquaintseemingthoughttothoseofthispresentday.

AndsocameI,atlast,nightotheCirclethatdidgoabouttheRedoubt;andpresentlyIwascometoit;andsomethingastonishedwasIthatithadnogreatbigness;forIhadlookedforthisbyreasoning;havingalwaysamindtopicturethingsastheymightbetruly,andhencecomingsometimestothewonderofagreattruth;butoddwhilestoerrorsthatothershadnotmade.Andnow,lo!Ididfinditbutasmall,cleartubethathadnottwoinchesofthickness;yetsentoutaverybrightandstronglight,sothatitseemedgreatertotheeye,didonebutbeholdfromadistance.

Andthisisbutalittlethingtosettothetelling;yetmayitgivesomethingofthenewnessofall;and,moreover,shallyouhavememorywithmeinthisplace,howthatofthadIseenThingsandBeast-Monsterspeeroverthatsamelittletubeoflight,theirfacescomingforwardoutofthenight.

AndthishadIseenaschildandman;foraschildren,wedidusetokeepoftawatchbyhoursuponanholiday-time,throughthegreatglassesoftheembrasures.AndwedidalwayshopeeachtobethatonethatshouldfirstdiscoveramonsterlookinginwardsupontheMightyPyramid,acrosstheshiningoftheCircle.Andthesetocomeoft;yetpresentlytoslinkawayintothenight;having,inverity,nolikingforthatlight.

Andpridehadwetakenofourselvestoperceivethosemonsterswhichhadmostofuglinessandhorrortocommendthem;for,therebydidwestandtohavewonthegameofwatching,untilsuchtimeasamorefearsomeBrutebediscovered.Andsowenttheplay;yetwithever,itdothseemtomenow,somethingofahalf-knownshuddertotheheart,andachild'srejoicingunknowinglyinthat

safetywhichhadpowertomakelighttheseemingofsuchmatters.

Andthis,also,isbutasmallmatter;yetdothitbearupontheinwardnessofmyfeelings;forthememoriesofallmyyouthandofthemanyBeaststhatIhadseentopeeracrosstheLight,didcomeupwardsinmymindinthatmoment;sothatIdidgivebackalittle,unthinkingofwhatIdid;buthavinguponmethesuddenimaginingofthatwhichmightcomeoutoftheDark,beyond.

AndItostandalittlemoment,andpresentlyhadgrownfreeinmyhearttohavecourageoffarewell;andsodidturnmeatlasttotheviewingofthatwondrousHomeoftheLastMillionsofthisWorld.Andthesightwasanastonishmentandanuplifting,thatindeedtherewassomightyathinginalltheearth.

AndwellmightbethattherewereMonstersandForcesgatheredtogetheraboutthatHillofLife,outofalltheDarknessoftheWorld;forthethingwasasaMightyMountainthatwentupmeasurelessintothenight;andspreadoutupontheearthtotherightandtotheleftofme,sothatitdidseemtoholdalltheworldwithitsmight.

Andinthenearerslopeweretherethreehundredthousandgreatembrasures,aswellIdidknow;therebeinginallthefoursidesoftheRedoubt,twelvehundredthousandembrasures,aswassetoutinthebooksoftheschools,anduponthecoverofAtlas-booksastheystillquaintlytobecalled,andmanyanotherplace,asmightbesupposed.

Andhalfamileupwardwasthelowesttierofthosegreatwindow-places,andabovethat,countlessothertiers.Andagreatlightcameoutfromthemintothedarkness;sothatIlookedupintothenightmanymiles,andyetdidseetheminshiningrows;anddidmakeseparateeachembrasurefromitsfellowforagreatway.Buttheregrewyetmore,aboveinthemightydistance,sothattheywerelostintheupwardspaceofthenight,anddidseemtomepresentlybutasaconstant,glimmeringfire,thatdidshapeashiningPeakintotheblacknessoftheheavens,dwindlingintotheutmostheight.AndthuswasthatEverlastingMonument.

Thendiditcometomethatthoselittlethings,whichIdidseetoclusteragainsttheembrasures,wereintruththecountlessmillionsoftheMightyRedoubt;andthisIcouldmakeoutwithsomeplainnessinthoselowerembrasures,whichwerethemoreneartomethantheyabove;forthePeoplesweresetagainstthe

lightwithin,yetwereassmallthingslikeuntoinsects,inthatdistance,andwithinsoHugeaBulk.

AndIknewthattheylookedoutuponme,anddidwatchthroughtheirspy-glasses.AndIsentmygazeupwardsagainalongthatgreatSlopeofgreymetal,aye!upwardagaintowhereitstrodeglimmeringintotheBlackness,andsoatlasttothelittlestarthatdidcrownthatWonderoftheWorldintheeternalnight.And,foralittle,Ididstaretowardsthatfarlight;foritcamefromwithinthatTowerofObservation,wheresolatelyIhadspendedmylife;andIhadknowledgewithinmyheartthatthedearMasterMonstruwacandidbendtheGreatSpy-Glassuponme,throughwhichsoofthadIspied.AndIraisedtheDiskosuntohim,insalutationandfarewell,thoughIsawhimnotatallthroughthatvastspace.

Andmyheartwasveryfull;yetmysoulbutthestrongerforit.Andthen,behold,Iwasawareofamurmurinthenight,comingtome,dimandfromafaroff;andIsawthelittleshapesofthePeoplesinthelowerembrasures,inconstantmovement;andIknewupontheinstantthattheMultitudesdidtakethatsaluteuntothemselves,andcriedoutandwavedtometheirfarewells,ortocomeback—asmaybe.

And,indeed,IwasbutalonesomepersonlookingupatthatgreatmountainofmetalandLife.AndIknewthatIhaddangertorealisemyplight;andIstayednomore;butdidraisetheDiskos,reversed,aswasbutmeetfromoneyoungmanuntoalltheMillions.

AndIlookedswiftlyupwardthroughthoseeightgreatmilesofnight,untothatFinalLightwhichdidshineintheblackheavens;sothatmyfriendshouldknowthatIthoughtofhimthatwasbeyondmysight,inthatlastmoment.Anditmaybethattheinvisiblemillionsthatwerefarupinthenight,intheUpperCities,didtakethatalsotobeameaningoffarewelltothemselves;fortherecamedownoutofthemonstrousheight,afar,faintmurmurofsound,asofavaguewindupinthenight.

ThendidIlowertheDiskos,andturnmeabout.AndIbreastedstrangelyagainsttheAirClog,andsteptforwardacrosstheCircle,intothelonesomenessoftheNightLand.AndIlookednomorebehind;forthatwhichwasmyHomedidweakenmyheartsomewhat,tobehold;sothatImadedeterminationthatIlooknotagaintomyback,foragreatwhile.

Yet,aboutmeasIwent,therewasconstantsurgingintheaetheroftheworld;anditdidtelluntomehowthatthose,mypeopleandkin,hadcontinualmindofme,bothinprayerandwishings,andinaperpetualwatching.Andthesamegavetomeafeelingasofbeingsomethingcompanied;yet,inatime,itcametomethatthisdisturbanceoftheaethershouldtelltosomeEvilForcehowthatIwasthereabroadintheLand.Buthowtostopthisthing,whoshouldhavepower?For,oftruth,hadIbeenamongthemtomakeafullexplainingofthedanger,theyhadbeenyetpowerlesstocease;forbuttohavesuchgreatmultitudesa-thinkupononematter,wastosetadisturbanceabout,asshouldbemostcleartoall.

Now,atthebeginning,IdidwalkoutwardsintotheNightLand,somewhatblindly,andwithoutsuredirection;beingintentonlytoputagoodspacetomyback,thatImightcuresomewhattheachewhichdidweakenmyheartatthefirst.

But,inawhile,Iceasedsomewhatfrommyoverswiftness,anddidputthoughttomygoing.AndIcamequicklytoreasonthatIshouldtryanewwaythroughtheLand;foritmightbethattherewasanover-watchfulnessinthatpartwhichhadbeentrodbytheYouths.

AndIbegantherewithtosetthisthoughttothepractice;andwentnotdirecttowardstheNorth;buttotheNorthandWest;andsointheendtomeantocirclearoundtothebackoftheNorth-WestWatcher,andthencetotheNorthofthePlainOfBlueFire;andafterwards,asmightbe,haveatrueandstraightwaytotheNorth;andbythisplanningcomealongwayclearofthatHouseofSilence,whichdidputmorefearuponmethanallelsethatwashorridintheLand.

Yet,asallwillsee,thismadetomeagreaterjourney;though,inverity,itwerebettertogoslowlyandwintosuccess,thantomakeagreaterhastetowardsDestruction;whichwas,indeed,surelytobemineend,didInotgowarily.

Nowitmaybethoughtuponwithwonder,thatIdidgosoassuredlytotheNorth;butIwentthiswise,partbyaninwardKnowing,andpartcomeuponbymuchlatterstudying,withinthePyramid,ofoldenbooks;andbyreasoninguponallthingsthatIdidobserve,thathadseemingsofverityinthem.

Andbecauseofthisconstantsearchingupononematter,Ihadcome,butawhileback,uponalittlebookofmetal,verystrangeandancient,thathadlainforgotin

ahidplaceintheGreatLibrarythroughtenhundredthousandyears,maybe,orlessormore,forallthatIhadknowing.

Andmuchthatwaswritinthebookwascommonknowledge,andsetmostlytothecountoffairy-talesandsuchlike,evenasweofthisouragetakenotover-surelyanybeliefinMythsofoldentimes.YethadIalwaysmuchlikingforsuchmatters,perceivingbehindthatoutershellwhichdidwinalwayssomuchunbelief,thekernelofancienttruthsandhappenings.

Andthuswasit,concerningthislittlebookwhichIhadmadediscoveryof;forittoldagain,thatwhichoftIhadheard(evenasweinthisage,readoftheDeluge)howthatonce,inatimemonstrousfarbackfromthat,bututterfuturetothisageofours,theworlddidbrakeupwardsinavastearth-quaking,thatdidrendtheworldforathousandmiles.

Andtherecameamightychasm,sodeepthatnonemightseethebottomthereof;andthererushedthereinanocean,andtheearthdidburstafreshwithasoundthatdidshakeallthecitiesoftheworld;andagreatmistlayupontheearthformanydays,andtherewasamightyrain.

And,indeed,thiswasjustsosetincertainHistoriesoftheAncientWorld.Also,therewasmadereferencetoit,withinsomeoldenRecords.Yetnowisetobetakenwithaseriousmind,totheseemingofthepeoplesoftheMightyPyramid;butonlyasaquaintstudyfortheStudents,andtobesetoutinlittletalesthatdidentertainthenurseries;or,asitmightbe,wisemenandthegeneral.

Yet,therewasthis,aboutthatsmallandpeculiarbook,thatitdidspeakofmanyofthesethings,asitwerethatitdidquotefromthepensofthosethatdidhaveactualwitness;andsetalloutwithastrangegravity,thatdidcauseonetoconsideritasmeanttobeindeedthetellingsofTruth,andtoseemthiswisetohavegreatdifferencefromallthatIhadreadbeforeconcerningthosematters.

Andtherewas,further,apartintheendingofthebook,thatdidseemtobewritofatimethatcameafterwards,maybeanhundredthousand,andmaybeamillionyears;butwhoshallsay.

AndthereinitdidtellofanhugeandmightyValleythatdidcomeoutoftheWest,towardstheSouth-East,andmadeturningthenceNorthwards,andwasathousandmilesbothways.Andthesidesthereofwereanhundredmilesdeep,andtheSundidstandintheWesternend,andmadearedgloomforathousand

miles.Andinthebottomthereweregreatseas;andbeastsstrangeandawesome,andveryplentiful.

Nowthis,asmaybeseen,wasasthetalkofRomance;yetdidIturnmywitstotheirnaturalend,andmadethusplainofit.For,intruth,Itohavesomethingofbelief,andittoseemtomethatinabygoneEternity,whentheworldwasyetlight,asinmyheartIknewtohavebeenindeedathingofverity,therewasagreatandwondrousearthquake.

Andtheearthquakedidbursttheworldup,alongacertaingreatcurvewhereithadweakness;andtherefellintotheyawningfurnaceoftheworld,oneofthegreatoceans;andimmediatelymadeofitselfsteam,andsobrakeupwardsagain,andtoretheearthmightilyinitsswiftuprising.

Andthereaftertherewasamistandconfusionandrainupontheworld.And,indeed,allveryseemlyput;andnottobetakenasalighttale.

Then,inthatendingofthebook,therewasonethatdidwrite,havinglivedinavastlaterage,whentheSunhadcomeanightohisdying,andtheupwardearthwasgrownquietandcoldandnotgoodtoliveupon.AndinthattimetheMightyChasmhadbeencalmedbytheweightofanEternity,sothatitwasnowamostdeepandwondrousValley,thatdidholdSeasandgreatHillsandMountains;andinitweregreatforestsofkinds,andLandsthatweregoodandhealthful;andPlacesgivenovertoFire,andtoSteamings,andSulphurClouds;sothattheyheldPoisonsthathadillforMan.

AndGreatBeastsweretheredowninthatfardepth,thatnonemightseeever,savebyastrongspy-glass.AndsuchtherewereintheEarlyWorld,andhadnowbeenbredintheEndingbythoseinwardforcesofNaturewhichdidmaketheValleyaplaceofGoodWarmth;sothattherewas,asitwere,oncemorethePrimalWorldborntogivenewbirthuntosucholdenMonsters,andtoothers,newandPeculiartothatAgeandCircumstance.

Andallthis,indeed,didthebookgivealso;butconstrainedanddifficulttotakeclearlytotheheart,andnotliketothewiseplainspeechoftheearlytellings;sothatImustevensetitouthereinmineownspeech.

Anditdidseemtome,bymyreading,thatManhadcomeatonetimetoagreatsoftnessofHeartandSpiritthroughmanyagesofover-ease.ButthattheWorlddidcometocoldnessandunfriendliness,byreasonoftheSun'sslowceasing.

Andtherewaspresently,innaturalness,aRaceupontheearththatwerehardy,andmadetofightfortheirlives;anddidperceivethattheMightyValleythatcuttheWorldintwain,wasaplaceofWarmthandLife;andsodidmaketoadventuretheirbodiesdownthatwondrousHeight;andweremanyAgescomingsafetotheBottom;butdidfindsafeplacesinthedownwardwaywheretheybuiltthemHouses,andmadetolive,andbegotthemchildren;andthesegrewuptothatlifeofconstantandgreatclimbings,andofhardworkingsuponTheRoad,whichwastheOneIntentofthatPeople;sothatthebookdidspeakofthemalwaysasTheRoadMakers.

Andthusdidtheymakedownwardsthroughthelongyearsandtheages;andmanygenerationsdidliveanddie,andsawnotthereachingoftheRoaddownintothatGreatValethatlaysomonstrousdeepintheWorld.

ButintheendtheydidcometherewiththeRoad;andtheywereveryHardy;andtheydidfightwiththeMonstersandslaymany;andtheybuiltthemmanyCities,throughgreatyearsintheMightyValley,anddidmaketheRoadfromCityuntoCityalongthatGreatValley,evenuntotheBightoftheValley.AndtheyfoundhereaconstantdarknessandShadow;forthattheSuncouldnotmakeashiningaroundthatGreatCorner.Yet,evenheretheyceasednottomaketheRoad;buttookitaround,andamightywayuntotheNorth;passingitamongstrangeFiresandPitsthatburnedfromoutoftheearth.

Buttherewaspresently,suchapowerandhorrorofMonstersandEvilThingsinthatValleyofShadow,thattheRoadMakersweremadetogoBackwardsintotheRedLightwhichdidfilltheWestwardValley,andcamefromthatlowSun.

AndtheywentbackuntotheirCities;andlivedtheremayhapsanhundredthousandyears;andgrewwiseandcunninginallmatters;andtheirWisePeopledidmakedealingsandhadexperimentwiththoseForceswhichareDistastefulandHarmfuluntoLife;buttheydidthisinIgnorance;forallthattheyhadmuchwisdom;thinkingonlytoExperiment,thattheycometogreaterknowings.ButtheydidopenawayforthoseForces;andmuchharmandPitydidcomethereby.AndthenhadallPeopletohaveRegret;yettoolate.

Now,presently,whenanhundredthousandyearshadgone,oritmaybeagreaterspace;therecameslowlytheuttertwilightoftheworld,asthesuntodiethemore;sothatpresentlyitgavebutanuttergloomylight.Andtheregrewupon

manyofthePeoplesoftheCitiesoftheValley,astrangenessandawildness;sothatstrangethingsweredone,thathadbeenshamefultoallintheLight.Andtherewerewanderings,andconsortingswithstrangeoutwardbeings,andpresently,manyCitieswereattackedbymonstersthatdidcomefromtheWest;andtherewasaPandemonium.

ThenwasanAgeofSorrowsandFightings,andHardeningsoftheSpiritandoftheHeart,forallthatwereofgoodFibre;andthisdidbreedaDeterminedGeneration;andtheregrewupintotheWorldaLeader;andhetookallthesoundMillions;anddidmakeamightyBattleuponallFoulnessanduponallthatdidharmandtroublethem;andtheydrovetheirEnemiesdowntheValley,anduptheValley,anddidutterlyscatterandputthemtoflight.

ThendidthatMancallallhisPeoplestogether;anddidmakeitplainhowthattheDarknessgrewupontheWorld,andthattheFoulanddreadfulPowersabroad,wereliketobemoreHorridwhenagreaterGloomcame.

AndheputtothemthattheyBuildaMightyRefuge;andthePeoplesdidacclaim;andlo!therewasbuilt,presently,aGreatHouse.ButtheGreatHousewasnotProper;andthatMandidtakeallthePeoplestoWander;andtheycametotheBight;andtherewasbuiltatlastthatGreatandMightyPyramid.

Nowthisisthesenseandtellingofthatbook;andbutlatehadIreadit;andtalkedsomewhatofitwithmydearfriend,theMasterMonstruwacan;butnotovermuch;forIhadtakensosuddenamindtoGO,thatallelsehaddroppedfromaboutme.Yet,tousitdidseemclearthattherewasnolifeinalltheinvisibleupperworld;andthat,surely,thatGreatRoadwhereontheSilentOnesdidwalk,mustbethatsameRoadwhichthehardyPeoplesofthatagedidmake.

AnditdidseemwisetotheMasterMonstruwacan,anduntome,thatifanyshouldfindtheLesserRedoubt,theymustsurelydososomewherewithinthemightyValley;butwhetherTheRoadthatledintotheWest,wherewasthePlaceoftheAb-humans,shouldbringmetoit,Ihadnoknowing;norwhetheritmightlieontheNorthwardway.AndI,maybe,towanderathousandmileswrong;if,intruth,Iwerenotintosomedreadfultroublebefore.

And,indeed,noreasonofvaluewastheretogivemehopethattheLesserPyramidlayeithertotheWest,orwheretheRoadwentNorth-ward,beyondthe

HouseofSilence.YetIdidsofeelittobesomewheretotheNorth,thatIhadmadeadeterminationtosearchthatwayforagreatdistance,thefirst;andifIcouldnotcomeuponaught,thenIshouldhavesoberthoughtthatitdidlieWestward.ButintheValleysomeways,Ihadfeelingofassurancethatitmustbe;foritwasplainthatthetellingofthebookwassoundinitsbottomsense;asmightbeseen;forhowshouldanyliveintheutterbleakanddeadlychillofthesilentupperworldthatlayanhundredmilesupinthenight,hidandlostforever.

Andstrangeisittothinkofthosewondrousandmightycliffsthatgirtusabout,andyetwerefastheldfromusinthedark;sothatIhadnotknownofthem,saveforthetellingofthatbook;though,intruth,ithadbeenalwayssupposedthatwelivedinagreatdeepoftheworld;but,indeed,itwasratherheldinbeliefthatweabodeinthebedofsomeancientsea,thatdidsurelyslopegradualawayfromus,andnotgoupabruptandsavage.

AndhereletmemakesoclearasImaythatthegeneralpeopleshadnoclearthoughtuponanysuchmatters;thoughtherewassomethingofittaughtintheschools;yetratherthisandthat,ofdiverseconclusions,asitmightbethinkingsoftheTeachers,aftermuchstudy,andsomeponderings.Foroneman,havingalackofimagining,wouldscoff,andanother,maybe,totakeitverystaidly,butsomewouldbuildFancyuponthetellingsoftheRecords,andmakefoolishandfantasticthatwhichhadgroundingsinTruth;andthusisitever.ButtothemostPeoplesofthePyramid,therewasnodeepconvictionnorthoughtofanygreathidWorldafarinthedarkness.Fortheygaveattentionandbeliefonlytothatwhichlaytotheirview;norcouldagreatlotcometoimaginethattherehadbeeneveranyotherCondition.

Andtothem,itdidseemrightandmeetthatthereshouldbestrangethings,andfiresfromtheearth,andanever-abidingnight,andmonsters,andmattershidandtangledmuchinmystery.

Andverycontentwerethemostofthem;thoughsomehadinthemtheyeastofimaginings,orthepimplesoffancyuponthem,andtothesethereseemedmanypossibilities;thoughthefirsttoreadouttosanity;andthesecond,toexpectandhavespeechtowardsmuchthatwasfoolishortonopurpose.

Andofthesevaguebelievingsofthepeoples,haveImadehintbefore,andneednothavemuchtroubletoitnow.Savethat,withthechildren,asisevertheway,thoseoldentaleshadmuchbelieving;andthesimplicityoftheWisedidmate

withthebeliefsoftheYoung;andbetweenthemdidlietheTruth.

AndsodidImakespeedtowardstheNorth,havingastrongsuretyinmyheartandmindthattherewerebuttwowaystomysearch;forwithoutoftheValley,afarupinthedeadlonesomenessofthehiddenworld,wasacoldthatwasshapenreadytoDeath,andalacking,asImustbelieve,ofthesweet,needfulairthatyetdidlieinplentyinthatdeepplaceoftheearth.Sothat,surely,themightyValleysomewherestoholdthatotherRedoubt.

Yet,asIhavesaid,Iwentnotdirecttomyjourney,butotherwise,forthosesoundreasonswhichIdidsetdownatimeback.

VII

THENIGHTLAND

Now,asIwenttowardstheNorthandWest,Isteeredmewarilyforagreatwhile,thatIcomesafeofthatGreatWatcheroftheNorth-West.AndasImadeforward,Iputthoughttoallmatterswhichmustconcernme;sofarasIhadimaginingtosee.AndfirstIdidconsiderthespeedthatIshouldkeep;andfoundpresentlythatIdidwelltobemoderate;forthatIhadbeforemeagreatandmightyjourney;andindeed,whomightspeakknowinglyoftheendthereof?

Andanothermatter,Ididarrange;forIwouldmakethetimesofmygoingsforward,andthetimesofmineeatingsandsleepingsalltoawiseandregularfashion;that,thereby,Imightgoagreatway,withthelessharmtomybody;sothatIshouldbestrongwhentheneeddidcomeformystrength.AndImadeintheendthatIshouldeatanddrink,ateverysixthhour,andattheeighteenthhoursleepmeuntilthetwenty-fourth.

AndbythismeansdidIeatthriceinthattime,andhavesixhoursofsleep.Andthisseemedverygoodtome,andIdidstrivealwaystomanagethusinallmygreatjourneyingintheNightLand.Yet,asmaybesupposed,thereweretimesoftandmanywhenImustwatchwithoutceasing,andleavemyslumberuntothefuture;fortheLandwasfullofgrimanddreadfulPerils.

And,asdothbehuman,Ibrakemyrulestraightwayinthebeginning;forIceasednottowalkforone-and-twentyhours,hidingandcreeping,astheneeddidbeinthoseplacesthatwereliketoshowmeuntotheWatcher;andwhenIdidthinkuponfood,itdidsickenme;sothatIwouldeatbyandby,asImadeitwithinmythoughts.

Butwhenone-and-twentyhourshadgone,Igrewverywearyandsomethingfaint;andwasforcedthatIlookaboutforsomeplacewhereImighthaverest.

And,inalittlewhile,Ididsee,awayoff,asmallfire-hole,thelikeofwhichIhadpassedoddtimesevensoearly.AndImadetocomenightothatpart;fortherewouldbewarmthfromthechilloftheNightLand,andmayhapsaplacedryandconvenienttomyslumber.

AndwhenIcameanigh,Isawthatitwasacheerfulplace,asitmightbesaid,amidsomuchgloom;fortheholewasbutafewpaceswide,andfullofadull,glowingfire,thatdidbubblesomewhat,andthrowoffasmallsulphur-smoke.AndIsatmedown,atnogreatway,anddidplacetheDiskosontherocktomyhand.

AndImovednot,awhile;butwasaweary,sothatIhadnotthecouragetoeat,neithertodrink;butmustturnmeandlookbacktotheMightyPyramid;and,intruth,thoughIhadcomeaverygoodspace,yetwasIsoanightoit,thatIwasbothcheeredandputoutofheart;foritdidseemcloseuponme,byreasonofitsgreatness,sothatI,whohadjourneyedahardandwearifulway,wasshakenwiththegreatnessofthetaskthatwasuponme.

Yetwasthisbutonesideofmyheart;foritwasgoodtofeelthenearnessofmyMightyHome;andIknewthattheredidcountlessmillionsmakewatchuponme,asIsat;yetdidImakenosign;foritisnotmeettomakeaconstantfarewell;buttoGO.Yetwasitverystrangetobethusnear,andtoshowsuchbehaviouraswerepropertooneafarfromallhumanity.ButsoitwasthatIorderedmyways;foritdidseempropertome;yetwasIhappytoknowthatthedearMasterMonstruwacanmust,timeandoft,havespieduponmethroughtheGreatSpy-Glass;andmayhapsdidwatchmeinthatmoment.

AnditgrewinmethatIdidactweaklytoholdofffrommineVittles,andshowedfoolishnessbeforemykindfriendafar;andIdidopemyscrip,andtaketherefromthreetablets,thewhichIchewedanddideat;forthiswasastrongfood,treatedthatithadbutsmallbulk.Yetweretheynotfillingtothebelly;andImadethatIwoulddrinkwell,thatImightfeelthatsomethingwastherein.

Andtothisend,Ishookfromastrongandespecialtube,adust;andIcaughtthedustwithinalittlecup;andtheairdidmakeanactionuponthatdust,asitwereofchemistry;andthedustdidboilandmakeafizzinginthecup,androseupandfilleditwithaliquidthatwasofsimplewater;yetverystrangetoseecomethatway;butordinaryafteratime.

Andinthisway,asmightbeseen,hadIsuchfoodanddrinkinbutalittlescrip,thatmightkeeplifewithinmeforagreattime.Yetwasitawayofdiscomfort,andlackingtothemouthandtothebelly;butasufficientthinguntotheneedofthebody,andgoodmatterforathankfulheart,inthatdarkandhungryLand.

Now,whenIhadeaten,Ididgooverintheirorder,thosethingswhichIdidcarry;fortherewas,besidetheDiskosandthatscripoffood,apouchthatdidcontainmattersvarious.Andthese,Ididlookinto;andafterwarddidtakeoutasmallcompassthatIhadbeengivebytheMasterMonstruwacan,sothatImightfindofitsworkingswithouttheGreatRedoubt;and,hehadsaiduntome,thatitmightbethatIshouldpassfaroffintotheNightLand,andlosetheMightyPyramidamidsogreataCountryandsoplentifulaDarkness.Then,perchance,ifthatancientprincipledidstilllurkwithinthemachine,thoughturnednomoretotheNorth,butuntothePyramid,thenshoulditguidemyfeetHomewardoutoftheEverlastingNight,andthushaveoncemorethatancientusewhich,asIdoknow,iscommonuntothisage.

Andthiswasaverycunningthingtohavewithme,ifbutitheldservicetotheEarth-Current,andararething,whichtheMasterMonstruwacandidmakewithhisownhandsandmuchskillandpains,fromanoldenonethathadplacewithintheGreatMuseum,andconcerningwhichIhavetoldsomewhat,beforethisplace.

AndIsetthethingupontheground;butithadnocertainwaywithit;butdidspinandwaverconstantly,andthisImadetoconsider,andrememberedthatIwasyetabovethatpartwhere,afarintheearthdidspreadthegreatnessoftheUndergroundFields;andIwas,haply,butalittlewayofffromthe"Crack";thoughamightywayabove.

AnditpleasuredmetowonderwhetherthedearMasterMonstruwacandidbeholdhowthatImadetestwiththecompass;forthelightwasgoodfromthefire-hole;andtheGreatSpy-Glasshadagreatstrength.Yet,hadInocertainty;for,asIdidknow,frommuchwatchings,therewasnosuretyinthesearchingoftheLand,bytheGlass;fortherewasoftplainnesswhereyoudidthinksurelynoneshouldsee,andanonadullnesswheremightbethoughtthatthesightwentgaily.Andthismaybeplaintoall;forthewaveringofthelightsfromthestrangefireswasnottobeaccountedtorule;butmadealighthere,andadarknessthere,andthendidchangeabout,oddly.Moreover,thereweresmokesandmiststhatdidcomeupwardsfromtheearth,inthisplaceandinthat;andhadsomewhilesa

greatness;butoftweresmall,anddidlurklow,andhadnopowerbuttoconfusethesight.

And,presently,Ididputbythecompassinmypouch,andmadetocomposemyselfuntosleep.ButherewouldInowsetdownhowthat,intheend,afterIhadgonemanydays'journeyingsoutwardfromtheMightyPyramid,IdidindeedfindittodrawtheNorthwardpartoftheneedleuntoit;andthiswasacomfortandapleasuretomyspirit;moreover,ifeverIdidgetback,asIdidthink,itwouldbeamatterforgreatinterestuntotheMasterMonstruwacan;yet,inverity,werethereothermattersthatshouldholdhimmore;forhewasrighthuman,asallshouldknow.

And,moreover,concerningthissamecompass,Ididfindafreshthing;for,afterayetgreatertime,asIshallsetoutinadueplace,ifIdobutremember,whichdoubtisevermyfeartofretme,IcameamightywayfromtheRedoubt,and,lo!fearingthatImightindeedlosethat,MyGreatHome,intheDarknessoftheWorld,Ididpulloutthatstrangewonderoftheneedle,thatImighthavecomfortbyitshomewardpointing.AndIdiddiscoveranewpowerinthenight;forthemachinedidpointnomoredirectwardsuntotheGreatRedoubt;butwasapointuntotheWestwards;sothatIhadknowledgethatsomeGreatPowerafarintheDarknessoftheWorlddidswayuponit;andIhadachildlikewonderthatthismightbe,intruth,thatsamePoweroftheNorth,ofwhichthebooks,andmyMemory-Dreamsdidtell.And,indeed,nodoubtshouldtherebeuponthismatter;yetwhomightnothavedoubtinthattime,thattheyshouldperceiveafteraneternity,thatancientNorthwardForceswayingthatsmallservantuntoanoldenobedience.Anditwas,asitwere,arevealinguntome,howthattoknowwithinthebrainisonematter;buttohaveknowledgewithintheheartisanother;forIhadalwaysknownconcerningthisNorthwardForce;butyethadnotknownwiththetruemeaningofKnowledge.

Andyetoneothermattertherewastocausedoubt,atthatmomentofthisnewknowing;foritcametomethatmaybethepowerofthatLesserRedoubtdidbegintoactuponthemachine,evenastheEarth-CurrentoftheGreatPyramiddidholdyetastrongdrawingupontheneedle;andwerethisso,thendidInotsurelybegintostandanighuntomyJourney'send;forthatlesspoweroftheLesserRedoubtcouldhavenoimpudencetopull,savethatIhadcometoaclosenesswithit.

Yet,intruth,asIdonowhaveknowledge,itwastheNorththatdrew;andIdo

seemtomakeagreattellingaboutthislittlematter;buthowelseshallIshowtoyoumineinwardmind,andthelackofknowledgeandlikewisethepeculiarknowingsthatdidgotothemakingofthattime,andthePeoplesthereof,whichisbuttosaythesamethingtwiceover.

Andnow,asIdidsay,Imadetocomposemyselfforsleep;andtothisend,Itookacloak-matterwhichdidcrossmyshoulderandhip,andwraptitaboutme,andlaydownthereinthedarknessoftheNight,bythatstrangefire-hole.

AndIlaytheDiskosbesideme,withinthecloak;foritwas,indeed,mycompanionandfriendinbitterneed;sothatIhadpleasuretofeelthestrangethinganightome.AndasIdidliethere,inthosemomentsthatdodrowsetheSoul,asitwerethattheydoproceedasbreathoutofthemouthofSleep,Ihadahalf-knowingthattheaetherdidsurgeaboutme;andIdoubtnotbutthattherehadwatchedmyeverydoing,manyoftheMillions,andhadbeenhumanlystirred,atmycommendingofmyspirituntosleep;andthusdidshaketheaetheroftheworldaboutme,withtheirunityofsympathy.

And,mayhaps,Ihadsomelittleknowingofthisthing,asIdidpass,drowsy,intoslumber;anditissurelylikethatIsleptthebetterforit.Moreover,Iwaswondroustiredandworn,andthusdidsleepverystrongandheavy;yetImindmethatmylastdimthinkingswereuponthatsweetmaidIdidgotofind.AndinslumberdidIhavespeechwithherindreams,andastrangehappinessaboutme,andallseemingtobetouchedbyfairy-light,andfreedfromthesorrowoflife.

Anditwasfromasweetandlovelysleeping,suchasthis,thatIwaswakedsuddenlybyagreatandmightysound;andIcameinstanttoapossessingofmysenses;andIknewthatthemightyVoiceoftheHome-CalldidgohowlingacrosstheNight.And,swiftandsilent,Islidthecloakfromaboutme,andtookthehaftofthatwondrousDiskosintominehand.

AndIdidlooktowardsthePyramid,quickly,foramessage;forIhadasureknowledgethattherehadagreatNeedarisen,andthatsomeTerrorcametowardsmeoutoftheDark;elsetheyhadneverwakedalltheNightLandtoaknowingthatanhumanwasabroadoutoftheMightyRefuge.

AndevenasIdidpeertowardstheGreatRedoubt,Icouldnotabidetokeepmygazeentirethatway;butdidtakealargeandfearfullookallaboutme;yetcouldmaketoseenothing;andsodidstare,eagerandanxious,afarintotheupper

blacknessoftheNight,wheredidshinethatFinalLightoftheTowerofObservation;andthesamewhilecrouched,andholdingtheDiskos,andmakingtoglanceacrossmyshoulders,andtowatchforthemessage,andallinthesamemoment.

Andthen,afarupwardsintheprodigiousheight,Ididseethegreat,andbrightandquickdartingflashesofastrangegreenfire,anddidknowthattheyspelledtomeintheSet-Speechaswiftwarningthatagreymonster,thatwasaGreatGreyMan,hadmadescentofmeinthedark,andwaseveninthatmomentoftime,crawlingtowardsmethroughthelowmoss-bushesthatlayoffbeyondthefire-holetomyback.Andthemessagewassharp;andbademetoleapintothebushesuntomyleft;andtohidethere;sothatImightchancetotakethethingtoanadvantage.

And,asmaybethought,theyhadscarceflashedthetaleuntome;butIwasgoneinamongtheshadowsofaclumpofthemoss-bushthatdidgrowanigh;andIsweatwithastrangeterror,andacoldandexcitedshakingoftheheart;yetwasmyspiritsetstrongtoconquer.

Andlo!asIdidcrouchthere,hidden,Isawsomethingcomeveryquietoutofthebushesthatdidgrowbeyondthefire-hole;anditwasgreat,andcrept,andwasnowayscolouredbutbygreynessinallitsparts.Andtheglarefromthefire-holedidseemtotroubleit;sothatitlooked,layingitsheadtotheground,andspyingalongtheearth,inastrangeandBrutishfashion;thatitmightoverseetheglareofthefire-hole.Yet,Idoubtthatitsawbeyondthefirewithplainness;for,inamoment,itcreptswiftinamongthebushesagain,andcameouttowardstheedgeofthefire-holeinanotherplace;andthisitdidthriceuntomyleft,andthriceuntomyright;andeverytimedidlayitsheadtotheearth,andspyalong;anddidhunchitsshoulders,andthrustforwardthejawhorridlyandturntheneck,asaverynastybeastmightgo,wanton.

Now,asyoumaythink,thismanneroftheBeast-Mandidshakemycouragemightily;forIdidthinkeachtimethatitdidgoinwardamongthemoss-bushes,thatithadmadediscoveryofme,andwouldmaketotakemeintheback,fromoutofthedarkofthebushes;andthiswasanuncomfortablethingtoconsider,asothersmightthinkalso,hadanybeenthereinthebushwithme.Andthen,intruth,didthatsameswiftsenseofmineHearing,provehelpfultomysaving;for,behold,thethingdidgobackintothemoss-bushes,afterthatlastcomingout;anddidseemtomakeasithadmadeafailingtodiscoverme,andhadnofurther

intent,savetoreturnuntotheNight;andIhadthisthoughttrulyinmineheart,andformaybeaminute;andthen,lo!withinmysoulavoicedidspeakplain,anddidwarnmethatthethingdidmakeagreatcompassamongthemoss-bushesaboutthefire-hole,havingmadediscoveryofme;anditdidgowarilytotakemeintheback,fromtheotherside.

Now,whenIheardthisvoicespeakwithinmyspirit,IhadknowledgethatthedearMasterMonstruwacanmadewatchfromtheTowerofObservation,anddidsendthespeechwithhisbrain-elements,havinginmindthatIhadtheNight-Hearing.AndItrustedthespeech;forinthesamemomentoftimetheredidbeatallaboutmeintheNightthesolemnthroboftheMaster-Word,asthatithadbeenaddedwithspeed,togiveinstantassurance.AndIleaptquickfromthatclumpofthemoss-bush,untoanother,andcrouched,andmadeawatchallaboutme;andkepttheearsofmyspiritopen,knowingthattheMasterMonstruwacandidalsowatchall,forme.

And,suddenly,IsawalittlemovingofabushthatgrewtothebackofthosebushesinwhichIhadbeenhid;andtherecameoutofthebushthatmoved,agreatgreyhand,andmovedthemossoftheclumpwhereIhadbeen,asitwerethatsomethingpeeredoutofthemovingbush.AndtherefollowedthegreatgreyheadoftheGreyMan,andtheheadwentintotheclumpofthemoss-bushwhereIhadbeen.

AndIknewthatImuststrikenow;andIleapt,andsmotewiththeDiskos;andthethingfelluponitsside,andthegreatgreylegscameoutofthehitherbushes,andtwitchedanddrewupwards;buttheheadremainedinthebushwhereIhadbeenhid.AndIstoodawayfromthethingwhilstitdied;andinminehandtheDiskosdidspinandsendforthfire;asitwerethatitdidlive,anddidknowthatithadslainagreatandhorridmonster.

AndpresentlytheGreyManwasdead;andIwentawayfromthosebushes,untothefarsideofthefire-hole.AndIstoodwiththeDiskosheldhighandspinningandsendingoutfire,thattheywithintheMightyPyramidmightknowthatIhadslaintheBeast-Man;foritmightbethatitlaytoomuchintheshadowforthemtolookupon.

ButtheMasterMonstruwacanspokenotagaintome;for,indeed,itwasnotmeettodoso,exceptitmightsavemefromasuredanger;for,asyoumayknowfrommypasttellings,therewerePowersoftheNightLandthatdidhearken

untosuchmatters;anditwaslikeenoughthattherehadbeenovermuchdone,eventhus,formyfurthersafety.Yetthethingcouldnotbehelped.

AndnowthatIwasalittlecalmed,andeasedfrommyfear,IcouldknowthatallthattheaetherofthenightwasdisturbedbythegladnessofthemillionswithintheGreatRedoubt;sothatitwasplainhowgreatamultitudehadgivennoteuntothefight;andtheirheartstobeatinsweetsympathyandnaturalfear;sothatIdidfeelcompaniedandbefriended;though,asitmaybethought,somethingshakenyetabouttheheart.

Now,inalittletime,Ididgatheruntomemywitsandhadmyselftoorder;andIlookedtoseehowthehoursdidgo,andIfoundthatIhadsurelyslumberedthroughtenhours.AndIreproachedmyself;for,indeed,Ihadsleptoversoundbyreasonofmyhavinglackedaregularwayandtime,asIhadwithaproperwisdommadetobemyrule.AndIresolvedthatIwouldobeythewitofmyReasoninallthefuturetime,andmaketoeatandrestindueseason,asyouwillwotthatIdidbeforeintend.

Then,withaself-reproachfulheart,Iwentaroundthesmallfire-hole,andcaughtupmycloakandothermatters.AndIturnedmetowardstheMightyPyramid,anddidlookonceupwardsalongallthegreatslope,whereitdidgomeasurelessintothefarblacknessoftheEverlastingNight;andImadenosalutation;forIhadsoresolved,asyouwillknow;moreover,Idesirednottocallforthanyunneedfuldisturbanceoftheaetheroftheworld,whichindeedmustbe,didImaketostirtheemotionsoftheMillions.

AndIturnedmethenaway,andwentoffintothenight,goingswiftandcautious,andbearingtheDiskoscunninglyandalmost,asitwere,withaloveforthatstrangeandwondrousweaponthathadsobefriendedme,andslainthefoulGreyManwithonestroke.AndIhadfeelingthatitdidknowme,andhadacomradeshipforme;andIdoubtnonewillunderstandthis;save,itmightbe,theyoftheoldendaysthatdidcarryonestrongswordalways.YetwastheDiskosmorethanthesword;foritdidintruthseemtolivewiththefireandtheflameoftheEarth-Currentthatdidbeatwithinit.

AnditwaswellacknowledgedwithintheGreatRedoubt,thatnonemighttouchtheDiskosofanother;forthatthethingwentcrustily,asitmightbesaid,inthehandsofastranger;andifanymadefoolishnessofthisknowledge,anddidpersistmuchtosuchanhandling,ormakingtouse,thesamewouldpresentlyact

clumsywiththeweapon,andcometoanhurt;andthiswasasurething,andhadbeenknownmaybeanhundredthousandyears;orperchanceagreatertime.

Andbythisitdothseemwisetobelievethattheredidgrowalwaysanaffinitybetweenthenatureoftheman—whichdoth,asever,includethewoman—andtheDiskosthathediduseinhisPractice;andbecauseofthisknownthing,andthattheplacewouldelsewisebelumberedwitholdenweaponsofthosethatdiddie,itwasaLawandUsagethattherewasplacedwiththeDead,theDiskosoftheDead,thereuponTheLastRoadintheCountryOfSilence,andwasthusmadetogivebackuntotheEarth-Current,thepowerthatdidlieinit.Andthisdothseemtoacarelessthinker,asitwerethatItoldonceagainthoseoldencustomsoftheAncientFolk;butthisisotherwise,andhadasoundreasontoit;yet,ifyoudosobelieve,Idoubtnotbutthatarighthumansentimentwassomethingatthebottom,whichisproper;foritismeetthatLoveshouldmatewithWisdomtomotherComfortinoursorrows;anditisawarmthingtodoaughtforourdead;andnonemaysaynaytothis.

Now,asIdidgoonwardsintotheNightLand,lookingevertothisshadowandtothat,itmaybeconceivedhowmyheartwouldstirwithswiftfear,atthisandthat;andthatmybodywouldoftquivertoleapaside;andasswiftdiscoverthatnaughtassailed.

AndsodidIgoforward,andalwayswithimaginingsandwondersconcerningwhatmannerofuncouthBeingorBrutemightcomeoutofthedarknessesallabout.Yet,inallthattime,therewasacertainproudnessoftheheart,thatIdidcomesafeoutofthepoweroftheGreyMan,anddidsurelyslayhim.But,truly,itwerewellthatthepraisebeconsidered,andnotovermuchgivenuntome;forIhaddiedasIslept,butthattheyoftheGreatRedoubt,hadmadeawatchoverme,andwakedmeuntomysaving.

Now,presently,asIwalked,Igrewsomethingfaint,andhadknowledgethatIdidfoolishly;for,indeed,Ishouldhaveeataftermyfight;yetmayIbeforgivenforthisforgetting,inthatIhadbeenmuchshakedandputabout.

AndIsatmedowninalittleclearplaceamongthebushes,anddideatthreeofthetablets,anddidoncemoreshakeforththedustthatdidturnintheairtoanaturalwaterbyaproperandnaturalchemistryofthesematters.AndafterIhadeat,Isatalittlewhile,anddidthink,anddidlookupwardsatthegreatslopeofthePyramidinthenight;andallthetimedidIlistenwithmineearsandwithmy

spirit;andkepttheDiskosacrossmyknees,andlookedthiswayandthat,veryfrequent;butnothingcameanigh.

AndsoIrosepresently,andwentonwards,andwalkedforsixhourstowardstheNorthandtheWest.AndImademuchtotheWest,foralittle,thatImightcomeclearoftheNorth-WestWatcher.Yet,afteraspace,Imadetodofoolishly;forIchangedmymindabout,andkeptsomethingmoretowardstheNorth,sothatIshouldhaveasurersightofthatMonster.

Andthiswas,intruth,arashandnaughtythingtoconsider;forifIwerebutseen,thenshouldthatgrimBrutemakeasignaluntotheEvilPowers,andIbemetswiftlywithdestruction.Butsurelytheheartisastrangeandwaywardthing,andgiventoquickfears,andimmediatelyuntogreatanduncountablerashnesses.AndsoIdidgoforwardunwiselytotheNorthwardofasafeandpropergoing;anditmaybethataninfluencewasuponme,anddrewmethatwards;butwhoshallsay.

Now,agreattimeIwalked,andmadeahaltuponeverysixthhour,anddideatanddrink,andlookalittleuntothemonstroustoweringoftheGreatRedoubt;andafterwardsmakestrongmineheart,andgoforwardagain.AndalwaysIdidgowarily,andchieflyamongthelowmoss-bush;butsometimesoutuponstonyground,andoftacrossplaceswheresulphurdidpuffsomewhatfromthegroundinalowsmoke,verystronginthenostrilsandnotlikedinwardly.

AndasImadeonwards,Ilookedalwaystomyrightandtomyleft,andanontotherear;yetmadeaconstantobservationoftheMightyWatcher,thatIdidbegintodrawnighunto.AndoftdidIstooptocrawl,andmyhandsdidbleedsomewhat;butafterIwastroubledso,Iputonthegreatglovesthatmadecompletethegreyarmour,andsowasshodpropertosuchjourneying.

And,presently,wheneighteenhoursdidhavepassedsincethatmysuddenawakeningtotheperiloftheGreyMan,Ididsearchaboutforaplacetoslumber;forIwouldkeepwiselyuntomyruling,andgonotoverlonglackingofsleep;andbythisplanningIshouldbethelessliketosleepoversound,andsoshouldsetmyspirittolistenwhilstIdidsleep;andbysomuchasmyspiritshouldservemewithfaith,shouldIhavesafety.Andthisthingisplain,andwantsnotmoretothesayingthereof.

AndIcamepresentlyuntoasuddenplacewherethelanddidgodownwards

brokenly,asthatithadbeenburstagreatwhilegonebytheinwardfires;andIlookeddownwardsovertheedgeofthatplace,andwentroundaboutit,anddidseepresentlyaledgeuponthefarside,thatwasdifficulttocomeupon;yetaplaceofsomelittlesafetytoanythatmightgodowntoit;foritwasawkwardtosee,anddidanymonsterseektocomeatme,Ishouldhavechanceofwarning;andmightgodownwardsagreaterwayintimetomysalvation.

Andbythisdetermination,Iabode;andcamedowntothatplacewithlabour;butwascheerfulofheartthatIhadfoundsosureashelter.AndIeatmythreetablets,anddrankthewaterthatIdidgetfromthepowder.Andsomadetocomposemybodytosleep.Yet,atthistime,athoughtdidcometome,andImadecalculationafresh;andlaughedsomewhatatthatmypoorcounting;for,indeed,Ihadthoughttoeatbutthriceinthetwentyandfourhours;yetbymyarranging,Iwasmade,indeed,toeatfourtimes,asyoushallseeimmediatelybyalittlethought.Andthisthingcamemorestronguponmyspiritthananymightthink;forIdideatovermuchforthelastingofthefood;though,inverity,itwasbutlittletomybelly;asyoumustallthink,andhavesympathyformydiscomfort.

AndIconsideredalittle,andhaddeterminedthatIshouldafterwardsinmyjourneying,eatbuttwoofthetabletstomymeal;andthiswasawisethought,andlikemuchwisdom,adiscomposingthing.Butsoitwas,andIsetitdownthatyoumayknowthearrangingofmywaysatthattime.

Now,inallthiswhileofmeditation,Ihadbeensettingmycloakaboutme,andwasfastsettomysleeping;forIhadwalkedawearyway.AndIlaymedownuponmyleftside,withmybacktotherock,whichdidoverhangmesomethingabove;sothatIwascontentedtofeelhidfromthingsthatmightpassbyintheNight.AndIhadthecloakaboutme,andtheDiskoscloseagainstmybreast,withinthecloak,andmyheaduponmypouchanduponmyscrip.

AndasIlaythusamomenteaseful,IcouldseethatsomightywastheuprisingoftheGreatPyramidthatitwasnothidfrommeeventhus,butdidstandupwardintothenight,anddidshine,andwasplaintobeseenabovethefurtheredgeofthatdeepplacewhereIdidlie.

AndIfelluponsleep,lookingupwardatthatFinalLight,where,asmightbe,theMasterMonstruwacandidbendtheGreatSpy-Glassuponmylonesomeness,asIlaythereupontheledge.

Andthiswasathoughtofsweetcomfortuponwhichtoslumber;thewhichIdid;butmyspiritlaywakefulwithinmybreast,anddidlistenthroughthenight;andharkedforallevilmattersandthingsthatdidmaketocomeanigh.ButalsomyspiritdidwhisperuntoNaaniasIwentintosleep;andsopassedIintodreams.

Now,itmaybethoughtthatIdidactwithastrangevaliance,inthatIcomposedmybodysoproperlytoslumber,andwithbutalittletroubleoftheheartconcerningthecomingofmonsters.Andintruththishathseemedsomewhatsotome,thinkingsincethattime;butIdobutsetthethingthatistruth;andmakenottolabourtoanillusionoftruth;andsomusttellmuchthatdothseemimpropertotheReality.Yetmustallbearwithme,andhaveunderstandingofthehardnessofsettingforthwithtrueseemingthehonestyofTruth,which,inverity,isbetterservedofttimesbytimelyandcunninglies.AndsoshallyouunderstandthismattersowellasI.

AndpresentlymyspiritwakedmethereinthehalfdarkoftheNightLand;andIlookedswiftaboutme,andupwards,andsawnothingtofear.ThendidIpeeratmydial;andmadetodiscoverthatIhadsleptfulloversixquiethours;andbythisIknewthereasonofmineawaking;foritwassogreatimpresseduponmebymineinwardsenseandbeing.Andthisyoushallunderstand,someways,whohavethought,eresleep,towaketoacertaintimeofthemorning;andbyunderstandingshallyoubelieveandgivemeallyourkindharkingandhumansympathy.

AndImadetohaveasmartnessofgoing,whichiseverhardtothenewlywaked;andIeattwotablets,thewhilemybellydidcryoutforanwholesomeandproperfilling;butIdranksomeofthewater,andsodideasesomewhatofmyhunger.

ThendidIwindmycloaktoitsshape,andputuponmemygear,whichwasthescripandthepouch,andtheDiskostomyhip;andIclomboutfromthatplaceofrest.Yet,beforeIdidcomerightlyupintotheopen,Ipeeredabout,andmadesomesuretythatnoevilBrutewasanigh.AndthenIgatmeout,andstooduponmyfeet,andlookedforalittleupwardsatthemightyslopeoftheGreatRedoubt,whichdidseemyetverynighuntome,byreasonofitbeingsomonstrousinbigness.

AndIwonderedwhetherinthatmomenttheMasterMonstruwacandidlook

downuponme,withtheGreatSpy-Glass.AndafterwardsIturnedawayswiftly,andwentonintotheNightLand;foritdidalwaysmakemeshakenwithlonesomenesstolookuponmyGreatHome.AndsoIdidgoforwardwithastronganduncaringstride;butgrewpresentlytoquietness,andtohavebackthepropercautionofmygoing.YethadInotgoneallfoolishly,forIhadtakentheDiskosfrommyhip,erethis;sothatIpossessedithandily.

Nowthereisonematterwhichshallseembutasmallandnaturaloccurringuntoyou;yetwasstronguponmeinthattime;andthisthingwasthatIdidbeginnowtoseetheNightLandfromthenewoutlookingofmydistancefromtheMightyPyramid.Anditwasasthatamanofthisdaydidgofromtheearthtotravelamongthestars,andlo!shouldhenotfindthemtoshiftuponhisvision;sothattheGreatBearandthisandthatshapingofthestarclusterings,shouldmakeaneworder,ashedidwanderonwards;andsoshouldhefindthattherewasnaughtthatwastrulyfixed,ashedidbeforethenthink;butalltoalteraccordinguntotheplacewhencethelooking!Andthisthingshallbeplainuntoyou,thoughnothoughtbeputtothematter;foritisofanevidentveritythatdothneednotargumenttoexpound.Andsoshallyouhavememoryofme,therea-wanderamongthosestrangeshapingsandwondersofthatgrimLand,thewhichIhadneverbutsupposedtoseembutasmymemorydidretainthem,fromthelookingsofallmylifewithintheGreatRedoubt.Andsoitwas;andevertheredidthisthingandthatopenouttoanewview,andtheNightLandtaketoitselfaconstantnewaspecttomineeyeswhichhadneveruntilthattimehadbuttheonefixedvisionofthesame.

Andyoushallunderstandwithmehowthatwhen,aboutthefourteenthhourofthatday'stravel,IdiddrawverynighuntothemonstrousWatcheroftheNorth-West,itdidseemsoutterstrangefromthisfreshaspectthatIhadbeenliketothinkthatIdidseeanewMonster.For,intruth,whenIdidcomeatlasttocreeptowithinamileofit,amongthelowmoss-bushes,IwasconfoundedthatthemightychindidcomeforwardtowardstheGreatRedoubt,evenastheupwardpartofavastcliff,whichtheseadothmakehollowaboutthebottom;foritdidhangoutintotheairabovetheglareofthefirefromtheRedPit,asithadbeenathingofRock,allscoredandbe-weathered,anddullredandseemingburnedandblastedbyreasonofthebloodyshinethatbeatupwardfromthedeepoftheRedPit.

AndbythewayinwhichIdotelluponit,youshallknowthatIdidsurelyviewitsomethingfromthesideatthisimmediatetime;for,intruth,itwasthenthatI

diddrawthenearer;and,moreover,Iwasthemoreastonishedatthisviewing,thanIhadbeentothefront;foritwassoutterstrange,andshapensodifferentfromtheBrutethatdidhanginmymemory.

AndagreattimeIdidliethereuponmybelly;andshakenbyafearoftheBeast;yetemboldened,asyoumayconceive,byhavingcometotheside;andbeinghopefulinmyheartthatIwasverysecurewithinsogreatashadowandthethickshelteringofthemoss-bushes.

AndsurelyitwasthatIdidcreepmorenigh,thewhilethatIdidlook;forpresentlyIhadaveryplainseeingoftheGreatMonster;anddidknowwhereIhadgottento,andtherebydidacknowledgeuntomyselfthatthiswasanutterfoolishness;andlike,forallthatanymightsay,toleaduntodestruction.Yet,asallmustknow,therewasthefirstfear,andtheceasingofthisfear,asIdidwotthatIwassolittleathingtoheedoutthereintheshadows.Andpresentlyagainingofcourage,andtheprickofmyBeingthatdidcravetoseeclearthisexceedingWonder.AndsowasIcomeclose,moreorless,havinggonefaruponmyhandsandknees;yetsometimestopause;butafterwardsonagain.

Nowbythisnearness,IwasthemoretrulyabletoperceivehowthattheBulkoftheWatcherdidriseupintotheNight,likeaHill;andthecolourwasmostlyblack,saveandindeedwhereitdidfacetotheredshineofthePit;andconcerningthisIhavedonetelling.

AndsodidIliethere,andstareagreatwhile,partingasmallholeinthemoss-bushesthatImightspythroughthesame.Andthethingwassquatthere,andmighthaverootwithintheearth,soitdidseemtomineimaginings,asIdidstarewithadumbwonder.Andthereweremonstrouswartsuponthething,andindentsandamightyruggednessandlumpings;asitwerethatitdidbepimpledwithgreatbouldersthatwereinbredwithinthatmonstroushide.AndwheretheshinefromthePitofRedFiredidstrikeuponthese,theydidstandoutintothedarknessawayfromtheskin,asyouofthisAgeshallseemountainsofthemooncatchabrightfirefromtheSun,andshowplainuponthenightofthemoon.

Now,asIhavesetdown,Ididliethereandlookagreatwhile;anditcamepresentlytomethattherewasuneasewithintheMightyPyramid,amongtheMillions;forIdidfeeltheaetheroftheworldtobedisturbedbytheirdistress;andsohadaknowingthattheyhadacunningwarenessconcerningtheplacewhereIdidhideamongthemoss-bushes.

Andthethrillinginthenightdidbringawisdomintomyhead;for,inverity,asIhavesaid,thiswasafoolishmatterthatIwasupon.AndIgatathoughtthattheWatchermighthaveanawarednessofthetroubleoftheMultitudes;and,indeed,forallthatIdidknow,ithadafullknowledgeofallmywandering;thoughconcerningthis,Ididthinkotherwisetrulyinmyheart;asisamosthumanandproperwaytomakecomfortablethespirit,whereDoubtcanhavenoeasefromReason.

AndImadethatIwouldgobackwardstoagooddistancefromtheWatcher,andgoforwardagainuponmyjourneying,ifbutthatIcomesafefromsounwiseanadventuring.AndasIdidbegintoreturn,itwastomeasthatallmysenseswerenewlyawake;forIhadasuddenknowingthatIwaswithintheatmosphere,shouldInotcallit,oftheMonster.

AndIgatanabruptandhorridshakingofthespirit;forIdidfeelinveritythatmysoulhadcometooanigh;andthattheBeasthadasureknowledgeconcerningme;yetdidmaketomydestructionwithnohaste;butafterthatwayandfashionthatdidseemproperuntoit.

Andthisfeelingyoushallunderstandthebetter,maybe,whenIdotellthatitwastomeasthattheairallaboutmewasfullofaquietandsteadfastlifeandkeenintelligencethatIdidbelievetocomeforthfromtheWatcheroneveryside;sothatIdidfeelasonealreadywithinthegazeofsomeGreatandEvilPower.

Yet,thoughIhadagreatterroruponme,Imadenofoolishhaste;butcommandedmysoultocourage,andputaguarduponmywayofgoing,andsomadeaveryquietjourneyformaybetwofullmiles;andafterwardsdidallowmyselfsomethingmoreofhaste;forIwasnowgrowneasierinmyspirit;andfeltapartfromthespiritoftheGreatWatcher.

Andafteralongerwhile,Ididleavethathillofwatchfulnesstomyrear;andwasgoneonwardintothenight;yet,asmaybeknown,withavagueuneaseandtroubletomyheart,andaswiftandfrequentturningtolearnsurelythatnoEvilThingcameafterme.For,asyoumayknow,Icouldnowisehaveforgetting,concerningthatgreatquietLifewhichdidseemtobelivinginalltheairaroundthatMightyBulk.Forithadbeenallaboutmeinthenight,asIhavetold,andItofeelthatIhadbeensurelydiscovered!Andthusshallyouknowhowshakenwasmyspirit,inverity.

Now,presently,attheeighteenthhourofthatday'stravel,Iceasedfrommyjourneying,thatImighteatanddrink;andIdidsitalittlewhile,andlookedbackuponthestrangeandmonstrousthingwhichIhadcomebeyond.AndthegreathumpedbackandvastshouldersoftheWatching-Thingroseupintothenight,blackandcumbrousagainsttheredshineofthePit.Andthus,asyoushallthink,hadthatBrutelookedalwaysuntotheMightyPyramid,throughEternity,anddidceasenotfromwatching,andwassteadfastandsilentandalone;andnonedidunderstand.

AndafterIhadeat,anddrunksomeofthewater,Iwentonwardforafullmatterofsixhoursmore;beingmindedtohavenosleepuntilIhadputagreatwaybetweenmeandtheWatcher.AndinthispartofmyjourneydidIcometoThePlaceWhereTheSilentOnesKill,asitwasnamedintheMaps.AndIobservedaverywondrouscaution,andwentawayfromitalittle,untotheNorth,whereIdidseeatadistancetheshiningsoffire-holes;thewhichdidpromisemewarmththroughmyslumber.

AndhereyoumustknowthatthePlaceWhereTheSilentOnesKillwasanutterbareplace,wherealldidseemofrock,andnobushdidseemtogrowthereon;sothatamanmightnotcometoanyhiding;though,intruth,theremightbesomeholehereorthere;yetwasnoneshowninanymapwithinthePyramid;neitherdidthereseemtobeanysuchtome,asIdidcreepthereamongthemoss-bushestotheNorthwardofthePlace,andlookconstantandfearfultowardsit;sothatIshouldseequicklywhetheranySilentOnedidmoveacrossallthegreyquietofthatrockyplain.

AndconcerningthissamePlaceWhereTheSilentOnesKill,itwerewelltomakeanexplanationhowthattherewasalwaysalittleandfar-spreadedlightoverallthatlonesomeness;andthelightwassomethinggrey-seeming;asitwerethatalichenmightgrowupontherocks,andsendoutalittleuncomfortableglowing,evenascertainmattersdointhesetimes,ifyoudobutknowtheplaceandthetimetoseekthem.Yetwasthelightexceedingweak,andverycoldanddismal,anddidseemtrulytoshownaughtwithasureness;sothatitdidappeartotheeye,ifonedidlookfixedly,thattherewereshadowsthatdidmovehereorthere,asitwereofsilentbeings;andnonemightknow,intruth,whetherthisshapingofthegreynesswastothecloudingoftheReason,orthattheeyedidseeofReality.Yet,ifonedidlookwiththeGreatSpy-Glass,thenmighttherebesomesuretyandplainness;andlikewisewasitso,ifonedidhavecomesufficientanightothatuncomfortablePlace,evenasIthendidbe.Andsoyou

shallconceivehowthatIdidslideveryquietfrombushuntobush;forIhadalwayinallmylifehadaverydreadfearofthisplace;andoftdidIpeeroutintothedimgreylightofthelonesomeplainuntomyleft;andwouldthinksometimestoperceivetheshapesoftheSilentOnesstoodvagueandwatchful;yet,ontheinstant,toseenothing.

AndthusIdidgoonward,andcamepresentlytoapartwherethegreyplaindidstretchoutabarenessintotheNightLandtomyfront;sothatmywayended,unlessIdidmakealongpassingroundabout.

AndIsatthereamongthemoss-bushes,anddidconsider,andlooktoutcunninglythroughaspy-holeofthebushinwhichIdidsit.AndIperceivedthatthepartoftheplainwhichdidjutbarenessintotheLandbeforemehadnogreatnessofsize;butmightbepassedswiftlyinbutalittlerunning.Andthisthingshouldsavemeawearisomegoinground;sothatImadetoconsideritwithaseriousmind;andallthetimedidIsearchthebaregreynessbeforeme,andsawpresentlythatitwassurelyempty.

AndImadetoadventuremyselfacross,runningveryswiftuntilIhadcometothefarside.Andlo!asIdidgotoriseupoutofthebush,mineeyeswereopened,asitwere,andIsawthattherewassomethingamidtheconstantgreyness;andIfellquicklyintothebush;anddidsweatverychill;butyetdidhastetolook.

AndIsawnowthattherewere,intruth,mattersthatdidshowvagueuponthatpartoftheplainthatwasbeforeme.AndIdidpeerveryconstantandanxious,and,behold,Isawthattherewasfacingme,agreatlineofquietandloftyfigures,shroudeduntotheirfeet;andtheymovednot,neithermadetheyanysound;butstoodthereamidthegreyness,anddidseemtomakeanunendingwatchuponme;sothatmyheartwentuntoweakness,andIdidfeelthattherewasnopowerofthemoss-bushestohideme;for,inverity,theythatstoodsosilentwerecertainoftheSilentOnes;andIwasverynightothePlaceofDestruction.

Now,Imovednotforatime;butwasmadestiffbythegreatnessofmyfear.YetIwaspresentlyawarethattheSilentOnescamenottowardsme;butstoodquiet;asthattheydidmindnottoslayme,ifbutIdidkeepfromthatPlace.

Andtheregrewtherefromalittlecourageintomineheart,andIobeyedmy

spirit,andtookanholdofmystrengthandwentslowlybackwardinthebushes.AndpresentlyIwascomealongwayoff.Yettroubledanddisturbed,andverystricttomygoing.

AndImadeagreatcirclingaboutthatplacewheretheplainoftheSilentOnesdidcomeoutward;andsodidgaintotheNorth-West;andwasthencesomethingthehappierinmyheart;andwenteasily,andoftuponmyfeet;yetmakingastrongwatchingtoeveryside.

AndsoIcameatthelasttoatimewhenIhadwalkedthroughfour-and-twentywearifulhours;andwaseagerthatIshouldcometoasafeplaceformysleep;yetdidlackahappybeliefofsafety,inthatIhadcometwiceanightosogrimtrouble;andunsureIwasthatIdidnotbesecretlypursuedinthenight.Andthisyoushallbelievetobeaverydesperatefeeling;andaplighttomaketheheartsick,andtolongwithagreatlongingforthesafetyofthatmineHome.YethadIputmyselftothetask;andtrulyIdidneverceasetothesorrowfulrememberingofthatutterdespairthathadsoundedtomeplaininthelastcallingofmineownlove,outofallthemysteryofthenight.Andbuttothinkuponthiswastogrowstronginthespirit;yettohaveafreshanxiousnessthatIdidthemoresurelykeepmylifewithinme,andsocometothatmaid'ssalvation.

Now,asyoushallmind,Ihadspiedtheshineofcertainfire-holessomewhattotheNorthward,andhadthoughttomakethereaboutsaplaceformysleep;for,intruth,therewasabitternessofcoldinalltheairofnightthatdidsurroundme;andIwaswarmednightoaslowhappiness,bythinkinguponafiretoliebeside;andsmallwonder,asyoushallsay.

AndImadepresentlyastrongwalkinguntothatplacewheredidglowinthenighttheshineofthefire-holes,asIdidwelljudgethemtobe;andsowasliketohavecomeover-swiftlyuponmydeath,asyoushallpresentlysee;for,asIcameanightothefirst,Iperceivedthatthelightcameupwardoutofagreathollowamongthemoss-bushes,andthatthefire-holeburnedsomewhereinthedeepofthehollow;sothatIdidbutlookupontheshinethereof.

YetveryeagerwasItocometothatwarmth;andImademoreofhastethancare,asIdidhint;andsocameveryswifttothetopofthehollow;yetwasstillhiddenbythekindnessofthemoss-bushes.

AndasImadetothrustforwardoutofthebushes,thatImightlookandgo

downwardintothehollow,thereroseuptomethesoundofaverylargevoice,anddeepandhusky.Andthevoicewasadreadfulvoicethatdidspeakasthatitsaidordinarythings,andinafashionsomonstrousasthatitwerethatahousedidspeak,and,inverity,thisisastrangethingtosay;yetshallithavethetruthofmyfeelingsandterrorinthatmoment.

AndIdrewbackswiftlyfromdiscoveringmyself;andwasthenallfearedtomove,ortomaketogomorebackward,lestthatIshouldgiveknowledgethatIwascomeanigh.AndlikewisedidIshiverlestthatIwaseventhenperceived.Andsoshallyouhavesomethingoftheutterfearthatdidshakeme.AndIabodethere,veryquiet,andmovednotforaverygreatspace;butdidsweatandshake;fortherewasamonstroushorridnessinthevoicethatdidspeak.

AndasIcrouchedtherewithinthemoss-bushes,therecameagainthelargevoice,anditwasansweredbyasecondvoice;andthereupontherearose,asitdidseem,thespeechofMenthatmusthavethebignessofelephants,andthatdidhavenokindnessinalltheirthoughts;butwereuttermonstrous.Andthespeechwasslow,anditroseupoutofthehollow,brutishandhoarseandmighty.AndIwouldthatIcouldmakeyoutohearit,andthatyoucouldbutborrowmineearsforalittlemoment,andforthwithbeshakenwiththatutterhorrorandanafraidness,evenaswasI.

Now,presently,therewasaverylongquiet,andIceasedatlastalittlefrommineover-fear;andlaterIdidcalmsomewhat;sothatImadetoshiftmyposition,whichwasgrownveryuneasy.

Andtherewasstillnosoundfromthehollow.Wherefore,havingalittleboldnessandmuchcuriousness,andthesedespitemygreatfearfulness,Iputforthminehand,verycautious,anddidmovethemossbushalittlefrommyface.AndIwentforwardupontheearth,anddidlieuponmybelly;andwasbythissocloseupontheedgeofthatplace,thatIwasabledtolookdownwards.

AndyoushallknowthatIpeereddownintothatgreathollow,anddidseeaverystrangeandhorridsight;for,intruth,therewasalargefire-holeinthecentreofthatplace,andallaboutthesidesthereweregreatholesintotheslopesofthehollow,andthereweregreatmenlaidintheholes,sothatImightseeagreatheadthatdidshowouttomysighthere,fromoneofthoseholes,andwouldseemtobethatofamonstrousmanheavywithsleep.AndthereIwouldseebutthebuttocksofanother,asthathedidcurlhimselfinwardtohisbrutish

slumbering.Andsowasitallabout;andtomymemorythereweremaybeascoreoftheseholes;yethadInottimetothecounting,asyoushallsee.For,afterthatIhadmadebutaglance,asitwere,atthesesleepinganduttermonstrousmen,Iperceivedthattheresatbeyondthefire-hole,threegreatmen,andtheywereeachgreaterthanelephants,andcoveredalargepartwithastiffandhorridhair,thatdidbeofareddishseeming.Andtherewereuponthemgreatsegsandwarts,asthattheirskinhadbeenhidesthathadneverknowncovering.Andtherewasbetweenthemthebodyofamightyhound,sobigasanhorse,thattheydidskin;andIjudgedthatthisbeastwasoneofthosefearsomebruteswhichwedidcalltheNightHounds.

Yet,asIshouldsetdown,theydidnothinginthattimeinwhichIlooktatthem;butdidsiteachwithasharpandmonstrousbloodystoneinhisfist,anddidlooktotheground,asthattheyheedednottheearthorthefoodthattheydidprepare;butdidlistentosomeoutwardsound.Andyoushallknowthatthisbroughttomeaveryswiftandsuddenterror;forIperceivednowthewhyoftheirlongsilence;for,inverity,theyhadanuneaseuponthem,beingsubtlyawarethatonewasanigh,evenasarethebrutebeastsinthismannerandkind,asalldoknow.

AndImadetodrawback,andwinuntosafety,ifindeedthisthingweretobedone.AndasImovedme,itmaybethatIshookalittleearthintothehollow;fortherewas,indeed,alittlesiftingofdrydustbelowme,asIdidwot,beingverykeentohear,byreasonofmyfright.Andimmediatelydidthosethreemonstrousmenlookupward,anddidseemtometostareintomineeyes,asIdidlietherehidamidthemoss-bushes.AndIwassoputinfearthatIdidclumsily,andsentanothersifteringofdustdownward,asIdidstrivetogobackwardswiftandquietfromtheedge.AndallthetimeIdidlookthroughthebushesveryfixedlyintotheeyesofthegiants;andlo,theireyesdidshineredandgreen,liketotheeyesofanimals.Andthereroseuparoarfromthemthatdidnighslaymysoulwiththehorridnessofthenoise.Andatthatroaring,allthegiantsthatdidlieintheholesdidawake,andbegantocomeoutwardintothehollow.

Now,Iwassurelylost,andgivenovertodestruction;fortheyhadpossessedmeimmediately,butthatinthatmoment,asIwentbackward,theearthgavebehindme,andIfellintoaholeamongthemoss-bushestomyback,andImadefirsttocomeoutveryhurried,andallchokedwithadustofsandandash;butinamomentIwassanetoknowthatIhadcometoasuddenhiding-place;andIlayverystillandstroveneithertocoughnortobreathe.Andwellforme,Icametosocloseahiding;fortherewereallaboutmethesoundsofmonstrousfootsteps,

running,thatseemedtoshaketheground;thoughmaybethistobeanimaginingbredofmyfear.

Andshoutingsofgreatvoicestherewere;andthethuddingofhugefeetallabout;andthenoisesofthebushesrustling;butpresentlythesearchdrewawaytotheSouthward.AndIperceivedthattherehadsurelyfoughtformesomepowerofgoodfortune.AndIcameupoutofthehole,verycautious,andshakenandamomentweakwiththebeatingofmyheart;yetwithalovelythankfulnessformysalvation.AndIgatmeabout,andwentswiftthroughthemoss-bushestotheNorthandWestforthreehours,andceasednottorunuponmyhandsandknees.AndbythattimewasIcomeagreatway,anddidhaveasuretyinmyheartofpresentsafety.

AndIceasedtorun,andlayquiet;for,intruth,Ididnearswoonawaywiththehardnessofmytravel.Andindeedasyoushallknow,Ihadsleptnotforseven-and-twentyhours,andhadscarceceasedtolabourinallthattime.Moreover,Ihadeatnot,neitherdrunk,forninehours;andsoshallyouconceivethatIwastrulya-weary.

And,presentlyIdidslumberthereasIlay,andallabroadtoanymonstrousthingthatshouldcomealong.YetdidIwakeunharmed,andfoundbymydialtherehadgonebyafulltenhours,thewhilethatIdidliethereandsleepunwotting.AndIwassoreperishedwiththecoldoftheNight;forIhadnotthewarmthofmycloakaboutme,andmybellywasveryempty.

AndIstoodmeup,anddidpeeraboutforanydreadmatter,butallseemedproper,andIbegantostampmyfeetagainsttheearth,asthatIwoulddriveitfromme,andthisIdosayasawhimsy,andIswungminearms,asoftenyoushalldointhecolddays;andsoIwaspresentlysomethingwarmed.AndIdismantledmycloak,andwrappeditaboutme,anddidfeelthattheDiskoswassafetomyhip.

ThendidIsitmedown,anddidglowalittlewithrelish,inthatIshouldnoweatfourofthetablets;for,indeed,theseweremyproperdue,byreasonofmyshiftlessfastingereIcamesowotlesstomyslumbering.Andthememoryofthateatingdothlivewithmenow,sothatIcouldneartosmile;fortheeagernessofmineinwardswasproperandhuman;yetwereevenfourtabletsbutalittlemattertosogreatanemptyness;andIdrankadoubleportionofthewater,thatImightmakelessthevoid.Andthisthingwasseemly;for,indeed,thereweretwo

portionsdueuntome.

AndwhenIhadeatanddrunk,Ididfoldthecloakoncemoretoshapeacrossmyshoulder,asIdidcarryit;andafterwardsItooktheDiskosintomyhand,andwentforwardagaintotheNorthandWest.

Yet,asyoushallknow,Ididpausealittleinthebeginning,andpeertoeverysideforanyclosedanger;andthendidlookmoreabroadofthatplace;butcouldnowhereseeanymattertohavemetoimmediatefear.Andafterwards,IlookedalittlewhileatthemonstroushumpedbackoftheWatcheroftheNorth-West;anditdidgrowtomehowsteadfastthatthingdidlooktowardtheMightyPyramid;andthissetmetonewhatredandhorroroftheMonster,asyoushallconceiveandbelieve.

Andpresently,IlookedbeyondtheWatcher,untothevastMountainoftheGreatRedoubt;andIwasstillseemingcloseuponit;yet,intruth,gonealongandwearifuldistance.ButthisyoushallunderstandwasbythegreatnessandutterheightandbulkofthatshiningMountainofLife.

Andstrangeandwonderfulitwastometothinkthateveninthatonemoment,itmightbethatthedearMasterMonstruwacandidlookuponmyface,throughtheGreatSpy-Glass.AndIshouldnotseemutterfartohim,byreasonofthepowerofthebigGlass.Buttome,asIdidlookupwardthroughtheNight,untothatfarandutmostlightintheupperblacknessoftheeverlastinggloom,itdidseemdoublytomethatIwasafaroffandlostforeverfrommineHome.Andthisthinkingdidbreedinmesuchagreatandlonesomefeeling,andaweaknessoftheheartandspirit,thatforthwithItookmycouragecloseuntome,anddidturnawayquickly;andwentonwardtotheNorthandWest,asIhavetold.

NowIwalkedfortwelvehours,andinthattime,dideatanddrinktwice;andmadeonwardagainverysteadfast,andhappythatalldidgosoquietwithme;sothatitwasasifIhadatlastcometoapartoftheLandthatwasgivenovertoquietness,andlackingofmonsters.Yet,intruthwasIcometoaworseplacethanany,maybe;forasIwentforward,stridingverystrong,andmakingagoodspeed,Ididhearpresentlyalittlenoiseupwardinthenight,andsomewaysuntomyleft,thathadseemingasthatitwereastrangelowsoundthatdidcomedowntomeoutofanhiddendoorwayabove;for,indeed,thoughthesounddidcomefromverynigh,asitdidseemnomorethanascorefeetabovemyhead,yetwasitanoisethatdidcomeoutofagreatandmightydistance,andoutofaForeign

Place.AndIdidknowtheSound;thoughnever,asyoumaysuppose,couldIhavehearditinallmylife.YethadIreadinoneoftheRecords,andagaininasecondandathird,howthatcertainofalltheythathadadventuredfromthePyramidintotheNightLandtoseekforknowledge,hadchancedtohearaqueerandimpropernoiseabovethemintheNight;andthenoisehadbeenstrange,anddidcomefrombutalittlewayupwardinthedarkness;yetwasalsofromagreatandmonstrousdistance;anddidseemtomoanandhumquietly,andtohaveadifferentsoundingfromallnoisesofearth.AndintheRecordsitwassetforththatthesewerethosesameDoorwaysInTheNight,whichweretoldofinanancientandhalf-doubtedTaleoftheWorld,thatwasmuchinfavourofthechildrenofthePyramid,andnotdisdainedbycertainofourwisermen,andhadbeenthusthroughallthelatterages.

AndIdidseemtoknowthesounduponthemoment;formyheartgrewswifttounderstand.Anditwasaverydreaduncomfortablesound;andyoushallknowhowitdidseem,ifyouwillconceiveofastrangenoisethatdothhappenfarawayintheCountry,andthesamenoisetoseemtocometoyouthroughanopeneddoornearby.Andthisisbutapoorwaytoputit;yethowshallImakethethingmoreknowntoyou?SothatImusteventrustuntoyourwitandtruesympathythatyoushallconceiveofthefullnessofmymeaning.

Now,inalltheHistoriesofthosethathadadventuredintotheNightLand,therewerebutthreesureRecordsthatdidconcernthisSound;andeachdidtellofaGreatHorror;andofthemthatdidheartheSoundtherehaddiedthemostpart,outintheNightLand.AndtheRecordsdidmakealwaysthattheyhadcomeuponDestruction,andnotsimplyuntoDeath;butweredestroyedbyastrangeandInvisibleEvilPowerfromtheNight.

AndofthosethatcamealiveuntothePyramid,theyhadallonestrangetaletotell,howthatthereweresecretandhorridDoorwaysInTheNight.Yethowthisthingcouldbeplaintothem,whomayknowtruly;saveitbethattheeyesoftheirspiritsdidbeholdthatwhichwashidtotheeyesoftheflesh.

Andtherewasafterwardswritaproperandcarefultreatise,anddidsetoutthattheredidberupturesoftheAether,thewhichdidconstitutedoorways,asthosemorefancifulonesdidnamethem;andthroughtheseshatterings,whichmightbelikeneduntoopenings—therebeingnobetterwordtotheirnaming—theredidcomeintothisParticularConditionOfLife,thoseMonstrousForcesOfEvil,thatdiddominatetheNight,andwhichmanydidholdsurelytohavebeengiven

thisimproperentrancethroughthefoolishandunwisewisdomofthoseoldenmenoflearning,thatdidmeddleoverfarwithmattersthatdidreachintheendbeyondtheirunderstanding.AndthisthinghaveItoldbefore,anditdothseemproperuntomybelief;foritisalwaysthus,andIhavethatsametaintwithinme,asmustallthathavethezestoflife.

Now,bythisthatIhavesetdownswiftly,tomakealittleclearthesurehorridnessofthisSound,youshallknow,evenwithme,thegreathorrorthatdidcomeimmediatelyuponmySpirit;andIdidknowthatmySearchwassurelyliketohaveanendinthatmoment;andIbaredminearm,formyteeth,wheretheCapsuledidliebelowtheskin;andsowasreadytoaninstantDeath,ifthatDestructiondidcomeuponme.Andinthesamemoment,Ididfallsilent,inwardamongthemoss-bushes,anddidbegintocreepveryquiettowardtheright;for,asyouwillmind,IhadheardtheSoundoverbeyondmyleft.Andallthattime,asIdidcreep,therewasagreatsicknessuponme,anditdidseemthatmymouthhadweakeneduntowater;sothatIcouldscarceholdmyteethtightlyfromunseemlyclitterings.

AndIcreptalwaysverysilent,anddidoftenstarequickandpainfulovermyshoulder,upwards,andthiswayandthat;butdidneverseeanything;neithercouldIhearnowtheSound.

AndIwentthiswiseforagreathour,andwasliketofaintthroughtheeffortofmycareandthesorenessofmygoing.Butupontheendofthatlongwhile,IgrewsomethingeasierintheSpirit,anddidperceivethatIwassavedfromtheDestructionthatIhadcomesodreadfulanigh.Andthisthing,itmaybe,wasbecausethatIdidchancetohearit,whilstyetitwasbeyond,andbeforeIdidcomerightuntoit,topassbelow.YetmayIbewronginthisthought,anddobutmakeaguessing.But,asIshallhereexplain;afterthattime,Ikeptmineearsnewlykeenuntohearing;anddidchidemySpirit,forthatithadnottakenaccountofthatSoundagreatwhileearlier.Yet,asIdidpresentlyconceive,thespirithadnopowertohearthatthing;whichwasverystrange;buttrulyso.

Now,becausethatIwentwithaverywaryhearing,IheardtheSoundonceafarwayoffbeforeme,andIhiduponthemoment,andwentbackward,andafterawhile,didjudgemyselftohavecomeuntosafety;andsoitwas,inverity,forIheardnomorethattime.AndsodidIcomepresentlyuntotheeighteenthhour,anddideatanddrink,andmademeaplaceofslumberinalittlehollowofarockthatstoodupwardoutofthemoss-bushes.AndIsleptforsixhours,and

afterwardswaked,andwascometonoharm.

AndafterIhadeatanddrunkagain,IdidlookoutwardovertheNightLand,andwithparticularnesstothatpartthatIdidtravelin,asitmightbecalled,theyesterday.AndIdidobserveittobeaverybleakanddesolateCountry,andnotgivenovertofire,orotherwarmth,nortosulphur-vapours;buttobeveryquiet,andwithbutalittlelightinallitsbreadth.AndIcouldconceivethatitwasnoplaceforanythingoflifetodesire;butrathertoavoid;andthatCountrydidseemtobeyetallaboutme;forIwasbynomeanscomeclearfromitatthattime;though,Northward,therewasaglimmer,asoffire-holes;andbeyondthose,thestrangeshiningofthePlainofBlueFire.And,afterthatIhadthoughtawhile,IdidbelievethatIshouldmeetnoMonsterofNaturalLifeinallthatCountryofDesolation,untilIdiddrawnigh,oncemoreuntofire.AndIconceivedthatthisSoundfromoutoftheinvisibleDoorwaysmightyettroubleme;butwhetherthequietnessofthatpartwasbecauseallofnaturallifedidfeartheSound,orbecausethattherewasneitherfirenorwarmth,Idonotsay,havingnoknowinginthismatter;butmayyetbelievethatitwastobelaidtobothcauses;andthisdothseemofcommonreason,asyoushallagree.

AndwhenIhadlookedawhileuntotheMightyPyramid,whichwasnowtrulyagreatwayoff;forIhadwalkedsomanywearyhours;Iturnedmeoncemoretomyjourneying.AndhereletmeobservethatIhadgoneveryfar;yetnotsodistant,asmightbethought;for,oft,Ididgolessthanonemileinanhourormaybetwohours,havingtobeofgreatcaution,andofttohide,andtogouponmybelly,ortocrawl,allasmightbe.And,further,asyoumayhaveperceived,Imadenotastraightforwardness;butdidstrikethiswayandthatway,beingveryintenttoescapetheMonstersandEvilForcesthatwereallabout.

Now,becausethatIbelievedthatItravelledinaPlacewherewassurelytobediscoveredthosestrangeDoorwayswithintheNight,Imadeanespecialcareofmygoing;anddidstopoftthatImightlisten,andwatch,andkeepaverystrictwardinalltheNightaboutme.Yet,asyoushallsee,thisservednottopreventmefromgoingforwardintothefearfulnessofthatwhichdidhauntallthevoid;for,sudden,asIwentcarefully,Iheardafainthummingnoisecomedownwardfromthenightalittleuntomyrear;andthehummingnoisedidgrowmoreplain,asthatadoorwereopenedslowlyabove,anddidletoutthatSoundevermoreloud.Andsurely,afterIdidhearthat,Icouldnotdoubtthatadoorwereopenedupwardthere;forthenoisedidgrowinsuchwiseasyoushallhearadistantsoundcomethrough,whenadoortrulyisoped;for,ifthenoisehadbeenmade

justinthatplace,ithadseemedtocomefromthere;butthisSound,thoughitdidcomethroughthere,wasasthatitdidcomeoutwardfromsomefarlostandforeignEternity.AndthisIdostrugglealwaystomakeplain;andyoushallnotblamemethatIthinkovermuchuponit;for,intruththerewasanhorrorsowondrousanddrearaboutit,thatIcanforgetnot;butdostrivealwaysthatothersshouldknowwithmethatpeculiarwoeandterrorthatdidhauntthenight.

Now,asyouwillsee,IhadintruthgonepasttheplacewheretheDoorwayintheNightdidopen;yethadcometonoharm;butratheritdidseemthatitopenedbychance,unwottingthatIwasanigh;oritmaybethatmyquietpassingdiddisturbanEvilPower,sothatitdidevencometolisten,ortomakesearch.Andallthisdothpassthroughmybrain,asIdowrite,anditdothseemtomethatmythoughtsarebutthethoughtsofalittlechild,beforesogreatamystery;andthatItouchnoteventheedgeandfringeofthetruthwithmythinkings,andsodoceaseuponthem;andwillbutgoforwardsoplainasImaywithmytelling.Now,asyoumaytrulybelieve,whenIheardthatSound,anddidunderstandthatIhad,inverity,comepastbeneaththatPlace,Ididsurelysickentoanutterweaknessofbodyandheart,thoughitwasbutforamoment;andthenwasIswifthidwithinthecloseshelterofthelowandthickmoss-bushes.

AndIshookinallmybeing,andcrept,shaking,uponmyhandsandknees,anddidneartottertomyfacethrice,soweakgonewasIinthatmomentofterror;andIdidhaveawickednessofforgettinginthattime;forIbarednotminearm,tohavetheCapsuletoareadinessformydeath,ifthatdidneedtobe;andthiswasanabominablefoolishness,andIdoshakenowwhenIthinkuponit;forDeathisbutalittlematterbythesideofDestruction;though,intruth,dreadfulenoughforall.Yet,asitdidchance,noharmcametome,andIgataway,asthatsomewondrouspowerdidcastaviewlesscloakaboutme,thatImightbeutterhid;andofthaveIwonderedwhetherthiswastrulyso;buthavenoknowing.

And,presently,Iceasedfromfleeing,andhadsomecalmness,anddideatanddrink;andsocametothecomfortofafirmspirit,thewhichhadbeensoretroubled,aboveallunderstandedcauses,bythathorridsoundingupwardintheNight.AndafterthatIhadeatanddrunk,Ididrestalittle;butafterward,wentonwardtotheNorthward,goingtowardsthatplacewherethefire-holesdidglimmer,thesamebeingbythistimenogreatwayoff.

Then,asIdidcomeanigh,IthoughttohearonceagaintheSoundinthenight,andIstoptveryswift,andhidintothemoss-bushes,anddidlisten;butdidhear

naught;andsowashopefulthatfancydidplayuponme.Yet,becauseofthismatter,Iwentuponmyhandsandkneesforagoodway;andsocameatlastnighuntotheshineofoneofthosefire-holes,thewhichIdidseeforsolong.

Now,asyoushallsuppose,Iwentverycautiousthroughthebushes,untothatred-shiningfire;beingcareful,boththatIdidattractnotanyEvilForcethatmightlistenintheNight,andbecausethattheremightbesomeMonsternightothefire-hole.But,presently,whenIwascomesothatIcouldpeerthroughthebushes,Ididseealittlefire-holesetinasmallhollow,andtheredidnothingseemtolurkanigh;andthesightofthatwarmthdidcheerme;foritwaslongsinceIdidhavethecomfortofsuchamatter.

AndwhenIhadlainhidawhile,thatImightwatchallabout,Isawtheplacetobesafeandquiet;andIwentoutfromthemoss-bushes,andsatdownaspacefromthefire,whichdidfillthepitinwhichitdidliftandbubble.Andthenoisethatitsentoutwasstrangeandslow,anditdidseemtogruntlegentlyuntoitselfinthatlonesomehollow,asthatithadmadealongandquietgrumblingthere,throughEternity.Andoftwasitstill,andmadenosound;andagainwouldgiveanoddbubblinginthequietness,andsendoff,asitdidseem,alittlesmokeofsulphur,andafterwardfalloncemoreuponaquiet.

AndsoIdidsitthereveryhushedandrestful,andthelonelinessdidlieallaboutme,andtheredshineofthefire-holedidglowsoftinthehollow;andIwasgladtobequiet,formyheartwasweary.

Andtherewastomybackalittlerockthatdidjutupwardsohighasaman;andtherockwaswarmandpleasanttoleanupon,andmoreoverdidseemtoguardmefrombehind.AndthereIateanddrunk,andkeptverystill;andsowaspresentlyrested.AndthisIdidneed,asyouhaveperceived;forIwasgonesuddenwearyoftheheart,asIdidsay;andthismightbebecausethatIdidneverceasetohaveDestructionovermetocompanionmyway,thoughasyouwillmind,Ihadbeennomorethantwelvehoursafoot,sincemylastsleeping.YetIdoubtnotyoudounderstand.

Andpresentlymyheartgrewstrongagainwithinme,andIhadawarmthinmySpirit;andIgotupfromtheearth,andstretchedoutminearms;andIsawthatmygearwassafeuponme,andafterwarddidgriptheDiskos,asitwerenewly.

ThenIwentawayfromthefire-hole,andclimbedthefarslopeofthehollow,

andwentNorthward.Andtherewerebeforememanyofthefire-holes;forIdidperceivethemtoshineintheNightforagreatway;asitdidseemthattheywereapathofredshiningsthatledmeonwardtotheNorth-WestofthelightofthePlainofBlueFire.

Now,IhadabelievingthatIhadcomeoutoftheCountrywheredidlurkthosehorridDoorwaysintheNight;andIwentnotwithsoutteraweightuponmyheart;anddidfeelthatnaughtshouldcomenowuponthebackofmyneck,whichhadbeenanoddandtroublesomefancywhilstthatIdidcreepthroughthatCountryofGloom.Yet,asyoushallknow,Iwentwithnofoolishconfidence;butwithagreatcaution,andminehearingkeentohark,andacaretomysteps,anddideverwatcharoundmeasIjourneyed.

AndbecausethatIwentforwardinthisproperandsedatemanner,Ihadgreatcauseforathankfulheart,asyoumayperceive;forIhadcomeafteralongwaytoanotherofthosehollowswheredidburnoneofthefire-holes;andImadeapauseupontheedgeofthehollowinwhichitdidlie,andlookeddownward,keepingguardedwithinthemoss-bushes,wheretheygrewanightothetopthereof.Buttherewasnolivingthingtheretobeseen,andIwentdownward,sothatIshouldwarmmybodyatthefire.Andlo!asIstooduponthissideofthefire-hole,andturnedmyselfabout,Ilookedpresentlymorekeenlytotheotherside;fortheyellownessoftheearthdidseemalittlestrangeinoneplace.ButIcouldseewithnoplainness,becausethattherearoseaglarefromthefireagainstmineeyes;andIwentround,thatIshouldlookthebetter;yetwithnofearorthoughtofEvilinmyheart.And,truly!whenIwascomeuponthatfarsideofthefire-hole,lo!therewasspreadoutintheyellowsandofthatplace,aCuriousThing;andIwentmorenigh,andstoopedtolookuponit;andbeholditmoved,andthesandallaboutdidmoveforagreatspace;sothatIgavebackveryswift,andswungupwardwiththeDiskos.

And,strangely,Iheardthesandtostiratmyback,andIlookedroundveryquick,andthesandroseupwardinparts,andsiftedback,andtherecametomysightoddthingsthatdidmoveandcurlabout.

Andimmediately,beforeIknewwhichwaytogo,Iknewthatthesanddidshiftundermyfeet,anddidworkandheave,sothatIwastottered,andwasshakenalsointheheart;forIknewnotwhattothinkinthatinstant.ThendidIperceivethatIwasallsurrounded,andIranswiftupontheheavingsand,untotheedgeofthefire-hole,andIturnedthere,andlookedquickly;forIdidnotknowwhatthis

newTerrorshouldbe.

AndIsawthataYellowThingdidhumpupwardfromoutofthesand,asithadbeenalowhillockthatdidlive,andthesandsheddownwardfromit,anditdidgathertoitselfstrangeandhorridarmsfromthesandallaboutit.Anditstretchedtwoofthearmsuntome;butIsmotewiththeDiskos,andIsmotethrice;andafterwardtheydidwriggleuponthesand.Butthiswasnottheend,asIdidhope;fortheYellowThingarose,andranatme,asitmightbethatyoushouldseeaspiderrun.AndIdidleapbackward,thiswayandthat;butthemonsterhadagreatswiftness;sothatIdidseemsurelylost.

ThenmadeIastrongandinstantresolve;forIperceivedthatIhadnohopetoslaythisthing;savethatIshouldcomeatitinthebody.AndIputeverythingtothechance,andmadenottoescapeanymore;butranstraightinamongthelegs;andthereweregreathairsliketospinesuponthelegs,andthesehadprickedmetothedeath,butthatthearmoursavedme.

Now,Ihaddonethisthingwithawondrousquickness;sothatIwasunderthemightyarchingofthelegsbeforetheYellowThingdidwotofmyintent.Andthebodywasbristledwiththegreathairs,andpoisondidseemtocomefromthem,andtooozefromthemstrangelyingreatandshiningdrops.AndtheMonsterheaveditselfuptooneside,thatitmightbringcertainofthelegsinwardtograspme;yetinthatmomentdidIsmiteutterfiercewiththeDiskos—thrusting.AndtheDiskosdidspin,andhum,androar,andsentoutawondrousblazeofflame,asthatithadbeenadevouringDeath;anditsunderedthebodyoftheYellowThing,anddidseemasthatitscreamedtorageamidtheentrailsthereof;sowondrouswasthefuryandenergyofthattrustedWeapon.

AndIwascoveredwiththemuckofthething;andtheclawsuponthelegsseizedme,sothatthegreyarmourdidbendandcracktothemightthereof,andIgrewsickuntodeathwiththepainwithin;butsmotewiththeshiningDiskos,usingmylefthandweakly;formyrightwasgriptdreadfulfasttomybody.Andlo!Iwassuddenfree,andagreatblowdidknockmefaracrossthehollow,sothatIwasliketohavefallenintothefire-hole;butfellinsteadupontheedge,andcamebackwarduntosafety.

AndIturnedmeabout,andtheYellowThingdidthrowthesandallways,asitdiddie;buthadlostpowertocomeuponme.Andformypart,Ilayweakupontheearth,andwasnomoreabletofight;norcouldIdomorethanbreathefora

greatwhile;butyetcamepresentlytohealth,andmadetoexaminemyhurts.

ThenIsawtherewasnogreatwoundanywhereuponme;butonlyanutterbruising;andIfounduponmyrightlegthattherewasasharpandhairyclawcliptaboutit;butthearmourhadsavedmefromharmofthehorridthing;sothatIdidbutkickitfreewithmyleftfoot,andthenceintothefire-hole.

Now,bythistime,thatMonstrousCreaturewasdead;butIheldofffromit,andwentupontheothersideofthefire;forIwasyetsurelyinhorrorofit.AndIsatforatime,anddidthinkuponallmattersthatdidconcernme;andIsawthatIshouldhavenotcomfortofheart,untilIwaswashedcleanfromthetaintoftheMonster.

AndIgatmeupwearilytogoforthintotheNightagain,thatIshouldmakeasearchforahotspring,ofwhichIhadcomepastmany.AndIhadoftfoundthemtobenighuntothefire-holes;sothatIwastrustfulthatIshouldseeoneerelong.Andlo!therewasalittlehollowjustbeyond,andscarceahundredpacesoff;andinthehollow,theredidshinethreesmallfire-holes,andtherewasasteamingpuddle,asdidseem,beyondthethirdoftheholes.

Now,beforeIadventureddownwardintothisplace,Iwentallaboutthetopmostedge,andmadeasearchofthemoss-bushesabout;butfoundnaughtthatshouldscareme.Andafterward,Iwentallacrossthehollow;butdidfindnomonstrousthinghidanywheres.Yet,therewasthatintheplacethatdiscouragedme,anddidkeepmefromstrippingminearmour,sothatIshouldbatheinthehotpuddle;forIsteptuponasmallserpent,andthesamedidlapaboutmyleg;butcoulddomenohurt,forthearmour,whichwasaveryblessedprotection.AndIfreedmyselffromitwiththehandleoftheDiskos.

AndbecausethatIcouldnotgonakedtomycleansing,Itriedfirstthehotnessofthewater,whichwasnotovergreat,andafterwarddidtakeoffthescripandthepouch,andthecloak,andlaidthemwiththeDiskosupontheedgeofthewarmpuddle.

ThenIsteptintothewater,andwasimmediatelygonedownwardagreatway;for,trulyitwasnopuddleasIhadsupposed;butadeepwell,asyoumightcallit,ofhotandsulphurywater.Andthisdothshowhowamanmayactfoolishly,evenwhenhedothbelievethathehathagreatcaution;andsurelyitisborneinuponmeafreshthatnoneshouldtrustoverfreelyuntounprovenmatters,thewhichshallyouheartilyagreewith;butyetdoasfoolishly,accordingtoyourlightsandcharacters.Andsoshallyoulaughnotoverhardlyuponme.

NowIhadgoneoverthehead,and,surelyIdonotknowwhatdeepnesswasthere.Yet,asyoushallthink,Istayednottoconsideruponthismatter;butmadetoclimbout,andmuchshakenwithmysplutteringsandthesmartingsofmine

eyes;for,truly,thewaterwasstrongwithsulphurmatters.Yet,verycleansingwasit,asIdidpresentlysee;fortherewasnomoreanytaintorhorridnessuponminearmour,orthefleshofmyfaceorhands.AndItooktheDiskos,andwasheditclean,also;andthenthecloak,andafterwardthescripandthepouch,andthebandsofthesame.

AndafterIhaddonethis,Iwasmindedtodrymyselfbythelittlefire-holes;butwhenIwascomethere,lo!maybeascoresmallserpentswereaboutthoseplaces;andIwasstronglypleasedthatIshouldkeepaway.YetthatImustwarmanddrymeinthatdesolateandbitterNightLand,youshallagree.Andtothisend,Iputthescripandthepouchuponme,andafterwardstooktheDiskosreadilyintomyhand,andranquietlyuntothehollowwhereIdidfightwiththeYellowThing.AndthecloakIboreinmylefthand.

Now,whenIwasgatthere,Iwastrulygladtothinkthattherewerenoserpentsinthatplace;andbecausethatIhadslaintheMonsterofthePlace,howshoulditbethatanyharmmightcomeuntome;fortruly,wasitnotlikethataCreatureofsuchMightshouldkeepallthatHollowuntoitself,andslayanythatdidcometherein,andtherebypreservethatplacefromallotherhorror;though,surely,untilitdiddieandceasetoBe,therehadbeennocallforanygreaterabomination.

Now,allthisdidgothroughmybrain,asIdidsittodryminearmourandmybodyandmygear,uponthatsideofthefire-holewhichwasawayfromtheslainMonster.AndImadepresentlytothinkthatthiswouldbeasureandproperrefugewhereintosleep;for,truly,itmusthavegottenaplacewherenoneotherCreatureshouldbeliketocometoworkmeharm.Anditmustbethatyoudoallseewithmeinthismatter,andcommendmethatIthoughtwithproperness.

AndsodidIresolvethatIputmydisgustwithinmypocket,aswedosay,andstaysafeandquietwithinthatHollow.AndthisthingIdidsurely,anddideatanddrink;andpresentlyIwentovertothedeadMonster,andmadeverysurethatitwastrulyslain;whichindeeditwas.AndafterthatIhadseentothismatter,Ireturneduntothefire-hole,andmadeacomfortableplaceinthesand,formyrest;forIwaswelldrybythis.

AndIwrappedthecloakaboutme,andtooktheDiskostomybreast,forasureCompanion,asithadtrulyprovedinmyneed.AndIcouldthinkalmostthatitdidnestleuntome,asthatitknewandlovedme;butthisthingcanbenomore

thanafancy;andIdobutsetitdownassuch,andthatitdothshowmyfeelingandmindatthattime.

Then,ereIdidcomposemyselftoslumber,Ilookedaboutme,upwardtotheedgesoftheHollow,andIperceivedthatIwaslosttothesightoftheMightyPyramid;forIwascomesofaroffthatitlookednotdownfromsowondrousaheight,asyoushallperceive;andmoreover,theHollowwassomethingdeep.

Andafterward,asIlaymyheadbackuponthescripandthepouch,whichweretomemypillow,IwenttothinkalittleuponNaani,asalwayIdidinmyconstantjourneying;yet,presently,IstrovesometimesthatIputherfrommymind,thatIshouldsleep;forabittersorrowandanxiousnesswasoftuponmewhenthatIdidthinkuponher;andthisyoumayknow;fortrulyIknewnotwhatterrorwascometoher,afarinthesilenceoftheNight.AnddidIthinkovermuch,IshouldfeelthatIcouldhavenocalmnessneedfultosleep;buttoneedtowalkforeveruntilIdied,whichcouldnotbelong;andsoshouldImakeafoolishnessofmineanxiousjourneyingtodohertrueserviceandtosaveherfromDestruction,ifsuchdidtrulythreaten.

AndIwassoongoneovertosleep,andwakednotforsevenhours,beingmuchweariedbythefightandthesorenessofmybody,thewhichdidputmeintoagreatpainasIdidriseupwardfrommyslumber.Butthiswaspresentlysomethingless,andIeattwoofthetabletsanddranksomeofthewater,andafterwarddidputmygearuponme,andwentforwardintotheNight,havingtheDiskosinmyhand.AndmyheartwasgladthatIhadcomesafethroughthetimeofmysleep.

NowIwalkedsixhours,anddidstopalittletoeatanddrink,andwentonagain.AnditwasinthissecondThirdofthedaythatIsawafartomyright,twostrangeandwondrousmen,andtheydidshine,astheyhadbeenmadeofapalemist.Andtheycameanigh,goingveryswift,anddidseemasthattheyweremaybefortyfeethigh,yethavingnothickness;andIhiddownwardintothemoss-bushes.Andtheypastme,soquietasacloudofthisdaymightgo,anddidappeartobe,ifIdidguess,butanhundredfathomsoff;yetwasthisnosurething;fortheirpositionhadnomoresuretythanshallarainbowhaveinthisage.AndsotheyweregoneonwardintotheNight,anddidseemtocomeoutoftheNorth.Andtheydidappearnottowotofme;andwhethertheywereharmful,Iknownot,fortheyharmednotme.

AndIlaythereinthemoss-bushes,untiltheywerewellgoneaway;andIhadbeliefthattheymustbethosesamemist-menthatweretoldofincertainoftheoldenRecords;butwereneverseenanightothePyramid;thoughIhadthought,oddtimes,toseemen,asofmist,throughtheGreatSpy-Glass,whenIwaswithintheTowerofObservation.Buttheywerealwaysamightywayoff;andsomewouldsayitwasbutabrightvapourthatdidmove;yetwouldothersbeindoubt,andsoisiteverinsuchmatters.

Andhereletmetakechancetosayhowthatitisahardthingtospeakofsuchhappeningstomenofthisage,andtomakethetruthproperuntothem;andbecauseofthis,oftamItemptedtosaynoworduponmanythingsthatIdidsee;yetmustItellmytale,orsufferfromtheweightofitwithinme.Andsoshallyouharktomeandgivemeyoursympathyandhumanunderstanding.Andconcerningthesemist-men,IhavewonderedoftwhethertheywerethevisibleshapeofsomeofthosemanyForcesthatwereabroadintheNightLand;fortheydidtrulyseemtomeasthatathingofStrangeLifewerehalfshowntomyhumaneyes;yetIdonotknow,andambuttellingofmynaturalthoughtsandponderings.

Now,asIdidsay,thosemist-menwereneverseennighuntothePyramid,andwere,asIdidhint,alwayssofaroffthattheywerehalfgivenovertothefablesoftheoldendays,inthebeliefsofthePeoplesoftheMightyRedoubt;andsetaboutwithanhaloofunrealness,fornonewithintheGreatPyramidhadeverbeheldthemwithsurety.

AndbecausethatnowIsawthemanightome,itwasborneinafreshuponmyspirithowgreatlyIhadwanderedaway,andhowthatIstoodafarinthelonesomenessofthatLandofNight;asithadbeenthatamanofthisAgedidwanderamidthestars,andperceiveagreatcomettogobyhimveryclose;forthenheshouldknowinhishearthowthathewasfaroffintheVoid.AndthisIdosaytoyou,thatyoumayknowsomewhatoftheemotionsofmyheartinthatmoment.

Yet,presentlyIshookfreeofmymelancholyandlonesomenessandroseupoutofthemoss-bushes,andwentonward.And,asever,IthoughtmuchupontheMaidthatIdidsearchfor;yetstrovetothinkquietlyconcerningherstate;elseshouldIhaveturnedtorunning,andwreckedmybodybeforethatIhadgoneanygreatway.

Andthatday,Ipassedsevenlargefire-holes,andtwothatweresmall;andalwaysIcamesoftlyuntothem;fortherewereoftlivingthingsaboutthewarmth.Andatthesixthfire-hole,IdidseethatwhichIdidthinktobeagreatman,thatdidsittothefire,withmonstrouskneesdrawnupwarduntohischin.Andthenosewasgreatandbentdownward;andtheeyesverylarge,anddidshinewiththelightfromthefire-hole,andmoved,watching,alwaysthiswayandthat,sothatthewhitepartsdidshow,nowthissideandnowthat.Butitwasnotproperlyaman.

AndIwentawayveryquietfromthatplace,andlookedoftbackward,untilthatIwassureofsafety;foritwasaveryhorridMonster,andhadthatplacetobeforaLair,asIdidjudgefromthesmellthereof.

Andwhentheeighteenthhourwascome,Ilookedaboutforasafeplacetomysleep;andIkeptawaynowfromthefire-holes;forIdidalwaysfindthemorelifethere.Yet,whenIcametomyrest,Iwaslackingofwarmth,byreasonofthiscare;andcouldscarcesleepatall,becausethatIwassocold.Yetmanagedsomethingofslumberafterawhile;butwokeverystiff,andwasgladtobeatmyhandsandbestirmyselfthatIshouldcometosomewarmthoflife.

AndafterthatIhadeatanddrunk,Iputmygearuponme,andtooktheDiskosinmyhand,andwentforwardagainuponmyjourney.AndhereIshouldtellthatIwascomesoonuntotheNorth-WestborderofthePlainofBlueFire.Andpresently,Iwasbutalittlewayofffromit,anddidgodirecttotheNorth;sothatthePlainwasalwaysuponmyright.

NowthisPlainwasastrangeandfearsomeplace,asyoushallsee;foritwasasthatabluevoiddidriseupwardfromtheearthinallthecountryofthatPlain.For,surely,thePlaindidnotlumberwithflame;butwashidwithastrangeandinburninglight,asofashiningatmosphereofacoldbluecolour.AnditdidthrownosurelightupontheNightLand,ashadseemedproper;butwasaverydreadful,coldshining,asofaluminousandbluevoid.Andthemoss-bushesgrewnightotheedgeoftheplain,anddidshowtomeblackandstrangeagainstthathorridgloomoflight.

AndyoushallknowthatIcouldnotseeintotheplain;foritwasasthatthecoldbluelightwasavoidthatswallowedallwithinit;andgavenopowertotheeyethataughtshouldbeperceived.AnditstoodbetweenmeandtheMightyPyramid,andIcouldnowiseseeacross.AndIknownotwhetherIdomakeall

thismatterclearuntoyou;forsurelyitisnoeasytask.

AndpresentlyIhadgoneveryquietuponmyhandsandkneesthroughthemoss-bushes;andIcamenearupontheedgeofthePlain,andhidthereinaclumpofthemoss-bush,andpeeredforthandharked.AndIheardconstantvoicesthatdidcalltooneanotheracrossthePlain;asitwerethatstrangepeoplesofSpiritsdidwanderwithinthatblueShining,anddidmakeacallingonetotheother,andwereallhidandheldapart.AndsurelyIcouldseenaught,anddidjudge,asIhavewrit,thattheylikewisewentblindly.Andtrulyisthisastrangemattertosetout;andeasytothinkonwithdoubt.YetasIdidsee,sohaveItold;for,inverity,thereweresurelyhiddenPeoplesofSpiritsscatteredandlostafaruponthatimproperPlain.

AndyoushalljudgethatIkeptsafehid;forwhetherthismighthaveanynaturalexplaining,orwhetheritwasamatterthatdidgoutterbeyondknowledgeofman,Ididnotknow;forsurelyinthatstrangeLand,itdidliketobeanHorridDangerinanycase;andwhetherofsomeMonstrousCreatures,oroftheEvilForcesoftheLand,Ididwiselytobeaway.

AndfortwodaysIdidmakeasafecoastingofthePlainofBlueFire;anddidkeepwelloff,maybetwogreatmiles,amongthemoss-bushes.AndImadeaverygoodspeedthroughthedarkness.Andattheeighteenthhourofeachjourney,Imadeaplaceformyslumber;andthefirstIdidmanageunderathickbush;butthesecondwashighupontheledgeofarockthatgrewupwardinthenightamidthebushes.And,savethatIwasbittercoldtheredidnoharmcometome.Andinallthattimeofjourneying,IhadnosightoftheMightyPyramid;fortheblindshiningofthePlainofBlueFirewaseverbetween.

NowtherehadbeencertainlittlemattersinmyjourneybesidethePlainofBlueFire,whichIhavenotsetdown;fortheywereofnoaccount,anddobutrepeatmuchthatIhavetoldbefore.And,indeed,therewasnaughtinthatpartofmyjourney,savethatIdidpassnineteengreatfire-holes,andfoursmall;anddidobservenolifebesideany,saveaboutoneofthegreatholesthattherewasnohollowaround,andhereIdidhappentoseesomestrangeanduglycreaturessobigasmyhead,thatdidhavealookofthescorpionofthisAge;butproportionedmoresquatandthick.Yet,thoughtheywerenaughttoremarkuponinthatLand,theyhadbeenbutwoefulbedmatestoanyman;asyoumaythink.

Andyoushallknowhowitgavearesttomyspirit,thatIdidgosolongwithno

troubleoftheMonstersoftheNight,ortheEvilForcesthereof.AndIgrewboldertomyjourneying,andmadeeveragreaterspeedofgoing;anditwaslikethatItookpresentlyalessheedformysafety,whichwasawrongandfoolishstate.Yettherecamenoharmuntome,inallthatpartofmytravel.

Then,itwasinthesixteenthhourofthethirddayofmyjourneybesidethePlain,thatIdidcomeoutbeyondtheendofit,andhadfreshsightoftheMightyPyramid,afarinthenightuponmyRight.AndIstoptthereinabareplaceamongthemoss-bushes,anddidinaweakmomentholduptheDiskos,sothatImakeasaluteuntothePyramid,MineHome;fortrulywasIsouttergladtobeholditoncemore.

AndinalittlewhilewasIawarethattherewasadisturbanceoftheaetheroftheworldallaboutme;sothatitdidseemthattherehadbeenoneattheGreatSpy-GlasstowatchformycomingintotheirsightfrombehindtheshiningofthePlainofBlueFire.

AnditwaslikethatnewshadgonedownwardthroughtheCitiesoftheGreatRedoubt;sothattheydidprintthewordofitintheHour-Slips;andbythistherewouldbemanygreatMillionsthinkinguponme,andarushinguntotheEmbrasures,thattheymightspyoutatme.YetIdoubtthatanyglassmightperceivemesurelyatsogreataspace,savethepoweroftheGreatSpy-GlassintheTowerofObservation.ButtheEmotionoftheMillionstoreachtome.

Andyoushallknowthatitdidseemhomelyandsweetuntometohearallaboutmetheshakingoftheaetheroftheworld,andtobewarethatsomanydidthinkhumanlyuponme,andhadprayersuntomysafety.

AnditwasastrangethingtostandsoutterfaroffintheNight,andtolookbacktothatEverlastingHillofLight,thatwasgrownsomethingsmallbythedistance,andtohavesuretythatIwaslooktuponthroughtheGreatSpy-Glass,maybebythekindlyeyeofmydearfriendtheMasterMonstruwacan,andsokeenlythathecould,itmightbe,makealmosttoguessthelookwithinmineeyes,asIdidgazebackwarduntothatMineHome.

Yet,thoughthisdearandhomelysympathywasasweetandcompanionablethingtomyheart,itcameswifttomythoughtthatIwasinasoredanger,ifthattheyceasednotquicklytothinksoonelyuponme;forsurelywasInotcomeover-nearuntothatdreadfulHouseofSilence;andwellmightsomuchEmotion

oftheMillionstelluntotheHorridPowerthatdweltwithin,howthatIwasevenanigh.Andsoshallyouseethemixtfeelingsthatcameuponmeeveryway.

Yet,asitdidchance,theaetherwasquietedinalittle;foritdidneedunityoftheMillions(beingthattheywereuntrainedtotheirspiritualpowers)tostirtheaether.AndsowasImoreeasyofmind,andwentforwardagainuponmyway.

Now,asitdidchance,attheeighteenthhour,IwascometoaplacewhereIheardanoiseofwater;andIwenttomyleft,thatImightcomeuponit;andthereboiledahotfountainthatwentupoutoftherockofthatplace.Andthewaterroseupwardinacolumn,andwas,maybe,sothickasmybody;anditfelluntotheNorth,forthewatercamenotupstraightly,butdidshootoutfromtheearthuntothatway.AndIsawthethingplain;forthereweremanyfire-holesallabout,asyoushallhavewottedfrommytelling;andsowasthereacertainandconstantlightinthatpartoftheLand.

AndIfollowedthewaterthatranfromthefountain,andtrieditwithminehand;butfoundittoburn;andsodidgofurtherbesideit;forpresentlyitshouldbenohotterthanIdidneed.Anditwentonward,windingamongthemoss-bushes,andsentupaconstantsteam,thathungaboutit;andthesteammadearedcloudaboutthewaythatitdidgo;forthelightsfromthefire-holesmadeashininguponit;andsowasitawondrousprettysight.

Now,presently,Itriedthestreamagain,andfoundittobenicelywarm;andIsatuponalittlerock,andtookoffmyfoot-gear,thatImightbathemyfeet,whichweregonesomethingtender;moreover,Ididachetohavethesweetnessofwateraboutme.AndImadethatIshouldbathemyfeet,andafterwardsfindaplaceamongthemoss-bushes,andsoeatanddrink,andhavemyslumber.

Then,asIdidsittherebesidethatwarmstream,withmyfeetdabbledtherein,Iheardsudden,afaroff,thevoiceofamightyNight-Hound,bayinginthenight.AndthesoundcamefromtheNorth-WestofthePlainofBlueFire.Andtherewasafterwardaquiet;andyoushallseemesittingthereupontherockbythesideofthatsmokingriver,andthesteamallaboutme,andmyfeetwithinthelovelywarmthofthewater;andIverystillandfrozenwithasuddenfear;for,itdidseemtome,inaninstant,thattheNight-Houndmightsurelybeuponthetrackofmygoings.

Andafterthattherehadpassedalittletime,thewhilethatIdidlistenverykeen,

lo!thereburstoutinthenight,asitdidseemscarceamileoff,themonstrousdeepbayingofthegiantHound.AndIknewsurelythattheBrutedidtrackme,andasickandutterhorrordidfalluponme;sothatIcouldscarcegetmyfoot-gearuponme,oncemore.Yet,intruth,Iwasnotlongtothematter,andwastomyfeet,anddidholdtheDiskosready;andverydesperateIwastotheheart;foritiseverafearsomethingtobeputinchase,andtheworseanhundredtimeswhenthereisasureknowledgethatadeathlyMonsterdothbethepursuer.

Now,Ididstandtherebutamomentitdidseem,tomakeananxiousconsideringhowthatImightbestassuremesomechancetolivethroughthisswiftcomingDanger.AndthendidIthinkuponthestream,touseit,andIleaptquicktherein,anddidrunverystrongdownthemiddlepart,whichwasnowheressomuchasthigh-deep,andoftnotabovemineankles.AndasIdidrun,therecameagainthebellowofthatdireBrute,following,andwasnow,asmineearsdidsay,scarcethehalfofamiletomyrear.

AndIdidrunbutthestronger,forthedreadofthesound;andso,maybe,foralittleminute;andafterthattime,Istoptfrommineheavyrunning,andwentverywary,thatImadenoloudsplashing;forbynowtheMonster-BruteshouldbesomethinganightothatplacewhereIdidenterthestream.AndIlookedround,withaconstantlooking;butdidseenosurelyvisiblething;thoughmyfeardidshapemeanHoundfromeveryshadowofthemoss-bushesaboutme.

Then,inamoment,IdidheartheGreatBeast;foritbayedbutalittlewayupthestream,asthatithadovershottheplacewherethescentdidend.Andimmediately,Isankswiftlyintothewater,whichwastheresodeepasmyknee,andturneduponmybelly.Andthewatersurgedovermyshoulders;forIkeptmyheadabove.AndsoIdidlookeagerandfearfulthroughthesteamintotheshadowsandthehalf-darkness,towardswhereIdidthinktoseetheNight-Hound.

AndinamomentIsawitcoming;anditwasalittlevague,byreasonofthesmokeoftheriver;yetdidseemblackandmonstrousinthegloom,andgreatasamightyhorse.Anditwentpastmeatavastandlumbersomegallop;butIdidnotseeitinthatmoment;forIdivedmyheaddownuntotherockoftheriverbottom,andhelddownward,untilthatIwasliketoburstforsorelongingofbreath.

ThenIputupwardmyhead,andtookswiftanddeepbreathings,andlooktabout

me,verycautiousandfearful,asyoucanknow.AndIheardtheNight-Houndcastingroundamongthemoss-bushes,anditdidsendupawildandawesomebaying;andIheardthebushesbrakeandsmashbeneathit,asitdidruntoandhither.Andafterwardtherewasaquiet;yetImovednot;butstayedthere,verylowinthewater,anddidhaveathankfulheartthatitwaswarmandeasytopersistin;forIhadsurelydiedofafrozenheart,ifthatithadbeencold;for,bythistime,youdoknowevenwithme,howbitterwasthechilloftheLand.

Now,Ihadbeenawhilelainthusuponmybelly,andheardnosoundfromthemonstrousHound.Yet,Iceasednottobefullofanhorridunease,concerningtheGreatBeast;forIdidbettertoknowwhatitdid,thantohavenoknowing.And,sudden,Iheardthesoundofit,runningveryswiftlyandcomingnigh;anditpassedme,anddidgoupthestream;andtherewassurelyaquickstuporuponme;forIduckednotmyheadunderthewater;butstayedverystill;whichasitdidchance,wasmaybenotsuchanutterfoolishness;formyheaddidseeminthathalf-gloomtobe,mayhap,nomorethanalittlerockinthewater,andImadenomovetotelloflife;yetshouldtheHoundhavesmelledme;andthatitfailedinthismatter,dothbeapuzzletome.

AndasthegreatNight-Houndpastme,ittoretheearthandthebushes,withtheexceedingstrengththatitputforthtorun,andclodsoftheearthandstonesofbignesswerecastthiswayandthatbythefeetoftheHound,running.AndsoshallyouhavealittleknowledgeofthestrengthofthatBeast.

AndtheHoundranonintothedistance,andpresently,IhearditbayingintheNight.ThenIrose,andwentonward,downthewarmstream,andmadeastrongwalking,yetkeepingalwaytothewater;andoftdidstopalittlethatIshouldlisten;andalwaysIheardtheNight-Houndagreatwayoffinthenight,baying,andseemingthatitdidsurelyruntoandfro,searching.

Now,Ijourneyedthusfortwelvehours,andthebayingoftheHoundmakingsearch,didnevercease.AndIkeptalwaystothewater,asIdidsay,thatIshouldleavenoscentuntotheHound.Andbythattwelvewearyhourshadgone,IfoundthatIwascomeanighuntotheHouseofSilence.Andthisputmeingreattrouble;asyoumayperceive;forsurelyhadminewholeeffortbeentotheendthatIshouldavoidthatHouse,byagreatway.YethadtheHounddrivenmethusa-near.

NowIsawthatthesmallriverdidgoonward,anddidmakeabreachacrossthe

RoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk;andIdeterminedinmyheartthatIshouldleavethewater,whichwasnowgrownnightoabittercold,inthatitwassolonguponthefaceoftheLand.YetchieflydidImindtoleavethewater,thatIshouldcomenomoreanighuntothatHouseofSilence;forthewaterdidgothatway.AndIstoodawhile,anddidlistenforthebayingoftheHound;butcouldhearitnomore;anddidhaveasuretywithinmethatitwasindeedgonefromsearchingforme.

ThenIcameoutofthewater,andwentforward,stoopingandcreeping,amongthemoss-bushes,goingoutwardtotheWestwardofNorth,sothatIshouldgoawaysoquicklyasImightfromthenearnessoftheHouse.Yet,lo!Iwasgoneuponmyhandsandkneesnomorethananhundredfathoms,whenIdidfindthemoss-bushestoceasetotheWestward,foragreatway,andtheretobeagreatbarenessofrock,which,intruth,wasmuchshownthereabout.AndIdarednottogooutwarduponthatnakedLand;forthenIhadnotbeenhidbythemoss-bushes;buthadstoodplainthereforallthingsoftheNighttobehold;andmoreover,thoughIcouldnowisehaveasureknowledgeconcerningthismatter,yetdidIhopewithinmethatIshouldmakeasurehidingfromthePoweroftheHouseofSilence,didIbutgoverylowamongthebushes.But,indeed,itwaslikeenoughthatnaughtcouldgivemehiding;yetshouldIlosenochanceuntomysafety.

Andbecauseofthis,Iwentbackwardamongthebushes,andceasedtoescapeoutuntotheWestward.AndIfoundpresently,thatthemoss-bushesmadebutanarrowgrowthinthatpath,andgrewonlyforawhilebythesideoftheGreatRoad;sothatIwassurelyfaintokeepnightotheRoad,thatIhavethecoveringofthebushes.

And,inawhile,IfoundtheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk,tobendinwardattheNorthoftheHouseofSilence;sothatitcamerighthorridlycloseuntotheHouse;forherethehillonwhichtheHousedidstand,wasveryabruptandfellsteeplyuntotheRoad.AndsowasthatDreadfulHousestoodupthereabovemeintheSilence,asthatitdidseemtobroodthereupontheLand.Andthissidedidseemtrulyastheother;andequalloneanddreadful.AndtheHousewasmonstrousandhuge,andfullofquietlights;anditwastrulyasthattherehadbeennoSoundeverinthatHousethroughEternity;butyetwasitasthattheheartdidthinkeachmomenttoseequietandshroudedfigureswithin,andyetneverweretheyseen;andthisIdobutsetdownthatIbringallhomeuntoyourheartsalso,asthatyoucrouchedtherewithmeinthoselowmoss-bushes,there

besidetheGreatRoad,anddidlookupwarduntothatMonstrousHouseofEverlastingSilence,anddidfeeltheutternessofsilencetohangaboutitinthenight;andtoknowinyourspiritsthequietthreatthatlivedsilenttherewithin.

Andsoshallyouhavemindofme,hidthereamongthebushes,andsoddenandcold;andyet,asyouwillperceive,soheldinmyspiritbyanutterterrorandloathingandsolemnwonderandaweofthatMightyHouseofQuietnessloomedabovemeintheNight,thatIwottednotofthemiseryofmybody,becausethatmyspiritwasputsogreatlyindreadandterrorforthelifeofmyBeing.

Andalsoyoushallhavebeforeyou,howthatIknewinallmybodyandsoul,thatIstoodanightothatPlacewherebutalittlewhilegonetherehadpassedinwardsodreadfultoaneverlastingSilenceandHorridMysterythosepoorYouths.

Andafterthatyouhavemindedyouofthis,youshallconsiderhowthatthememoryofallmylifehelddreadthoughtsofthemonstrousnessofthatHouse;andnowwasIanighuntoit.AnditdidseemtomysoulthattheveryNightaboutit,heldananguishofquietterror.AndalwaysmyminddidcomebacktothesheermatterthatIwassoanigh.AndthisthingIdosayuntoyouonceandagain;fortruly,asyoudosee,ithathimprinteditselfdeepintomyspirit.YetshallInowceasefromsayingfurtherinthismanner;for,surely,youshallneverknowallthatwasinmineheart;andifIceasenot,Idobutbeliketowearyyou.

AndsodidIhideandcreep,andoftpausetoatimeofshakingquiet;andafterwardgathersomethingofnewcourage,andgoonward;andpeerupwardatthatmonstrousHouse,stoodabovemeinthenight.Yet,asitdidcomeabout,Icamepresentlyclearofthathorridplace;fortheRoadcameroundagainuntotheNorth,andIbeganthatImadeabetterwaythroughthemoss-bushes;butneverthatIgrewtomuchspeed;forIhadofttogoabout,thatIshouldmissanakedparthere,andanotherthere;fortrulytherewasanabundanceandbarenessofrock,sothatthebushesgrewnotsothickasIcouldwish.

AndinthespaceoffivehourswasIclearofthatHouse;anddidhaveagreatereaseaboutmyheart;butyetwasnotfreetocometofoodnortoslumber,thebothofwhichIdidsorelyneed;forIhadsleptneithereatforawearifultime,asyoudoknow.ButfirstImustgofurtherofffromtheHouse,andafterwardscometosomefire-hole,thatIshoulddrymyselfandgetwarmthagainintomybody,whichwasbittercold.

AndnowthatIhadcomeuntotheNorthwardoftheHouseofSilence,therecametomeagreatWonder,whichbredinmeamightyHopeandGladness.ForasIdidgoamongthebushes,therebrokesuddenallaroundmeintheaether,thelowandsolemnbeatoftheMaster-Word.AndthethroboftheWordwasutterweak;sothatonemomentIdidsayuntomyselfthatIheard,andinamomentthatIdidnot;yethadInoproperdoubtinmyheart.

AndIreasonedwithmyself,andwithagreatshakingofexcitementandexpectationuponme,thattheMaster-WordcamenotfromtheGreatPyramid,whichshouldhavepowertosenditasaGreatForceacrosstheeverlastingNight;whilstthatthisthatthrobbedaboutmewasfaintandscarcetobeknownevenuntothekeennessoftheNight-Hearing,whichwasmine.

And,immediately,asIcrouchedlowthere,andthrilledwiththehopethatwasbredinme,lo!thereseemedtocomethefarfaintvoiceofNaani,callingwithalittlevoicewithinmyspirit.AndIthoughtthecrytohaveanutternessofsupplicationwithinit;sothatIgrewdesperatetoupandgotorunning;yetdidcurbsuchfoolishness,andstayedveryhushed,tolisten.

ButIheardnomore;yetwasshakencontinuallywiththeJoyandHopewhichthiscallingdidbreedinme,fortrulydiditseemnowthatIwasrightthatIdiddeterminetogountotheNorth;forsurewasInowthattheLesserRedoubtlaythatwayintheNight.Anditdidseemplainuntome,thattheHouseofSilencehadputabarrierbetween;andhadpowertowithholdsoweakacalling.AndnowhadIcomebeyondtheBarrier.AndIdidperceiveinmyhearthowthatNaanihadcalledoff,maybeinthesadnessofDespair;yethadtheweakcryingofherbrain-elementsbeenheldfrommebythehorridpowerofthehouse;andsurely,asIdidthink,itwaswellnamed;foritdidmakeasilence.

Andsoshallyoustaywithmeinyourhearts,andtaketoourselvessomethingofthenewGladnessthatheldallmybeing;foritdidseemtrulythatmybittertaskandadventuringshouldnotintheendbeofferedtoUselessness;andthatIdidtrulydrawuntothatfarplaceintheEverlastingNight,wheremineownMaiddidcryforme,thatIshouldsuccourher.

AndeverasIwent,didIhark;buttherewasnomoretheloweatingoftheMaster-WordintheNight;notatthattime.

Andpresently,IspiedoutwardtotheWest,asitdidseemagoodmileoffinthe

night,theshiningofafire-hole;andIbegantoplanthatIshouldcomeuntothatplace,andhavewarmthanddryness,andfoodandslumber.And,inverity,sosetwasItotheneedofthesemattersthatiftheredidbeaMonstrousThingnightothefire—aswassooftthecase—thenwouldIgivebattleuntoit;forneithermyJoynormylaboursdidservetoputwarmthintomybody;andImustsurelycomeanightofire,ordie.

Then,asIkneeledupwardamongthemoss-bushes,andmadetolayatruecourseuntothefire-hole,IperceivedthattherecameaBeingalongtheRoaduntomyright;andIwentlowintothebushes,andmovednot;fortrulyIhadseenthattheredrewnighoneoftheSilentOnes.

AndImadealittleplacethatshouldletmetosee;andIspiedout,withanuttercaution;andlo!theBeingcameonveryquiet,andwithnohurry.Andinatime,itwentbymeontheroad,anddidtakenoheedtome;yetdidIfeelthatithadknowledgethatIstooptthereamongthemoss-bushes.Anditmadenosoundasitwent;andwasaDreadfulthing;yet,itdidseemuntomyheart,asthatithadnotroubleofWantonMalicetoworkneedlessDestructiontoany.Andthis,Icravestrangelythatyoutounderstand;foritwassotomethatIhadaquietandgreatrespectforthatthing;anddidfeelnohatred;yetwasverydreadlyinfearofit.AnditwasHugeinsize,andwasshroudeduntoitsfeet,andseemed,maybetenfeethigh.Yet,presently,itwasgoneonwarddowntheRoad,andIwasnomoretroubledbyit.

ThendidImakenowasteoftime;butsetoffuntothefire-hole;andkeptsomuchtoshelterasImight;butwasoftmadetorunoverbakedplaces,erethatIshouldcometomoreofthebushes.

AndIcamepresentlynighuntothefire-hole,andmadeapause,andcreptuntoit,withagreatcare.AndIfoundittobeinthebottomofadeephollowoftherockofthatpart.Andtherockwasclearlookingofalllivingmatters,thewhichdidmakemetobeglad.AndIwentroundaboutthetopofthehollow,carryingtheDiskosveryhandily;buttherewasnowhereanylivingthing;andIfearednottogodownwardintothedeephollow,andsountothefire-hole,whichlayinthebottom,asyouhaveperceived.

AndwhenIwascomethere,Imadeaclosesearchoftherock,andfounditwasverysweetandwarm;andtherewerenoserpents,neitheranystingingcreatures;sothatacertaincomfortcameuponmyspirit.

ThenstriptIoffminearmourandgear,andafterwardallmygarments,sothatIstoodnakedthereinthehollow.Yetwasthatplacealmostsowarmassomemildoven,andIhadnofeartosufferfromthecoldoftheNightLand;butwasuneasylestthatanymonstrousthingshouldbeanightocometotakemesounawares.

NowIwrungthegarments,andspreadthemupontherocknearuntothefire-hole,whereitwashot;andIdidrubmybodyverybriskwithmyhands,sothatIglowedintohealthandhadnofearofastiffness.

Andafterward,Ididlooktomyfoodanddrink,andtothemattersinthepouch;buttherehadnoharmcometoany,byreasonofthetightnessofthescripandthepouch,thathadkeptoffthewater.AndIeatanddrank,thereasIstoodwaitingforthegarmentstocometodryness;andIwalkedaboutalittle,asIeat;forIwasrestlesstobeintominearmourswiftly.AndnowIdidturnthisgarmentupwardofthedryside,andnowthat;butdidfindthemtosteam,sothatIturnedthemmanytimesbeforetheywereproper.

Yet,intruth,theydriedinbutalittlewhile,andIgatmeintothemveryswift,andintothearmour;andIfeltthestrengthandcourageofmyspirittocomebackintome,whichhadgoneoutwardsomewhatwhenIdidstandtheresonaked.Andthisfeelingyoushallallhaveunderstandingof;andknowthatyouwouldhavefeltthatway,likewise,hadyoubutstoodthereinthatLandinsounhappyaplight.

AndwhenIhadcomeintominearmour,Iputmygearuponme,andtooktheDiskosintomyhand,anddidclimboutofthehollow;forIwouldfindamoresecureplacetomyslumber,anddidnotdaretosleepinthatplace;foritwasbeyondsevenandthirtyhourssincethatIdidhavesleep;thoughasIdoseebymycount,Ihavemadeittoseembutasfiveandthirty;yetwasapartconsumedindiversemattersthatIhavenotsetdown.Andyoushallmindhowbitterhadbeenmylabourandwearinessinallthattime;andIdidknowofasuretythatsleepmustcomeheavilyuponme;sothatIwassorelyinneedthatIshouldsearchoutasafeplace;forIshouldnotbelightlywaked,untilthatIhadsleptawaythetirednessofmyheart,andthewearifulachingsfrommybody.And,indeed,IshouldmindyouhowthatIwasnotyetcomeperfectfromthebruisingwhichIhadgottenfromthefightwiththeYellowThing.

Andpresently,whenIhadsearchedbutalittlewhile,Ididfindthatarockstoodupwardfromagreatclumpingofthemoss-bushesuntomyleft;andIwentover

totherock,andmadeasearchaboutit.AndIfoundthattherewasaholeintothebottompartoftherock,andIthrusttheDiskosintothehole,andmadethebladetospinalittle,sothatitsentoutalight;buttherewasnothinginthehole,anditdidseemadryandsafeplaceformysleep.

ThenIturnedmeabout,andwentintotheholewithmyfeetthatway;andIfoundthatitwassodeepintotherockasthelengthoftwomen,andjustsowideasIcouldlieinitwithouthavingittopinchme.AndthereImademybedinthehole,andwentswiftuntomysleep,andscarcehadbutamomenteventothinkuponNaani;andbythisthingshallyouknowhowutterwasmyweariness.

NowIwakedofasudden,andwasveryclearandrefreshed.AndIcrepttothemouthofthehole,andlooktout;buttherewasallaquietnessroundabout,andnothingtothreaten.

AndIfoundthatIhadslepttenhours;sothatImadeahastetoeatanddrink,thatIshouldgoforwardswiftlyuponmyjourney.Andatthattime,asinthetimewhenIdideat,naked,inthehollow,bythefire-hole,Ieatfourofthetablets;andthisyoushallunderstandtoberightlydueuntome,inthatIhadgonesolongfastinginthatmygreatjourneyingtocomesafefromtheHound,andtocomepasttheHouseofSilence.Andthisshallseembutalittlethingtoyou;yetwasitawondrousimportantmatteruntome,thathadgonesolongwithanemptybelly,andwasneversatisfied.Andneithershouldanybe,thathadeatsolittleasIdideat,andmadetofilltheirbellyalwayswithadrinkofwater.Yet,IdoubtnotbutthatitdidkeepmysoulsweetandwholesomeandnousefulthingtothePowersofEviloftheLand.

AndwhenIhadmadeanendofsogreatagorging,andhadceasedtobedrunkenwithwater,Igatmygearuponme,andtooktheDiskosintominehand,andsowentforthoncemoretowardstheNorth.

Andpresently,IwasnighuntotheRoadagain;foritdidcurvesomethingWestwardaspacebeyond.AndIwassoretemptedtogoupontheRoad;forthegroundwasroughandthemoss-bushesdidcatchmyfeet.YetdidIstayamongthebushes,thoughtheRoadwastrueandsmooth,bycompare.Andbythistelling,youwillperceivethatIwalkedoncemoreupright,andhadgivenovertocrawlbetweenthebushes.And,intruth,thiswasso;fortheLanddidseemveryquietinallthatpart;andIhadlessoffear,nowthatIstoodbeyondthehorriduneaseoftheHouseofSilence.

Now,afterthatIhadjourneyedtwelvehours,IsawthatIwascomeuponthecommencementofagreatandmightyslope,asthattheworlddidslopedownwardalwaystowardstheNorth.AndIwentonagain,afterthatIhadeatanddrunk,asIdidlikewisebeforethisatthesixthhourofthatday'sjourney.

Andpresently,IperceivedtheRoadtocease;andsurelythisdidconfoundme;asthatamanofthisagehadcometoapartwheretheworlddidend;foryoushallknowthattheRoadwasthatwhichhadseemedtogoonforever;andyoushallmindthewayofmylifeuptillthattime,andsoshallyouthebetterconceiveofmybewilderment,andasitwereafeelingofgreatstrangenessuntoonethatwasoverprest,asyouwouldbelieve,withstrangematters.

Yet,truly,wasthisallasthelittlebookofmetalhadtolduntome;andsoshouldIhavebeensomethingprepared;yetareweeverthusneedingeye-proof;andperhapsitismoreproperthatitbeso.

Yet,youshallperceivemeadriftsomewhatastodirection;forIhadsteeredbeforethistimesothatIshouldcometotheNorthoftheHouseofSilence;andafterwardhadshapedmywaybytheRoad.ButnowwasIadrift,asitmightbesetdown,inthewilderness.

AndsodidIstandandconsider,andpresentlydidlookuntothefarPyramid,whichwasnowagreatwayoffinthenight,andhadseemedbutsmallbythatwhichIknewittobe.Andlo!asIdidlook,IperceivedthatIcouldbutseethehighupper-pointofthelightoftheGreatPyramid,wheredidshinetheLastLight;andIwasconfoundedafresh;yetinamomentIsawthatthegreatnessoftheslopedidaccountforthis.ButhereIshouldtelltoyouthattheslopewasnowisesteep;butdidseemasthatitshouldnevercease.Andmayhapsthisisclearuntoyou.

AndIperceivedsurelythatthetimewascomewhenIshouldmakeanutterpartingfromtheGreatRedoubt;andthethoughtcameveryheavyuponme.AndinthesametimeIknewthattheaetherwasstirredbytheemotionsoftheMillions;sothatIhadknowledgetheywatchedmewiththeGreatSpy-Glass,anddidsendworddownuntotheHour-Slips;andbythisdidtheMillionsknow,andhaveagreatthinkinguponmeinthatmoment.

AndyoushallperceivehowutterlostandlonesomeIdidfeel.AnditwasatthattimethatIdidtestthecompass,tocomfortme,asIdidtellbeforethis,and

fearedImustsureforget,whenIdidcometotheproperplace;yethaveImindedme,asIdiddesire.

AndIsawnowthattheNightLandthatIdidwotof,washidfrommebytheslope.AndIturnedandlookeddowntheslope;andsurelyallbeforemewasutterwildnessofadarkdesolation;foritdidseemtogonowhitherbutintoaneverlastingnight.Andtherewasnofiredownthere,neitherlightofanykind;butonlyDarknessand,asIdidfeel,Eternity.AnddownwardintothatBlacknessdidthegreatslopeseemtogoforever.

Now,asIdidstandthere,lookingdownwardintotheDark,andoftenbackwarduntotheshiningoftheFinalLight,andputtoahorriddesolateness,behold!therecamethelowbeatingoftheMaster-WordintheNight.Anditdidappearasthatithadbeensenttogivemecourageandstrengthinthatmoment;anddidseemuntomyfancythatsurelyitdidcomeupwarduntomefromoutofthemightyblacknessintowhichtheGreatSloperan.Yetcouldthishavebeenbutabelief;fortheaetherdothhavenoregarduntodirectiontoshowyouwhencethespiritualsounddothcome;andthisdidmyknowledgeandReasonknowfullwell.

AndImadethatIwouldsendbacktheMaster-Word,sendingitwithmybrain-elements,andsogivenewsuntoNaanihowthatIdidstruggletocomeuntoher.YetdidIhavecautionintime;forinverity,hadIsenttheMaster-Word,thenhadtheEvilForcesoftheLandwottedthatIwasout;andmayhapshadcomeswiftuntomyDestruction;andsodidIcontainmyspiritanddesire,andmadetodowisely.

YetwasIputincouragebythelowbeatoftheMaster-Word;anddidlistenverykeen,thatsomemessageshouldfollow;buttherecamenone,neitherdidtheweakthroboftheWordcomeaboutmeagain,atthattime.AndbecausethatIwasnowgrownmoretomynaturalstate,anddidfeelthatIshouldindeedfindtheMaid,IlookedoncemoreuntotheGreatPyramid,longandeagerandwithasolemnheart;yetwithnosignorsalutation,asIwasbeforedetermined.Andafterward,Iturnedandwentdownwardintothedark.

VIII

DOWNTHEMIGHTYSLOPE

NowIwentdownwardveryquietandslowintothatDarkness;anddidmakebutacautiousway;fornowyoushallknowmetrulywrappedaboutwithsuchanightasdidseemtopressuponmyverysoul,andsuchasyoushallneverhaveseennorfelt;sothatIdidseemlostevenfrommyself,anddidappearasthatIwentpresentlyinunrealfashion,anddidpassonwardforeverandforeverthrougheverlastingnight;sothatoddwhilesIdidmaketowalkwithrandom,asthatIsteptnomoreuponthisearth;butdidgooffwardsintotheVoid.Yetwasthisfoolishnessofthemindsetstraightandpropereachtimethatitdidcomeabout;forlo!Ididkickagainstanupjuttingrockhere,andfalluponagreatandunseenboulderthere,andsowasshakenveryquicklytoasoundknowledgethatItrodethehardandactualearth;andhadnotruedealingswithunrealmatters.

AndeverIdidgodownward;andbythisonlydidIhaveaguidetomyway.Yet,asyoushallthink,throughreasonoftheutterdarkImadescarceamileinanhouroreventwofullhours;andsogrewbitterbyreasonofmineunablenesstogoforwardwithaproperandfreestride.

ButIdidthinkmepresentlyuponathingthatIshoulddotolightmypath;andtothisend,IdidmaketheDiskostospin,oddwhiles,anddidlookdownthemightyslope,thelittlewaythatthestrangeglisteningoftheDiskosdidshow,andsofixedmypathintomineinwardremembering,andwouldgoforwardafresh,untilthatIwasshakenoncemorebythedarkness,andwouldfaintolookonceagainupontheblessednessoflight,andmakemesomeknowledgeofmyway.

And,truly,thelightfromtheDiskosdidseemastonishinggreat,andthistobebecausetherewassomonstrousadarknessallaboutmethereforever.AndthereafterwouldIgoonwardagain,untilthepainofmystumblingsdidbidme

surelytohavethatsweetshiningoncemoreuntomypath.

Andsoshallyouperceivemygoing;andsoreandmiserablewasituntotheheart;andliketoshakethecourageofthespirit;yet,inverity,Ihadcomethroughmuch,anddidhaveintenttogivewaytonofoolishnessofthought.

AndyoushallwellbelievethatIdidmakethelightnotmoreoftthanIdidsurelyneed;foritwasnopropernessofwisdomtousethepoweroftheDiskos,saveformineextremity.

Now,presently,whenIhaddonethiswisethroughsixlongandbitterhours,anditbeingnowbeyondthetwentiethhoursinceIdidlastslumber,IsatmedownthereupontheMightySlope,intheeverlastingDark,anddideattwoofthetablets,andmadethewater,andcouldbutfeelandhearkenwhetherIdidthisthingrightandthat.

AndwhenIhadeatanddrunk,Iunfoldedmycloak,andwraptitaroundme,andplacedthescripandthepouchundermyhead;andtheDiskosItooktocompanyme;andsofellswiftlyuponsleep;yetdidthinkearnestlybutvaguelyuponNaani,asIcameuntoslumber.

AndIsleptallbutsixhours,anddidwakenverysuddenthereintheutterdark;andIgotmetomineelbow,anddidlistenverykeen;forIhadwakedimmediately,asthatsomethinghadtouchedmeorcomenighuntome;andIgripttheDiskos,andlistened;buttheredidnotevenalittlesoundcometomeoutofallthatnight.

AndpresentlyIhadmoreassurednessthatnaughtdidmakeharmaboutme;andIsatmeupinthedark,andreachedformyscrip,anddideatanddrink,thereinthatutternight;andfumbledsomewhat,asyoushallthink.YetIwasdoneinawhile,andgotmygearuponme,andtheDiskosintomyhand,andsotomyfeetandforward.

Nowallthatday,Ididhaveastrangeuneaseofthespirit,sothatIstoptofttolisten,asthatmysoultoldofsomethingnighuntomethatdidfollowveryquiet.Yetdidmineearsperceivenothing;andsoIalwaytogodownwardagainintothenightthatheldtheslope.

AndhereshouldItellhowthatintheearlypartoftheseventhhour,afterIhadeatanddrunk,andwentforwardasever,uponmyjourneydowntheMighty

Slope,Ididhaveaverysoretumbleagainstasharprock;forIputmyfootsuddenintoasmallhole,andthisdidmakemetopitch.AndIwasuttershakedbythefallandlayveryquietforatime;fortherockhadsurelyriptmybody,butforthearmour.

AndafterthatIwassomethingrenewedofstrengthandspirit,ImadethatIshouldgonomoreuponmyfeet,butuponmyhandsandknees;andthusshouldIfeelthewaythatIwent,andhavealessneedoftheDiskos,whichhadnotovermuchusetolightmyway,inthatIshoneitnotoften,anddidguessmorethanIdidperceive,asyoumaythink.

AndsoIcreptallthatday,whichwasabitterwayoftravel;yethadIdonemanyasoremilethusthroughtheNightLand.AndwhenthatIhadgonedownwardforeighteenhours,andeatanddrunkthrice,Iceasedfrommylabour,anddidfeelaboutinthedarkness,thatIcometoalevelplaceformyrest;andsodidfindpresently,aplacenotsobad,anddidpushandcastawaysuchsmallbouldersashadbeenliketoirkme.

ThendidIeatanddrink,andafterwardcomposedmetomysleep,andhadmanyathoughtofNaani,asIdiddriftuntoslumber;yetalsohadImemoriesofthestrangehalf-fearthathadbeenwithmeallthatday,asthoughsomethingwentconstantlynearmeintheDark.Andbecauseofthis,twicedidIriseuntomineelbow,andlisten;butheardnosoundtotroubleme,andafterwarddidtrustthatIdidbutfancy;andsocameatlastuntoslumber,thatyetwasnotover-restful,fortrulyIdidlistenevenasIslept.

AndwhenIhadbeenasleepscarcesixhours,Iwakedagainverysudden,asIhaddonebefore,andhadbeliefthatsomethingdidbeanighuntome;andIgripttheDiskos,anddidhearken;yetwastherenosoundthatmineearsdidwotof;neitheraughtthathadpowertobesurelyknownofthespirit.

Andallthatdaywasasthedaybefore;savethatabouttheeighthhourIcameneartofallintosomemonstrouspitintheGreatSlope;butdidonlyfallwithmybreastupontheedge,andsodrewback,andpresentlydidcrawlallarounditinthedark,andcomesafeuntothelowerside;yetshakenandputmoreintroubleofspiritthanbefore,andfearfulhowIshouldgo;forIknewnotwhetherIhadcomeamongsuchthings,orwhetherIhadbutfewtosorrowme.

AndsoyoushallperceivethatIwentover-cautiousforagreatwhileinallthat

utterdark;butdidthinkatlastuponaplantogowithmoresuretyandspeed.ButtothisIdidneedacord,andsurelyIhadnocorduponme;andifaboybenoboythathathnonesuchabouthim,shallnotthesamebesaidofanyman!AndthisIdidthink,asIsearchedme;forthesayingsofthatdayhadmanythatwereliketothis.

YetintheendIdidcompassmyplan;forIdidbucklethescripandthepouchtogether,andtookoneofthestrapsfromthepouch;andthisstrapwaslongandthin,andwellsuiteduntomypurpose.ThenIfixtastoneintotheendofthestrap,andbuckleditthere,andafterthat,Icastthestonebeforeme,asIwentuponmyhandsandknees;andIdidholdtothehitherendofthestrap,andsowasabledtohavesomethingofknowledgewhethertherelayanygreatdeepnessimmediatelybeforeme,andthiswisetostrivethatIfallnotdownsomemonstrouscliffinthenight.

AndsodidIgo,castingthestonecontinuallytomyfront,downtheslope;andthisyoushallthinktobeacumbersomefashionoftravel;yetwasIinbettercasethaninallthetimesinceIhadbeguntogodownwardoftheMightySlopeintheeverlastingdarkness.

AndattheeighteenthhourIdidsleep;andwaswakedstrangelybeforethesixthhour,evenasIhadwakedbefore.Andthisdidputalwaysuponmeanewwonderandunease.Yetdidnoharmseemtocomeuntome,andIdidstrivethatIhavenoneedfultroubleofmind.Butthatsomethingwasalwaysnighuntomeinthedark,Idotrulybelieve;yethaveInoknowingthatitwasevil;foritharmednotme.

AndthreedaysmoreIjourneyedthus,anddidneverceasetocreepdownwardwearifuluponmyhandsandknees;andtheDiskosIhadtomyhip,andsoshallyouknowhowIcarriedit.Andbythis,asyoudoknow,IhadbeenontheGreatSlopesixdaysofutterDark;anddidhavenowottingbutthatIwentuntosomedireanddreadfulplace;for,surely,Ihadgoneforeverdownwardamonstrousway.

Andhere,beforeItellfurther,Imustsetdownhowthatthecoldwasmuchgonefromoutoftheairupontheslope;andtheairwasgrown,asitdidseem,veryheavyuntomychest.AndconcerningthismatterIshouldsaysomething.For,ifIdomindme,IhavesaidnotovermuchconcerningtheairoftheNightLandandtheMightyPyramid;fortrulyIhavebeensosettotellmystoryofallthatI

didtrulyseeandadventureupon.Yet,thoughIhavesaidbutlittle,youwillsurelyhaveperceivedthattheairofthatfarandchilltimewasnotastheairofthis;butwasthinandkeenwithintheNightLand,andlaynot,asIdothink,toagreatheightabovetheland,butonlynightotheearth.

Andasyoudoknowthroughmytellings,therewasawondrousdifferencebetweentheairwithintheMightyPyramid,andthatwhichlaywithoutaroundthebase;forupwardbeyondthat,Ididunderstandthattherewasnooutwardairthatanyshouldbreathe;andsowasallthePyramidsealedincertainwiseinalltheupperCitiesforever;andwhetheritwassealedutterlyfromtheoutwardairatthebase,Idonotsurelyremember,if,intruththatIdideverbothermyheadtosuchmatters.

Yet,ifIbesetproperinmemoryandunderstanding,wediddrawairfromtheUndergroundFields;butwhethertheygatanychangeornewnessofairfromtheNightLand,Ihavenoknowledge;anddolamentthatIhavenosureknowing.Yet,asyoushallbelieve,IcouldsurelywriteanhundredbooksuponthatWonderoftheFuture,andbestilllackinginthehalfofallthatthereistobetold;andsodoItrytohavecouragetothismytask,andtohavenoover-trouble,becausethatIdotellbutalittleofaGreatTale.

AndhereinthisplacewillIsetdownhowthatthePeoplesofthePyramidweregreatertothechest,methinks,thanweofthisage;butyetdoIhavenooversuretyinthematter;forwellitmaybethattheReasonofthisagedothblindwithinmesomewhattheKnowledgethatIhaveconcerningthat;for,inverity,isitnotbutanaturalthingtobelievethosePeoplestobegreatofthechest,sothattheyshouldmakeaproperdealingwiththethinairofthatplaceandthattime?Andyet,asIdostrivetomakeplainuntoyou,becausethatthisthingshouldbe,bythemakingofmyReason,IdothemoredistrustthatReasonshallmakefoolishmyKnowledge;forevenafoolshouldsupposethatwhichIhavetold;andthetruthmaybeevenotherwise.

YetthatthePeoplesoftheUpperCitieshadgreatchests,Idowellknow;forthiswasacommonknowledge;evenasweofthisagedoacknowledgethePeoplesofAfricatobeofblackness,orthoseofPatagoniatobeofgreatstature.AndbythisonethingshouldanyknowamanoftheUpperCities,fromamanoftheLowerCities.AndbecausethattheregrewthisdifferenceamongthePeoples,therehadbeenonce,asanycouldlearnfromtheHistories,aplanwherebythePeoplesshouldbemovedupwardanddownwardthroughthegreatheightofthe

MightyPyramid,fromthiscityuntothat.Yethaditmetwithgreatdisfavour;andwasputoutofforce;andthisiseasytobeseenasthenaturalwayofthehumanheart.

Andhereitdothoccuruntomethatitwaslikeenoughtobeaplanforhealth,besideoftrainingofthemind,thateachyouthandmaidwasputtotravelthroughallthecitiesoftheMightyPyramid;thewhichdidtakethreeyearsandtwohundredandtwenty-fivedays,asIhavetoldbeforethis.Forbythisplan,weretheymadetobreathetheairofeveryheight,andthis,mayhaps,untothegoodoftheirdeveloping.Andtheyalsotodiscoverthatairwhichwasbesttotheirneed.

AndconcerningtheairoftheNightLand,youshallknowthattherewasinallthatLandnoflyingthing,becausethattheairwasgrownverythin;yet,astheRecordsdidshow,therehadoncebeenmonstrousflying-brutes,thatwentovertheLandinmightybounds;butthiswasinalonggoneage;andwecouldbutsupposethattheRecordsgavetruth.

Andhereyoushallknowthat,whentheMonstruwacansdidlearnthatIwouldjourneythroughtheNightLand,insearchofNaani,therehadbeensomefoolishandwell-intendedtalkamongthemthatItakeasmallflying-ship,thatwasintheGreatMuseumbesidethemodelsoftheGreatShips.For,truly,thismachinewasyetsoundtogo;foritwasmadeofthegreymetaloftheMightyPyramid,thatdidseemtohavenopowertocease.Yet,inverity,Ihadnoskilltomanagethis,neitherhaditflown,throughanhundredthousandyears;sothatnonedidknowthemastershipofthatart,whichdidbelearnedbutbyaconstantpractice,andoftmadeuneasybyfallingsthatdidwreckthemachine,asIdidknowfromtheBookofFlying.And,moreover,asIhavetold,theairoftheNightLandwasgrownover-weaktoupholdsuchathing;which,Idoubtnot,hadmadethePeoplesofthePyramidtoceasefromflyings,quitesomuchasthattheydidfeartheForcesofEvilinthenight.

Andifthattherehadbeenairandskillsufficientuntothispurposeofflying,yethadIbeenwickedwithfoolishnessthatIshouldworktobehungupwardinthenight,foralltheEviloftheNightLandtobehold.AndthoughIhadgoneupsomegreatway,yetthemachinehadsurelymadeagreatnoiseinthequietnessoftheeternalnight,asyoushallsuppose.

NowindeedamIgonewearythatIshouldneedtotellsomuchconcerningthe

airofthatTimeandPlace;forsurelyIdoseemtomakethismystoryasthatIdidmakealecturinguponmattersofchemistry;andsodoIcastabout,thatImaynotbothertotellmoreuponthismatter.Yet,intruth,alittlemoreofmythinkingsandobservingshadIbettersetdownhere,andsobedonewithit.Butyoushallhavepatiencewithme,andknowthathadthis,mystory,beennomorethananidletale,Ihadbeenfreetomakenolabourwithsuchmatters.

NowtheredothawondercometomewhythattheRoadMakers,whowereofthatfar-offAgewhichwasbeforetheAgeoftheMightyPyramid,didnotflydownwardfromtheupperworldintothedeepofthemonstrousvalley;butdidinsteadbuildaroad.

Yetitmaybethattheairoftheupperworldhadgrownthinagreatage,sothattheyhadtrulyforgotthatoncemandidhavepowertofly.Butevenifthattheydidhavepropermachinestothispurpose,surelyitwereawondrousandfearfulthingtoflydownwardanhundredgreatmiles;fortheysurelytohaveadreadthattheynevertoriseagainthroughsohugeadeep.

And,moreover,thedownwardworldthatwasthebottomoftheGreatValley,wasfullofmonsters,aswastoldinthelittlemetalbook.Andthemonsterswereverystrangeandunknown;andforeigntothewholeworld,thathadnevercomeuntothedeepoftheValley.AndtheValleyhadcome,asyoushallmind,whentheearthdidsplit;andthisthingwas,intruth,liketobethoughtthatsameEndingoftheWorld,whichallNationshavebeentaughttobelieveshallcome.Forinverity,whentheworlddidsplitandburst,andtheoceansrusheddownwardintotheearth,andtherewasfire,andstorms,andamightychaos,surelyitwaspropertothinkthattheEndhadcome.Yetwasit,intruth,butthebeginningofhopeofanewEternityofLife;sothatoutoftheEndcametheBeginning,andLifeoutofDeath,andGoodoutofthatwhichdidseemadirematter.Andsoisitalways.

Yetdoththisgopastmyfirstwonder,whichdidconcernthewhereforethattheymadenottodescendinThingsofFlight.Yet,maybe,shallmyreasonsstandtoshowwhythiswasnot.

Andagain,mayhapitdidchancethatsomewerewildadventurers,anddidleapovertheedgeoftheupperworld,havingtoeasetheirflightcertaincontrivings,liketoparachutes.Andtheseyoushallpicture,asthatyouwatchedthemtoleap;andsoshallyouseethemgodownwardintothegloom;andyoushallseethem

formaybetenmiles,andmaybefortwentymiles;andafterwardshalltheybelostutterlyinthatGreatDeep,andseennomoreofanymanforever.

ButwhentheNationsbecameRoad-Makers,andcamedownwardslowlytothemonstrousDeepoftheMightyValleythatdidsplittheWorld,thenweretheycometherebymillions,andwithpowersufficienttofightagainsttheBeasts;andafterwardtogrowbackagaintoanancientCivilizing;andsotothebuildingofthegreatairshipsthatwereyetshownintheGreatMuseumofthePyramid.AndhereshallIceasefromthesemythinkingsonthismatter;forindeed,whoshallsaywhatdidbetrulyaReasonforthosepeoplesandwhatwastheirNeed?AndsodoIcometonosuretybymywonderings.

Yet,asyoudoknow,allthingsdoseemverilytogoinacircle;for,behold,intime,theyoftheMightyPyramid,werelikewiseheldofffromthegloryoftheairships;andsoweregonebackwardagreatway,accordingaswedolookuponthismatter.Andsohaththisbeenthewayalways,asyoushallknowwhohavestudiedandthought,andseenthetruewaysandgoingsofLife.

AndnowwillIgoforwardinmytelling;andherewillsetdownasurethingthatIdidperceive,bothbymineearsandbymyfingers;for,asIdidmakecleartoyoubutawhilegone,therehadcomeachangeintotheairasIdidgodownwardoftheMightySlope;andtrulyIwascometoagreatandnewDeepness,evenbeyondthatofthewondrousdepthwheredidstandtheLastRedoubt.SothatIwasafardownandinamonstrousnight.Andtheairherewasofagreatthicknessandabundancy,evenasitmightbetheairofthisourAge;ormaybemoreormaybeless;forwhomaycomparetwomatterswithasureguessing,thatdohaveaneternitytokeepthemasunder.Andbecausethattheairwasgrownverystrongandapparent,itshallbe,mayhaps,thatitwasbyreasonofthisthingthatthewater,whenIdidmakeit,didfizzupwardinamomentveryloudandplentiful,anddidboiloverwardtotheearthfromoutofthecup,andwetuponmyhand.AndsurelythisthoughtdidcomeverykeentomyReason,asIdidfumble,eachtimeofmineeating,thereintheeverlastingnightandlonesomenessoftheGreatSlope.

Andsoshallyouhaveknowledgenowofthisandthatthingwhichdidcomeuponmythought,andofthelittleandthebigwonders,andallshallhelpsomethingtogiveuntoyoutheacheofnewnessandbewildermentthatwasconstantcompanionuntome.

Nowbythistime,asIhavesaid,Iwasgonedownwardeverforsixgreatdays;andIdidseemasthatIshouldpresentlycometothemiddleoftheworld;forofgoingdownwardtherewasnoend.

Andthen,whenitdidbethatIwasnearreadytobelievethis,Iperceivedfaroffinthedeepofthenightalittleshiningthatwasyetweakandunsure.AndIdonotknowwhetherIcantrulygiveuntoyouthegreatastonishmentandpainofhopethatdidcomeuponme;sothatIgrewsickinallmybeingbuttobeholdonceagaintheblessednessoflight,andtohavehelpuntomybeliefthatIwentnotdownwardtoanutterdesolation.

AndIstoodupwardfrommyknees,anddidlookveryearnest,andsurelyitdidseemthatalightwasthereafardownwardinthenight;andagainitdidseemthatImustbeplaguedbymyhopesandbymyfancy,andthattherewasnowhereanylight.AndthenagainIdidseeitveryclear,andnottobemistaken,andIhadashakingtocomeuponme,andIgatmetoarun,andmadeagreatandmadspeeddownthedarkslope.Andlo!Iwasnotgoneanyway,butIwentheadlong,andnearbrakemyself;andcouldbutholdmyteethtogetherveryfierceandquietuntilthatthepainwassomethinggonefromme.

Andafterward,Igatmeagaintominehandsandknees,andwentslowly,asbefore;andsoforagreathourormore,anddidlookoft;andalwaythelightbecamemoreplaintomysight;butevertocomeandgo,oddly-wise.YetdidIgosixhours,beforethatIwascomeanywiseneartoit.Andbythisshallyouknowhowgreataspaceoffithadbeen.Andlo!whenthatIdidseemsurelyanighuntoit,trulywasitstillfarawayinthenight;andIcamenotindeedneartoituntilthatIwasgoneonwardagainforthreehoursmore.AndallthattimedidIyetgodownwardintothenight;buttheSlopenowdidnotbesoutterdark.

Now,presently,Imadeapause,andstoodupwardtomyfeet,sothatIshouldthebetterperceivethelight.Andlo!asIdidlooktowardit,Iheardafarawaysoundinthedark,asthatsomethingdidsetupastrangeandmonstrouspipinginthenight.Andimmediately,IwenttominehandsandkneesamongthestonesoftheSlope,andkeptmyselflowinthedarkness,sothatIshouldbethelessplaintobeseen,didanyMonsterapproach.

Buttherecamenothingtotroubleme,andIwentdownwardoftheSlopeforyetanotherhour;andallthetimethatIdidgo,thesoundofthepipinggrewmoreinthegreateternityofthenightupontheSlope.

AndbythistimewasIcometrulynearuntothelight;butyetdidnotbeholditplainly;foritdidburnbeyondcertainmonstrousrocksthatstoodbetween.AndIwenttotheleftfor,maybe,thehalfofabigmile;andallthewhilethatIdidgo,thepipingmadeamightierwhistlingintheNight;anditdidseempresentlyasthattheearthsentforththesoundandrevelryofwildroarings.AndIwentthemoresilent;andlaterdidkneelamongthreerocks,andpeeredforthforawhileupontheplacebeforeme.

Andnow,beingcomenighuntothelight—thoughyetitwasnotunhidfrombehindthegreatbarriersoftheuprisingrocks,IperceivedthatIcrouchedwithinthemouthofamightygorge;andtheleftsidewasagreatwayoff,andIsawitplainatwhileswhenthelightdidrise;butthelightwastotheright,anditwassowondrousgreatthatitdidmakecleartomethatamountainwastothatsideofthegorge,andwentupwardintotheeverlastingnight,asitdidseemforever.

Andafardownthegorge,Ididseetheshiningsofstrangefires,faintandagreatwayoff.AndsowasIcomeatlasttothebottomoftheMightySlope.Yetthegorgealsotogodownward,butnotsogreat.

AndpresentlyIdidgoforwardagain;andsodidopenthepointoftherocks,asthesailorsdosay.AndIsawnowthattheregushedforthagreatblueflamefromtheearth;andthemightyrocksstoodaboutit,asthattheywereoldengiantsgroupttheretosomestrangeservice.

AndconcerningthisflameIwasnotovermuchastonishedinmyReason;forithadseemedtomeasIdrewanigh,thatthefireandthesoundshouldbemadebytheroaringandwhistlingofaburninggasthatdidissueforthamongtherocks.Yet,truly,thoughitdidbeanaturalmatter,itwasyetawondroussight,andsetamazementonmysenses;fortheflamediddance,andswaywhitherwardmonstrously,andsometimesdidseemthatitdroptsolowasanhundredfeet,andafterwardwentupwardwithavastroaringuntotheutterheight,anddidstandmightyandblazing,maybeafullthousandfeet,sothatthefarsideofthegorgewaslit,andsurelyitwassevengreatmilesofformore;butyetdidshowplainandwondrous.Andthelightdidshowmetheflankofthemountain,thatmadetherighthandsideoftheGorge,togoupmeasurelessintothenight.

AndsoshallyouperceivethatIstayedawhileamongtherocksthatwereinthemouthofthegorge,thatIshouldgazeuponthisthing;butafterwardIlooktthiswayandthatway,sothatIshouldhaveaknowingoftheplacewhereIwas

come.

Anditwasawildandstarkandemptyplace,asyoumustperceive.Andthefarsidedidbegreatmilesoff,asIdidsay;andeverywheretherewasabundanceofrockandlonesomeness.Andbeforemetherewentthegreatanddimlengthofthegorge,andtherewerelightshereandlightsthere,inagreatdistance,andoft—asitdidseem—thequietdancingoflightsindiverseplaces;butyetwerethesegoneontheinstant.Andevertherewasastrongandvacantsilenceuponthatplace.

Andpresently,afterthatIhadlookedoncemoreuntothemightydancingflame,andperceivednowhereanylifearoundit,Iwentonwarddownthequietgorge.AndforagreatwayasIjourneyedwasmypathlitbythedancingoftheblueflame;andoftshouldIseemtobegoingbutdimlyamongtherocks,andmyshadowfaintandlong;andlo!theflamewouldleap,andallthegorgecometoawondrousbrightness,andmyfiguretoshorten,andtheshadowstobeblackandstrong.AndsoshallyouperceivehowIwent.

AndoftdidIturnmeabouttobeholdthedancingoftheGreatLight;foritwassolemntomyspirit,evenamidsomuchofGreatnessandEternity,tothinkuponthatFlame,andtoconceivethatithadanutteragedancedthereatthefootoftheMightySlope,unseen,throughlonesomeEternities.AndthisIdotelluntoyou;thattherebymayyouhavesomeknowledgeofthestrangenessandthebitterlonelinessofthatplace;which,inverity,didseemtheexpressingofallthelonesomenessofmywanderings.

AndallthetimeasIdidgodownwardofthegreatGorge,theresoundedtheblastoftheroaring,thatwaspresentlyafartomyback;andthemountainsidesdidcatchithereandinthatplace,andsentitoffwardswithstrangeandimproperechoings,asofachillpiping,oroddwiseashushedwhisperingsofmonstrouscreatures;sothatIdidoftstooptohidealittleamongtheboulders;fortrulyIknewnotbutthatsomeunnaturalthingcalledfromthedarknessofthemountainside.

AndforsixhoursIwalkedonwardthus,andsometimesdidhide,havingasuddenfear,asIhavetold.

Andpresently,inagreatwhile,theroaringwassunktoafarandmonstrouspiping;butintheendtonomorethanafaranduncertainwhistling,thatyetdid

catchstrangeechoesinthenight.Andintheendtherewasonlyaquietness.Andyet,asyoudoperceive,therehadbeenalwaysasilenceinthatGorge,asIhavetold,andthistothedespiteofthewhistling.AndIdohopethatyouhaveunderstandingwithmeinthismatter;foritwastrulyasIhavetold,andthereisnocontrarinessoftellinginthismatter.

NowinallthistimethatIhadwalkedinthegreatGorge,IhadpastfourofthefarlightsthatIdidseefromthebottomoftheSlope;andthetwofirstandthefourthwereblue,butthethirdwasgreen;andalldiddanceandquake,andsentfitfulshiningsintothebellyoftheGorge.Andtherecamealsofromthemwhistlings,andfromthesecondonealowandstrangemoaningnoise;andIdoubtednotthegasdidcomeoddlyandwithtrouble.AndIpastthesethingswithnogreatthought;fortrulytheywerenomattersfornotice,afterthatwhichIhadbeheld.

Now,asyoushallmind,itwassurelyintheearlyThirdoftheseventhdayofmyjourneydowntheMightySlopethatIsawthefirstshiningofthemonstrousgasfountain;andfromthattimeuntilnowhadtherepastmaybesixteenhours.And,asyoudowot,IhadeatnotinallmytravelsincethatIhadseenthelight;sothatIwasgonetoaproperlackinward;andmoreover,itwasfullnineteenhoursormoresincethatIhadslept;andallthatwhilehadIlaboured.

AndIceasedmefromwandering,andlooktaboutthatIshouldcometoasafeandproperplaceformyslumber;andthisIsawveryquick;fortherewasdrystoneandrockeverywhere,andnofailingofholesanddiverseplacestomypurpose;sothatIwassooninalittlecavebetweentwomightyboulders.

AndhereIeatfourofthetablets;fortrulysomanyweremydue,andIhadnotbeenviolenthadIeatmore.Andafterward,Imadesomeofthewater,anditdidfizzupinamoment;sothatIperceivedthatbutagoodpinchmadeagreatcup-full.AndthisIsettothecountofthestrongandheavyair,asIhavetold,whichIdidthinktohaveagreaterpowerofchemistry.

AndpresentlyIslept,havingmygearaboutmeasever,andtheDiskostomybreast.AndasIwentintoslumber,IthoughtsweetlyuponNaani,asIhaddone,indeed,anhundredtimessinceIwascometothehopefulnessofthelightsoftheGorge.

Now,whilstIslept,IdreamedthattheMaster-Worddidpresentlybeatallaboutmeinthenight.Yet,asIdomind,Iwakednot;andbecausethatIcontinuedtosleep,Ihavenosureknowingwhetherthiswastrulyadream,oranHappening.AndImindedmeuponit,whenIwaked;butthiswasafterthatIhadsleptsevenhours;andIcouldhavenosurenessanywiseofthematter;butonlythatIwascomesafethroughmysleep;thoughheavywithinmyheadandlimbs,asthattheairdidcallmeuntoafurtherslumbering,asislikeenough.

AndafterthatIhadeatanddrunk,Iputmygearaboutme,andtheDiskostomyhip,forIneededbothmyhandstothetaskofjourneyingamidthegreatboulders.AndIsetforthagaindownthehalf-lightofthemightyGorge,andthrougheighteenhoursImadeastronggoing,savewhenIdidpauseatthesixthandthetwelfthhourstomineeating.

Andbytheeighteenthhourwascome,Iwasveryreadytomyfoodandslumber;andpresentlyIwasasleepinaplaceoftherocks.AndthatdayhadIpastthreeandtwentyofthedancinggasfires;andfivebeenlikeawhitefire;buttheothersblueandgreen.AndalldiddanceandmadeastrangeanduncertainlightwithinthegreatGorge;yetwasitapeacefulthinguntomyspiritthattherewastrulylight,asyoushallunderstand.

AndIsleptsixhours,andwaked,anddidwantmoresleep,asyoushallthink.ButIeatanddrunkandputmygearuponme,andwentondownwardoftheGorge.

Andatthesixthhour,afterthatIhadeatanddrunk,Icametoapartwherethebiggasfiresdidceasetodance,andtherewasacertaindarknessuponthatplace.Yetwasitnotaproperdark;fortherecametheglimmerofaflamehereandthe

glimmerofaflamethere,asthatlittleflamescameupwardbetweenthestones,anddidvanish,andcomeupwardinanotherpart.AndsodidlightanddieoutconstantandforeveramidthestonesandthebouldersofthatlonesomeGorge;andmadealow-spreadlight,sothatitdidseemuntomethatstrangeshuddersoflightbeatupwardthroughthedarkofthatplace.

AndIwentonward,andaheavyfumedidseemtohangintheair,andhorridgasestocomeupwardfromtheearthinoddpuffings;andanonalightwouldleapupwardbeyondthenextstone,andafterwardvanish,andtherewouldbeanhundredthousandsuchuponeveryhand,runningtoandfore;andafterwardforamomentanutterdark,andagainthelittleflameseverywhere;sothatitdidseemIwentonemomentamidtheheartofastrangecountryoffire,andimmediatelythroughacountryofutternight.Andthiswastomestrangeandapeculiarmatter.Yet,asIdothink,thegasesdidbothermethemore;fortheydidseemasthattheywereliketohurtminehealthutterly;for,inverity,oftdidIseemasthatIshouldchokeandbreathenomore,byreasonofthepoisonthatcameupwardfromamongthestonesandtheboulders.

Andallthattime,astheycameorwent,didthelittleflamesmakesmallphlocksofsoundintheGorgeastheydidflashordie;andthesoundsdidseem,tomylikening,asstonescastintoanuttersilentpool;fortheybutmadeapparenttheeverlastingquietoftheGorge.

Andafterward,Icamebeyondthisplace,andyoushallseemegoingverylonesomeamongtherocksoftheGorge,beyond.Andbythis,itwascomenighuntotheeighteenthhour;andIdidfindaplacepropertomyslumber,anddideatanddrink,andwasquicklygoneoveruntosleep.

Andhere,IshouldtellhowthatIhadnotanover-fearofEvilPowerswhilstIwasinthegreatGorge;fortrulyitdidseemasthatnothingthateverdidlivecameanightothatwildandsilentplaceofstoneandrock;butthatIjourneyedthroughitalone,andwassurelythefirstthatdidgothatwayformaybeamillionyears.Andthisfeelingthatwasuponme,Idohopeyoutoperceiveandtakeuntoyourselves,andthushaveanunderstandingofmyheartatthattime.

Andasyoushallknow,IwentalwaysuntoslumberwithsweetandwithtroubledthoughtsoftheMaid.Yet,foragreatwhile,Ihadbeenputsomightilytothelabourofmywaythatmyheartdidsufferlessatthistimethanshouldbethought;andtrulyitdothshowmehowIwasdrawnuntothatOnewithallmy

being,thatIdidsurelythinksooftandsweetlyuponheramidsomanyperilsandmattersofhorror.Andthisdothseemsomethingstrangetosay,whenthatyoudoconsiderthatIwasadventureduntothesesameperilsandhorrorsbutonlyforthesakeoftheMaid.

AndinsixhoursdidIwake,asIdidstrivealwaytosetmyselftodo;yetwasIveryheavyandslowforalittle,untilthatIwasmoreproperlycometowakefulness.Andsurely,asIdidthinkbefore,thiswasliketobeputuponmebytheweightyairoftheplace;butyetitmightbethatthegaswhichdidfloatintheGorgewasuponmylungs.Andalso,asyouhaveperceived,ifbutyouhaveattendedmyway,theairwasgrownwarm,andoftweretherockspleasanttotheseat,andallofthesemattersdidcontrivetomakemeslumbrous.

Now,presently,thegasfiresdidceaseutterlyintheGorge,andIlooktdownward,alongthatgreatplace,andsawonlyagreyness,butabovethegreynesstherewas,asitdidseem,somethingofavagueandruddyshininginthenight.Andthisdidwakemetowonderwhatnewthinglaybefore;sothatIgrewmoreeageramongtheboulders.

And,later,whenIhadeatatthesixthandthetwelfthhours,andgoneonawhile,IcametoaplacewheretheGorgemadeaquickturninguntomyleft,andattheendoftheturningwasaredandglowinglightthatwasverygreatandwonderful;sothatIwasutterkeentocometothatplace,thatIshoulddiscoverwhatmadetheshining.AndtheplacewhereIwascomethen,wasverydark,becausethatIwasnighunderthemightywallofthemountainoftherightsideoftheGorge.Yetabove,asitdidseemtome,therewasafarredupwardglowinginthenight.

ThendidIgoforwardveryfast,andpresently,inagoodwhile,IdiscoveredthatIdrewneartoasecondgreatturning,thatwenttotheright.Andabouttheseventeenthhour,Icamenighuntothesecondgreatturning.AndheredidIputcautionuponme,andcreptforawhileamongthedarkrocksofthatplace,thatIshouldcometoasightofthatwhichmadethemonstrousredshining.

Andpresently,Iwasbeyondthecornerofthemountain,anddidlookdownwardintoamightyCountryofSeas,andtheburningofgreatvolcanoes.AndthevolcanoesdidseemasthattheyburnedintheSeas.Andthecountrywasfullofagreatruddylightfromthevolcanoes.Andsoshallyouperceivemethereamongtherocksthatdidallstandupwardstrangeandboldandsilentintheredand

monstrousglareofthelight.AndI,asitdidseem,theonethingoflifeinallthatdesolationandeternityofrockandstone,thereintheendpartofthegreatGorge.

AndIpeeredforthintothewonderofthelight,andwasfullofthrillingsandfanciesthatIwassurelycometotheplacewheretheLesserRedoubthadbeenbuilded.AndimmediatelyIknewthatthiswasnotso,forsurerhadnotNaanitoldhowthattheywereinalandofdarkness.Andifthisdidbeso,truly,howwondrousanddreadawayhadIyettogo,ifthatthisCountryofSeasandmightyvolcanoesstoodbetween.

Surely,itdidseemtomethenasthatImustwandersearchinguntotheworld'send.Andsoshallyoubecompanyuntometherewithmytroubleandmythoughts,andtheimmediatewonderandstrangegloryofthatmightyCountry.

IX

THEDARKPYRAMID

NowintwohoursmoreIwascomecleardownoutoftheGorge,andstoodinthatCountry;andforallthatIdidfeelfreshtroubledandbewildered,yetwasIrejoiceful,asyoumaybelieve,inthesurprisinglightandsplendourofthatsuddenLand.

AndbeforethatIhadcomedownoutofthegreatGorge,Ihadstoodhighwithinthemouththereof,andlooktwelloutoverthemightyCountry.AndIhadcountedsevenandtwentygreatvolcanoes,andthisdothnottakeheedoftwomonstrousrangesoffire-hillsthatburnedafaroff,somethinguntomyright.Neitherdothittakeaccountofanhundredthousandlesserplacesoffire.

Andtrulyitdidseemaverylandoffireandwater.Fortherewasasmallfire-hillstoodwithinasea,asitdidseemnomorethanalittlemilefromthatplacewhereIdidstand.Andmaybeascoretothebackofit,spreadallabout.AndhereshallIdopropertotellconcerningtheseas.Fortherewereofthese,thatIdidcountatthattime,threethatweresmall,andamightyseathatwentonwardforeverintotheredlightofthefire-hills,sothatitwasgoneutterlyoutofmysight,anddidshownoending.

Andthereroseupoutoftheseas,islands;andontheislands,volcanoes.Butinotherpartsthefire-hillsdidcomeupwardstraightlyfromthesea.Andoverthenearsea,asitdidseem,therelayaplentitudeofsteam,asthattheseadidboilatwhilesandindiverseplaces.

Andtheredidseemtome,asitwerewithintheredatmosphereofthatplace,asthattherewereamutteringthunder,lowandconstant,shakingtheair,nowfromthatdistanceandnowfromthis,andthisdidIjudgetobethevoicesofthefire-hills,speakingwiththefirethatlivedinthem.

Andyoushallconceivehowutternewwasallthisuntome;fortherewasinthatCountryaconstantVoiceoftheEnergyofLife,sothattheWorld-NoiseofthisourAgewaseventhereagain,andwithakeenandundoubtedapparentness;andthemoresosomeways,thannow.

AndhereshallIsetdownmorecloselythethingsthatwerereadytomygaze.

Andfirst,thatitdidmuchattractme,therewasahugeandblackenedmountainuntotheleftofthemouthoftheGorge,andthemountaindidgoupwardintothenight,maybefifteenandmaybetwentymiles.Andtherewasamightypeakedvolcanothatgrewoutfromthesideofthemountainsohighupasfivemiles,asIdidguessthatheight;andthiswasuponthefarside.Andabovethistherewasasecond,maybenineortengreatmilesupintheblacknessofthenightthathungafarupward.And,asthatthiswerenotgreatwonderenough,theredidburnandglowtwoothermightyfire-hills,atanutterheight,upontheleftcrestofthatblackmountain;andthesewereupwardsomonstrousaway,asthattheydidseemtomakestrangeandsmoulderingsunswithinthenight.Andtruly,asyoushallperceive,thiswasawondrousthing.

Andbelowtheseupwardfire-hillsthereroseupfromtheearthvastmountainsofashandburnedstuff,thathadbeencastforthbytheseperchedvolcanoes,andhadpoureddownwarduntotheearththroughoutEternity,andsotobuildgreyandsombremonumentsuntothedreadfulgloryofTime.

Andtomyrighttherewasalwaysseaandseaandtheredblazingofthefire-hills;butuntomyleft,thereweremightyforests,andthereroseupwardhereandinthatplace,asthattheywerebeyondthegreatwoods,monstrousfire-hills.Andsodoyoutakefrommesomethingofthatfirstimpressinguponmybrainandsense.

AndafterthatIhadcomedownoutofthemouthofthegreatGorge,asIdidtellalittlewhilegone,Icameuponapause;for,surely,whichwaywasthewayproperuntomysearch.AndIlooktaboutforagreatwhile,andafterwarddidclimbbackintotheGorge,andcalledmyselffoolish,thatIhadnotthoughttomapmywayereIcamedown.

AndwhenIwascomeupintotheGorgeagain,lo!IsawthattherewasbutonewaythatIshouldgo;fortruly,asIhavesaid,therewasonlytheseasuntomyright;butuntotheleft,wheretheshoresdidmeettheseas,thereseemed,sofar

asmineeyesdidtelltome,aclearwayforaspace.Andmayhap,whenIhadcomesofar,Ishouldevenfindafurtherwaytogoforward.AndsodidIdescendagainuntotheCountryoftheSeas,asIdidevercallthatred-shiningcountryofwaterandfire.

Andby,thatIwascomeagainfromtheheightoftheGorge,itwasfourandtwentyhourssincethatIdidlastsleep;sothatIwasfainthatIshouldputintosomenook,andcometoslumber,asyoushallwellbelieve.

AndIfoundmeaneatandproperplace,wherethreegreattreesgrewaboutalittlebasinofrockthatwasverydryandwarm.Andhere,afterthatIhadeatthreeofthetablets,anddrunksomeofthewater—thewhilethatmybellydidyearn,asever,forpropereating-stuff—Imademybedinthelittlebasinoftherock,andlaymedown,anddidbegintothinkawhileuponNaani;butwasgoneovertosleepbeforethatIwasaware.

Andlo!Iwassuddenlyawake,anddidfindthatIswaminahotwater;andamercy,Ididthink,wasitthatIwasnotdrownedasIdidsleep.AndIgatmetomyfeet,andthebasinwasfullofwater,hotandsteaming,andpungenttothetaste,aswellIdidknow.AndIperceivednowthatthewaterpouredinfromasmoothedslituponthefarside,anddidcomewithastrangegurglingandbubbling,sothatIconceivedsomedeepwelltoboil,andthustodriveupwardthiswaterintothebasin;andgladwasIthatitdidnotboilasitcameforth.

Andsurely,nowthatIwasuponthedryland,anddidconsider,Ididquicklysupposethatthewaterhadpouredforthatseasonsintothebasinforaneternityoftime,andafterwarddidgobackbyfissuresinthebottomofthebasin;andthistohappen,asIsoondidfind,alittlebeyondthelengthofeveryhour;and,indeedthebasintoemptyslowasIdidwatch.

Now,beingmuchwetted,Istriptoffminearmour,havingbeforethisdiptoutmineeffectsfromthehotpool,andsodidcomedowntothenakedflesh,andIfoundaplacewheretherockwashot,andhereIdidspreadmygarments.Andwhilstthattheycametodryness,Igatmeintothehotpool,andhadaverypleasantbathing,anddidhavenogreatfearofanydangerousthing;for,asitdidseem,Ihadsurelyleftallsuchbehind,withintheNightLands.YetdidIhavetheDiskosuponthepooledgetomyhand;forIhadnoproperassuranceinthismatter.Yet,asitdidprove,thereweremanymonstrousbeastsinthatCountry;butneverdidIfeelthenearnessandhorridpowerofanyEvilForce;forthese,as

Idoconceive,werecongregateandgatheredabouttheMightyPyramid,beingattractedtheretobythegreatspiritualessenceofsowondrousamultitudeofhumansgottensocloseinonespot,evenassharksdocomeaftertheshipthathathbullockswithin.Yet,howthattheEvilPowersweregivenentranceuntothisStateofourLife,Ihavenosureknowing;yethaveIputforwardcertainthoughtsonthismatterinanearlierplace;andmorethansuchthinkingsissurelyvanity;forthereisnocertaintyinmyReasoningconcerningthething.

Now,presentlywasmyclothingdry,yetbeforethis,Ihadcomeoutfromthatbath,whichtrulywasnighallgonebackwardintotheearth.AndIdressedmeagain,andgotmyarmouruponme,andafterwardwasIinamorelightsomestateofthemind;andyetveryreadytocomeagainuntomysleep.AndthisIdid,andhadsixhoursmorebesidethepool;andoncewaswakenedsomewhatbythegruntlingandbubblingnoiseofthewater,thatwasmadeasthepooldidfilltimeandagain.

Andwhenthesixhoursweregone,Iwakedverywellfittedinmysensesandfeelingstogoforwardagainthroughthatred-lightedCountry,andthisIdid,afterthatIhadeatanddrunk.

NowallthatdayIwentforwardatagreatpace;andthenamelesswoodswereuntomyleft,andtheshoresoftheseasuntomyright.AndoftdidIfindthatthetreesgrewevenintothewater,sothatoftdidIgoforwardamongthetrees,andaverywonderfulthingwasthistome,thatneverhadknownbeforeinallmylife,untilIwascomeintothatCountry,howthatagladandwildmysterydothliveamongforesttrees.FortherewasnosuchstrangewildnessamongthegrovesoftheUndergroundFields;thoughasolemnbeautyinplenty.Andthescentofthewoodswassweetuntomyspirit,asyoushallwot.

NowallthetimethatIdidgo,therewastheshoreuntomyright;butalwaytomyleft,andaroundmeoft-timesasIdidsay,thegreatforests.AndasIdidgo,lo!therewaslifeinallthosedarksomewoods,andlivingeyesdidpeeroutoddwhilesuponme,andafterwardgobackwardintothedark;sothatIwottednotwhethertofear,ortohavenoheedoftrouble.Yetnaughtdidcomeanightome,tomakeanyhurt.

AndthriceinthatdaydidIcometolittlefire-hillsthatburntredly,andsentoutfireandnoise,sothatIheardtheirtroubleeachtimethroughtheforest,beforethatIwascometothem.Andabouteachwasthereadeadnessanddesolation,

wherethefirehadkilledthebigtrees;yet,asIdidobserve,thequicklifeoflittleplantsdidgrowmorenigh,asthattheywerebornandlivedbetweenthetimesofthefire-bursts.AndthisIdotakeitthatyouperceive.

AndinthatonedayIpastthirtyandsevenboilingsprings;butwhethertheyboiledtruly,Idohavenoknowledge;onlythattheysentoutagreatsteamoft-times;andsomedidmakeastrongroaringnoise;sothattohearthemafaroffintheforestswastothinkoddtimesthatsomewildbeastroaredstrangely.

Now,whentheeighteenthhourwascome,Isatmedown,asIhaddoneuponthesixthandthetwelfthhours,andeattwoofthetablets,anddranksomeofthewater,whichheredidfizzveryrichandquick.

AndafterwardIlaydowntomyslumber,forIwasgreatlywearied.AndIhadchosenaplaceagainstagreatrock,whichwassothatnocreaturemightcomeuponmefrombehind.AndIcameeasyuponsleep;butyetIdidfixituponmethatIslumberonlywiththebody;forIdidknow,bytheshiningoftheeyesinthedarksomewoods,thatstrangecreaturesabodeinthemightyforests.

AndereIwasgoneovertosleep,IthoughtuponNaani,asIhaddonemuchallthatday,asthoughherspiritdidhovernearuntomine,anddidstrivepitifultospeakwithme.AndthisIsetouttoyou,thatyoushallknowhowitdidseemuntomeinmythoughtsandfancyings.AndasIlaythere,Iputablessinguponher,andadeterminationintomyheartthatImakeamoredesperatespeedofmygoing,ifthatmightbe;sothatIcomethesoonertothatstrange,andunknownplaceinthedeadworldwheredidstandthelesserRefuge.AndIwasthenasleepinamoment.

Andlo!suddenIwasawake.AndlovelywasthebrightnessofthatCountry,thatdidshowmeinamomentmydanger,anddidnotkeepmesuspendinfearfulDoubt,asdidthegreydarknessandstrangeshadowsandlightsoftheNightLand.ForIsaw,ontheinstantthatIgotmetomineelbow,howthatcertainthingsdidcrouchwithinthebordersofthetrees,nomorethanascorepacesoff.AndIperceivedinamomentthatmyspirithadbeengivenknowledge,andhadwakenedme.AndIstared,thewhilethatIdidgriptheDiskos;andIsawthatthereweresixsquatmenthatwerehumptattheneckandshoulder;andtheydidcrouchallthereinarow,andweresomethinghidbytheshadows;andIperceivedthattheywatchedme;andtheeyesofthemendidshineliketheeyesofbeasts;andsoshallyouknowsomewhatofthestrangeterrorthatcameupon

me.YethadItheDiskosandminearmour;andthoughmyheartdidshakealittle,yetwasmyspiritassuredtoconquer.

NowIgatmetomyfeet,andhadtheDiskosreadywithinmyhand;andbehold!IcouldnotseetheHumpedMen,fortheyweregonefromthatplace;yetneverdidIseethemgo,thoughIhadkeptmygazeverysteadfastuponthatpartwheretheydidhide.And,asyoushallunderstand,Iwasnearreadytobelievethattherehadbeennothingtherewithintheborderofthewood;yettrulyIknewthatthemenwiththehumpshadbeenthere,asIhadseen.

Now,Ilookedpresently,andfoundthatIhadsleptfivehours;andIeattwoofthetablets,asIdidstandthere,watchful;andafterwarddranksomeofthewater;andsowasreadytogoforwardagain;forIwasgrownveryanxioustobegonefromthatplace;anddidhavenoknowledgebutthatthosestrangelyhumptMenwerebutalittlewayoff,amongthetrees,andmightcomeuponmeinamoment;or,further,thattheydidgotocallanarmyofotherhumpedmentomydestruction.

AndafterthatIwasready,andhadmygearsecureuponme,Isetoffatagreatstride,anddidholdtheDiskosveryhandy,andlooktthiswayandlooktthatway,andallthewhilemadeonwardwithspeed;for,truly,IwasgrownsoleanandhardthatitdidseemtomethatIhadpowertoout-pacethosemenoraughtelseoftheirkind.

Andallthatday,throughthirtygreathoursdidIgoforward,atthatstride,anddidalwayswatch;andateverysixthhour,Ieattwoofthetabletsanddrankalittleofthewater,andwentonwardagain.

AndsodidIhopethatIwaslostfromthoseHumpedMen.Yet,thoughIdidhope,myfaithwasnotthiswise;fortwiceandthricediditcometomethattherewentthingsthroughthewoodstomyleftallthatday,anddidkeepalwaystoalevelwithmyspeed;yetwerealwayshid.And,asyoushallbelieve,thisdidbeaveryshakingthingtomyheart,anddidmakemyhopeofbutlittleaccount.

Now,becausethatIhadnofaithtocompanymyhope,Iwasnoteasytohaveslumber,untilthatIwascometoaplaceproperandsafe.Andso,asIhavetold,Iwentonwardthroughthirtygreathours;and,intruth,inallthatwhileIdidfindnowherethatdidseemtofitmyneed.

Andlo!abouttheendofthethirtiethhour,Iperceivedthattherewaswater

ahead,besidesthewateroftheseathatwasevertomyright.AndIthought,maybe,thattheseadidgoinwardatthatpartoftheland;butitwasotherwise;forwhenIwasgottentothatplace,Ifoundthatarivercameintothesea,anddidcomeoutofallthecountrythatlayuntomyleft.

Andinthemouthofthisriver,therewasasmallisland;andsurelyIdidlookacrosstotheisland,andthinkitarefugefromtheHumpedMenthatdidsurelyplaydoguponmygoing.Yet,truly,thiswasbutanidlethought,andmyneedwasthatIshouldcometosomewaytocrossovertheriver,thatIgoforwardbesidethegreatsea,whichdidstretchonward,asitdidseemforever,beforemeuponthefarside.

AndIknewnothowtogoacross;forIhadnopowertoswim,andhadIswum,thereweresurelymonstersinthatgreatandwarm-flowingriver,asyoushallbelieve.

AndIwentupwardoftheriver-bank,thatImightcometosomeplacewheretheriverdidnarrow;andsurelyIhadbeenliketowalkamightydistancetothispurpose,butthatIcamesoontoasecondriverthatdidenterthefirst,notamileabovetheshoreofthesea;sothat,asyoudoperceive,therewastheseatoonesideofme,andthissecondriveruntotheother,andthefirstriverbeforeme;andthuswasIsorelyperplexed,asanyhadbeentrulythatwasinaliketrouble.

Yet,asitdidchance,theneedtogoforward,andthedangeroftheHumpedMen,putwitintome,sothatIlooktaboutforatreethatwasfallen.Andthereweremany,yetgreat,sothatIwasmuchweariedandsomethingstrainedofthespirit,beforethatIgattwolittletreesuntothewater.

Now,whenthiswasdone,Imademearoughpoleofayoungtree-plant;andafterward,Ilashedthetwotreestogetherwithmybeltsandstraps,andsohadsomewhatofaraft.

Andyoushallpicturethat,allthetimeasIdidgoaboutthisbusiness,IwasveryheedfullesttheHumpedMenshouldcomeuponme,erethatIwasgonefreeuponthewater.Andthisconstantheedingdiddoublethelabourofmywork,asyoushallperceive;yet,intheend,itwasdone,andIreadytoadventureovertheriver.

AndsoIdidpushoffwiththepole,andIpushtandpaddledmaybethehalfofanhour,for,indeeditwasallaclumsycontriving,andmayhapIthemoresoinmy

labours.Yet,presently,Iwascomesofarover,thatIdrewnightotheisland;anditdidseemawiseandproperthingthatIshouldhavemyslumberthere,andafterwardgoonwardtothefarthershore.AndthisIdid;andafterthatIhadeatanddrunk,asever,Ilaydowntosleep.AndbythistimeitwasthreeandthirtyhourssincelastIdidslumber;sothatIwasbitterlyawearied.

AndIhadagreatandrestfulsleep;for,truly,theislanddidseemaverysafeplace;and,inverity,Icametonoharm,thoughIwasasadeadmanforninegreathours;andsoshallyouperceivemyweariness.

AndwhenIwascomeproperawake,Ieattwoofthetablets,anddranksomeofthewater;andafterwardmadeanendofmyvoyage,andthendidtakebackmybeltsandstrapsfrombindingthetrees,andsoforwardagainuponmyway,andnomorefearfuloftheHumpedMen;for,surely,IdidthinkIhadleftthemalluponthefarshoreoftheriver;thoughafterwardImindedmethattheymightgrowlikewiseuponthetwosides;butyetwasIonlydiscoveredbythoseupontheone,asyoudoknow.

AndallthatdayIwentveryswift,andpastmanystrangemattersanddidcoastuponwondersoft.AndatthesixthandthetwelfthhoursdidIeatanddrink,asever;andbetweentheeighthandthefourteenthhoursdidIcomepasttwomightyfire-hills,thatmadealltheCountrytotremblewiththeirnoise.Andfourtimesdidmonstrouscreaturespassbyme;butIwasswifthid,andcametonoharm.

AndoftasIdidgo,weremythoughtsuponthedearMaidthatIjourneyedtosavefromdestruction.Yet,asyoumustsee,alwaysweremythinkingsbroughtsharplyuntomygoing;sothatscarcewasIeversetofftoponderuponNaani,butthattherecamesomedangerorwondertogivemeheedtomyway.Andbecauseofthis,asyouhavelearned,Iwasmoreputtoplanfreeoftheinstanttroubleandperilofmyway,throughallthatmightyjourney,thantohavequietchanceforthoughtsofloveuntomineOwn.Yet,truly,wasnotmyjourneyonewholethoughtofloveuntoNaani?And,thatperilmadeoftdumbmybrain,wasbutthetruersonguntomyMaid.

AndattimesIwasamongtrees;butoftdidgopastunnumberedboilingspringsandsmallfire-hills;andoftwastheairfullofthenoiseofthelittlefire-hills,andtheroaroftheboilingsprings;buttherecamenoharmuntome.

AndathousandtimesdidIperceivethingsthathadlife;andImadeaverycautiousway;thoughwithagreatspeedandclevernessofgoingthatmademyheartglad.

AndoftdidIcometopartswhereagreatlifeheldthetrees,andgreenstuffdidflourishexceedingly,andtheairrichandfullandwondroussweet;sothatIwasfaintothinkhowthatinsomefar-offtime,itmightbethatourchildren'schildrenshouldcomedownuntothisCountry,whentheUpperValleyoftheNightLandwasgrowntoanutterchillandlackingofair;andherebuildthemanewRefuge,if,indeedanyshouldcomeclearoftheEvilForcesandtheMonstersthatdidliveabouttheMightyPyramidintheNightLand.Yet,howshouldtheycomeclearofthosethings;sothatthisis,asyoudoperceive,nomorethanathoughtthatdidrisevaguelyinme.Andyet,again,whoshallsaywhatmaybe?

AndonwardIdidpass,andIdomindmehowthatIsawthelowerfiresofthatCountrytoburnveryfierce;andthisIsettotherichnessoftheair;butyetwithnosuretyofknowledge;anddobuttellthesamethatyoushallseetheoddmentsofthoughtthatwentoftacrossmybrain,andsohavesomuchknowledgeasI,concerningthisandthat.

Now,alittlebeforetheeighteenthhourwascome,Icameoutfromamongthetrees,andtheseawasdownwardofagreatcliffuntomyright,forIhadgoneupwardforalongandwearyhour.AndIdidseenowathingthatmademetobecautious,andyetthatdidholdmyhearttogoswiftlytoperceivethething;foritwasverystrange.

AndIwentforwardquickly,yetwithawisecare;andsowascomepresentlymorenigh.AndIperceivedthatthethingwas,inpart,ahighrock,verytallandpointedandmaybeanhundredfeethigh;butafterwardIdidfindittobemore.Andtherewasamonstrousgreatthinguponthetopoftherock,thatdidseemverystrange;andIstoptandlookt,andafterwardwentforwardagain;andsoforatime,untilthatIwasbutalittlewayoff.AndnowIsawthattheredidseemtobeamightylongrocklaidacrossthetopmostpartoftheupstandingrock,andyethadaverystrangeandshapelyappearance;anddidseemupontheunderparttobeasthatIhadlooktbeforeuponit.Andupontheupperpart,theregrewtreesandgreenthings,evenasthesedidgrowuponoddledgesoftheupstandingrock.Yet,forthemost,therockwasverystark,asthatablasthadblownuponit,andmadeitbare.

Now,whenIhadlooktforawhile,Ibethoughtmethatthisshouldbeasafeandproperplaceformyslumber,ifthatIhadpowertocomesafetothetop.AndwhenIhadthoughtthisthing,Ibeganatoncetoclimbuptherock;andIfoundthattherockwasveryhigh;sothatinawhileIwascomeagreatwayofftheearth,andyetwasnotcometothetopoftherock.AndbecausethatIwasawearied,Ilooktaboutforasafeplacetominehand,andlo!therewasashelfoftherockverynigh,thatwentinwardalittletotheside.

AndIgatmetothisledge,anddideatanddrink,andpresentlyIslept,andscarcehadthoughtofNaaniinthemomentofmyslumbering;foragreatwearinesswasuponme,thewhichIdothinktohavecomebyreasonthatIwasnotyetproperrestedfromthetaskofthedaythatwasgonebeforethatone.

NowIwakedverysudden,maybesevenhoursafter;andIhadknowledgewithinmethatmyspiritdidwotofsomenighdanger.AndIgatupwardfromtherock,veryquiet,andhadtheDiskosreadyinmyhand.AndIlooktswiftaboutmeinthemomentthatIdidwake;yetdidseenothing;fortherewasnaughtontheledgewithme.

AndIcrepttotheedge,andlooktdownward,andlo!IdidseethattherecameuptherocktwoHumpedMen;andtheydidclimbveryswiftandsilent;andIperceivedthattheysmelledme,andcametodestroyme.AndImadereadytheDiskostodobattle,andceasednottolookdownward.AndIsawhowthattheHumpedMendidseemtobehumptbyreasonoftheirbeingsomonstrousthickandmightyoftheneckandtheshoulder,asthattheyhadbeenhumanbulls.AndIsawthattheywereverystrong,andbythespeedoftheirclimbing,Iknewtheywereswift;andsodidImakesteadymyattentionandmyhearttothesavingofmylife;fortrulyIdidknowthatIshouldbedeadinalittle,orthey.

NowIsteptbackaspacefromtheedgeoftherock,andhadtheDiskosveryready;foritwasneedfulthatIshouldkilloneofthosebrutemenspeedy,thatIhavenodangerthatonetakemeintheback,whilstthatIfightwiththeother.

Then,inamomentitdidseem,therecameupwardoftherockedge,thegreatandbrutishfaceoftheman.AndinthatmomentthatIslewhim,Ididnotecuriouslyhowthathehadlargeteethuponeachsideofthemouth;andwasawarethathehadcomesoquietasagreatcat.Andinthebackwardpartsofmybrain,Ibethoughtthateventhus,maybe,wasprimalman,sothatastrangeandsecondaryquestioningandwonderingdidliveinthatpartofme;andIdidlearn

fromthesescarceconsciousreasoningsthatIwasofbeliefthethingwastrulyaman;butverycrudeanddangerous.AndsurelyitisstrangethatIhadallthisthoughtinthatlittlemoment;butinveritysoitwas;thoughIdoubtnotbutIbettereditwithafterthoughts,whenawhilehadgone.

Nowthefirstmandiederehisgreathairedbreastwascomeupwardovertherock;andhesankback,andsaggedandfelldully,andIheardhimbodgedownwardfromrocktorock,verylumbersome;andsoinamomentwassilence.

ThendidIlookthiswayandthatwayoftheledge;forthesecondHumptManwasnotyetuponme;andIfearedthatthepausedidmeanacunningmischiefandstrategy.Andwhenalittletimehadpast,andallthewhileIwasreadywiththeDiskos,andnaughtdidcomeupwardtoharmme,Isteptverysofttotheedgeoftherock-ledge,andlooktdownward;buttherewasnowhereanythingtosee.

Now,foralittlemoment,Ididthinkthatthebrutishmanhadrunoff,beingfearedbythedeaththatIdiddealuntothefirst;yetIputthisfrommeatonce;forIdidwotthatsuchacreaturedidnotbeliketofearinsuchwise;butwasrathersettosomehorridcunningofattack,asIdidfear,andwassomewherebelowmeamongtheholesofthegreatrock.

ThenIdidthinksuddenthathemightbegoneupward,sothatheshouldcomedownuponmyback,andIlooktupwardofthemightyrock;butdidseenaught;andafterwardIstooptforwardagreatwaybeyondtheedge,sothatIshouldperceivewhetherthemandidhidebeneath.And,behold!hewastherebelowme,andcrouchedundertherock-shelf,readytohisspring.Andinthatmoment,hemadeuntomewithsomightyaleapasanytigershouldgive.Andhecamehalfovertheedge,andgripttheDiskosbythehandle,inaninstant.

AndsurelyIhadlostthattrustedweapon,orbeenpulledoverandcastintothedepth,butthattheDiskosdidspin,andtheEarth-Currentdidmakelivethehandle—aswasintended—savewherethe"grip"wasset.Andlo!themangaveloosethehandleveryswift,forithadburnedandshakenthecreaturesore.AndIstaggeredback,withtheeffortIhadmadetowithholdtheDiskos;andthebrutishmancameupwardagainovertherockedge,andleaptatme.Yethegatmenot;forIspranguntomyright,andmadeablowwiththeDiskos,evenasIdidleap.Andtheblowcamesomethingshort;butyetharmedtheHumptManwithagashuponthebelly,verysoreandhorridamongthegreatbrownhairsof

theman.Andimmediatelyhesprangafterme;butIsmotefullattheface;sothatheleapedbackfromthestrangeroarandblazeoftheDiskos,andyetwasharmed;forhegatnotrightfreeoftheblow;butdidbecutverysoreonthemightyandhairedarm.

Now,seeingthathewassomethingfearedoftheweapon,Iraninuponhim,andsmoteagainattheface;yetwasthemangoneoutofmyreachbeforethattheblowdidreach;for,truly,hewasquickasapanther.Andimmediately,hedidleapuntotheendingoftheledge,whereitdidjoinupontheRock;andhecaughtthelivingRockbetweenhistwohands.AndtrulytheRockmusthavebeensplittenthere;forhetoreoutamonstrouslump,sogreatnearasmybody;anddidrunuponmewiththerockabovetheheadofhim.

Now,IperceivedIshouldbesmashedinamoment,ifthatIdidnotslaythemanveryquick.Forsomightywashe,thathedidleapthiswayandthatwayafterme,asthoughthegreatrockdidcumberhimnomorethanithadbeenbutalightmatter.

AndyoushallperceivethatIleaptthiswayandthatway,toavoidtheman;andtwicedidstrikehim;butyetwasfearedtobraketheDiskosupontherock,whichthemandiduseasashieldeachtimethatIdidmakeablow.Andallthewhile,Ididacttoescapewhenthatthemanshouldcasttherock,asIdidconceiveatthefirsttobehisintent.Yet,truly,itwasasthathehadnowottingthatarockmaybethrown;forhestraveonlytocomeatmewiththerock,thatheshouldcrushme,aswithamonstrousclub.And,inverity,whatshouldamandoagainstsohorridanattack.

AndtimeandoftdidIleapnowtotherightandnowtotheleft,andagaininamoment,IdidcuttheHumptMan;buttheblowwassomethingturnedoffbythegreatrockinthehandsoftheman;yetsostrangeandmightywasthepoweroftheDiskos,thatitshoreawayasmallportionoftherock,anddidcometonohurtinitself.

And,surelyIhadpresentlyfailedinwindandlimb,becauseoftheleapingsandchargingsthatIdidmake;andbecauseoftheweightofthearmour,thatwasnotovermuch,yettobeconsidered;butthatIfaintednot,wasbyreasonofthewondroushardnessandleannessthatIwasgrownto,withsoconstantajourneyingandstraitliving;forthetabletsdidkeepthestrengthinaman,though,truly,theyeasednottheyearningsofthebelly.

Andlo!eventhebrutishmandidgrowweary,andthehotbreathandbody-stinktocomefromhim;andsurelywhoshallwonder,foralwayshedidrushtoandfrouponme,withthemonstrousrocktocrushme.Andsudden,Ileaptuntotherightoftheman,thinkingwithinmethatIdidperceiveachancethatIshouldcuthimuponthatside;but,truly,hewaslessaweariedthanIdidknow;forhecameverysharpuponme,andhadmebetweenhimandthewalloftheRock;andsurelyIhadnoroomtomakeescape,andhaddiedinamoment,butthatImadeasuddenshamtowardtheleftwiththeDiskos,asthatIshouldleapthatway.Andinthesameinstant,Ididgototherightwithastrongbounding;andimmediatelydidcomeinupontheHumptManfromthatside;andIputmyfortuneoflifetothestroke,andstoodanightotheman,andIsmotehimacrossthemiddlepart,beforethathedidwotofmyintent.Andtheblowslewthemanverysurely,anddidnighcutthemightycreatureintwain.Andsurelyhefell,halfleapingevenashedied,sothatthemonstrousrockthatwasinthehandsofthebrutishman,didcrashdownalmostuponmyfeet,andIleaptveryhighthatIshouldescapethethunderingoftherock;forinverity,IwasnearslaininthatlastmomentofthelifeoftheHumptMan.ButyetIlivedandcamefreeofdeath,anddidhaveareliefofhappinessaboutmyheart,asyoushallbelieve.

Yet,truly,Iwasmuchshaken;andalittleweaknesstookme,sothatIwasfaintogodownupontherock-shelf,thatIhavebackmystrength.

Andpresently,Iwasgrownsteadyagain,andItookmygear,anddidhastedowntheRock,andsowascomepresentlytotheearthagain.AndIsawthefirstoftheHumptMenthatIdidslay,lyingveryquietalittleofffromthebottomoftheRock;sothatIwentroundupontheothersidetoavoidtheman;foritwasnopleasuretomineeyesortomyheart.And,truly,itdidtroublemealwaystomakeadeath.

AndwhenIwascomeroundupontheother,whichwastheseaward,sideoftheRock,IperceivedthatIwasyetshaken;andIrememberedthatitwerewisetoeatanddrinkandrestalittle,beforethatIdidgofurtheruponmyway.

Now,asIdidsitthereatthebottomoftheRock,Ilookedupwardatthestrangecrownthereof;anduntilthattime,IhadbeentakenupwiththefightandwithgazingsthiswayandthattoseewhethertherecameothersoftheHumpedMentoworkmeanharm.

ButnowthatIwasgivensomeeaseofthemindandofthebody,Isawplainly

thatIknewthethingthatlayupwardupontheRock;fortheshapehadbeensomethingstrangeandhalf-knowntomeevenbeforethatmoment,asthatIhadavagueknowledgeconcerningit;butyetwithnosurety.Andnow,truly,Ididknowinalittleinstantthatthethingwasoneoftheoldenflying-ships,thewhich,asyoushallmind,therewerecertainintheGreatMuseumoftheMightyPyramid.

Andsurely,IwasreadytowonderwhythatIhadnotseenthethingplainbeforethatmoment;yetwasthisliketobebecausethattherewasashadowupontheothersideofthegreatRock;butuponthissidetherewasalittlefire-hillawayofftothecliffedge,andthisdidthrowawarmlightthatmadeaglimmeruponthedullmetaloftheship'sbottom,whichwasuncoveredtomysight,andwassurelyofthatsamedeathlessgreymetalthatmadetheGreatRedoubt.

Andyet,asyoushallbelieve,evenasIsaidthisthingtomymind,thatthestrangematteruponthetopoftheRockwastrulyoneoftheoldenair-ships,IdidfeelthatIshouldbepropertodoubt;foritwasaverywondrousthingtoperceiveathingcommontoman,inthatutterstrangeCountry,andafterthatIwasgonesofarofffromtheMightyPyramid.Yet,inverity,IdidknowinmyheartthatitwasindeedthatwhichIdidperceiveittobe;andIdidstandandwalktoandforeandlookupwardconstant;forIwasverykeenthatIlookwelluponit.

Andtruly,asIdidlookfromthisplaceandfromthatplace,itwasscarceathingforwonderthatIhadnotwottedittobeanairvessel;forthereweregreattreesandabundanceofearthandlivingmattersuponthetopmostsideoftheship;sothatnonecouldeasyperceiveittobeaughtsaveagreatanddesolaterockthatdidlieupontheotherrock.Yet,truly,itwasasIhavetold;andpresentlyIdidmaketoclimbupwardofthegreatRock,thatIshouldcometotheairvesseltoenterit.Butyetwasthisnotproper;forIhadsurelynodutysavetogoforwardforever,untilthatIfoundtheMaid;butyetdidIspendalittlewhiletothissearchingoftheship;andIdobutsetdownthatwhichIdid,andwithaseriousspirit.Andtruly,asitdothhereoccurtome,Idobeeverseemingaseriousyoungman,asyoumaybeshallhavegrowntothink;butyetwasItoadreadandseriousbusiness,andthestraindidbetoogreatuponmeandthetroubletoomuchprestuponmyhearttogivememuchoflaughter,asyoudosurelyperceive,andsoyoutogivemeyourearandyourunderstanding.For,indeed,beforethatIdidloseMirdathmyBeautifulOne,Iwasnotover-grave;butsoyoungandjoyousasany.

NowittookmeagreattimetogoupwardoftheRock;foritwassomonstroussteepandhigh.Yet,presentlywasIcomenighunderthebottomoftheship;andhereIdidperceivethatshehadbeensorebatteredinthatfar-offagewhenshedidcomeupontheRock;for,surely,asIdidperceive,thepeakoftheRockwasthroughthebottomoftheship,sothatthemetalwasburstthiswayandthat,andveryplaintobeseeninsomeparts;butinotherplacestheearthandgrowingmattersdidmakeahiding.

AndafterthatIhadclimbedthiswayandthatway,IperceivedthatImustcometothetopmostpartbytheplantsthatdidhangover,andgrowdownward.AndafterthatIhadpulleduponthem,toknowthattheywerestrongtoholdme,Iwentuponthem,andwassoontothetopoftheship.Yet,truly,Imightsowellhavebeenupontheearth;fortheshipwascoveredabovebytheearthanddustofamonstrousageofyears;sothatIwasliketoneedmuchtimetodigdownwarduntotheship;andbecauseofthis,Iconsideredalittlewhile,andafterwardmadenomoretosearchher;butdidgodownwardagain,thatIshouldcomeoncemoretomyjourney.Yet,asyoushallthink,itwaswithaqueerthrillingoftheheart,andwithstrangethoughtsupontheendofthosethatdidcome,maybe,toabitterandlonesomedyinginthatshipoftheair,inthatfar-offtimewhenshedidfly.

Andsurely,itdidseemtomeasIwentdownwardofthegreatRock,howthattheflying-shiphadbeenthereforanhundredthousandyears;andthatmayhapstheseadidliveallabouttheRockinthatAge;andtrulythiswasnoimproperthingtothink,foritwaslikethattheseahadbeenmonstroushighandgreatinthosedays;sothattheRockwasbutalittleislandinthemidstofthesea;andnowwastheseagonesmallfromagreatseatolesserseas,andthisthroughaneternityofyears.Andalways,asitdothseemtome,hadtheshiplainupontheRock,andlooktquietandsilentoverthechangeandwonderandthelonesomenessofallthatCountryofFireandwater,forever.

Buthowtheair-shipdidcomeupontherock,howshallIknow;save,maybe,itdothseemasthatshemighthaveflownlowovertheseainthatoldenage,andcomehardupontheRock,because,maybe,therewasonetothehelmthatdidsteerunwittingly.Andagain,itshallwellbeotherwise,andIdobutsetdownmineoddthoughts;andsuchastheybe,theyhavenoespecialuse,savethattheydoshowtoyouthedifferentworkingsofmymindatthattime,asIdidgodownward.AndsotosetyouthemoreinpossessionofallthatIdidhaveknowledgeof.

Andpresently,Iwascomeagaintotheearth,anddidgoforwardwithagreatspeed,sothatIshouldwastenomoreofthatday.Yet,oftdidIthinkuponthatshiphidthereuponthemightyRock,underthewondrousquietashesofeternity.

AndIwenteighteenhourswalking,andinallthattimeIdidseenomoreoftheHumpedMen;yetthreetimeswasIputinasuddendanger,fortherewentpastmethrice,betweenthefourteenthandtheseventeenthhours,greatflyingmonsters,thatwerewingedveryugly,anddidgo,asIthought,inagreatbounding,ratherthanthattheydidflyproperasdothabird.YetIsufferednohurtfromthese;forIwasswifttohidebetweenthegreatbouldersthatwereveryplentyinthatpart;butnotrees.ForIwasgonenowpasttheforestsoftrees;therebeingnonesincethatIhadgonethroughaveryshallowriver,thatIcametoaboutthethirteenthhour.AndthishadIwaded,andsoundedmypathwiththestaffoftheDiskos;butIhadkeptminearmouruponme,lesttherebethings,eveninwatersoshallow,thatmightbiteandworkharmuponme.ButIgatthroughprettyquick,andhadnohurtdoneme.NowIhadeat,asever,atthesixthandthetwelfthhours;andbythattheeighteenthhourwascome,Iwasnighagainuntoaforest,thatcamedowntotheshorethatwentalwayuponmyright;andItobeverysoreandwearied,asyoushallknow;forIhadfoughtverydesperateaftermywaking,andafterwardclimbedthegreatRock,andthenagaintojourney,sothatitwas,bythis,nightooneandtwentyhourssincethatIdidsleep.

Andsurely,Ilooktthiswayandthatway,constant,anddidseenoplacepropertomyslumber.Butafterward,IconsideredIdidbeafool,tolacksuch;fortrulythetreeswereplentiful,andIcouldclimbagreatone,andstrapmybodysafe,andsohaveasurebedformyrest.AndIdidthisthing,andwentupwardintoagreattree,anddidtiemybodytothetree,withmybelts;yetIeatanddrankbeforethatIwentupthetree.

NowwhenIwasfastupwardinthetree,andhadmadeabeduponamonstrousbranch,andhadtheDiskosreadyuponmyhip,sothatitshouldnotfallbutbenightomyhand,IlayalittlewhilethinkinguponNaani;andIwentnotovertosleepimmediately,whichwasstrange;yetmayhapsbecausethatmybedwassouncertain.

AndIconsideredverygravelyhowthatitwasamonstrouslongwhilesincethatIdidheartheMaster-WordfromthedearMaid;andtrulyIwascomeadreadfulwayfromminehome,whichwastheMightyPyramid;forIhadgoneonwardfor

everthroughfiveandtwentygreatdaysoftravel,andwasnotyetcometoanyplacethatdidappearliketobethatplacewheretheMaiddidabide.

AnditdidseemthatImightevenwanderonwardinthatgreatCountryofFireandWaterforatimebeyondallthatIhadbeforegone;andthisthoughtdidputagreatweightoftroubleandwearinessuponmyheart;fortheMaidhadbeeninsoreneedofme,andIdidfeelsuddentobealladriftinthewilderness.Butbeforethistime,ithadseemedasthatIsurelywentaright.AndmayhapsyoursympathyshalltellyoujusthowItofeelintheheart.

AndafterthatIhadlainthereveryawkward,andthoughtuponallmatters,ImindedmethatIwouldtrythecompassagainuponthemorrow;buthadnogreathopesofthemachine;yetdidbewillingtotryaughttoseewhereIhadgottento.Andtruly,asitdidcometomymind,ifthatthecompassdidpointalittleasIdidwotitwasusedtopointintheLesserRedoubt,then,inverity,IwassurelycomesomethingmoreanightothatunknownplaceoftheworldthanIdiddaretobelieve.Andthistobeplaintoyou.

ThenalittletimedidpassinwhichIdidwakeandsleep,andwakeandsleep,alittle;butwithnosuretyofsleep;butasthatIwasverytiredoftheheart,anddidbutlietooweariedtocomeproperlytosleep.

AndoddwhilesIdidliewithmineeyeshalftoopen,anddidlookverydreamfulupwardamongthedarkbranchesofthetree,astheydidshowblackandprettyagainsttherednessoftheshiningthatcamefromthesea;fortherewasstoodagreatandbright-burningfire-hillinthatpartoftheseathatlayofftheshorefromme.Andabovetheglaringofthefire-hill,therewasthedeepnightthatdidbroodforeveraboveinamonstrousblackgloomofeternity,anddidmaketheredsmokeofthevolcanotoshowdeepandmightyandthunderous-seeming,afarupinthegreatdark.Andtheredandshiningsmokedidbutshowtheutterhugenessofthenight,thathadbeenupontheworldthroughthegreatages.

And,inverity,asIdidlietheresodreamful,itdidcometomeafreshhowwondrousstrangewasmineadventure;andhowthatIdidliewarmandaliveinaCountryofredlightandsmokingseas.And,truly,asIdidrememberandconsider,therewasagreatandlostworldaboveme,upwardthroughthedark…maybeanhundredandfiftygreatmilesupinthegrimnight.

Andthisthingdidstrikemeverysolemn,asIdidlie;andIdotrustthatyou

conceivehowthattherewas,intruth,afaraboveintheeternalandunknownnight,thestupendousdesolationofthedeadworld,andtheeternalsnowandstarlessdark.And,asIdothink,acoldsobitterthatithelddeathtoalllivingthatshouldcomeanightoit.Yet,bethinkyou,ifonehadlivedinthatfarheightofthedeadworld,andcomeupontheedgeofthatmightyvalleyinwhichalllifethatwasleftofearth,didabide,theyshouldhavebeenliketolookdownwardvaguelyintosomonstrousadeepthattheyhadseennaught,mayhaps,saveadullandutterstrangeglowingfardownwardinthegreatnight,inthisplaceandinthat.

Andsurely,asyoushallhaveseen,IhavesettheGreatDeepoftheValleytobe,maybe,anhundredandfiftymilesofnight;for,asyoudomind,itwasconceivedthattheValleyoftheNightLandwasanhundredmilesdeep,andmayhaptobemore;andIhadcomefromthatPlacedownwardoftheMightySlope,andoftheGorge,averygreatway.Yet,inverity,Idobelieveinmyheartthismeasuringwasutterwrong;forIthinkthedeeptohavebeenmonstrous,beyondthesemilesthatIdogive;yethaveInoprovingofthisbelief,anddosetitdownfornomorethanitis.

Now,presently,Ihadceasedfromthesevaguethinkingsandhalfdreamings,andwasgonetrulytosleep.Yet,nowisedidIsleepverystrong;butdidseemtocomeanightowakefulness,thistimeandthat.And,asitdidchance,thiswasmayhapsaverygoodthingformylife;forIdidpresentlycomeawakemoresurely,anddidturnonthegreatbranch;fortherewasanoiseintheair,thatwasnotthenoiseofthegreatfire-hill.

Andthenoisedidgrow,veryheavyandlumbersome.And,inamoment,therecamesevenHumpedMen,runningamongthetrees,asthatsomemonstrousthingdidpursue.AndimmediatelytheywerebeneaththetreeinwhichIdidlie;sothatagreatfearcameuponme,andIloosedthebeltfromthebranch,thatIshouldbefreetofight.

And,directlyuponthis,Isawthatthemendidleapupwardintothetree,beneathme;butnotasthattheydidwotofmeormaketocomeatme;butasthattheydidpayagreatheedtosomecreatureorhappeningthatwasfaroffamongthetrees.Andsurely,thenoisedidseemtocomefromthatpart,anddidgrowloudandmighty,andtheHumpedMendidallcrouchverysilent,anddidmakenonoiseormotiononetotheother;butwerequietuponthelowerbranches.

And,asIdidlooknowmoretomyease,Iperceivedthattheyhadeachagreatstone,andbloody,thatdidseemasthatitweresplittoacertainsharpness,evenasastonedothbreakverynatural.Andtheycarriedthestoneunderthisarmorunderthatarm,sothattheyhadtheirhandsfreetoallmatters.

And,alwaythenoisedidcomethemoreanigh,andIsawthataHumpedMandidcomerunningfromamongthetrees,anddidrunbeneaththatplacewherethesevenHumpedMendidbeonthebranches.Buttheymadenosigntotheman,tosavehim;yettrulyitwasveryplainthatsomemonsterpursuedtheman.

AndimmediatelyIsawhowthisthingwas;fortheHumpedManupontheground,didnotrunsofastasmightbe;andIconceivedthathedidacttomakesomecreaturetocomeafterhim,topassunderthemenwithinthetree.Andsurelythisthingdidprovetobe;fortherecameveryquick,agreatanduglything,thathadanuglywayofputtingdownthefeet,anddidhavesevenfeettoeachside,whichwasverystrange;andthebackwasasthatitwerehorny,andthebellyofthethingdidseemtobrushheavyupontheearth,anditgrunted,asitwent,andshooktheearthwiththeweightofit;sothatamonstrousnoisecamefromit,uponsohastyajourney.AndIdidwotthatitwasnotsuchathingasdidproperlypursueaftermattersoffood;butdidrathereatofthatwhichdidneedlittlehaste,butamonstrousstrength,togain.Andthatitdidsomakeaftertheman,wasintruthbecausethatithadbeenwoundedandmadefierce;for,indeed,therecamebloodfromthecreaturefromgreatwoundsupontheback;buthowtheseweremade,Icouldnotknowinthatinstant.

AnditdidgounderthetreeinwhichIwashid;andinthatmomentwhenitpastunderthetree,thesevenHumpedMendidleapoutofthebranches,anddidcatchtothebrutebythegreathornsofthespine;andIsawthatthewoundswereinthejointsofthespine,aswasplainwhenthebackdidwork,withthegoingofthecreature.AndthesevenHumpedMentookthesharpstonesfromundertheirarms,anddidstrikeverybrutalinthewoundsthatwereinthejointsofthespine;andthecreatureroaredandcried,andwentonwardintothetreesatagreatspeed;andinallthetimethatitran,theHumpedMenceasednottostrikewiththestones.

Andsudden,whenitwasgoneadistanceoff,itdidrollveryswiftoverupontheback,firsttotheright,asthatitwouldgothatway;sothattheHumpedMendidleapoffupontheotherside.Andimmediatelythecreaturerolledtothatside;andthereranclearofthebruteonlyfouroftheHumpedMen;sothatIknewthat

threewereslain.Andafterwards,theythatlived,ranbeyondthebeast,andgatupintoasecondtree,andtheonethatwaschased,didenticethecreaturetofollow,andsodidteaseitoncemoretopassbeneaththeothermen;andtheyveryswiftlyagaintothebackofthecreature;andsofrommysight,strikingwiththegreatstones,andthebeastbellowingveryloudandpiteous.AndhowmanyoftheHumpedMenthereweretothebeginningofthatstrangehunting,Iknownot;butsurelytherewerefewthatlivedtotheend.

Andsurelythereweresuchthingsasthisthinginthebeginningoftheworld,andagainwasitthusintheend;andIdidponderthisalittlewhile,asIdidsituponthegreatbranch,andhearkenuntothesoundofthehunting,thatwasnowgoneagreatwayoff,andwaspresentlybeyondmyhearing.

Andafterward,Igatmetotheearth,anddidlookthiswayandthatway,toseethatnobeastwasanigh,neitheranyoftheHumpedMen;andafterward,Ieattwoofthetabletsanddranksomeofthewater.

AndwhenIhadgatthisfartoareadinessformygoing,ImindedmethatIshouldtrythecompassagain,asIdidintend.AndsurelythemachinedidpointbetweentheNorthandtheSouth,upontheWestwardarc,evenasNaanihadtolduntome;yet,asitdidseem,withsomewhatmoreofaSouthwardpointingthanshehadmademetothink.Andbecauseofthistellingofthecompass,agreateasecameuponmyspirit;for,surely,wasnotthisbutasuresignthatIdidgodirectuntothathiddenplaceoftheworldwheretheLesserRefugedidabide;butyetwasnotcomeover-close,sothatthepulloftheMightyEarth-CurrentoftheGreatRedoubtwassomethingstrongerthanintheplacewherewastheLittlePyramid.

AndallthisdidIthinkveryswifttomyself,andhadagladupliftingoftheheart,asyoudoperceive;sothatIwentforwarduponmyjourney,withagreatstride,anddidscarcefearanystrangethingthatalltheCountrydidhold,inthatmoment.

AndIwentallthatdayatastrongpace,anddidbeofttemptedtosendtheMaster-WorduntoNaani;yetdidkeepfromsofoolishanacting,thewhich,mayhaps,hadbroughtstraightwayuponmeanEvilPower,andhadgivenmetoDestructionwhenthatIwasnearcometothesuccouroftheMaid.AnditwasthisquickandconstantfearoftheEvilForcesoftheNightLand,thatdidkeepmeeverfromcallinguntoNaani,lestthattheyshoulddiscoverme,andfollow

after;andthis,Idoubtnot,youtoknowbynowsowellasI.

Now,bythesixthhour,IwascomeintoapartoftheCountrywheretherewereanexceedingabundanceofsteamfountainsandsprayingsandgreatupboilingsofwaterinbasinsofrock;andtheairdidbefullofthesoundsandtheroaringsoftheboilingsandthespoutings,andofahotmistandspray;sothat,truly,Ihadscarcethepowertoseetomyfront,nortoanyside.

Andhere,presently,Imadeapause,anddideatanddrink,andafterwardwentforwardagain;andIdidkeeptheshoreoftheseaalwaystomyright,andsodidgopropertomyway;yetwithnogreatease;fortheseaalsodidsteamverystronginthatpart,andbecauseofthisgreatfogofsteam,Iwassurelymuchlabouredtomakeagreatspeed,lestunseeingIgoheadlongintoanholeoftheboilingwater.

Andintheninthhour,Ididgoclearofthehotboilings,andwascomeagainfreeofthemistandthesteam,andmightlookwithmineeyestomygoing.And,surely,asIdidperceive,Iwascometotheendofthegreatseathathadbeenevertomyright;foritdidgoagainstthefeetofgreatandmonstrousmountains,thatwentupwardforeverintothenight,anddidseemasthattheywerethehitherwallofthatstrangeCountryofFireandWater.AndsowasIstoodthereverymuchtakenupondoubt;forhowshouldIgofarther.

AndafterthatIhadbeenthereawhile,inabewildermentofdoubtandofwit,Iwenttotheleft,alongthefeetofthemountains;andtrulythisbutofcommonsense;forhowmightIgoanyotherway,saveIgobackagain!

AndatthetwelfthhourIeattwoofthetablets,anddranksomeofthewater,andwentforwardoncemore.Andlo!atthefifteenthhour,Iwascometoaplacebetweenthemountains,evenanupwardgorge,verydarkandgloomy,andwithoutlightforagreatway.

And,inverity,Ididnotwanttogoupthegorge,inthatitwassodrearyaplaceandnarrowandhorridanddrear-seeming,afterthelightandwidenessoftheCountryinwhichIdidyetstand.

Andpresently,Ididgopastthemouthofthegorge,thatIshouldlearnwhethertherewentanotherwayoutofthatCountry.Andthiswise,foragreathourmore,alongthefeetofthemountains,anddidpresentlycometoamonstrousblackriver,thatwas,maybe,amilewide.Andittobeveryshallow,andseemingas

thatthewaterscarcetocoverthemudofthebottom.Andhereandthereagreatsteamdidcomefromit,andspirtingsandmoundings-upofthemudinmanyplaces,andmonstrousbabblingsandpuffings-upofstrangesmoke,asthatagreatheatwentbeneathitinthisplaceandinthat.

Andsurelyitwentbackwardintothecountryforamightyway,sofarasmysightdidgo;andIdidthinkittobenoriver,buttrulyafurthersea.Andtherewasnowayacross;fortherewerenotreesanigh,tomakemearaft,neithermightIwadeacross;foritmightbeshallowhereanddeepthere,andthemudbeinallplaces.And,moreover,Ihadbeenliketobecaughtinoneofthoseupburstingsofmud,evendidIhavearafttogoupon.Andbecauseofallthesethings,IgatmebackagaintotheGorge,andpresentlyIdidgoupwardintothedarkness.

Now,Iwentupwardverysteady,savethatIdidstumbleoft,anddidgothroughsixgreathours.AndtrulyitdidseemthatIwentinanutterdark,becausethatIhadbeenawhileinsoconstantalight.

And,bythatIhadbeensixhoursintheGorge,IwasgonerightawayfromtheCountryoftheSeas,anddidbeasthatIwasbackintosomeplacethatwasliketothedreadnessoftheNightLand.FortherewereinthisplaceandinthatplaceoftheGorge,redfire-holes,evenasintheNightLand.YetnotmanyuntilthatIwascomeagreatwayupoftheGorge.Andtheredidbelifeofhorridthingsaboutthefires,assoonIdidwot;sothatImadetokeepofffromthem.Yet,asyoushallperceive,Imustcomeoftprettynear,becausethattheGorgewasnowheresscarceanhundredgoodpacesacross,anddidoftcomeverynarrow,sothatIdidcomeoftanightothefire-holes,whetherthatIdidheedtoornot.

Andallthattime,andever,didtheGorgegoverysharpupward,sothatitwasaverywearythingtomakegreattrialofspeed,asyoushallknow.ButyetIwentsofastasIcoulddo;forIwasgrownsuddenveryexcitedabouttheheart,andtofeelasthatIdidsurelydrawanightothatstrangeandhidplaceoftheworld,wherewastheLesserRefuge.

AndwhenIhadgoneupwardthroughsixgreathours,asIdidsay,Itookcautionforaplacepropertoslumber;forIwassurelyverywearied.

AndIsawaplacepresently,afarupwardofthedarksideoftheGorge,upontheright,wherealedgeoftheRockdidshowintheglaringfromoneofthefire-

holesthatmadeagloomylightinthatplace.AndIclimbeduntothisledge,anddidfindittobesecure,andawkwardtocomeupon.Andpresently,afterthatIhadeatanddrunk,Ididcomposemyselfuntosleep,thewhichcameveryspeedyuponme,whilstyetIdidbelieveIthoughtonlyuponthesweetnessoftheMaid.Andtrulyithadbeensomethingoverthreeandtwentyhours,sincelastIdidsleep;sothatIwasgreatlyawearied.

AndinsixhoursIwakedanddideat,anddidclimbdownwardagaintotheGorge,andsountomineupwardjourney.

Now,asyoudoperceive,whenthatIwascomeproperlyagreatwayuptheGorge,andhadcomeamongthefire-holes,therewasnomoreanutterdarkness,forthedullredglareofthepitsbeatupwardupontheblacksidesoftherock-mountains,thatdidmakethesidesoftheGorge;sothatoftIdidseebothsidesveryplaininthelowerparts;yetoftheheightoftheGorge,whomightknowaught;fortheblacksidesdidgoupwardforeverintotheeverlastingnight.

Andbecauseofthelightfromthefire-pits,Ididsee,timeandoftaboutthefires,horridmonsters,boththatweresnakes,andothersliketoscorpionssogreatasmyhead;butnomorethantheseforalongwhile.AndafterwardIperceivedthatsurelyothermattersdidmoveamongtherocksoftheGorge;sothatIdidkeeptheDiskosveryreadyinminehand;yethadtrulynouseforitallthatday.

NowIeatanddrankatthesixthandthetwelfthhours,andwentonwardataverystrongspeed.Andatthesixteenthhour,IdidseemasthatIknewtheaethertobestirredaboutme,andthebeatoftheMaster-Wordveryfaintuponmineinwardear.Andimmediately,awondrousgreatandlovelythrillingdidwakeallmybeing;forsurely,Isaid,thiswasthespiritofmylove,callinguntomewithherbrain-elements.And,indeed,thiswasaveryproperandsensiblethinking;forhadtheMaster-WordbeensentfromtheMightyPyramid,Ihadbeenliketohearitveryplain,byreasonoftheforceoftheEarth-Currentwhichwaswiththemandtotheircommand.But,asyoudoknow,theEarth-CurrentwasnighgonefromthePeoplesoftheLesserRefuge;sothattheywereover-weaktomakeanypropercalling.AndthisIhavespokenofbeforethisplace.

Yet,inalittlewhile,asIdidstandveryhushed,thatIshouldharkthebetter,IwascometodoubtwhetherthatIdidtrulyheartheMaster-Word.AndonemomentIdidsaythatithadsurelybeatinthenightaboutme;andimmediatelywouldIbejustsounsure;andsoinawhileIgatoncemoretomyjourney,and

haddoubtinmyheart;yet,asyoushallconceive,moreofhope.Andbecauseofthisthing,IwentonwardforthirtygreathoursfromthetimethatIdidwake;formyheartwasexcitedwithinme.AndwhenthatIhadgonesolongforwardasthis,IdidseehowthatIdidfoolishly;andIlooktaboutforaplaceformyslumber;andIfoundasmallcavethatwascleanandempty,asIdiddiscoverbytheshiningoftheDiskoswhichImadetospinalittletime.AndthecavewasinthecliffofthemountainthatmadetherightsideoftheGorge,andwasnightwentygoodfeetfromthebottomoftheGorge,andhardtoapproach.

AndwhenIwascomesecureintothecave,andsurethatitwaspropertomypurpose,Ieatfourofthetablets,aswasjustandnicetomybelly,anddidafterwarddrinksomeofthewater,andsotomyslumber;andallthewhile,verysweetandstronginmythoughtsuponNaani;sothatsurelyIwasalittletimebeforethatIhadmyselfrightlyuntosleep.

AndIsleptsixhours,anddidwake,forIhadsetmyspiritharduntosuchwakening;yetwasIstillgreatlyyearningforsleep.Butthisdidgosomewhat,whenthatIhadfoughtalittlewithmyneed.Andafterward,Ieattwoofthetablets,anddranksomeofthewater,anddidgatmygearuponme,andwaspresentlydownuntotheGorge;andsoagaintomyjourney.

NowinallthatdayIdidgowithaverysternspeed;foritdidseemasthatmysouldidknowforsuretythatIwastrulycomesomethingnighuntothathidplaceinthenightwhereIshouldfindmineOldenLoveagain.Andthesweethopethatwasbredofthecallingthathadseemedtrulytosoundaboutmyspirit,wasinallmybeing,andmoresureonthatday,thanbeforethatIhadslept.

AndIwentthirtyhoursinall,evenasbefore,erethatIdidcomeagaintosleep,andIeatanddrankateverysixthhour,sothatmystrengthshouldabidewithinme.AndbythatIwascometotheendingofthethirtyhours,Iwassorelyawearied,andgatmeupwardofthemonstrouscliffthatdidmaketheleftsideoftheGorge,havingperceivedinaplaceagreatledgeoftherock,thatdidseemveryproperformypurposeofslumber.

AndwhenIwascomeupwardupontheledgeoftherock,Isawthattheredidseemsomething,liketoamightyspider,thatdidstayhalfwithoutofaholeinthebackpartoftheledge.AndIsmotethethinggentlywiththeDiskos,sothatitwasveryquicklydead;andafterwardIsearchedwellabout;butdidgladlyperceivethatthereabodetherenootherhorridcreature.

AndIeattwoofthetablets,anddranksomeofthewater;anddidafterwardmakemereadyforslumber,asever.ButnowIdidputthecloakwellaboutme;fortrulytherewasgrownachillintotheairoftheGorge;andherealsowillItellhowthatitdidseemuntomethattheairwasgonesomethingfromthatgreatthicknessandstrengthwhichhadbeenwithmeinthepastdaysofmyjourneying.

NowIwasgonesotired,thatIfelluponsleepinamoment,yetwithadearthoughtandanxious,concerningNaani;butwassostarvedofthebodyforslumber,thatevenmineanxiousnesskeptmenotawake.AndIwasthensofastwithsleepthatIknewnaughtforeighthoursofverysoundslumber.AndthendidIawake,andverythankfuloftheheartthatnoevilbeastorcreepingthinghadcomeuponmewhilstthatIwassoutterlostinsleep.

Andnow,truly,wasIsomethingfreshandready;andIateanddrank,andhadmygearoncemoreuponme,andsodownintotheGorge.Andafterward,Iwentuponmyjourneyforeighteenhours,anddidpausebutalittlewhileatthesixthandthetwelfthhoursthatIshouldeatanddrink.

Andwhentheeighteenthhourwasnighcome,IperceivedthatthenatureoftheGorgewasgrownveryhorridanddank.Andinverity,IdidfeelasthatafarupwardinthenighttheblackmountainsthatdidmakethesidesoftheGorgehadcometogether,anddidmakeamonstrousroofunseenintheutterheight.

AndthisthingIdotell,onlyasofmybelief;forIhavenoverysureproof.Yet,truly,myreasondothsaylikewise;fortheredidoftdripwateruponmeoutofthedarkness,eventhoughIwalkedinthemiddlewayoftheGorge;andhowshouldthisthingbe,savethattherewentanoverreachingofthesides,thatshouldletthemildewdownuponme.

Andinthisplace,andformorethanelevengreathours,therewerefire-holesandfire-pitsonlyinthispartandinthat,andeachagreatwayofffromanother.Andtheyburnedverydull,anddidseemtothrowafumeofsulphurintoalltheair,asthattherewasnofreedomaboveforthestinktopassaway.AndineveryplaceweretherocksoftheGorgeverythickandslipperywithstrangegrowths;sothatitwasasorrowtowalkuponthem.Andallthattimewasthereanheavywetnessandslownessintheair;andasmell,besidethestinkofthefire-pits,asthatIdidgoforwardthroughaplacewheredeadthingsdidbe.

Andforagreattimetherewasahorriddarkness,asithadbeenthattheairwasgrownthickwiththefumingsofthefire-pits,asIdobelieve;andbesidethisthingtherewas,asIhavesaid,butadullfirehereandanotherthere;sothatitwaslikethatthereshouldbeaheavydark.Andbecausethatitwassoutterblack,andbecausethatthereweregrowthsupontherocksinthebottomoftheGorge,Ididgobutslowly,andwithpainofstumblings;andalwayswiththestinkofthatplacetotroublemehalfuntoasickness.

Andsudden,asIdidgopastoneofthefire-pits,Isawthatthefiremadeadullshininguponsomemonstrousthingthatdidmovebeforeme,uponthefarsideofthefire.AndIcameinonemomentuntoaswiftsilence,andhidamongtherocksofthebottomoftheGorge.AndIlooktverycautiousatthethingthatmovedbeyondthefire,andsurelyIhadseennothingsomonstroussincethatIhadcomefreeoftheNightLand;foritwasasthatsomehugeCreature,liketothehullofagreatshipdidmovedownoutofthedarkoftheupperwayoftheGorge.Anditwentbythefire-hole,andonwardintothedarkofthelowerwayoftheGorge;andIhadperceivedsomewhatofit,asitdidgopastthefire,and,surely,itwasblackandbeslimed,anduttergreatinheightandinlength,anditwentalwayswithoutnoise,sothatIhadnotknownittobethere,butthatIsawitplainwithmineeyes.And,truly,ifIdosaythatitwassomewhatasthatIhadseenamonstrousslug-thing,surelyIshouldusewiseandproperwordstomakeknowntoyouthishorridbrute.

AndIstayedveryquietatime,andafterwardIwentupwardagainoftheGorge,anddiduseanewcautiontomyway,andsawthattheDiskoswasfreeuponmyhip;foreventhusIdidcarrytheweapon,beingthatImustusebothhandstomyway,andtosavemeinmystumblingsandslidingsovertheslipperyrocks.

Andonceitdidseemtomethatsomegreatthingmovedinthedarkness,andIwentdownwardamongtherocks,andstirrednotmybodyforagreatwhile;andsureamIthattherewentsomelivingmonsterpastme,thatdidstinkasaloathsomegrave.Andafterward,Iwentonagain.

AndthreehoursdidIgothus,andcameatlasttoaplacewhereafire-holedidshinemoreruddy;andIdidlookwellaboutme,thatIshouldperceivethatpartoftheGorgethebetter.AndasIstoodthere,veryquiet,awayofffromthefire,sothatitdidshownogreatlightuponmyperson,Ididnotehowutterstillwasthatplace;andthistotakemeanew,asthoughithadcomefreshuponme.Andhere,therewouldbethedripofwater,andagaininthatplace,andagainelsewhere;andallverysolemnandverydismal.Andthesilencetobeconstant.

Andpresently,asIlookt,nowtothiswayandagaintothat,Isawthattherewasamonstrousslug-thinglaidupwardagainsttheblacksideoftheGorge,asthatithadstooduponend;andtheoneendofthemonsterwentupwardbeyondthelightfromthefire-pit;buttheotherpartdidcomedownandtrailintotheGorge,asalonghillock,veryuglyandblackandbeslimed.

AndInearsweatwithadisgustandhorrorofthething;butafterwardIhadmorecourage,andspiedwelluponthebrute.Andsurely,itmovednotatall,anymorethanthesideofthecliffoftheGorge;andIconceivedthatitstoodnotupwarduponanyfeet;butclungtotherock,evenasyoushallseeaslugtogo.AndforagreatspaceIwasveryquietandmovednot,neitherdidImaketohide,butstoodthereverystupid.

Yet,inatime,Ihadmoreofcouragewhichbroughtstrengthuntomyheart,andIbeganagaintogouponmyway,butwithanuttercaution,andIthentocreepforawearytimeuponmyhandsandkneesamongthedankandwearifulrocksandbouldersthatlayinthebottomoftheGorge.AndthricebetweenfourhourswasIpassedbyhiddenandmonstrousthingsinthehorriddarkplacesoftheGorge;yetwithnonoise,save,asitmightbe,theoddrattleofarockinthisplaceandthat;butwithanutteranddreadfulstinking.AndItobequietastheywent,asyoushallthink.

AndeachtimenowthatIdidgobythefire-pitsandfire-holesthatlayodd-waysintheGorge,Ididpauseandsearchaboutmewithmineeyes,verycautious,andoftnowdidIperceivehowthatthemonstrousslugcreaturesdidlieinthisplaceandinthatagainstthecliffsoftheGorge.AndIdidgothenutterstill,fromthisspacetothatspaceamongtherocks,andoftupontheflatofmybelly,andwithaconstantheedthatImakenotminearmourtoknockagainsttheboulders.

AndalwaysasIdidgo,therewasamonstrousstench,andthechokingof

sulphuroussmokeveryoft.Andhereandthere,asmineheartdothbelieve,therewereuttergreatcavernswithinthemountainstotherightandtotheleft;andofthisthingIhavesomesmallproof;foronceIdidgobyaplacewhereafiredidburn,asitshouldbeafire-hole,afarinwardofthemountainsideuponmyright;sothatIsawinamomentthatIlookedinthedarknessthroughthemouthofamightycave-place;andIwentpastveryquickandsilent,forIknewnotwhetheranyhorridthingshouldcomeforthoutofthatplacetoslayme.

And,truly,asIdidthink,iftheredidbeonesuchplace,therewereliketobemany;andmayhapstheslugscameforthfromthosecaverns,where,asIdidconceivetherewasnaughtsaveaneternaldrippingofwatersandthefoulgrowthofthingsinallparts.Yetisthislastbutathought,asIdosay,andyoushallwiselytakeitfornomorethanthat.

Now,IcameclearofthedarknessandtheslimeandthestinkinginabouttwelvehoursafterthetimethatIdidthinkthemountainstobearoofuntotheGorge;andtheairwasnowfreeanddidseemasthatsomelifeandhealthdidaboundinit;andthefiresdidbemoreplentiful,andburnedverybrightandclean,andthrewalltheirfumingsupward,sothattherewasnomoreanybitterpainofsulphurwithinmythroat.

Andsurely,itwaswithathankfulheartthatIwentonward,andwithagoodspeed;fortherewasmuchoflightallaboutme,inthatthereburnedanhundredfire-pitshereandinthatplace;sothatIsawclearbeforemeandbehind,andconceivedthattheslugsdidabideonlyintheclosedpartoftheGorge.AndoftIdidtaketheairveryfullintomylungs,forthesweetnessofit,afterthehorridstenchingsthatIhadabodeallthosehours.

Andpresently,whenIwascomefreeoftheroofedpartoftheGorge,maybesomethreegoodhours,Ilooktforaplacepropertoslumber;foritwassurelysomethingoverthreeandthirtyhourssincethatIdidlastcomeuponsleep;andIwasutterwornandlostofstrengthwithsomuchofcreepingandharkingformonsters,asyoushallbelieve;moreover,aboutthattimeIhadgonebitterlongwhilesbetweenslumberingsthroughmorethananhundredhours,asyoushallhaveperceivedfrommytellings.

Now,presently,IsawasmallcavethatwentinwardofthesideoftheGorge.AndIlooktintothecave,andfoundittobesweetandclean,andverydry.Andtherewasasmallfire-pitofffromthemouthofthecavethatdidthrowagood

lightformypurpose;sothatIsawtherewasnocreepingthingorhorrorintheplace;andIwentin,andmadetoprepareformyslumber.

Buttruly,whenIwascometolookuponmyself,IwasuttersoiledanddidseemasthatIstankwiththeslimeanddisgustofthedarkpartoftheGorge,whereIhadgoneuponmyhands,anduponmybelly.Andbecauseofthis,IwassetthatIshouldnoteatorcometosleep,withoutIwashedme.

AndIwentoutfromthecave,andtherewasaspringneartothefire-pit,aswasoftinthatpartoftheGorge.Andthespringwashotanddidfillahollowoftherock,veryquietandwithafumingofsulphur,asIdidbendaboveit.AndIwashedminehandsandfaceandminearmourandgear,inthehotspring,anddiddrymewithmypocket-cloth;andsowassweetenedandputtohappinessofmind.

AndIwentbackintothecave,anddidsitinthemouthofthecave,withtheDiskostominehand;andIeatfourofthetablets,forIwasgoneamortallongwhilewithout,andafterwardIdranksomeofthewater.AndasIdideatanddrink,IlooktoutuponthelightnessoftheGorgebeforeme,andwithacheerfulandcomposedheart.

AndIsawpresentlythattherecamecertaincreaturesoutfromtheirholes,evenasitmightbethattheywerepartrats;butverystrangelooking,andnotproperlysuch.Andsomedidlieaboutthefire-hole,andsomedidhuntaboutintherocks;andonecamepresently,andhadasnakebytheneck.Anditstooduponthesnake,anddideatit,evenwhilethatthesnakedidlashaboutupontherock.Andthesnakedidlashuntilthatitwasnighalleat;andaverystrangethingthiswastosee,andsomethingtroublesometothepity.YetwasIgladtoperceivethattherewereenemiestotheserpentsofthatplace.

Andwhentheratcreaturedidmakeanendofthesnake,itmadeacrosstothespring,anddiddrinkthehotwaterawhile;andafterwardbackuntothefire,andtherelaiddownanightotheedge,andseemingverysweetlycomfortedofthebelly,which,intruth,wasmuchotherwisewithme.And,afterthat,Isawmanycreaturesthatwentaboutthefire,anddidhavewarmthfromthefireanddrinkfromthespring;andsurelyIdidponderthatthePeoplesofthisourAgeshouldsay,iftheyhadstoodwithme,thatProvidencehadmadenightogetherthewarmthandthedrinkthatwereneedfuluntolife(foritwasgrowntoabitterchillnowintheGorge).Butratherdidthisthingseemtomeotherwise,that

thesecreaturesdidbebutoftheircircumstance,andifthatithadbeenanotherway,thenhadtheygrownoftheirwitstomeetittotheirmeansoflife.Yet,assomewouldsay,theargumentsdobutmeet,andbethesamething.AndneitherwaydoIcareinthisplace;butdonomorethantoshowuntoyoutheworkingofmybrain,inthiswayandthat,asImademyjourney.

Now,presently,whenIwasdoneeating,andcomeveryreadytofalluponsleep,Iwentoutfromthecaveandgatmecertainboulders,thewhichIdidcarryintothecave.AndwhenIwascomebackforthelasttime,Iputthemverysecureintheentrance-way,thatnosmallstingingcreaturecomeatmeasIslept.Andafterthat,Imadeready,andwenttomysleep,havingsweetthoughtsandslumbrous,oftheMaid.

NowIsleptveryquietthattime,andwasnotovertroubledwiththechilloftheGorge,whichwasbutlittleinthatplace,bothbyreasonofthefire-pitandbecausethatthecavedidhelptokeepmywarmthtome.AndIhadadeepslumberforeighthours,andwakedthenprettytired,butstrongtogouponmyway.AndafterthatIhadsatalittlewhile,Icamefulltowakefulnessandafterwarddideattwoofthetabletsanddrinksomeofthewater,thewhichIdid,sittinginthemouth-partofthecave,afterthatIhadcastfreetheboulders.

Andafterward,Igatmygearuponme,andIwentagainuponmyjourney.AndtheGorgedidcontinueverylightandcheerful,withtheshiningofthefires;andofttheredidbealittlesteamthatdidhissfromthispartorthatofthebottomoftheGorgeanddidblowveryquaintandnoisyinthequietofthatplace.Andofttheredidbehotpools,andeverywherethegreatbouldersinthebottomway,andtotherightandtothelefttheblackandmightysidesoftheGorgethatdidgoupwardforeverintotheeverlastingnight.

AndsoIdidgo,andhadeatanddrunkatthesixthhour,andgoneonwardagain.And,lo!attheeighthhour,Ididthrillsuddenwithawondrousgreatthrilling;for,inverity,itdidseemtomethattheMaster-Worddidbeatsoftlyaboutme,outofallthenightoftheworld.Andallmyheartdidthrobwithgreatglowingsofjoy;yetwasthebeatoftheWordunsure,sothatIknewnottrulywhethermyspirithadindeedheardaught,fortherewasimmediatelyasilence,asever,aboutmineinwardbeing.Yet,asyoushallbelieve,therewasanewhopeandstrengthofcourageinallmybodyandsoul.

AndIwentforwardveryswift,andallrenewed,asitwere;andmystrengthand

hopedidmakenaughtofanyterrorthatshouldlietobarmyway,neitherdidIhavefurtherheedofthebouldersthatlayalwaysuponmypath,butdidgooverthemwithquickleapings,andawondrousandthrillingeagernessoftheheartwithinme.

And,sudden,intheendofthetenthhour,IperceivedthatthemightywallsofblacknessthatmadethesidesoftheGorgedidbenomorethere,andthatIwascometrulyupontheendoftheGorge.AndIneartrembledwithhopeandastonishment;forwhenIwasgonealittlewayon,Ihadceasedtogoupwardanymore,andwascomeclearoutfromthemouthoftheGorge,anddidpeerforthacrossamightycountryofnight.

AnditdidseemtomeasthatIwascometoasecondLandofStrangematters,evenastheNightLandwheredidliethewonderoftheMightyPyramid.Andsurely,IdidthinkwithinmyheartthatIwascomeatlasttothatfarandhiddenplaceoftheworldwheredidbetheLesserRedoubt.ButyetwastherenoplaceinallthatnightwheredidtowertheshininglightsoftheLesserPyramid,thewhichIdidhopevainlytoperceive.AndbecausethatIsawthemnot,agreatheavinesscameuponmyspiritsforatime;butafterwardtheheavinessdidgo;forIputReasontohelpmycourage,anddidplanthiscauseandthattoshowwhythatIwasnotcometosightoftheshiningembrasuresoftheLesserRedoubt.Butyetwasthereleftanacheofdoubting,asyoushallwellconceive.

NowthisLandwasverynewandstrange,andhadagreatlightinthispart,andawondrousgrimdarknessinthat.AndIdidpauseagreatwhiletodeterminehowthatIshouldgoproperly.AndpresentlyIbethoughtmeofthecompass,anddiddrawitforth,andsetitupontheearth,thatIshouldseehowitdidact.AndtrulyitdidgoalmostasNaanihadtoldtome;sothatIwasverysureinallmybeingthatIwasinveritycomeanightothehiddenRefuge.Butyetdidthecompassgivemenoproperguidingtomyway;sothatIwasnomorewisetothisendthanbefore,onlythatIhadthecomfortofthatwhichitdidseemtoassure.

And,inalittlewhile,IwentforwardintotheLand,anddidhopethatIshouldcomepresentlytosomemattertohelpmychoice.AndIwentfirsttowardacertaingreatglowingoffirethatlaybeforeme,anddidseemjoinedtoanothergreatglarethatwentafartomyleft.

AndIfoundthegroundofthatLandtobeveryfairformyfeet,andtohaveinthisplaceandthatcertainbushes,evenasitdidseemtome,ofthekindthatwe

namedmoss-bushesintheNightLand,asyoudoknow.AndImadeaverygoodspeed,andwentthusuntilIhadgoneformaybesixlonghours.Andbythattime,Iwascomeanightotheglowingoflight;anddidkeepnowastrongcautiontomygoing;fortruly,asIdidknowfromthetellingsoftheMaid,therewereveryhorridanddreadfulPowersinthatLand,andIdidwelltorememberthatIwascomeagaintopartswheremightbethedestructionofthespirit.NowImadeapause,andlookttowardtheglowinglight;anditseemedtomethatforamonstrouswayuntotherightanduntotheleft,theredidbesurelyagreat,hidvalleyintheearthbeforeme.Fortheshiningdidseemasthatitcameupfromoutofavalley,asthatthereburnedadeeplightinsuchaplace;butyetwasIallunsure,andhadnoproperknowingwhetherindeedtheredidbeanyvalleythere,butonlyastrangeandluminousshiningthatdidcomeupwardfromtheearth.

AndImadenogreathastenowtogountothatplace;butwentdownsuddenintothebushes,andlayuponmybelly,andhadanewgreatfearuponmyspirit.Andpresently,Ipartedthebushesalittle,andmadeaplaceforspying.

AndIlookedagreattimeuntotheplaceofthelight,andnowtothispartandnowtothat.Andsudden,Isaw,asitdidseem,amonstrousheadwithintheglowing;fortheglowingdidseematwhilesasthatitswepttoandfore,asshouldashiningsmokethatwentobedienttoaquietwind:andsotohideandagaintouncover.AndinamomentIlostthegreatface,andwasallunsurethateverIhadseenaught.

Andlo!inalittleminute,Ididseeitagain;butwhetheritdidbetheshapeofsomeuttermonsterofeternity—evenastheWatchersabouttheMightyPyramid—orwhetheritdidbenomorethanacarvenmountainofrock,shapeduntothedirepicturingofaMonster,Ididhavenoknowing.ButImadethatIshouldgethenceveryquick,andIdidturnmeaboutinthebushes,andwentuponmyhandsandknees;andsocameatlastagreatwayoff.

Now,presently,Icameagainuponmyfeet,anddidtakeanewlookaroundthatLand.AndIhadthemouthoftheGorgetomyback,andthisIperceivedbytheshiningofthefire-pitsthatmadetheplaceshowntome.

AndtotheleftoftheGorgewasanutterblackness,asIdidconceiveofblackandmonstrousmountains,throughwhichtheGorgedidcome.AndtotherightsideoftheGorgethereweremanylowvolcanoes,thatwentalwaysalongthefeetofthegreatmountainsthatmadetherightwalloftheGorge.AndIsawthe

feetofthesedarkmountains,becausethatthelightfromthelittlevolcanoesmadeaglareuponthelowerslopes.

AndsoshallyouhavesomeknowingofthatpartofthissecondLandofNight.

Andagoodwayoff,wastheshiningthatIhadjourneyedunto,andtheshiningwentintoadistantlightthroughapartoftheLandthatlayafartomyleft,foritstretchedagreatandstrangewaytowardme,outoftheleftwardgloom,andcameuntomyfront,andsoawayintoanutterdistance.Yet,thoughitwassogreat,youshallnotthinkthatitmadeanyhugelightintheLand;butwasratherasthatithadashiningmadeuntootherends;foritmadenotagreatlightnessintheLand.

AndyoudonowperceivesomethingroughlyhowtheLanddidseemtomybackpartanduntomyleft,andsomewhatbeforemyface.AndbecausethatIdidthinktohavenoprofittomysearch,ifthatIwenttotheleft,ImadeattentionuntotheRight.Andheretherewasmuchofdarkness;yetofttheshiningoffire-holesinthisplaceandthatamidthedarkness.And,asIdidlook,itgrewveryplainuponmehowgreatwasthespreadanddrearwidenessofthatCountryofNight;andhowthatIdidbeanutterlonesomepersoninallthatdark.Andsoshallyoubewithmeinsympathyoftheuttergreatnessofmytask,andknowofthefearthatdidbreed,oddwhiles,thatIshouldsearchuntilIdie,andneverfind.Andyoutogivemegoodhumanunderstanding.

NowImadenomoretodelay,butwentuntotheright,anddidkeepthechainofthelittlevolcanoessomethingleveltomycourse;thoughagreatwayoff.AndIwentthuswithastrangegrowingofhope,andanexcitement,fortenhours,andhadeatnotthenformorethantwentyhours,andsurelynotsincethesixthhourofthatdayandthisbecausethatIwassouttershakenfrommycalmnessofgoing.

Andatthetenthhour,Iwentutterweak,anddidseemsurelyasthatImustswoon.Andlo!IbethoughtmehowthatIwasgonesolongwithoutaughtformybelly.Andsurely,whenIwasquietatime,Ieatfourofthetablets,andinagoodwhiledidfeelallrenewed,andwouldrestnomore,afterthatIhaddrunksomeofthewater,butwentonward;for,inverity,myspiritdidbeasthatithadslainme,ifthatIhadlaindownatthattime.Andthisbecausehopewassofierceinme;forItofeelindeedthatIwascomeneartotheMaid.

AndIwenttenhoursmore,untilthatIdidtrulytotteruponmyfeet,withutteranddreadfulweariness;forIhadgonenowthroughsomewaysoffortygreathours,andhadbeenfoolishinmineeatinganddrinking,asyouhaveperceived;butyetwasthistobeforgiven;forIwasasthatIshouldcomeanylittleminuteuponthewonderoftheLesserPyramid,shiningafarinthenight.Yet,truly,therewasnowhereanythingthatmightbelikeneduntoit.

AndIlaydownthere,justasIdidbe,andwithnoproperheedtomysafety.AndIwasgoneasleepinonemoment,asitdidseem;andwakednotfortwelvehours;andthendidcomesuddenlyuntoknowledge;andthankfulwasIintheheartthatnomonsterhadcomeuponmeinthatdead-timeofslumbering.AndIeatfourofthetablets,aswassurelydueuntome,anddranksomeofthewater,andsogatforwardagainintothenight.

AndtrulyIwasmortalstiffanddidacheforagreatwhile,andthisdidbeinpartbecausethatIhadwrappednotthecloakaboutme,ereIslept;fortheLandwasbittercoldanddidmakethebloodverychill.

NowwhenIhadgoneonwardthroughsixhours,Iateanddrank;forIdidmindnowtobewiseandkeepmystrengthgoodwithinme.AndIwentonwardagainataverygreatspeed,andfullofanexcitement.Andsurely,Ididbegladatlastthatthetabletsweresoeasygoneinthemouth,andunfillingtothebelly;forIhadbeenwithoutpowerandpatiencetoeatpropervictual.

Andatthetenthhour,Isawthatthereroseared-shiningoutoftheLandbeforeme,asthatitcameupwardfromamightypit.AndImadeslowmyway,andso,whenIwasgoneonfortwogreathoursmore,Isawthatmonstrousfigureswentabout,againsttheredglareoftheshining.AndIgatmedownintothebusheswhichwereveryplentifulinthatpart.

AndIstayedthereforacertainwhile,andmadeawatchuponthered-shiningandthefigures;and,truly,itdidseemtomethattherewerehorridgiantsinthatLand,evenasintheNightLand.Andafterward,Icreptaway,andwentoutwardfromthelittlevolcanoes,intothatpartoftheLandthatwasdark,save,asyoudomind,fortheglareoffire-holesinthispartandthat.

AndIwentnowwithanuttercare;forthegiantshadputanewcautionintomyheart,andIdidsurelymeanthatIshouldlivetorescuemineownMaid,andhavejoythroughallmylife.Andthereafter,IwentwiththeDiskosinmyhand,

andateachhourthatwasthesixth,Ieattwoofthetablets,anddranksomeofthewater,andsodidkeepmystrengthverygoodwithinme.

Now,presently,IwascometoaplacewheretheLanddidgodownwardagreatslope,andtherewasadifferenceintheearththatwentbeneathmyfeet,andnogreatplentyofthebushes;butonlyoneinthisplaceandoneinthat,andnowhereanyfire-hole.

AndIgatmedownanddidfeeltheearthwithmyhands,andlo!Ididfindpresentlysmoothstones,andafterwardoldenshells.Andimmediately,agreatdelighttookme;forNaanihadtoldhowthattheLesserPyramidstoodsomethingnightotheshoreofanancientsea,thatwaslongdriedupintheyearsofeternity.AndsurelyitmightbethatIwascomedownintothedrybottomofthatsameoldensea,andshouldpresentlyhavesightoftheLittlePyramid.

Andbecausethathopewasputsofreshintome,Iwentforwardthrough,maybe,thirtyhours,acrosstheoldensea-bed;butinallthattimeIhadnosightofthelightsoftheLesserRedoubt.Andagreattroublebegantotakeme;for,indeed,Naanihadnottoldmehowgreatwasthesea;anditmightbethatIshouldwanderawearifulageacrossit,beforethatIcometothefarside.

Anditdidcometome,presently,howthatIshouldbewisetoseethatmywaywasverystraight,sothatIwastenotmystrengthinuselesswanderings.AndIhadagreatcarenowtoobservethatthered-shiningdidbealwaysuponmyright,tomyrear;andbythisreasonablecunningdidImaketosteerverynicelythroughthegreatgloomofthatplace.

Now,asIdidgoacrossthebedofthegreatsea,Iheardstrangesounds,nowinthispartofthedarkness,andnowinthat;andoftdidtherebeanoise,asifthingsdidrunthiswayandthatwayinthebedofthesea.Andonce,afaroffinthenight,theredidbeastrangeandhorridscreaming;sothatIdidknowtrulythatthemonstersofthatLandwereout,anddidgoaboutinthedark.

And,asyoushallperceiveandunderstand,IwasallunknowingoftheloreofthatLand;sothatIknewnotwhattothinkofthisstrangesoundorthat,neitherknewIwhattheymightportend,butonlythat,asIdidsay,therewereMonstersabroad.AndIcoulddonomorethanhavemywayforwardwithanuttercarealways,andbeveryreadywiththeDiskos,ortohide,eachasmaybeaccordingtotheneed.

And,surely,Iwentone-and-fortyhoursthatday,andeatanddrankaftereverysixthhour.Andbeforethis,intheseven-and-thirtiethhour,Iheardagreatroaringandbellowinginthenight,comingnighuntome;andafterwardthethuddingofmonstrousfeet,asthatagiantranpastmeinthedarkness,anddidmakeachaseofsomecreature.Andthethuddingofthefeetandtheroaringwentfaroffintothenight;andtheredidseempresentlytocomebacktomefromagreatway,alittlescreaming;butofthisthingIhadnosurety;andIabodeveryhushedinaclumpofbush,untilquietnesswascomeagainallabout;fortherehadbeenanutterfrighteningsoundinthehorridvoiceandinthethuddingofthegreatfeet.

Now,intheone-and-fortiethhourofthatday,Icameuponthefarthershoreoftheoldensea.Butlo!therewasnowhereanylighttotellmeaughtoftheLesserRefuge.Andtruly,agreatdoubtandbewildermenttookme;for,indeed,IcouldnotperceivehowitmightbethatIsawnotthelightsoftheembrasuresoftheLesserPyramid.Andagreatdespairtookme;sothatIsatdownthereupontheshoreoftheoldensea,andhadnoheedofanythingforawhile.

Butafterward,Iateanddrunk,andwentintoaclumpofbush,andwraptthecloakaboutme,andsowentfastuntosleep,withtheDiskoshandytomybreast.And,inverity,thepainofthedespairandthebewildermentofmineheartdidmakeratherforsleep,thantokeepmewakeful;for,indeed,Iwashalfstunnedofthebrainandofmycourage;anddidseemnowthefartherofffromtheendingofmysearchthaneverIhadbeen.

AndIsleptsixhours,andwakedthen,sudden.AndIleanedupuponmineelbowinthebush,andharkedveryquiet,perchancesomenoisehadshakenmysleepfromme.But,indeed,therewasnothing,onlythatIwaswakeful,anddidmindmeofmytroubleoffailure.Yetnow,IdidinventthisthingandthatthingtomakenaturalaccountthatIwasnotcometotheLesserRedoubt;andsohadhopeagainwithinme;yetmuchalsoofdoubtandbewilderment.

AndIeattwoofthetablets,anddranksomeofthewater,andagaintomyjourney.AndImadethatIshouldkeepalongtheshoreofthesea,thewhichIdidthroughtwelvehours,andwasthenstillsomuchindoubtasever.

AndIceasedfrommyjourneying,andlooktaboutmeovertheLand,andlo!IdidnotehowthataweakandstrangeshiningwasintheairoftheLand,atagreatway;asithadbeenthatafarspreadedandfaintglowingmadealittleglare

intoallthenightuntomyleftandbeforeme.

NowIateanddrank,andmadetosteadymyspirit;forIdidfearlestIshouldfeelutterlostinallthenightoftheworld,andtoknownotwheretomakeanymoremysearch,andsotogrowdesperateindespair.Andthisthingyouwillunderstand.

Andafterward,IdidmakeacrossthatLand,untotheplacewhereitdidseemthatthedullshiningwassomethingbright.AndIwentthusthrougheighteenhours,anddidmakepauseateachsixthhour,andateanddrankveryresolute;though,inverity,itdidseemasthatevensosmallamatterasthetabletsdidbeliketochokeme.Andbythisisitplaintomehowgreatananguishwascomeuponmyspirit,lestthatIwasallastray,andshouldhavenojoytosuccourmineOwn.

AndthriceinthetimethatIdidgo,theredidbearunningoffeetamidthedarkness;andoddwhilesstrangeandhorridcryingsinthenight;sothatIputaforceuponmydespair,andhidme;for,indeed,Ihadnorighttolosecareofmylife,iftheredidbeanychanceyetthatIfindtheMaid.

Andlo!intheeighteenthhour,whichwastrulythethirtiethofthatday,Ifoundtheshininginthenighttobegrownveryplain,andanutterstinkingofsulphur;andtrulyIdidbeawarethattheLandwentupward.

AndImadeupwardthroughsevenhours,andthelightdidgrowmoreplain,andwasofadullredness,verysombreandheavy.Andintheendofsixmorehours,Iceasedtogoupward,anddidknowofastrangelowsound,thatdidbeliketonoothersoundthateverIdidhear;andwasliketoadullroarthatdidneverhaveceasedthrougheternity.

AndIwentforwarduntothelight,andtheLandtobenowasthatIwentoveranuplandplain.AndIdidgothusthroughfivehours,andthelowroardidgroweveruponmineears.Andtruly!evenasIdidshapemythoughtstotakeacautionformybody,Iwentupwardagainalittle,andcameoutupontheedgeofamightycliff,andthelowandconstantroardidmoanupwardagainstmewithaneverlastingmuttering.AndIlooktdownwardamonstrousway,andsurelytherewasspreadoutamightysea,asitdidseem,ofdullfire,asthatared-hotmuddidlapverydeepandquietbelowmeinallthatnight.

AndIlooktoutwardacrossthestrangesea,andthefarsidewashidfromme;

for,surely,thereweredullandsolemncloudsthatcameoffthesea,andhidthedistancefromme.Andthecloudstoglowalittleredly;andsotorise,andpresentlytoblackenintothenight.AndIlookttotherightandtotheleft,anditwasplainthattheblackcliffsdidstretchoutbothways,anddidgodownwardeverintothatmonstrousseaofslowfire.Andthereweregreatheadlandsthatwentoutintothefire,asintoasea;andthefiredidlapveryquietaboutthese,andwherethefirelaptaboutthem,theredidshineandspirtoutgreenflamesandvapoursatdiversetimes.

And,indeed,asIdidperceive,Iwascometoanupwardseaoffire,asitwerethedeepinwardsofalowanduttermonstrousvolcano,thatwasflatofthetopandutterbigacross.And,inverity,Ididlookdownwardintothefiresoftheinwardearth,andaverywondroussightwasit,tostandtherealoneuponthecliffsofthateverlastingsea.Andagreatheatcameupwardfromthedullandgrimfireofthatgloomysea,andareekofsulphur;sothatIwasliketobechoked,anddidgobackwardfromtheedgeofthecliff.

Andsurely,IwascometotheendofthatDarkLanduponthatside,andhadnowhereperceivedtheLesserPyramidinallthenightofmytravel.Andanewdespaircameuponme;for,indeed,itseemedIwascomeallastrayinthenightoftheWorld,anddidnowisehaveanyknowingwhetherIstoodneartotheCountryoftheLesserRedoubt,orwhetherthatIwasgonehalfacrosstheWorlduntoastrangeplace.

And,then,asthedespairtroubledmyspiritanddulledthebeatingofmyheart,asuddenthoughtdidlightupafreshhopewithinme;for,indeed,asyoudoknow,Iwascomeupwardofagreatheight,anddidsurelyhaveahugeviewoverallthatLand;andmayhapstheLesserPyramiddidliesomewhereinavalley,if,inverity,itdidbeanywheresatallinthatCountry.AndIturnedmefromthecliffs,andlooktbackwardoverallthenightoftheLand;buttherewasnowhereinallthatCountrytheshiningoftheLightsoftheLesserPyramid.

Andlo!ofasuddenIdidknowthattherewassomethinginthenight.AndIstared,withaverykeenandanxiouslook.Andbehold,therewastheblackshapeofagreatpyramidafaroffinthenight,thatdidshowagainsttheshiningofthedistantlight;foritdidstandbetweenmeandthefar-offfires.ButuntilIwascometothatplace,whenceIdidlook,IhadnotstoodtohaveitplainagainsttheshiningupontheothersideofthatLand.

AndhowIdidfeelinthatmoment,Ihavenowordstosetoutuntoyou.Butsurelywasmyheartgraciouswiththankfulness,andIreadytoleapwithjoyandhope,andallmybodythrilledwithanexcitementthatwouldnothavemetobesilent;sothat,suddenly,Ibegantoshoutfoolishlyacrossthenight.ButIcamesoontowisdomandsilence,asyoushallthink.

X

THEMAIDOFTHEOLDENDAYS

Now,asyoushallperceive,allmineutterdespairwasturnedinamomentintoanhugegladnessandagreathope;sothatitdidseemtomethatIshouldbewithmydearOneinbutalittlewhile.Yetwasthisanover-hopeandexpectation,andwasnotliketohaveaswiftsatisfying;for,truly,Iwasmadeawareofnaught,savethatIdidperceivetheshapeofagreatpyramid,goingupwardintothenight.

AndIknewthatthePyramiddidsurelystanduponanhillinthemidstofthatdarkCountry,foronlysomightitshowsogreatandhigh.AndIsetmetorunswiftdownwardintotheLand,sothatIshouldmakeastronggoinguntothePyramid.

AndIranforafewlittleminutes,andlo!Ifellheadlong,anddidtrulyfeelasthatIhadbrakemyneckwiththehardnessandpainofmyfall.AndIhadnopowertogoforwardanymoreforagreatwhile;butdidjustbetherewhereIdidfall,andveryhelplessandmoaningalittle;sothatanycreaturehadbeenabletoslayme,ifthatithadcomeuponmeinthattime.

Yet,presently,Iwasabletositupontheearth,anddidholdmyneckwithmyhands,andafterwardthepainwentaway;sothatIgatoncemoretomyfeet.ButnowIwentforwardverywisely,andhad,moreover,ananxiousnessinmyheart;for,indeed,howdiditbethatthePyramidwassoutterdark,ifthatitdidbetheLesserRefuge,intruth.AndimmediatelytheredidriseinmeafearthatitshouldbesomeHouseofEvilinthedarkofthatLand,orsomewickedForceworkingaPretenceandabewildermentuponmysight.Yet,truly,thethingwasplainnowagainstthefar-offfiresoftheLand;andIdidhavelittlethoughtbutthatitshouldbe,inverity,theLesserRefuge.

NowinthefirstmomentthatIdidperceivethedarkPyramid,Ihadbeenwithoutwit,savetorunveryquickandblinduntotheplace;foryoutorememberhowlongIhadmadesogreatasearch.Andafterward,IhadbeenmindedtocalluntoNaaniwithmybrain-elements,sendingtheMaster-Word,andmyspeechaftertotellhowthatIwascomeuntoher.ButnowIdidheedtohavecaution,andtodiscoverwhatthisdarknessshouldtrulymean.

AndsodidIgodownwardagainintothenightofthatLand,atthefirstwithacarefulness;butpresentlywithafierceeagernessandexpectingoftheheart,thewhichhadbeendulledalittletimewiththehorridshakingandpainofmyfall.

NowIhadclimbeduntotheupperplainofthegreatvolcanoin,maybe,thirteenhours;butIwentdownwardofthatgreatHillinten,andhadmadeagreaterspeed,butthatIwassoreshakenandunsure,byreasonofmyfall.

Andintheendofthetenthhour,IperceivedthatIwascomeagaintothegreatPlainoftheLand;andIhadnomoreanypropersightoftheRefuge,becausethatitwasupwardafarinthedarknessofthenight.YetwasIablednowtoseethattherewentabulkbetweenmeandthefarshinings,anddidknowthatthisgreatthingwassurelythehillonwhichthePyramiddidstand.

AndIwentfourhoursacrosstheLand,anddidpassinthisplaceandthat,fire-holesthatmadealittlered-shininginthenight;andbecauseofthefiresinthosefarpartsanda-near,therewasnotanutterdark.

AndwhenIwasgonefourhourstowardsthePyramid,Icouldnomoreseethedistantshinings,forthebulkofthehill-bottomstoodupbetween,andmadeallablacknessthatway.Andbythisthing,IdidguessthatIwascomenighuntothehill;butyetwasagreathourmorebeforethatIcametoit.Andinthatfivehours,sinceIwascomedownfromthegreatVolcano,therehadpastmethriceandagain,thesoundsofthingsrunninginthenight,andoncetheredidbeasoundasofagiantroaringafar,andastrangeandhorridscreaming.

NowIbegantogoupthehill.And,atthefirst,anutterexcitementtookmeintheheart;sothatIcouldhaveshoutedthenameoftheMaidaloudinthenight,withvainhopingsthatsheshouldhearmeandmakeananswer.Butthisstatewentfrommeveryswift,asIdidgoupward,andtherecameacautionagainaboutme,andacoldnessoffear,asthatmyspiritdidwotofsomethingthatmyheartdidnotperceive.

And,presently,Iwascomeupwardalmosttothetopofthehill,thewhichtookmenighthreehours.Andsurely,whenIwascomethatIcouldseethegrimnessofthePyramid,goingupwardverydesolateandsilentintothenight,lo!anuttershakingfeardidtakeme;forthesweetcunningofmyspiritdidknowthatthereabodenohumaninallthatgreatanddarkbulk;butthattheredidawaitmethere,monstrousandhorridthingsthatshouldbringdestructionuponmysoul.AndIwentdownwardofthehill,veryquietinthedarkness;andsointheend,awayfromthatplace.

AndIwasfourgreathoursbeforethatIwascomeclearawayfromthehill,andIdidfeelthattherewasnotanysafetyformyspiritinallthatLand.AndsurelyIwentalittleblindly,inthefirst,anddidgowithnoheeduntomyway.

Andpresently,Iwasupontheshoreoftheoldensea,andhadnoknowinghowthatIwascomethere;for,surely,Ididthinkittobeagreatwayoff.ButnowIdothinkthatthedrybedoftheseadidcurvearounduntothatplace,orthattheredidbetwo,ormore,oldenseasinthatCountryofNight.

Now,presently,Isatmedown,veryweakandbewildered;foritwasasthatmyheartdidliedeadwithinme.And,inverity,youshallperceivehowthisthingwas,forIdidknowbythetellingsofmyspiritthatthereabodeevilthingsinthedarkPyramiduponthehill;andIdoubtednotbutthatdestructionhadcomeuponthePeoplesoftheLesserPyramid,andthatevilcreaturesandPowersdidnowabideinthatplace.Andifthisthingdidbetrulyso,Iwascomeover-latetothesavingoftheMaid;andwiththisthoughtIwasverygladthatsomeevilthingshouldcomethatIshouldfightwithitanddiequickly;fortherewasnaughttheninalltheworldtomakemegladtohavelife.

Andsoshallyouknowtheutterdesolationthatwasinmyheart;and,truly,Icanperceiveboththewisenessandtheunwisdomofmyreasonings;for,indeed,IdidhavenosureknowingthatthedarkPyramiddidbetrulytheLesserRefuge.Butyet,inverity,myspiritdidknowwithacertainsureness,andtherewasnodoubtconcerningthisthing,inallmybeing.

And,afterthatIhadsatthereawhile,IdidmindmesuddenlythatIshouldsendtheMaster-Wordthroughthenight;for,indeed,howelsemightIeverknowwhetherNaanididyetlive;though,intruth,Ihadlittle,savedesperatehopeinthismatter;butyetdidrememberhowthatIhadseemedoddtimesofmyjourneytohearthebeatoftheMaster-Wordwithmyspirit,outofallthedarkof

theworld.And,inverity,ifNaanianswerednottotheWord,buttherecameinsteadanEvilPowertodestroyme,Ishouldbutceasemeofmineutterheart-ache.

AndIstoodmeuponmyfeet,andlookedoutwardaboutmeintotheblacknessofthatLand.AndIsenttheMaster-Wordwithmybrain-elements;andimmediatelyIcalledNaani,thrice,sendingthecallwithmybrain-elements.

Andlo!inamoment,asitdidseem,therebrokearoundmeoutofallthemysteryofnight,lowandsolemn,theMaster-Word,beatinginthenight.Andimmediatelytheredidsoundwithinmybrainafar,smallvoice,veryloneandfaint,asthatithadcomefromtheendoftheworld.AndthevoicewasthevoiceofNaaniandthevoiceofMirdath,anddidcallmebymineoldenlove-name.

Then,indeed,Ididneartochokewiththeutteraffrightofjoythatdidtakemeintheheart,andalsoIwasshakenwithamightyexcitement,andmydespairwasgone,asthatIhadneverknownit.For,inverity,Naanididliveanddidcalluntomewithherbrain-elements;andsurelyIhadnotheardthevoiceofmineOwnforanutterageofgrimlabouranddread.

Andthevoicewas,asIdidsay,asthatitcamefromonethatdidbeinafarplaceoftheearth.And,inverity,whilstIstooddazedwithagreatjoythattheMaiddidlive,Iknewwithinme,concerningthefearthatshewasutterfaroff;andwhatperilmightcomeanightoher,beforethatIshouldstandtoherside,todobattleforherlifeandwell-beingandmineownjoy.

Andlo!inthesamemoment,andbeforethatImadefurtherspeechuntoNaani,Ididwotthatsomeonedidbealittlewayofffromme,inthebushes,whereafire-holedidburnanightome;anditwasasthatmyspiritknewthisthing,andtoldofituntomybrain.AndImadenoansweruntotheMaid,acrossallthedarkoftheworld;butwentveryswiftintoagreatbushthatwasnightothefire-hole,uponthisside.

AndIlooktthrough,intotheopenspacethatdidbeaboutthefire-hole.Andtherewasalittlefigurethatdidkneel,sobbing,upontheearth,besidethefire-hole;andtrulyitwasaslimmaid,andshedidseemasthatsheharkedverydesperate,evenwhilstyetshedidsob.Andsurely,mineownsouldidKnow,allinonewhitemomentoflife.Andshethere,unknowing,andharkinguntoacryofthespirit,thatshedidthinktocomethroughallthedesolationofthenight—

evenfromtheMightyPyramid.Foroft,asIdidperceive,hadshecrieduntomeinallthatlonesomemonth,andknownnoanswer;neitherthatIwasmakingadesperatewayuntoher;for,indeed,herweaknesswasgreat,sothatshehadnopowertothrowtheWordstronglyafar,neithertomakeplainherspiritualcryingsthroughanymightyspaceoftheaether.

Andlo!Idrewinmybreath,andsetmyteethamoment,tosteadymylips;andIsaid:"MIRDATH,"outofthebushwhereIdidbe,andusingnaturalhumanspeech.AndtheMaidceasedfromherweeping,andlooktthiswayandthat,withanutternewfear,andwithafrightenedhopethatdidshinewithhertearsinthelightfromthefire-hole.AndIdividedthebushbeforeme,andwentthroughthebush,sothatIcameoutbeforeher,anddidbethereinmygreyarmour;andIdidpausethen,andwasalladriftinmyself;formyheartsaidthatIshouldtakethisMaidintominearmsagain;forthatIwascomeagaintobewithMirdathafteranutterlostEternity.ButyetwasIallpaused;fortrulyshewasNaaniandshewasMirdath,andshedidbeastrangerinmineeyes,andverydaintyandprettyandshakenwithwoeandsoretroubleandgrief.

Andinthatsamemomentofmycominguntoheroutofthebush,shescreamedandfellbackfromme,andstroveweaklytogainuntothehitherbushes;for,truly,sheknewnotwhatwascomeuponherinthatfirstlittlemoment.Andimmediatelyshesawthatitdidbeanhumanman,andnomonstertoslayher,andinthatinstantIsaidtheMaster-Worduntoher,aloud,thatsheshouldhaveknowledgeofpeaceandhelp.AndItoldmyname,andsaidIamThatOne.Andsheknewthisthing,evenasmylipsmadethesounds.Andshecriedoutsomethinginanutterbrokevoice,andranuntome,andthrusthertwosmallhandsintomychargeandkeeping,andfellthenceintoagreatsobbingandshaking,sothatIwasallintroubletoeaseher;butdidkeepasilenceandheldfastherhands,forIhadnotonminearmouredgloves.

Andsheleanedagainstme,veryweak,andseemingwondrousliketoachild.Andlo!inawhilesheceasedtosob,anddidbutcatchherbreaththistimeandthat,butsaidnoword.AndIbethoughtmethatshedidsufferofhunger,forIperceivedthatshehadbeenlongwanderingandalone,andwascomeuntotheendofhope,whenthatIdidcome.

AndtheMaidstoodthereyetsilent,forshemightnotyetcommandhermouthtospeak.Andshetrembledasshestood.AndIopenedmylefthand,andlooktatthehandwithinmypalm,andsurelyitwasutterthinandwasted.AndImadeno

morepause,butliftedmineOwnandsethereasyupontheearth,withanhumpofsmoothrockuntoherback.AndIstriptoffmycloakveryquick,andputitabouther,forshewasscarcecoveredwithherclothesthathadbeenalltornamongthebushes;sothatpartsheshookwithanutterchill,andpartbecauseofweakness,forshewasnightobestarveduntoherdeath,anddestroyedwithhergriefandlonesomeness.

AndItookfrommybackthescripandthepouch,andIgatatabletfromthescrip,andbrakeitintomycup,andwiththewaterImadealittlebrothveryswiftuponanhotrockthatwastotheedgeofthefire-hole.AndIfedthebrothuntotheMaid,fortrulyherhandsdidshakesothatshehadspiltitall,ifthatIhaddoneotherwise.

Andshedrankthebroth,andwassoweakthatpresentlyshedidfallagaintosobbing,yetveryquiet;sothatIstrovenottobetroubledintheheart;for,indeed,thisthingwasbutreasonable,andnotcauseformetohaveananxiousness.ButIputmyhandsunderthecloakandtookherhandsintomineandheldthemstrongandfirm;andthisdidseemtobringsomethingofpeaceandstrengthuntoher;sothatpresentlythetremblingandtheweepingwentfromher.And,indeed,thebrothwassurelyhelpfulinthismatter.

Andpresently,Iknewthatherhandsdidstiralittlewithinmine,andIloosedsomewhatofmygrip;andimmediately,shegrasptmyhandswithaweakandgentlegrasp;butlooktnotyetatme;onlydidstayveryquiet,asthatshedidgatherherstrengthwithinher.And,indeed,Iwascontent;savethatananxiousnessoftheheartdidstirmethistimeandthat,lestsomemonstershouldcomeuponus.Andbecauseofthistrouble,Ididharkaboutme,nowandoft,andwithanewandstrangefearfulnessofdanger,becausethatnowmineOwnwasgivenuntomycharge;andsurelymyheartwouldbreak,ifthattherecameanyhurtuntoher.

Now,ofasudden,theMaiddidmakeasthatshewouldrise,andIloosedfreefromher,togivehelp.Andshegatmebythehand,andsliptsuddentoherknees,anddidkissmyhand,anddidbeginagaintoweep.AndsurelyIwassoutterabashedthatIstoodverystupidandletherdothisthing.ButinamomentIdrewfreefromher;forthisthingmightnotbe.AndIgatmetomykneelikewisebeforeher,andtookherhands,andkistthemonce,newlyhumbled,asitwere;andthusshouldsheknowallthatwasinmyheart,andofmineunderstanding.Andshedidbutsobthemore;forshewassoweak,andutter

moveduntome,becausethatIhadcometoherthroughthenightoftheworld.AndthisthingIknew,thoughnospeechhadyetpastbetweenus.AndIgaveupherhands,lestsheneedthemforhertears;butsheleftthemtolieinmypalms,asshedidkneelthere;andshebowedherheadalittleoverherweeping;butdidshowthatshewasmine,inverity,untotheveryessenceofherdearspirit.

AndItookherintominearms,verygentlyandwithoutcaress;butpresentlyIstrokedherhair,andcalledherNaaniandMirdath,andsaidmanythingsuntoher,thatnowIscarcedowotof,butshedidknowthemintheaftertime.Andshewasveryquietinminearms,andseemingwondrouscontent;butyetdidsobonwardforagreattime.AndoftdidIcoaxherandsayvaguethingsofcomfort,asIhavetold.Buttrulyshedidasknomorecomfortatthattimethanthatshebeshelteredwhereshedidbe.Andtrulyshehadbeenlonesomeandinterrorandingriefanddread,agreatandhorridtime.

Now,presently,shewasgrownquiet;andImadetoputhercomfortableinthecloakagainsttherock,thatIshouldhavefreedomtomakehermoreofthebroth.Butyetshedidnestleuntome,withalittlesweetwistfulness,thatmadewarmmyheartinamostwondrousfashion;forsurelyshewasmineOwn.Andshetobegintosayoddwordstome.Andsotohavegentleobedience,andtorestquietagainsttherock,thewhilethatIdidmakethebroth.Yeteverhergazedidfollowme,asIknew;forImustlookoftherway.

AndItookthebrothtoher,andshedrankit,usingherowntwohands;andIsatby,andeatthreeofthetabletsanddranksomeofthewater,fortrulyitwasafoolishgreattimesincelastIhadeat.

Now,inawhile,thebrothdidmakebrighttheeyesoftheMaid,andshedidbegintotalk;andatwhileshadpauses,becausethatshelackedofstrength,andtherewasmoretobetoldthananhumanmayhavetheheart-strengthandcunningtomakeplain.Andtwiceshedidcomeagaintosobbing;for,truly,herfatherwasdeadandthePeoplesoftheLesserredoubtallslainanddispersedthroughthenightofthatLand.

AndIlearnedthatanEvilForcehadmadeactionuponthePeopleswithintheLesserRedoubt;sothatsome,beingutterweakbyreasonofthefailingoftheEarth-Current,hadopenedtheGreatDoor,andgoneforthintothenight.AndimmediatelytherehadcomeintotheLesserPyramid,greatandhorridmonsters,andhadmadeagreatandbrutishchase,andhadslainmany;butsomehad

escapedforthintothenight.

AndwiththesehadcomeNaani,afterthatherfather,theMasterMonstruwacan,hadbeenslainbyashaggyman,verybrutalandmonstrous.AndtherehadbeenthreemaidswithNaani,whenthatshemadeescapeintothenight;buttherehadcomecertaincreaturesuponthem,astheydidsleepamongthebushes,andhadstolentwo,andtheothermaidhadrunoff,asdidNaani,andtheyhadneithermettheotheranymore.

AndthisdreadfulhappeninguntothePeoplesoftheLesserRedoubt,hadbeenagreatwhilegone,asittoseemtoher;butshehadnomeanstotellmehowlongthistimeshouldbe;for,inverity,howshouldshemakeacount.Yethaditbeenadreadlongwhileuntoher;andIfoundpresently,thatshehadbeenlostthroughallthattimethatIdidmakemyjourneyuntoher;for,indeed,thisthingIdiscoveredbyaskingconcerningmycallingsuntoher.Andshehadheardnonethatdidcometoher,inanytimesinceshehadescapedoutoftheLostRefugeintothisdreadfulLand.

Yet,inverity,ofthadshecallenuntome,untilthatherheartdidgrowsickwiththedesolationofherlonesomenessandherutterforsakeness.AndhercallingshadtolduntotheEvilthingsoftheLandthatshedidbeinthispartandthat;fortherehadcomethingsandbeastsinsearchforher;buthavingthegiftofthehearing,shehadknownoftheirapproach,mostwhiles,andhadcomefreefromthem;yetoft-timeswithpiteousandfearfulrunningsandhidingamongtherocksandthebushes,sothatshehadgrownafterwardtomakenocallinguntome,saveoddwhiles,lestshebringthemonstersuponher.And,indeed,asyoudoknow,naughthadcomeplainuntome,forshewassoutterweakthatshehadnopowerofherbrain-elementstosendtheWordafarorthetellingsofherspirit.

Andbecausethatshewassosorelychased,shehadcomenightobenaked,evenasIfoundher;forthebushesandtherockshadtornhergarmentsfromher,andshehadnaughtwithwhichtomakeanypropermendingofthem.Andforfoodshehadeatthemossupontherocks,andoddstrangeberriesandgrowths,andhaddrunkofthewatersofthehotsprings;andofthadshebeenmadeuttersick,becauseofthesulphur,orsomewhat,ofthewaterand,maybe,thepoisonofoddplants.Yet,asIdidthink,itwaslikethatthefirstdidsaveherlifefromthesecond;butinthisthingIdomakeonlyaguessing.

Andinallthatdreadfultime,sincethatshehadcometobequitealone,shehad

heardascoredrearthings;fortherehadbeenoncetheslayingofayoungmaidnighuntoher,bysomeBruteoutinthedarknessoftheLand;andthriceandmorehadsheheardthefeetofpeoplerunningthiswayandthat,andthetreadofgiantspursuing.AndbythistellingIdidunderstandthosethingswhichmineearshadtoldtomeasIdidgoacrossthatLand,andsurelyanewpityandsorrowandhorrordidcomeupwardwithinme.AndtheMaidtoldmehowthatshecameonceuponcertainofthePeoplesoftheLesserRedoubt,astheydidhideamongthebushes;buttheyran,withnoheedtohercallingsthatshedidbehuman,evenasthey;andbythisisitplainthesoreanddreadfulpanicthatwasupontheheartsofsuch.

AndthebitterchilloftheLandhadmadehertostrivealwaytobenighuntothefire-holesthatwereveryplentiful;butevenasthisdidbeneedfuluntoher,sowasitathingthatdrewtheMonstrousBrutesofthatLand,evenasIhadfoundintheNightLand,andintheUpwardGorge.Andbecauseofthis,shewasoftmadetostayafaroffintheuttercoldofthenight.

Yet,intruth,oddwhilesshedidbesodesperate,thatshewouldmaketheventure,andsomayhapshaveatimeofwarmth;andbecauseofthis,shehadbeennighslaininhersleep,twiceandthrice.Moreover,thereweresnakesaboutthefires,thoughnotover-plentifulinallparts,andtheredidbespider-crabsandmonstrousscorpions.

And,indeed,evenasshehadlainbythefire-hole,veryweakandseemingnearuntoherdeath,eventhistimewhenmycallhadcomeuntohertostirheruntolifeandbitterknowledgeofdespair,eventhenwassheallsurroundbycreaturesthatwereliketocrabs,thatdidsquatallabouther,anddidbutwaitforhertodie;sothatshehadbeenfearedtosleep,lesttheydestroyherinherslumber.

Andbythisthing,shehadknownthatherdeathwassurelynigh;andlo!outofallthenightoftheworldhadcomethebeatoftheMaster-Word,strongandpowerful,beatingasalowandspiritualthunderoutofallthedarkofthenight.Yethadshethoughtofme,onlyasspeakingfromthefar-offMightyPyramid;sothatthecryhadbroughtnaughtofhopeuntoher,butonlyanewerandmoreknowndespair.And,behold,inalittleminute,therehadcomehername,spokensurelywiththetongue;andanamethatwasdifferentfromthenamethatmyspirithadsaidafterthebeatoftheWord.Andimmediately,Ihadcomeoutofthebush,andshehadfallenbackinasuddengreatfearthatamonsterwasstolenuponher;andthendidseeayoungmaningreyarmour,anddidknowinone

instantthatIwasthatoldenoneofhermemorydreams,andtheonethathadspokenuntoherinthespiritacrosshalfofthedeadworld,asitdidseem.AndnowwasIcomethroughallthatunknowndesolationandaffright,tosuccourher.Andshewasimmediatelysafe;butyetallbrokenbecauseofherweaknessandherutterjoyandhersweethonourforme.

Andthisisthechiefofthatwhichshedidtelluntome;andthewaythatshehadseenanddidregardthemarvelofthisourcomingtogether.But,surely,nomanwasmadeevertobeworthyofthewaythatshedidlookuponme,orofthewordsthatshedidsayuntomeinherweaknessandhappiness.Now,withtheMaidhavingspeechconcerningthespider-crabs,Ilooktpresentlywellaround,andsurely,inaminute,Isawthattheywerenotgoneaway;butdidbeacircleofsilentandsteadfastwatchingandimpudenceandhorrorallaboutus.Andsurelythisthingputanangeranddisgustuponme;sothatIgattomyfeet,andwentuntotheborderofthelight,andIspurnedthislittlemonsterandthat,anddidtrulykickmaybeadozen,beforethattheywerecontenttobegone.Andbythisthingshallyouknowoftheircalmandfoolishassurance;butyetweretheyseeminglywithoutcourage;fortheymadenottoattackme.Yetatruecrabofthisdaybeenwishfultopinchme,hadIputmytoeforthuntoit.

Now,IwentbacktotheMaid,andshedidlaughwithalittle,weakgleefulness;sothatIperceivedthatshewasliketobeaveryjoyousmaiden,ifbutIdidhaveherinhealth.AndImadeheranothercupofthebroth,andshedrankitveryeasy.Andafterward,Imadeaverysternandplayfulorderthatshemustsleep,and,indeed,shetoneeditsore,forshewasgoneagainfromherexcitement,andherweaknessuponher;yetveryhappyandcontentandwithoutfear.

AndImadeasmoothplaceforher,andputthepouchandthescriptobeforapillow,andIdidlayherthereveryquietandsweetinthecloak,andcoveredherfeet;but,indeed,Isawfirstthattheydidbesorecutandwithoutanygeartothem;sothatIperceivedthatMineOwnhadwornoutherfoot-gearutterinherlonesomejourneyings,andinrunningfromBrutesthatdidcometofindher.AndsoItoknowmoreintheheart,somewhatofthetruedreadfulnessandfearthathadcompanionedMineOwn.AndIwasmindedthenthatIwouldwashandbindupherfeet;butyetwasshesoutterworn,thatIdidpreferthatshesleepsosoonasshemight,andafterward,whenshewascomewakefulagain,thenshouldItakeaproperheedofherfeet.Andtruly,theywereverysmallandshapely.

Andpresently,sheslept;and,surely,Idoubtwhethershehadslumberedsopeacefulandproperforagreatmonth;forshenevertohaveknownwhenanyevilthingshouldcomeuponherinhersleep.Andthistobeaverydreadfulfeeling,asyoudoknowwell;foryoudoknowhowIhadbeeninthissamematter.

Now,whileNaanididsleep,Istriptoffminearmour,andtookoffmineunder-suit,whichwasnamedtheArmour-Suit,andaverywarmandpropergarment,andmadethickthatitshouldeasethechafeofthearmour.Andafterward,Iputonthearmouragain;butthesuitIfolded,andlaidbesidetheMaid;for,truly,shewasnighunclothed,byreasonofthebushesandtherocks,thathadrenthergarmentsall-wise.

AndIstoodwatchfortheMaid,thewhilethatshedidslumber;andsurelyshewenttenlonghours.AndIwalkeduponthissideofthefire-holeandnowuponthat,anddidoftcease,thatImighthearkenbothwithmineearsandwithmyspirit;for,truly,Iwasallwakenedtoanewcareanddelight,anddidhaveafreshanddoubledfearofanyHorridCreatureorForceofEvil.Andthisshallbeveryplaintoyou.

Andintheendoftenlonghours,theMaidwakened,andIrantoheralljoyedthatshewascomeagaintoknowledgeandtobethatIcouldtalkwithher.

Andshesatupwardandlookedatme,andtherewasnewlightandmovementinher,sothatIknewherstrengthwascomebackintoher.Andforalittleminute,shesaidnaughtuntome,thewhilethatIdidaskhowshedidbe;andshelooktatmeverykeen,sothatIwonderedsomewiseinadaze,whatwasinhermind.

Andsheasktme,ofasudden,howlongitdidbesincethatIhadslept.Andhavingnotthoughttoputawayherasking,becausethatthequestionwasoversudden,Isaidfour-and-eightyhours,whichshouldbethreedaysandthehalfofadayoffourhoursandtwenty;andthisthingIknew,becausethatIkeptalwayaverycarefulcountingofthehours,lestthatIgetalladrift,andknownothowlongIwastakentocometothisplaceandthat.

And,truly,evenasItoldthisthingtotheMaid,Iwasgrownveryquaintinthehead;for,indeed,Iwasgoneawondrouswhilewithoutslumber,andhaddonemuchandbitterworkinthattime;andbeforethenhadbeenmuchlackingofrest,asyoudoknow.

And,suddentheMaidcriedoutsomething,andtostthecloakfromher,andhadmeintoherarms,anddidheednottohaveanyfoolishshameofhernakedness.And,inverity,IknewnothowIwasgonesostrange;butdoseenowthatIwasnightoswoonforlackofslumberandrest.

Andshekeptmeverysteadyforalittle,andafterwardhelpedmetobelaidupontheground;andsheputthescripandthepouchundermyhead;andsoIdidlieverycalmandrestful,anddidbethemoreso,becausethatIwasgrownsotiredintheheart,thewhichdidmakemyheadtobeveryhusht,asthatalltheworldwasgrownveryquietinamoment.

AndtheMaiddidmindthenthatshedidlacktobeproperlycovered,andshegatthecloak,andputitabouther,anddidafterwardsitalittlebesideme,anddidrubmyhands.Andpresently,Iwassomethingmoretomyself,andshedidgrowmorehappyofhermind,andmadetogivemesomethingformystomach;for,indeed,Iwasgrownthoselatehourstobefoolishandtohavenowisenesstopropereating.

Andshedidliftmyhead,thewhilethatshedidtakethescripfromunder,andkeptmeverysweetlyuponherknee,andsountilshehadgatfreeapackofthetablets,andtheflaskandthecup;forIhadputallmattersbackintothescripbeforeNaanihadgoneuntosleep,andbecauseofthis,Ihadnotbeenabletoeatordrinkaught,savebywakeningher,asyouperceive;for,indeedIhadputthescripandthepouchunderherheadforapillow,asIhavetold.

AndshewouldnotbidethatIshoulddoaught;butonlydidaskconcerningthemakingofthewater,andwaswondrousamazedtoseehowthepowderdidfizzupandbecomewater;andindeed,shehadtoomuchintothecup,for,truly,itroseupandrantotheground.Andwhenshehaddonethus,andceasedtomarvel,sheputthreeofthetabletsintothewater,andmademeabroth,evenasIhadmadeabrothforher;but,indeed,Iwasinnoneed,andhaddoneverywelltoeatthetabletsanddrinkthewater.Yet,truly,Iwasnotwishfultolacktheloveofherway,asyoumaythink.

NowwhileIdiddrinkthebroth,Ididbeveryrestfulupontheearth,andmineheadagainstmineownMaid;andIdidmindmenowthatItellherconcerningtheArmour-SuitthatIdidmeanforherwear.

YetIsaidnotthatIhadstriptitfromme,forthenshehadbeenliketosaynay,

andtotroublethatIwasliketocometoachill,asisthewayofawoman.But,indeed,Imightsowellhavetoldher,fortruly,shedidknowonthemoment,andsettoalittleuntoweeping;yetverygentleandsweet,anddidkissmeasIlaythere,andsaysuchthingsasshouldmakeayoungmanthebettertohaveheard,ifbutthathisowndearLovedothsaythesame.

Andshewouldnowisewearthegarment;butyetintheendIprevailedbygentlereasoningsandbecausethatIwashermaster,asIwasborntobe;andmoreover,herownsweetsensedidshowthatIspokeforwisdom;forhowshouldshecomethroughallthebitterwaybefore,ifthatshehadnotastrongandclose-madegarment;andasyoudomind,hercoveringsdidbeinutterrags,asIhavetold;yetverysweetandclean,asIhadknown;sothatIweenshehadstriptoftinthelonesomenight,andwashthergarmentsinthisorthathotspringofthesulphurwatersandothermatters.

And,inverity,alwayshewasmuchgiventowashings,asIdidsoonperceive.

Now,presently,Ididbeverywellagain;butwithasoreslumberthatdidpressuponmyhead.Yet,ereIshouldsleep,IdidmeanthatIbatheherfeetandbindthemwithointmentandwithmypocket-cloth;andtrulyherfeetwereverysmallandpretty.

AndIsatmeup,talkingmyheadfromherknee;andtoldherofmineintent.But,inverity,shedidbutthrowherarmsaboutmyneckandgivemeonelovingkiss,andlaughtsoheartythatIdidthinktodothisthingwhenindeedshewasthebetterabletomindit,andIthebettersuitedtohavemetomyrest.And,surely,thiswasverytrue,andImadenoado,savetogivehertheointment;butlayback,anddidbequiet.

NowIdidbeuponmyrightside,andshewenttomyback,andtookthecloakfromabouther,andspreadituponme,andafterwardstooptoververydainty,andkistme,andbademetogoveryswifttomysleep,forthatshedidmeantomakehertoiletandtogetintomineArmour-Suit.

AndImadenofoolishnessinthismatter;yettoldhertoeasethecloakalittleaboutme,sothatIshouldhaveroomtotaketheDiskosfrommyhip;andthisthingIdid,andtooktheDiskostomybreast,aswasmyhabit;andsurelyIsawthathereyesdidlookatmewithalittleshining,becausethatIhadsostrangeandfierceabed-mate.

AndImadehertopromisethatshekeepaverykeenharking,thewhichwaslikethatsheshoulddo,andtocallmeontheinstantthatshedidperceiveanyuneaseinthenight.Andafterthat,Ishutmineeyes,thatIshouldnotshameher,andputoutminearms,andkistheronceandturnedfromheruntomyslumber;andsheawaytomybackthatshemightbemodesttoherneeds.

Andsurely,Iwasasleepinbutalittlemoment,andwithagreatloveanddelightinmyheartandinallmybeing.

And,truly,Iwakednotfortwelvegreathours.Andwhenthattimewasgone,lo!Icameawake,andsurelytheMaiddidsitbesideme,sobonny,andsowinsomeandprettythatminearmswentuntoherinamoment,andsheintothem,andgavemealovingandtenderkiss;andafterwardsliptawayfromme,verysensibleandloving;anddidstandupandturnabouttobelooktat.ForshedidweartheArmour-Suit,andsurelyitwaslooseuponher;butyetverypleasing,beingclose-knit.AndItomyseat,fromlying,thatImightseetheMaidthebetter.And,inverity,Imustkissheragain;forshedidbewithherhairallabouther,thatshelookprettyuntome;andherlittlefeetdidbebare,andsothattheymademyheartnewtendertolookuponthem;fortrulyshewasutterlostoffoot-gear.AndItomykneetoher;andshe,nottodenyme,didcometobekistagain.

NowwhenIfoundhowgreatatimeIhadslept,IdidscoldMineOwn;butyet,asshedidsay,ImusthavelongslumberifthatIgosolongwakeful,elseshouldIlosemystrength.AndIaskthowoftshehadeat,andshetoldmebuttheonce,andthatsixhoursoff.

AndonthisIdidscoldagain;butsurelysheputaveryprettyfingersuddenuponmylips,sothatImightdonaughtbutlaugh,andkissthatsamefinger.

And,afterthat,wedideatanddrink,andmadeplans.AndonceIdidcomforttheMaid;for,indeed,hersorrowdidriseinher,becausethatherfatherwascomeuntohisdeath,andthePeoplesoftheLesserRedoubtalldestroyed,andadriftinthenightamidthemonstersofthatLand.

And,inverity,Iwassetthatwegoquicklyoutofthatplace,eretherecameanhorridDestructionuponus;and,surely,thereshouldscarcebeanyhuman,beside,inallthatLand;fortheremusthavecomedeathuponthechiefofthosethatdidmakeescape.

Andafterwehadeatanddrunk,Ididcountthepacksofthetablets,andwasthankfulinallmybeingthatIhadbeencarefulanddeniedmybelly;forIdidperceivethattherewereleftenoughforourneeds,ifthatwemadeagoodspeed,anddidnotfeartobeempty.Andofthewater-powder,asitmightbenamed,therewerelefttwofullflasks,andsomewhatofthatonethatIhaddrunkfrom,allmyjourneying.Andbythisthingyoushallperceivethatwedidnotbeliketodiefortheneedofsuchmatters.

Andhere,asitdothoccuruntome,Idoponderhowitdidbethatwehadnothoughttoslayanysmallcreatureforourfood;but,mayhap,wehadnoknowledgethisway;forsurely,theydidnotthisthingtomyknowingintheMightyPyramid.Butyet,asIhavesaidbeforethis,IhavenotallknowledgeofthedoingsofthePeoples.But,inverity,IneversawjointmeatinallthetimeofthatfarLifethatIdowotof.Yet,hadwebutslainsomewhatforourhungerinthatgreatwandering,wehadbeenlessemptyinthebelly.

Now,beforethatweshoulddoaughtbeside,wemustcontrivethatNaanihavesomegearforherfeet;andtothisintent,Ididmakeasearchintothepouch,andsurelyIfoundthattheredidbeachangepairofinnershoes,thatweremadetogowithinmineownshoesofthegreymetal.

AndatthisIwaswondrousglad,anddidmaketheMaidtosituponalittlerock,whilethatImadeafittingoftheshoes.And,surely,theydidbeutterbigandclumsyuponherlittlefeet;sothatIwasinsurprisetoknowhowgreatisaman,besideaMaid.ButintheendIhadacunningthought,forIcutoffallthesideofastrap,throughoutthelengthofthestrap,verythinandcareful,andsohadalacetotiethebootsaroundthetops,whichweresoftandeasyforsuchapurpose.Andafterthat,IstoodawaytolookattheMaid,andneithershenorIweretrulypleased;for,indeed,shewastooprettytobesohidandmuffled.Yetwerewegladotherwise;fornowshemightgowithouthurttoherfeet.

Andafterward,wepacktourgear,andshedidmakeabundleofhertorngarments;for,truly,theymightbepropersomewisetoourneed.AndsowetobeginthewayoutofthatDesolateLand.

AndwewentforwardtogetheracrosstheLand,andthejourneywasnomoreaweariness,butofacloseandsweetjoy;yetdidIhaveanewanxiousness,asyoudoperceive,lestthatanymonstercometoharmMineOwn.

Andwewenttwelvegreathoursinthebedoftheoldensea,anddideattwiceinthattime.AndsurelytheMaiddidgrowutterweakandweary;forshewasnotcomeproperuntoherstrength;yetdidshemakenooddsayingtotellmeofthisthing.Butindeed,Ididknow;andIstoptinthethirteenthhour,andtookherintominearms,evenasIshouldcarryababe;andIwentforwardwithher,anddidhushherprotestingwithakiss,andafterwardshedidbutnestleuntomeandshelteragainstmybreast.

AndIbadetheMaidtosleep;but,indeed,shehadnopowertothisend,forherbodydidacheverysore;butyetdidshestrivetogivemeanobedienceinthisthing.Andintheeighteenthhour,whenthatIstopttohavefoodanddrink,surelyshedidbeawake,yethadshebeenuttersilent;andImadetoscoldher;butshegatfromminearms,anddidgoupwarduponhertoes,andputherfingeragainstmylipsverynaughtily.Andafterwardshedidbeimpudentuntome,anddiddenymetokissher.Butshewentuntomyback,anddidopenthescrip,andgatmetomyfood,evenasaquietandproperwifeshouldgo.AsshedidbesosedatethatIknewshehadmischiefherheartofharmlesskind.

Butafterwardthisdidpasssuddenintoweeping;forshehadaquickandsorememoryofherfatherandoftheDestruction;andItooktheMaidintominearms,anddidletherbethereverygentle,andmadenottokissortocomforther;butyettogivecomfort.

Andpresentlysheceasedfromweeping,anddidslipherhandintomine,andItokeepitwithin,verysoftandquiet;andafterward,shebegantoeathertablets,yetalwaysshedidbeveryhusht;sothatIdidbequietalso,andfeelasthatmylovedidberoundherasashield.AndIknewthatshehadknowledgeofthisthinginherheart.

AndoftIharkedintothenightoftheLand;buttherewasnowhereanysound,ordisturbingoftheaether,totroubleme.AndtheMaidinminearmsdidknowwhenthatIharked;forinverity,shehadtheNight-Hearingandtheunderstandingspiritthatdothbeneedfultosuch.AndoddwhilesdidIlookdowntoherthroughthegloomthatdidbeaboutus;andpresentlyIdidperceivethatshelooktuptome,outofminearms.

AndIkisther.

Now,inallthatday,wehadcomenowhereuponanyfire-holeinthebedofthe

oldensea;andtrulyIdidachetobenighuntothewarmthofsuch;forIdidfeelthecoldoftheLand,becausethatIwasweary,andbecausethatIhadnotthethicknessoftheArmour-Suitbelowminearmourtowarmme.

AndthecloakdidbeabouttheMaid;forIhadfearedthatsheshouldgrowcoldasIcarriedher.Yet,nowshedidknowsubtlythatIwascometofeeltheutterchilloftheLand;andshegatfromminearms,andputthecloakaboutme,andafterwardcameagainintominearms.AndIletthecloakbidethere,anddrewitforwardtobearoundher,also.Yet,truly,IwasjoyfulthatIdidbecold,asyoushallperceive.ForitwassweettothehearttobearsomewhatofthatdreadchillforMineOwn;andshehalftroubledandlikewisewithunderstandingofmyheart,becausethatIwaslessclothedthanIhadbeen.

Now,inalittlewhile,theMaiddidpackthescrip;andsowedidmakereadyagaintogoforward,forIwasgrownanxious,asyoumaysuppose,thatweshouldcometosomefire-hole,thatwehaveaplaceforsleepthathadwarmthandlight;for,truly,thecoldoftheLanddidbedrearandhorrid.

AndIstoopttotaketheMaidintominearms,thatIshouldcarryher;butshedidsaynay,thatshedidbewellrested.AndInottogainsayher,forshedidmeanthething,asIperceived,andIhadnodesiretoforcemywayuponher,savewhenIsawtrulythatshedidseemtogounwisely.And,indeed,whensuchdidbethecaseIdidstrivewithher,onlywithanicereasonableness,asyoushallknow.

AndtheMaidwalktbymyside,andwondroussilent;butyetverynightome,sothatIknewshedidbeveryfulloflovetome,andofthatquaintandsweethumblenessthatlovedothbreedoddwhilesinawomanwhenshedothbewithherman,ifbutthatmanbealsohermaster.Andpresently,Iperceivedthatthecloakdidbeovermineownshoulders,andItookitandwouldhaveputitabouttheMaid;buttrulyshedidnotallowthis;andwhenIdidbesternwithher,thatsheobeymeinthismatter,shedidstanduponhertoes,thatshemightkissme,andpulledmyheaddown,andsurelyshekistmeandcoaxedmethatIwearthecloak,elseshouldIgivepaintoher,inthatIdidsurelybecoldbecauseshedidweartheArmour-Suit.

Yet,Iwouldnotharktothisthing;sothattheMaiddidbetrulyintrouble.Andfirstshemadeathreateningthatshewearbutheroldengarmentsthatdidbeonlyrags,ifthatIdidpersist.ButthisIsawtobefoolishnessandscarce-meant,

anddidasmuchneedtosmileatherasthatIdidthinktoscoldher;butIdidbefirmthatshewearthecloak.

Andlo!shewentsuddenintocrying;andthishadbeenbeyondmythoughts.Andtruly,itsetmealladrift;forIperceivedthatshedidbegreatlydistrestconcerningthismatter,whenIhadconceivedthatshedidbutmeanthisthingfortenderness'sake.Butminehearthelpedmetounderstand,andIsawhowshedidbetrulyshamed,inhersweetwomanhood,ifthatIhelpedhernotinthismatter;forshedidfeelthatshewasmadetodohurtuntothatonethatwasherLove.AndthisthingIdoprayyoutothinkupon,thatyouunderstand;for,indeed,untilthatIwasmadetothink,Ihadnotseenitthiswise,forher.

Andintheend,IcametoagreementwiththeMaid,thatwewearthegarmenthourbyhour,inturn;andshetowearitthefirsthourandItowearitthesecondhour;andsotogoforward.

Andtruly,thisdidbeanhappyarranging;butyetshestamptherfootalittle,asIputthecloakabouther.Andthriceinthehourdidsheaskmeconcerningthetimethatwasgone;andsurely,whenthehourwasbutup,shehadthecloakoffinamoment,andwenttomybackandcastituponmyshoulders,andaftertomyfront,andmadeitfastuponmybreast;andsoeagerandnaughtywasshetothis,thatItookherbytheshoulders,andshookher,somewhat,evenasshehadmadetostampatme;yetmayhapswithmoreoflaughter.Andshetotakenoheedatall;buttobuttonthecloakandbeverysedate.Yet,inverity,Icaughtherupintominearms,andkissedher,forasweetandnaughtyMaid;andsheverywilling,nowthatshehadgottensomethingofherway.

Butyetinanhour,Ididhavethecloakabouther,again;andsodidstraitenmatters,asyoushallconceive.

Now,whenwehadgoneforward,throughfivegreathours,IperceivedthattheMaiddidbeutterworn,butyetdidmakepresencethatshewasunwearied.AndbecauseIsawhowshedidbe,Ididheedandbeanxiousonlythatwecometosomerock,tobeforoursaferefuge,andmayhaptheretofindanholeorcave,thatshouldbesomewhattokeepourheataboutus;fortherewasnowhereanyfire-holeanighinallthosehours.

Andpresently,wecametoapartwheretheredidberocks,andwewenttoandfrointhegloom,andcameintheendtoaplacewheretherocksdidgoupwardintothenight,asthatithadbeenasmallandancientcliff.

AndsurelyinawhileIfoundaholethatdidgoinwardsoftherock;andtheholedidbeaboveminehead;yetwhenIwascometoit,andhadmadetheDiskostospintherein,thatIshouldhavelighttoseewhethertheredidbeanycreatureorcreepingthinginthehole,Iwaswellpleased;fortrulyitdidbesweetanddry.

NowtheMaidhadcriedoutalittletoseethesuddenshiningthatdidcomefromwithinthehole,whenImadetheDiskostospin,andbecauseofthelowroaroftheweapon.ButIansweredherthattheredidbenaughttohavefearconcerning;andsowasshepeacefulagain,butyetalittletremblingwhenthatIcamedowntoher;for,indeed,theDiskosdidmakealwaysastrangesoundingandaquaint

anddrearshining,asyoudoknow;andshedidbefearedformethatsomeEvilForcehadcomeuponmeoutofthecave;forshehadneitherknowledgenorconceivingthatevertheredidbesowondrousaweaponinalltheworld.

AndIgavetheMaidanhelpupwardtothelittlecave,andcameafter,myself;andsowedidbeinaveryniceandcosyplace,thatdidnotbeeasilygottenatbyanymonstrousthing.AndsurelyIwasuttergladforsuchaplace,sothatbothshouldhavesafetythatwemightsleepinthesamehours.

And,intruth,thiswasaneedfulplan;forifonehadstayedwakefultokeepawatchfortheother,thenhadoursleeptakenusdoublehours;andthisthingmightnotbe,elseshouldourfoodbedone,andwetobetwicesolongasneedbe,ereeverwedidcomeuntotherefugeoftheMightyPyramid;andIutterweariedandanxiousoftheheartandspiritthatIbringMineOwnsoonuntothesafetyandgloryofmyMightyHome,andsofreefromtheDestructionthatdidhangaboveourtwosoulsforeverinthatLand,andtheperilthatdidbeeverywhere,saveintheLastRedoubt.

Nowwhenwewerecomeintotheholeoftherock,theMaiddidslipthescripandthepouchfrommyshoulders;andshegatoutthetablets,andmadesomeofthewater,anddidbeveryswiftandnatty,andalltothedespiteofthegloomthatdidbeutterinthatlittlecave.

Andweeateachofustwoofthetabletsanddranksomeofthewater;andImadejestwiththeMaidhowthatthetabletsdidbeproperforstrength,yetverylackingtofillthebelly;though,indeed,Inameditotherwise.

Andshetoagree,anddidpatminearm,anddidtellmehowthatsheshouldcookmeamonstroustastyandgreatmealwhenthatwewerecomeuntotheMightyPyramid.Andimmediatelyafterward,shedidmaketolaughuponme,andtonamemeimpudentlyforsomuchthoughtuntomyfeeding;andafterwardagaintosilence,andtopattingmyhand.

Now,whenthatwehadmadeanendofeatinganddrinking,Iwasveryreadyforsleep;for,truly,itwassixandtwentygreathourssincethatIdidlastslumber;butfortheMaiditdidbeeightandthirtygreathours;for,asyoudomind,shehadmadenosleepingwhenthatshedidlieinminearmsforsixhoursofourjourneying.

AndImadehowweshouldsleep;andputthecloakabouttheMaid;butsurely

shedidrefuse,verypiteous,andseemingtohavealsosomewhatofdoubtandpuzzlement.ButinthisthingIdidbeverysternandintending;forshedidnotbeover-warmclad,asyoudoknow,andmoreover,shewasbutalittleOne,whileIdidbewondroushardy.

And,inverity,Imadehertoobey,andgaveherthescripandthepouchforherpillow;andshe,asitdidseemtome,tosobtoherselfalittleinthegloomofthenight.ButyetdidIstaymyheartalittlesterntomineintent.AndIwraptthecloakabouther,andsetthescripandthepouchverynicebeneathherhead;andafterward,Ikneltovertokissher,beforethatIcameuntomineownslumber.Yetdidsheturnhermouthfromme,anddidputherhandaboveherfacetowardmeoff,thewhichdidgrieveme;fortruly,IdidheedalwaythatIshouldneverthrustmyloveuponherinherlonesomeness;butonlyletitbetoherforashieldandforallcomfortuntoherheart.

AndIturnedmyback,andwentapaceawayandlaydown;fortrulytheredidbenowayelsebuttobenearuntotheMaid,foritwasbutalittlecave.AndIlayveryhusht,becausethatIwassosoreintheheart.Yet,truly,Icouldnotcomeuntomyslumber,forIwassodisturbedinmylove;andIstayedveryquietmaybeforagreathour;anddidfightthatIshakenotminearmourtojinglingswiththeuttercoldthatdidmakemetotremble.ButtheMaiddidsleepverysweetandcalm,asIperceivedbyherbreathings.

Yet,inverity,theMaiddidbesomuchawakeasI,andwithsomesweetandnaughtyintentoftheheart,asmyspiritdidsuddenperceive.AndIlayveryhusht,anddidwaittodiscoverwhatthisthingmightbe.

AndImademybreathingtoseemasthebreathingofonethatdidsleep,evenasthatnaughtyMaiddidmakepretending.Andsurely,inawhileIdidknowthatshemovedveryquiet,andcameuntome;andImadeyetthatIsleptverysoundandstrong;thoughthecolddidnightoconquerallmyquietness.

AndinamomentIperceivedtheintentoftheMaid;forIdidfeelthecloakspreadovermewithawondrousgentleness;andafterwardtheredidbeasoftkissputuponmyhand;andtheMaidbackthentoherpillow;yet,asIdidhear,shebroughtitsomethingmorenightome;asthatshedidcravetobenearuntomethatwasherownLove.

AndIsatup,andIputforthmyhandssuddenlyandtooktheMaidintomine

arms;andshetonestleuntomesothatIdidbewordless,becausethatIlovedhersoutter.

Andpresently,Ifelthertostirinminearms;andIloosthersomewhat;forIdidbealwaysverymindfulthatIimposenotuponherdearlibertyofmaidenhood.Yetshemadenottogofromme,butonlytogatherthecloakabouther;sothatwedidbothbeinthecloak.Andsheasktwhythismightnotbe;forsurelyitdidbemadnessthatoneshouldstarveandtheotherbeveryniceinwarmth.And,indeed,thisdidbebutwisdom;yetitmightnotcomethefirstfromme.

AndIsaidtoMineOwnthatthisthingshouldbe;andshereachedout,andbroughtthescripandthepouch,andplacedthemforapillowformyhead,andtoldmethatIshouldputmyheadthereon.AndIasktherhowthisdidberight;forshedidneedapillowthemorethanI.Butshebidmetobide,andtohaveobedienceinmyturn.AndwhenIwasso,shespreadthecloakoverme,andafterwardcreptunder,anddidliedownbesideme,anddidseemasthatshewasasleepinonemoment.

Yet,thoughshedidbesosedateandmatter-of-the-fact,aswedosay,whilethatshewaswakeful,shedidyetnestleuntomeverysweetandchildlikeinhersleep.AndsurelyIdidwanttokissher;butyetdidrefrainfrommylove;for,truly,IdidwellthatItreatherverygently,atsuchatime,asyoudoperceive.And,inverity,suchaMaiddothmakeareverenceinthesoulofaman.

Now,presently,Iwasgoneoveruntosleep;andinsevenhoursIwaked;andinthattimehadtheMaidslumberedthrougheighthours;yetdidIintendthatshebenotdisturbed,untilthatwewereareadytothejourney.AndIsliptfromunderthecloak,andputitroundher,verygentle.Yetittobeasshedidmissme,eveninhersleep;forittoseemtomethatsheputoutherarmsinthedarkness,andshemadealittlemoaninginherslumber.Yet,inamoment,shedidbequiet,andafterwardIputthecloakaboutheragain.

AndIwentthentotheopeningofthelittlecave,andputforthmyhead,andlooktwellabout,andharkedalongwhile;buttherestirrednothinginthenightthereabout;neitherdidmyspiritwotofanymatterfortroubleuntous.

Andpresently,Igatouttwoofthetablets;for,asyoudoknow,theMaidhadgivenmethescripandthepouchtobemypillow,sothatIhadpowertocomeatthesematters,withoutawakingher;butforherownpart,asIdidlearnafter,she

hadusedhertorngarmentstobeforapillow;yethadmadenoexplaining,asyoudomind;andsurelythiswasoneofhernaughtywhimsies;andmayhapshehadbeensofullofaplayfulhappiness—asdothtaketheheartbetimes—thatshehadmadealittlemysterywheretheredidbenomystery;andthisbuttoreleaseherjoy,andsotosaymasterfulthingsuntome,outofherimpudence;andafterwardhadmeantthatshetellme;butyetwasgoneuntoslumber,erethatshedidmindher.

Yet,sincethattime,anewthoughthathcomeuntomethatshedidmeaninthefirstthatsheshouldcomeintominearmstosleep,andtherebyneednopillow.Butafterward,itmayhapthatshesawwithasuddenoldenwisdom,allinonemoment;andafterwarddidactlovingly,yetwithunderstanding.Andsodidchangefromherintent;yetwithnoimpropernessofmodesty;butonlywithanicenessofSense,whichshedidmakenotalkof;butyetdidhave.Andsurely,howoftisamanthuswiselyordered,unknowing.

Andtoceasefromthesethinkings,andtogoforward,Ieattwoofthetablets,andafterwardmadesomeofthewater.Andlo!thefizzingofthewaterwakedtheMaid;andIknewthatshereachedoutverysuddentome;butafterwardknewinamomentwhatdidmakethesound,andthatIdidbeupandmakingreadyforthejourneying.

Andshegatupinthedarkness,andsaidmyname,andcameuntome,andkistmyforeheadinthedark;andimmediatelysheranherhandsgentlydownwardofmyleftarm,andwhenshecametothecup,shetookitfromme,andslaptmyhand,verydainty.AndafterwardIknewthatshetookasipfromthecup,andthendidturnthatsidetome,andsogavemetodrink,anddidscoldmethatIhadnotwakedhertotendtomyneeds;forsurelyshedidbeMineOwn,tohaveherdutiestome.

AndafterthatIhaddrank,shetookthecup,anddidfinishit;andshegattwoofthetablets,asIdidthink,andcameafterwardandsatupontherocktomyside,anddidnestlesomewhatagainstminearmour,andtookminearmandsetitabouther;andsodidmaketoeat.

Butfirstsheputhertabletuntomylips,inthedark,thatIshouldkissit;andsurelythiswasanoldenwayofMirdathMyBeautifulOne;sothatIdidbeallshakenoftheheart.AndIkistthetablet;andimmediatelyshenestleduntome,anddidbegintoeat.

AndtrulyitwasasthatEternityhadbeenrolledbackward;forIhaddiscoveredthesoulofmineoldenLoveinthisdaintyMaidtomyside.Yet,inlookshadMirdathbeenofanutterdiffering;but,inverityNaaniwaswondrouslovely.But,thoughItobesostirred,Ididbesilent;formyheartwasveryfullofmemory.

AndastheMaideat,shesliptherfingersbetweenmine,curlingthemsoftly;andsurelyherfingersdidbeverylittle;andshestirredmineoldenmemoriesagaininthisthing.AndsurelyIwasdumbbeforemyMemory.

Andpresently,sheputupthesecondtablet,asIdidthink,thatIshouldkissit;andIkistit,asbefore.Yet,ereshedidbeginagaintoeat,Ididwotsuddenlythatshehidsomeintentfromme.

AndIcaughtherhandveryquickinthedark;andherfingersdidcloseuponthetablet,veryguilty;sothatIperceivedthatIhadguessedaright.AndIopenedherfingers;andIfoundthattheredidbebutthehalfofatabletwithinherhand.Andsurelyshehadtakenbutthatonetablet,andhadgivenmetheoneendtokiss,andafterwardtheother;sothatIshouldsupposeshedideattwoproperandcompletetablets.

AndIperceivedthatshehaddonethisthingsecretly,beingmindedthatifsheeatalwaysbutonetablet,thenshouldIneverlack,evenifthatwedidbeover-longcominguntotheMightyPyramid.

AndIaskthowoftalreadyhadsheeatbutone,fortwo.Andsheconfessedinaveryquietvoicethatthisdidmakethefifthtime.AndIwassoangered,thatItookherhandandwhiptitthrice,sohardthatshehadscreamedifthatshehadbeenanycoward.Andshesaidnothingtome,neitherwentaway.

Andshebeganagaintoeatthehalfofthetablet,anddideatitfromtheotherhand,asItobeaware,becausethatherlefthanddidbehurt.Andsheweptnot,butwasveryquietbyme;andpresentlyIknewthatshekistthewhipthandsecretlyinthedark.

Andafterward,Iputminearmagainabouther;andshedidbethereinit,verysoberandhappy.Andwhenshehadmadeanendofthefirsttablet,Igaveherthesecond,andsheeatitveryquietandcontent.

AndpresentlyItalkedwithher,andshowedherhowthatthisthingdidhurtmy

heart,evenasshehadbeenhurtthatIdidbecoldgarmented,thewhilethatshedidbewarm.AndIshowedherthewickednessthatshehaddone,thatshedidplaysofoolishwithherlifeandstrength;andwellmightshebeweakandalla-lack.

Yet,didIthinkalittlesweetimpudencecameintoher,asItoldherconcerningherwickednesses.AndItookherthenintominearms,andIshowedherhowthatIknewalltheunselfishnessandwonderofherheart;andIkisther,andtrulyherlipsdidhavealovelygladhumblenessastheycameuntomine;sothatitwasasthatIhadnotkisthertrulyuntilthatmoment.AndImadehertopromisethatsheneverdeceivemeinsuchmatteragain.Andindeedshepromised;butyetwithnoreadytongue.

Andafterward,wemadeproperforthejourney;andwhenwehadgottenourgeartogether,Iwentdownwardoftherock,andgavetheMaidhelptocomedown.Andwhenwedidstandatlastuponthebottomoftherock,IasktNaanihowshedidfeel,andwhetherherfeetdidhurt.Andsheansweredthatshedidbeverywellandhadnosorenessinherfeet.

Andwewentforwardthen,andshecloseuntome;andoddwhileswithlowspeech,butmoreoftwithsilence,becausethatwedidneedthatweharkalwayforanydangerorhorror;andalsotheredidbesoutterasilenceuponthatpartoftheLand,whichdidbethebottomoftheoldensea.Andweeatanddrankatthesixthandthetwelfthhours;andinthefifteenthhour,wecameuponagreatslopeoftheearth;andlo!itdidbethefarsideofthesea.Andwewentupwardforalonghour;andsocametotheupwardpart,anddidbeableoncemoretolookoverthegreatnessofthatLand.

XI

THEHOMEWARDWAY

Now,truly,itdidseemverylight,afterthehorridandlonesomegloomthatdidlieall-waysinthebottomoftheoldensea;andIsawthatIwascomeoutuponapartoftheLandthatdidbesurelytotherightofthatplacewhereImadeentryintothesea-bed,onmineoutwardgoing.Andtheredidbeagreatplentyoffire-holes,sothatmineheartwaswarmedtoseethem;yetdidImindtobewaryincominguntothem;for,asyoudoknow,theredidsooftbelifeofthiskindandthataboutthesefires.

AndIlooktnowdowntotheMaid,andsheupwardtome,anddidcomemoreanightome,andtrulyshedidbemostwondrousprettyandsweet;yetdidseemveryaweariedandpaleintheface;sothatImadeblameuponmyselfthatIhadoverwalkedher;for,inverity,IdothinkthatIwassostrongandhardasthatIhadbeenmadefromiron;andshebutadearandtenderMaid.YetdidsherefusethatIshouldsoreproachmyself;anddidbutstandanightomeandlookatmewitheyesthatwereverybeautiful.AndsoIputminearmsabouther,andkisther;andafterwardlooktagainovertheLand,thatIshouldshapeoutourfurtherjourneying.

AndfromthatplacewhereIdidstand,therespreadoutallbeforemetheblueshiningthatIhadseenfromthemouth-partoftheUpwardGorge;yetdiditbeagreatwayoff.And,indeed,Ishouldtellyouinthisplace,thatitwasbytheglimmeringofthisshinewithintheskyofthenightthatIhadsteered,aswedidcomeacrosstheoldensea-bed.And,truly,itwasbutabroadthingtogotoward;butyetdidserveme,inthatittoldmethatIwenttowardthefarsideofthesea-bed,andmadenottogoallaboutinblindcirclesinthenight.

AndafterthatIhadconsideredawhile,IdidknowsomewhatwheretheGorgeshouldbe,andperceivedthatIshouldgountomyleft;butnotovermuch,for

indeedIsawthered-shiningofthegiants'holethatlayatagreatspacethatway;andsurelyImustgosothatImissedtheplaceofthegiantssomuchasImight,andinthesamegoing,comenotovernearuntotheblue-shiningthatlaybeforeme,acrossallthefarpartofthatCountry;for,inverity,IMistrustedtheplacewherethatshiningdidbe.

NowwhenIhadgainedsomewhatofknowledgewhereshouldbefoundtheMouthoftheUpwardGorge,IputminearmabouttheMaid,whereshedidstandsonightome,andveryhusht,thewhilethatIhadlooktabout.AndIpointedoutwardoverthedarkLanduntomyleft,andtoldherthattheGorgedidbesomewherethatway,agreatdistanceoff;yetutteroutofmysight,andonlytobeknownthatitdidbesomewisetherebythethingsthatIdidmindof,concerningmywayafterIcameintotheLand.

NowtheMaid,havingstoodveryquiet,hadlooktallthattimeabouther;andsohadcometosomeknowingoftheplacewhereshedidbeintheLand,forshetoknowthelandsomeways,asyoushallthink.AndsheasktmehowIdidmindtogo;andtrulyIsaid,sostraightaswemight;butyetsothatwecomeneithertoonightotheshiningnortothegreatredfire-pitoftheGiants.

AndtheMaidbademetolookinthewaythatIdidmindtogo;andIlookt,butyettherewasnothingsave,astheydidseem,certainfire-holesthathadagreen-shiningaboutthem.Andshesetoutuntomethen,howthattheredidgoatractofbadgasinthatpartoftheLand,thatshouldbeutterpoisonousuntoany;andthishadbeenwellknownintheLesserRedoubt,bythereadingoftheirinstruments.Andwherethegasdidgo,therewasthereagreen-shiningaboutthefire-holes.

AndsheshowedmehowthatthePlaceoftheGaswentagreatwayuntotheNorth-West,sothatIlearnednowsomewhathowthelanddidlie,aswedosayinthesedays.AnditwasinalltheNorth-Westthatthegreatblue-shiningdidburn.AndIasktNaanihowtheynamedthis,andshetoldmebynoname,savebutTheShine.

AndMineOwnmadeveryearnesttowarnme,regardingTheShine;andurgedthatwegonomorethat-wardsthanshouldbeneedfultoourlives—thewhich,indeed,wasnowishofmine.AndherreasontobethattheFixedGiantsdidbewithinthebordersofTheShine,andallhidinthelightthereof,savewhentheburningmistdidrollthiswayorthat.AndItookagreatheedofthisthing,and

didguessthattheseFixedGiantsweresomewhatevenastheGreatWatchersthatwereabouttheMightyPyramid,asyoudoknow.AndimmediatelyImindedmeofthatuttermonstrousfacethatIdidseeamidthebrightsmokeofTheShine,whenthatIcamefirstintotheLand;andsurelythishadbeenoneoftheFixedGiants,thatNaanitoldmewereForcesofgreatandveryhorridEvil.

AndIasktMineOwnhowfarthePlaceoftheGaswentacrosstheLand;andshepointedandmadefurtherexplaining.And,inverity,intheend,IsawnothowIshouldcomethatwaytothemouthoftheGorge,ifthatIwouldkeepoff-wardsfromTheShine.Yet,inamoment,NaaniasktmehowIdidcomeacrosstheLand,whenthatIsearchedforher.And,truly,asIshowedher,Ihadwalkedthenbyasweetchance,orguiding,alwayuponthefarsideofthePlaceoftheGas,andsountotheOldenSeabed;andwasinthiswaycomefreeofthegas,andallunknowingofit.

Andatthistelling,theMaidsaidthatwegodownwardagainintothebedoftheOldenSea,andwalksomegreathoursbelowtheshore,butinthewaythatshouldtakeusuntotheSouth-West,andsountilwewerecomebeyondthePlaceoftheGas.AndafterwardupagainintotheLand,andthentohaveanuttercautionthatweescapethewatchingofthegiantswhodidbeeverabouttheGreatRedFire-Hole.Andbythisplanveryspeedytotheentering-partoftheUpwardGorge.

And,truly,thisdidbeverygoodandsound,andsuchasIshouldhaveplannedinamoment;for,indeed,Iamnotover-slowinsuchmatters;onlytheMaiddidbeveryeagerandquick;anditwasverysweettomethatsheshouldthusplan;for,inverity,Ilovedalwaythesoundingofhervoice,andtohearherhavespeechandtoplanandthink,andsotoshowmetheworkingsofherinwardselfandherdearqualitiesandhumanniceness.Andtohavepartandlotalwaywithmeinallthingsandthinkings.

And,weshapedtothisplanthatNaanimade;butatthattime,asyoudomind,itwassomewhatofseventeenhourssincelastwehadslumber;andtheMaidwassorewearied,asIdidsee.AndIshowedtoherhowthatitdidbewisethatwehaveourrestverysoon,andsoforwardagaininnewstrengthandability.

AndtheMaiddidsoonagreewithme;forindeedshewasveryweary;andwemadeitthatweshouldventureuntooneofthefire-holesthatlaynogreatseemingaway,alittleuponourright,whichwastheNorthward-wayofthat

Land.

Andwewenttowardthefire-hole;and,truly,itdidbefurtheroffthanwehadthought;foritwasagoodhourbeforethatwecameanightoit;and,indeed,ittoproveaverygreatandred-glowingshinethatwentupwardintothenight,outofthehollowplacewhereitdidburnamongrocks.

Andwhenwewerecomenearuntoit,ImadeasigntotheMaidthatshebeutterhusht;andItooktheDiskosfromminehip,andwentforwardbeforeher;andafterwardtomykneesandhands,andbeckonedbackwardtoMineOwn,thatshedolikewise.

Andwecamethiswaytotheedgeofthehollow-placewherethefire-holedidburn;andsowereableintheendtolookdownward.Andtrulyitwasagreatfirethatburnedintheearthinthatplace;yet,asIperceivedveryswift,theredidseemnowhereanymonstrousthingaboutthefire,thewhichsetsomepeaceuponmineheart;butyetnotovermuch;foritwascomefreshuponmethatwedidwelltostayafarofffromthefiresoftheLand,inthatitwasaboutthefiresthatalllivingthingsdidcongregate.

AndIlooktagreattime,andtheMaidcreptuntomineelbow,andlooktwithme;andafterwardweharked,verykeen,intothenight;buttherewasnowhereanytroubleoftheairoroftheaetheroftheLand.YetIspokequietwiththeMaid,andshoweduntoherhowthatwedidwelltostayoff-wardfromthefires;but,truly,shewassouttercoldandchill,thatshedidbegthatwegodownbythefire-hole,evenshoulditbethatwestaynomoretherethanshouldputawarmththroughtheutterchillofourbodies.

And,inverity,IwassobittercoldthatIwasallweaktogobesidethefire;yet,truly,IdothinkthattheshiveringsoftheMaidwasthatwhichdidforcemyheart,togoagainsttheteachingsofmyhead;sothatintheend,wecamedownintothehollow,andveryswiftuntothefire.

Now,truly,itdothseemastrangethingtobesodiverse-mindedasthis,whenthat,asyoudoknow,Ihadbeensolonga-searchforafire-pit;andmayhapsyoushallperceivethebetterhowmyheartandbraindidbecontrary,whenthatItelltoyou,now,howthatIhavebeliefthatmyspiritdideventhenbesubtlysettowarnme.And,also,asalldoknow,itdothbeeasytoforgetthiswarningandthatofexperience;bywhichsaying,Idomeanthat,oftasIhadcometoknow

thedangersthatdidbealwayaboutthefire-holes,yetwhenIdidbefarofffromthem,andMineOwnbrokenanda-shiverwiththechilloftheLand,thedangerdidseembutasmallthingandafarofffrommymind,andunreal;butthecoldtobedoublyreal.Yet,whenwedidcomeevenuntothefire-hole,thendidcomeagainallaboutmyheartthetruthofthosedangersthathadseemed,butawhilegone,solittle.And,indeed,Idohopeyouperceivemeinthisthing,andhowthatIstrivealwaytosetuntoyoutheuttertruth,sothatyoushallgowithmealltheway,andlendmeyourniceunderstanding.

Now,whenwewerecomedownuntothefire-pit,Iwentthiswayandthatamongtherocksthatdidbeinthebottomofthehollow,sothatIshouldperceivewhethertheredidbeanylivingcreaturetherehid,thatshouldmayhapcomeout,unknown,toworkusharm.

But,indeed,Idiscoverednothingofanygreatness;yetIsawthreesnakes,andtherewere,beside,twoscorpion-creatures,asIdidnamethem,thatneitherwentbackwardfromme,norcameagainstme;butdidbidewhereIsawthem,eachinanholeoftherock.

AndbecauseIhadseenthesethings,Isawthatweshouldnotdowisetosleepnighuntothefire-hole;forthecreepingthingsdidmortallyliketheheat,andshouldbeliketocomeuponusinourslumber.And,indeed,thisdidbutupholdmycaution,thatweshouldbewellactioned,ifthatwechosesomeotherparttoourrest.

Yet,asyoushallsuppose,IsaidnaughtuntotheMaidconcerningthecreepingandthepoisonousthings;forIdidmeanthatshehaverestandhappinessthewhilethatwedidstaybesidethefire-hole;andafterward,Ishouldtellher,andsoshebethemorereadytoseethepropernessthatwegoelsewheretooursleep.But,asyoutounderstand,ifthatshenottoseewiselyandbestillintenttothefire-hole,Ishouldhavehertoobey;forsurelyshewasMineOwn,andIdidloveheranddidmeanalwaytohavehertosafety.

Now,presently,theMaidwassomethingwarmed,andafterward,shesliptthescripfrommyshoulder,andsohadfoodanddrinkveryswifttomyneed.

Andwesattogether,andeatanddrank;andtheMaidverysweetandquiet,asshedidbegintoeathersecondtablet;and,truly,IhadknowingthatshedidrememberinallherbodythatIhadwhipther.And,indeed,shedidbeutter

mine.

Andoftaswedideatanddrink,Ilooktthiswayandthat,sothatnocreepingthingshouldcomeanightous;andpresently,whenwehadmadeanendofourfood,theMaidsawthatIdidlookabout,andshethenveryswifttocatchsomeofmineunease,andtostareoverhershoulder.And,indeed,inalittlewhileshesawasnakegoamongtherocks;andshethentobeveryeagerthatwefindsomeplacethatshouldbesecurefromcreepingthings.Andwetobeginthentolookforsuch.

Butintheend,westayedinthehollow,forwefoundalittlecavethatdidbeinanupstandingrockofthehollow,andtheupstandingrockwas,mayhaps,anhundredgoodfeetofffromthefire;forthehollowwasverygreat.Andthecavedidbeaholethatwasthricemyheightupfromthebottomrocks;anditwasdryandsweetandwithnocreepingthingwithinit,neitherdidtherebeanyplacetohidesuchtherein.

Andwhenweweregottenintothehole,surelyitdidbeverysweetandcozy;fortheshineofthefire-holedidshinetherein;andsurelywehadfeltitaveryhaven,butthattherewaseverthefearoftheLanduponourhearts;anduponminethemorethanupontheMaid;for,truly,MineOwndidseemtotrustmeutter;andtoseemthatshefearednotanyevilmonster,buttohavesuretythatIhadpowertosuccourherinallways.Andtrulythistrusthadbeenverysweetuntomyheart,ifthatIhadlackedsomewhatofmyterrorforthesafehome-goingofMineOwn.

Andwesleptthatnightaswehaddonebefore,andsharedthecloakoverus;fortruly,thefire-holemadenogreatwarmthuntous;yetwasitlessbitterinthatpartthaninthedarknessoftheLand.

Andbythatwehadcomeuntosleep,itwastwentygoodhourssincelastwehadslumber;andtrulywedidbeverywearied;butyetcameuntoourrestwithourspiritssetanxioustoharkenondangerthewhilethatwedidsleep.

Andwesleptsevenhours,anddidknowsuddenlyofsomematterthathadneedtowakenus;andlo!inamomentIdidwake,andtheMaidinthesameinstantoftime;andtherewasagreatscreamingandcryingoutinthenight,thatsurelyaffrightedusboth;yetdidhurtourheartsthemore;foritdidbetheuttercryingsandterrorofpoorhumansinthenightofthatLand.YetmightIdonaught;but

onlywaitthatIlearnmoreofthematter;formydutywasuntoMineOwn,andIhadnoleaveofrashnessanymore.

Yet,asyoudosuppose,Iwasallshakentogodownwardoftherock,andafterwardtoclimboutfromthehollow,thatIshouldgivesomehelpuntotheythatdidneedhelp;butyetmightInotleavetheMaid.

Andimmediately,therewasagreatroaringinonepartofthenight,andagainanotherroaringinanotherpartofthenight;andlo!inamomenttheroaringsdidbeanswered;andtheroaringswerethesoundsofbigandhuskyvoices;sothatitdidseemthatweharkedtomensobigashousesthatdidrunandshoutinthenight.

AndtheMaiddidbegintoshake,andIputminearmabouther,anddrewherbackwardintotheholesothatshedidbeintotheshadow;andshetotremblelikeonethatwasbrokenincourage;for,truly,shehadheardthosesoundsoftinthenightinallthelonganddreadfulmonththatshehadwandered.

And,indeed,Iwasallshakeninmycourage;foritdidbetheshoutingofgiantsthatIheard;andyoudoknowsomewhatoftheutterhorrorandterrorthatdidbealwayintheheartthatdidharkenuntothosemonstrousvoices,foryoudoknowmytale.

Andtherecameinamoment,adreadfulscreamingoutinthenight,andthescreamingdidbethescreamingofayoungmaidthatdothbeslainverybrutal.Andmyheartsickened,becauseofMineOwn;butmyspiritdidswellwithastrangeandutteranger,asthatitshouldburstmybody.AndtheMaidtomysidebrokeintoanuttersobbing.

Andthescreamingofthemaidafaroffinthedarkdidendverysudden;butinamomenttheredidbeotherscreamingsindiverseplaces,andthehoarseshoutingsofthegreatmenandthethuddingofmightyfeetthatranthiswayandthat,a-chase.

Andthecryingsofthehumanscamenearer,andthethuddingsofthegreatfeet.And,inverity,inalittleminute,itdidseemuntomethatthesoundsdidberightuponthehollow;andIcreptforward,andpeeredout.AndIfeltthenighttobefullofpeoplerunning;andimmediatelytherepassedbythehollowaclusteringofhumansthatranever,andscreamedandgaspedandwept,panting,astheyran.Andtheshiningofthefire-holemadethemplainseenandclear,andthey

didbebothmenandwomen,andwerebutinragsorutternaked,andalltornbytherocksandthebushes,anddidseem,indeed,asthattheyhadbeenwildthingsthatdidgobysoswiftandlost.

Andminehearttroubledmewiththepainandlongingthatitdidknow;sothatIhadgoneinamomentafterthosepeople,butthatIshouldleaveMineOwnandputhertoperil.AndevenwhilethatIfeltsoutterinthisthing,therecameagreatthuddingofmonstrousfeet;andthereranfourgreatmenoutofthenight,andwentpastthehollowveryquick.Andthreedidbedullcolouredandseemingmuchhairedandbrutish;buttheotherdidbeanhorridwhite,andlivid-blotched;sothatitdidseemtomyspiritthattherewentby,athingthatdidbeaveryman-monsterfilledofunwholesomelife.Andsurelytheydidbegonefromoutoftheshineofthefire,inonemoment,aswedosay;andagainintothenighttotheirdreadfulchasing.

AndwhenthethuddingoftheirfeethadgonealongwayoffovertheLand,Iheardthembellowing,andafterwardafarawayscreaming,thatdidhaveadeathnoteinit;andIknewthatthosedreadfulbrute-mendidbetakingthelifefromsomepoorwildhumans;andafterwardtheredidbethesilenceagain.

And,surely,itdidcometomewithafierceimpatienceofsorrow,thatthosepeopledidbewithoutspiritofcourage;elsehadtheyturnedthemuponthegiants,andslainthemwiththeirhands,evenifthatallhaddiedtocompassthatslaying;for,truly,theyshouldalldieanywisebythegiant-men;andtheyhaddiedthenwithsomewhattocomforttheirhate.

Yet,asIdoknow,thePeoplesoftheLesserRedoubthadlongbeenbornofparentsthatwerestarvedoftheEarth-Currentthroughanhundred-thousandyearsandmore,andbecauseofthisthing,theydidsurelylacksomewhatinallways.YetwasNaaniotherwise;butthisnottoproveaught,savetherule,aswedosay.

Now,sudden,asIstoopedveryhushtandtroubledinthemouthofthelittlecave,IknewthatMineOwnsobbeddrylyinthebackpartofthecave.AndIhadgonetocomforther,butthatinthesamemoment,Isawanakedmaidrunveryswiftovertheedgeofthehollow,anddidlookoverhershoulder,assheran.Andshecametothebottom,andcreptinunderaledgeofrockthatdidbeinthatplace;andshedidseemutterworn,andgoneofthespirit,anddesperate.AndIperceivedinthesameinstantwhythatshedidgostealthyandswiftinthat

fashion,andtocower,asforherverylife;fortherecameasquat,hairedman,sobroadasabullock,whodidcomesilentdownintothehollow,lookingthiswayandthat,evenasawildbeastdothpeer,verysudden.

AndtheSquatManhadinstantknowingoftheplacewherethemaiddidbe;andraninuponher,withnosound.

AndIpausednot;butleapedallthegreatwayuntothebottomofthehollow,whichdidbe,mayhaps,twentygoodfeetandmore;formineangerwasuponme,andIdidmeanthatIsavethatone,thoughIdidbepowerlesstogivesuccouruntothoseothers.

AndIfellstronguponmyfeet,andhadnoharmofmylimbs,forallthattheleapdidbesohigh.Andinthatmoment,beforethatIhadtimetosavethemaid,theSquatManripther;andshecriedoutoncewithaverydreadfulscream,andwassuddenlydeadinthehandsoftheBrute-Man.

Andmyheartmademybloodtoburnwithwrathinmineeyes,sothatIhadscarcepowerinthatinstanttoseetheSquatMan,asIranuponhim.AndtheroaroftheDiskosfilledallthehollow,asImadeittospin,asthatitdidragewithananger,andtobeglutoftheMan.

AndtheMancamerounduponme;andthought,mayhaps,todealwithme,asithaddealtwiththatpoormaid,butnotallthatwise,asyoumustknow.AndIswungtheDiskos,anditdidseemtosingandtocryeagerinmyhands.AndIsmoteattheSquatMan,evenasitdidleapsilentuponme,asatigerdothleap,makingnosound.ButIgatnothometheblow;fortheMandroptsuddendownuponthehands,andtheblowwentoverwards.AndtheBrute-Mancaughtmebythelegs,toripme;andIcutquickwiththeDiskos,anditdidhavebutonemonstroustalonleftuntoit.Andimmediately,itcastmewiththeother,halfacrossthehollow,andIfellwithminearmourclangingmightily,andtheDiskosdidringlikeabell.

Andbythegraciousnessofallgoodthings,Iwasharmednotbythatmonsterthrow;butwastomyfeetinoneinstant,andhadnotloosedtheDiskosfrommyhand.AndtheBeast-Mandidbeuponmewithtwoquickboundings;andIstooduptotheMan,anditmadenosoundorcryasitcameatme;andtheredidagreatfrothofbruteangerandintentcomefromthemouthofit,andtheteethcamedownoneachsideofthemouth,verygreatandsharp.AndIleapedand

smote,sothatmyblowshouldcomethemorespeedy,andtheDiskostookawaytheheadandtheshoulderoftheSquatMan;andthedeadthingknocktmebackward,withthespringthatithadmade;butitharmedmenotgreatly.YetafterwardIdidknowhowsoreandbruisedIdidbe,inallmybodyandbeing.AndIcamebackveryswiftagainsttheMan;butitdidbetrulydeadandgreatlyhorrid.

AndIwentfromthedeadmonster,anddidgo,allheart-shaken,untothedeadmaid.AndItookthetornbodyofthemaid,verysorrowful,andcastitintothefire-hole.

AndIturnedmethenthatIshouldlookuntothecave,thatIshouldknowthatalldidbewellwithMineOwn,andwhethershedidhaveseenthehorror,orbegoneintoaswoon.

Andlo!MineOwndidruntowardme;andshehadinherhandmybelt-knifewhichIdidgiveher,beforethattime,tobeaweaponforherdefence.AndIperceivedthatshehadcometobemineaid,ifthatIdidneedsuch.Andshedidbeutterpale,yetverysteadfastandnotseemingtotremble.

AndImadetotakeherfromthatplace;butshewentbeyondme,andlooktatthemonstrousbulkoftheSquatMan;andwasverysilent.Andshecamebackuntome;andstillsosilent.Andshestoodbeforeme,andsaidnoword;butmyheartknewwhatshedidbethinking;forIamnotfoolish,tohavelackedtoknowwhatdidbeinherheart;thoughmineefforthadnotshownitselfthatwayuntome,beforethatmoment.AndIhadnopretendingofmodesty,butreceivedwithgladnessandastrangenessofhumblenessthehonourthathereyesdidgivetome;for,indeed,shedidbeso,thatshemightnotgivewordtoherjoyofmeandhergladrespecting,thewhichissowondrousgooduntotheheartofallmenthatdobelovingofadearandhonestmaid.

Andshesaidnothing,neitherthennorafterward;butIdidbehonouredallmylifeafter,whenthatIdidanytimemindmeofthewaythatMineOwnlooktupwardatmeinthosemoments.

Andafterwardshedidneedandallowherselftocomeuntominearms,thatIholdherfromthetremblingofheartwhichdidcometoher,afterthattheredidbenoneedforcourage;forsurelywehadbothseenaverydreadfulthing,andtherewasagreathorroruponus.

AndIclimbedupwardagaintothelittlecave,anddidhelpNaani;andwhenwewerecomethereagain,wedidrestawhile.Andpresentlyweeat,eachofus,twoofthetabletsanddranksomeofthewater,andindeedwewerebothutterthirsty.

Andinaboutanhour,afterthatwehadharkedverykeenatime,wecamedownwardagainfromthecave,andhadourgearwithus;andwecameupoutofthehollow,andsetforwardwithagreatcautionuntotheoldensea-bed.Andwecamethereintwolonghours;forwewentveryslowandwithconstantharkings;forthefearofthemonstrousmenwasuponus.Buttherecamenoharmanigh,neitherdidweperceiveanydisturbanceinthenightoftheLand.

Andwewentdownanhourintotheoldensea-bed,anddidgonowthemoreswift;forourfearwassomethingeasedfromus,becausethatwehadcomeawayfromthatplacewherewehadperceivedsogreatanddreadanhunting.Butyethadweallcareaboutus;forthegiantssurelytobeeverywhereinthatLand;butyet,asIdothink,theytoroammoreoftanightothefire-holes;forthehumansdidsurelywanderinsuchparts,thattheyhavewarmthofthefires.

Andafterwehadgonedownwardanhourintothesea-bed,weturnedsomewhatuntotheSouth-West,andwentfortwelvegreathours,anddidneverbeanyhugespacefromtheshore;foritdidrunthatway,asyoudoknow.AndImadetosteerbytheshiningsoftheLand,andwithadvicesfromMineOwn.

Andintheendofthetwelfthhour,Ididcountourdistance,makingthatwedidwalksomewhatofacertainspeed;andbythetellingsoftheMaid,wedidbesurelycomebeyondtheplaceoftheLandwherethePoisonGasdidlie.

Andbythis,itdidbesomethingafterseventeenhourssincewedidsleep;andsurelywedidbeveryreadytohaverest;forwehadgoneforwardstrongly,andwithanxiousness;andtrulymyhurtsdidbecomeuponme,sothatmywholebodydidache;forthequickfighthadbeenbitter,andIhadbeenthrownveryhardandbrutal;and,indeed,itwaswondrousthatIhadnotbeenallsmashed,onlythatthearmourdidsaveme.

AndthisdothshowtrulyhowhardandstrongIdidbe;andNaanididspeakuponthis,andwasofta-wonder,andatthattimedidbegmethatImakesomeresttocuremyhurts;forshehadnotconceivedthatamandidgrowsostrongandhardy;and,inverity,themenoftheLesserRedoubtdidbesoft-madeand

lackingofgrimness,asIdidperceive,boththroughmyreasonandfromhertellings;fortheydidlackthestronglifethatdothbreedwhereisthebeatoftheEarth-Current,aswetohaveintheMightyPyramid.AndthisthingIhavesaidsomewisebeforethistime.

Andbecausethatwedidbesowearied,IsaiduntoNaanithatwefindaplaceforourslumber,andsheverywilling,asIhaveshown,andtocounselmelikewise.

Yetdidwesearchaboutinthatgloomforagreathourmore,andfoundnocaveorholetogiveusasaferefugeforoursleep.

Andwhenthatwecouldnotfindsuch,ItoldNaanithatweshouldputtheboulderstogether,somewhat,andsohavethemaboutus,thatwebegreatlyhid;and,intruth,evenasIbegantotellhermyplan,shedidhavethesamewordsinhermouth,sothatwecaughtourlittlefingers,thereinthedarkofthatgrimLandintheendoftheworld,evenassheandIhaddoneoftintheearlyyears,beforethateternity,whenthatshedidbeMirdaththeBeautiful.Andwedidbothbesilent,andafterthatwehadwishedverysolemnandearnest,wesaideachaname;evenasladandmaidshalldointhisage;andsotolaughterandkistonetheother.Andtruly,theworlddothseemnottoalterintheheart,asyoushallthink.AndthiswaswhatIdidfind.

Andweset-to,andgatheredtogethertheboulderswhichdidbeveryplentifulinthatpart.Andshecarrythosethatdidbethinandflat,andItorollthosethatdidbegreatandround.AndImadeaplacethatdidbelongandnarrow;andafterward,Isettheflatstonesroundthesides,thattherebenolittleholebywhichanycreepingthingshouldcomeinwardtostingusinoursleep.

Andafterwardwegatinside;andsurelyitdidbeverycozy,aswedosay;butyetnotsosecureasIdidwish,onlythatIcouldnotshifttoplanaughtbetter.And,indeed,itshouldkeepofffromusanysmallthing,andshouldbeliketosaveusfromanymonstrousBrutetreadinguponus;butotherwise,itdidbebutapooraffair.

Nowweeattwoofthetablets,each,anddranksomeofthewater,evenaswehaddoneinthesixthandthetwelfthhours;andafterwardwesharedthecloakforourslumber;andwekistverysedateandloving,andchargedourspiritsthatwewakeifthatanyhorridthingshouldcomeanightousinoursleep;andafterwardwedidbegoneveryswifttoslumbering,andsufferednoharm.

AndIwakedsevenhoursafter,andsurelyIdidacheverybitter,asIdidmovemybody;forthebruisingsdidbegottenholdofme.

AndIsliptawayfromtheMaid,verygentle;forIhadmindthatshesleepawhilemore,asIdidmeanthatwemakeagreatjourneythatday.

AndafterIhadharkedawhile,andperceivedthattherewasnoevilthinganigh,Iwentoutwardofthestones.AndIwalkedtoandforeandmovedminearms,thatIbeeasedsomewhatofthestiffnessandache;butsurelyitdidseemthatmanyhoursmustgoereIshouldmakeanyspeedoftravel;forIdidbeallclumsyandslowandnightogroanwiththepainofgoingandaughtthatIdid.

AndImindedmethatIshoulddosomewhattoeasethisthing,lestthatIcauseusbothtocometoanharmbystayingover-longinthatLand.

AndIwentbackintothestones,andgatanointmentfromthepouch,thatIdidcarry.AndsurelytheMaiddidyetsleep.AndIwentoutwardofthestones,again;andstriptoffthearmour,andallmygarments;andIrubbedmybodywiththeointment,andsurelythepaindidbesothatIgroanedatthistimeandthat;butyetmustIrubgoodandstrongsothatIdienotofthecoldoftheLand;andbesideIwasgreatlyanxioustocuremyself.

Andsudden,asIdidrubverystrongandsavage,andheedingsowellasImightthatIgroannot,theMaiddidspeakclosebesideme.And,indeed,shecouldseemebutdimly,andhadwakedsuddentohearmygroaning,andIwasnottoherside.Andimmediatelyshehadthoughtthatsomeevilthingharmedme,andwascomeinaninstantthatshebewithme.

AndshecarednotthatIdidbenaked;butwasutterinangerthatIstrovetodothisthingalone,andwithnonetoaidme,andalluncoveredtothechilloftheLand.Andsheranbackintothestones,andbroughtthecloakandputitaboutme;andwassoangeredthatshestampt,andhadnoimpudence,butratherasthatshedidbemindedtohavetears.

Andshesentmebackintotheshelteringofthestones,andgatheredminearmour,andbroughtthesethingsafterme.ButtheDiskosItookinmyhand.Andshetookthepotoftheointmentfromme,andmademetolie,andsherubbedmeverystrongandtender,andkeptmewarmwiththecloak;andsurelyshewasawiseandlovelyMaid,andutterMineOwn.

Andintheend,sheasktmehowIwas,andIsaidthatIdidbedifferent;andshehurriedmethatIbeclothedveryquick;forshedidbesoreafraidthatIshouldcometoachill.

AndwhenIwasgottenagainintominearmour,shecametome,andshowedmewhereIdidlackwisdom,andspokeverystraitlyandgentleandserious;andafterwardkistme,andgavememytablets,andtositbesideme.Andweeatanddrank;andIwithanewlovingnessuntoMineOwn;andshesomewhatasthatshedidmotherme;butwhenIputminearmabouther,shedidbeonlyamaid.Andwedidbethus,withbutlittletalkandagreatcontent.

Andafterward,wegatourgeartogether,andwentfromthatlittlerefugethatwehadmade;andinawhilewedidgoupwardoutoftheoldensea-bed.

Andwhenwewerecomeagaintothetopoftheshore,thewhichwedidintwogoodhours,IlooktovertheLand,atime,withMineOwnanightome.AndIperceivedthattheGreatRedFire-PitoftheGiantsdidbenomightywayoffuntotheSouthandWest;andsurelyinalittlemoment,wesawthattherewentmonstrousfiguresagainsttheshineofthemightyfire-pit;andwestooptuntotheearth;foritdidseemthatthelightdidbeliketoshowusstandingthere,thoughtrulywedidbeafaroff,asyouperceive.Yet,mayhaps,youdosharewithustheutterhorroranddistressthatthosehorridMendidcastabouttheheart,andsohaveakindlyunderstandingofourfear.

AndoveralltheLand,inthisplaceandthat,theredidbethesmallshiningoflittlefire-holesandpits,thatdidbealwayred,saveinthatpartwherethePoisonGasdidlie,thewhichwehadnowcomesafepast.

Andbeyondthefire-holes,wasthegreatShine,thatlayfromtheWestuntotheNorthofallthatLand;and,inverity,wedidneedthatwesteersothatwecomenotanightoit,neitheruntotheGreatRedFire-PitoftheGiants;neitheruntothelowvolcanoes,whichwerebeyondtheGreatRedFire-Pit,asyoudoknow,andsomewaysuntotheMouthoftheUpwardGorge.

AndthewayofourjourneywasbetweentheWestandtheSouth-WestofthatLand;andtobemadewithcunningandwisdom,thatwecomeclearofallunseemlydangeruntoMineOwn.AndIasktherconcerningthisthingandthatoftheLand;andsurelyshetoldmesomuchofterrorthatIwashalfinawonderthateverIdidliveintheendtocomeuntoher.

Anditwasbecauseofthethingsthatshesetouttome,thatIperceivedhowwemustcomenowiseanightothelowvolcanoesthatwereuponthissideofthemouthoftheUpwardGorge;forithadbeenknownalwayintheLesserRedoubtthattherewentveryhorridmeninthatpartthatdidbecalledwolf-men;butwhethertheredidbeanysuchthinginthatage,shehadnoknowing;forshetoldmethethingsthatdidbesetdownintheRecordsandtheHistories;andtrulynomanoftheLesserRedoubthadfoundheartinathousandgreatyearstomakeajourneyingthroughtheLand,forthedesireofgladanddreadfuladventuring,suchasouryoungmendidbeoftsetto;thoughitwasnotallsuchthatwent.

Andbecausetheredidbenoadventuringforsomonstrousaspaceofyears,therewasnocertainnewknowledgeoftheLandofthatage.Andthisthingisplaintoyou,andneedingnotofmanywords,whichdosoirkme.

AndNaanisetouttomehowthatTheShinewasconceivedtobealandwhereEvildidliveforever,andwhencecameallthoseForcesofEvilthatdidworkupontheLesserRefuge.Andafterward,shedidquiet;sothatpresentlyIperceivedthatshedidweeptoherself,becausethathermemorywasallnew-stirredbymyquestionings.AndItookherverygentleintominearms,aswedidbetherekneeledupontheearth.

Andafterthattime,Iaskthernoquestion,saveasitdidbeneedfultoourhealthandlife;yetoftdidshetellmethisthingandthatofherknowledge,tobeforminehelpandguiding.

Nowwewentforward,goingaspacetowardtheNorth-West,sothatwecomethemoreclearoftheplacewheredidbetheGreatRedFire-PitoftheGiants.Andwejourneyedwithacarealwaythatweshownotourselvesover-plainuntothelightthatshoneovertheLandfromthegreatPit;andoftwedidcreepawhileoverthisstarkplaceandthat;andwentnimblyamidthebushesthatgrewoftingreatparts.

Andwemadesixhoursthisway,anddidthenhavepause,thatweeatanddrink;andtrulyitwasninehourssincefirstIdidwake;yethadwemadenopausing,becausethatweweresosettoourjourneyingtocomeclearoftheplacewheredidbetheGiants.

Andafterthatwehadeatanddrunk,wewentonwardagain;andmadenowuntotheSouth-West;forwedidheedthatwegonomoreuntotheNorth-West,

becausethatshouldbringusover-neartoTheShine.

Andinthefourteenthhourofthatday'stravel,wecametoapartwheretheLanddiptdownwardintoabroadvalley;andsurelyitdidbeverydarkdownthere,anddidbeseemingshallow,yettrulyofagreatdeepness;butwewentthatway,becausethatitdidbeawearylongjourneytogoaroundtheplacewherethevalleydidbe.

AndtheValleyhadadifferentdarknessfromthegloomthatwentalwayintheoldensea-bed;forthegloomofthesea-beddidbeeverofagreyness;butthegloomofthisValleyhadagreaterdarkwithinit;yetdidtheairseemmoreclear.

AndwewentdownwardthreehoursintotheValley,andstoptthenthatweeatanddrink;andtrulyIhadnotpausedthen;butthatMineOwndidinsist;forourmethodsdidbelike,else,togoalladrift,andwetobelackingofproperstrength.

AndthiswaswisdomoftheMaid;butItobealittleirked-likeandrestless;andthismayhapbecausethatmyblooddiditchme,becausethatitdidbesofullofthepoisonofmybruises.

Anditwasgonenowofseventeenhourssincelastwedidsleep;butyetdidwebereadytogoforward,thatwecomesoquickasmaybeoutofthedarkofthatValley;fortheredidseemnowheresanyfire-holetomakealight;onlythatinthisplaceandthat,theredidbealittleblueshining,asthatthereburnedastrangegasinthispartorthat.

Now,intwohoursafterthetimethatwedideat,westopt,bothofus,verysudden;fortheredidbesomevagueandcurioussoundinthenight.Andwewentveryswifttotheearth,thatwebehid,andharked.Butdidhearnothing.

Andinawhile,wetogoonwardagain;yettheredidbeanuneaseuponourspirits;forourspiritsdidperceivesomethingafaroffinthenight;butyethadwenosuretyinthismatter.

Andwewentforwardthroughagreathourmore;anddidpassinthattime,twoplaceswheretheblue-shiningdidbe;andtrulyitseemedasthatalowgashungtotheearthinthispartandthat,andmadeaslowburning,havingneithernoisenorspurtings;butslow,asthatitdidsmoulderandbealltoshineandluminous.Andofttheredidbeastrongsmellingofabittergas,veryhorridinthethroat.

Andintheendofanotherhour,whilethatwewereaspaceofffromoneofthosegas-shinings,therewentpastusatadistance,asitdidseempeople,runninginthenight;asthattheydidbelostspirits;yetwitharustlingverysoft;sothattheydidbeliketobebarefoot.

AndIthoughtmayhapthatthesedidbesomeofthePeoplesoftheLesserPyramid;yetdidtheybeonlyasthatshadowswentamongtheblue-shinings.AndIponderedamoment,whetherthatIsendmyvoiceovertheValley,toquestionwhattheydidbe;butyethadcaution,andharkedthroughtheuttersilenceofthenight;forIhadnosuretyofaught.

And,surely,inthatmomentthatweharkedverykeen,theredidbeasoundafaroffinthenightoftheLand;anditwasasthatwehadheardthesoundbefore;and,inverity,ourspiritshadperceivedthesound,thosetwohoursback;andnowourbodiesdidwot,andperceivedthatwehadknownitsubtlybeforethatmoment.Andthesoundwasasthatsomethingwentspinninginthenight.

AndaverygreatterrorcameupontheMaid;forshedidknowthesound;andthesoundwasthatwhichdidshowthatoneofthegreatEvilForcesoftheLanddidapproach;andthesoundhadbeenknownalwayintheLesserRefugetoshowthisthing.And,indeed,mineownspirithadbeenhalftoknowthataPowerofEvildidcomethroughthenight;butyetwastheassuranceveryterrible;forhowshouldIprotectMineOwn.

Andthespinningcametowardus,andwaspresentlyintheValley;anditcameswiftlyacrossthedarkoftheValley.Andmyheartwasallbrokenwithinme,becausethattherehadbeenhappinesswithus,butalittletimegone;andnowtheredidbeourdeathanigh.

AndMineOwngavemetheknifethatIhadgiventoher;meaningthatIslayher,inthelastmoment;forshedidheedeveninthatmomentthatshebenotgashedhorridlybytheterroroftheDiskos.AndItooktheknife.AndIkistnotMineOwn;butstoodthere,veryshakenanddesperate,andgriptherfastuntome,scarceheedingthehardnessofmygripe;andalwayIlooktuntothewayofthecomingoftheSound.AndpresentlydidunbaremywristwheretheCapsuledidbe.

AndthesoundofthethingSpinningcameanigh,acrosstheValley;andmyheartdiddullandmyspiritgoblackwithmydesperateness,becausethatthisthing

mustbe,andbecausethatIcouldnowhereseehopethatIshouldsaveMineOwn.

And,ofasudden,theMaidputupherarms,andpulledmedownward,andkistmeonceonthelips;butIwotnotwhetherIkisther;forIdidburnwithdespairandwasalladriftinmybeing.Yetwasthereasharpcomfortthatmineowndyingdidbesonigh.

AndtheMaidstoodgentlyagainstme;sothatshedidbeconvenientuntomyhand.AndafterwardIrememberedthisthing;anddoyoupraythatyoubenevertohavesuchamatteronyourhearts!But,indeed,therewasawonderinthisthing,besidethehorror;sothatmymemorydothbealwayknowingofthiswonder;andmayhapyoudoseewithme,andloveMineOwnalsoinyourhearts.AndinthemomentthattheMaidstoodthus,asIhavetold,Iperceivedsuddenthattheredidbealittleglowinginthenight,andtheglowingwaspaleandhorrid.AndtherewasnomoreanysoundoftheSpinning;onlytheredidbe,asitwere,thetrunkofagreattree,thatdidshowintheglowing;andthetrunkofthetreecametowardusacrossthedarkness.

AndIturnedtheMaidfromtheTree,andshedidflutteralittleinmyhands,asIdidknow,scarce-knowing;forsheperceivedthatshedidbegoingtodieinthatmoment.AndIhadmybodythusbetweentheEvilThingandtheMaid.Andlo!theTreecamenomoreanightous;butwentbackward,andthepaleglowingdidfade,andtheTreenomoretobeseen.

AndIcrieduntotheMaid,veryhusky,thatwedidlive;forthattheEvilPowerwasgoneofffromus;butsheanswerednot,anddidbeheavyagainstme.AndIheldher,andlooktalwayaboutus,lesttheTreecomeinupontheotherside.

And,asIlooktthiswayandthat,Isawnaught;andafterward,inamoment,Isearchedthenightabove,lestthattheThingcomefromabove.And,behold,Isawthatthereabodeoverusaclearlight,asitwereaclearburningCircle,aboveusinthenight.Andmyheartdidleapwithanholyjoyandanuttergreatthankfulness;andIwasnomoreinfearoftheTree;for,inverity,therefoughtforoursoulsoneofthosesweetPowersofGoodness,thatdidstriveevertostandbetweentheForcesofEvilandthespiritofman;andthismatterhaveIshowntoyou,beforethistime.

AndconcerningthisholyDefense,Ihavethoughtthatitshouldnot,mayhap,to

havehadsostrongapowertosaveus,ifthatwehadshownanover-weaknessandfear,butbecausethatwedidratherstandsowellaswemighttomakebattleofescapefromsodireaDestruction.

And,surely,thisdothseembutasanethinkinguntome;butyetwithoutproof,andtobesaidtoyou,onlyastheshapingsofmythoughts.Andthisthechiefendofthathappening,thattheholyCircledidtrulydeliverus,andburnedthroughtwelvegreathoursaboveus;andbythis,doIknowthattheEvilPowerhoveredanigh,todestroyus,allthatwhile;for,indeed,itdothnotbeproperofreasontosupposethatsuchanutterwondrousthingdidbeneedlesslyoverus,savetobeaShieldofGreatandLovelyForceagainstawaitingEvilThing.Andsurelyyoudoseethiswisewithme?

And,truly,sosoonasmySpiritandReasonperceivedthatwedidbenomoretosufferfromtheEvilThing,IrememberedthatIdidknowthatMineOwnhadswooned.And,inverity,youshallmindhowthatshedidfaceherdeathsouttersweetandbrave,andhadgivennocry,butmadequietlytohelpmeinthatdreadfulmoment,anddidstandbraveandgentletothestroke.Andsofellintoaswoon,asyouhaveseen,becausethatshedidsufferanhundreddeathsasshedidstandsobrave,waitingtobeslain,fortheblowdidbesolongdelayed,yettocomeinanymoment.

AndIgathertocome-tountoherlifeagain,andIsetthelovelytaleveryswifttoeaseher,andsurelywithloveandwarmth,andkistherwithagreatjoy.AndIshowedhowIdidhonourherforhergoodcourage.

Andshetoweepalittle,withtheeasecomesosuddenuponher;andafterwardtokissmeuponthelipsanhundredtimes,andtoneedthatshebeverysafeinminearms,becausethatIhadmeantthatIdosodreadanofficetoher.AndsurelyIdowonderwhetheryouperceiveallthatdidbetheninherheart.

Andtheholylightthatdidbeoverus,shedidwatchwithasweetnessofawe;andrestdidcomemoregreatuponherintheheart,asshedidlearnhowsurewastheseemingofthatLovelyPowertodeliverus.

And,presently,wemadeforwardagainintheValley.Anddidgosteadfast,andnewly-lovingeachtotheother,andsothroughtwelvegreatandbody-wearyhours;butourheartscouldneverbedonesingingwithinus,norourhandstoceasefromthehandsoftheother,becausethatwedidsocraveeachuntothe

beloved.

Andintheninthhour,amonstrouswayoffinthedarkoftheValley,theredidseemasthattherewentafaranddreadfulscreaminginthenight.AnditdidbeasthatourspiritsperceivedthesoundofsomethingSpinninginthenight;yetfaintandagreatwayoff;butyethadwenosuretythatwedidtrulyhearthesoundoftheSpinning;onlywedidbesoshakenintheheart,fortrulytherewassomehorrordoneuntohumans,downwardinthemightydarknessoftheValley.AndtothinkuponthesoundoftheSpinning,wastobeinashakingtroubleofthespirit;andtoblessthequietandholylightthatwentaboveusinallthattime;andtoacheonlythatitshouldstaytobetoourprotecting.AndsurelyitdidbeplainthattherewerethesignsofgreatForcesinthatLand.

Andthreehoursafterthattimewhenwedidhearthefar-offscreaming,wewerecomeupovertheedgeoftheValley,anddidbeoncemoreuntosuchlightasdidbegeneralintheLand;andtrulyitdidseemawondrouslightness,aftersoutteradark.

Andwedidbeallexhaust,andMineOwndrewherfeetsowearythatitwasasthatshemustgonomore,untilwedidrest;forindeeditwasthreeandthirtyhourssincelastthatwehadslept;andabittertroubleandworktherehadbeeninthatspace,asyoudoknow.

Nowwehadeatsomeofthetabletsafewhoursback,aswedidwalk,andhaddrunksomeofthewater;buthadmadenorest;forwedidcraveonlythatwecomefreeofthatValley.Andnowitwasneedfulthatwerest,ifbutalittletime.

AndImindedthatwefindsomeplacewhereIshouldhaveahotpool,thatIbeabletobatheNaani'sfeet.And,surely,wecameinawhiletoahollow-place,andtheredidbetwodull-burningfire-holesinthisplace,andahot-bubblingspring,thewhichdidseemtobeararethinginthatLand;sothatwewerethemorefortunatetoperceiveit.

AndImadeMineOwntosit,withherfeetinthehot-spring;foritwasnotover-hot,anddidseemprettynaturaltomytaste,asIdidproveinthefirst.AndalsoIdidsearchaboutthehollow,lesttherebeanyharmfulcreaturenear-by;andthisyouwillhavetrulysupposed,becauseyoudoknowthemethodsofmyjourneying.ButyetdidInothavesomuchcareasdidbeproper;forIwassodullinthemind,byreasonofmyweariness;but,indeed,therecamenaughtto

workusanyharm;andsowecametonosuffering,throughmineachesanddullness.

AndIsatbesidetheMaid,andmadehertoeatatablet,andsawthatthecloakdidbeniceabouther,andherheadtorestagainstmyknee,andIlaidthepalmofmyhandtobeasapillow,becauseofthearmour,toeasethehardness.

AndIeatwiththeMaid,andwebothdrankafter;andsotherecamebacksomewhatofourstrength.ThenItooktheMaid'slittlefeet,andrubbedaportionoftheointmentfromthepotallaboutthem,verygentleandconstant;andsodidtheybenew-restedandeased;andshepresentlyfitagaintothejourney;forIwasstrongsetthatwegoquicklyhenceoutofthatLand,andstaynomoretheretosleep,lestwecomeuntoDestruction.

Andwhenwehadrestedanhour,IputtheshoesagainupontheMaid,andmadethemsecure;andsogatmygearaboutme,andmadetothejourney.

Andlo!aswedidleavethehollow,IlooktupwarduntotheHolyLight;andbeholditwasgonefromus,andbythisthingIsupposedthatwehadcomefreeofinstantdanger;butyetdidtherebetomeaseemingofnakednessandunprotection,asyoumustperceive.

AndbecausethattheLightwasvanished,IwasthemoresetthatwecomespeedyoutoftheLand.Andwewentforwardatastrongspeed,andhadtheGreatRedFire-PitoftheGiantstoourrearuntotheleft,andamightywayoffinthenight;butyetIdidwishitthefurther.Andbeforeus,wasasmallridgingupofthedarkLand,asIdidjudge,becausethatourviewofthelightsandtheshiningswasbounded;andtoourleftatagreatwaythelowvolcanoes,andsomewhattoourright,acrossallthatpartoftheLandwentthecoldandhorridglareoftheShine.

Now,inalittlewhile,Ifeltthatthegrounddidbeslopedupwardbeforeusalittle,andbythisthingIsawthatIhadknownaright,forthattheredidbearidgethathidtheLandsomewiseoveruntothepartwhereIlookttofindthemouthoftheUpwardGorge.Andwewentupthisslopeatastrongpace,becausethatIwassoeagerthatIfindwherewedidbeinnearnessuntothemouthoftheUpwardGorge.

Andsurely,Iwassomethingforgetful,inmineeagerness,andcamesomewhataheadofMineOwn,whodidmaketohidefrommethatshedidbegintolag,

becausethathernewstrengthwasneargonefromher.

Andsuddentheredidbeaverydreadfulcry,tomyback;andIcameroundinoneinstant,soquickasalightdothflash;foritwasthevoiceofMineOwn,andallmybeingdidsuddenlyburnwithfearthatkindledthroughmeinamomentofthought.

Andlo!MineOwndidstruggleterriblywithayellowthingwhichIperceivedtobeamanwithfourarms;andtheManhadtwoarmsabouttheMaid,andwithtwodidmaketochokeheruntodeath;forshecriedoutnomore.

AndIcameuntotheManwithaquickleaping,andstoptnottoplucktheDiskosfrommyhip;andsurelyIdidbeverystrong,andmineangerandragetomakememonstrous;forIcaughtthetwoupperarmsoftheMan,andbroughtthembackwardinaninstant,sofierceandsavage,andsowrenchtuponthem,thatIbrakethemintheshouldersoftheMan.

AndtheManroaredandshriekt,evenasawildanddreadfulBeastshouldcryout,andcamerounduponmewiththetwolowerarms.Andsurelyitwasamightyandbrutishthing,andsobroadandbulktasanox,andthelowerarmswerehugeandgreatlyhaired,andthefingersofthehandsdidhavethenailsgrownintohorridtalons,asthattheyshouldgripverybitter.

Anditcaughtmebythethighs,toripmeupward,asIdidfear;butyetthisdidnotbetheintentoftheMan;forinamomentitcaughtmeroundthebody;andontheinstant,IgattheManbythegreatthroat,andthethroatdidbehaired,andsogreatastheneckofabull.AndIstrovewithminearmouredhandsthatIchoketheMan,andsurelyImadeittosuffergreattrouble;yet,Icouldnotharmitinthelife.

AndsoIdidbeanhorridminute,andfoughtwiththeBeast,withnomorethanthestrengthofmybody;anditwasasthatanhumanwentwithhishandstoslayamonstersostrongasanhorse.AndthebreathoftheMan-Beastcameatme,anddidsickenme;andIheldthefaceofffromme;forIhaddiedwithhorror,ifthatithadcomemoreanigh;andsurelythemouthoftheManwassmallandshapedsothatIknewthatitdidnevereatofaughtthatitdidslay;buttodrinkasavampire;andintruth,IdidmeanthatIchoptheMantopieces,ifthatIhavechancetotheDiskos.

AndIdidswaythiswayandthat,aswedidstruggle;andsurelyitwasasthat

theManhadnevermadetousethelowerarms,savetoholduntoprey,thewhilethatitdidusetheupperarmstostrangle,asIdothink.Forallthatwearyminuteofthefight,theManmadenottoloosefromme,thatitshouldtearmyhandsfromtheirgriptothethroat;butmadevainwaggingswiththearmsthatIbrake,asthatitwouldusethesetotheattack;butsurelytheyhadnomorepowertodohurt.

Andsudden,itputforthanutterpoweraboutmybody,sothatminearmourdidbeliketocrack;andtrulyIhaddiedinamoment;butforthestrongnessofthearmour.Andthemanhuggedmethusforanhorridtime,thewhilethatIdidholdofffrommethebrutishface,andgriptverysavageintothehairedthroat.

Andlo!thecreaturedidworkslowinthebrain,andintheendloostfromme,abrupt,andwentbackwithaleap,sothatmyhandsdidberiptfromthethroatoftheBeast.Andinoneinstantitdidbebackuntome,andgavemenomomenttofreetheDiskos.ButImadeanewtofight,andshapedasIhadlearnedintheExercisesofmineUpbringing;fortrulyIhadbeenalwaydeepinpracticeofsuchmatters.AndIsliptfromthegreathandsoftheMan,asitdidtrytotakemebythehead;andIhittheManwithminearmouredfist,andputagreatpowerandskilltotheblow.AndIwentinstanttothesidewithaswiftstepping,andevadedtheMan,andIsmotetheManagain,andtookhimverysavageintheneck;butallthewhilegrownverycoldandbrutalandcruel;forIwassettotheslaying.AndtheMan-Beastcameroundonme;andlo!Isliptthegripeofthegreathands,andmybodyandmylegsandminearmsdidworktogetheruntothatlastblow;sothatIdidhitsohardasagreathammer.AndIgattheBeastinthethroat,andtheBeastwentbackwardtotheearth,evenasitdidthinktoholdme.

Andlo!inamoment,Iwasfree,andIplucktforththeDiskosfrommyhip.AndtheYellowBeast-Mangruntedupontheground;anditroseupagaintocomeatme;anditstoodanddidgrunt,anddidseemasthatitwasgonemazed;foritdidmakeothersounds,andanhorridscreeching,sothattruly,bythewayofit,Iconceivedthatitcriedoutunknownandhalf-shapenwordsatme.Andinamoment,itcameagainatme;butIcuttheheadfromtheBeast-Man,thatwasinverityanhorridmonster,andtheMandied,andwasquietupontheearth.

Andtruly,inthatmoment,thedistressofmineeffortsandmineuttertirednessandtheacheofthebruisestookme;sothatIdosurelythinkIrocktasIstood;butyetwasmyheadstrongtothinkandmyheartsetinanxiousness;forIwotted

nothowgreatanhurthadbeendoneuponMineOwn.

AndIrantoher,andcametowhereshedidbeupontheground;andsurelyshewasallhuddled,andhadherhandsverypiteoustoherthroat,thatdidbesopretty.Anditdidshakemeinthatmomentthatshewastrulyslain;forshewasgonesoutterstillandasthatshedidbebrokenuntodeath.

AndItookherhandsfromherthroat,andsurelyitdidbealittletorn;yetnottobemuch,orsothatitshouldlooseherofherdearlife.AndIstrovethatIsteadythetremblingofmyhands;andIgatfreeofminearmouredgloves;andmadethatIfeelwhetherherthroatdidbedeadlyhurt;and,inverity,itseemednotso;onlythatmyhandsdidsoshake,becausethatIwassofrightenedforMineOwn,andbecausethatIwasbutnewcomefromthebattle;andbecauseofthis,Ihadnotpoweroftouchtoassureme.

ImadethenthatIquietenmybreath,whichdidyetcomeveryfullandlaboured;andIputmineearabovetheheartoftheMaid,andlo!herheartdidbeat,andthehorridnessofmyfearwentfrommeinamoment.

AndIhadthescripfrommybackveryspeedy,andsomeofthewatertofizz,andIdashedthewateruponherfaceanduponherthroat;andsurelytheredidbealittlequiveringandanansweringofherbody.

AndIstrovewithherforawhilemore;andshecameuntoherlifeagain;andinthefirst,shewasalla-lack,asyoumaythink;andimmediatelyshebeganthatsheremembered,andshethentoshake.

AndItoldherhowthattheFour-ArmedManwassurelydeadandcouldharmhernomore;andshethentoweep,becausethatshehadbeenputtosuchshockandhorror,andheldbysobrutishathing.ButItookherintominearms,andsoshedidcomepresentlytoanease;andIperceivedinallmybeingthatshewasasalittleshipthatdothlieinharbour;forshedidclingandnestleuntome;anddidbesafewithmeinallherheartandbodyandbelief.AndsurelyshewasMineOwn,andItohavegloryinthatknowing.

Andpresently,Iputherfromminearms,tolie;yetsothatshemightnotperceivethebodyoftheYellowBeast-Man.AndImadecleantheDiskos,fromhersight,andafterwardIputonthescrip;andItooktheMaidtominearmsagain,andhadtheDiskosinmyhandbesideher.

Andshemadeprotestthatsheshouldtrulywalk;forthatIwasalla-weary,andshecometoherstrengthagain.And,indeed,Icarriedheracertainway,anddidthenputherdowntoherfeet;andtrulyherkneesdidsotremblethatshehadnotstood,letbetowalk!AndIcaughtherupagain;andIkisther,andItoldherthatIdidbesurelyherMaster,inverity,andshemineownBaby-Slave.Andtrulyyoushallnotlaughuponme;forIwassohumanasany;andamandothtalkthiswaywithhismaid.

Andshedidbequietandsweetandtoobeywisely;forshewasgoneveryweak.Andthiswisewedidgo;andItosaylovingwords,inthefirst;butafterwardIdidheedmoreofmygoing,nowthatshewassomethingeasedandatrestwithinminearms.AndIdidpeereverywhereabout,lestthatsomeotherevilthingcomeoutwardofthebushes,tohaveatusereIdidware.And,truly,thebushesgrewhereandthereinthatplace,veryplentiful,ingreatdumpings.

AndpresentlyIwascometothetoppartoftheridge;andlo!agreatgladnesstookme,andsomeamazement;fortheredidbethelightsthatdidbeinthemouthoftheUpwardGorge,andtheydidshowmethatIwascomeanightothatplace.YethadIfearedthatweweresurelyadozengreatmilesoff;andnowItolearnthatwedidbescarceoftwoormaybethree,asIdidjudge.

AndItoldthisthingtotheMaid;andsherejoicedinminearms,withadeepandquietthankfulness.AndIsetforwardthenatsogoodapaceasImight;andIwascomeintothemouth-partoftheUpwardGorgeinaboutanhour;andsurelyIdidbeveryweary,foritwasbeyondsixandthirtyhoursthatwehadgonesincelastwedidsleep;andtherehadbeensorelabourandterrortoourshareinthattime,asIhavetold.

AndIturnedinthemouthoftheGorge,andtoldMineOwn,verygentle,thatwedidtakeourlastlookuponthatLand.AndsheasktthatIputherdowntoherfeet;andIputherdown.Andtherewithwestoodinthatplace,andminearmabouther;andsodidIsupporttheMaid,thewhilethatshelooktsilentoverthedarkoftheLand.

Andpresentlysheasktmeinaveryhushtvoice,whetherthatIknewwheretheLesserPyramiddidbeinallthatDarkness;forshewasalladriftofherbearings,andwasasastranger,becausethatshehadneverlooktupontheLandfromthatplace,beforethen.AndIshowedherwhereIthoughtthePyramidtostandhidintheeverlastingnight;andshenodded,veryquiet,asthatshedidthinkthatwise,also.

Andsoatimedidpass,andIknewthatNaanisaidgood-byeforeveruntoallthatshehadknownoftheworldinallherlife;andshedidbewhisperingagoodbyeinhersouluntoherDead.

AndIwasveryhusht,anddeeplysorrowfulfortheMaid,anddidunderstand;forinverity,thereshouldnootherhumanlookuponthatLandofterrorthroughallthequietofeternity;andtheMaiddidloseallheryounglifeintothatblackness,andtheFatherthatwasherFather;andthegraveofherMother;andthefriendsofallheryears.AndtherewentdeathintheLand,eventhen,afterthosethatdidlive.

AndMineOwnshookalittlewithinminearm;sothatIknewshestrovethatshebebrave,toweepnot;butafterward,shemadenottoceasefromhertears;and

trulyIwasthere,tobeherunderstanding;andshedidbesweetandnaturaleverwithme;forshewasMineOwn,anddidbehourlythemoreso.

Andpresently,Imovedalittle,tosignthatwegodownwardoftheGorge;andshestayedmeonemoment,thatshelookoncemoreoverallthatLand;andafterward,shesubmitted,andturnedwithme,anddidbreakintoverybittersobbingasshedidgostumblingbesideme;forthesorrowofmemorydidfillher;andshewastrulyaverylonesomeMaidinthatmoment,andhadcomethroughmuchdreadfulness.

Andinaminute,Istooptandliftedher;andsheweptinminearmsagainstminearmour;andIverysilentandtenderwithher;andcarriedherdownwardoftheGorgeforagreathourmore.Andpresentlyshewasgrowncalm,andIknewthatshesleptinminearms.

AndinthiswisewemadefarewellofthatdarkLand,andleftituntoEternity.

XII

DOWNWARDOFTHEGORGE

NowIcarriedtheMaidanhourdownwardoftheGorge,asIdidsay;andIwasthengrownsowearythatInearfell,asIwalked,andstumbledeverywhile,becausethatIhadlostsomewhatofguidinginmyfeet,thewhichdidshowmineutteralackness.

AndIsawthatImustcomeveryswifttoaplaceforslumber,orthatIdidbeliketofallheadlongwiththeMaid;forInighsleptasIwalkt.

AndIbeganthatIgiveattentiontothesidesoftheGorge;andsurelyIhadgonethathourallinadream;forIwasfresh-waked,asitwere,inthatIdidgivemywilltoperceiveaught;andwhenIdidcometohavepowertoattend,IknewthatIhadgone,evenasasleep-walker;fortheGorgedidseemafreshmatteruntome,andasthatIhadcomeawakesuddentofindmyselfa-walkinthatstrangeandnarrowplace.

Andpresently,IsawsomewhatwhereIdidbe;forImindedthememoryofmineoutwardjourney,andtrulyIhaveagoodpowertoknowandrememberawaythatIhavegone.AndIsawthattherewasagreatandruddyfire-holeanightome;andIwasallsurethatIhadperceivedcertaincavesinthewalloftheGorge,neartothatfire,asIpastitonmineupwardway;andIhadbeengivenamightylongingofheartatthattime,thatitbegiventomethatIshouldbringsafeMineOwnoutoftheperilthatbesether,andhaveheruntojustsuchaplaceforherslumber,onthewayofourjourneybackward.

AndsurelyItellyouthisthingasachildinpleasure;for,truly,itwasawondroushappymatterthatmydesiringshouldbeliketohaveatrueending;as,indeed,itdidseemwastrulytobe,ifthatmymemoryhadsetmearight.

AndIwentonwardsomewhat;andlo!Itoberight,forthelittlecavesdidbethere,alittlepastthegreatfire-hole;andthereweresevenofthemintheleftsideofthegreatcliffoftheGorge;andonedidbeasthatitwereverycozyandaplaceofsuresafety,ifthatwecouldwinuntoit.

Andtruly,asIdidconceive,wehadcomesafefromtheEvilForcesofthatLand;butyetdidImindthattherewasnosuretyinthisthing;andneitherdidIknowbutthatsomeMonstershouldcomedownwardoftheGorge,outofthatLand;andsoworkourdeaths,aswedidsleep;ifthatwehavenosureplaceforourslumber.And,indeed,IhadwishedthatwewerecomeagreaterwaydownwardoftheGorge,butthismightnotbe;forIwasalladriftwithweariness.Andtruly,ifthatwegatupwardtothetop-mostcave,theredidbefewMonstersthatshouldhavepowertocomeatus,erewebewarnedoftheircoming.AndafterwardtheyshouldbeliketocomeupwardagainsttheDiskos;andthisshouldbeindeedathingdifficult,asyoushallconceive.

NowitdidbeneedfulthatIwaketheMaid,andIkisther,asshedidbeinminearms;andsurelythatdearOnedidkissbackagaininhersleep,andwasyetasleep.AndtrulyIdidloveherwithallmybeing;andIkistheragain,andshookherverygentle,andsohadhertowakefulness,andtoldhowwedidbecometoaplacefitforourslumber.

Andshetolookabout,verysleepy,asIsethertoherfeet;andthentoupbraidherselfthatshedidovertoslumber,thewhilethatIdidlabourwithhercarrying.And,inverity,Ikistheragain,asshedidstandmakingtosteadyherself,andlookingsoprettywiththesleepthatdidlieyetinhereyes.Andshetokissmeverydearandallmine;andeventhenscarcepropercometowakefulness;anddidsaywithsomethingofalittledearabandon,thatshedidlovemeutterandforever.

Andafterward,Iclimbedtothetopmostofthecaves,andtoldMineOwnthewhilethatshewalkupanddownalittle;sothatshecometoafullawakedness;andthisIwascarefulto,becausethatsheshouldhaveaneedofallherpowersthatshecomesafeupwarduntothecave.

AndwhenIwascometothecave,lo!itdidbesosweetanddry,asdidmakegladmyheart.Andtheredidbeawarmthinthecave,asthattherewentafiresomewherethroughtherocksanigh.Andthelightfromthefire-holedidmakeareflectioninward,andsothisdidseemaplacesafe,andfittoourslumbering.

AndIcamedownwarduntoNaani,callingthatthecavewasveryproperforouruse;andpresentlyIgavehermineaidtotheclimbing,andsowecameintheendsafeintothecave;andtrulywedidfeelverysafeandhappy.

Yet,beforewedidsleep,Isetfreethescripandthepouch,andtookthestrapsandwentdownwardagainintotheGorge;andIgatagoodboulder,soheavyasImightcarry,andstraptittomyback,andcameupwardagaintothecave,andtheMaidverygraveandanxious,lestthatIsliptomyhurt.AndwhenIwascometothecaveagain,Isettheboulderinthemouthofthecave,anddidbalanceitsolightupontheedge,thatatouchshouldsenditrollingdownward.

Andbythisdevising,IconceivedthatanyBeastorMonstrousthingthatshouldclimbupwardwhilstthatweslept,shouldbeliketosettherockadrift,andmayhapstherocktoworkanharmtosuch,butthechiefendtobethatIshouldbeswiftlywakedbythenoise.

AndthenIdidturnthatwegotoourslumber;andlo!theMaidhadspreadthecloakupontherock,thatweshouldsleepuponit;fortrulytheredidbenoneedthatwehaveitnowtoourcovering,becausethatthecavedidbesowarmasIhavetoldbefore.

Andsurely,theredidbenocauseeitherthatIshouldhavethecloakforabed;forhowshouldIperceiveanysoftnessfromthecloak,throughallthesternnessofminearmour;butyetdidIseethattheMaidhadmadeacouchthatshouldbeforthetwoofus,anddidbesosweetandnatural,andtoliebyme;butyettopreservehersweetmodesty,andtodothethingwithnothought,savethatitwasnaturaltoourhearts;andthatshedidlongalwaytobeanightome;butyet,mayhaps,scarcefullconsciousthatherheartdidpromptherinthisthing.

And,inverity,Ilovedherverydear.

Andsurely,NaanishowedmethewherethatIshouldlieuponmyside;andwhenIhadobeyed,shekneeled,andkistmeonthelips,verysoberandloving;andshelaydownthenuponthecloakbesideme;andtrulywehadbothgonetosleepinonelittleminute,asIdothink.

NowIdidbewakedtwelvegreathoursafter,bythefizzingofthewater;andlo!whenIlookt,theMaidwasnotbesideme;butdidmakereadyoursimpleeatinganddrinking.Andshelaughedatme,verysweetandtender,becausethatshelovedmeso,anddidbesogladtohavemeawaketoher;andshecameoverto

me,andkistme,verybrightandlovinguponthelips.

Andafterthatshehadkistme,shekneeledbesideme,andlooktatme,verydearandtender;sothatIknewinamomentthatshehadwakedawhilegone,andwatchedme,somewisemotherlike,asIdidsleep.ButhowIknewthisthing,Iamnotsure,savethatmyspiritdidknow,orthatherthoughtsdidhavetonguesuntomine.

AndtrulyIneededthatIbesoloved,andallofyoutosaylikewithme;andIputupminearmstoher,asIdidyetlie;andshenottodenyme,butcameintominearms,anddidsnuggletheresosweetandhappyandgladly,andwithsotrueadelight,thatitdidbeplainhowshedidloveinallherbodyandspirittobeanightome,asItoher.Yet,truly,asyoudomind,thearmourdidbeuponme;sothatIfearedtotakeherverystronginminearms,lestIhurtthedearMaid;andsurelythearmourdidbeasternmatterforhertonestleunto;butyet,mayhaps,didthesternnesssomethingpleaseherwomanheart,andyet,again,mayhapstolack.

Andpresently,shemadethatshewouldgofromme,andIloosedminearmsfromherveryready,becausethatIdidheedalwaythatshehavefullsweetlibertyofherdearMaidenhood;andItobewatchfulsufficientuntothisend,yetalwayshonestandwholesomeandnotover-ponderingeveninthismycare;andthisproperintendingyoushalleverperceive,ifthatyourheartsdostrivetohearkenuntomyheart,whichdothspeakalwaybeforeyou.

AndtheMaidwentfromme,overtowhereshehadputthecupofthewater,andthetablets;andItomaketorise,thatIlookthattheboulderdidbesafeuntouchedinthemouthofthecave.ButshecalleduntomethatIliebackward;forthatshedidmeangentlytospoilmethatonce;andthatIhavenoheedtotheboulderorwhethertheredidbeanyMonsterorBeastanighintheGorge;forthattheboulderdidbesafeasIdidbalanceit;andnowheresanyCreaturetosightintheGorge;forshehadlooktoft,sincewaking,tothisend.

AndtrulyIobeyed,andlayback,anddidlikethatIshouldbespoilt,aswedosay.AndNaanibroughtthecupofthewater,andthetabletsovertome;forshegatthemfromthescripbeforeIhadittomypillow,inthatwhilewhenIhadgonedownwardfortheboulder.Andsurely,evenwhenshebroughtthecup,shewouldnothavemetorise;buttookmyheaduponherknees,andkistmeonceverydaintyonthelips,andIveryhappytobesoloved,andwishfulno

otherwise.

Andshetookatabletandkistitandgaveittome;andafterwardtouchedanothertomylips,andhadthattobeforherown.Andsoweeatandwereverygladandhappy,somewaysaschildrenarehappy,andourheartsallatease.

Andpresently,weeateachoursecondtablet,inthesamewiseasthefirst.AndtrulyIdidbekistmorethanonce.Andafterward,wedrankeachofthewater.

Andwhenwehadmadeanend,NaanitoldmethatImovetostand;andsurelyIwondered;andIstoodup,andlo!Inearcriedoutwiththepainsofmybruisings;forIwasallgonestiffinmysleep,andasthatIdidbemoresorethanever;andthistobebecauseIhadfoughtagain,asyoudoknow,andsurelyhadbeenhurtmorebytheFour-ArmedManthanIhadknown.

AndIperceivedthenthatNaanihadsupposedthatIshouldbethuspained,andhadgivendearthoughttothematter;andtrulyshehadthepotoftheointment,ready,ifthatIdidbeverybad,thatsherubme.

Andshegavemeaidwithminearmour,andafterwardeasedmewithmygarments;andsurelyIdidbeutterbruisedinthebody,byreasonoftheviolenceoftheYellowBeast-Man.AndtheMaidhadsomewhatsotenderandsweetinhereyesasshelookeduponthebruisings,thatIdidbeveryhappyandtoglowwithcontentment.

Andshehadmetolie,andmademeincomfortwiththecloak,solovingandgrave,sothatIwasasachildthatdothbecaredofbyhismother.Andshedidrubmeveryskilfulandgentleforagreathour,untilIwasallrefreshed.Andinverityshewasalovelywisemaid.

AndastheMaidministereduntome,Ilayalwayveryrestful,andharkedtothelowsoundofthemutteringofthefire-holethatdidbeinthebottomoftheGorge;andalwayIdidfeelasanhappychildthatdothbeclothedinloveandguidedinwisdom.

Andpresently,whenthattheMaidhadendedherdearcare,sheputbytheointment,andgavemeherhandsverydainty,thatshemeantoaidmetorise;andsurelywhenIwascomeagaintomyfeet,Iwasalleased,andtohavemovementwithnogreatpain;andtrulythismademewondrouspleasedandtofeelnewcouraged;forIhadbeentroubledthatIshouldbesohelpless,inthatI

didbetheProtectorofMineOwn.

AndwhenIhadtriedmylimbs,andfoundthemtobeincommandandready,Ilooktaboutformygarments.Andlo,theMaidbroughtmemysparebody-vest,fromthePouch,andhadituponherarm,togivetome.Butsurelyshedeniedmeamoment,ofthevest,andstoodbeforeme,andhadanadmiringandwonder,verysweetandhonest,becausethatmyarmsdidbesogreatandhardwithmuscles.

And,indeed,Ididbeverystrong,asyouhaveperceived;forIdidbealwayinaffectionoftheExercisesthatweretaughtintheUpbringingofallthePeoplesoftheMightyPyramid;andbythisexplaining,youshallunderstandthatIwasliketobestrong;butindeed,IowedthestraightnessandshapingofmybodytotheMotherthatboreme.Andafterward,inallmylife,hadItakenprideofmybodytobeofhealthandtohavestrength;andsurelythisisamatterveryfitforpride;andtobetoldbravelyandwithhonesty.

AndtheadmiringoftheMaidwasverysweettome;and,inverity,Ididbetodeceive,ifthatIsaidotherwise.Andinamoment,shedroptmybody-vest,andputoutherhandstomethatItakeherintominearms.

AndItooktheMaidintominearmswithagreatgladnessandwithsomewhatofhumblenessthatIwasnowisegoodenoughtoholdher,formyheartwasyoung,andIlovedherverydearandyouthful.Andshedidliethereveryquietandhappy,alittle;andsurelyIdidfindpresentlythatshekistthegreatmusclingofmybreast,verysweetandsly,whereherfacedidbepressagainstit.Andlo,inamoment,shecamefreeofminearms,andgavemeanaidwithmygarments,andafterwardwithminearmour.

Andwhenthatthiswasdone,shestoodofffromme;andshelooktatme,halfshyandhalfofsweetnessandnaughtiness.Andshecametheninamoment,andputherhandsupwardtomyshoulders,andsostoodhereyelidssomethingdownoverhereyes;anddidstealalittlelookup,thistimeandthat.Andlo!inasuddenmoment,beforeIdidwot,shewastoherkneesbeforeme,anddidweep;andIdownveryswifttokneelwithher.

AndIasktnotwhyshewept;forIperceivedthatshedidhavejoyandgladhappinessandsweettroubleofherman;andthatshedidbeatruewoman,andonepartofthewomandidworship,sothatshedidbestrangelyhumbleandnigh

tobeshy;andanotherdidlove,andneedthatshebeanightome;andathirdtohaveacalmwisdom.Andalldidnowbea-tremble,togetherinherheart;andIknewthatIdidbetrulyanherotoher,thoughbutusualtoallothers.Andmyheartwaswondrousproudandwondroushumble,sothatIwasinthesamemomentupraisedandtofeeldreadlyunworthy.ButImadenopretendingtodiscreditmyselftoher,butonlydidresolvethatIwinalwayherdearrespect;andIdidbenaturalandtruthfulofmymannerandwithoutfoolishdenialofhersweetworship,forshewasutterMineOwn,anditdidbeapitifulthingifthatIseemotherwisethananherountoher.

ButofyouIaskkindunderstanding,andtocallmenotathingofconceitbecausethatIdidunderstand;fortrulyIknewmyfaults,evensowellasyou,thatdoknowallofmygoing.Andyoutolookbackwarduponthelove-days,andtomindhowthatyourmaiddidevertomakeyougreatinmanhoodwithherdearbeliefanduplooking;andsoshallyouconceiveofallmyfeelings;forwedobeallsohumaninthismatter,andtomeetonadearnaturalground,asyouwillsay.

And,truly,inalittletime,MineOwndidbesteadied,andwipedherprettyeyes,andnestledtomeawhile,veryhushtandtoneedthatshebeclose.AndItohavehergentleagainstminearmour,andtobeinmyheartasthatIdidbeherfatherandherloverintheoneman,andsurelytobesilentandjoyfulthatIlived.

AndpresentlyIslipthershoesfromherlittlefeet,withmyrighthand,thewhilethatshedidrestwithinmyleftarm;andIcondemnedmyselfthatIhadthoughtnotmoreswifttothisend;butindeedIhadthoughtuponitwhilethatNaanirubbedme,andhadintentionthiswise;butafterwardforgat,asyoushallunderstand,thathavebeenwithmealway.AndtrulyMineOwndidbehurtthatIsayaughttomyblame;andItocease,butyettofeelreproachedbymyheart.

AndwhenIhadlookttotheMaid'sfeet,Itiedonhershoesagain;andwegattogetherourgear.Andafterwardwecamedownfromthecave,withagreatcare,becausethatitdidbesohighupinthecliffoftheGorge.

Andafterward,wemadedownwardoftheGorge,andhadagoodcaretoourgoing,andsomuchofspeedaswecouldmake,thatwecomesomethingofffromtheDarkLandoftheLesserRedoubt,soquickaswemight.

Andinsixhourswehadgoneverywell,andwestoptthenthatweeatanddrink;

andafterward,IlooktagaintothefeetoftheMaid.AndIbathedtheminagreatrockbasinofwarmwaterthatdidbeanightotheplaceofoureating;andafterwardIputtheointmentaboutthemverythoroughandgentleandforagoodwhile;andsoshehadsomeeaseandcomfort.

Andafterward,wemadeonwardagain;butnowwedidgoprettyeasy;forIhadconsideredthenotingsofmineoutwardjourney,andsodidperceivethatweshouldbebutsixorsevenhoursoffthatpartoftheGorge,wheredidbetheSlugs.

AndIwasmindedthatwerestandsleep,erethatwemakethroughthatdireanddreadfulplace;forthatweshouldbetwelvegreathours,andmore,togothrough,andtohavenorestorpause,untilthatwedidbesafeoutwardagain,asyoushallthink.Andsodidweneedtobestrongandwellrested,andthistobewisealsoforthefeetoftheMaid.

NowsurelytheMaiddidbeindelightofthefiresofthatpartoftheGorgewherewewerecome,andshehadbesidearestofthesoul,inthatshehadfeelingthattheredidbenoEvilForcetotroubleustoourdestruction;andIbotheredhernotyetawhilewithtellingsofthehorridplacethatweshouldtojourneythroughinawhile,asyoudoknow.

Andsowedidgo,andalwaywithagoodcaution,lestthatsomeBeastorCreatureshouldcomeuponus;andalwaywiththefire-holesbeforeandbehind,andintheairoftheGorgethelittlewhistlingsofsteamthatdidspirtoutinthisplaceandthat;andagoodwarmthinmanyparts,byreasonofthefires;andoddwhilesasmellingofsulphur;butnotgreatly,nortoourtrouble.Andalwaythelowmutteringofthefire-holesandpits,andtheredlights,andthedancingoftheshadowswhenthatwedidgobyafire-pitwherethefiredidfriskandburnlively.Anduponeitherside,thegrimwallsoftheGorgegoingupmeasurelessintothenight.

Andsoweweregonepresently,prettycomfortable,forsixgoodhours,sincelastthatweeat;andwemadehalt,andeatanddrank;andIshowedtheMaidhowthatweshouldmakeashortjourneythatday,andsleep,andsobereadytothehorridjourneythroughthedarkpartoftheGorge,wheretheSlugsdidbe.

Andwemadesearchthen,thatwehaveasafeplacetoourslumber;andsurelyIperceivedwherewedidbe;forwecameuponthatsamecavewhereIdidsleep

afterthatIwascomefreeoftheSlugs;andthatwewerecomenofarther,dothshowhoweasydidbeourpresentgoing,andthisyoudoknow.AndtheredidbethespringwhereIwashed,andthefire-holeanigh,andtrulytheywerenotliketobegoneaway,asyoushallsay!Yetdidweexclaim,verynatural;fortheMaiddidbesodeepininterestofthemattersofmycoming,andtobeatoncethatnootherplaceshouldserveforourrestandslumber.

And,indeed,thiswasanaturalthing,andtheplacesogoodasany,savethatIdidwishithadbeenupwarduntoahighplaceoftheGorge,asyoushallunderstand.Butyetmightweblockthemouth-partofthecavewithboulders,somewiseasIdidbefore,andsotohaveadefenceagainstanythingthatshouldmaketoenteruponoursleep;orattheleasttobewakedbythefallingoftheboulders.

NowMineOwnwentinwardofthelittlecave,whichdidbeverylightfromthefire-pitthatwastothefront;butbeforethatshedidgo,Imadeaswiftsearchoftheplace,thatthereshouldbenocreepingthing;andtrulyitwassweetandfree.AndtheMaiddidbestrangelytakenthatsheshouldcometotheveritableplacewhereonceIdidlieonmineoutwardway;andtrulyIdounderstand,andsoshallmanythatdohavethesefeelingsaboutmatters.Andafterward,wewentuntothehotspringthatwasinthehollowoftherock,anightothefire-pit.AndIsawthattheredidbenosnakes,neitheranyoftherat-thingsanigh;andsoIhadtheMaidtositverycomfortableonthesideofthepool,andIfreedhershoes,andbathedherfeet,andafterwardrubbedthemverysteadywiththeointment;andsoforagoodtime,andalwaytokeepalookingoutupontheGorge.

Andpresently,whenthatIhadtakenalovingcareofherprettyfeet,ItiedtheshoesagainupontheMaid,andsobacktothecave;andthetwoofustocarryboulders,accordingtoourstrength.Andwhenwehadasufficient,webuildedaroughandclumsywall,afterthatweweregoneintothecave;andthewallrosenightofillthemouthofthecave,andmadeustobesomewiseindarkness,butyettofeelinsafety.AndIhadagoodheedtomakethechinksofthewallverycloseinthebottom,sothatnosmallcreepingthingshouldcomethroughuntouswhilstthatweslept.

Andafterward,Naanisetthescripandthepouchtobeformypillow;buthadthebundleofhertorngarmentstobeforherownpurpose.

AndIperceivedthatshehadthewater-powderandapackofthetabletstoher

handforourwaking,thatshemightprepareourfood,andmayhaptowakealittlebeforeme,sothatshehaveallreadytogreetmefrommysleep.But,indeed,IsaidnaughttoshowthatIknew;forIsawthatthisthingdidgiveheradearpleasure,andtrulyitwasverysweettohavehertothesegentleduties,thatdidbetohersosureandquietadelight.

AndMineOwnbademethatIlie;andsheputtheDiskosupontheoutwardsideofme,tominehand;andwithadaintyandfearfultouch;fortheweapondidbeverydreadfuluntoherthoughts;butyetacomfortingthingtoabideforourdefence.Andafterward,shecoveredmewiththecloak,andkistmeverysedateuponthelips;andthentoherownside,andtocomeveryniceandhappyunderthecloak,andsotoherrest.

Andpresentlyshedidsleep,asIperceivedbyherbreathings;andsurelyitdidseemtomyspiritthatshehadanutteranddearcontentinthisarrangingofourslumber,sothatshedidbeallatpeaceinallherbeing,becausethatshedidbenighuntome,thatdidbeherOwnLove.

But,indeed,Icouldnotsleepforatime;andsurely,inawhile,MineOwndidnestleuntomeinhersleep,sosweetanddearasachild,andlikewiseasthatitdidbeherrighttobesoanighuntome;andItobethatIshouldputminearmsabouther,butindeedImovednot,neitherdidIkissher,asIdidwish;fortrulyIshouldbeverymanlywithmineownmaidthatdidbesotrustfulanduttermineinhersleep.

AndpresentlyIwasoveruntoslumberalso,andstirrednotforeightgoodhours,anddidwakethentothehissingofthewater,sothatIknewMineOwnwasawakebeforeme,asshehadplanned,andwasmakingreadythatweeat.

Andwhenshesawmemoveinthehalf-light,shegaveoutalittlewordofjoy,thatIdidbeagaintoknowledgeofher;andshecameover,andputherarmsaboutmyneck,andkistmeveryloving,thriceuponthelips.And,inverity,itcametomeinthatmomentthatIhadbeenkistawhilegoneinmydreams,butscarcetoknowit;yetIperceivednowthatMineOwnhadtakenanaughtyadvantagingofmyslumber,thatshekissmetoherownpleasure;yetdidtheMaidsaynowordofhernaughtiness;andItobelikewise;buttoresolvethatIwaken,mayhaps,onthenexttime,andsocatchherinhersweetandsecretdelightofme.

And,truly,thisdothsoundquaint;buttobetrue.

AndIrose,andtookdownthehalfofthewallthatdidbeacrossthemouthofthecave,andafterwardlooktout;buttherewasnosightofanyhorridthingintheGorge,savethatoneoftherat-thingsdidslumber,verygorged-seeming,uponthesideofthelittlefirehole.

Andafterwards,weeatanddrank;andtheMaidthentorubme,asbefore;forIwasgreatlystiffonmywaking,asyoushallthink;butshecamenotintominearmspresently,asIdidhope;butonlykistmyshoulders,whenthatshehadfinished,andsobidmetodress.

Yet,afterthatIwasdrest,andhadminearmourfulluponme,shemustcomeuntome,andsheslipthertwosmallhandsintotheoneofmine,andsostoodbyme,verysilent.Andsuddensheputupherlipsveryquietandpassionate,thatIshouldkissher;andshekistmeonce,asitdidbeasthatherspiritkistmine,andallherbeingcameuntome;andshegavemebutthatonekiss,andafterwardsliptherhandsverygentlefrommine,andmadetothegatheringofourgear.

Buttruly,Ithatlovedhersogreat,knewthatatumultoflovedidbehidinherheart.And,indeed,shelookedonceatmeinsuchwise,thatIgrewneartoatruehumblenessofheartbecauseofthehonourandlovethatdidbeinhereyes.

Andsurely,itisaverylittlethingtodieforsuchanOneasMineOwndidbe.Andbythissaying,shallyouperceivemyheartinthatmoment,andthatIdidpant,asitwere,thatIdosomedeedoflovetoshowmylove.Andtrulythisisbutanaturaldesiringandhuman,andthecausepropertotheupliftingofmanhood.Andsurelyyoushallallmindyouofsuchfeelingsinthepastlove-days,thatIdoprayshouldbeneverpast.

Andwhenwehadourgeartogether,Ileftitinthecave,andtookMineOwnoveruntothehotpoolthatwasanightothefire-pit;andshetoexclaimupontherat-thingthatdidbeyeta-slumberuponthesideofthefire-pit;andItosaythatthethingdidbenocauseforfear,butrather,indeed,agoodfriend,inthatitwasadevourerofsnakes,asyoushallmind.

Andwhilethatwetalked,IbathedthelittlefeetofNaani;andsurely,asIdriedthemuponmypocket-cloth,IwastakenthatIshouldkissthem;andsurelyIkistthem,andtheydidbeveryshapelyanddainty,andalleasedoftravelbythecarethatIdidtaketothisend.

AndafterwardIrubbedthemwiththeointmentforagoodwhile,andsohadthemagainintotheshoes,andtheMaidveryquiet,afterthatIhadkistherfeetthatdidbesodainty,butyetwithasweetnaughtinessinherway,asmyheartperceived,thoughshedidnothing,neithersaidanything,tothisend;andwastrulyveryobedient,andorderlytoallmywishes.

Andwewentbackthentothecave,andtheMaidputthepotoftheointmentbackintothepouch,andshebuckledthepouchandthescripuponme;andtheDiskosIhaduponmyhip;forIwentnowiseanywhere,withoutit,asyoushallsuppose.Andshehadthelittlebundleofherclothingforherburden,andtruly,Iwasreadythatsheshouldcarrysomuch;forwedidbetoactwisely,andshewellabletocarrysosmallathing,andIbettertohavemyhandsalwayfreetotheDiskosandtotheneedsoftheway.

AndwewentdownwardoftheGorgeatastrongspeed,fortheredidbesomewiseoffifteenhoursgoodjourney,erethatwecomeoutuponthefarsideofthatplacewheretheMonstersdidbe,andthisdidbethreehourstotheupwardbeginningofthatplace,andtwelvehoursjourneythen,intheleast,thatweshouldtaketogothroughagainintothelightoftheGorgebelow.AndthisIdidreckonfrommynotingsofmineupwardjourney,asyoudoknow.

AndImadeallcleartotheMaid,ofthethingthatdidbebeforeus,andmadenottohidethedangerandhorror,butyettomakenotovermuchofthesame.Andshetowalkclosebesideme,verysweetandtrustful,andtosaythatshefearednaught,sothatIshouldbetheretohavecareofher;butonlythatshedidfearharmforme;andyettohaveconfidencethatIshouldslayallhurtfulthingsthatshouldbeliketotroubleus.And,truly,Ididkissherforherdearbeliefandlove.

Now,inthemiddlepartofthethirdhour,theairoftheGorgedidbeginthatitwasheavy,andtohaveaseemingoffumesthatstangsomethinguponthethroat,oddwhiles.Andtherewerepresentlylessofthefire-holes,andsoon,aswedidgothemoredownward,thebeginningsofagreatgloom,andtohavesmokethereinthatmadeustofeelhusky.

Andintheendofthefourthhour,wewerecometrulyfardownwardwithinthegloom;andtobeasthatwegropedinafogofdistaste;andtoknownothowwewentwithanysurety;forofttheredidbeanutterdarknessaboutus;andawhiletheshineofadull-glowingfire-pituponoursight,thatdidshowusthegloomanddreadofthatplace.

Andwewentalwayveryhusht,andtheMaidtomyback;butIdidhaltnowandthistime,andmaketoknowhowshedidbe;andsurelyshewhisperedverybravetomethroughthedimness,andoncedidslipherhandintomine,andItotakeoffminearmouredgloveforalittlemoment,thatIholdherhand,andgiveherniceassurance.But,inverity,therewasterrorinmineheart,thatdidbeaterrorfarbeyondthetroubleofmineupwardway;andsurelyIwasshakennewlywitheverydanger,lestthatIshouldloseMineOwn,orshetocometoanyhurt.And,indeed,youshallperceivehowIdidbe;forsoshouldyoubeinalikecase,and,intruth,itdothbeanutteranxiousnessandsuffering.

NowwhenwehadbeentwohoursinthedarkpartoftheGorge,Ismelledofthedreadandhorridstinkthatyoudowotof.Andsurelyagreatfearcameuponme;forIperceivedthatwedidcomeamongtheMonsters,orthatonecameanightous.

AndIwhispereduntotheMaidthatshehalt;andwestoodveryhushtawhile,andsurelythestinkdidgrow,andtobeverydreadfulinthenostrils,sothatIfeltMineOwnMaidtoshakesomewhatwiththefearanddisgustthatthisthingdidmakeinus.Andpresentlythestinkingdideasesomewhatfromaboutus;butwhethertherehadgonepastusamonsterSlug,Ihavenosureknowing;fortheredidbenofire-pitanightothatplace;sothattherewasagreatdarknessallabout.

Andsurelytherewasagreatslownessandwetnessoftheair,anddismaldrippingsthatmadedesolationinthesilence;andthefeelofstrangegrowthsupontheboulders,asyoudoknow,andoftanhorridslimeanddankness;andthestinktobeeverywhere,sothatweknewaconstantdisgustandfear.Andalwaythefumingsofsulphur,thatdidseem,inverity,tobeatdownuponus,utterheavyandsoreuponourlungs.

Andsowentweonwardamidthesmellthatdidbeasofdeadthings;andoftdidwemakepauseandhark,andhadagreatcareaswedidgobythedullfire-holesandfire-pits,thatweshouldmakenoshowingofourselvesinthelight.

Andsudden,aswedidgobyagreatpitthatburnedverydeepandred,IreachedbackandcaughtMineOwnbythearm,andIsethergazeuntotherightsideoftheGorge,whichwasbeyondthefire.AndtheMaidwentverystill,asshedidseethethingthatwasthere;forinverityitwasuttermonstrous,anddidshineverywet-lookinginthelightofthefire.Andtrulyitmovedalittlewiththehead,thiswayandthat,stretchingthroughthedarkandtheshadows,asyoushallseea

slugtomove,andwithnospeedorsound,andnowiseseemingheedfulofaught.ButyetdidIfearthatitsmelledus,ifthismightbe;andthis,asyoushallthink,tobeaverynaturalfear.

Andalway,asIdomind,itseemedtogoblindlysomewise,ortohavethatslowandstrangemovingthatdothmakeonetothinkofablindness;butwhetheritdidbetrulyblind,howshallIsay;onlythatitwasanutterMonstrousBrute,sogreatastheblackhullofaship,andverydreadfuluntoourhearts.

Andwemovednotforawhile,savethatIpulledMineOwndownintothehidingofthebouldersofthatpart;andshetoputherhandveryanxiousuntome;yetnottobecomforted,asIdidhalftothink,buttopersuademe,lestthatIgotosomeadventuringthatshouldsetmeinasurerdanger.AndthisIperceivedinalittlemoment,andlovedherforhercare.

But,indeed,Ihadnomindtoaught,savethatwecomeclearofthatplace;andIwatchedtheMonster,throughplacesbetweentheboulders;andsurely,inalittlewhile,itswayedthegreatheadveryslowandquietuntothecliffthatdidmakethatsideoftheGorge;andtheBrutesetuntotheCliff,andbeganthatitwentupwardwithastrangemovingofmusclesthatdidgowavewiseunderthewetandhorrid-gleaminghide.

Andso,inalittletime,itwasgonequietagainstthecliff,andthehead-partdidbeupwardinthedarknessabove,sothatitdidbefromoursight.Butthemonsterbodydidbeplainforagreatway,andwasseemingclungtothecliff,andtocomedownwardoutofthedark,asthatitdidbeagreatblackridgeofsoftanddreadfullifeuponthefaceofthecliff;andthetailwassomethinglessbulked,andtotaper,anddidtrailoutwardintotheGorgeupontheboulders.

Andsurelythethingdidseemasthatitslept,butthatoddwhilesthetaildidliftalittleofftheboulders,andcurlsomewise,andafterwardcomedownagainupontheboulders,mayhapinthisplaceandmayhapinthatplace,aswedidwatch,allhid.

AnditwasasthatoursenseandourSpiritsdidassureusthatthethinghadnowottingofus;butsurelyourfearsdidnightoequalthecomfortofthissweetreason,andtomakeusthinkotherwise.

Yet,inatime,Imadethatwegoforwardtogetherthroughthespacesthatdidbeamongtheboulders.AndIwentcreeping,andtheMaidtofollowlikewise.

AndoftIdidpause,andmadeawatchinguponthemonster;buttrulyitmovednot,saveasIhavetold;andIkeptagreatheedupontheMaid,thatshefollowalwaycloseuntomyfeet.

Andintheendwecamesafefromthatplacewherethemonsterdidbeclunguntothegreatcliffinthenight.

Andwewentthenfortwogreathourswithoutadventure,savethatoncetheMaidtouchedmethatwepause;forthatsomethingwentbyuswherewedidbeinanutterdarkplaceoftheGorge,andnofire-holeanigh.

AndIknewthatthethingdidbenear,evenastheMaidtouchtme.AndcaughtItheMaidinthedark,andthrustherunderthesideofaboulder;andIcrouchedthenbeforeher,withminearmour,thatIshouldprotectherfromanyBrutishthing.AndtheDiskosinmyhand,andafterwardanhorridtimeofwaiting.

AndthestinkofthatpartoftheGorgegrewverydreadful,sothatitdidbeasthatweshouldnotbreathe,withthehorrorofthestink.AndtherewentpastussomehorridandutterMonster,thatmadeneithersoundnoranything,savethatthereseemedastrangenoisethatmightbethebreathingofagreatthing;butyetdidbealluncertain,inthatthesidesoftheGorgecastthesoundthiswayandthat,inanhorridwhisperingofechoes;sothatwedidnotknowwhetherthesoundbemadenightous,orafarupwardintheeternityofthenight,whereIdidsupposethemountainstobejoinedovertheGorgeinamonstrousroofinthatpart.

Andpresently,thestrangenoisingsdiedintheupwardheight,andallaboutus;andtheutterdisgustofthestinkwentfromus;sothatweknewthattheMonsterhadgonepastus,anddidmakedownwardthroughthedarkGorge;andmayhapthentosomeloneanddreadfulcavernoftheworld,asIdidthink.

And,indeed,asIdomind,Ihadasuddenwonderatthattime,andotherwhiles,asitdidchance,whetherthiswaydidbetrulytheoldenwaythatthePeoplesoftheLesserRefugedidtravelintheOldenDays.Andsurely,asIdidsuppose,theyhadcomesomeotherway,ortheGorgetobedifferentandlessdreadfulinthefar-offyears.Andthisthingyoushallagreewithmetobeareasonablethinking.

AndafterthattheMonsterhadgoneagoodwhilewewentonwardagain,andwithagreatcaution;anddreadingalwaylestthatwecomeuponthatMonster,in

thedarkness;butyetdidweknowbysmell,andbyallourconsciousness,whetherthatwecamenighuntooneofthemonsterSlugs.

Then,intheendofthefifthhourinthedarkpartoftheGorge,wecamebythemouthofthatgreatcavern,uponourleft;andyoutorememberthesame.

AndImadepauseinthedarkness,andhadtheMaidverygentlebythearm,thatsheshouldlookwithme.AndIwhisperedhowthatIpastthisplace,tomyright,uponmineupwardway,andhowthatIdidthinktheretobea-plentyofmonstercavernswithinthemountainsthatmadethesidesoftheGorge,andthat,mayhap,theSlug-Creatureshadthereanhomeinsuchplaces,orcameup,itmightbe,fromsomeutterstrangedeepnessandmysteryofthegreatworld.

AndtheMaiddidbideverycloseuntome,andsilent,whilstthatIwhispered;fortheterroroftheplacedidbeonher,yetnottomakeherlackingofcourage,butyettoputamonstrousaweuponherandagreatandnaturalfear;andIlikewise,asyoudoknow.

Andwestayedthere,wherewedidbe,alittlemoment,andlookeddownwardintothebowelsofthemonstercavern;andtheshineofthefire-holebeatoverthecaverninthenearpart;buttheredidbeanuttermysteryanddeathlydarkbeyondtheshiningofthepitthatdidbewithin,asyoushallremember.

And,inverity,aswestayedbuttoglance,Iperceivedthattherelayhumpedthingsaboutthefire,andsometobeblack-seeming,andsometohaveaseemingofwhiteness,butwithnosurenessinthecolourtomineeyes.

Andtherecameamovinginoneofthehumptthings,sothatitdidbeasthatanhilldidwakeuntoanhorridlife.AndimmediatelyIknewthatthehumpsdidbesomeuttermonsters,mayhapseventhegreatSlugs,a-slumberaboutthefire-pitthatdidburninthatstrangedeeplycavern.AndIsawthatIdidillforourlives,thatIshouldpauseevenforalittlemomenttosuchstaring.

AndimmediatelyIwhisperedtoMineOwnthatwegowithallourspeed;for,indeed,IknewnotwhetherthatournearnesshadwakedthatMonster,orwhetherthatithadbutwakedbychance.Andtruly,Iwasuttereagerthatwebegonefromthatplace,soswiftaswemight.

AndwewentonthenthroughallofthesixthhourthatwedidbeintheSlugpartoftheGorge,asInamedituntomyself.Andinallthathour,theredidnothing

harmfulcomeanigh;only,asIdidknowpresently,therecameanuneaseuponourspirits,butyettobeverylittleatthattime,andwetobescarceknowingofit.Andalway,aswewent,theredidbedarknessforthemost,andodd-whilesavaguemurmuringofthenightfarabove,asitdidseem;andpresentlythedullglareofafire-pittoshineoutfaroffbelowusintheGorge,andtoseemverydimandunrealuntous,byreasonofthesmokesandthefumesthatmadeahazeandadistasteintheGorge.

Andpresently,themurmuringofthenighttogrowsomewhat,and,afterward,thesoundofthemutteringofthefire-pittocomeuntous;andthemurmuringtodieuntoourearsthatdidbehearingnowonlythedullmuttering,andsowetoknowthatthemurmuringofthenightdidbetrulythefar-offmutteringofthefire-holes,andoureyestoguideourhearing,andourreasontoexplainandknitthesounds;andsowetopassbythefire-holewithagreatquietandcautionandeverwithwatchfulness,asyoushallsuppose.Andafterwardagainintothedark;andpresentlyagainthemurmuring,totellthatwecameuntoanotherofthefire-pits,thatwasyetafaroffintheGorge,andmadedimechoesinthenight.

Andalwaywewentverywatchful,andingrimfear;butwithsteadfastnessandgoodintentiontowinforthoutofthatdesolationandhorror,andhavingalwaysogreataspeedasthedarknessandthedangersandthetroubleofthewaydidallow.

AndinthisplaceIwillmakeexplanationwhythatIspeaksomewhilesoffire-pitsandotherwhilesoffire-holes;fortheholesdidbethosefiresthatburnednightothebrimoftheholes;butthepitswerethoseplaceswherethefirewasdeeplyintheearth.AndthisthingIgiveforyourenlightenment,evenonasmallmatter;sothatyoushallhaveaclearknowledgetoabidewithmealltheway;andyoutoagreeofthisforwisdom,andItobepleasedthatyousoagree.

Andherealso,Ishouldtellthattheredidnotcomeamutteringfromallofthefire-holesandthefire-pits;butmayhapfromthisone,andmayhapnotfromthatone,accordingtothewayofthefiretherein.Andthisshallbeplainuntoyou.

Andsoshallyouseeusgo,andthesmokeandthebitternessofthesulphurtobeallaboutus;andoddwhilesthemurmuringofafar-offpit,andofttheuttersilence;andtopassthistimealonesomefire-hole;andafterwardtheutterdark,orthehalf-gloom,allasmightchance,accordingtothenearnessofthefires.Andupwardintheeverlastingnight,thegrimmountainstomakearoofoverus,

asIdidsuppose.

Andallthiswhiledidtheunease,ofwhichIhavetold,makeuponus;sothat,presently,MineOwnwhispereduntomethethingthatalreadymyspiritdidhalftoperceive,thattherecameafterusthroughthenightsomeharmfulthing,thatdidbesurelynogreatwayoff,asIdidfeelwithinme,andtheMaidtohavealikewaysbelief.

And,trulyIthoughtatonceuponthatBrutethatdidwakedownwardinthemightyCavern,wheredidbethegreatinwardfire-hole,asIhavetold;butwhetherthisdidbetrueknowledgethatwedidbechasedinthedarkbythatthing,orwhethertherecameafterussomeotherMonster,Icouldhavenosureness;butonlythatwedidbechased,andofthisIhadassuredness.

AndIsettheMaidbeforeme,thatIhavemyselfreadytothedangerthatfollowed;andwemadeforwardagainthen,soquickaswewereabled;andshewentverywisely;forshehadgoodwitandhadnotedthewaysofmyleading.

Andwewentthusuntiltheendoftheseventhhour.Andsurely,inthattime,weheardthemurmuringinthenightwhichtoldofafire-holesomewisebeforeus;andsoontohavetheredglareplaintooureyes,andthenoiseofthemurmuringtodieawayintothenearermutterofthefire;andsopresentlytobeanigh;andwetomakeforwardwithagoodspeed,becausethatwefearedutterlythethingthatmadequietchaseofusthroughthenight.

AndoftIdidlookbackward,andsmelttheair,thatIknowwhetheritdidbeamonsterSlug-beastthatchasedus;buttheredidbenoworsenessofthesmell,totellmeaught.

Andalway,Ididbefrettedintheheart,thatwecouldmakenogreaterspeed;but,indeed,asyoushallperceive,ourgoingdidbebutaslowthinginthedarkplaces,andeventhuswehadmanyasoretumblingandbruising.

Andbythis,wewerecomealmostuntothefire-hole;andimmediately,IsawthatIknewtheplace,fortherewentupwardbesidethefire,agreatjaggednessofrock,thatIhadseenuponmineupwardway.

Andsurely,IcaughttheMaidinaninstant,andbenther,andshequicktoobeywithherbody.Andwewerebothimmediatelyhiddownwardamongtheboulders.AndthisIdid,becauseImindedhowthattheredidbemanyofthe

Monstersnightothissamefire-hole,asIdidgouponmineupwardway.

Andwewentforwardthenwithanuttercare;butyettokeeponward,becausethattheredidbesomewhatinchaseofus.And,inverity,whenthatwewerecomeoppositeuntothefire-hole,IsawthattheredidbesevenofthemonsterSlugsagainstthefarsideoftheGorge,anddidbeallsetupontheirbelliesagainstthecliff,andtheirhorridheadstobehidintheupwarddark,andtheirtailstolieverygreatandsoft-seeminginthebottomofthegorge,upontheboulders.

And,lo!theMaidtouchtme,andshedrewmetolookuponthenearcliffoftheGorge.AndtrulytheredidbethreeoftheBrutishThingslaidupwardthere,andafourthdidbehumpedsomewhatuponagreatledgethatdidbeupwardoftheGorge,andjusttobeplaintooureyes.

Andsurely,itwasasthatwedidbeallsurroundbysuchMonsters,andtomaketheheartsink,andfeartolieuponourhopefulness.But,indeed,theMaidshowedagoodspirit,andItohavefiercedeterminingthatwecomefreeofthatGorge,andafterward,intime,untoourMightyHome.

Andwemadeforwardagain,anddidgocreepingamongtherocksandtheboulders;andsocamepresentlypastthatplace,andhadnotwakedtheMonsters,ifthatindeedtheydidtrulysleep.

AndImadehaltamomentuponthefarborderofthelightfromthefire-hole,andIlooktbackwarduptheGorge,perchancethatIshouldseethethingthatfollowedus.But,indeed,therecamenothingoutofthedarkoftheupwardGorge,sothatIknewthattheredidbesomesafespacetoourbacks,whichdidbetrulyacomfortingthing.

AndhereIshouldtellhowthattherewasnogreatstinkinginthatplacewheredidbesomanyoftheSlug-beasts,andthistopuzzleme;andintheendtomakemethinkthatsomeofthosehorridthingsdidstenchmoregreatthanothers;butyetItohavenocertaintyinthismatter,asyoudoperceive.And,truly,thisthingtroubledme;forIhadbeencomfortedthatmynoseshouldtellmewhenthatthethingthatmadechaseofusshoulddrawnighinthedarkness;andnow,inverity,Iknewnotwhattohaveforassurance;fortheawarednessofthespiritwasbutavaguething,andnomoreinsuchamatter,thanafeelingasofaninwardwarning.

Andwewentonwardthenforagreathour,andwithanhorriduneaseuponus;andthricewedidgobyfire-pitsinthedarkness;andalwayImadepauseuponthefarsideofthelight,thatIshouldlookbackward;butdidhavenosightofaught;yetdidmyspiritormyfearswarnmewithnewfear,andagreatersenseofnearness;andtheMaidtoconfessalsotothisthing.

Now,wesawnotanyoftheSlugsforalongwhile,neitherhadtherebeenanyaboutthethreefire-holes;andtheairoftheGorgewasgrownsomethingsweetandfreesomewhatofthestenchofdead-seemingthings;butyettobeverybitterwithfumingsandsmokeandsulphurstinks.

Andlo!inthemiddleofthetenthhour,aswedidgo,painfulandwithanxiousnessinaverydarkplaceoftheGorge,therecameuntousagainthesmellthattoldtousthatoneoftheMonstersdidbeanigh.Andsurelywehadbothagreatfear,inthatwehadbeliefthatitdidbeasignthatthethingthatmadechase,diddrawnearuponus.ButyetdidItousemyReasonalso,andtoknowthatthestinkmightbefromsomeMonsterthatwewerecomenightointhedarknessofthatplace;andIwhisperedthisuntotheMaid,andshetosay,veryhusht,thatitmightbeso;buttohavenobelief;andItobelikewise,asyoudosee.

Andwepushtforwardatanewspeed,andhadmanybitterfalls,sothatwedidbeallbruised;butnottoknowitatthattime,becausethatourfeardidbesokeen.Andoftwemadealittlepauseandharkt;buttheredidbeonlythedismaldripofwaterfromonhigh;andpresentlythemurmurofthenight,thattoldthatwedrewnearuntoanewfirepit.

Andsurelythiswasagreateasementtoourspirits,inthatweshouldhavelighttoperceiveourdanger,andmayhaptowinfree.Buttobeinthatutterdark,wasathingtobreakthecourage,andtobreedbeliefthatwedidbeutterhelpless,andallwraptinhorroranddespair.

Andthestinkgrewever,aswemadeforward;sothatIknewnotwhethertheredidbegreatMonstersbesidethefire-pitthatwastoourfront,asIhavetold,orwhetheritmadeplaintheadvancingofthePursuer.Andweonlytobeabletomakeourbestspeed,andtobewearywithhopethatwerushnotblindintodeath;andalwaytobechilledinthebackwiththebeliefthatthethingthatmadechasedidbeverycloseinthatutterdark,andtogainuponus.

Andweknewnotwhethertomakeourbelieftobethetellingsofthespiritortheutteringsofourfears;andsoshallyouperceiveourplight;andwebuttobeabletomakeforward.And,inverity,thedreadfulnessofthattimedothshakemenowtothinkupon,andyoualso,ifthatyouhavegottenmytellingstoyourhearts,sothatyourhumansympathydothbewithme.

Andtherecamepresentlytoourearsthefarmutterofthefire-pit,sothatverysoonthemurmuringwaslosttousinthenight,andonlytheslowmuttertobeplain.Andthedullloomingofthefireshoneafaroff,throughthenightandthesmokeandfumings;andwetoagreatspeed,andtopantwithfear;butyetwithafreshnessofhopeagaintosweetenus.

Andwecamenightothefire-pit,andlo!thesmelldidbegrownverydrearandfoul;buttheredidbenoSlug-Beastnearthefire.Andbythis,weperceivedthatwedidbetrulyinanutterdanger,inthatthePursuerdidbeuponus,andthestinkingtotellthistobetruth,andourspiritstohavewarnedusverystrongandproper.

AndIstoptneartothefire-pit,whichdidbegreat,andveryred-glowing;andIlooktupwardoftheGorge,intothenightoftheGorgethatwedidcomefrom;buttheMonsterwasnotyetuponustoworkourdeath.AndIlookttothesidesoftheGorge,andtheMaidtohavethesamethoughtthatdidbemine,thatweclimbthemountainsthatmadethesidesoftheGorge.

AndIlooktverykeenfirsttothisside,andthendidrunoverward,thatIlookmorecloseupontheother;andafterwardbackagain;foritdidseemthatweshouldhaveagreatereaseuponthesidethatwedidbe.

AndIaskttheMaidwhetherthatshedidbeprepared;andshetobeverywhiteandwearied,andallbesmirchedwiththedanknessandgrowthsuponthebouldersandthehiddenpoolsoftheGorgeandthedrippingofthewaters;butyetdidshebesoundinhercourage,andtoshowthatshehadallbeliefandabidinginme,andherjudgementlikewisetobewithmine,inthatherownReasondidapprove.

AndItookthebundleofhertornclothingfromher,foritdidbeathergirdle,andliketotroublehermovings;butshetorefuse,verydetermined,inthatIdidbealreadyover-burdened.AndItobefirminmydeciding,andtomakehertoyieldthebundle,thewhichIhooktuntothe"hold"oftheDiskos,whereitdidbe

tominehip.

AndtheMaidtobethere,alittlefigure,andwhiteintheface,andstrangelyangered,andherangermixtwithhiddenacknowledgementthatIdidbehermaster,andhalftobemindedthatshemovenotfromwhereshedidstand,andparttobereasonableandfearfulofthehiddenBeast;andinpartalsotothrillinherwomanhooduntothemanthatdidbesomasterfuluntoher.Andalltopassinalittlemoment,andwetobetotheGorgeside,andbusiedveryeagertotheclimb.

AndtheMaidtobefirst,asIdidheed,andItofollow,andhaveconstantlookingtothetaskandtohersafety,andalwaytobebitteranxiousforourspeedtobegood,andtobeanxiousthemorethen,lestthatMineOwnshouldslip;fortheredidbeanhorridwetnessuponthesidesoftheGorge,asyoushallhaveguessed,andhorridgrowthsthatblotchedthegreatrocksmightily,andmadeanutterslipperiness,ifthattheydidbetrodupon;andwetohavetocomesoclearofallsuchmatters,aswemight,andyettobespeedyforourlives,andlikewisetolacknocareandthoughttothesettingofourhandsandofourfeetinplacesfittedtotheliftingofourweight.

Andtrulyyoushallseethatwewentverydesperate,andItogivewordtotheMaidthatshelooknotdownward,thewhichIwasurgentupon,lestthatshecomegiddyintheheart.ButI,asyoushallthink,couldscarcetokeepfromfearfulpeeringsbelow,sothatIlearnspeedywhetherthePursuerdidcomeyetintothelightofthefire-hole,beneath.

Andpresently,theMaiddidgaspveryweakandtroubledwiththesorenessoftheclimb;andIcamehigher,andsetminearmabouther,aswedidbethereuponthefaceofthecliff;andshestoptverystillalittlewhile,andaneasedidcometoher,andanassuranceofsafety.Andsurely,Ikisthertherewherewedidbeinthatupwardplace,andherlipsdidtrembleuntomine;andhercourageandstrengthtocomebackintoher,sothatinaminuteshedidmakeoncemoretotheclimbing.

Andwecamepresentlytoaplacewhereagreatledgedidbe,thatjuttedoutfromthemightycliff,andwassurelyahugewayabovetheGorgebottom.Andtheledgesloped,andtherewereontheledge,greatstonesandbouldersthatdidmakelodgementtherethrougheternity.

AndIlooktverycarefultoourway,andsawthatwedidbeinthepathofamightyrockthatwasover-nighuntotheedgeoftheshelf-place,anddidputfearuponme,inthatitseemedthatitshouldcomedownwithgreatthunderinguponus,ifthatwebutshooktheplacewhereitdidbe.

AndIcaughttheMaidveryswiftandgentle,andshapedourpathuntoonesideofthatgreatrock,anddidpresentlylosemyfear,whenthatwedidcomesafefromunderit.

Andinaminuteafter,wewerecomeupwardupontheledge,andaverysafeplaceitdidseem,andsurelyasthatnomonstershouldbeabledtocomeupwarduponus.AndthisIdidtrytomakeforcomfortuntoourselves;butthatwebothtoknowhowthatthegreatSlugscouldlieupagainstthesidesoftheGorge,andsurelyitdidbelikethattheyshouldbeabletocomeupwardclearoftheGorge,andsototheplacewherewemadetohavesafety.AndIhadnothoughttodenythisthing,whenthatitwascleartomybrain;butsetratherthatweshouldhavesomewaytofighttheMonster,ifthatwedidbediscovered.

AndIthoughtinamomentuponthestonesthatdidbeabout;andtheMaidinthesamemomentcriedoutthatweshouldpushthebigrockdownupontheSlugthatwebelievedtohavechaseofus,andindeed,therocktobeagreatweapon,ifwecouldbutstirit,asyoushallthink.

Andalway,aswetalked,veryhushed,welooktdownwardintothedeepnessoftheGorge,untotheupwardendofthefire-light;buttherecamenothingyetuntoourknowledge,onlythatthestinkingdidriseuptousthroughthatgreatdistance.

Andthefire-pittoseemnowaverysmallburning,andtogivenogreatlightuptous;andweneithertobeabledtoseeveryclearoftheGorgebottom,inthatthehazeofthefumesandthesmokewasintheairoftheGorge,andmadeuncertainty;andwetobenowiseproperfreeofthesmoke,evenwherewedidbe.

Andwewatched,verysetwithanxiousnessandfearfulexpectingofthemonster;anddidbebothyetlostofbreath,andtheMaidthatshemadeherwordssomethingbrokenforalittlewhile.

Andlo!inamoment,Naanicriedoutverylowandsharpthatthethingdidcome;andItoseeamovingofsomewhat,inthesameinstant,intheGorgethat

layupontheupwardsideofthefire-pit.

AndimmediatelyIsawthegreatandmonsterheadoftheBeastcomeforwardintotheshinefromthepit;andtheheaddidbeofablotchedwhite,andtohavetheeyesupongreatstalksthatcamefromtheforwardpartofthehead;andthestalkstobesetdownward,sothattheeyeslooktuponthebottompartsoftheGorge.Andsurelythisdothbeveryhorrid-seemingtothemindofthisage,butyettohavealessstrangenessuntothetwoofusthathadseenmanyhorridsights,asyoudoknow.

AndastheMonstercameforwardthemoreintothelight,Isawthatthegreatanduttermightybulkdidbeallofthatsamewhiteness,thatdidbesosetoverwithblotchingsandaseemingofunhealth.But,trulythecolourwaspropertoacreaturethatdidabideinsogreatadarkness,asyoushallsay,yethadthoseSlugsthatwedidsee,beenblackandshining,forthemost,asIhavetold;andthistobeasIsaw,andInottoheedherethatItryuntoexplainingsinthisplace;elseshouldIbenevereasedofmytask,asyoudosee.

AndtheMonsterSlugcameonward,andasitdidgo,itsetthestalksoftheeyesinamongtheboulders,asthatitdidsearch;swayednowthiswayandnowthatway,fromsidetosideoftheGorge,andalwayitpushedthestalksoftheeyesinwardamongtheboulders;andsotogoforward,searching.Andtrulyitwasverydreadfultoseethethingmakesearchforus,andtogososteadfasttosodreadapurpose.

And,indeed,Isawitnotsoplainasmightbe,becauseofthehazeofthefumesandthesmokethatdidlieintheairoftheGorge,asIhavetold,andmadesomethingvaguethesightatthistimeandthat;butyetwedidbothseeastrangething;forwhenthatthegreatwhitebodydidbecomehalfintothelight,theSlug-Beastsetoutabigtongueamongtheboulders,afterthatitdidpeerthereunder;andthetonguedidbeverylong,andwhite,andsomethingthin-seeming;andtheMonsterlappedinwardinamomentagreatsnakefromamongtheboulders,andthetonguedidholduponthesnake,asthattheredidbesurelyteethorroughnessuponthetongue;butyetthedistancetobetoogreatforanysuretyofthesight,asyoudoknow;andmoreover,theredidbetheuncertaintyofthehazewithintheair.

AndtheSlugtookthesnakeinward,allasitdidlashandwriggle,andswalloweditinamoment;and,inverity,thatsnakedidbeabigandhorrid

creature,elsehaditbeennotsoplaintooursight;butitdidbeasawormuntothemonster,andgoneinstant.

Andimmediately,theSlug-Beastwentagaintosearching,andtheheadtoswayfromthissideuntothatsideoftheGorge;andbythewidenessandeaseofthisswayingshallyouperceivetheuttergreatnessoftheBeast.

Andalway,asitdidcomedownwardoftheGorge,itthrustthestalksoftheeyesinwardamongtheboulders,lookingallways;andoftthebreathdidcomefromit,asacloud;andthestinktoriseupuntous,veryplainandanabomination.Andagain,wesawtheBeastsetthetongueinamongthebouldersoftheGorgebottom;anditlicktforthasnakethatdidseemsothickasamaninthebody,andthesnaketothrashinthegreatwhitetongue,andtobeimmediatelydrawninward,andgoneutter.

Andsurely,asthethoughtdidstirinme,theredidbeagreatMercyoverus,inthatwedidnotdiebysuchaserpentinsomedarkandhorridplaceoftheGorge.Butyet,asitisliketobe,mayhapthesnakesdidbeonlyanightothefire-holes;yetdothitbeanywiseawondrousthingthatwehadcomesofreeofthemalway;andtrulytolearn,wastobegivenanewterror.

NowtheMonsterwascomefullyintotheshiningofthefire-pit,andwasuponthisside;andthefiretomakeashiningagainstthesideoftheSlug,sothatoddwhilesIdidperceiveveryplainthehugewrinklingsandmusclingsoftheskin,astheBeastmadeonward.Andalwayitdidsearch,thrustingintheeye-stalksamongtheboulders.

Andsudden,itmadepause,anddidbeginthatitbroughtallthemightybodytogether,andhumptitself,andbroughtthehead-partrounduntothebottomofthecliffthatmadethissideoftheGorge.Anditgathereditself,andafterwarddidlengthenupwardagainstthecliff,andbegintoclimb.Andlo!IsawthattheBeastdidscentofus,andmadetocomeupwardtodestroyus.

Andasthemightyhillofthebodydidcomeintolengthagainstthegreatcliff-side,theBeastsettheeye-stalksintothiscaveandthat,asitdidgo,andintoallcrannies;andsolengthenedupwardverystraightandmonstrousanddreadfuluntous,anddidbeasawhiteandmildewedhill,thathadanhorridlife.Andthestinktocomeup,sothatwedidbeliketoloseourbreathwiththedreadfulnessofit,asyoushallthink.

Andsurely,foramoment,Ilookeduntotherocksupontheledge,andthiswayandthatway,andupwarduntotheeverlastingdarknessthatdidbeaboveus,andagainuntothegreatrockthatdidseemtoquiverupontheedge,asIhavetold.AndIwasgrownutterdesperateinamoment;for,truly,itdidseeminthatinstantthattheredidbenopowerintheworldthatshouldslaysouttermightyaMonster.

Andimmediately,evenasIdiddespair,Ihadrunveryswiftuntothegreatrock,andtheMaidwithme,bothverystrainedandshakenwiththehorrorofthethingthatdidmakeupwarduntoussosureandintent.

AndIsetmystrengthuntotherock,andheaved;butindeedtherockgavenotfromtheplacewhereitdidbe;sothatIhadadreadfuldespair;forIsawthatitdidbemoresecurethanhadseemed.AndtheMaidlentherstrengthuntomine,andweheavedtogether,withsorepantings,andlittlecriestoguideourendeavoursandbecausewecouldnotbecontainedinthatmoment.

Andsurelyitseemedthatthegreatrockmoved,andlo!aswestrovetogethertothetask,therecameavastandsuddengrinding,andtherocktoceasefromourshoulders,andtobegonefromus,orscarcewedidwotofthehappening.Andtherockwentover,andrusheddownwardupontheMonster,andwithmightycrashings,asitdidgrindandcrushthefaceofthecliff-sidewithaquickandconstantthundering.AndIcaughttheMaid,asshedidstaggeruponthatdireupwardedgebecausethatshehadsetherstrengthsouttertotheendeavour,andtherocktobegonesosudden,asyoudosee,andshetobeliketofollowafter.Andsheclunguntome,andItoholdherverysafeasIlooktdownuponthefallingoftheRock.Andbehold!theGreatRocksmotetheMonsterinthehumptpartoftheback,belowofthehead,anddidenterintotheMonster,evenasabulletdothstrike,andwasgoneinstantfrommysightintotheVitals.

AndtherecameamightysoundofanguishfromtheMonster;andtheMonsterdidloosenfromthecliff,andtocrumple,asitdidseem,andsinkbackward.AndagreatsteamofdreadbreathingtogoupwardfromtheBeast,andareek;anditmadeagainthestrangeandhorridnoiseofpain,andtheGorgetobeyetfulloftheechoesoftheRockthundering,andwiththenoiseoftherocktherewasnowmingledthehorridsoundingofthedeath-cryingoftheBeast.AndtheGorgetobefilledwithdullanddreadfulechoings,asthatanhundredMonstersdiedinthisplaceandthatofthedarknessintheGorge,andalltobebredofthenoiseofthatmildewedhilla-dying.

Andtheechoesceasednotforawhile,evenafterthattheMonsterdidbeutterquiet;fortrulytheycamepresentlyfromfarupwardanddownwardoftheGorge,outofalltheeternityofthenight,andtobeasthattheycamebackwardveryfaintoutoflonesomemiles,andoutofthestrangedeepnessofunknowncavernsoftheworld.Andsointheendtosilence;andthefarbottomoftheGorgetobefilledwithawhiteandhorridhill,verydreadful,andthatdidyetquivertoshowtheslownessofDeath.Andalwayadreadfulreekandstinkingtofillalltheair,evenuntotheheight,asofthegrave.

AndIstoodupwardinthatfar,highplace,andheldtheMaidverystrongandtender;andshetohavecoveredherearsfromthatdreadfulcrying;andtobeyetshakenwiththegreatnessandhorrorofthedyingoftheMonster,andthenearnessthatshedidcomeuntofalling,asyouhaveseen.

Andpresentlyshecamelesstotremble,anddidweepveryeaseful,evenasababedothweep;andI,mayhap,tobenotover-steady,asyoushallthink;butyettohaveagreatgladnesssetinmyheart,andatriumph,andanuttergraceofthankfulness.

AndIheldMineOwn,verytenderandsure,asIdidsay;andsheverysoontobeeasedofhertrouble,andtheshocktobesomethinggonefromher.Andshelooktupatme,andsliptherarmsupwardaboutmyneck,andpulledmedownwarduntoher,thatshemightkissme.

Andwetotalkthen,ofthegoingdown;andsurelythisdidseemagreatanddangeroustask;for,truly,wehadcomeupwardprettyeasyintheexcessofourfear;buthowwemightgodown,withourbloodcool,Ididbeallindoubt.

Yet,beforethatwedidaughtelse,IledtheMaidupwardontothesafepartoftheledge;andwesatthere,veryquietandweary,andshedidbeleanedagainstme.Andweeat,eachofus,twoofthetablets,andItoscoldandcoaxMineOwntothisend,andshetoobeyandtobebetterafterward,becausethatshehadeat.Andwedranksomeofthewater,anddidrestatimelonger.

Andpresently,ourcourageandstrengthwascomebackintous;andwepacktthescripagain,andtheMaidsetitfasttomyback;andwewentthentotheedgeoftheshelf,andlooktdownward,thiswayandthat;andsurely,theredidbenowaytogo,savethewaywecame;onlythatwemightshapeourdownwardclimbingtobringusalittlebelowthatplacewherethedeadMonsterdidbe.

AndIsawbymineownheartandbythepalenessoftheMaid,thatweshoulddowellthatweconsiderthethingnomore;butmaketothetask.

AndIwentimmediatelyovertheedgeoftheshelf,uponmybelly,andIbadeNaanitofollow.Andwebeganthenthatwegodownward;and,inverity,wewentdownwardfor,mayhap,agreathour;andIgavehelpalwayuntoMineOwn,asIcould;andshetocomeaftermeverybrave,andmadethatsheholdbackherfear,andcomedownwardofthatcliff,thatdidbeoftliketoamightywall.Andsurely,evenaswecamedown,Imarvelledhowwedidevergoupward,eventhoughfeardidaidus;but,indeed,Idothinkitdothbeeasiertoclimbsafely,thantocomebackward;forthisishowIhavefound.

Andwemaderestthriceuponledgesofthecliff.Andafterwardcamedownwardagain;andalwayveryslowandwithexceedingheedwhereourhandsandourfeetdidgo,thatweslipnotsuddenlytoourdeath.

Andonce,asIdidsee,theMaidwaslostofallherstrength,anddidbegoingtofall,becausethatshedidbeallgoneintoasuddenweaknessoftheheadinaninstant.Andshedidbesilent,eveninthatmoment,thewhichdothbemarvellousuntome,andtogivemeastrongprideofher,asyoushallunderstand,ifthateveryouhaveloved.Andsurely,Icameupward,inamoment,thatlittlespacethatwasbetween,andhadminearmaboutMineOwnveryswift,andheldherhardandfierceagainstthecliff;andthisIdidthatsheshouldfeelhowthatshecouldneverfall;andimmediately,herstrengthandherdearcouragecamebackintoher;andIkisther,thereagainstthemightycliff;andafterwardshedidhavepoweragaintocomedownwardsafe.

AndpresentlywewerecometotheGorgebottom,andmaybeanhundredpacesdowntheGorgefromthatplacewheredidbethedeadMonster,allsunkintoanuglyandhorridheap,sogreatasasmallhill.

AndadreadfulstinkingdidhanginallthatpartoftheGorge,byreasonoftheSlug;andsignsofdisgust,asyoushallthink;andthegreatandmildewedbodyofthethingyettosettleandtwitch,asIdidlook,asitdidcomeproperlyuntodeathinallthatmightybulk.Andeverywhere,theskinoftheBeastdidbesetintogreatwrinklings,andhorridblotchingstobeupontheimproperwhitenessthereof;andtrulyIdidbeinhastethatIturntheMaidawayfromthatthing,andthatwehastedownwardoftheGorge.

Andwewentthenfortwogoodhours,andalwayIdidheartentheMaid,andshetogoveryhushtandtrustfulbyme;buttrulyIdidbeinananguishofheart,becausethatIwasnewlyawarethattheredidbesuchgreatanddreadfulserpentsinthatpartoftheGorge,asyoudoalsoknow.AndIwasnotover-fearedformyself,butfortheMaidthatdidhavenoarmourtoprotectherdearbody.AndbecausethatIwassosetwiththistrouble,ItooktheMaidpresentlyintominearms,thatIcarryher,andsotohaveherclearofaughtthatshouldlieamongtheboulders.

And,inverity,MineOwndidshowanangerverysurprisinganddetermined;forIsaidnotwhyIshouldcarryher—fearingtogiveheragreaterunease—butonly

thatshedidbeweary,andIverystrongandwilling.

And,indeed,Icouldnotbringhertoreason,withoutItoldher,whichwasnotmineintent;forshedidrefusemetocarryher;andsaidthattrulyIhadneedofnoaddedburdenuntomylabours.

AndwhenshesawthatIwouldnotbemovedbyherreasonings,shemadetowinuponmebyherlovingways;but,indeed,Ionlykisther;andwentforwardwithherinminearms.Andshehalfnaughty,thatIdidbesoheedlessofherwishings,andsomewisehurtalso;andsotobesilentinminearms;yetmayhaptobesomethingstirredinhernature,thatIdidbesteadfasttomineintention,despitethatherwilldidbecontrary.

AndthisIdobelievetobetruth,becausethat,afterward,Idothinkthatshelaythereinminearms,onlyasawomanthatdothbeinthehandsofherMasterthathathallherlove.

Andinthiswisewewentforward.

Andintheendofthetwohoursthatwedidgo,therewascometheendofthedarkpartoftheGorge;andwetobeoutwardofthatmightyroofofthemountains,asIdothinkittohavebeen;andtheairtobefreeofthestinkoftheMonsters,andthefire-holestobeveryplenty,andtheirsmokingstogoupwardveryproper;sothatwehadnomorethebitternessoftheirfumingsinourthroats.

Andtheredidbeaprettygoodlight,togobythecontrastofthepasthours;andIsetMineOwnagaintoherfeet,andmadethatshekeeptomyrearward,sothatiftheredidbeanyserpentstoourpath,theyshouldcomefirstundermyfeet,andthiswisetoworknoharmtome,becauseofminearmour,neithertoNaani,MineOwnMaid.

Nowbythistime,itwassomewhatofnineteengreathourssincewedidsleep;forwehadbeenalongwhilemakingthatwecomesafefromtheSlug;and,indeed,wehadcomedownwardwithalessspeedthanIdidgothroughuponmineupwardway,asyoushallmind;andthistobethatMineOwndidnothavethehardstrengththatwasinmybodytotheenduringofgreatlabourandstress;andthissurelyalltobeplainuntoyouthathavebeenwithmeinallmyjourney.And,moreover,theremustbekepttomindthethreehoursthatwehadgone,erewewerecomeproperintothedarkpartoftheGorge;andsoalltobe

remembereduntoyou;andalsoyoutomindthatwedidbewakefulatime,erethatwesetforwarduponthatday'sjourneying.

Andwedidgoalmostinjoyous-wise,becausethatwewerecomesafeoutofthatdreadfulplace;andsurely,oddwhilesIdidfeelthehandsofMineOwnNaughtyOnetobehooktveryprettyandslyintothebackwardpartofmybelt,asthatshedidmakeapretendingthatshedrivemebeforeher;andsurelythisdothbeastrangethingtotellupon;fortheredidbenoknowledgeoftheoldenhorseinalltheeternityofthatdarkworld;butyet,maybe,somedearoldenmemory-dreamdidsetherhandsunconscioustothisprettywork.

And,inverity,onceIturnedverysudden,andhadherswiftintominearms,asshedidpretendtodriveme;andshetolaughwithasweetandjoyousgurgleagainstminearmour;andItoheedthatIhurthernot,becauseIdidbelikeanironmanthatshouldputarmsaboutatendermaid.

Andwelooktalwaynowforaplacethatshouldbepropertoourrestandtooursleep;andwhenitdidbecloseupontheendofthetwentiethhourofthatjourney,theMaidshowedmeacavethatwas,mayhap,fiftygoodfeetupwardintherightsideoftheGorge.

AndIlooktabout,andsawthattheredidbetwofire-holesanigh,andawarmspringtomakeabasinofwater,thatdidliebetweenthefires;andallverywellsettoourneed,asIdidperceive;for,indeed,wedidbeutterbesmirchedwiththefilthoftheSlugpartoftheGorge,andtoneedthatwebeniceandfitlywashed,beforethatwehaveanycomfortofourselves.

AndIbadeNaanitowaitalittleminute;andIlooktwelluptheGorgeandwelldowntheGorge;andlo!theredidbenothingtosetmeinunease;andItoldMineOwnthatshekeepasharpandsteadfastwatching,andnottoheedme;andthisIsaid,becauseIknewshedidbelikeotherwisetolookatmeandbeover-anxious,asIgoupwardtothecave;and,indeed,shetobebetteranywayinwatchoftheGorge,andtocryouttome,ifthatanythingcameanigh,whilstthatIwentupward.

AndImadeupwardtothecave;andwascomethereprettyquick;andtrulyitdidbegoodforourpurpose,andfresh-seeminganddry,andtohavenoholesthatIcouldseeforthehidingofcreepingthings.

AndIcalleddowngentlytotheMaidthatthecavedidbeproper;andsheto

showhergladness,andtobelookingupwardatme,insteadofthewayoftheGorge,asIsether;andtrulyshedidbeadearandhumanlittleMaid,andutterMine;sothatIdidfindanewjoyineachsmalllackofwisdom,andthisjustsomuchasthatshehaddoneawondrousproperthing.Andtruly,youshallsay,therewassomepropernesstoherheart,inthatshecouldabidenotbuttowatchme.

AndIwentquicklydowntoMineOwn;fortherewasalwayanuneaseuponme,savewhenIdidbenightoher,inchanceoftrouble.

AndwhenIwascomedowntoher,theMaiddidbeseemingalittleinthought;andafterwardshowedmehowthatshedidbeallinapitifuldisgustofthedirtandslimeandthedrippingsoftheGorge,thatdidbeonher,andhadmadehergarmentutterwetandbemired,sothatshedidfeelthatherverybodywasarepulseuntoher.

AndIsawhowitdidbewithNaani;andIwenttothewarmpool,andfeltthatitdidbenotover-hot,andafterwardfoundthedeepness,bythehandleoftheDiskos,andthistobescarceofthreefeet,andthewaterverycleartoshowmethebottom,sothatitwassurelyaniceandproperplacetobeforsuchapurposeasIdidthink.AndIsetsomeofthewatertomymouth,usingmyhand;andtrulytheredidseemnohurtfulchemicalinthewater;andthereforewasIeasedthattheMaidshouldhavethedesirethatIdidseetobeinhermind.

AndIsawthatIshouldbehelpfultoMineOwn,ifthatImakethearrangingofthingstobeinmineownhands.AndIwentbackuntotheMaid,andtoldherthatthepoolwasverynicetobeforabath-place;andthatshetohastetowashherself,whilsttheGorgedidbefreeofanyCreatureorMonster.

NowIsawthatNaaniwastroubled,andfearedthatIdidbegoingtoleaveher,andyetdidbepausedalittleinherwords,toshowmeallthatshedidwish.

Andsurely,Istooptandkisther,asshedidlooksowistfulinherlittlepuzzlement;andimmediatelyIremovedhertroubleverynatural,andtoldthatIshouldstandguardanightoher,thewhilethatshebathed.And,trulyshedidbeateaseonthemoment,andmayhapsomethingsurprisedtoknowwhereforeshehadbeensomethinga-lacktoaskme.But,intruth,itdidbeverynatural.

AndItoldhertobesoquickasshemight,whichwasaneedlessthingtosay,yettostarther;andshetogoquietlytoobeyme;butfirsttotakethecloakoutofthe

holduponmyshoulders,andtounfoldit,andsotothepool.AndItostandwithmybackthatwards,andtolean,ready,upontheDiskos.

Andpresentlyshedidbeinthewater,asIknew;andItobeherman,verysureandgentletoherandsedate.Andtruly,asyoushallthink,IdidlovethatIbetostandguardtoherinherdearmaidenhood;andshe,afterthatshewascheeredandwarmedbythedelightofthewater,tosingverylowandhappytoherself,whereshedidbetomyback.

And,sudden,thesingingtocease,andtheMaidscreamed;andItohavenothoughtofimpropermodestybutturnedinstanttotheMaid.Andinamoment,Isawwhatdidtroubleher;fortherecameaserpentoutofthewater;andtheMaidtobealladriftwithnaturalmodesty,andwithherfearoftheserpent.AndIwascomeintothepoolinamoment,inminearmour,anddidlifttheMaid,nakedandwetintominearms,andhadherinstantfromthewater,anduponthesideofthepool;andthereIwraptthecloakabouther;andranveryquickandkilledtheserpent,asitdidgooffwardsamongtheboulders.Andsurelyitdidbesothickasminearm,andtohavecomefromsomeholethatdidbehidinthebottomofthepool.

AndIcamebackthentoMineOwn,andtookherintominearms,andsetthecloakwellabouther;andshetocryandtotremblewiththeshockanddisturbanceofthething;butsoontobeeased,andreadytolaughwithme.

Andsoshewascomepropertoherhappinessagain,andIverygentleandjoyouswithher,fortrulymyhearthadbeensickthatshehadcomesonightothathorriddanger.

AndIeasedthescripfromme,andopenedit,andmadehertotaketwoofthetablets,andshetorefusetoeat,saveIcompanyheralso;andindeedIdidbeverywilling,fortrulymybellywasalwayempty.Andshetobeverygladtoeat,becauseshedidbecleannow,andtohavenomoredisgustofherself.Andafterward,wedranksomeofthewater.Andsoonwedidbefinished,andshetoaskforhergirdlethatIdidgiveherwiththeknife,asIhavesurelytold.Andshebeltedthecloakverygracefulabouther;andlooktverydearandprettywithherlittlebarefeet;andherhairverylovelyuponhershoulders,forshedidwearalwayintheGorgetheliningofmyhead-piece,andsohadherhairdryandsweet.

And,inverity,Ididmindnow,howthatshedidlookverybeautifulinherbath,asIhadgonetosuccourherfromthesnake;andItobenicelywholesomeinthisremembering,becauseofmylove,butyettobeknowingthatIwassweetlystirredtonewthings;anddidnotknowbeforethatamaidlooktinthesamemomentsoholyandsohuman.Andafterward,inoddwhiles,Iremembered;butnevertothinkovermuch,becausethatIdidfeelinwardlythatIshouldbegentlywiseinsuchthings;andyoutounderstandmyheartinthis,ifthateveryouhaveloved.

Andsurely,theMaidbroughtmefrommydreamingsverysensible,inthatshehadmetostand;andshewasgoneaboutmeveryswiftandnattywithherprettyfingers,thatsheeasemeofminearmour.

Andafterward,shebademetostripandwash,whilstthatshekeepwatchformeoftheGorge.AndshetooktheDiskos,andleaneduponit,verybraveandproper;butyet,asIdothink,withsomewhatofroguishnesswithinher,verydeephid,andscarceknownuntoherself.

AndIwarnedhertobeverywisewiththegreatweapon;foritdidfitonlytofightinmyhands,anddidbeliketocauseharmtoanythatshouldmeddlewithitormaketouseit,saveme.

AndNaanitonodthatshedidhearme,andtobehalfinfearofthething,andhalftofeelthatitdidbefriendlytoher;andsotostandguardforme;andtrulytoseemaverysweetandslendermaid,despitethebignessofthecloak;andthegreatweapontoseemmoregreatinhersmallhands;andtomindmehowstrongIdidbe.Andsurelyyoushallthinkmeinconceit;buttrulyIdidbegladtobesostrong;andaproperthingforpride,ifthattherebenoscornforotherstherein.Andyoutoagreewithmeinthisthing,ortobelackingofsympathyandgoodhumanunderstanding.

NowIwashtme,notbygoingdownintothepool;forindeedIdidnotwotwhethertherebeanymoresnakeshidthereinsomeotherhole.AndthewayIwasht,wasthatIdiptmyhead-pieceintothehotpool,andpouredthewateroverme,andrubbedmybodyverystrongwithmyhands;andtheretobe,surely,somecertainchemicalinthewaterthataidedmineefforts;forthewaterwentverysmoothundermyhands.

AndwhenIwasdone,Iwashtmypocket-clothveryspeedyinthepool,and

wrungit,anddidthenwipemybodysodryasIshould;andafterwardIwrungtheclothagain,andsetitaboutmyloins,andsotobeasproperasImight.

AndIdidcalltotheMaidthatIwasproper,andshetocomethenandkissme;andshegavebacktometheDiskos,andsetmethatIstandanightothenearerfire-hole,andsotobethatIshouldguardher,andinthesametimebecomefreeofthechilloftheGorge,whichwasnotgreatinthatplace.

AndsurelyIdidmeanthatIhelpher;butshewouldhavenohelpinherworkthatshedidsaytobehergladright;butbademethatItomineownworktobeherdearprotector,asshedidcallme.AndItoliftthatWilfulOneintominearms,amoment,andtogiveheraverylovinghug,andforthattimetohavenofearthatIharmher,becausethatIwasfreedofthehardnessofthearmouraboutme,asyoudoknow.

Andsurelyshetofeelverydearandprettyinminearms,andshekistmetheoncewithalittlepassionoflove;andimmediatelytowanttogofromme;sothatIfreedherinamoment,aswasevermyway.Andshethentopauseasmallspaceofffromme,andlooktatmewithalightinhereyes,andhalftoputoutherarmsthatshebetakenagainintomine;butsotocease,eresheyieldtoherheart;andturnedfrommeimmediatelytothetaskofthewashing.

Andshetookfirstmybody-vest,andwashtitveryquickandcleverinthepool,andafterwardcameoverbyme,andspreadituponthehotflatrockanightothefire-hole.

Andshegotthenmychangebody-vestfromthebundleofhertorngarments,whereshedidputittobewashtonopportunity,evenasnow;andmayhaptolikethatitshouldlieinherbundlewithherowngarments,forso,asIdomind,thethoughtcametomeverynatural;butshetosaynaughttoleadmethus;yettobeaveryhonestanddearMaid,andtohavelittlesecretwaysoflove,asIdidperceive,thatIdidnotbetoldof.

Andshewashtthesecondbody-vest,andsetittodrybythefirst;andafterwarddidlikewisewithallmygarments,andcamethentothewashingofherown.

Andlo!asshespreaditalsotothedrying,therecametomineheartthattheMaiddidhaveonlythisoneroughandthickgarment,thatdidbethearmour-suit,asIhavetold.Andsurelyitdidbedreadfulthatshehavethehardnessofthatstrongknittedandfibrousgarmenttobenexttoherdearbody,andItobein

comfortwiththesoftnessofmybody-vest.

AndIwasallangeredinamoment,thatshehadgonethiswise,whilethatIhadbeengentled,asitmightbe.AndIbadeNaanitakethesecondvesttoherownusewhenitdidbedry.Andshetolookupwardfromwhereshedidturnthegarmentsuponthehotrock;andtomeaninthefirsttodenyme.ButindeedshewasquicktoseethatIdidbetrulyinanger;andmineangertocomebecausethatIwashurtthatthisdidbe,andbecausethatIwasshamedthatshehadgonesorough-clad,thewhilethatIhadnothoughttothematter.Andmoreoverbecausethatshehadknownherlack,anddidnottellmeofthething.

ButyetIdidhaveagreattendernessinthebackwardpartofmineanger,becausethatIperceivedalltheunselfishnessanddelightofherlovethatdidbeaboutthislittlematter,asyoushallsee,ifyouhavegonealwaywithme.

Butmineangeryettobesomethinghard,becauseIdidseethatIhaveneedtowatchtheMaid,thatsheputnotherdearbodytopain,thatImightcomeunknowingtosomelittlepleasuringorease,asdidbenowasIhaveshown.Andtrulyitdidbesweetlydoneinlove;buttobesomewiselackingofjudgement;andsoshallyouknowsomewhatofthewaythatIdidbeangered,andtohaveunderstandingwithme;butifyouhavenot,youshallthinkittobenaught,andthattheMaiddidneedonlythatshebekist,andtobeshakenalittleinplayfulness,andwarnedtoheedthatIdidbeearnest;andmayhapyoutobesomewiseright,andnottoguessfarofffromtheinwarddeepnessofmyheart.ButyetitdothbeveritythatIwastrulyangered,andfittoshakeMineOwn,andinthesamemomenttobeuttertenderuntoher.Andsurelythisdothbeallacontradiction,andthehumanhearttobeawaywardthing,whetheritdothbeofamanorofawoman.

AndNaani,asIdothink,tohavelovedthechafeofthatroughgarmentforlove'ssake,andtogoveryhumbleandloving,asIlooktather;butinveritytobenevergonefromthesweetnaughtinessthatdidbealwayinherheart,andtoplaneveninthatmomentsomenewandsecretserviceuntome,thatshouldbeforherquietjoy,andtobehidfromme,untilthatmywitshouldcomeuponittouncoverit.Andinverityayoungmandothwantthathewhiphismaidandkissher,andallintheonemoment.And,indeed,hetohavedelightinboth.

Andsheobeyedmethattime,asalwaywhenIdidbeearnest,withoutmoreword.AndsurelythatNaughtyOnedidknowhowIlovedher.

AndtheMaidwashtthenhertorngarmentsthatdidbeinthebundle,andhadgottensoiledbytheslimeofthedarkpartoftheGorge.Andsheputthesetodry,andafterwardwashedminearmourandthescripandthepouchandthecloak-hold,andallsuchmattersofourgear;andsotobepresentlydone.

Andshewasheedfulthenthatsheturnedthegarmentsuponthehotrock;andafterwarddidattendtomybruisings.Andwhenshedidrest,Ilookttoherprettyfeet,andrubbedthemverygentleandconstantwiththeointment;andsurelytheydidbeprettywell;butItolikethatIshouldtendthem,andtohavejoytofeeltheirlittlenesswithinmypalms,andsurelyshedidknowhowitdidbewithme;forpresentlyshetookherfeetinwardunderthecloak;andI,maybe,tolooksomethingwoeful;forsheputoneoutpresently,whenthatIdidtheleastexpect,andsliptitverycosyintomyhand;andsurelyIkisthernaughtytoes;andshethentobeverysedate.

Now,presently,whenNaanifoundthegarmentstobeproperdry,shegavethosetomethatweremine,andbidmetoturnmybackandbedrestveryspeedy.Andlo!inalittletime,whenIwasnighdone,shecameoverandstoodbeforeme,andwasdrestagaininthearmour-suit,andtolookveryslenderanddainty.Andshelooktatme,sothatIputoutmyhands,thatIkissher;butshewentfromme,veryproper,andbroughtminearmour,andgavemehelpwithit,andalwayverygraveandquiet;butyettohavenaughtinessunderneath,asIdidbelieve.

AndwhenIwasfullarmed,shetookmyhand,andsetminearmaboutherwaist,andsheleanedherheadagainstmybreast,andputupherlipstobekist,asthatshedidbeachildmaiden;yetwhenIkisther,shedidbeawoman,andtokissmeverydearandloving,andtolookatmethenfromunderhereye-lids;andsuddentomakeadaintygrowling,andtopretendthatshedidbeafiercethingthatshouldbeliketoeatme;andItobeutterfeared,asyoushallthink,andtobescarceablethatIkissMineOwnPrettyFierceOne,becausethatIdidlaughsohearty,andtobesotakenwithasurprisethattheMaiddidshowthisnewplayfulness;andinthesamemomenttobestirredandwakedanewthatshedidbesolovelyandgracefulinminearms,andtomakehernaughtygrowlingsoprettythatIdidbeeagerthatshemakeitagain;butshetodothisplayingonlyashermooddidstirher.

Andshemadethenthatshewouldgofromme,andItolooseher,asever;andshebademethatIguardherthewhilethatshewashttheoutwardpartofthecloak;fortheinwarddidbeclean,andthecloakprooftowater;buttheoutward

parttobesomethingneedfulofwashing.

Andsurely,whenthiswasmadeclean,itdriedveryquick,becausethatthewaterwentnotintoit;andwhilstthatitdried,IgaveMineOwnanaidupwarduntothecave,andafterwardIpassedupthegear,andthecloakwhenitdidbedry;andsocameupwardalsomyself,andbroughtwithmeaboulder,thatIbalancedverylightinthemouthofthecave,sothatitshouldfall,ifthatanythingtouchtit;andthisplanyoudoknowof;forIuseditbefore,asIhavetold.

Andtrulywedidbeutterwearied,andthetimetobesomethingbeyondthreeandtwentyhours,sincelastwehadslumber.AndtheMaidhadthescripandthepouchsettobeformypillow,andthebundleofhertorngarmenttobeforherown.Andshetohavemetomypillow,andtotuckthecloakaboutme,andtheDiskostomyhand;andafterwardtokissmeverysedateuponthelips,andthentocomeinunderthecloak,withaquietandlovelyhappiness,asIdidknow;andtobegonetoslumberverycontentandsweet.

AndIwakedeightgoodhoursafter,withthefizzingofthewaterinmineears;andlo!MineOwndidbewakedandtomakereadyourbreakfast;andIcameupwarduponmineelbow,toseewhetherthattheboulderdidbeunmoved;andindeeditwasnottouched.

AndMineOwnsawthatIwascomeawake;andsherantome,verydearandglad,andkistmylipsveryeagerandloving.Andsurely,asshekistme,Ididfeelthatshehadtakenagainanaughtyadvantagingofmyslumber,andhadkistmeasIdidsleep;buttrulyIsaidnowordofmythoughts;forIdidmindthatIshouldwakesuddenonetime,andsotocatchherinthis,andtocallherthenMineOwn,andthatshedidbearogue;andallasyoushallknow,thathaveloved.

AndIscoldedtheMaidalittle,inthatshehadnotwakedme;butIsaidnotthatIwouldattendtothedutiesthatshedidheedto;forIknewthatshehadjoyofthesethings,inthatshedidlovetodoaughtthatshouldbedoneuntome.AndwhenIscoldedher,shetomakebutalittlemouthatme,aswedosay,andtoputhertabletstomylips,thatIkissthem,andshetokissmine;andsotoourbreakfast.

Andwhenweweredone,wegattogetherourgear,andwentdownwardfromthecave,andbeganagaintojourney.Andwewenteighteenhoursthatday,andeat

anddrunkateverysixthhour,asever.

Andinthefourteenthhour,IperceivedthatIdidbeliketoovertraveltheMaid,thoughImadealwaytohavealessspeedthandidbenaturaluntome.Andsurelythen,Itookherupintominearms;andshetorefuse,andtobetroubledthatIshouldsocarryher;forshedidthinkthatIwasliketobeweariedbythetask.

AndItotakenoheedtoherpretestings;buttolaughgentlywithher,andtocarryher,evenasababeinminearms;andshetolovethatshebeinminearms,ifbutshebeabletohaveassurednessthatIcomenottowearinessthroughher.Andtrulyitdidbeadearlovetask,andtobesetuntotheneedingofmineespecialheart.

AndIcarriedMineOwnthenforfourhours;andintheeighteenthhourwewerecometothatpartoftheGorgewheredidbetheledgewhereIkilledthespider,ereIslept,asyoushallmayhaptomind.AndhereIaidedtheMaidtoclimb,andwehadthesameledgethatnighttobeourrefuge;anddidsleepveryhappyandunharmed,andalwaywithourspiritssettowarnus,ifthatharmdidmaketocomenightous.

Andwewentthenthroughthreedaysofeighteenhours'journeyeach;andalwayIdidcarryMineOwn,fromthetwelfthuntotheeighteenthhourofeachjourneying;andthistobeverydearuntome,andtogivemeanewrejoicingthatIdidbestrongandeasytocarryMineOwn;andshetolieinminearmsverycontent,whenthatsheperceivedhowthatIdidbesogladtogothiswiseandthatIhadnowearinessbythecarrying.

AndthusIdidrestherfeet,andworenotherdearandslenderbodyovermuchwiththevigourofmygoing;andwasabledtomakeaverygoodspeed.

AndMineOwn,thistimeandthat,tomakesayingsofimpudenceuntome,andtohidehernaughtylips,whenthatIshouldkissthem;andtohavequaintnestlingsuntome,andoddwhilestokissmeverydaintywhenthatIdidbegoingthoughtfuloftheway.AndsurelyneverdidtherebesodearamaidasMineOwn;sothatIdidgomanyamile,andtobescarcethatIknewthatIwasgoneanyway,becauseofthestirringsofmyheartandthecontentofmyspirit.

Andoftaswedidgo,thereweregreatscorpionsinthepath,andoddwhilestheytohavenoheedtogofrommyway;buttobesogreatasmyhead,andveryfat

andlazy,sothatsurelyIkicktagoodnumber,frommypath,evenasyoushallkickaballwiththefoot;andthreeIburstinthisway.AndtrulyitdidbewellthatIhadonmeminearmour,elsehadtheybeenliketostingmeveryquickuntodeath;fortheyweresogreat.

Andlikewise,inthisplaceandthat,thereweresnakes;butnonetocomeanightome;andItochoosealwaytheopengoings;forIdidthinktheretobemanyhidsnakesandlessermonstersinthedarkplacesbetweenthegreatboulders.Andalway,whentheMaiddidwalk,Itogobefore,thatIseeclearherway,andthisthingtobebutamatterofwiseness,asyoushallthink.

Andoddwhiles,asIdidcarryMineOwn,shetotalkalittlewithmeofhermemory-dreamsoftheoldendays;andmayhapyoutothinkitstrangethatwesaidnotovermuchonthiswise;butthewayofourjourneytohavebeensoutterbitter,asyouhaveseen;andwetobemoreofthatfarage,thanwedidbeofthispresentage;andthispresentlifetoseembutadreamofMemory,andwetobesetthenwiththerealnessofthatlife.Andthistelling,indeed,tobeaplainthingtoyourunderstanding.Yetdidwehaveagreatertalktotheseends,whenthatwewerecomefreeoftheGorge;butyet,ofttheretobeanoddsayingandasweetmemory,liketoanoldenandforgotfragranceofdreams,topassbetweenMineOwnandme.Anddoyoutosetyoursympathyofunderstandingwithmeinthisthing,andtoknowhowholythesethingsdidbe,andfaroff,andtoholdmemory,asamistthatdothshinewithgoldenlights,thatdidmakeanholypainupontheeyesofthespirit,evenasaquietdawnofthisdaydothsetapleasureofvaguepainupontheheart.

Andonce,asIdidcarrytheMaid,Isawthatsheweptalittle,veryhushtuntoherself;andItosaynaught;forIsawthatitdidbeanaturalsorrowforherfather,andforthedeadPeoplesoftheLesserRedoubt;thatdidbeleftforeveruntothedesolationofEternity.Andso,becauseIdidbewisetoleaveherbe,shetobeeasedpresently,andtowipehereyes,quietandsecret,andmayhaptothinkthatIdidnotperceive;andthentonestleuntome;andsotobethemoreMineOwn.

Andaboutthemiddlepartofthesecondday,wecamepastthecavewhereIdidsleepontheupwardjourney;andItotellNaani,andshetolookupwardtothecave,andtowishthatshemightcomeamomentintoit;onlythatitdidbetwentygoodfeetupward,andItodesirethatsherunnoriskofherdearlife,whenthattheredidbenoneed.

Andsotogoonward;andoddwhilestoseestrangethingsa-lurkamongtheboulders;butnonetocomeanightous;yetdidIkeeptheDiskosveryreadyinmyhand,asyoushallthink;andhadmineeyesalwaytolookuponeveryside,andmineearstobewary;andtousemyspiritalwaytomineaid.

Andsurely,aswedidcomelowerintheGorge,theMaidwasalla-wonderedatthewarmnessthatdidgrow,andsomethingdisturbedinthefirst,bythenewthickness,asitdidseem,oftheair.Andshetowastesomeofthewater,becausethatitdidfizzupsoquick,evenasI,untilthatshewascomeusedtothisnewness.Andallthistobeveryplainuntoyou.

Andintheendofeveryjourney,weslepteightgoodhoursinasafeplace;andsotogoonwardagain;andtheMaidtogrowveryeagerasIdidtellherthisthingandthatoftheCountrythatwedidcomedownwardunto.

Andsheasktmequestions,timeandoft,andmuchItoldher,andshetothinkuponitwithagrowingwonderanddesire,evenasagladsomechildthathathneverseenthesea,anddothbetoldthatitshallpresentlybethere.AndthistobebuttoshadowthewaythatNaanididbe;fortrulyshedidbeaveryliveandeagermaid,inallthings.

AndwetobestillwithintheGorge,andtogoconstantbythefire-holesandthefire-pits,andtoseetheflamesleapupwardinthisplaceandthat,sothatthemightywallsoftheGorgewouldshowveryplaininaninstant;andimmediatelytocometheshadowsagain,andafterwardtheleapingoftheflames.Andsodiditbeforever.Andoftthemutteringofthefire-pits;andofttheutterquietandtheshadows.

Andthistimeandthattheredidbeasnaketogobyus,andthescuttlingofthemonsterscorpions;andmayhapamovingintheshadowsofthegreatboulders,thatdidtellmetherewentmaybesomepeculiarmonsterinthatplace;sothatIdidbeverywary,andtohavetheDiskosalwayready.

Andwhenthefourthdaywascome,IshowedtheMaid,inthesixthhour,theledgethatdidbemyfirstsleepingplace,whenthatIwasenteredintotheGorge.

Nowpresently,intheeleventhhour,afterthatwehadgonefivehoursinagloom,theredidshowafaroffashining;andIcaughttheMaid,andIpointed;andshealsotoperceivethatitdidbesurelytheshiningofthelightofthatgreatCountrythatIdidtellupon.

Andimmediatelywedidbegintorundownward,andwithsorestumblingsinthisplaceandthat;butnottohaltus;forwedidbesomadastwochildrenforthegladsomelight.

AndwecamedownpresentlyinthetwelfthhourofthatjourneyintothewarmlightandwonderoftheCountryoftheSeas.

XIII

HOMEWARDBYTHESHORE

Nowwecamepresentlyoutofthatsadanddrearyplacethatdidgoinwardofthegreatmountains,andwhichIhavenamedtheUpwardGorge;andwetohaltsoonbetweenthefeetofthemountains,beyondthemouth-partoftheGorge.

AndNaanialwaytolookeverywayabouther,andtobreatheveryquick,andhereyestobegonebrightwithwonderandtheseeingofnewthings,andthecomingoffreedomfromsogreatadread.

Andsheturned,now,anddidlookupwardintothedarkoftheGorge,andtospyuponthegreatmouththereof,andtobefearedthen,andmustrunagreaterwaydownwardintothelightnessoftheCountryoftheSeas;andtocomeoncemoretopause,andtolookbackward,andwithanaweandarelievedsoul;andsoagaintothewonderofthespreadedCountryandthegreatSea;anddidneartolaughandcryinthesamemoment,withtheamazementandgladnessandgreatastonishmentthatdidbeuponher.Andshetoturnconstantthiswayandthat,andtobeneverceasedoflooking,andofdeepbreathingsofthewideair;forneverinthatlifehadshebeeninabroadplaceoflight,asyoushallhaveperceived.

Andwetofeel,both,thattheredidbenomoreneedtotalkhusht,aswedidalwayinthegloomandnarrowdarkofthegorge.Andsurelyshetoshout,asachildthatdothtryanecho;andhervoicetogoveryprettyintothedistance,andtobelostafaroffinthatCountry.

Andlo!inamoment,anechotocomeoutofthedarkmountainstoourbacks;sothatwelooktroundverysudden;butwhethertheechodidbetrulyanecho,orsomestrangeness,orsomeunnaturalcalltocomedownwardoutofthegloomandhorroroftheGorge,wedidbeallunsure;andindeedmustrundownwarda

whilemore,untilthatwedidbeallbreathed,andtohaltpresentlywherewedidfeeltobeutterfreeoftheGorgeandofthestrangenessthatdidseemtoourminds,inthatmoment,tolieupwardinthedarknessofthegreatmountains.

Andsurelywedidtookaboutforaflatrocktobeforouruse,andwecamepresentlytoaplacenicetoourpurpose,thatdidbeyetupwardovertheLand;andweclimbedupontotherockandsatthereontohaveourfoodanddrink.

Andasweeatanddrank,wedidsitverycloseandhappy;butyettohaveawiselookingaboutanightous,sothatwebecaughtbynodangeroftheHumptMen,orbyanyotherdangerthatmightbe.

Andalway,theMaiddidquestion,anddidstareafarovertheCountry,andtohaveashiningwonderandjoyofthesea,andtobestirredinallherbeing,sothatshewaspainedwithvagueandsuddenmemories,thatdidbeasstrangedreams,andallmixtwithpleasureandpain.And,indeed,shesuddentoweeping,andtoneedthatshebeinminearms,untilthatsheknowherselfonceagain;andsotoherdearnaturaljoyandway.

AndoftdidMineOwnspeakupontheclearwonderoftheair,asitdidseemtoher;andtomeitdidseemlikewise,thathadlivedmylifealsoinaDarkLand,asyoudoknow.

Andshetobreaksuddenfromherrapture,andtosetbackherspeechanEternitywithvaguewords,andmemoriessooldenandenglamouredthattheydidbeasmoonlightthatoncehathshone.Andinamomentshetobeforwardagainintothatfarfuturetimeandspeech,andallherbeingtobecloseuntome,andoftinasolemnsilenceoftheheart.

Andthegreatnessoftheseatocalluntoherwithanoldenvoice,andtohalfwakenher;andIwithhertobethushalf-wakened,yethadIbeennotthusasIdidcomemineoutwardway;buttrulyIdidstirtothestirringoftheMaid,andallmineoldenthoughtsthatdidbemymemory-dreams,tocomeafreshuponmyspirit.

AndsowetwotositthereallshakenwithdreamingsthatdidconcernhappeningsoftheoldenworldthatdidlieupwardinthatdreadfulnightwhichmadeamightyanddeeplyroofoverthatCountry.AndsurelyIamdumb,inthatIhavenospeechtomakeknowntoyouallthetroublingsandstirringsofourspiritsthatwedidknowinthatmoment.

Andfaroff,bymiles,beyondthefeetofthemountain,wherewenttheshoreofthesea,uponourleft,therewasagreatmistandsteam;andthistobethatmistandsteamthatIdidcomethroughonmineoutwardway;andNaanitoaskconcerningit,andItotellhersomuchasIknew,andhowthatwemustindeedcomepresentlythroughit,uponourjourney.

Andshetobeinwonderofthevolcanoesthatdidburninthesea,andinthisplaceandthatofthewideCountry,andtheheightandgrandnesstoexalther,andinthesametimetogiveherastrangehumblenessofhermind;sothatpresentlyIdidtakeherintominearms,forImustkissher,becausethatshedidbesoutterasweetmaiden,andlovelywithinterestandnaturalness.Andtrulyshetokissmeinturn;andtomakeherquestioningsbetweenherkissings;andthistobebecauseshedidyearnforagreaterknowingoftheCountry;butalso,asIdohalftothink,becauseshedidbesweetlyimpudentuntome;andthistobeofherjoy.

Andpresently,shetokissmethriceverypassionateandwarmuponthemouth;andimmediatelytotakemyshoulders,withhersmallhands,thatdidseemsoprettyuponmybroadnessanduponthemetalofthearmour.Andshetostrivethusthatsheshakemetoaspeedieranswering;andshe,allthatwhile,tobefullofadearnaughtiness,andtoneedthatshebekistveryhard.

AndItoanswerher;butaftermineownfashionwhichdidbeawordbetweeneachkissthatIgavetoher.Andsheveryquickandnaughtytoputherhandbetweenourlips;andIthentokissthepalm,thatdidbeinmyway,anddidbeverysmallandpretty.Andshe,whenIhadnothought,toopenherfingersveryquick,andkissmethroughbetweenthefingers,andimmediatelytoshutthefingers,sothatIdidbestoptfromthesame.

Andafterward,Imadehertostandupontherock,andIsetfreeherhairoverhershoulders;andItookthenthebootsfromher,sothatherlittlefeetdidshowbareandpretty.Andshe,atthefirst,halftorefuseme;butafterwardtostandverydearandobedientthatIshouldhavemywaywithher;andtobealittleshy,andthemoreprettybecauseofhersweetblushings.

Andsurely,whenthatIhadhertomylikings,Isteptbackalittlepace,andlooktather.Andshetolookagainatme,veryquaintandnaughty;andthentoturnherabout,verygrave;andtomakepretendthatshedidbeadummyfigure.And,surely,whenshedidbecomerightround,andtofacemeagain,andhadavery

sedatelook,shestretchedoutherprettyfoot,allinamoment,andputherpinktoessuddenuponmylips;andItobesoinsurprise,thatIhadnotwittodoaught,ereshehadthembackswiftfromme.Andshethentomakeonegladspringintominearms,andtowantthatshebehugged,andtobelovedverygreat.AndItolaugh,alltender;forIlovedhersoutter,asyoudoknow;andItotellher,asyousurelikewisetohavetoldyourmaid,thatIwantedapocketsufficient,thatImighthaveherthereinalwayanightomyheart;andthisthingItosaytoher,asamanthatdothlove,shallsayit;andyoutoknowthewayofitsowellasI.Andshetolaughverymischievous,andtotellmethatsheshouldtrulytickleme,ifthatIcarriedherthatwise;ayeandtopinchme,too.AndItohavenoanswer,savethatIshakeher,verygentle,butindeedshetokissmeverynaughtyonthemouth,inthemidstofmyshaking;andtruly,whatshallamandowithsuchanone.

Andshethentowanttobemoresedateandtobesetdownupontherock;andshetomakemetoturnaround,sothatsheshouldcomeatthepouch,whichdidbeuponmyback.

Andshegatthencethecombthatwasafitment,anddidcombherprettyhair,andItositandtalkwithher,andtojest,withaheartthatdidbesolightasithadnotbeenforagreatwhile;forthoughIdiddreadtheHumptMenandthemonstrousanimalsoftheCountryofSeas,IhadnotanyabidinghorrorofaughtthatIhadseeninthatCountry;forthereseemedanaturalnessinallthings,sothatIdidhavenoloathing;neitheranyfearofanEvilForce.

Andpresently,whenthattheMaidhadcombedherhair,shetobindituponherhead;butItoaskthatsheleaveituponhershoulders,becausethatitdidbesopretty;andshetosmileatme,andtobehappytomypleasuring.

Nowwedidbetrulysedate,andtosetourgeartogether;andItoputthebootsupontheMaid;andafterwardwetobeginagaintojourneydownwardintotheCountryoftheSeas.

Andwewentatagoodpace;butnottobringustoanygreatweariness;foritwasmineintentthatwerestforourslumberuponthissideoftheplacewheredidbethesteamoftheboilings,thatwasanightotheshoreofthesea,asyoushallmind.

Andweatthistimetobepassingalongthefeetofthemountains,untotheplace

ofthesteam;andtogothiswiseforsixgoodhours,andstilltobeagreathouroffthatpart;forwewentnotsofierceasdidbethespeedofmineoutwardway,whichwasutterstrong,asyoudomind,thathavegonewithmeinallmyjourney.

Andso,whenwehadwalktsixhours,wedidbegonesomethingbeyondtheeighteenthhourofthatday'sjourneying;andtobeveryreadytoourslumber.

Now,presentlywefoundatallrock,veryhardtoclimb,thathadaflattopsogreatasmaybetwicemylengtheveryways;andthistobeverygoodtoourpurpose.Andwhenwewerecomesafetothetop,wetoeatanddrink,andpresentlytosleep,andtohavethecloakunderus,asdidbethewilloftheMaid;fortheCountrydidbeutterwarmandnice,sothatwehadnooccasionforcovering.

Andsurely,wewaked,bothofuswhenthatwehadsleptsevengoodhours;andwesatupward,andlooktnewlyeachattheother;andtobeasthatwedideachseetheotheranewinthatgoodlight,andtohaveafreshjoyeachinthelookoftheother.Andshetocomeintominearms,andtokissandtoneedthatshebekist;andtruly,webothtohaveourneed;butyettobesomethingthemorehungryoftheother,forthehaving.

AndMineOwnthentomakeourbreakfast;andthewatertofizzverystrongandsurprising;andwetoeatanddrink,andtobeutterhappyeachwiththeother,andtotalkonthisthingandthat,andtheMaidtolookabout,asweeat;andshetolookafaroffatthewondersandthenewnessoftheCountrytoherknowledge;butItolooknear,lesttherebeanydangerthatmightbeanigh.

Andinawhile,MineOwntodrawmygazetotheMountainsthattheGorgecamethrough.And,inverity,nowthatIdidlookinease,Itoseewithherhowthattheydidbetrulymonstrous,evenasamonstrouswallthatdidgoupwardforeveruntilthattheyweregoneoutofthelightofthatCountry,intothedarknightofthedeathlyUpperWorld,thatdidbelostaneternity.AndItomindthatIhadsomevaguethoughtsthiswise,ontheoutwardway;butnowItohaveease,andtheMaidtospeakwith,andsotoperceiveoddmattersthemore.AndItotellyouthislittlething,sothatyoushallperceivethewaythatrestfulnessdidbeuponme,bycomparewiththeOutwardGoing.

And,truly,wehadnogreatspeedwithourtalkandwithoureating;butinthe

enddidmakesomewhattohurry,becausethatwedidbeconsciousthatweleanedtoslackness.Andindeed,wecamedownthenprettyspeedyfromtherockwherewedidsleep;andhadforwardtoourwayatagoodpace.

Andwhenwehadgoneawhile,wetobegintohearthefarhissingofthesteamandthenoiseoftheupwardburstingsofwatersthatdidboil;andthesoundtobeverystrange;butItohavehearditbefore,asyoudoknow;sothatittotroublemethelessthantheMaid.AndItoassureher;andshetocomenightome,andthiswisewetoenterpresentlyintothesteam.

Andwewentthenformorethanthreehours;andIhadtheMaidtomyback,thatIshouldbethefirst;andthisIdid,thatshehavenodangertowalkintoaboilingpoolinthemazingnessofthesteam,whichwaseverywhere.AndItobesomethingguidedinmypathbytheshoreoftheseawhichdidbeuntoourleftalway;onlythatwecouldseeneithertheseanorotherwise,exceptthatwegosoclosethatwenearintothewater.

And,truly,theseatoseemtoboilinparts,andtheretobehotpoolsinallplaces;sothatwhoshouldsaywitheasewhetherwedidgobyoneofthegreathotpoolsorbythetruesea.Andthis,ourconstantpuzzle,shallbelikewisetoyou;andyoutoperceivehowthatwedidgoutterwary.

Andaboutusfromeveryparttheredidcomethestrangeburstingsandshriekingsandwhistlingsoftheboilofthewatersbreakingupwardfromthedeepworld.Andoddwhilesthesoundstobeasofgreatmonsters;andtheearthtoshakeunderus;andother-whilestheretobeahushandonlythesteamaboutus,andsomewhereinthedistanceanduncertainnessalowpipingofsomesteamcranny,verystrangeandlonesome-sounding.

Andwhenitdidbesomewheresnighuponthefourthhour,wecameoutofthethicksteam;andthepipingsandtheroaringstobetoourrearward;andsoonthesteamtobegonethin,asbutamist,andthenoisestobeveryfar-seeming;andpresentlywetobecomeclearoutintotheairofthatCountry.

AndtheMaidnowtoperceivethetrees,whichdidbeingreatforestsuntoourrighthand,whilethattheshoreoftheseadidgoalwayuponourleft.Andshetobeutterinwonderofthetrees;andtoneedthatshepluckbranches,andsmellofthemandlookateachleaf;andsotobeallstirred;forneverinthatlifedidshetohaveseensuchamatterasthosegreattreesdidbe;butyettobeallstirredby

vaguememoriesthatdidseemnomorethandreams.Andyoutothinkbutamoment,andtoperceivehowthethingdidbewithher;andyoutohavebeenlikewisestirred,ifthatyoudidbesostrangelywakedinacornerpartoftheheart;thoughbutalittlemattertowakeyou.

Nowwhenthesixthhourdidbefullcome,wemadeahaltinawiseplace,andhadthereourtabletsandthewater;andafterward,theMaidbidmethatItakeheruntoawarmpoolthatdidbenearby,andtoaskthatIturnfromher,butyettobeanighforherProtector,asIdidbeever.

Andsoshetowashandtomakeherselfhappywithasweetcleannessthatdidbepropertoher;andafterward,whenshedidbedone,shetoactwatchwhilstItomine;andtohelpmeinallmatters,thatshewasable;andtruly,Itobehappyindeedthatshedidsohavedelighttoattenduponmeandtotreatmemother-wise;yettrulywithhermaid-heartnotallhid,asyouhaveperceived,thistimeandthat.

Andsurelythusdidwegoalwayinthesematters;andoftthatIhavenotspacetohavetold;andoftthatyoushallremember,ifthatIdobetoofullofotherhappeningstogiveheedtotellupon.

Andafterwardwetoourjourneyingagain;andtotalkuponthisthingandthatthing;andItobewatchfulaswetalked,andtotelltheMaidthatshekeephereyeswary,butyetnottobeofunease.

Andwhenwedidgothiswiseforsevengoodhours,wewerecomenighopposedtothebright-burningfire-hillthatdidbeoffwardinthesea,andhadmademeawarmlightinthattimewhenIdidsleepinthetree,asyoudoremember.Andtruly,asIshallheremindyou,wedidbepastsevenhourscomingtothisplace,fromthepartwherethesteamdidbe;yethadIgonethatspaceupontheoutwardwayataspeedthatwasgreater;buttrulyImightnotsetsogreatapacetotheMaid,save,mayhap,oddwhiles;andthisthingIbegthatyouhavealwayinyourmind,andsotounderstandwhythatwedidbeoftlonguponthispartofthejourneyandthat,bycomparewithmineoutwardgoing.

And,inverity,Ihadsetoffourhourforfood,becausethatIsawwedidcomenightotheplacewherethetreedidbe;andItoknowthattheMaidshouldliketoeatanddrinkanightothatplace,andtoknowthatIdidsleepthere.

AndsurelyItookhertothetree,andwhenthatItoldher,shetobegmethatIindulgeherandthatwegoupwardtothatbranchwhereIdidsleep,andtheretoeatourtablets.

AndItobewilling,andtoenterintoherwishing;for,indeed,therewasnodangerintheclimb,andItogoalwaybelowher,sothatIcouldbesuretyforhersafeness.Andwecameuptothegreatbranch;andshetomakehowweshouldsit,andItohavetoshowjustwhereIdidlie,andshetolookveryclose,andtoseethatmyweighthadsurelymarkedthehardnessofthearmouruponthebark;andshethentobeuponthatbranchalone,asshedideatanddrink;andtolookoutwardatthelightfromthefire-hill,andtobeveryhusht,andtothink,andInottodisturbherwithspeech.

Andwhenshedidbedone,shegatfromthebranch,andkisttheplacewhereIdidlie;andlo!inamomentathoughtcameintoher,andshedrewherknife,andcutoutapieceofthebark,andputitintoherbreasttobeforakeepsake;andsotoseemsomewisecontented.

Andtruly,Itoldheraboutthegreatbeast,whenwewerecomedownagaintotheearth;andshetocryoutandtoshowmethattheredidbeyetthemarkwherethebellyofthemonstrousbeastdidbrushupontheearth,asitran,andmoreoverthebrokenplacesofthefoot-marks;andshebythistoseehowgreatabeastitdidbe;butyetdiditbealittlethingbesidetheSlug;onlythatitdidbeathingofhornandhardnessofskin,asyouhaveperceived.

Andtruly,IdomindhowthattheobservingsoftheMaiddidbringverykeentomehowthattherehadpastbutseventeendayssincethatIdidgoonwardfromthisplace;andthistoseemverystrangeandscarcecredibleuntome;forIhadthoughtit,somewise,asagreattime;andtrulythistobebecauseitwassomarkedbystressofthemindandgreathappenings;andyoutoagreeinthisthing.Butyet,also,weshalltrulymindthatthosetimesthatIhavecalleddays,didholdoftthehoursoftwodays,andmayhapthree,asyoudoremember.Nowwewentonwardthentoourjourneying;andItomaketocarrytheMaid,asever,afterthatshehadwalkedtwelvehours,thoughshedidwalkthirteenhoursthistimeasyouhaveseen.Andshetosaythatshegonowuponherownfeetthroughthenextsixhours,andsotoeasemefromthelabourthatdidbeneedfultocarryher.

ButItoknowhowthatshedidbeliketobeallgoneofherstrengththiswise,in

butadayortwo,andwetomakethebetterspeed,ifthatIkeeptomyway,andtohavehertowalktwelvehoursofeveryjourney,andafterwardtocomeintominearms;for,truly,shedidbebredlesshardythanI,asyoushallthinkfromallthatIhavetoldconcerningthePeoplesoftheLesserPyramid;andmoreovershewasyetsomethingweakened,asIdidthink,bythedreadfulmonthofherlonesomenessandescapings,beforethatIwascometosuccourher.

Andtruly,asIdidcarryher,theMaiddidmakeremarkofherwondermentconcerningme,inthatIdidbesohardofmybodyandsetinthedeterminationofmymind.And,inverity,Ididbeexceedingstrongandofgreathardnessofbody;andmayhapmywilldidbesomewhatthiswayalso,elsedoIthinkIhadneverbornetocomeuntoMineOwnthroughsomuchdesolation.AndItosmileveryhappyuponher;forIdidlovethatIwassostrong,andverytrulyindelightthatMineOwnMaiddidtakegladnessinthisthing.Andyoutomindhowyoudidbealsointhelove-days;andsotohaveniceunderstandingofmynaturalnessandhumanpride.

AndsurelytheMaiddidnestleuntome,asshedidtalk;even,somewise,asaChildshallcomenightotheMother,butyetalsoasaMaiddothlovetobenighuntoherMan,ifthatshedothtrulylove.AndItolifthermorenightomylips;butshetorefusetokissme,andtobeaSweetImpertinencethatdidlieinminearms;yetwhenIdidmaketolowerheragaintothewaythathadhereasytocarry,shetoslipherprettyfaceverysnugundermychin,andtokissmethere,afterherownfashion;andafterwardtobewillingthatshebeasusualintominearms.

Now,asIsettheMaidagaincomfortable,itseemedtomethatshewassomethingtender;andsuddenitcametomethatmayhapthearmourtobeveryhardandpainfuluntoher;andItoaskthisthingofher,inamoment;andshetoseethatIwouldnotbeputoff;andsototellme.And,truly,Iwasutterangeredwithmyself;andsomewisealsowithher,inthatshedidnotwakenmineunthinkingnesstothisthing.

AndIsetherinstanttotheearth,andmadehertobarehershoulderstome;andtrulytheydidbemuchbruisedwherethatshehadlainsooftinminearms,againstthehardnessofminearmour.

AndItobesoangeredthatInearshookher,andshetoseehowIdidbe,andthatshedidbenightobeshaken,becausethatIwasgrownsoangrythatshe

shouldletherselfcometothisfoolishhurt,thatyetIdidknowwasverydearuntohersecretheart.And,intruth,sheputupherlipstome,verysudden,andwithastrangenaughtiness,thatshehaveherownwaywithmetotemptmefrommineanger,thatyetshedidhalftolike.And,inverity,Inearslaptherthenuponherprettyshoulders,butthatsheceasedfromhertemptingofme;andinsteadsheturnedhershoulderstome,evenasachild,thatIbuttonhergarmentforher.

Andsurely,whenIhadbuttonedhergarment,shecamerounduntome,andclosedherhand,sothatitdidbealittlefist,evenasIdidlovehertodo,becausethatitwassosmallbesidemygreathand.

Andsheslipthershuthandintomine;andsurelyIletitstaywithin,veryquiet,andmadenottocloseuponit,asIdidwont.AndtheMaiddidmoveherhandaroundinmine,thatshemakemetotakenoticeuponher,andtograspherlittlefist.YetIdidbeverystern,forIwastrulyangered;andneitherdidIputherhandfrommine,normadetoholdit;butonlytoletitbide;yet,truly,Itobesomethingstirredintheheart-partbyherprettyways.

Andinalittlewhile,shetookherhandfromoutofmine,anddidhavedaringtobecolduntome.Andmineangerthentobequaintlyrenewed,andtothinkthatshedidwellneedtobewhipt.AndshemadeanaughtyandfoolishimpudenceuponthatwhichIsaidtoher;sothatpresentlyIdidsaythatshedidneedsuchasshouldmakehertoheedhermanners;butyet,asyoushallconceive,Itoknowinwardlyallthattimehowthateventhistruenaughtinessdidnotstirmetoproperanger;butmorethatitmadememasterfulandtolacknotthatImakehertoknowtrulythatIdidbeherMaster;andinthesametimetobestrangelytouchedinaverydeepandsecretplaceofmyheart.Andtrulylovedothhavestrangeactingsupontheheart.

AndtheMaidtoaskmeinaverysaucyfashionthatdidbeintentionedtoangerme,whatIdidmeanthatshetoneed.AndtrulyIsaidthatshedidgothewaytoearnthatshebefloggedlikeanyboy,andItomeanactualallthatIdidsay,whichdothsomethingamazemenow;but,asIdoknow,Iyettobeconstantstirredinwardlybyherbelovedquaintnessthatdidbealwaysodainty,evenwhenthatshedidmeanhernaughtinesstobetrulytoangerme.

Andlo!whenItoldtheMaidthisthing,thatshedidwellgotoearnasharpreproof,sheturnedinaquickinstant,andcameclosetome,alltenderandsmallandtoneedtobenightome.Andshesliptbothherclosedhandsintotheoneof

mine,andtrulytheydidbelittlefists.AndbecauseIcouldbenomoresternwithMineOwn,Iputminearmabouther,andshedidnestletome,sothatallmybeingdidwanttobeashieldabouther.

Andshetoharkveryquietandhumbletomycounsellings;andintheenddidbesostrangelyhushtthatIlooktdowntowhereherprettyfacedidbehidagainstminearmour,asshedidlovetodo,whenthatIdidbethoseoddwhilesalittlesternwithher.AndIheldherfaceawayfromminearmour;andsurelyshedidbesmiling,veryquietandnaughty;sothatIperceivedthatshedidbegoodonlyforthattime,anddidbeliketoshowagainthiswrongfulandimpudentspirit.YetInotthentobeintroubleofthefuture;buttohopeonlythatIdowisely,ifthatsheshowagainthiswaywardness.And,truly,ItoperceivenowthatIdidbeveryyoung;but,anywise,asyoudoknow,Itoactalwayfromthenaturaltellingofmyheart.

AndIshookNaanialittle,forthisnaughtyspiritwhichdidnotbegonefromher.ForIperceivedthatmymanhoodhadbutstirredthewomaninhertothatstrangequickhumblenessthathadseemedtobeaquenchingofherwaywardunwisdom;andtrulyithadnotbeenstilled,butonlysunkenforalittlemomentintheuprisingofherdearnature,whichhadrespondeduntome.

AndtheMaidtolookatmefromunderherlids,asIdidshakeherwithgentleness;andItoknowthatMineOwndidbeawondrousmaiden,fullofalllifeandspirit,andtobeheldwiselyandtobeloosedwisely,allasdidbeforthebesttobringouttheuttermostofhergoodnesswhichdidbeinallherbeing,andtobeverylovely;andtomakemefeelasthatIdidbeagiantthatheldawhiteflowerverytender;butItofeelalsothatIdidbeherMaster.Andthismayhapyoutounderstand,ifthatyoulookintoyourhearts.

Andbyallmytelling,youtoknowthatIdidbeverydaintywithMineOwnMaidthatdidbeallofdaintiness;butyetItobemasterful,asdidbemynature,andaveryproperwayitdidbewiththeMaid,sothatshedidbealwayreasonableinthemain;andthistocomeoutofherlove,whichdidhavepleasuretoknowthatIdidbeMasteruntoher,allinthesamewhilethatshedidfighttoshowthatIdidbeotherwise.Andtruly,andinpartbythissameshowing,youshallperceivethathernaughtinesstocomelikewisefromherlove,andthewaythatmynaturedidworkuponher.

NowItoshaketheMaidverygentle,asIhavesaid,andwithmuchthatdidbe

ofplay,butinthesamewisetheretobealsosomewhatoftenderreproof.Andsurely,thatnaughtymaidtospringverylightuponhertoes,andhadkistmesuddenanddaintyuponthemouth,beforethatIdidwot.

AndItoputminearmabouther,andtogiveheralittlehug;andimmediatelythentomattersthatdidbepractical;forIwaseagertohavecomeacrossthatstonypartofthejourney,thatdidbebeforeus,asyoudoknow,beforethatwelookforaplaceforourslumber.Andthiseagernessofhastetobe,becauseofthegreatbirdthingswhichIhadseentogoboundingoverthatwaste,whenthatIwasuponmineoutwardway.

And,surely,afterthatIhadthoughtalittlemoment,IbidtheMaidthatshedressinhertorngarments,sothattheseshouldbeoverthetopofthearmour-suit,andthiswisetomakeasoftthicknessuponthetopofthearmour-suit,thatshouldactforacushionbetweenminearmourandherdearbody.

Butindeed,theMaidwouldnowisetodothisthing;andInottomakeher,becausethatmyheartperceivedhowitdidbewithher.Andherreasonstobesomewaysmixt,asdothbeproperinallhumans,andthemoresowhenthatitdothbeamaidthathathreasons,asyoutoknow,ifthatyouhaveeverheldsuchdearperversenessinyourarms.

Andshe,asIcouldknow,tobestrangelyinlovethathergentlebodybebruisedbythehardnessofminearmour;andifthismightnotbe,shetobenotwishfulthatshewearhertornclothinguponherneatsuitandsotoseemcarelessandtolacktobedaintyinmineeyes;for,indeed,shedidbealwaytowashherselfandtomaketidiness;andshetohaveawaynowthatshedidsetthearmour-suituponher,thathadittoseemdifferent,andshetohavesetalittlesprigfromthetreesuponherbreast,andinhergirdle,andsotoseemthemoreofamaid;andsurelyamandothknowandlovethesethings;butnotalwaytohavefullknowinghowthattheybedone.And,indeed,youtobelikewisewithmeinthisthing.Andwealltothinkweknow,butsomewisetobejusta-lackwhenthatitdothcometotheproof.

And,inverity,theMaidtofindawaythatshebeeasedofthehardnessofthearmour;andItohavecometothesamethinginthesamemoment;buttrulyIdothinkshehadbeenabletothinkuponitalongwhile,ifthatshehadbeensodesired.

Andtruly,thiswasbutthatIfoldthecloakverythickacrossminearmsandbreast,andtotakeherthenintothelittlenestthatdidbeprepared.

And,surely,nowthattheMaidmightnomorehavehersecretwishthatsheliecloseagainstminearmour,shetobehelpful,andtohavethecloakfoldedsoinaveryquickwhile;andsotobeintominearmsagain;andwetobeoncemoreuponthejourney,andshetonestletome,asthatshedidhungertobenightome;andshetotalkwithme,oddwhiles,andoddwhilestobesilent.

Andonce,Itothinkthatsheweptalittle;andtoknowthatshedidbeliketothinkuponherfatherandherownPeoples;butshetohaveherfaceturnedtome,sothatIcouldbutguessuponthisthing;andsheverysoontobehushtagainofthissorrow,andtoliecontentinminearms.

Andonce,whenthatIhadcarriedherforthreehours,shetoaskmethatIkissher;andtrulyIdidkissher,verygentleandwithreverence,becausethatmyheartdidunderstandtheholinessthatdidbeinherheartinthatmoment.

And,surely,asIkisther,shetokissmeverytender;andItoknowthatsomeoldenmemorydidbeliketostirinher.Andinamoment,shetotakeherlipsfrommine,whereshehadletthemtonestleverylight,anddidwhispermineoldenlove-name;andIthentolookather,andhereyestoshineastheoldenstarsthatdidshineintheoldensummers.

AndItobetooshakeneventhatIkissher.Butshetoputherarmsaboutmyneck,andtolooksteadfastintomineeyes.Andimmediately,afterthatshehadlooktawhile,andItohaveceasedfromwalking,shetoputherhandsuponeachsideofmyface,withinthemetalofminehead-gear,wheretheguardsdidcomedownatthesides;andshetokissmeverysoberuponthelips;butyettomeanutterbythatkiss.AndInottoreturnthekiss;forIsawthatitdidnotbeherneed.

Now,inthebeginningofthefourthhour,asIdidgowiththeMaid,Itoseeafaroffoneofthehalf-birdmonsters,thatIdidseebeforeuponthisplacewheretheredidbenaughtsavegreatstonesandbouldersforagreatwaythatdidbemanymiles.

Andtruly,ItohideveryswiftwiththeMaid,wheretwogreatbouldersdidcometogether;andsurelythebird-creaturetogopastatnogreatway,andtogowithagreatbounding,thatdidbehalfofflightandhalfofleaping,asthatitdidbetoo

weightyinthebodytomaketoflyproper.

And,indeed,ItohaveasuddenmemoryhowthattheredidbeapictureinsomebookthatIdidreadintheMightyPyramid,whereitdidshowsuchabird-thingasthis;andtomakeremarkinthebookthatthesethingshadbeenseennomoreintheNightLandforascorethousandofyears,ormore;andtobeextinct,aswedosay.

But,indeed,nowIdothinkthattheydidbecomedownwardtothatwarmCountry,agreatwhilegone,andsotohavenewlifeandtobreedthroughagreatage,andthiswaytohavesetapatternuntotheHumans.And,inverity,itmightbethatinsomeagethatdidbefarafterthattime,theHumanstofindsomewaytojourneyfromthePyramid,andtobuildanewRefugeinthatdeepCountry;andmayhaptheHumansthiswisetohaveanewspaceoflife,afterthatalltheNightLanddidbedeadandlostinthebitterfrostofEternity.Butthis,indeed,tobenomorethananoddthought;forhowmightanygreatmultitudepasstheMonsters;andItoaskthatyoutakeitfornothingoffact,butonlyasofmysuppositions;andthiswisetocomebackagaintohappenings.

Now,whenthebird-thingdidbegonealongwayoff,ItogoforwardagainwithMineOwn,andtohaveanewcare,andtolookveryswiftandfrequenteveryway.

And,truly,itdidbeasthatthecreaturesdidinhabitthatpartoftheCountry;forinanhourafterthat,Itoseeagoodscore.And,ItofreetheDiskosfrommyhip,andtohaveitreadyinminearmsbesidetheMaid;andsotojourney.

AndmanytimesItohavetohidewithMineOwn,andtocrouchlowamongtherocksandtheboulders;andthiswaytoescapefreeofallforagreatwhile.

Yet,whenthatthefifthhourdidbenighgone,Iheardanoisesuddentomyback,aswedidgooveraclearspace.And,inverity,theredidbeoneofthemonstersthatcameupwardovercertainrocksthatweretomyrearward;andsurelyittohavebeenstayedhidthere,orresting,andtohaveheardusortohavesmelledus;butanywisethentohaveknowledgeofus,andtocomewithlowandbrutishheavyboundings,verylumbersome,afterus.

AndIlookteverywayinamoment;buttherewasnowhereanyshelteranigh.AndtheMaidtoleapsuddenfromminearms,thatIbefreewiththeDiskos;andItolookswifttoher,andtoseethatshehaveherknifereadyinherhand,that

shemightchancetoaidme.ButsurelyImightnotfightineaseofmind,ifthatMineOwndidbeneedlessindanger;andIcaughtherveryquickbythewaist,andsetheruponthegroundbetweenmyfeet.Andshetomakehalftorefuse;butItohavenotimeforexplaining,andtobesharpthatIhavehersafe;sothatIgaveheralittleshakethatdidsuddentomakeherfeelthestrengthinme;andshethentobeinstantquietinmyhands,andtoletmethatIsetheruponherface,andtocastthethickcloakaboveher;andinamomenttobestoodoverher,andtosetdownthevisorofminehead-gear,lestthatthebird-monsterstrikemeintheface.

Andsurely,thebird-thingdidbescarceanhundredgoodpacesoff;andtomaketwolumberingandmonstrousbounds,andtocomeatme.

Yet,truly,itmadesuddenapause,becausethattheDiskosdidroarandsendoutfire,asImadeittospin;butinaninstantthegreatthingtocomeinatmeupontheleftside,andtostrikemeveryhardwiththebill,thatdidbesolongasminearm,andhadsurelygonethroughmybody,ifthatIhadbeennaked.Andthebillofthemonsterranguponminearmour;anditsmotemetwicethiswise,sothatIstaggeredverysickandshaken.Butinamoment,asitmadetodrawoff,thatitshouldcomethemoreharduponme,IswungtheDiskosverysureandquick,andIsmotetheBird-thingabovetheplacewherethegreatseeming-leathernwingdidjoinupontherightside,asitshouldbetheshoulderoftheBird-monster.And,inverity,themonstergaveoutamightysquarking,andwentbackwardthiswayandthat,andbeatallaboutuponthestones,anddidstrikewiththegreatbillattheplacewhereitdidbehurt.AndIheededthatIenditswiftly;andIraninuponit,andthecreaturetostrikeatmewiththegreatbill,verysavage.ButIjumptspeedytothisside,andagaintothat,andsoinamomenttohavechancetocomeinsurely.AndtrulyIsplittheskulloftheBird-thing,sothatitdiedveryquickandwasgonefrompain.

AndtheBird-creaturelayallspreaduponthestonesandtherockofthatplace;andsurelyitdidbeasthatitwereleathern,andmadesomewiseasabatdothbeofthisage,inthatitdidhavenofeathers.

And,truly,itlooktmighty,whereitdidbespread;andindeedthebodytobefullsobigasthebodyofayounghorse;andthebilltobeverydeadlyandsharpandcumbrous,asyoutohaveguessed.AndItobeallandutterthankfulthatitdidbethere,dead,inthesteadofmineownbody.Andthethingyettotwitchandstiralittle,asthelifedidgofromit.

AndsurelyIwasbackthenveryspeedytotheMaid,andshetobekneeledupwardtowatchme.AndItookherintominearms,andlooktwellabout;andmadethenforwardagain.

Andaboutthemiddlepartofthesixthhourofcrossingthatrockyland,Isawthatwediddrawnearuntotheshallowriver,thatyoushallmindIcameover,afterthatIhaddonewiththeoldenflyingship.Andinallthattime,sincetheBird-monstertocomeafterus,Ihadseenbuttwomore,andtheyagreatwayoff,sothatIguessedthatIwascomebeyondthatpartwheretheydidgoveryfrequent.

AndItowadeovertheriver,andtocarryMineOwnupononearm,thewhilethatIdidsoundmywaywiththestaffoftheDiskos;andtrulyIcameacrossveryeasy,savethatIdidhavetogoaroundsomewhat,wherethattheriverdidseemtohaveadeepplace.

Andwhenthatwehadcrosttheriver,itdidbefulloneandtwentyhourssincethatweslumbered,asyoushallknow,ifthatyoubutcountalittle;foryoudomindthatwespentacertaintimewithinthetree,asIhavetold;andthisnottohavebeenpropercountedintothetimeofourjourneying.

Andsurely,theMaidtohavebeenveryquiet,sincethatIdidshowmystrengthalittletoher,whenthatImadehertolie,thatshebesafefromthebilloftheBird-monster.Butshenottobeanywiseinangeruponme;butonly,asIdothink,thatthewomaninherdidbesomethingfreshwakeduntome;andshetobeverycontentthatshebequietinminearms.

Nowtheplacethatwewerecometo,wasmuchspreadwithboulders;butyettohavethebeginningsagainoftheforests,asyoutoremember;forItohavemadesomesmallremarkofthelandinthispart,uponmineoutwardway.Andwelooktaboutforafire-hole,thatIshoulddrymylowergarments;andtruly,wehadnotpastmanyinagreatwhile;butwetobeinfortune,thatwecamesoonuponalittlefire-hillthatdidbenomorethansohighasaman,andtohavetherockallhotabout;sothatthisdidbeagoodplacetoourpurpose.

AndIkisttheMaid,andsetherdownoutofminearms;andwhenthatIhadlooktwellabout,andseenthattheredidbenaughttooursighttogiveustofear,theMaidtohelpmewithminearmour;andafterwardwithmygarments,andtoeasemeallwaysthatshecouldthinkofwithhelpfulness.Andshesetthe

garmentsofmylowerpartstodry,andwhilstthattheydidbedrying,shetomakereadythewaterandthetablets,andtohavemetositbesideher,inmybody-vestandgear,andwetoeatanddrinkverycomfortableinthewarmhollowthatwassomethinganightothesmallfire-hill.

Now,truly,Ididbeveryhungrythattime,andindeedtobealwayso,forthetabletsdidbeveryunfillingtothebelly,asyoudowellknowfrommytellings.AndwhenthatIdidbefinished,IsawthattheMaidlooktatmesomewiseoddways,andsuddenshetocomeintolaughter,andasktmewhetherthatIdidbeveryempty;andinthesamemomenttheretobeawondrousdearlookwithinhereyes;sothatIperceivedthattherewentamother-noteunderherimpudence.

Andshetoyearn,asIcouldknow,thatshehavesomewaytofeedme;buttrulytheredidbenoway,forwethoughtnottomaketoslayaughtforourpurpose,andwedidbefearedthatweeatanyrootorplant,lestthatwebeill.Andthistoseemstrangetomyspiritofthisourage,buttobenaturaluntothat;sothatIdothinkIdidbesolongbredfromtheprimalobtainingoffood,thatIdidbealllosttothatwhichshouldseemnaturaluntothepeoplesofthisearlyageoftheworld;thoughwetrulytothinkthattheworlddothevennowbeold;andthistohaveseemedatruethinguntoeveryagethateverdidlive.

Now,besidethatwedidlacksomewisetothinkseriousthatweslaysomethingtoeat,inthatthetabletsdidactuallysufficetoourstrength,ItobelievethattheredidbesomeotherreasonthatIdoforget,andmayhapnevertohavethoughtplainupon;butwhichtobesetwithinmeasaninstinct,aswedosay;andthistomean,ifthatItrytosetitinotherwords,thatthetabletsdidkeepthebodyandthespiritinsuchconditionthattheForcesofEvildidhavethelesspowertoactuponus.

Yet,haveInorememberingthatIwastaughtinthepreparationthatIeatnaught,savethetablets;andthismayhapnevertohavebeensetuponme;buttohavebeenasathingthatdothneverneedtohavebeentold;evenasyoushallnottellagrownmaninthisAgethatheshallrefrainfromdung,andeatonlywholesomematter.

Andtruly,ItohopethatIhavemadethisthingsomewiseclearuntoyou;for,indeed,itdothbesomethinghardtosetout;foreveryAgehaththesubtletiespeculiartothatAge;andthesetobehardtotheunderstandingofotherAges,butyettoseemplainandutternatural,evenwithoutthought,untothePeoplesoftheAge.

Andsurelyallthistobeplaintoyou,andtobeover-plain;for,inverity,Itelltoyou,andover-tell,untilthatIshouldbeweary;andmayhapyoutobethemoreso.And,indeed,Inottoblameyou;butonlytohopethatyourunderstanding,whichdothmeanalsoingeneralyourhearts,dothbewithmeallalongmyway.And,indeed,thismytaletobenoteasytold.

And,inverity,ItobebacknowuntotheMaida-laughuponme,andinthesamemomentdeeplylovinganda-lackthatshecouldnotfeedme,andItolaughwithher,andtohaveunderstandingwithher,asyoutoknow;and,indeed,Itohaveanheartthatdothbemadesomewaysnaturaluntounderstanding;sothateventhoughIbedeadwhenyoureadthis,mytale,youtofeelthatwebefriends,andtoknowthatcouldImeetwithyouinpitifultrouble,Itohaveunderstandingandlovetoyou,ifthatyoubenotutterbrutish;andeven-so,Itobesorrowfulthatyoushouldbebrutish,andtohaveunderstanding,inthatItoknowthatbydevelopementyoutobecomewiseuntosweetnessandcharity,andinlovewithalldearthings,andkindpityoftherest.Andthiswiseyoutobeinhumansympathywithme,becausethatyoudofeelthatIbehonestwithyou,andsomewiseevennowtoyourelbow,asyouread.Andthistobewritnow,andyou

mayhapnottobebornagreatwhileyet;butintheendtoreadandtohaveunderstandingwithme,andtoknowhowIdidloveMineOwn.Andsowetogoforwardagain,thecloser,inthatwedobethemoreknitindearhumansympathy.

AndsurelytheMaidkistmeveryniceonthelips,anddidpromiseagainhowthatsheshouldmakemeagreatmealwhenthatwedidcometoourMightyHome;and,indeed,asshetosay,shetojoinwithme,andwebothtobenaughtygluttonsforthatonce.And,surely,IlaughedgentlyattheMaid,becausethatsheshouldbesodaintyaglutton;butformypart,ItofeelthatIcouldeatanhorse,aswedosayinthisAge.

Andbythatwehadeatanddrunkandtalkedawhile,andlooktoftabout,sothatweknowthatnobrutishthingcamenear,toourhurt,theMaidtotellmethatmygarmentsdidbedry;andshethentogivemeaidthatIdressveryquick;andafterwardshetohelpmewithminearmour,thewhichshedidwipeafterthatwehadeatanddrunk;andshetohavehadjoythatshedothisthing,andallthingsforme;andtohaveusedapartofhertorngarmentstothisend.

Andso,truly,Itobeclothedandarmedveryspeedy,andtofeeleasedandthemoresureinmymind;forinverity,Iwasalwayinunease,whenthatIdidnotbereadythatIbeabletomeetanyhorridBrutethatshouldbeliketocomeuponus.

Now,whenthatIdidbeintominearmouragain,theMaidtosetthescripandthepouchuponme,andallthewhileIscarcetobeloosedoftheDiskos,asever.Andwethentoourway,whichdidbethatwefindaplacepropertoourslumber.

Andwhenthatwedidbegoneall-ways,andnocavepropertooursight,wefoundagreattree,thatdidbesetoffalone,andhadaplentyofbranches;butnonethatdidbeneartothebottom-part.

Andsurely,IgavetheMaidalift,andheldherupsofarasminearmsdidgo,sothatshemightstanduponthepalmsofmyhands,andbesteadyagainstthetrunkofthetree;andshethiswisetohaveaholduponabranch,andsotogoupward.

And,truly,whenthatshewassafe,Iloosedoneofthestrapsfromthepouchandthescrip,andIcastthisuptotheMaid,andshesetitstrongaboutthebranch.AndwhenIhadcaughtthedownwardend,Iwentupwardveryeasy;andafterwardtookloosethestrap;andthiswaywedidbesomethingsafe,asyou

shallsee.

Andweclimbedupwardthen,andsocametoapartofthetreewherethebranchesdidbeverythicktogether;andwemadehereaplaceforourslumber,andtheMaidsetthecloakoverthebranchesthatdidbesoclose,andafterwardwelaydown;butfirstIsetthestrapaboutherwaist,andthencetoabranch,andshetorefusesleepuntilthatIbelikewise;sothatwedidbebothverysafefromanyfall.

Andshekistme,andwethentoourslumber,andveryweary;foritdidbetwoandtwentyhours,bythis,sincethatwehadsleep.

Nowwehadeighthoursinwhichwesleptutter;andwebothtoawake,asitdidseeminthesamemoment;buttruly,ItothinkthatMineOwndidbewakefulbeforethattime;for,indeed,assheputherarmsverydaintyaboutmyneck,thatshekissme,IdidhaveaquickandsuddenknowledgethatIhadbeenkistoftinmysleep,andthistohavebeenbutalittlewhilegone.Andsurely,itdidseemtomethatMineOwndidhaveasweetandcontentedMischiefinwardofhereyes;butyetshetobeverysedateoutward,andtokissmelovinganddear,andthenwetoourbreakfast,uponthecloak.

Andafterward,Iclimbedtothetopmostbranchesofthetree,andlooktwellovertheCountryallabout;buttherewasnobrutishthingtomysightinanyplace,neithernearnorfar.

AndIcamedownthentotheMaid,andtoldherhowthattherewasquietnessoflifeallabout.Andwehadourgeartogether,andwentdownwardtotheearth,andItohelpMineOwn,andthiswayshetobesafe.

Now,aswewentforwarduponourjourneying,IperceivedthattheMaidhadawaywardair;andtruly,Ithoughtthatshedidhaveherheartallsettowardnaughtinessandmischief;andinthesamemomentthatIwasinthisbelief,IdidknowinmineunderstandingthatthisdidspringfromtheworkingsofmynatureuponthenatureofMineOwnMaiden.

AndNaanitowalk,inthefirst,besideme,andtohavenowordforme,becausethatshedidbesofilledwiththestirringsofhernaughtiness,thatdidbeinthesamemomentverysweetuntome,andyettowakenallthatdidbemasterfulwithinme.Andshetobethatshedidknow,andtodelight,inhersecretheartthatshewakenthatwhichdidbemasterfulinme;butyetinthesamemomentto

bestrongdeterminedthatshebenotmasteredbyme.Andsurelythistoseemcontrarywiseinthewords;buttobecleartotheheart,ifindeedyouhaveeverbeenlovedbyadearmaidofanhighspirit.

Andaboveallthis,theMaiddidbefilledwithaloveforme,thatdidbeatanddanceinallherbeing;andthisintruthtooverweighall;butyetfromthissamethingherdaintynaughtinesstobeborn,because,asIdidsay,mymanhoodtostirallhernatureup-wiseinsweettroublethatdidbehalfofrebellion,andhalfthatshedidachethatshebecloseuntomeinminearms.

And,inverity,youtobewithmeinallthesethings,ifthatyouhavehadthelove-daysbesideadearanddaintymaid,ofanhighandpureandnaturalspirit;sothatifyoubeoldthesedays,evenbutthelightmerrimentofapassingmaidentobringapainofwonderingsandgoldenmemoriesuponyourheart.

Andpresently,IsawthatMineOwnputalittlespacebetweenus,asthenaughtinessdidworkinher,asmyhearttoknow;andshetobeoffwardfrommealittle.Andshestilltohavenospeechwithme;butinalittletobeginthatshesinginalowvoice;andtohaveherprettybodyveryuprightandlithesome,andtogoforwardwithawondrousdaintyswing,sothatmyhearttoldmethatshedidallbestirredwithsmallthrillingsofdefianceuntome,andwiththrillingsoflove;andshetohavethetriumphofherMaidenhoodandofherWomanhood,asitwerebothtocontendinherandtothrilluponhertongue,andtoshowouttheliltingandprettywarfareofherspiritthatdidgodancinganddearlynaughtyinherbreast.

AndsurelyIwent,veryliftedinmyheart,andastir;foritdidbewondroustomethatthislovelyMaiddidbesouttermine.Andtoseebutthewaythatshesetherfeettotheearth,andthewaythatshedidliftthemsureanddainty;andthewaythatherbodydidbepoised,andthewayofherhead;andthewayofhernaughtinessandthesweetnessandthelovethatdidbewraptinwithall,didmakemewantthatIhaveherinminearms.

Butyet,Inottodothis,becausethatinthesametimethatshedidsostirmetoloveandadmirings,shetosetsomewhatelseinmeatvariance,sothatIdidhalftofeelsternwithher,forIperceivedthatshehadthatnaughtinessthenwithinher,thatshedidbeliketohavearealintentofimpertinenceuntome,sothatsheshouldbenaughtilyoutrageous,andtohavenoheedtomyadvisings,neitheruntomydesires,unlessthatIsetmyhanduponher,tomakehertoobey.

Andtruly,youthathavehaddearmaids,shallfollowmineexplainings;butuntoothers,Iknownotwhethertheyshallunderstand,untiltheytoohavebeenpossessedofOnethatshallsetalltheirheartadrift,evenasthisOnethatdidbeMineOwn.

Andsudden,ItoknowthatNaanididchangefromherlowsinginguntoanoldenairthathadsurelynotbeenheardinallthateternity.Andinverity,foralittlewhile,Inottoknowwhythatitdidsoshakeallmyheart;norwhatitdidbe;norwhetherthatIhadtrulyhearditbefore,oronlytothinkso.

And,surely,itdidbeasthatthesilenceoftheoldenmoonlitworlddidstealallaboutme;andsudden,ItoknowthattheMaiddidsinganoldenlove-songoftheoldenworld,andtogohaltingalittleasshesang,becausethatthewordsdidstealsomethingodd-wisethroughthefarveilsofhermemory,evenasasongdothcomebackwardoutofdreams.

AndItofeelallmybloodtoseemtotrembleinmyveins,andmythroattobetroubled,aswithvaguesobsthatdidbetheghostsofforgottentears.Andthedimsorrowthathadcomesoswiftandstrangeuponme,tobelikewisesteepedingoldenmistsofthelovethatIoncedidlove;andtheglamourtobecomeallfreshuponme,andItoknowinthatmomenthowmuchwedoforget,evenwhenthatwedobelievethatwehaveallmemoryandallsorrowwithinourhearts.

AndIlooktuntotheMaid,somethingdimly,becauseofthewaythatIdidbe;andIperceivedinamomentthatMineOwndidweepasshewalked;butthelesswithpainthanwiththestrangeanguishofMemory,thatdothhaveinitTendernessandSorrowandLoveandallthatHathBeenandallthatDidNeverBe,andalltomakeaValeuntotheSpirit,wheredothbebothadimgreynessandawarmandeverlastinglight,andanutterspeechlessness,andthelowandfarmusicofforgottensongs,thatdocomedownwardovertheshadowymountainsthatdobebuildedofYearsandForgetfulness,andyetmadetobeseenwiththelightofthatourMemory,whichdothcastsomanyhushtshadows.

Andsurely,asIdidsay,theMaiddidweepasshewent;butnottobecastdown;butratherthatsheheldherheadupwise,asthatshedidwalkinaglory.Andthesongtocomeoft-broke,andoddly,andtosethervoicetolittlehumanquiverings,ashermemorydidshakehersweetspirituntotearsafresh;andshetowalkwithherprettyheadupheldandasthatshedidgoinaTriumph;andthe

tearstocomedownstrangelyuponherface,andallhersoultobethere,pureandwondrous,andinthesametimebothtroubledandglad.

Andthisthingtobeverydearandamazing;andshetobeasthatshenottoknowthenthatshesang;butasthatshedidbelostinherthoughts,aswedosay,andthistohavecomesuddenuponher,outofallherupliftednessofspirit,thathadbeenliketomakeherveryopenuntoallsubtileandsubtlepowersofthoughtandinwardstirrings,asyoushallthink.

Andagainthesongtocomefull-remembered,andfresh,asthatthisEternitydidbebuttheyesterdayofthatmoment.AndMineOwntobeallinasweetmadnesswiththosehalf-dreamedmemories,andthewonderandpainofallthatnomanhatheversaid,andthatshallbeneversaid;andoftheutterlostyears,andallthathathbeenlost,andallforgottengreatnessandsplendour,andthedreadfulnessofparting,andthelovelinessofbeautifulthingsthatdobehidintheabyssoftheyears.

Anditdidbesuddentomyquickenedfancy,thattheredidbelowechoesallaboutus,ofthevoicesofdearbeautifulonesthathavedied;forsodidmemorysetastrangeandlovelymysteryaboutmyspiritinthatmoment,thatIdidbeallshakensomuchasMineOwn.AndItobeasthatIdrewmybreathanightotears,anddidbetherewithNaaniamidthequietsparenessofthetreesandtherockofthatpartoftheland;butyetdidbetoseehalfdimlythatIstoodwithinalight,evenasthelightthatdothbethewonderofoldensunsets;andItobe,inthesametime,boththatmanandthismanthatnowdothwrite;andtohavebesidemyspiritbutonemaid,thatIdidlacktoknowwhetherIsaytoherNaaniorMirdath;forthoughthetwothathavebeenMineOwndidbedifferent-seemingtotheeye,theretobebutthespiritofonemaidbesidemeinthatmoment.

Andsurely,Ididbethere,allshakenuntotheseeingofvisions,asitdidseem;sothattheLandaboutmetohavegrownhalfasthatitdidlackthatitberealuntomysight,becausethatIlooktinwarduntoLandsthatdidbeofMemory.Andlo!inamomentthistogo;andItobeinthatCountryoftheSeas,andtolooknewlyuntoNaani,andshetogoasIhavetold;andtheretobethelonesometreesandtherocksinallpartsforagreatwayabout.

Andsudden,asIlooktatMineOwn,shetocomerounduntome,andsheheldoutherarms,anddidgazeatmewithsuchalove,asthatsheweretransfigured,

andtoneedstrangelythatshebeinminearms;andsurely,ItoanholyneedthatIhaveheruntome,becausethat,afterall,theredidbenowondersogreatasthatwonder,thatwhenalldidbesaidIdidhaveMineOwn,afterthatallEternityhadnighpast.

And,inverity,weraneachtotheother,anddidbesilent,becausethattherewasnospeechofwordsbywhichwecouldsayaughtofallthatdidbeinourhearts.Andtrulyyoutobewithmeinunderstanding;foryoutoo,mayhap,tohavesufferedthiswiseofdumbness;evenifthatithathnotbeensogreat.Butyettomakeyoutoknow.

Andpresently,wegrewquietinthespirit;andMineOwntocomebackagaintoherjoyousness,andtogobesidebyme,aswemadeforward.

Andpresently,Naanitobeginthatshelookatmewithdearimpudencesagain,thatdidbeverysweetuntome;butyettobeliketoleaduntodefyings.

Andtruly,bythesethingsshallyouknowthespiritofMineOwnMaid;andtheretobenonetomethateverdidbelikeher.But,indeed,youtothinkthatwiseofthemaidthatyoudidlove;andalltheworldtobethinkingeachthesethoughtsofonedearmaidenthatdothbetheonemaidinalltheroundworld.

Andthistobethelovelynicenessofthehumanheart;andInottohaveanygrumblethereat;butyet,surely,youshallsaythatthisMaidthatdidbeMineOwn,didbeverydearandlovely.And,inverity,Itoshowmyhumanheartinthisthing;foryoulikewisetowantthatIthinkyourMaidtohavebeenjustsodear,andthemoreso.Andindeedweevertobegoingtheseways;andtohavegoodcomradeshipofunderstanding,becausethatwehavealllovedandsufferedjoyandhadutterbeliefinadearOne.

AndsurelyadefyingnesstocomepresentlyintothewaythattheMaiddidgo,andshetowalkalittleoffwardfromme;andtrulyIlooktather,bothwithloveandyetwithsomewhatthatdidbetoreprovehergently,andallinthesamemomentthatshetomakemyheartstirredwithhersweetnaughtiness.

Andshetolooksuddenatme;andtobethatshehalftointendtoruntokissme;butalsothatshebemindedinthesamemomentthatshesetherselfupimpertinentlyagainstme.And,inverity,shemademetohardenmynaturealittle,asmanhooddothmakeamantodo;andthisbecauseoftherebellionthatI

knewtobeinher;andshelikewisetoknow.Butshehidhereyes,whenthatIshookmyhead,halfwithplayandhalfwithearnest;andwasthenimpudentuntome;andgonefromthatinamomenttoherprettysinging,andhernaughtywalkingapart.Butshenomoretosinganoldenlove-song.

Now,inawhile,wepastabasinofrock,inaplaceamongthetrees;andtherewasawarmspringbubblingintherock,andthebasintobefullofwater,verywarmandwithsomesmellingofchemistry.

AndtheMaidtoldmethatshewouldwash,andItothinkitagoodplaceforthatend.AndwhenIhadtastedthewater,Ifoundthatitdidseemsmoothandproperforourintent,asthattheredidbeaverityofanalkaliinit.

Andtrulywewashed,andafterthatIwasdone,theMaidbidmethatIturnmyback;andItodothis,andshetomockmeverynaughtywhilstthatIcouldnotseeher,andtoseemveryquiet;forindeed,Iheardnosplashingsofwater,thoughIstoodofffromheralongwhile,andshealwaytosaynaughtythingsuntome,asthatshedidmindtrulytohavemeangered;for,indeed,shedidhaveaplainintentthatshemockatme,andtoeasenotherwit.Andsurely,afterthatIhadstoodagreatwhile,IaskttheMaidwhenthatshedidbeliketobedone;butshetosaythatshewasnowiseendedofhertoilets.AndIknewverysuddenthatshemadefoolishnessuponmealsointhismatter;andIturneduponher,andlo!shedidbesittinguponalittlerock,verysedate,evenaswhenshehadbidmeturnfromher;andtohavemadenomoreforward,butonlytohavebeenthereatease,thatshekeepmeturnedawaytopleasehernaughtymood,andallthewhilehaveadoublelibertytohaveimpudenceuponme.

And,inverity,Ididbealittleangered;butscarcethatIdidknowit;forIdidloveherverygreat,andwasstirredinwardlywithherdearnessandthatshedidlookjustthat-wisethatIknewnotwhetherItoneedtokissher,ortoshakeher;andtruly,howshouldIknow;formyheartdidachethatIhavehertominearms;butmybraintosaythatshedidgoover-farinthejoke;andtrulyyoutoseethatIdidnotbeunreasonable,neithertobelackingofgrace;forindeedIdothinkthatIwasswayedall-ways,becausethatIsawallthedearwaythatherprettynaturedidwork;andtoconceiveofhermoodandtounderstandandbestirred;butyettoshapealittleinmymanhooduntohardening,andinmyjudgementuntosternness.

Yet,truly,IscoldedMineOwnwithnomorethanalittlejesting,anddidbenice

andgentlewithher,becauseshedidbesodear,andItoknowjust-wisehermoodandthecauseandworkingofit.

AndItoldherthatIdidloveher,andthatshehastennowandletusagaintothejourney.But,indeed,sheonlytomakeafaceatme,sothatIdidbenearliketoshakeheruntosedateness.Andshethentobebothmerry,andarogue,aswedosay,andtostopherearsandagaintosingverygleeful;andallsothatshemightnothearaughtthatIsaid.AndsurelyshelooktaverydaintyRebelliousOne.

AndIwentthenstraightwaytoher,andtookherhandsfromherears;andIkistherprettyearsverygentlethatInottodeafenher.AndIkistherlipsasshedidsing;andafterwardshookher,thatshebenotsuchasweetTorment.Butthistohavenosuccessthatway;forsheonlytoputouthertoestobekist;forherfoot-gearwasofffromherfeet.And,indeed,Ilaughed,evenasImadetofrown;andtrulyIkistherprettytoes,andtriedthentocoaxhertogoforwardsomethingspeedywithherhair,andtobereadytothejourney.Butsheonlytosing,andtorefusetobesedate.

And,inverity,intheend,Icaughtherupinminearms,andhadherbundleinmyhand,andsowentoffwithherverysudden,withherhairalllooseuponmeinalovelyandsoftshining,andherfeetbareastheydidbe.

AndthisactionImade,becausethatIwasgrowntrulyalittlesternwithMineOwn;for,indeed,shedidhalftoneedthatshebewhiptuntoproperness,asyoushallthink,thathaveseenhowshedidbethiswiseonlybecausethathernaturedidbestirredstrangely,andherWomanhoodandherMaidenhoodtobealluntowar,andinparttomakearebellionagainstmethatshedidknowgladtobehertrueMaster;butyetshetobethus,eventhoughshedidbesoglad.

Andthistoactsothatshedidbeinthesamemomentbothsweetandwiseandyettoshowadaintyfoolishnessandatruenaughtinessthatdidmakemetofeelsomewhatofarealanger;butyetdidhavemetoknowthatallmybeingdidbestirredbyher;sothatIdidthinkwithonethoughtthatshedidbeveryfoolish,andwithanotherthatshedidbelovelywayward.

Now,whenthatItooktheMaidupsoquick,andmadeoffwithher,shetogivealittlegaspandtosubmittomewithaquickhumbleness;butimmediately,shetoregainhercourage,andtobeoutragedofme.But,indeed,Itooknoheed,onlythatIwasliketoshakeher;anddidknowalsothatherhairdidbewondrous

prettyuponminearmour.Andshesoontolieveryquietandeasyinminearms,andtobedemure.

AndItohaveahalfknowledgeofsomewhatamiss;butyettohavenosureness,neithertothinkmuchuponthisvaguefeeling.

AndwhenthatIhadgoneagoodmile,shetoputupherlipstobekist;andItokissherveryloving,forshewassodear.Andshethentosay,veryordinarylike,thatIshoulddowiselynowifthatIwentbackforherfoot-gear,whichtrulyIhadlackedthoughttonotice,whenthatIdidpickuptheMaid.

AndIsawthatshehadknownthisthingallthatwhile,andhadmadethatmileofcarryingallawasteandafoolishness,becauseofthenaughtyrebellionwhichdidbeinher.Andlo!Isetherinstanttotheground;andshegaveoutalittlecryasshesawthatIdidbegonesomewisehardandsternwithher.

AndindeedIpulledasmallbranchfromatreethatdidbenear,tobeforaswitchasyoushallwhipaboywith;andIheldherwithmylefthand,andinverityIlaidtheswitchthriceverysharpacrossherprettyshoulders,thatsheknowallthatshedidneedtoknow.Andsheseemingtobeceasedinamomentfromherperverseness,anddidnestleveryquickuntome,thathadwhipther;anddidneedthatshebewondrousnighuntome.And,truly,howshallevenayoungmanflogsuchanone.

AndtheMaidtobeveryhushtagainstminearmour,andtoresistthatIlookintoherfacethatdidbeprestsoanighme.Butpresently,Iusedalittleandgentleforce,andsotolookintoherfacesomethingsudden.Andtruly,thatOnedidbesmilingverynaughtyanddaintytoherself;sothatIperceivedthatIhadnottrulywhiptherenough;butyetIcouldhardenmyheartnomoreatthattime;for,inverity,theredothbeastrangehalf-paininthebosom,ifthatyouhavetoflogamaidthatdothbeutterthine,andthistothedespitethattherehathbeen—asthen—nopropernessofangertohaveforanafterself-reproach.

Andsurely,Itohavedonethisthingonlyofasternintentandsteadfastness,thatIsteadyMineOwnMaiduntowisdom;butyettohavebeenhelptbyalittleanger,becauseofthethingthatshehaddone.Yet,alway,mylovedidbesostrong,thatmineangernevertohaveaughtofbitterness,asyoushallhaveseen,andtounderstand.

Andwewentbackthenforthefoot-gearoftheMaid;andshetobeveryhushtin

minearms;butyet,asIperceived,nottobequiet,ofanhumblelittleheart,butonlyofthechancethathernaturedidbestirredthatwayforthewhile.

Andtruly,whenweweregoneback,thefoot-geardidbetheretothesideofthepool,andtheMaidgatshodveryspeedy,andwouldhavenoaid;andafterwarddidupherhairverytightuponherhead,tohaveitutterfrommysight;andthistobeforaperverseness;forsheknewthatIdidlovetoseeitprettyuponhershoulders,orifthatshemustdoit,thatshedoitupverylooseandnice;andtrulyyoutoknowhowImean;onlythatIhavenoskillofsuchmatters;butyetagoodtastetoadmirings,ifthatthethingbearight.

AndItosaynothing,asIlookedather;andshepresentlytomakeaquickglanceuntome,toseewhyIdidsaynaught.AndIshookmyhead,smilingatherwaywardness;butshetolookawayfromme,andtoseemtobesettofreshnaughtiness.

Nowwewentforwardthenuponourjourney;andalwaytheMaidtowalkonwardfromme;butyettohavenootherimpudence,neithertosing.

AndItogokindlywithher;butyettothinkthatshedidlacksomewhattoknowthatIdidbetrulyherMaster;andItowonderalittlewhethershedidknowproperthatmygentlenesswithherdidbenotofweakness,butbornofunderstandingandlove,andthemoreproofthatIdidbefittopossessandtoguideher.

Andtrulythiswasthethoughtofayoungman,yetlackingnotofReasoninthebottompart,thoughmayhaptobesomethingclumsy-seeminguntothemindofamaid;andtobeveryhumantomyyears;andyoutohavebeenlikewise,ifthatyouhavetriedall-wayswithadearOne,andshetobeyetover-wilful,sothatyoutowonderwhethershedidtrulyknowhowyoudidunderstand.

Andsurelyamaiddothknowmuchthatdothbeintheheartofaman,ifthatshebetruewomaninherownsecretheart.Andoftshedothknowmoreofhermanthanhermandothwotofhimself,andtogoherowndiversewaysthatshesearchoutandbringforthandwakenallthatistheinwardbeingofthemanthatshedothlove.

Yet,whenthatshehavestirredyouinthedeepsthatyouscarcetoknow,shetobeallfearful,andinthesamemomenttohavenofear;andtobeinrebellion,andinthesamemomenttobemoststrangehumble.Andalltobebornoflove,

andnatureinactionuponnature.

AndmorethanthishowshallIhavelearningofthehearttotellyou;for,inverity,theredothbemuchinthesefewlines,ifthatyouknowtoread.Andsurelyyoutoknow,ortolearn;butifneither,thenhaveyougoneshortofjoyandthetrueinwardnessoflife.

NowthiswayIdidbe,asIhavetold;andtheMaidtobequietlynaughtyinperverseness,asalsoIhavesetout;yettohaveastrictmindtoherduties,andtogonowwondroussedateuponthejourney;yetalwayapart.Andlikewise,whenthatthesixthhourdidcome,andwetoourhalt,asever,shetobeveryspeedyandnicethatthewaterandthetabletsbereadyforme;butyettohavenoword;neithertoeatbyme;butagainalittleapart,andnottosharethewater,buttomakeabrewingtoherself,whenthatIhaddone.

Andlikewise,theMaidheldnotuphertabletstobekist,asalway;buteatthem,quietandmeditative,andwithlittlenibblings,asthatshedidponderuponothermatters,ormayhaptobenothungry.

AndthesethingsIsaw,asweeatanddrankinasilence;andItolookattheMaid,somewisesadintheheart,andsomethingstirred;andItosaytomyselfwisely,yetasayoungman,thatshedidnotyetbetaughtsufficientthatIwashermaster.Andthisyoutoperceive.

Andshenevertoseemtolookatme;buttobequietanddemure,andtohavehereyelidssomethingdownuponhereyes.

Now,presently,asIthoughtuponthematter,IsawthatIdowellthatItakenoheedofMineOwn;buttolethertocometoanaturalendofthisnaughtiness,thatdidbe,inthesametime,bothprettyandalittlefoolish;sothatinhalfIcondemneditandinhalfIwasstirred;andalwayIlovedtheMaidverydear,andhadagoodunderstanding;andtheretobealsoaninterestinmyheartatthisnewsidethatshedidbeshowing.Andalso,shetostirmeoddwhilesuntomasterfulness;andsoyoutoknowprettywellhowitdidbewithmeinthematter.

Now,surely,Ifoundthisplan,thatIattendnottotheMaid,tohavesomethingofsuccess;forIknewpresentlythatshedidlookupwardatme,slyly,fromunderherprettyeyelashes;andafter,tobedemureinamoment;andthistogoforwardforawhile;yetItoshownoheed.

Andinawhile,Isawthatshegaveattentiontohergarments,inthewayofnattiness;andafterward,shetookdownherhair,andmadeitupthenverylooseandprettyuponherhead;sothatshedidbeverylovely,andtotemptmineeyesthattheylookalwayather.But,indeed,IdidmakeasthatIhadnoheedthattheMaiddidshapeherhairdifferentuponherhead.

Andsheverysoonthentospeak,andtohavethelessergeartogether,andtomakethatsheattractme.Buttruly,Iwasverynicewithher;yettokeephernowalittleofffrommeinthespirit;andsototeachherthat-wise,thatshewassomewhatofadearnaughtymaid;butalso,asIdothink,Iwasthisway,becausethatinpartIwouldteaseher,ingreatloveofherprettinessandhermakingsuptome;andsomaybeeventhatImakehertobethemoredefyingofme.AndthistobeasthatIalsolackedsomewhatofreason;forIdidstrangelythatIthinkthatsheneedtobewhipt,andinthesametimethatIgotomakeherthemoredeservingofthesame.

Yet,thistobethetruth,asIknowit;andsurelytobethenaturalwaywardnessoflove.Butyet,theredidbealsointhebackwardpartofmywisdom,anintentthatIbewiseandcarefulwithMineOwn;andIsurelytohavenofullrealisingsthatIdidbeliketosetherfurtheruntoperversenessthanyetshedidbe.

Now,afterthatIhadshownwellthatIlackedtoheedtheMaid,IfoundthatIdidbelookingoftather;andshetobesodearandpretty,andtobeallhusht,thattrulyIcouldnotbearthatIbelongersilenttoheradvancements.

AndIceasedthenfrompretending,andwouldhavehadherintominearms;butshetobenowinsweetdignity,andtokeepmeoffwithverysobergraces.Andbecauseofthis,ItofeelsomewaythatIdidbesomewayinblame;andsurely,nowthatIconsiderit,IcanseethatIwassomethingactedupon,evenashadbeentheMaid;andsowetwotobe;andamosthumanpair,asyoutosay;andsomewhatbotha-lack;butindeed,wedidbeverywholesome,andinutterloveeachoftheother;andmayhapboththentoperceivesomethingofthesweetfoolishnesswithinusthatdidbeasyeasta-workinus;forIthoughtthatNaanididsmilealittletoherself.But,surely,thisclear-seeing,tobebutforanoddtime;andafterwardweeachagaintoearnestnessinourwaywiththeother;butalway,evenwhenwedidmaketoshowindifference,wetobesomethingtroubledinwardlywithsweetflashingsofourbewilderednatures.

Now,thoughIhaveshownyouthatItoknowthatIdidbenotutterfreeofthis

moststrangeandnaturalfoolishness;yetyoutoperceivethatItellthisonlythatIhaveuttertruthofallthingsthatdidhappen;for,inverity,becausethatIwassomethingsubtlytouchedthiswayatwhiles,yetwasthisnofullexcusingoftheMaid;though,inthesamemoment,youtoperceive,thattheredidbeonlythehalfofmetothinkthatshedidneedtobeexcused;for,intruth,mineunderstandingwentalway,inthemain,withtheworkingsofhernature;andhadanaturalsympathywithherdearwhimsies;butalso,asyoutoknow,Itobestirredconstantinmymanhoodbyhernaughtydefyings;andtobetroubledinmyNaturalSense,whenthatherwhimsiesmadehertoactthatshebelikelytocomeuntoaughtofharm.

Andsurelynowyoutoseeallthewayofmyheart,andtohaveunderstandinginthingsthatdofollow.AndalwayyoushallmindthatIdidloveherutter,andtocravealwaythatIbeashielduntoher;thoughtruly,theredothbe,mayhap,somewhatinmethatdothacttomakemealittlesternseeminginmylove;butyetnotoftso;asyoudoknow,thathavegonewithmeinallmytellings.

Now,wewentthenuponourjourney;andtheMaidtobesomewhatbeforeme,andoffwardtotheside,uponmyright;andtohavenospeechwithme,buttomakeagoodpace,andtobeverydearandgracefulasshewent.

Andnowwedidpassthisthingofstrangeness,andnowthat;andtheseIdidpointouttoher,andmadesometellingconcerningthesame,havingthememoryofmineoutwardway,andhowthatIdidseethesethingsthen,whenthatIwasallinsufferingofsolonesomeadoubt.

Andshetoharkalwayveryintent,andtomoveherheadniceandintelligent,toshowthatsheheardme;andonceIsawthatshelooktsuddenatmewithadearlightinhereyes;butthistobedoneinamoment,andshetobeagainsilent-seemingandinhernewperversityofdignity.

Andsurelyshedidseemsouttersweetinthisnewwayofnaughtiness;butyetIdidthink,oddwhiles,thatIshouldliketoshakeheruntodearhumblenessandherusualway.

Andinthetwelfthhour,wemadehaltagain,andhadourfoodandourdrink;andtheMaidtoservemeverycleverandquiet,asthatIdidbeherLord,andsheanhushtslave.AndIsawthatshemadeaconstantandnaughtymockuponme;andtruly,asIdidhalfthink,shetoneedthatshebeincarethatInottreathersternly,

asshallaslave-master,andtogiveherthatwhichshedidaskforsomuteandimpudent.Butalwayshedidstirmemightilytohavehertominearms,andtoloveherverydear.

Andpresently,wedidbeagaintoourway;andtobeyetsilent;sothatIscarceknewwhethertohavepatiencewithMineOwn,orwhetherthatItakeherandspeakseriouslywithhertoceasethisplay,whichdidbeginalittletodispiritmesomewhatstrangely.

AndintheendIwentovertoher,aswedidwalk,andIputminearmabouther,andshetoyieldtomewithoutword,andtoharkveryquiettomyspeechofreasoningandgentlesayings,andtohidewhethershedidbestirredinwardly,ornot;though,indeed,myspirittoknowthatherspiritdidneverbeafarofffrommineinalldeepmatters;butonlythisthingtobetothetop,andtosetsomewhatbetweenusthatdidbebothasweetnessandatrouble.

Andalway,asItalkedwiththeMaid,IsawthatshedidmakenaughtilytoactasthatIdidbeaslave-master,andshebutachatteltome;forshetobehushtbeforeme,andneithertoyieldherslenderbodywillingtominearm,nortoresistme;butonlytobestill,asthatshehadnosayinginthismatter;andasthatIwasliketobeatheratmypleasure,ortowithholdmyhand,allasmightchancetobemydesire.AndthisIperceivedwastheshapingofheractions,sothatallherdumbnessandherquietobediencedidbebutawaytosaythisthingtome;andalltohavecomefromherloveofmeandthatshedidbeshakeninhernaturebymymanhood,andsotobebutanewformofhernaughtiness,thatdidhavethischangewhenthatIwhipther.

Andallthis,youtoperceive,thathavegonewithme.

AndIsawthatshewouldnotceasefromthisperverseness,butmadeadumbandnaughtyandhiddenmockuponme,verydaintyandconstant,andscarcetobetrulyperceived,savebytheinwardsense.Andtruly,Igrewsomethingangeredafresh,andtofeelthatshedidneedthatshebeshakensosternthatshecomeuntotherealitythatIdidbehermanandnaturalmaster;yetalwayinlove.

AndsurelyIloosedherthen,andwentoffapacetoherside;andweagaintogoforwardthiswise;yetshesoontohaveagreaterdistancebetweenus,whichshemadeveryquietandnatural;but,indeed,Isawwhatshedid.

Now,aboutthefourteenthhourofthatjourneying,Isawbeforeus,inthefar

distance,therockuponwhichdidbetheoldenflyingship,thatyoushallremember.Andpresently,aswecamemorenigh,IlooktofttoMineOwn;andIsawthatshedidbestaringthatway,andtobeinwonder;butyettosaynaughttome.

Andsoon,aswecameveryclose,IdidwantthatItellherabouttheship,andofmineadventuringthere,andofthewonderofthatoldenship,settherethroughEternity.

Butinthefirst,Ihesitated,asyoushallthink,becauseofherway;buttruly,myheartknewthatherheartdidbeproperuntome;and,moreover,Ishouldbesmallinmynature,ifthatIletanypettinessputasilenceuponme;though,inverity,ifthattheMaidhadnotbeeninwardlylovingtome,IhadbeenthatIhadtoldhernoword;andthistobeverynatural,whetheritbeofsmallnessornot.

Andwhenthatwewerecomebesidethegreatuprisingrock,Imadehalt,andtheMaidtohaltwithme;andIshowedherhowthatthethingupontherockdidbeanoldenflyingshipfromtheMightyPyramid.Andinthefirst,sheasktnoquestions;butdidbequietandbuttoshowwithlittlenoddingsthatshedidbegreatlyinterest.

AndItoshowtoherhowthatthisoldenshipdidbetheremayhapanhundredthousandyears;andtohavebeenthere,asitdidseemtous(thatwereofthatage)sincethebeginningsoftheworld;though,inverity,ourtwospiritsdidknowthatthebeginningsofThatAge,didbetrulytheendingofThis,asyoualsotoknow.

AndmuchItoldMineOwn,andafterwardconcerningthetwoHumptMenthatdidcomeafterme;andshealwaytobesilent,untilthatIspokeofthefight;butthentocomerounduponmeveryswift,andwithadearlightinhereyes;andhadaskt,beforeshedidwot,whethertheydidhurtme.

Andsurely,thistohavebeenthefirstthingofheroldensweetnaturalnessthatshedidsayforagreatwhile,andItobesoindelight,thatIhadherintominearms,andkistherveryloving,allinamoment,andshetosubmitwithanicegladness,andtonestleuntome,andallunwittingthatshedidbegonefromherwaywardness.

Yet,inverity,shedidbeanaughtyMaid;forshemindedinaninstantthatshedidforgetherposeuntome;andlo,herlipsdidbenomoretosearchuntomine,

buttobeasthattheydidbekistonlyofmywill,andshetohavenomorelivenestlinguntome,butonlytobequietinminearms.AndIlooktintoherface,andherlidstobedownsomewhatoverherprettyeyes,andshedidlookveryhushtanddemure;sothattruly,Iknewnotwhethertoshakeheroragaintokissher.

ButintheendIloosther,andmadethenthatwegoforward;yet,indeed,shedidratherstayawhile,toharkfurtherconcerningtheoldenshipandofmineadventurings;butshedidthentomindthatsheobeyasaslaveshallobey;andtruly,Ididpunishher,inthatItoldhernomore;butwentforwardatagoodpace,andhadsomenaturalwonderhowthatIdealwithsuchaMaid,ifthatIsparetoshakeher.

Andsurely,IthoughtthenagainthatIleaveherbe,andsotohaveherpresentlyagaintoheroldandnaturalway.

Now,inawhile,IliftedtheMaidintominearms,thatIcarryher,asever,throughthelastpartofeachjourney,andsotohaveherneverover-tiredforthemorrow.Andsheforamomenttoresist;butinstantlytogiveuntome,andtoliequietinminearms,asthatshehadnosayinginaughtthatdidbedone,butmustalwayobey.And,indeed,youtoseehowdearlyperverseshedidbe.

AndIwentonthenthroughfourhoursfromthattime,andlooktoftuponeveryside,andwalktquietly;fortrulywewerecomenowintoapartoftheCountrywhereIdidfeelthattheremightbenearsomeoftheHumptMen.

ButIsawnowhereanythingtoputmeindread.

Andalwayaswejourneyed,theredidseemagreatstillnessinalltheCountrynearabout;andafaroffthelowmutteroftheGreatFire-Hills,inthisplaceandthat,andadrowseasoflifeandwarmthaboutus,andeverywheretheairveryrichandplentiful.

Andpresently,whenthatwedidbecomedownfromthathighplacewheredidbesettherockandtheoldenship,wecameinamongthetreesthatcameverynightotheshoreforagreatway;andoftaswedidgo,therewereclumpingsofsmallfire-hillsthatdidcastfireandnoise;andofttheroaringofmonstrousspringsa-boil;andthenagainthesmellofthewoodsaboutus,andoftstillinoddplacesthelownearsoundofalittlefire-hill,thatdidburn,lonesome,insomeclearspaceofthewoods,inthisplaceandthat;andafterwardwetobe

goneonwardagainintothedulllowmutterthatdidbeinalltheairofthatCountry,andthatdidbutmakeaseemingofsilence,becausethatitdidbesofarandconstant.

Now,abouttheeighteenthhourItonotethatthenoiseoftheGreatFire-Hillsgrewmoreloud;andIsawpresentlyoverthetrees,afarupwardinthegreatnightandgloomthatdidlieabove,thosetwomightyFire-HillsthatIdidfeeltomaketheearthtremble,inthatpart,uponmineoutwardway.AndsurelyIhavetoldsomethingofthisbefore;andyoutoremember,ifthatyoubutthinkalittlemoment.

Now,itmayappearstrangethatIspeakthiswiseofseeingthetwoHillsoffire;asthatIhadperceivedthemsudden.But,indeed,Ihadbeenlongabledtoseethemboth,yettohavehadnoattentiontothem,becausethattheydidbeagreatwayoff,andbecausetheydidbebuttwoHillsoffire,inaCountrythatdidbeplentifulwithsuch.

And,truly,Inottohavesaidaughtaboutthem,onlythatourpathdidtakeusnowbytheirfeet,andItoseethem,asitwere,newly;andtohaveniceeaseofhearttoperceivehowthattheydidbeawonderuntothespiritandthebrainforalltime.

Foritdidbeasthattheearthhadaconstantshakingwithinmilesofthem,andthatamonstrousforceofnaturedidbeinthatplace.Butyettheretobenodesolationaround,asyoushouldthink;butinallpartsawondrousgrowingoftreesandgreatplantsinabundance.

Andthetreestogrowupwardupontheshouldersofthemountain;andtheretobenofallingofhotrocksandash,asyoutothink;butallverysweetandwholesome,asthatthemightyvalleymadeachimneytothemountain,andmayhaptoothers,sothattheirwaste,ifthattheyhadsuch,didgofree.But,indeed,youshalltakenoheedofthisexplaining,saveasanoddthinkingthathathcometome,andtobewithoutfoundation.Andtheretobenosuretyofthereasontothis;onlythattheredidbenofallingofashinthatpart,asIdoknow.YetinotherpartsofthatCountrytheFire-Hillsdidmakenewmountainsofthematterthatdidcomefromthem;butthisnottobealwayso;andtheretoseemtomyknowledgenocausetoorderwhythisdidnotbeconstant;savethatmyguessingstoberight,ornaughttobeblownfromsome.But,indeed,Itobesureonlyofthatwhichdidbeplaintomineeyes.Andmayhaptheretobenomystery

inthething;butascoreofnaturalexplainings,ifthatIdidknow,orhadpatiencetothinklongenoughuponsuch.

Nowwhenthattheeighteenthhourdidbepropercome,wetobeanightothegreatHills,andtheretoseemnowiseanydangeroffallingfire,sothatIsoughtaboutforaplaceforourslumber.

AndIfoundacaveinthesideofabigrock;andthecavewasdryandcomfortable,andhadthemouthaboutascorefeetabovetheearth.AndwhenthatIhadclimbedandlooktwellintothecave,IgavetheMaidanhelp,andhadhersafeintothatplace;andshethentopreparethetabletsandthewater,thewhilethatIbroughtupaboulderfrombelow,tosetverylightbalancedinthemouthofthecave.AndthisImeantforasignaltofall,ifthatanycreatureshouldclimbupwardintothecave,whilethatwedidsleep.Andsurely,youtoknowthisplan;forIdiditbefore,asyoutohavelearned.

AndtheMaidsatneartome,andeathertabletsveryquietandwithademurenaughtiness;butyettobealsoinwonder,andtogazeoutwardattheGreatFire-Hills,andtobeinawe,asIdidknow.

AndIputmyhalf-angerandmyplayfromme,andtoldherofmineoutwardjourneying,andhowIdidgobythesesamemightyFire-Hills,thatdidseemasmightytorchestolightmeinmysearch,andtohaveheldanewstrangenessandwonderovermypath.

Andshestilltobesilent,butyettolookatmetwiceorthricewithaverydearandlovingway;thoughshedidhidehereyesinamoment,whenthatshesawthatIperceivedher.

AndsoontheMaidspreadthecloakforoursleep;andwhilethatshedidthis,Ilooktwellaboutforanycreaturethatmightbeanigh;andIhadanespecialthoughtuntotheHumptMen;but,indeed,therewasnaughtliving,untomysight,andnowheredidIseeanythingtoputmeinfearforourlives.

AndtrulyIhadagreatviewingfromthatplace;forwedidbeinanupwardrockthatstoodinahighpart,andthecavetobetwentygoodfeetaloft,asIhavetold;sothatallmadetosetusinaloftyplace.

AndthecavetolooktowardthetwoMountainsthatdidriseupwardnomorethantwelvegoodmilesofffromus,asIdothink;andtheCountrybetweentobe

somewiseasamightypark;foritwasspreadmuchaboutthefeetoftheGreatFire-Hills,anddidbebareinthisplaceandthat,asthatrockdidmaketheearthnakedthere,orthefallingofsomelaterfiretohavewroughtthus.Andbetweenthebareparts,therewentstrangeandromanticwoods,seenmistily,andinpartsthegleamingofwaters,asthathotlakesdidbehalfshownamongthebrokenforests.

AndpresentlytheLanddidgoupwardwithamonstroussweep,andwastheningreatterracesintheheight,andtreestogrowveryplentifuluponthemountains,insundryparts;andsothosetwoMightyHillstogoupwardtomeettheeverlastingnight;andpresentlytoshowstrangeuplandsthatdidbeseenverywondrousandqueerinthelightthatdidglowfromthevastglowingofthefirethatdidbeacrownuponthehills,thatdidseeminveritytobethattheyburnedhalfwaybetweenthatknownworld,andthelostoldenworld,thatwasmayhaptwohundredgreatmilesaboveintheeverlastingnightandeternityofdarkness.

AndIlooktupwardforawhile,andwasmuchheldbythemightyuplandsthatdidbeonhigh;yetdidlieutterfarbelowtheburningcrestsoftheMountains,andshowedvagueandsombreanddreadfulseeming,becausethattheydidbesolostupward,andtohavethemysteryoftheredshiningandoftheshadowsuponthem,andtoseemtoslopefarunderthegreatfires,butyettobeaplacewherenolifeshouldevercome,becausethattheydidbesomonstrousawayupwardbeyondthegreatshouldersoftheHills,thewhichdidbethemselvesahugewayup.Andtruly,IshouldgiveyousomewhatoftheaffectingofthosegrimandunknownUplands,ifthatIsaidtheydidseemtomyfancytobeaplacewhereasorrowfulthingmightwanderlostforever.ButwhyItothinkthisthing,howshallIsay;anddotellittoyou,onlybecausethatitdothseemtoholdinthethoughtthegrimnessandutterdesolationofthosehighandlonesomelands.

Andbythis,Iwasdonelooking,andturnedmeabout,andsodidfindthatMineOwndidstandsilent,andwaitedthatIcometomyslumber.Andsurely,Ilooktather;butshedidhaveherlidssomethingdownward,whenthatshesawmeturn;andsointheend,Isaidnaught,butwenttomysleep,andhadtheDiskosveryhandy,asever,besideme.

AndIthentoknowthatMineOwndidliedownbesideme,tomyback,asalway,andthistogladdenme,asyoushallthink;forIperceivedafreshhowthindidbethecrustofhernaughtiness;andItobealwaystirredandtouchedintheheartbyherlovingnaturalness,thatdidneedalwaythatshebeneartome,save

whenshedidplaythisnaughtinessuponmealongtheway.

AndIsawthatshehadnomindtobeperversewhilstthatIdidslumber;butmustnowbenighuntome,andquietlyloving;thoughnowisetrulyceasedfromhernaughtyactingthatIdidbeasanhardslavemaster,becausethatIhadwhipther;yetshetohavesomewhatatrucewithme,asmyheartdidknow.But,indeed,shenottokissmegood-nightuponthemouth,inherdearusualandsoberfashion.

AndsurelyIdidlieawhile,andponderedupontheMaidanduponallherways;andIperceivedthatshekistmenot,onlybecausethatshedidnotbeabletobreakutterfromherperverseness,thatdidcomefromthestirringofhernature.Andtruly,Ididloveher,andwashalfmindedthatIturnabouttoher,andtakeheramomentintominearms;butyettoabidefromthis,becausethatIwassetthatIwaitawhile,andtobringhertomethiswise,mayhaps.

Andpresently,IknewthattheMaidkistminearmour,veryquietandshy,becausethatshemustkissme;yettobeintentthatIhavenoknowledgeofthisprettyact.But,indeed,Ididknowinallmybeing,anddidbenewlytenderuntoher;yettosaynaught,andtowait.

AndthusIknewpresentlythatherbreathingdidgoeasy,sothatIperceivedthatshewasallcontentandgoneoveruntoslumber,somewiseasalittlechildthatdothbeweary,anddothsleepwithoutcare,andwithhappyassurance.

And,inverity,didamanevertohavesosweetandgentleamaid,thatdidbeinthesametimesotroublousandperverse.

AndItolieyetawhile,andtonotetheconstanttrembleandshakeoftherockthatdidbeunderus;andthistobealwaythusasIdidlie,andtobethemoreplain,becausethatIdidbequietinthought.Andthis,asIconceived,didcomefromtheearth-shakingthatwasmadebytheinwardfireoftheworld,thewhichdidmakeavaguetroubleinallthatpartoftheLand.

Andtheninalittle,Iwasgoneoverintosleep,andwakednotforsevengoodhours;andthentohearthefizzingofthewater,verybriskandcheerful,andsotohavemineeyesopeninamoment,andtoknowbymytime-keeperordial,thatwassomewhatliketoawatchofthisage,thatIhadslumberedthroughsevengoodhours.ButthistobelearnedafterthatIhadlookttoseewhetherMineOwndidbewell,andwhetherthattheboulderdidbalanceinthemouth-partof

thecave.

Andsurely,theredidbenothinginharm;fortheboulderwasthere,asIdidputit;andtheMaidalittleofffromme,anddidmakereadythewaterandthetablets,thatweeatbeforeourjourneying.

AndIrosethen,andinthesamemomentIdidknowthatmymouthhadbeenkistwhilstthatIslept;andtheknowingtocometomevague,asthatIhadbeenkistinmydreams.

AndIlooktovertowardtheMaid;butshetohaveherlidssomethingdownuponhereyes,andtoseemverydemure;sothatIsawhernaughtinesswascomeagainuponher.Yet,truly,IcouldnotbearthatInottohaveherintominearms;for,indeed,herperversenessdidseemasthatshedidthemoretemptmeuntoher.AndthusIcametoherinamoment;butsheneithertoresistme,nortogiveherselfuntome;butonlytobestillinminearms,andtodonomorethansubmitveryquiet.

Andbecauseofthis,Iloostherunkist,andwassilent,andalittletobeangered,evenwhilstthatmyheartperceivedthewayoftheworkingofherheart.YettrulyIachednowthatshecomebacktoherdearnaturalfashion.

AndIeatmytabletsanddranksomeofthewater;andtheMaidtodolikewise.

Andafterward,Ilooktwellfromthemouthofthecave;butdidnowhereseeaughttoputmeintroubleforoursafety,though,truly,aspresentlyIsaw,therewentanherdofstrangecreaturesafaroffintheNorthwestwardpart,whichdidbethatwayoftheCountry,beyondthefeetofthemountains,towardtheIn-Land.

Now,whenthatIwassomethingassuredofthesafenessoftheway,IgattheDiskostomyhip,andtheMaidtohavethescripandthepouchreadytomyback,andherbundletoherhand;andsoalltobeready.

AndIwentdownwardfromthecave,whenthatIwasgirt,andgaveaidtoMineOwn;andsotobesoonuponthejourney.

Andsurely,aswewentonward,andItolookaboutmewithdifferent-seeingeyesfrommylookingonmineoutwardway,ItoseehowwondrousthispartoftheLanddidbe;andhowthatitdidbetrulylikeagreatandwondrouspark,that

didbemadeoftheskillandlabourofgodlikethings;andtrulythistoshowmyfeeling,asIlooktall-ways.Andallthatpartdidbebredoftheinwardforcesoftheworld,anddidbeburnedclearinthisplace,andupheavedinthat,andmadetoanhotlakeinanotherpart;andoddwhilestheretogoagreatsteamfountain,thatdidwhistlealonelysongforever.Andanontheretobeasmallwood,andagainawood;andoftthequietnessofgreatandstrangetrees,thatdidstandalone.Andhere,andinthatpart,alittlefire-hill,thatdidbesurelynogreaterthananhouse,andwetopasssevenoftheseinbutthreehours.Andtwotoglowverysteadfast,andtomakenovigourofburning;butthefiveothersdidburnverystrong,andsentoutasmokeandash,andmadeasmalldesolationallaboutthem;andofthesefive,theredidbeonethatcaststonesoftandagain,sothattheywentupwardwithastrangeloudnoise,andfellinthisplaceandthat,allabout,sothatwecamedownwardmorenightotheshore,thatwebeagoodwayoff.

Andhere,asIdomind,therewasastrangeness,inthattheredidbemanytreesthathadstonessetinthebranches;andthistobeplainlytheworkofthelittlefire-hill;andItothinkitbutsomethingnewcome,elsesurelytherehadbeennotreeswithinallthatspacethatitdidthrow;butyet,mayhap,Iamwronginthis;forallthingsdidseemthattheygrewveryeasyinthatCountry;andindeedthistobeforsurprisetome,onlythatIsawitwithmineowneyes,aswedosay.

Andalwayaswedidgo,thereweresignsofinwardlifeandforces;sothatwebuttostandquiettofeelthattheearthdidtremblegentlyinmanyparts.

Andpresentlytheresoundedforagreatwhilealowanddullboomingsound;andthiswefoundtobefromaplaceamidcertaingreatrockstowardthemountains;fortherecamethenceamightyup-spoutingofboilingwater,thatwentsohighasanhundredfeet,andofttobethricesohigh,andbelchedagreatsteam;andtherewentupinthejetofthewater,agreatrock,thatwassobigasanhouse,anddiddanceandplayinthemightofthewater,asthatithadbeennomorethanathingverylightandeasy.Andwhenthatthewaterfell,asitdidoft,therocktogodownwardwiththedullboomingthatwedidhear.

AndImindedhowthatIhadheardtheboominguponmineoutwardway;buthadbeenthensomethingmoretotheshore,sothatithadbeenlessplaintomineears,asyoushallsuppose;neitherhaditbeenthentomysight,asnowitdidbetousbecausethatwewerecomemayhapthehalfofamilemoretowardtheIn-LandoftheCountry.

Andtruly,welooktawhileatthishugegreatfountainandup-boiling,andcameneareruntoit;butyettobealargespaceoff,becauseofthewaythatitdidthrowoutaspatteringofsmallstonesoddwhiles.Andsurelythethingdidcoughandroarinthedeepearth,andanontogruntlegentlyandtosobandgurgle;andlo!tocomeforthinamomentwithabellow,veryhollowandstrange,andthegreatrocktogospinningupward,andalla-shineinthelightfromthevolcanoes,andwassoroundasamonstrousball,andpolishedbythefretofthewaters,sothatIsawithadsurelydancedinthegreatjetthroughawearytime.

Andanonthejettoceaseandtogodownwardwithagreatsoughingandthunderingofwaters,andthedancingrocktofalldownwardfromthatheightwhichdidshowveryhuge,nowthatwedidbecomesonear.Andtherocksurelytofallbackwardintosomedeeppit,whencecamethewaters,andasitfell,therewasagainthedullbooming.Butwhytherockbrakenot,Icouldnotperceive,savethatitdidalwayfallintoaboilingupofwaters,andhadnohurtfromtherockoftheplacewhenceitwascome.

AndtheMaidandIbothtohavestoodawhile,thatwestareatthisthing;foritdidbemorestrangethanIhavemadeyoutoknow;butnowIdidmaketoourjourneyagain,anddidthinktheMaidfollowed;butlo!inamoment,whenthatIlookt,shewastomyback,andwenttowardthegreatboilingfountain.ThenIstoptveryswift,andcalledtoher;butshedidtakenoheedofme,andwentonwardverynaughty,untothedangerofthegreatboiloftheJet,andtheconstantflyingoutofthestones,thatyoudoknow.

Now,evenasIstoodandlookt,theMaiddrewnightotheplacewherethewaterdidthunder;andtheJetinthatmomenttobellow,sothatIknewitcameupwardagain.AndIranthenaftertheMaid,andshetoseeme,andbeganlikewisetorunfrommetowardthemonstrousfountain;andsurelyIdidthinkthatIhaddonewellifthatIhadwhiptorbeatherproperbeforethistime;fortrulyitdidbeasthathernaughtinesshadgonenighuntosomewhatthatdidbeneartoawaywardmadness,sothatasIdidperceiveallhernaturedidsurelyworkinhertowardsomedeedthatshouldbeforregret;andthistocome,becausethatshedidbesomethingpushtfromherdearbalancebyherloving,andbytheactingofmymanhooduponher,sothathernaturebothtobeinrebellionagainstmeandtoneedme,andallinthesametime.Andthis-way,shetobeinaninwardturmoil,andtobereadyfoolishlythatsheputindangerherbelovedlife,ifonlytherebyshetomakemesomethingadrift,andinthesamemomenttohavesomeeaseofherperverseness.And,inverity,youtoknowallthis,becausethatIhave

showntheworkingofherhearttoyoubeforethistime.

Now,IcaughttheMaidamongthegreatrocks,whichdidstandallabout;andbeforehertheredidbeamonstrouspitwhencecametheupburstingofthewater;andthewatertogoupwardbeforeourfacesinamightycolumn,sothatitdidbeasthataseashotuponend,intoapillaroflivingwater,andwentupwardforever,asitdidseeminthatmoment.Andhowweshouldbesaved,Iknewnot,forthewaterdidbeasthatitoverhungus,andshouldcomedownuponusandsmotherusinonemoment,forever.Andtheroarwasinourearsandshookalltheairofthatplacewithsound,asofanharshanddreadfulthunder;andtherewasascaldingofbeatenwater,asfineasanhaze,allaboutus.

AndIhadtheMaidinoneinstantintominearms,andIranveryswift,withafiercerunning,thatIhaveherawayspeedy,andsomadeforlorntrialthatIsaveherlife.Andlo!asIwentfromunderthathugeanddreadfuloverhangofthegreatwaters,therecamedownwardfromtheheightagreatstonethathadbeencastbytheJet,anditburstupontherocktomyback,andcertainoftheflindersdidstrikeandringuponminearmour,andmademetostaggerasIran.ButIheldtheMaidcrowdedsafeagainstmybreast,andshedidnotbehurt;andtrulyIwasyetabletorun,anddidsaveMineOwn,andbroughtheroutfromunderthatgrimSpouting.

AndIputtheMaiddownthentoherfeet;andshenottoknowhownearthatshehadgivenustodeath,neitherofthewaythatthefragmentsdidstrikeme;forshelaughedverynaughtyandgleeful.ButtrulyIlaughednot;formyhearthadbeennighhushtwithterrorforher;sothatIdidbeyetsickinmyspirit,andmayhapalsosomethingshakenbytheblowsthatIgatfromthebrokenstone.

And,inverity,ItohavemeantthatIflogher,verysharp,ifthattherebenootherwaythatImightbringhertoreason;for,insurety,asyoutosee,shetobeactingsowildasachild,andsounreasoningasonlyaMaid-in-love;andItoknowthatshedidhavetobebroughtbackfromthiswayofspirit,eventhoughIhavetohurtherprettybody,thatIbringheragaintoherdearnaturalwiseness.

Yet,indeed,Icouldnotwhipherthen,becausethatshedidlaughsojoyous,thoughwithanaughtyheart,anddidlooksowondrousdainty,sothatevenherdefyingsdidbutseemthatwhichmyheartdesired.Andyou,mayhap,tohavebeensomethinglikewiseinthelove-days.YetIpledandreasonedwithhertobeawisemaid;but,indeed,sheonlytomakeagleefulmockofallthatIdidsay.

NowIwentforwardagain,forIwasnotharmedbythestone,onlythatIdidbeshaked,asyoushallthink.AndtheMaidtogooffwardfromme,andtosing,anddidoftdancenaughtilyasshewent.Buttruly,Ididbesilentwithher,forIwasbuthuman,anddidlackthatshecometominearms,andloveme,becausethatIhadpluckthersafefromthatplace.And,indeed,thistobebutanaturaldesiring;andyoutohaveunderstandingwithme,andtoknowthatyoualsotohavethislackandneed,ifthatyoutohavedoneaughtforloveofyourmaid,andshetodenyyouawordoflovingtenderness.

Yet,inverity,Itobeeventhenabletoperceivewithmineinwardsenses,howthattheMaiddidhaveawondrousup-pouringofloveforme,butyetdidbesoperverse,andthemoreso,mayhap,becausethatherlovedidsourgeheruntolovingadmittingsthatIdidbeherMan.Andshe,maybe,tohavemeantthatshebethemorehumblepresently,butyettogonaughtilyawhilemore,andnot,indeed,tohavehadthepowerwithinheratthattime,tohavecomeuntome,andcastoffherwaywardness,andasktthatshebeinminearms,asallmyheartdiddesire.

Andso,asIhavetold,Iwentsilently,andmayhapwithalittledullness,thatdidbepartofangerandpartofhurtandpartofthatsamestrangelove-foolishnessfromwhichtheMaiddidsuffer.Andtruly,thisdothbeverycontrary-seeming,onlythatyouhaveseenmyheart;andallindeedthemorehuman,thatitdothbesocontrariwisetothebrain-reason;andalltobedesired,elsedidamanbenobetterthananantorawearifulmachine.

Andthistobetruthandwholesomenessasyoushallperceive,ifthatyoulookdeepenough,anddomodifyReasonwithheart-understanding;for,inverity,howshallthatwhichwecallReason,bringanytothefullandthegreatknowledge.Andthisdothbeapowerofholythings,anddothbeachildthatisbornofLoveandReason,andintheonetoholdthetwo,andtoknowallthingsisthegiftofthispower;sothatnomanmaywalktrulythathathonlythefirst,neitheranymandoutterwisethathathonlythesecond.

Andsurely,Itoceasefromthesethoughts,andtomytellings;andyoutoyourharkingsanddearsympathy.

Now,whenthesixthhourdidbecome,wemadeahaltandeatanddrank,andafterwardwentonwardagain,andsocamepresentlyclearofthetwomonstrousfire-hills;andtheirgreatnoisetobepresentlytoourrear,andlikewisethatquiet

countrythatdidberoundtheirfeet,anddidseemsoutterhushtandstrangeanddoublyso,becauseoftheupwardnoiseofthemountains,andbecauseoftheslowandsubtleearth-shakingthatdidbesoconstant,andbecauseofallthosethingsthatIhavetold.

Now,whenwehadmadehalt,theMaidhaddoneherhairveryuncomelyuponherhead,andhadlooktslylytoseewhetherIdidnote;buttruly,Itooknoheed;sothatintheendshehaditagaininaprettyfashion,anddidsingnaughtilyandwithanheartofmischief,asshedidshapeitlooseandwondrousniceaboutherhead.

AndIstilltohavenowordforher;neithertoshowthatIdidwatchherwithloveandsomewiseaquaintpleasureofherperverseness,evenwhilstthatIdidstrivebysilenceandanaloofnessthatIbringhertomyside,asshedidbeinthefirstdays;fortrulyIdidachethatshebenearuntome,andtoceasefromherwaywardnessthatdidputadistanceofspiritbetweenus,asyoutoperceive.

Andsowedidgoforwardagain,asIhavetold,andtheMaiddidstrivethatshemakemetogiveattentiontohernaughtiness,forshedidwalkalwayoffwardfromme,anddidsingaloud,andtrulytheydidbesongsstrangeuntome,butyettobeoflove,andmuchasthesongsofthisAge;for,truly,theredothbebutonesonguponalltheearth,andshebuttosingitindiverseways.

Andshedidofttomakelittleglancingtowardme,anddidpoutverypretty;andinamomentcomesomethingtowardme,asthatshedidbehumble,andwouldbeforgiven;butalltobeinanaughtymockery;sothat,inverity,Ilooktnotather,saveoddwhiles;butdidgoforwardalway,andmadeasthatIhadnoheedofherdoings.

Andsurelythisdidpresentlytostirhertoanewdefyingandtoaprettyanger;forshedidsingothersongsofimpudence,thatshedidfitverycleveraboutme;andthiswaytohaveaconstantimpertinence.

Andsowedidgo,andInevertospeakwiththeMaid,buttowonderwhenthatshecease,orhowlongitshouldbeerethatIdidrunswifttoherandhaveherintominearms,thatIshakeherandkissher,allasmyheartdiddesire.

Andwhenthatthetwelfthhourdidbecome,wemadehaltagainandeatanddrank;andtheMaidtoservemeveryintent,andhandmethewater,thewhilethatshewentdownuponherknee,asaslave;butwhenIwouldhavelaughed

gentlyathermockings,andtakenherintominearms,shewentfrommeverysuddenandcold,andwasafterwardsilentanddidsitapartfromme.

NowIalsodidbesilent,andinthefirstbecausethatIwasalittlepained,andalsobecausethatIdidbenewtouchedwiththelove-foolishnessthatdidtroubleMineOwn.

Butafterward,Iceasedfromthesefeelings,anddidbeintenttoanothermatter;foritdidseemtomyspiritthattherewassomedangeranightous;andIhadathoughtoftheHumptMen,andlooktwellabout,anddidbeckontheMaidtocomenigh,becausethatthetreesdidbeplentifulthereabout,tohideanycreature.

ButMineOwncamenotovertome,sothatIloosedtheDiskosfromminehip,andwentthatIbenightoher.Andshemadethatshesawmenot;butdidsetthegeartogether,andhaditpresentlya-readyforthejourney,thewhilethatIdidlookall-waysamongthetrees;butindeedIsawnaught.

AndwhenthatIhadthegearuponme,andtheMaidherbundle,wewentforwardagain;andItobeverywary,andbidtheMaidkeepclosetomyside;butindeed,shewouldnotobey,andwentoffwardamongthetrees,sothatIwasallan-hauntedwithdreadforher,andranandcaughther,andtalktwiselywithher;butindeedshedidnotharktome;butdidrunoffinthemomentthatIloosther.

AndIcaughtheragain,andItookoneofthestrapsfromaroundtheScripandthePouch,andsetitaboutherprettywaist,andtheendIheldinmyhand,andsohadhertoobeymeinthisthingwhichdidbeneedfultohersafety.

AndtheMaidtogowithmeveryhushtfortwogreathours,andIalwaytolookwellabout.Andintheendofthattime,theMaiddidbegintosingimpudently,andIdidaskherthatshebeaquietmaid,lestthatshebringdangeruponus;butshetobethemoreimpudent.

Andlo!asIdidstrivethatIlookall-ways,lestanyharmdidcomeuponus,andinthesamemomenttoreasonMineOwnfromherprettyfolly,shedidgrowveryhusht,sothatIlooktrounduponherinaninstant.Andtruly,shehadcutthestrapwithherbelt-knife,anddidrunawayveryswiftamongthetrees.Andsurelymyheartdidslowalittleinmybreast,becausethattheredidseemsomethinga-moveinthedarkoftheshadows,wherethetreesdidgrowthick,

andtheMaiddidrunthatwayinherfoolishnessandwaywardness.

AndIranhardaftertheMaid,anddidcallher,notover-loud,lestIbringsomewhatuponher;butshetohavenoheed,andtorunverylightandswift,sothatIcaughthernotforthehalfofaminute,asitmightbe;forshewasgoneahead,andIdidbealittlecumberedwithminearmour.

Andlo!whenIcaughther,Ishookher,andpointedinwardamongthetrees,foritdidseemeventhentomethatsomethingmovedthere;butshetostruggleinmyhandamoment,andafterwardtobestill,andtoaskwithaninsolenceandadefiancewhetherthatIdidmeantoflogmychattel,thewhichshedidcallherselfinhernaughtiness.

And,inverity,ereIdidknow,shehadtwistfromme,anddidrunwithatruewickednessstraighttowardthatplacewheresomewhathadseemedtobea-move.AndIranthenwithallmystrength,andwithafearfulandananxiousheart.AndbecauseIputallmystrengthtothematter,IcaughttheMaidinamoment,ereshedidbegoneanyway;andsheagaintofighttobegonefromme.ButItookherintominearms,verystrong,andIranoutwardfromthatplacewherethetreesmadeadarkness.

Andsurely,whenIwascomeagaintowherethetreesdidbemorespare,IsawthatIwascomenightothatriverwhichIcrostontheraft,asyoushallmind;andtrulyIdidbeglad,andtofeelsafeinamoment.YetIwasfirmnowtomypurpose;forIsettheMaidtotheearthuponherfeet,andkeptmyholdverysureuponher;forIdidmeanthatIwhipher,beforethatherlove-foolishnessbringherneedlessuntodeath.

AndItookthebeltfromherprettywaist,foritdidbebutalightstrap,andIwhiptherverysharpoverhershoulderswiththebelt.And,truly,shedidmaketonestleuntomeinamoment,asthatothertimewhenthatIwhipther;butIstayedherfromthis,andIsetthebeltthricemoreacrosshershoulders,verysharp,sothatshetolearnwisdomatonce,andItobefreeforeverofthisneedtopainher,whichdidhurtmeverystrange.

AndtheMaidtostandveryquiet,nowthatIdidkeepherfromcominguntome;andherheaddidbesomethingbent,sothatIknewnotwhetherIdidmayhaphavefloggedherover-hard;forIdidbesomethinglackinginknowledgewhetherthatamaidbeveryeasyhurt.

AndIstoopedandlooktintoherface;andlo!shedidbesmilingnaughtily,andkistmeinamomentverysaucyuponthemouth,ereIdidbeaware;andafterward,shelaughedandmadetrytomakeabittermockuponme,andasktwhenthatIshouldbepleasedtoceasefromwhippingmychattel;forthatthensheshouldrunawayimmediatelyintothewood,andtotrusttheHumptMenthattheyprotectherfromme.

Andsurely,Ilooktatherverygrave;forIperceivedthatshedidnottrulyjest,butmadetoangerme,anddidbehalfinastrangeangerherself,andsomethingadrift;forshehadnotbeenwhiptenough,butonlytostirherrebellionutterly.AndIsawthatifshebenotsetrightthen,eresheleavemyhand,shetobeliketohavesomenewfoolishnessthatshouldtakeheruntoherdeath,evenasshehadcomeovernearalready,asyoutoknow.Andthistobebecausethathernaturedidbestirredsothathernaturalwisenesswasalloverset,andshetobethatshedoaughtofunwisdomthatshouldcometoher,becauseofherprettylove-foolishness,whichdidnowbemadethemorestrong,byreasonofthehalf-risingofheranger.

Andthisway,asIhaveknown,Iperceivedthat,forherdearsake,Ishouldnotletmylovingnessweakenmeinthatmoment.And,inverity,Ishiftedmyhandandloosedthefasteningsofhergarment,sothatherprettyshouldersdidbebared.Andherfacetochangesudden,andshelooktupatmeaninstant,withalittlegasp;sothatIknewshedidbeallunbroken,aswasmineintent;butshedidnotyethavelearneddeeplyinherheart,allthatIwasmindedthatshetolearn;foreveninthatmoment,shemadeasoundthatshowedshedidtrytomockme;buttruly,shedidnotknowinthatinstantwhethertomockortoweep;thoughshedidtrytosupposethatshehadyetanheartformockery.

AndIsetthebeltthriceacrossherprettyshoulders,wheretheydidbebared;andsurelytheblowsdidbeverysternandsharp.Andlo!inonemomentMineOwnbrokeintoanutterweeping,sothatItookherinstantintominearms,anddidholdherstrongandgentleagainstminearmour.Andshetobeasachildinminearms,anddidsobverystrangeandbitter,asthatshedidbeallundoneintheheart.

Andpresentlyshedidbequietinminearms;thoughItofeelhowshedidyettremble;andshedidclingtightuntome,andherfacetobeagainstminearmour.

Andafterward,whenthatshehadceasedtotremble,Ikisther,andsurelyhermouthdidbeveryhumble,andherlidstobedownward,andshetobesomethingpale.Andshethentobeawhilemoreinminearms,veryquiet;andsotocomeuntoherdearself.Andlo!presently,shetowanttokissmeofherownaccord;andsheputupherlips,verysweetandasalovingmaid,thatIkissher.AndsurelyIkisther,withanhumbleandamasterfullove;andastrangepaintobeaboutmyheart,asyoushallsuppose;butyetmyheartandmyreasonbothtoapprovemineaction;andtheMaidtobebutthemoremineown,andtohavecomeagaintoherdearnaturalwisdom.

Yet,asyoushallknow,theretobeforalongwhileastrangeandmixedpain,inmybosom,bothdreadfulandtender,becausethatIhadbeensosternwithMineOwnMaid;sothatevenwhilethatmyheartandmyreasondidapproveme,myhearttomakesomewhatofreproach.Andthistohavebeensomewaysoffoolishness;butyethumanofourNature,andanwholesometroubletothespirit,ifthatthistroublingbenotallowedtoshapeouractionstoanyharmfulweakness.

Now,inawhile,theMaiddidcometocomposedness,andtobeverygentleandsweetlynatural.Andshemadepresentlythatshewouldhavemetolooseher;andafterward,sheturnedherbacktome,evenasadearchild,thatIfastenhergarmentagainupontheshoulders.Andshedidbebothshyandglad,andhumble,andindaintyprideofsubmission,andutterMineOwn.Andsurely,asIdidthisthingforher,Iperceivedthatshelooktwithagreatshynessatthebeltwhichdidbeyetinmyhand.AndwhenthatIhadmadeanendoffasteninghergarment,shedidnestleuntomeforawhile,andafterwardstoodawayandmadeshylytoshowmethatIputherbeltagainaboutherprettywaist.AndIsawthatshedidbesomewhata-lackyetthatshetouchthebelt,becausethatIhadwhiptherwithit.

Andtrulyyoutoperceivehowherheartdidbeinthismatter;butifyounottoknow,thenhowshallItotellyou;anddobutbidyouaskyourownmaid;though,inverity,shetobelikethatshebutlaughatyou,andleaveyousowiseasyoubenow;forthewayoftheheartofamaiddothbemosthidtothemaid,andshebuttoknowthedesire,andtolacktheending.Buttrulyshedothknowwhenthatamanshallsetthetruthofherheartbeforeher.

Now,whenIhadbuckledthebeltveryniceagainaboutMineOwn,wewentbackwardaspace,untilthatwefoundthebundle,whichshehaddropt,whenthatsheranofffromme.AndIsawalsotheportionofthestrap,whichshecut;andsoalltobefound.

Andwewentthenatagoodspeedtowardtheriver;forIwasstillmindedregardingtheseemingofmovementwhichtherehadbeenamongthetrees;andverywishfulthatwehavearaftmadewithhaste,sothatwemightcometothelittleisland,whereIdidsleepbefore,upontheoutwardway,asyoushallremember.AndIthoughttohaveourslumberagaininthatplace,andtomakethatday'sjourneyingsomethingshort,becausethattheislandwasnear,andagoodandsafeplaceforoursleeping.

AndItoldtheMaidconcerningtheisland;andshetobeingreatdelightandinterest,becausethatitdidbeoneofthosehaltsofmineoutwardgoing,anddidbealleagerasachild,whenthatIsaidweshouldtrulyhaveneedofarafttocometotheisland.

Andwecamedownwardtotheshoreoftheriver,and,indeed,theredidbethosetwosametrees,thathadbeenmyraft,thereupontheshoreofthatplace.AndI

showedthesetoMineOwn,andtrulyshedidnightoweepuponthem,becauseofherdearemotionsandlove,anddidcutasmallbranchtherefrom,withherbelt-knife,andputthebranchwhereshedidputthepieceofbark;andthistobeforaremembranceandanafter-delightandpondering.

Nowwelooktwellinallparts,thatwefindsomeothersmalltreethatshouldbefallen;andtheMaiddidclimbarockthatdidbenear,withaflattop,sothatshemightsearchoutaround.

Andpresentlyshecriedouttomethattheredidbeatreetoourpurpose,andbutanhundredpacesaway;andshetogowithmetoshowme,andtoaid,ifneedbe;but,indeedIcarriedthetreeveryeasy,andhaditwiththeothers;andafterward,wewentaboutagainforbranches,andtheseIcutfromlivetrees,usingtheDiskoswithcareandwiseness.

Andwiththesebranchestobeforcross-pieces,andourbeltsandthestrapsforbinders,Isetthetreestogetherintoaraft,andmadeitprettygoodforourneed,andsothatnomonstrousthingintherivershouldhavechancetosnapupwardbetweenthetreesatmydearOne.

Andwhentheraftwasdone,Igatittothewater,andtheMaiddidlendherstrength;forthethingwasheavy,asyoushallthink.Andwhenthiswasdone,Ipushedasharpbranchdownwardintotheshore,andIhooktabranchoftheraftaboutthismooring,andsodidbenighreadyforthevoyage.

ButfirstIdidneedapoletopushtheraft,anddidwondernowwheretheotherdidbegone,thatIcutupontheoutwardway;forIhadsetthepolewiththetwotrees,asIdidmind,havingsomevaguethoughtthatmayhapIshouldlivetocomethatwayagain.

AndIhadalittlestrangeuneasethatthepoledidbegone;butscarcetoknowthatIdidbetroubled,yettosetmetoanewhaste.AndIbidtheMaidputthescripandthepouchandherbundlesecureupontheraft;andinthattimeIlooktwellaboutforasaplingtreethatshoulddomypurpose.AndIsawthattheregrewanoddonealittletothesideoftheflat-toptrockthattheMaidhadlooktfrom;andwhilstthatIcutit,theMaiddidcometowatch,andmadeprettychatterinthetimethatItrimmedthebranchesaway.

Andlo!whilstthatIdidbepartdividedinmineattentionbetweenherdeartalkandmyworkandanhastethatdidbebornofthatlittleuneasethatwascome

uponme,myspirittoseemtobeawarethattherecameadangeranightous;andtheMaidtohavethissameknowing;forsheceasedherspeech,andlooktatmewithsomewhatoftrouble.Andlo!inthatmoment,asIbalancedthepoleinmyhands,therecamethenoiseofasuddenboundingtoourbackwardpart,wherethetreesdidgrowsomethinganigh.

AndIturned,instant,andlookt;andbehold!theredidbeuponusanHumptMan,verylumpishandmighty;andhestretchedouthishands,andranatme.AndIhadnotimetotheDiskos,whichdidbeupontheearthtomyfeet;andIsmotetheHumptManwiththepointofthepolethatdidbeinmyhands,andthepointtookhimverystrongandhorridinthebreast,andenteredin,sothattheHumptMangaveoutastrangehowling,thatdidbehalfseemingofananimalandhalfofanhuman.Andheclutchedatthepolethatdidsohurthim,andIstooptveryswiftfortheDiskos,andhaditinamoment.AndtheHumptMantorethepoleoutofhisbreast,andinthesameinstantIripthimfromtheheaddownward,sothathedidbenighintwohalves;forIhadnomercyinmineact,eventhoughmyheartdidbesomethingsorry.

Now,evenasthemandied,theredidbeasoundofrunninginthewoodbeforeme;andlo!IturnedveryspeedytotheMaid,andshewastheretomyback,andhadherbelt-knifedrawninherhand;forshehaditinherbosom,whereshehadputitwhenthatItookherbeltfortheraft.

AndIcaughttheMaidaboutthewaistwithmyleftarm,andwascomewithhertothetopoftherockintwogreathoundings.AndIsetherthereupontherock,andturnedagaintothewayIcameandswungtheDiskosfree;forindeed,IhadseenthattheredidcomeanumberoftheHumptMenamongthetrees.

Andtherecamerunningfromthewood,mayhapsagreatscoreoftheHumptMen;sothatitdidseemtomethatwedidbegoingtodie;forhowshouldonestandagainstsomany,andtheysoquickandstrong,asyoushallmind.

Yet,inverity,Ihadnodespair;butdidbemixtintheheartwithagreatfearforMineOwn,andastrangeandexultinggladnessthatIshoulddothatdaysomedeedforMineOwnMaid;andtrulythistobethepompofloveandtheheart-cryofthebarbarian,asyoushallsay.Andthismaybe;buttrulyIdidbeproperhuman,andtomakenoexcusebecausethatIwasnatural;neitherhaveIhidanywheresaughtthatIdidthinkandfeel.

Andwhetherthatyouapproveornot,ifthatyoucondemnme,youtocondemnallHumanity,andtohavevainwordsandvainregrettings;forthesethingsthatbenamedforfaults,dobutbethecomplementofourvirtues,andifthatyouslaythefirst,youmaychancetowitherthelast;fornowIspeakofthingsastheybenow,andastheydidbethen;andnowiseoflovelyidealsthatdolivechiefinthemind,andsomuchinmineasany,asyoutoknow,ifthatyouhavegonewithmeallalongmyway.

Andsurely,Imustceasefrommythinkings,andgoforwardwithmytelling;fortheHumptMendidcomeforwardatawondrousquickrun,anddidswarmupwardontotherock,asthattheydidbepanthers;andtheymadenooutcry;butcamesilenttothekilling;andIsawthattheydidbesomethingsmallerthanhethatIhadbutthenslain.And,inverity,Ididbeallknitinthatmomentwithspeedandcleverness;forIsplittheheadsofthree,withbutquickturnsofmywrist,asIdidwieldtheDiskos.AndIkickedthefaceofanother,inthesametime,withmymetalboot,sothathedied;fortheredidbeallmystrengthandallmyskillworkingthenforoursalvation.

Nowallthistohavebeendoneinbutafewbeatsoftheheart,asImightsay;andthesementohavebeeninthefrontoftheattacking.Yettheredidbenospacetohavebreath;forthereleapedthreemoreoftheMenupontherock;andonesmotemewithagreatpieceofrockthathecarried,sothatminearmourdidseemasthatitcrackt,andItobedrivenbackwardupontheMaid;yethadslainoneoftheHumptMen,eveninthatmoment.

Andsurely,mydearOnecaughtmeinherarms,behind,andsteadiedme,sothatIfellnot;andIslewtheHumptManwiththerock,eveninthatmomentwhilstMineOwnheldme,ashecameagaintostrikeme.AndIthentobefirmagainuponmyfeet,anddidspringatthethirdoftheHumptMen;andsurelytherewasnoroomthatheshouldbeabletoavoidme,evendidthatbehisintent;andhecameatmewithagreatleap.AndIstoodstrong,lookingclearlytomywork;andIswungtheDiskoswithbothmyhands,andtheblowtooktheHumptManinthemiddlepart,andsplithim,whilstthathedidbeyetleaping.Andinthatinstanttherereachedovertheedgeoftherock,twooftheHumptMen,andgatmebythefeet;sothatIwaspulledsuddentomybackveryhardandbitter;andthistobedone,evenwhilstthatthebodyoftheHumptMandidbeyetintheair.Andthebodycameforwardoverme,anddidbeutterdeadalready,andfelldownupontherockbeyondme,androlledhorridlyandwentovertheedgeoftherock.

AndIdidbeallshakenandsomethingbemusedbythehardnessofmyfall;andthehandsofthetwoHumptMenplucktmesharptotheedgeoftherock,thewhilethatIdidstrikevaguelytowoundthem;butdidonlychiptherock,andfortunatethatIharmednottheweapon.

Andlo!inthemomentthattheyhadbeenliketohavemedownwardtotheearthintotheirmidst,Itomakeagoodstroke,forIcuttheshoulderofoneverydreadful,sothatheloosedme;andimmediately,Ikickedveryfiercewithmyfreedfoot,andsurelyInighcrushedthehandofthatotherwithmymetalboot;andhelikewisetoceasefromdragginguponme.

Andimmediately,IknewthatMineOwndidbehelpingmethatIgetinstanttomyfeetagain;forIwasyetsomethingdazed.

AndtherecamethenarushoftheHumptMenuptherock;andtrulyitdidbeagladthingforourlivesthattheymightcomeuponlyuponbutoneside;fortheothersidesdidbeuttersteepandsmoothworn;andthistohavebeenuntooursaving,asyoushallthink.

AndIstooduptotherushoftheHumptMen,anddidsmitehardatthem,withaquickcirclingoftheDiskos,sothatthegreatweapondidglowandroar.AndtheygavebackfromtheblazeandthesoundoftheDiskos;andsurelythenIraninuponthem,whilstthattheydidbesomethingbewildered;andIgattheforemostmanfulluponthehead,sothathedidbedeadbeforehedidknowwhatthinghappened.Yet,inverity,thisdidbeadreadmomenttome;fortheHumptMenleapedinatmeuponeverysideinaninstantoftime;andIdidbestruckuponmyhead-pieceanduponmybackandbreastwiththestonesthatcertainofthemdidcarry,sothatIrocktasIstood,anddidneartoswoon,andminearmourtobealldintandbentuponme,andItrulytoseemthatIhadcometothetimeofmydying.

Andlo!inthatmomentoftime,theredidcometomydazedsensealowandbittercryofanguishfromtheMaid;andthistosetallmylifeaglowinme.And,inverity,therewentastrangegreynessoffurybeforemineeyes,andIthentofightasIdidneverfightbefore;andIdidsmiteasitdidseemforever.Andthegreynessdideasefrommineeyes,andtheMaiddidhaveherarmsaboutmeasIstood,andthedeadMentolieheaptupontherock,andMineOwntosteadyme,forIdidbenearslainandtheblooddidgofromme,andminearmourwasallbrokeuponmebythesmitingsofthesharpstones.

AndIlooktsomethingslowlyuponMineOwn;andshetoknowthatIwouldaskwhetherthatshedidbeharmedanywise;andshetobeverybravewithme,andtotellmethatshedidbewell;andshetobeallslainintheheart,becausethatIdidbesohurt;buttrulyIhadfoughtagoodfight,anddidlackonlytoknowthatshecometonoharm.Nowmywitsdidcomebackintomeverysoon;butIdidbeutterweak,andscarcetostand;sothatIdidmindonlythatIgetMineOwnsafeuntotheraft,andtoputoffthenfromtheshore.

AndIwalktslowtotheedgeoftherock,andlooktwellabout,thatIlearnwhethertheHumptMendidbeallgoneaway;andtheMaiddidsteadyme.

Andlo!therecameupinthatinstantthelastoftheHumptMen,andtheywerefiveanddidcreepverystealthy,thattheyhavemeinsurprise.AndIloostfromtheMaid,forIsawthatImustcomeuponthemwhilstthatIhadanystrengthleftinmybody;andtheynowtoleapupwarduntome,sothatIgatthefirstuponthehead,andhetogobackwarddead;buttrulyIdidbemoreweakthanIknew;forIswayedupontheedgeoftherock,andsuddenIwentdownwardtotheearth;anddidbethereuponmyknees,andmybacktotherock.

And,inverity,theHumptMendidcomeinuponmeveryswift;yetdidtheygivebackfromtheDiskos,whichIswungtoandfro,sospeedyasImight,formyweakness,whichdidbesoutterthatIcouldnowisecometomyfeettostand.

AndMineOwncamedownswiftlyfromtherock,andranpasttheHumptMen,andItomakethatIshouttohertogototheraft;buttrulyIhadnovoiceinmybody,anddidbedumbandweak,anddidknowthatIshouldbegoneforeverfromMineOwninalittlemoment,andshetohavenonetoprotecther,neithertoknowthewayofourjourney,savebyreason.

Andbehold!MineOwndidshouttotheHumptMen,andIperceivedthatshemadetodrawthemafterher;forsherantoandforeanddidshoutcontinually.But,indeed,theHumptMenhadnoheedofher;butdidmakealwaytocomeatme;andsurely,inthatmoment,oneoftheHumptMenreachedme,andsmotemesoshrewdthatsurehenighcrackthismonstroushanduponminearmour,anddiddrivemebackwardupontherock,andtomakemebleedafresh,sothatIwasallinadazeandnearswoonedaway.AndtheHumptMancaughtattheDiskos;yet,inverity,heloostitontheinstant,foritdidburnandshakehimverysore;andimmediately,hesmotemeagain,andsomadetoendme.

Andlo!inthatmoment,theMaidranrightinamongtheHumptMen,andshestruckthemanthatstrovewithme,anddroveherbelt-knifeonceandagainthroughhisarm,verysavageanddetermined.Andsurely,themanturneduponher,andhecaughtherbyhergarments,andheripthertwogarmentsutterfromher,sothattheycameawayandshedidbefree.Andbehold,mineutterdespairforherdidgivemeanewstrength,sothatIshoutedtoherthatsheruninstanttotheraft;andIcuttheHumptManintwain,anddidfallbackthenintoapartswoonagainsttherock.Andlo!theMaidranoutfromtheHumptMen;buttheyneithertoknowwhetherthattheyfollowherorthattheycomeinuponme;andastheydidpause,shetocalltothem,andtotrythatshetemptthemfrommetowardthewood;forshehadnothoughtofherlife,butonlythatshefreemeandsaveme;andItooweakeventohavepowertocommandhertotheraft;andshe,truly,tohavenoheedtosuchcommand,evendidIthustocallagain.AndthereIdidbe,half-goneoutfromthislife,andlooktatherwitheyesthatdidscarcewot,saveasinadream.

Andlo!theHumptMenceasedsuddenthattheyheedher;andthethreethatdidbeleftcameveryslyuntome,andwithslownessandcunning;fortheywottednotwhetherIdidbedead,orbuta-waitforthem.AndtheMaidperceivedthattheycamenotafterher;andsheletoutagreatcrythatdidbedistant-seeminginmydulledears,andcameback,naked,andrunningveryswift.Andsheranbymeasdeathshouldrun,whiteandsilentandherfacesetuntodespair,andhereyesutterintent.Andshestruckherbelt-knifeintotheshoulderofthenearHumptMan;andtheManhowledandturned,andshedidleaptotheside,andtheHumptManranather.Butlo!sheleapedagainthiswayandthat,anduttersilent,andsoquickasalightdothseemtodanceallwaysinamoment.AndthetwootherMendidjoinwiththefirst,thattheycatchher;andbehold!shewentabout,anddidrunrightawayamongthetrees,andthethreeMendidcomeafterher,runningverylumbersome,yetwithagreatspeed.

AndtheMaidhadtheknifeinherhand,andIknewthatshedidmeantoslayherselfpresently,whenthatshecouldrunnomore;andinthatmomentitseemedthatmyheartburst;forthatIshouldnevermoreseeMineOwnMaidforever.Andtherecamesomepowerofmovementintome,andIcameforwardfromtherockandfelloveruponmyface.AndIgatagaintomyknees,andbeganthatIcreepaftertheMaid,andIdidshoutinwhispers,formyvoicehadnomorepowertocall.AndtheMaidwentfrommysightamongthetrees,asafarwhitefigure,thatdidrunveryswift,andwaspresentlylostuttertomysight;andtheHumptMendidgoafter;yeteveninmyweakness,Iperceivedthattwodidgo

somethingclumsy,asthattheyhadbeenhurtinthefight;andtheytobetherearwardofthechasing;buthethattheMaiddidcutwiththeknifewastothefore,anddidrunverystrong;andsurelytheywereallgoneinwardofthetreeswithadreadfulspeed,andwerelostfromme.AndtheworlddidbecomesuddenanEmptynessandagreatHorror,andtherewasnosoundinalltheEarth,asitdidseem.AndIknewthatIwascometomyfeet,anddidruntowardthetrees,andtheDiskosdidtrailfromminearmbythehold-buckle;andthegrounddidbeasthatitmovedandshiftedunderme,andInottofeelwhereItrod,butdidonlypeerdesperateandlostamongthetrees;and,asItoknownow,Iheardmyvoicecallingstrangely;andafterwardtherewasathunderinginmineears,andIcamedownwarduponmyface.

AndIdidknowpresentlythatIwasalive,andtheretobesomedreadfulterroratmyheart;andsurelyIdidrememberandsickenedandgatmyheadfromtheground.AndIlooktamongthetrees;buttheredidbenothing,andeverywheretheredidbeastrangesilenceandadimnessofunrealseemings.AndIknewthatMineOwnwasgonefromme,andhadsurelydied.Andtheearthdidbeallstainedaboutmewithmyblood,andIdidbeutterglad;forItoneeddeath.

AndIswoonedagainandwaslosttomypain;butdidlivepresentlytoknow.

Andtherewasalittlestrengthcomeintome,andIgatmyheadupsomewhatfromtheground,anddidpeeramongthetrees;andmyheaddidbetooheavy,andmyfacecameagainsttheearthoncemore.AndbecausethatIcouldnotholdupmyhead,Irolledmyheadalittle,untilthatmycheekdidbetotheground,andItolookthiswise,sowellasImight;buttheredidbenothing;andafterward,Irolledmyheadagaintotheothercheek,andsotostareveryweakanddesperate,andnotabledtolookpropertomyfront.Andlo!therewentsomethingamongthetrees,anddidshowwhiteinthegloomofthewood;anddidcomethroughthetrees.AndInottobelieveinthefirstthatIdidtrulyseeaught;andsuddenItoknowthatIsawsomewhat.Andbehold!myheartdidboundinme,sothatallmybodydidwaken;forIknewthatMineOwnMaiddidrunslowandstaggeringtowardme,throughthewood.AndIdidbenowuponmykneesanduponmyhands,anddidbeginagaintocreepandtobleed;anddidmakelittlecallingstoMineOwn,thathadnosounding.

AndMineOwndrewnigh,anddidrockandstagger,anddidstrikeanonagainstthetrunksofthetrees,asthatshedidbegonenearblindwithherrunning.Andinamomentshesawme,andthatIdidyetliveanddidcomeuntoher;andshe

madeastrangeandlovingcryinguntome,withagreatgladnessandwithanutterweakness.

Andshecamerunning,andwaslostwithfaintness,anddidswaythiswayandthat,stumbling;andshewentsuddentotheearth,anddidbestill.

AndIcreptonwardsospeedyasImight,andtheearthtoseemalwayasthatitmovedfrommyhands,andtoslide;andthis-seemingtobeofmyweakness;formyhandsandmykneeswenteveryway,andmyheadtobethatitkeptnoddingforwardverystupidtotheearth.

Andlo!asIcameanighuntotheMaid,whereshedidliesoquiet,Isawthatsomethingmovedinthewood,andwasrunning.AndtrulyitdidbeanHumptMan,andcameforwardverysilentandwithaquickslyness,asthathedidtracktheMaidsecretly;forhelooktalwaytotheearth.AndIperceivedthathewasthatoneoftheHumptMenwhichtheMaidhadcutwiththeknife;fortheblooddidshowupontheshoulderandthebreast;andthisbleedingmayhaptohaveslowedtheMan;sothatMineOwndidbeliketohavesupposedshehadcomeutterfree;yethetohavefoundher,bytracking,asIperceived.

AndIstravetomyfeet,thatIshouldcometotheMaid,beforetheHumptMan;andsurelyIgatupright,andwentwithastrangerunning,anddidroll,andlo!Ifellimmediate,ereIwascometoher.AndtheHumptMantorunalso;andsurelyitdidbeadreadfulrace;forIwentcreepinganddidbeweakandasthatIwasoflead.AndtheHumptMancameveryswiftandbrutish;butIcamethefirsttoMineOwnMaid.AndIroseupattheHumptMan,uponmyknees,andIswungtheDiskos,andthegreatweapondidroarinmyhands,asthatitdidknowanddidlive.AndtheHumptManraninuponme;butIsmotehimtrulywiththeDiskos,andheranpastme,allblundering,andfellanddieduponhisface,alittlewayoff.

Andlo!mywoundshadbrakeoutintoagreatbleeding,andmyheaddidrolluponmyshoulders.AndIlooktdowndull,yetwithanuttergreatloveuponMineOwn;andtheredidbenoproperwounduponher;butyetwassheallbruisedandknocktandmarkedwiththetrees,andwhereshedidfallinherrunning.Andshedidbethere,verystillanddear,andItohavebrakemyheartwithloveforher,butthatIdidbesodulled,asIhavetold.

AndIfoughtthatIshouldbestrongalittlewhilemoreagainstmyweakness;

andIstrovethatIsetmineeargentlyuponherbreast,thatIshouldlistenforherheart.Butmyheaddidgodownwardsomethingclumsyandheavyuponher;andIthentohearken,andsurelyshedidliveandherheartdidbeat;though,inverity,mineearsdidhaveatfirstathundering;butafterwardaquietnessinthem,thatmadethesoundingofherpulsingtoseemanutterlongwayoff;andveryfaintitdidbe.Andsurely,inthatmoment,evenasIharked,Iwasgoneoverintoadeadness,andhadnomoreknowing;neithertohaveevenaknowledgethatIdidbesliptfrommysenses.And,behold,theMaiddidlieswooning;andItobethereinmybrokenarmour,andmyheaduponthebreastofMineOwn,andlikewisetoknownaught;andaboutusthequietnessofthatCountry,andthefarnoiseofthegreatFire-HillsthatdidsoundthroughEternity.

XIV

ONTHEISLAND

NowIcameuntomysenses,anddidbeinpainandagreatforgetfulnessandbewilderment.AndIstrovethatIrise;butdidbeheldbyastrangeforce,thatdidbesurelymyweakness,asItoknowafterward.

AndIwasuponmyback;andalittlesounddidbenearme,asthatsomethingdidpant.AndIturnedmyhead,veryslow,becausethatIdidsolackofstrength.Andlo!IsawthattheMaiddidbeanightome,anddidbeyetnaked;anddidpant,andpushthardanddesperatewithagreatpole,whichdidbesurelythatonewhichIhadcutwhenthattheHumptMencameuponus.AndtherewithIrememberedall,andperceivedthatIdidbeupontheraft,andtheMaidtopushtheraftalongwiththepole.

And,atthat,Imadealittlesoundwithmymouth;buttheMaidnottohearme;forshedidlookbackward,asIshouldthinktotheshore;andherfacedidbeverysetandanxious;andtheretobeafarnoiseofhowling,thatIknewtobethevoicesoftheHumptMen;andsotoperceivethattheMaidhadcomeuntohersenses,andhadgatmesomewisetotheraft,whilstthatIdidyetbeswoond.AndthustosavemeeretheHumptMenhadcome.But,inverity,howshedidthisthing,Inevertolearn;neithershetoknow,butonlythatherlovedidgiveheragreatanddesperatestrengththatshesaveme,thatdidbeherman.

Andafterward,MineOwnMaiddidtellmehowthatshehadcomeintohersenses,anddidbethereupontheearth,andsomewhatdidbeuponherbreast;andshesawthatitwasmyheadwhichdidbeheavyuponher,andItobesurelygoneoutfromthislife;forIwassostill.

Andshecamefromunderme,anddideasemeoutupontheearth,andherheartnighbrake,becausethatIwassobe-bled,andmybloodtohavestainedallthat

didbenear.Butwhenshehadgatmerestful,shesawthatIdidsurelylive;andagreathopetospringinherheart.Andoft,asshehadeasedme,shehadlooktabout,andtheredidbenaughttothesight,savethebodyoftheHumptMananigh,andtheothersdeadaboutandupontheflat-toppedrock,asyoutomind.

Andsheranthenveryspeedytotheraft,andbroughtwaterfromtheriverinmyheadpiece,andshedashtthewateruponme;butItohavenopowertocomeuntomysenses.Andlo!inthatmoment,shetoknowbysomesubtiletellingofthespirit,thattherecamesomedangeranigh;andshethentomakethatshesaveme,orthatwediebothofustogether.Andshestravewithme,anddidcarryanddrawmethatwearifulwayuntotheraft.Andshegatmeontotheraft;andsheranthenforthepolethatdidbebesidetherock;andwhilstthatshetookthepole,sheperceivedhertorngarments,thatdidbeyetinthehandsoftheHumptMan,evenasshehadsliptthemtoescapehim.AndshecaughtthegarmentsveryhastyfromthehandoftheMan,andranthentotheraft;andshepushttheraftoutfromtheshore,andleapedaboard;andbehold!asshemadetousethepole,therecameasoundoutofthewood.AndthereranfromthewoodthetwoHumptMenthatdidyetlive;andtheytohavetrackther,afterthatshedidrunfromthem;andtheyrandownwardtotheshore,verysilentandintentuponher;butshetoworkwithanutterdespair,andtohavetheraftagoodwayout,eretheydidbecome.Andsurely,theyeithertohavenopowerofswimming,ortoknowthattheredidbeaDreadinthewater;fortheymadenottocomeafter;butdidstandandstareverystupid,andafterwardtohowl;andthishowlingIdidhearwhenthatIwascomeuntomyselfupontheraft,asyoudoknow.Andbythistelling,youtobesowiseasI;formoreIknownot,saveoddthingsthatIdidlearnafterward,thatdidbutsetmylovemoreholyuntoMineOwnMaid;andthesetohavebeenbutsmallmattersoflove-thoughtsthatwedidhavetogether;andscarceclearuntomyremembering.

Andlo!evenasIharkeduntothehowlingoftheHumptMen,thesounddidgrowmorefaintandfaroff;fortheMaidworkedverydesperatewiththepole.AndIdidfeelthatIwouldhelpher;butyetwassoa-lack;andsurely,evenasIdidmeantorise,Iwasgoneagainutterfrommysenses;andthatdearnakedOnedidpilotmesafeandlovinguntothesafeharbouringofthelittleisland,thatyoudomind;andhadnothoughtuntoherself;butonlythatshesaveme.AndItobethere,scarceoffwardfrommydeath,andtohavenoknowingofaught,andnomorepowertohelportobeashielduntoMineOwn;butdidbeonlyanhelplessman,thathadsurelydied,saveforthecareofMyBeloved.

YetdidIfightagoodfight,andhavealwayagreatjoyintheremembering.

Now,Imindnothingveryclearafterthisforagreattime;butonlyofpainandweariness,andofhalfwakingsandtimeswhenIdidknownaught,andotherswhenthatIdidbeawake,yetdidhavenorealness,eitherinmyselforinanylandorplace;andalltocomebackstrangeandvague;yetwithaconstantknowingthattherewentLoveaboutme,andagreatandgentlewatchfulness;sothatIwaseasedwhenthattheblackmistsofmyweaknessdidupriseaboutmetoswampme;andIwasmadetoknowhope,whenthatunknowndespairsdidlivestealthywithinme.

Andlo!therecameatimewhenIwaked,anddidbefreedofuncertainburdeningsandpeculiarwoesandthatstillhazethroughwhichgreatachingsdidcomeconstantuponme.Andsurely,Iwaslaidveryniceuponsomewhatthatdidbesoft,andtherewentasweetquietnessaboutme,andanhealthfuldrowsedidgrowinmybones.

AndslowlyIperceivedthattheMaiddidkneelbesideme,anddidlookuponmewithsogreataloveandgladnessthatitdidbeasthatIdrankinhealthandadrowsyjoyandpeace.Andsurely,shestooptandkissmewithanuttergentlelove,uponmymouth,andhertearstogosweetuponmyface;andtrulyIkistheragain,withanuttercontent.

Andshetookmyheadinthecomfortofherarm,andgavemesomewhatthatIdrink;andwhenIhaddrunk,shekissmeonceagain,solightasthataprettywinddidblowhusheduponmylips.Andmyheadshemadeeasy;andlo!Iwasgoneoveruntosleep,evenasshetendedme.

AndthricedoImindthatthistohappen;andatthethirdtime,Iknewthatmystrengthwascomesomethingintomeagain;andImovedmyhandalittle,thiswayandthat;andshetoknowthatIdidneedhertoholdmyhand;andshetodothis,andItogointosleepagain,evenwhilethatIlooksleepy,yetwithallmylove,intohereyes.

AndwhenIwakedforthefourthtime,IdidwhisperthatIlovedher;andsurelyshebrokeintoasuddenweeping,anddidholdmyhandverydearagainstherbreast.

AndwhenIwakedforthefifthtime,Itoknowhowthingsdidbeaboutme,andthatIdidlienakedinthecloak,anddidbeallbandagedaboutmybody;andthe

bandages,asIdidknowafterward,didbefromthetorngarmentsoftheMaid.

AndIlookattheMaid,andknewthatshedidbedrestagain,anddidbeinthegarmentsthatIdidgivetoher,asyoutomind;whichdidbethatone,andtheinner,thattheHumptMantorefromher,andwhichshehadslipt,thatsheescapefromtheMan.

Andafterward,Ifoundthatshehadmadeaverycunningmendofthegarments,whilstthatshedidsitsoutterlongbesidemetotendme;forshehadgottenthreadsfromhertorngarments,andhadmadeneedlesfromthornsthatdidgrowonthelittlebushesoftheisland;andthethornsdidbrakeoft,andshethentohaveanother,andsotopersistanhundredtimes.Andthiswayshedidbedrestveryniceanddainty.

AndMineOwnMaidperceivedhowthatIlooktwithinterestather,anddidmind,verynatural,howthatIlasttohaveseenher;andshethentoblushgently;anddidkissme,thatshehaveherprettyfacesomethingfrommineeyes.Andtruly,ItowishthemorethatIbestrong,thatIkneelinagladreverenceuntoher;forthiswaydidbemylove,andeverso;andyoulikewise,thathavetrulyloved.

NowIdidbeginthatIgrewverysteadyuntomystrength,again,andMineOwnMaiddidtendmealway,andshegavemeabrothoftabletsandthewateratsettimes,bythetellingofmytimepiece.Andoftshewashtmeanddidchangethebandages,anddidwashanddrythebandages,thatsheusethemoveragain;forwedidbesolackingforsuchmatters,asyoutoknow.

Andonthefifthday,Iwascomeuttertoease;anddidbewondroushappy,andMineOwntomakeprettytalkuntome;buthadmetobealwayquiet,becausethatIdidbeyetsoweak.

Andonthesixthday,ItobeletanswerMineOwn,andtosayhowgreatIdidloveher,thewhichmineeyeshadsaidalway,whilethatIdidlieinsilence.AndItobeassuredbytheMaidthatshedidbeinhealth,andrecovered;butindeed,Isawthatshewasgoneverythin,andthathereyesdidbeweary,evenwhilethattheyhadsogreataloveandagladnesstome.

AndImadeMineOwntobringhertabletsbyme,asshedidalway,andwhenthatIhadkistthem,andshetohaveeatanddrunk,Ibadehertomakemethebrothready;andwhenshehadmadethebroth,IasktthattheDiskosbesetanigh

tome.Andafterward,Ibidhertomyside,andhadhertoliebyme;andItookherprettyheaduponminearm,andtoldherthatshetoliethusandtosleep,andtohavenofearthatshewearyme;forthatItobebutthemorerestedtohaveherso,besideme.

Andsheinthefirsttotroublethatshebetooheavyforminearm;buttruly,Ishowedthatmystrengthwassomethingcomebacktome;forIpresthergentleuntome,andshethentonestlecontent,andtobegoneintoanuttersleep,andtohavebeeninasoreneedofthesame.

AndMineOwndidsleepfortwelvegreathours,andhadscarceanylifeinallthattime,savewhenonceshedidmakealittleandgentlemoaning,anddidafterwardsetherprettyfacemorenightomeinhersleep.Andsurely,Ihadneitherwearinessnorlonesomeness;butdidliewithanuttercontent;anddidlookdownwardupontheMaid,whereshedidsleepinthehollowofminearm;andtrulyshedidbemostwondrouslovelyanddainty;andthegoodnessofherfacedidseemasthatitmadeanholinessaboutmyheart,sothatmyspiritwasupliftinaquietandconstantgloryoflove.

AndIdrankapartofthebrothatthethirdhour,andatthesixthhour,andattheninthhour,whenthatIfinishedit;andmyrightarmdidbefreetothispurposeandtotheDiskos;andsurelyIdidtwiceandthricesetmyhanduponthatgreatweapon,astoatruecomrade;and,inverity,Icouldthinktheweapondidknowanddidloveme.AndthisthinkingtobebecauseIdidbesouplift,asIhavetold;yettruly,theDiskosdidbeastrangeandwondrousthing,anddidbealwaythoughttohaveanonenesswiththemanthatdiduseit.

Andinthetwelfthhour,theMaidawokesudden,andcameupwardoutofminearm,allinasweethaste,thatsheknowthatIdidbewell;andshedidbeeasedwondrous,whenthatshesawhowIlaughedwithaquietjoybuttoseeherdeareyes,andherprettytrouble.Yetdidshebeinreproachtoherself,whenthatshelookttofindhowthehourshadpast.But,indeed,Ididmakeamockingsternnesswithher;andforbadthatsheeventosayonelittlewordmoreuponthismatter;buttobegladthatIdidbesoutterhappy,andshelikewise.

Andtruly,whenIhadsaidthis,thatimpudentMaiddidsetherlittlefistagainstmynose,andtothreatenme.And,inverity,IlaughtsoheartythattheMaiddidbeinfearIshouldsetmywoundsagaintobleed,anddidreproachherselfagain;but,intruth,Icametonoharm.

AndwhenthatIcouldspeak,IaskttheMaidwhetherthattherehadbeenbrotherstoher,becausethatshedidplaysonatural.AndthisIaskt,notthinking;andlo!inamomentIperceivedmythoughtlessness;butsaidnaught,savetotakethehandofMineOwn,thatsheknowutterthatIdidnotbeheartless.Andshetonodveryquiet,andafterwardkistmyhand,andsliptfromme.AndIknewthatshewasgonealittlewayoff,lestsheweep;andIdidbeintroubleforherandforminea-lackness;buttrulyIcoulddonaught,onlythatIcalledverygentleuntoher.

Andshetoreturnsoon,anddidsmilelovingandcheerfuluponme;but,indeed,Isawthatshecoveredherweeping,whilstthatshehadmademenewbroth.Yet,beforeIwouldtakethebroth,Iwouldhavehertominearms;andshetosubmitverygladandhappy,buttokeepherprettyweightfromme,lestshehurtmywoundings.

Andafterward,webothtoeat,andbehappyingladtalk.

Andpresently,Ididsleep;butwouldhavehertobenightome,eventhoughshedidbewakeful;andsowetobeuttercontenttogether.

Now,theseventhday,asitmightbecalled,wasawondroushappytime;andwhenIwaked,theMaiddidbesleepingasachildtomyside,andherfacenestledagainstme.Andshetowakeninamoment;forthushadshedrowsedandwatchedthroughallthehourswhilstthatIhadslept.

Andwethentoeatandtodrinktogether,afterthatMineOwnhadmademeeasywithagentlewashingandcare.AndInowtobeallowedthatIhavemytabletswhole,andthewaterafterward,aswhenthatIdidbewell;andthistopleaseme,asyoushallthink;forIdidachethatIbestrongveryspeedy,thatIhavepowertoguardMineOwnMaidagain,andtogoforwardwithourjourneying,thatIhavetheMaiduntothesafenessoftheMightyPyramid;andsurely,nowthatIhadmytabletswhole,ItofeelthatIdidgrownearuntofitnessagain;andmoreover,theydidsatisfymyhungerthebetterthanthebroth.

AndtheMaidtogivememytabletsoft,sothatIeatagreatmany;andIdidmakehertocount;andsurelytheredidbesufficient,ifthatIgetstrongprettyquick.AndsoImadenorefusingofthetablets;forIdidneedthem,thatImakebloodagainwithinme,elseshouldIbelacking,whenthattherecameanyneedanigh.

Andwekisteachthetabletsoftheother,anddiddrinkfromthesamecup,anddidbeutterhappy;anddidbepartlikechildren,butalsotobemanandmaid.

Andpresently,theMaiddidshiftmybandages,asalway,andwashtmeproper,andhadmeintocomfort.Butshedidkeepmealwayverylow-lying;andtrulyIscarcetomind;forIwasnotgottenenoughofmystrength,togivemetofeelirked.Andfurther,asyoushallthink,theredidbethatlovelyOnewithmealway;anddidmakesweetquipsuntome,andtalktanddidlaugh,andoftdidcomeintosinging;forshedidbesosweetlyjoyedthatIwasinlifeanddidmendsoproper.

Andafterward,shewentofffrommealittle,tohertoilet;butItoaskthatshebesoswiftasmightbe,andshetopromiseverymerry;andshecamebackinalittlewhile,andherhairtobeinalovelycloudabouthershoulders,andherprettyfeetyettobebaredfromherbath,whichshehadinapoolbeyondsomebushes;andshetosaythatIdidbesoimpatientaman,thatshetobeforcedthatshedothehalfofherdressingwithme;buttruly,shecamethiswiseonlybecauseshetoknowhowIdiddelightinherthus,andtowatchthewaythatshesetupherabundanceofhair;andshetobehungryalsothatshebewithme,andtolovemethatIwatchher,evenwhilethattheredidbeoftalittleandquaintstirringofshynessinherdearheart.

AndIhadhertocomebesideme,andtositanightomyhand;andImadepresentlythatIdidscoldher,becausethatshehadnopropercaretoherprettyfeet;andIbidhertosetherfeettowardme,thatIlookthemorecloseatthem.Andshetobeaprettyrogue,anddidthinkItomeantokissthem—andtrulynottothinkalwaywrong—butIthentohaveanotherplanning;forIhadplucktahairveryslyfromherhead,andshebuttohavesaidanOh!tome,andtohavethoughtnomore.But,indeed,whenthatshegaveherfeettome,IheldthemsostrongasImight,andIboundherprettytoestogetherwiththehair;andsurelyshedidbeacaptiveuntome,andwetolaugh,asthatwetobebothchildren.Andafterwardshestolebackherfeetfromme;but,inverity,Iknewthatshehadawondrousheedthatshebrakenotthehairthatboundher;butdidsitbesidemeboundinthatprettyway;butyettohidefrommethatshedidnotbrakethehair.

Andshethentodoherhairuponherhead,verylovely;andafterward,Iputupmyhands,andtookitdownagain;andshethentokissmeandtoaskhowthatsheshouldeverhaveitproperuponherhead,ifthatIdidalwaysoteaseher.

Andshethentotakeherhair,anddidsettheabundanceofituponbothsidesofmyface,andthentokissme,asIdidlookupather,fromoutofsomuchbeauty.

Andafterwardshecutalockofmyhair,andalockfromherowndearhead;andshedidplaitthetwolockstogether,sothatourhairdidblendandbetogether;andafterwardshehiditinherbosom.ButIdidbethenoutofcontent,andwouldhavedonelikewise,onlythatitdidsowearymetoupholdmyhands;andshetocutasecondlockfrommyhead,andasecondtressofherownmostlovelyhair;andshemademetokissthehairthatdidbefromher,andshethentokissthehairthatdidbefromme;andafterward,shedidplaitthemtogether,andgavethemtome.AndIsetthehair,forthattime,underthegreatbandagethatwentovermyheart;andtruly,shedidbethentheonethatlacktcontent;forshetosaythatthesecondplaitingdidbekist,andthefirsttolack;butItorefusetoexchange;sothatwemadeupaquarrelling,anddidpresentlyhavetobekist,untoforgiveness.And,truly,haveyounotlikewiseknownsuchgladfoolishness,whenthatyouwereinthelove-days.

Andshethentomakemetobequiet,andtokeepmyhandsdownwardfromherhair,becausethattheupliftingdidproveovermuchtome;andshetookmygreathandsthen,anddidthreatenhowdreadfulsheuseme,ifthatIbenothumble.Andtruly,IsaidthatIdidbeanhumbleman;andshethentoholdmyhandswithbutonesmallone;andsurely,herhanddidbesosmallthatshenotabletoholdme,savebythethumbs.Andshethenwithherfreehandtocovermineeyes,sothatImightnotsee;andwhilstthatshedidholdmethussoutterhelpless,shetokissmeverydaintyandimpudentuponthemouth;andafterwardsheloostme,anddidbedemure.

Andwedidbethensilentaspace;andpresently,Iputforthmyhand,thatdidbeverygreat,yettobegonewhiteandtotremble,becausethatIdidlacksoutterofblood.AndtheMaidtoknowwhatIdidmean,andsheclenchedherhandsintotwofists,andsetthembothintomyonehand,andsurelytheydidbelittlefists;andIthentobehappy;forthisdidbeawondrouspleasurealwayuntome;andshetohaveherlidsalittledownwarduponhereyes,andtobequietlyhappy.And,truly,howIminditallsoplain.

Andafterward,Ididplagueherverygentlethatshetobealla-lack,ifthatshedidtrytouseherhandstoaught,becausethattheydidbesosmall.Andsheinamomenttohavehertwoarmsverydearaboutmyneck,anddidkissmewithanutterloveandtendernessuponthemouth,andafterwardwentfromme,lestthat

shehavemetooversetmyself.

AndIdidthentomakehertositbyme,andIdidtellheratalehowthatayoungmandidonceliveintheoldendays,anddidmeetwiththeOneMaidUponAllTheEarth.Andhowthattheylovedanddidbemarried,andshetodie,andoftheutteranddesperatemadnessofgriefthatnighdestroyedtheman;andhowthathesuddentowakeintothefutureoftheworld,inaNewTime,anddidcometolearnthatHisOwndidalsotoliveinthatTime.Andhethentomakethathefindher;anddidtrulycomeuntoher.Andhowshedidbedifferentinherbeauty;butyettobeutterlovely.AndthemandidholdanutterreverencetotheMaid,thathadbeenhiswifeintheoldendream-days,sothathisreverenceoflovedidliveinhimlikeaconstantpainandanguishofsweetnessandtrouble,andofholythoughtsthatdidbebredofherlovelycompanionship,andofhismemories….But,intruth,Igatnotfurtherinthetalethanthis;forMineOwndidhavecomesuddenintoweeping,andhadgottentoherknees,anddidholdmyhandagainstherbreast,anddidputherhandgentleuponmylips.And,inamoment,shetowhispersomewhatthroughhertears;andtheretobedearMotherhoodwithinherface;andasuddenshiningofMemoryinhereyes,thathadbeenneardreadful,onlythatitdidseemtobetoherasthatshewerepartdreaming.Andthestrangeandsolemnpaindidcomealsountomethroughthepart-opengatewaysofmyMemory.AndItorememberveryclearandwithananguishinthatmoment.AndItoldMineOwnhowthatthebabehadgoneonward,afterthattheBelovedhaddied.Andtheredidbethenanutterquietuponus.

Andlo!suddentheMaiddidbenduntome,andItotakeherintominearms,outofthevaguedreamingsofherMemory-dreams.But,ereshedidbecomeoutwardentirefromthehazeofthePast,shetotrytosetsomewhatintowordsconcerningthismemory-visionofthebabe;butsomewaystobestrangelydumb.AndIdidbesilentlikewise,becauseofallthosethingsthatdidbebetweenusforeverandforever.

Andpresently,shekistme,andwasherselfagain;andshewentfrommetoattenduntoourfood.

Now,thatdidbetrulyalovelyday;forItohavegatsufficientofstrengththatIdidbeabletohaveinterest,andtalkwithMineOwnMaid;andshenowtobewellrest,andtohaveeaseinherdearheartconcerningme.

Andsurelyweofttolaugh,anddidmakejestsuttergladandfoolish.Andindeed,IdomindhowthatIasktMineOwnanoldenpuzzle,thatdidcomeoutofthevaguenessofmyMemory-dreams.Andshetobelikeapersonthatdothhearastrangefamiliarthing;andlo!suddenshetosay,asthatshegatknowledgefrombeyondEternity,thatitdidbewhenthathewasalittlehoarse.Andyoutoknowthejest,andtohavetroubleditoftatschool;but,inverity,itdidbeastrangethingtohavefromourMemoriesoutofallthedeepofTime.Andwe,intruth,neverinthatAgetohaveseenortohaveknownthatevertheredidbeanHorse,ortomindthelikenessofone.Andthistobebutalittlematter;yetofstrangeandpeculiarinterest,asyoutoagree.And,indeed,wedidbothtolookoneattheother,whenthatwehadended,anddidwonderwhatanhorsedidbe;yetinthesametimedidhaveavagueinwardknowing.

AndsowetolookeverbackwardthroughdimAges;andsurelywegatpresentlyfromjests,untosolemnness;andtheMaidtobenighagainuntotears.And,intruth,IthentobringourthoughtsandourspeechforwardfromtheAbyssoftheYears,anddidceasefromMemory-dreamingforthattime;andsotohavetheMaidagaininjoy;yetmayhapsomethingwistfuloddwhiles.

Andpresently,ItotelltheMaidanhundredthousandthingsconcerningtheMightyPyramid,ofwhichIhadsooftsaidsomewhat;butnevertohavegatsogreatachanceasthisuntoaplentyoftimeandsoniceanonenessinthewaythatourmindsdidgo.

Andsurely,theMaiddidbeeagerinamoment,anddidbehusht;andagaintoaskconstantconcerningallmatters.

And,inverity,therewentagreatwhilethisway;andtheMaidtohaveanutterwonderandexcitementofallthatItotell;fortruly,itdidbeasthatamanofthisageshouldcomedownwardfromagreatstarintheheavens,andtotellofwondersandnewthings;andyoutounderstandhowshedidfeel.

AndofallthingsthatdidmosthaveahappinessuntotheMaid,ItoperceivethatthegreatLifeandHumannessoftheMillionstodwellwithinherimaginingsasacloudofwarmthandquietjoy;forIdidshowthisthingtoher,sowellasIwasable;and,intruth,youshalltellmeinhonestywhetherthatIhavemadethesamelikewiseclear-seenuntoyou?

Andshe,asyoushallmind,didbeamaidthathadgrownallherlifeinaRefuge

thatdidbeshakenwithhauntings,becausethatitlacktthepoweroftheEarth-Currenttoprotect;andwithaPeoplethatdidbeweak-conceivedthroughgreatthousandsofyears;andwherelovedidbloomsomethingfaded,eveninyouth;andyouthtohavelackofthelife-bloodofanutterjoy,suchasdidbeoursandlikewisetomanythatdidbeoftheMightyPyramid.

Though,truly,theredidgomillionsthen,asnow,thatdidnevertoknowlove;thoughthenamedidbeintheirmouths,andtheytohavebeliefthatthesweetkerneldidbeintheirhearts;but,inverity,THIStobelove,thatyourlifeshallboundinyouwithabundance,andjoydwellroundyou,andyourspirittoliveinanaturalholinesswiththeBeloved,andyourbodiestobeasweetandnaturaldelightthatshallneverbelostofalovelymysterythatdothholdaperfectpeaceeachuntotheneedoftheother;andalltobethattheregoroundaboutyouawonderandasplendourallthedaysandthenightsthatyoushallbe—theManwiththeWoman,theWomanwiththeMan.AndShametobeunborn,andallthingstogonaturalandwholesome,outofanuttergreatnessofunderstanding;andtheMantobeanHeroandaChildbeforetheWoman;andtheWomantobeanHolyLightoftheSpiritandanutterCompanionandinthesametimeagladPossessionuntotheMan.Andlo!ifonetodie,thenthesouloftheothershallfail;andthatonenevertohavefulllifeagain,inthatbitterparting.AndthisdothbethetrueHumanLove;andallelsethatbenotliketothiswiththeManandwiththeWoman,dothbebutaborrowingofthenameofLoveforthatquietdesiring,whichisbutanEndurancebesideLove,whichdothbebetweentheythatbenotmatedbothintheirsoulsandintheirbodies.AndthistellingtotakenoheedtothosebasejoiningsthatbemadeforpurposesofwealthorDesireorotherpiteousends;for,inverity,thesetohavenomoredealingswiththethingthatIdotellupon,thanhaththemerchantingofgoods,ortheneedofaglutton.ButthethingthatIdohaveuponmyheartdothbethatdearandupliftingPowerofLove,whichItosetforthinthismineownstory;for,intruth,Itohaveknownlove,andtoneeddeathwhenthatIbepartedfromMineOwn.

Now,surely,MineOwndidcometwiceandthriceuntoweeping,asIdidtellofthisthingandthat,whichdidsethermemorybackwarduntothewaysoftheLesserRedoubt.Andpresently,Ididceasefrommytellings,becausethatshedidsobegoneintopainofhermemories.But,indeed,shethentobegmethatIgoforwardagain;for,truly,shetoneedintheheartthatsheknow,andtostrivetobenomoreingriefforthetelling.

AndIthentosayon,anddidtellupontheMightandWonderandgreatOlden

DelightoftheUndergroundFields,thatwerebelowtheGreatRedoubt,asyoudoknow.AndItoldhowthattheywentdownwardanhundredstrangemiles,thatdidbedugofthelabourofMillionsandoftheyearsofEternity.

AndIsetoutuntoMineOwnconcerningthattheredidbewondrousvillagesspreadthroughthatgreatandhiddenCountrythatdidbeintheunderground;andhowthatgreatmillionsofthePeoplesdidlivethere,andmadeaconstantlabourinthosedeepLandsandCountries,thatdidbetrulysomonstrousinallasanhugeContinent.

AndIshowedMineOwnhowthattheredidbewondrousprocessesthatdidbelearnedintheAges;andhowthatwaterdidbemadeinchemistry;andtrulyshetonodtothis,becausethatshedidminduponthepowderthatwediduse;buttrulythepowdertohavetobemadeinthefirst,asyoushallthink;andwebuttoadvantageourselvesofthatwhichdidresult,andItospeaktoherofthemakingofthepowder,ratherthanofthewaythatitafterwardtomakechemistrywiththeair,untowater.

AndItoldtheMaidhowthattheredidbemightyundergroundpipesthatwentacrosstheNightLand,anddidbe,mayhap,oftsomuchastwentygreatmilesdeepintheworld,anddidcomeupwardintotheseasoftheLand;andalltohavebeenmadesecretandhidfromthemonstersoftheLand,asItoknowfrommuchreadingsoftheHistories.

AndMineOwnthentotellmethattheydidlacktohaveanysuchgreatwondersbelowtheLesserRedoubt;butthattheredidbeuttermonstrouscaverns,wherethattherehadbeenalwayastrangeanduncouthCountryofHusbandry,andlitfromtheEarth-Current;andtheyalsotheretoburytheirDead.Andallhadbeena-lackthroughgreatthousandsofyears,asshedidknowoftheirRecords,andhadgrowndim-litandlonesome,andaLandofdeepnesstostarvethespiritwithanutterstrangenessanddiscomfort,wherethatthemenwentquietlyasghosts,throughmanyages;andallaplaceindirewantofsoundandlaughter.

YetthisalltohavebeensurelydifferentamonstrousAgegone,whenthattheEarth-CurrentdidbeapowerintheLesserRedoubt,andtheHumanstobeinplenty,andofgoodandnaturalhealthandcourageoflife.And,truly,tominduponthatPlace,dothalwaytosetafreshwonderinme,thatMineOwndidbesolovelyandwholesomeofspiritandwiseandinknowledgeandgoodforceofherbeing.Butsoitdidbewithher;andshetohavebeensurelyalwayThatOne

thatdidbeMineOwn.

AndIthentotellMineOwnMaidconcerningthelowestField,whichdidbetheCountryofSilence,andwasthePlaceofMemoryuntoallthegreatMillions,wheredidlingerandbidetheghostsofanhundredbilliongriefsandthedriftedthoughtsofsorrowfulhearts;andtheretoliveagreathallowednessandamysteryofsilenceandanholinessandaGreatness,asthatitdidbetheExpressingofallthatdothbeNobleandEverlastingthateverdidcomeoutoftheheartofManandallthelostDeadofEternity;sothatthespiritofamandidseemtogoongreatwings,untolovelyandsplendidresolvings,ifthathebuttowalklonelyawhileinthatCountry,thatsurelydidbeneverlonesomeuntothespirit.

Andlo!theMaiddidbeallhusht,asIdidspeak,anddidlookdownwarduntomewithhereyesverybright,andlovelywiththethinkingsandtearsthatdidstirwithinher.

AndsuddenshetoaskwhetherthatIdidmakemyresolvetomyjourney,whilstthatIwalktinthatplace;andshetolookveryintentandbeautifuluponme,asshedidquestion.And,indeed,Isawthatshetomeanalovelypraiseuntome,asyoutoperceive;andtruly,Ididfeelalittlestrange,asthatIdidbebothgladandshyinthesamemoment.Andshethentoeasemeofanyanswer;forshegatupwarduponherknees,andsheputhertwohandstothesidesofmyface,andbidmetolookintohereyesandtoknowthatshelovedmewithhersoulandwithallthatdidmakehertobe.

Andafterward,shekistmeverygentleupontheforehead,anddidbethenhushtawhile,asthatshetobeinthought;yetoftshedidlookdownwardatme,anddidhaveabeautyofloveandhonourwithinhereyes,sothattheyalwaytoshine,asshedidlookatme.

Andpresently,theMaiddidsitagainbesideme,andslipthertwohandsintotheoneofmine,asdidbeevermydesire,andshetolovethatshegivemethisdelight,andlikewise,shetohavejoytoherselfinthislovingness.

Andwethenagaintohavetalk;andIdidtellMineOwnsomewhatoftheHistoryoftheOldenWorld!andshedidhavedimmemories,asindreams,ofthedaysoflight;yetscarcethatshecouldbelieveitoftruth.ButshetohaveknowledgeoftheOldenLoveDayswithinherspirit,andtomindthattheredid

bealway,asitdidbe,alovelyandgoldenlightupontheworld;butshenottoknowtrulywhetherthistobebuttheholyglamour-lightthatMemorydothsetaboutapastloveliness;andtohavenorememberingoftheSun;butyettobemadereadybyhermemoriesuntobelieving.AndItoknowofcertainty;butyetevenIthatdotellthisMyTale,didbutperceivetheDaysoftheLight,asinafarandvaguedream;andtorememberitbutinthechiefbythegloryoflostsunsetsthathadcastanholinessuponmyheart,andofthehushofDawnsthathadmadereadymyspiritintheGoneAgestolookquietlyuntomydeath.

Andsurelyyoutogowithmeinallthisthing,andtohavefeltwithinyourownspiritthatupliftedwonderthatdothshakethesoulwiththelostBeginningandwiththeunknownEnd,whenthatyouhavelooktthroughthesorrowoftheSunset,andstoodsilentbeforetheQuietVoicethatdothmakepromiseintheDawn.

But,inverity,wethathadnearlostourMemoryofthesuretyofthesegreatwonders,didhavememoryofLove;andthistobemostbeautifuluntomyheart;foritbuttoshowthemorehowthatlovedothliveforever,anddothmakeanholinessinallplaces;anddothgiveCompanionshipandSatisfying;sothattohavelove,istohaveall,andtohaveescapedthisWonderistohavemissedtohaveLived.

AndItofindthenthatMineOwndidhavenoknowledgeofthewaythattheWorlddidbeinthatFutureAge;anddidlacktoknowthatthereabodemightilyaboveusintheeverlastingnight,thedeadstarknessoftheworld,wheredidbe—mayhaptwohundredgreatmilesaboveus—snowandtheeternaldesolationofalostworld,thatdidbeoncethelovelyworldoftheoldendays,whichdidbenowgivenoveruntoNightandSilence.

AndmayhaptheredidwanderupwardthereMemory,anddidgocompanionedbyGrief.But,indeed,ItodelighttothinkthatHopeandLovedidbuildhousesofjoyabouttheDead;andtheretobenotruedeath;butonlythedyingofdays.Yet,surely,thisdothbesorrowenoughuntotheheartandthesoul,ifthattheydidbedayswhenlovedidmakeamysteryoflightaboutthespirit,andtheBelovedtohavebeenanightomakeeverasweetwonderuntotheheart.

ButItoceasefromthesethoughts;forwetofaceourlifebraveandwise,andtotakeboththesorrowandthejoyuntoourdeveloping,andtoholdupthefacewithcouragewhenthatGriefdothcomeanigh;andtoseethatwegrownotto

bitterness,butuntosweetwholesomeness.AndtheretobeJoyagain,andwethenthebetterabledtohavethatdelightintoourhearts;forhowshallJoyevertocometrulyagaintothatheartwhichbitternesshathmadeaplacefortheabodeofsorrow.

Andtruly,Itoceasefromthesethinkingsalso;formystorytowaituponme,andthesethingsthatIdosaydobeplainuntoyou,andtohavenoneedtothetelling.

AndsodidItellMineOwnMaidofthethingsthatIdidlearnfromthelittlemetalbook;andshetobeinaconstantwonderanddelightandwithanaweandnewnessuponher.Andsudden,theredidsomeoldenmemorystirwithinher;forsheasktme,inoneinstant,whetherthatIdidrememberwhenthattheCitiesdidmovealwayuntotheWestward.

ButtrulyIhadnorememberingofthisthing,anddidlookatherawhile,withsomewhatofatroubleuponme;for,thatthereshouldbeaughtlackinginmymemoryofthosetimesthatwedidbetogetheruponthisworld,wasafearuntome,andavaguesorrowalway,ifthatIdidbuttoletmythoughtgothatway;though,indeed,Idideverstrivetowiseness,anddidhaveknowledgethattheredothbeanheart-wearinganddespairandneedlesstroubleinvainregrets;butyetthesetobenaturaluntothespirit,ifthatyoutoknowlove;anddobebutthecomplementofthelove-joy,andmayhaptohaveauseuntothesweeteningofthespirit,ifthattheybenotlettoover-ridethereason.

AndwhilstthatIdidlookuntoMineOwn,thatshehelpmetoremember,shedidstrivewithherMemory.Butintheend,didfailtocomeuntoaughtofclearness,savethatshedidsee,asinafardream,yetveryplain,agreatmetalroadway,setintwolinesthatwentforeveruntothesettingSun;andshethensuddentosaythatshedidseeinhermemorytheSun,andshetohaveastrangeandtroubledamazementuponher.AndtheredidbeCitiesuponthegreatroad;andthehousesdidbestrange-seeming,anddidmoveforwardeternallyandataconstantspeed;andbehindthemtheNightdidmarchforever;andtheytohaveanevenpacewiththesun,thattheyliveeverinthelight,andsotoescapethenightwhichpursuedforever,asshedidtell,andadreadandterriblechillthatdidliveinthenight.AndtheredidbecitiesfarforwardinthemorningSunshine,thatdidhavegonebeforeatspeed,andsetthehusbandryoftheworld,andtobefinishedandgoneforwardagainerethatcertainofthelattercitiesdidcometothatplacetothereaping;andthenighttocomepresentlytothatplace;butthis

nottobeforsomepartofayearafterthatthecropsweretaken.Buthowlongthismightbe,shenottoremember.

AndallthistheMaiddidsaytome,asoutofastrangedream,andItohavesetitdown,andtohavemadeitsocleartoyouasshetohavetoldit;andsurelyitdothbeplainthenthatshetospeakofatimewhenthatthedaydidbegrowntoamonstrouslength,becausethattheworlddidturnbutslowandweary.

Andittobeasureness,asyoushallperceive,thatbuttostandstillinthatageofwhichNaanitold,wastobeleftpresentlyinanutternightandchill,thatshouldlastmayhapagreatandwearyyear.And,inverity,itdothseemthatallHumanitydidtravelforeverinthatstrangeage,whenthattostaywastodieunpreparedinthebitternight,andtogoforward,wastobeforeverinthesun.Andtruly,thisdothbesostrangeseemingtome,astoyou.

AndmuchIquestionedtheMaid,anddidhaveanhurtwithinmyheart,andapainofjealousyandsadnesstogrowinme;forsurelyshedidspeakofsomelifethatshedidlive,whenthatIdidbeelsewhere,eitherinLifeorUnknowing.And,inverity,whatmanthenshouldhavetaughtMineOwntolovehim?Andshethenmayhaptohavehadnorememberingofme.

AndtrulyIquestionedverydesperate,andthemoresobecausethatIwasyetweak,andlackingmystrengthtobecomposed.Butsheneithertoremembermenoranyothermanofthattime;andtohavenomemories,savethesebarethingsthatshetohavespokenoutsostrange,andwhichdidcomesuddenuntoheroutofallthedeepnessoftheyearsandthelostsorrowsandjoysandwondersofthatwhichdothmakeaWorldofHumans.

AndsurelymyquestioningsbroughtadistressuponMineOwn,bothbecausethatshedidbetroubledbythewaythatmylovedidbringmetothisstrangeanguish,andbecausethatshealsotohavepain,andasuddenfearthattheredidbeeveratimewhenshenottohaveknownme,ortohavepermittedthearmsofanother.

Andshedidthenstrivethatshebebothwiseandstrong,andtogivehelpuntome,andtotakereasonuntoherowneasing.Andtrulyshetoshowhowthatshedidbeallunknowingofanyloveinthatfarbackwardtime;butittobepossibleinreasonthatshetohavegonetoanother,innaturalcourse,thewhilethatherheartdidyearnalwayinvaguetroubleuntoHerOwn,thatherspiritdidmayhap

nevertohaveforgotten.And,truly,thisdothbethewayofLife,andabitterthingandasorrowtoJoyousLovetothinkupon;yetIheretobesettothetellingsofTruth,andtohaveheedtoallthatreasondothshowtobe.

ButMineOwndidalsohaveusbothtorememberthattheredidbeequalrighttothinkthatshehaddiedMineOwnMaidinthatlife;forthatitdidbenotoutofreasontothinkthatshehadbeenvoid-hearteduntoallmen,becausethatshehadknowninherspiritthatshedidoncetomeetHerOwn,anddidbethereafteruntuneduntoallothermenthateverdidlive.Andthisalltobeinamist,andwetogovainly.Andofherwill,shedidthinkthatnomandidevertohavepossessedher,saveI;yetthistobemayhapsonlythepromptingofherlove;andshethentokissme,andtosaythattheredidbenosuretyinaught,butonlythatwedidhavebeentogetherbefore,andhavebornealovesogreatthatitdidlivethroughEternity;andwetobenowtogether,andmaybeallelsetobebutdreams.

AndtrulyIdidhaveafiercehopethatthisbeso;andtheMaidlikewisesotohope,yettobelessbitterwithrebellionthanI,thoughinpainuponthethought;forshedidbesoutteranddreadfulgladandinhappythankfulnessthatwedidbenowcometogetheragainintheend;anddidmeanthatsheconquerallthatshouldbeliketosetagreynessuponourjoy,andtobesteadfastuntothisend.

AndIafterwardtobelikewiseinwisdom,whenthatIwascomethemoretostrength,andtomindthatIsuffervainlyforthatwhichdidhavenosurety,asIhaveshown;andmoreoverIdidhavenopoweruponthepast,eithertolearnaughtortomendaught;sothatIdidgothewayofanHuman,anddidshakefreefromthesebroodings,andstroveuntoforgetfulness;which,intruth,dothbebothaTerrorandaMercifulness,asdothchance.AndIkistMineOwnMaid,withsomewhatmoreoftheyearswithinmylove;andshetokissmeverysoberanddear;andtodesireonlyformyhappiness,andtobeuttermineown.

Now,wethentoeatandtodrink,andtheMaidtoseemeuntocomfortinallthings,andmybandagesallright;andshethentomakethatshehaveonherfootgearandherhairtobebound;butindeedIbidherthatshetodaredothisthing,whenthatshetoknowhowIdiddelightthatherlittlefeetbebaretomineeyes,andherhairmostlovelyuponhershoulders;andshetobeveryhappythatIsotohaveanutterpleasureinherdearbeauties,anddidsitbesidemeagain,andsetherfeetveryslywheretheydidbeanightomyhand;forshetoknowthatshedidbeMineOwn,andItobeherMaster,andshetohavejoythatsheto

havetorenderherbeautyuntome;forshedidbethattruecomplementuntomethattheheartofamandothacheforeternally.

Andso,presently,didendthatlovelydayofquietspeechandtogetherness;andtheMaiddidpreparemeformyslumber,andshethentolieanightome,andherheadtorestgentlebesideme,sothatherprettyfacedidbenearuntomybreastupontherightside;andshetogivemeatthefirstalovingandsoberkissthatdidbesomewisetosetaguarduponhertenderness,andafterwarddidsleepcontentandgentle,asthatshedidbeinthesamemomentachildandawoman.

AndIalsotocomeuntoslumbering;yetdidknowvaguelyhowthatMineOwndidrisealittleuponherelbow,thistimeandthat,andlookverylovingintomyface,thatshehaveassuranceofmycomfortandwell-being;andonceIdidwaken,proper,andlooktather,andshethentokissmegentleuponmineeyelids,andbidmetosleep;andsodidcomeherselfuntohersweetslumber.NowwhenthatIdidcometomyproperwakening,Itohearthefizzingofthewater,andtoknowthattheMaiddidberisenagoodwhile,andhadmadehertoilets,asIperceivedinamoment,whenthatshecameuntome;forherhairdidbeinalovelyclouduponhershoulders,allcombedandmadereadyagainstmywaking;andshetohavebathed,asIsupposed,insomewarmpoolthatdidbeamongthebushesupontheisland;andshenowtoslipherfoot-gear,thatherfeetbebareuntome,asIdidlove,andtostandamoment,andhereyestotwinklegently.AndIlooktatherwithloveandhonourinmineeyes,asyoushallknow,andshetohavedancingofsweetpleasureinherheart,thatIsotolookuponherwithholinessandwithnaturallove,andsurelythelastdothbeunnaturalifthatitdolackthefirst;butmylovedidburnupwardoutofmybeing,sothattheflameofmyspiritdidlightthefiresofmyheart,andmyReasontoaddcoalsuntothatfirethathathlivedforever,anddothbeasthatitshallbeneverquenched.

AndMineOwninamomentdidkneelbesideme,and,truly,somewaysinherdeepintensenessuntome;forourlovedidmakealltheworldholy,andshetobebothupliftedandasthatshemustgiveallthehumblenessofherheartuntothegreatnessofmylove;andthisshetofeel,andherdeepandutterlove,tomakeitasthatshedidbeallapassionofhumblenessuntome,sothatinhersoulIdidriseinthatmomentuponthewingsofmylove,andtoseemthatIdidbealltheworldandalltimeandallplaceandallthatevershedidneeduntoher.

Andsheputoutherarmstome,andhereyesdidshinewiththosetearsthatdoneverbeshed;andlo!inamoment,shedidbeuponmyheart,andwetwotobe

hushttogetherincontent;forourneeddidbeintheother.Andtruly,wheretheredobetwotogetherwithlove,theredothbeneitherlacknorneed;buteternalfulfilment.

AndinveritythistobemyHopeforthatwhichdothcomeAfterward—thatalldothbeleadinguntosogladajoyasthis,andthatallpainandgriefandallthatdothmaketheshapingofLife,dothbebutaprocessbywhichwebeeternallyperfectedfromlivinguntoliving,untoeachFulfilmentthatdothbebutthedoorwayuntogreaterFulfilmentintheBeloved.

And,presently,MineOwnMaiddidlooseherselfgentlefromme,andwashtmeandtendedme;andveryhushtandtender,andsomethingdown-riddedofherdearandlovelyeyes.

Andwethentoeatandtodrinktogether,andjoysogreatandquietdidbeuponus,thatitdidbeasthatwehadgoneintoaneternityofpeaceandanuttercontent.Andsurely,asthethoughtdidstirinme,itdidbeofbeautythatwedidbebothofustrueuntotheother,inthatlife,andInevertohavekistamaid,untilthatIkistMineOwn,andshetohavebeenlikewise,andtohavefendedallmenfromher,becausethattheydidbeStrangersuntoherinwardness,andsowetwotobesouttertogether,bothinthatourspiritsdidbeknit,beingeachthecomplementoftheother,andbecausethatwehadnosecretpainsofrememberedthings,tosetanyapartnessbetweenourhearts.

Andinverity,Itothinkbackthenuponmyjealousies,thatIhavetold,andtoknowthatMineOwndidnevertohavegivenherselflightlytoany,neithertohavetakenlightly;andherspirittohavebeenalwayminethroughalltheEverlasting;andmayhapthistobehowallPeoplesshallcometobeinthelengthoftime,onlythattoushadcomethegreatwonderthatwedidearlymeet;thoughthisalsotobringthatutterpain,whichdothseemtoslay,whenthatonceyouhaveknowntheBeloved,andtobeparted.

AndsoItothink,anddidpresentlyponderwithagreatandstrangepityupontheythatdidnotyethavemettheBeloved,andtheymayhapnottohavekeptallfortheBeloved;buttohavebeenlightwiththatwhichdothbetheTreasure,becausethatLovehadnotcometoshowthemthattheydidunknowinglysquanderthestrangeandholyglorywhichdothbethepossessionoftheythatshallcometotheBelovedandsay,AllthatisthinehaveIkeptforthee.AndtheBelovedtoknowandtohavepeaceintheremembering.Butwhatdothbethe

peculiarsorrowoftheythathavegoneover-lightly,whenthattheyshallmeettheBeloved;forthenshalltherebeaconstantandinwardregret,asathornintheheart,thattheynottohaveobservedalwaythatholycareofallwhichdothpertainuntolove;andtheynightomoaninthespirit,iftheyhadbutknown,iftheyhadbutknown.Yet,intheend,oftheirpain,shalltheygrowuntoallloveliness,ifthatnowtheyhavetrulycomeuponLove,andtolivewithLove;forthistobetheespecialgloryoflove,thatitdothmakeuntoallSweetnessandGreatness,anddothbeafireburningallLittleness,sothatdidallinthisworldtohavemetTheBeloved,thendidWantonnessbedead,andtheretogrowGladnessandCharity,dancingintheyears.

Andtheretobeyetonethinguponwhich,mayhap,Inottohavethoughtsufficient;foritdothbethis,thattheywhodiderr,asIhaveshown,shallbethegreaterfortheirPain;andletthisbetocheeryou,ifthatyouhavedonefoolishly,andthoughtnotuponthatdaywhentheBelovedshallcome;forPainisbutthevoiceofDevelopmentorDestruction;andtrulyyoutosufferthefirst,ifthatLovedothworkinyou;buttruly,themorethatyouhavelacked,thegreatershallbeyourpain;forthemorechangetheredothneedbeinyou.

AndsowouldIhaveyounowtothink,andtoknowthattheBelovedshallcome,andsoshallyouliveingladcareofallyourbeing,thatyoubeabletocomeuntotheBelovedinthatday,andtosaywithbeautyandhumanjoyinyourheart,evenasIhavesaid;andthusshallyoumissthatbitterpain.Butyet,truly,youtobeliketoheednotthis,untilthatLovedothcomeuponyou;andIthereforetoceasefromthisvainsettingofmineinwardreasonings.

Buttruly,whenthatdaybecome,asIhavetold,youtoknowhowthattherewentalwaywithmeinthismineownstorywhichItell,thesimplicityofTruth;andhowthatIdidbemindedonlythatyoutoknow,andtherebythatyouhavegentlewisdomthatyoulaynotuppainforthatday.Yet,ifyoudolacktogowithme,youtoneedthatdevelopingwhichshallthencomeuponyou.

Andsoshallyouperceivehowmythoughtsdidgotoandfro,asIdideatwithMineOwn;andsointhelastItofindthatIdidthinkveryserious;andIthentocastfrommethispondering,andtohavethatutterjoywhichdidbeuponus,andtoseemthatitdidfillallthatstrangeCountryofSeas.

Andlo!afterwedidbedoneofeatinganddrinking,whichdidbebutalittletime,asyoushallthink,theMaiddideasemetoanupwardsitting,andhadmybackverynicetoanoldenstumpwhichdidbelight,andshetopushuntome.

AndMineOwndidsitthenbesideme,sothatminearmdidcomemostnaturalabouther;andshetheretobenestledallgleefulandcontent,sothatmyheartdidbedoublytenderuntoher.AndItooktheabundanceofherhair,andsetitaboutmyneck,anduponmybreast,sothatitdidneartocovermeintheupwardpart;andweboththentolaughasthatwedidbetwochildren,becausethatLovedidmakeussoutteryoungintheheart;andourhandstobehidunderthebeautyoftheMaid'shair,andItohaveherthenthatsheexplainjusthowgreatshedidloveme;andyouthatgowithme,doknowhowthatthisdothbeadelightthatis

neverdone,neithertobesetonlyintowords.

Andallthatdaywedidbewondroushappy,saveoncewhenwesawthattherewereHumptMenupontheshore,abouttheFlat-Toptrockwheredidbethefight;butwhattheydidthere,wenottobeabletosee,onlythatpresentlytheywentaway;andindeedseemedtohavenothoughtuntous,neitheranyknowledge;andsodidbegoneagainintotheforests;andwesawnomoreofthem,afterthattime.Andafterwardwetobelostutterinhappiness.

Now,uponthetenthday,IdidbesocomeintohealththatItowalkalittlewaytoandforeupontheisland;andMineOwndidgowithme,andsoItopaceagoodwhile,andafterwardtorestagain.

AndMineOwnthentobringminearmourtome,whichshehadscouredverynice;buttruly,theArmourdidbesorebrokeandbent,anddidbejaggedinwardthisplaceandthat,withthemonstrousstrengthoftheHumptMen,whenthattheydidstrikemewiththegreatsharpstones.

And,inverity,howIshouldevercomeagaintowearthisprotection,Itobeindoubt.Yet,trulyithadbeenawondroussuitofstrengththathadkeptmylifewithinmewhenthatIhadbeensodeadlybeset;andItoknowthatittobeyetliketosavebothourlives,ifthatwecouldsomewaystraightenit,andeasethebrokenjagsfromwoundingmeafresh.

AndIthoughtatime,andtheMaidwithme;andafterwardwegatthatstumpuponwhichIhadleant,andhadthistobeforananvil;andwefoundthensmoothstonesofdifferentsizes,andthesetobeforhammers;andwewroughtallthatday,withrestings,uponthearmour;andsurely,webeatitintoaverygoodshape,fromtheinward,andthebrokenpartswebeatsmooth,sothattheyshouldnotwound,andintheendtohaveminearmourfittogouponme.

AndI,bynow,asyoushallthink,tobedrestpartinmygarments;butnotall;fortheredidbeyetsomeofthebandagesuponmybody,sothatforthemainIdidwearthecloak,thatthebandagesbeeasilycomeat.Andallthatdaydidbeutterhappy,whilstthatweworkt;forwetobetogether.

Andonthemorrow,aswedosay,whichwastheeleventhwakeningupontheisland,theMaidandItotalklongandoft,whilstthatweyetworkeduponthearmour;andwetoponderthebestwaythatwecontinuetoourjourneying;for,indeed,Iwasnotcometomystrength;yetwasIveryearnestthatwegoforward

early;butinthesametime,Ididfear,lestthatwemeetwithaughtofDanger,andItobea-lack,becausethatIwasyetweak.

Andpresently,theMaidandIbothtothinkuponthesamething;forshetocryoutconcerningtheraft,andItohavethesamewordinmymouth.And,inverity,thistobeagreatthought;forthenshouldwebeablealwaytobefreeoftheHumptMen,andtohavefrequentrestwhenthatwebeweary,andtosleepwithaneaseinthemind;and,indeed,Itohopethatthelabourofoarsshouldbesomethinglessthantogouponthefeet.

Andsurely,wetalktuponthisagoodwhile,andafterwardweleftthearmour,andwentovertotheraft,andsotolearnwhetherweshouldhavepowertomakeitsomethingmorestable,andthatwehavesomewaythatweshouldputasolidmatterbetweenourbodiesandanymonsterthatshouldchancetoswimunderus.

Andwewentthentogetheroverallthelittleisland;forIdidsearchforsomebushthatshouldhavealongtendrilinplenty,andsupple,andsotosuitforbinding.But,truly,theredidbenosuchbushinalltheisland;andthistoputmeintrouble,asyoushallsuppose;yetwasthereasufficientplentyofsmallanduprighttrees,thatdidseemverygoodforanypurposeofstructure.

Andwhenwehadgoneallabouttheisland,andfoundnaughtthatshouldbind,theMaidtosaywithaprettyjestingthatweshouldcutherhair,andplaitittobeforcords.And,surely,evenasthewordsdidcomefromher,theytosetmeuponthethingthatshouldsupplyourneed;forIstooptsuddentothegrassthatdidgrowoftandplentyinthisplaceandthat,andwassotallasmythigh,andtomyheadinthemiddleofthedumpingswhereitdidsprout.Andlo!itwaswondroustough.

AndtheMaidtohavelikewiseperceivedthethought,almostatthatmoment;butItohavebeenthefirstthistime,andsototeaseher;fortruly,wehadgrownthatwedidnighalwaytodiscoverallthingsinthesameinstant,asyoumayhaptohaveseen.ButIdidsurelybefirstthistime,andmustkissher,aswedokisslittleones,thattheybeeasedintheirdismaysanddisappointments;andshetoseehowIdidmockher,andshetopretendtoweep;andsurelyhowcouldsheeventopretend,whenthatshedidnotbeabletokeepherprettymouthfromsearchingwithlaughteruntomine;butmustbekissedfullandplentyinourconstantjoyfulness.

Andwecutthenagoodarm-loadofthegrasses,usingtheknife,andhadthosetoourcamp;forwedidbehomelynowuntothatplace,asyoushallthink.AndtheMaidthentoshowmeplaiting,andhowthatwecouldworkinthegrasspiecebypiece,sothatweshouldplaituntoanylengththatwetoneed.

Andallthatdayweworkt,anddidbeveryhappytogether;butwhenthatwecametothetimeofourslumber,theMaidhaddonetwiceandthricesomuchasI;andsurelyshecameovertome,andkistmeverygrave,thatIshouldbenottofret,evenasIdidkissherwithgentlemockingconcerningthethoughtaboutthegrass;andsodidshemakelevelwithme,bythisimpudenceandquaintsweetness.

Andonthenextday,whichdidbethetwelfth,ItooktheDiskos,andonthatdayIcutdownsixofthetrees;andalwaytheMaiddidbringherplaiting,thatshebenearme;andwhenIhadcutthesixtrees,shehadmetocease,lestthatIrisktoopenanywound.Andtrulytheytohavehealedverywonderful.

Andafterward,wetoplaitallthatday,anddidalsofinishthearmour;anddidbecontentandutterhappy.

Andonthethirteenthday,Icountedthetablets,andfoundthatweyettohavesufficient,ifthatwecameuntotheMightyPyramidwithinanyreasonabletime.ButIinsistthatIshouldeatnomorenowthandidbemyusualway;andthoughMineOwndidbegandtocoaxme,andeventotrywhetherthatanaughtyandlovingangershoulddoaughttoshiftme,Inottoalterfrommydeciding,whichwasbaseduponmyreasonanduponmyintentionthatMineOwnshouldnevertogoinhunger-danger,whilstthattheredidbelifeinmybody.AndwhenthattheMaiddidshowthisdearandprettyanger,Itotakeherintominearms,andtotellherhowIdidreverenceandloveher,andthatshedidbeallbeautyuntome,andIbuttoloveherthemore,becausethatIdidknowthereasonforherdearshapingofangeruntome.

Andshethentokissme,andyettobegagainthatshehaveherwayinthisthing;butpresentlyIdidshowherthatmyreasoningwassoundinthismatter;thoughIsaidnotthatmystrongestthoughtdidbeuntoherownneeds.Andshetohavetoagreewithmeinherbrain,evenwhilstthatherheartdidachetofeedme.Andtruly,Itoloveherbutthemore,asyoushallthink.

Andthiswayshallyouevertomanageadearandsensiblewomanthatdothboth

loveyouandhathreasoninher;forthewisemanandhethathathanheartuntobigness,dothbeneverhastytocommand.But,indeed,Ispeaknotnowofthewaythatyoushallgowithawomanthathaththelove-foolishnessuponher;forthistobeadifferentmatter,asyoudoknow;andawomanthentorequireadoublewitandtendernessinthegoverning;butalsotoneedtobecommanded,mayhapwithsternness;yetwiththemorelove.

Now,whenthatwewakenedonourfourteenthdayupontheIsland,wegattowork,sosoonaswehadwashtandeatanddrunk,andMineOwntoseehowmyscarsdidgo.

AndIcutsevenmoretreesthatday,whichmadethirteeninall;andafterwardItrimmedthetreesverynice.Andwhenthiswasdone,Icuttwelvegoodsapling-trees,andtwomoreverythin,thatIdidmeantobeforpaddlingtheraftuponthewater.AndMineOwnMaiddidsitnearmealway,andnevertobeceasedfromherplaiting.

AndwhilstthattheMaiddidplait,andmakegentleandhappytalkwithme,Ipresentlytositbesideher,andhadherbelt-knifetomyneed;andtherewith,whenIhadcutbarkfromatree,Imadeafoot-longcross-pieceofwoodwhichIdidfastenwithpegsandsomelashinguntotheendofoneofthepaddle-shafts.

AndItookthenapieceofthebark,sobig,mayhap,aswouldcovermythigh,andshapedbroadoneendandthencetoapoint;andwhenIhadmadeholesinthepieceofbark,Ilashtthebroadendtothecrosspiece,andtheendthatdidbenarrowed,Ilashtsecuretotheshaft,andlikewisemadeholesdownthelengthofthebark,andlashtitalsotherebytotheshaft,andthiswiseIhadaprettygoodpaddle,thatdidbeabouttenfeetlongintheclearshaft,andtheheadtobesomewisetwofeetmore,mayhap.

Andwhenthiswasdone,IshapedthehandlesosmallasmightcomeintothegraspoftheMaid,anddidjestherverylovingandgentlethatshegivemesogreatawork,becausethatshehaveherhandssolittle.Andtruly,shepresentlytostopmeofmymocking;forsheputherprettyhandsuponmymouth,andIthentohavetomumbleandtolaugh,andsoshetogoforwardagainwiththeplaiting.

AndwhenIhadmadetheonepaddle,Imadealsotheother;butsomethingmoreroughandheavy,andsuiteduntomystrength;andsodidbeverywellpleased;

fortheydidbemademoreofmyReasonthanofmemory;yethadIusedsomewhatofthekinduponthequietlakeswhichdidbeintheCountryofSilence.

Andwethentojoinintheplaiting,andthuswithhappytalkandourtimesofeating,untilthatwedidbecomeagaintoourslumber.

Andonthefifteenthday,whenthatwehadgottenupandwashtandeatanddrank,theMaiddidlookuntomybandages;anddidconsiderthatIbehealedverygood,ifbutthatInottooverstrainmybody.Andwethentodance,halfinplayandhalfinvictory,butgentle;andafterwardshetocomewithmethatshegivemeaidthatwegetthetreesuntothewater.

Andinsixhours,werolledthetreesdowntotheshore,anddidbeginthenthatIlashthesaplingsacrossthetrees,andthiswisetoholdthemsecureintoaraft.AndthemidmosttreeIputsomethingmoreforwardthanthenext;andso,untilthatwhichdidbethefrontwasshapedsomewiseliketothebowofaship.Andthesaplingstoholdthetreesthiswise,whenthatIhadsetthelashingsabouteverysaplingandeverytree,wherethesaplingsdidgoacross.

AndallthatdayIworkedprettyconstantandsteady,untilthatMineOwnhadmetoceaseawhile,lestthatIbendovermuch,andsotoputstrainuponmyscars.AndItobereasonable;butyettogoforwardagainwiththework;onlythatIdidrestnow,thistimeandthat;andsodidalltoprosper.

Andonthemorrow,whichdidbethesixteenthdayupontheisland,Imadeanendoflashingthesaplingsacrosstheraft;andIsetupalso,tworestsforthepaddles,sothatwemightrowifwestoodupontheraft;andafterward,beingready,wegattogetherourgear,andsetallupontheraft.

AndIputthepolethattheMaidhadused,alsoupontheraft,andloosedthestrapsfromthatfirstraft,andhadthestrapsforourrequirement,asheretofore.Andminearmourwemadesafeontheraft;buttheDiskosIhadtomyhip,asever;andsodidwebereadytoleavethatlittleislandofrefuge,wherewehadbeensoneartosorrow,butyethadcomeutterlyuponjoy.

Andsurely,MineOwndidtakemebythearm,andshetostandalittle,andtolookwithmeuntothatbedofsoftherbagewhereshehadlaidme,whenthatIdidbesonighuntodeath;andshethentokissmeverysweetandlovingandgentle,andalla-tremblewiththetearsandlovethatdidstirinher;andItoset

minearmsaboutherinlove;andsowetoturnandtoputoffthenintheRaft.

XV

PASTTHEHOUSEOFSILENCE

Nowitwasinthetenthhourofthatday,thatweputoffintheraft;andsurelywefoundthepaddlestogoveryeasyandwithsomewhatofbalanceintherestswhichIhadsetup,asyoudomind;andtherafttogoforwardwithnotovermuchoflabour;sothatwestood,theMaidtotheforepaddleandIdidbetothehinderone,andwepushtverysteadyuponthepaddles,andhadtheraftpresentlytoaspeedsomethinglessthanweshouldwalkovertheroughwayoftheLand.

Andaboutthetwelfthhourwestoptandeatanddrunk,andwentonagainwithoureasylabouring;andtruly,whenthatwegatsettothemovement,wescarcetowotthatwedidaughtmorethanrocksomethingforeandbackuponourfeet;andsothehourstopass,andwetohaveaconstantgentlespeechonewiththeother,andtheMaidofttolookbackuntomewithlove,andtosetherlipsthatshetemptme;butyettoshakeherheadmostdear,whenthatIwouldleavemypaddle,thatIgoforwarduntoher.

Andwhenthattheeighteenthhourofthatdaywascome,wetodrawinwardourpaddles,andtheMaidsetthecloakverynicetobeourbed,andafterwardweeatanddrank,andsopresentlytoourslumber,anddidhavesleep,verysoundandhappy,allinamoment,asittoseem.

Andeightgoodhoursafter,wedidwakenbothofus,together;andlo!wescarcetomindwherewedidbeforalittlemoment;butafterwardtoknowandtoperceivethatwedidbesafeandnaughttohavecomeuntousinoursleep.Andsurelywelaughteachinthefaceoftheother;forwedidbesojoyoustobewakenedeachuntotheknowledgeoftheother.Andafterthatwehadkist,wewashtsomewhatinthewaterofthesea,andsotoourfood.Andwhenwehadeatanddrunk,wemadeagaintothepaddling;andwentforwardthusalongthe

coastverypeacefulandcontentallthatday.

Now,inall,thatvoyagingdidtalkfourgooddaysoffour-and-twentyhourseach,forwemadenogreathasteorlabour,butwenteasy,thatIhavetimetogathermystrength.Andnaughttohappeninallthattime,savethatoncewedidseeagreatbeasttocomeupwardlumbersomeoutoftheseaontotheshore,andtheredideatandbrowseupontheherbageinthatpart;orsoitdidseemtous;though,truly,wedidbeoverfarofftohavesurety.

Andthisbeastnottoputusintoanyhorror;butonlytomakeusgladthatwebeafarofffromit;andbythissaying,Itomeanthatitdidseemuntousanaturalthing;andnowisetohaveanodourofaughtmonstroustotroubleourspirits.AndthiswaydidbeallthecreaturesofthatCountry;andtrulyIdothinktheEarlyWorlddidbesomewiseliketoit;andthistoseemtomaketruethatoldensayingthatextremethingsdomeet,asdothbeover-apparent;forthusdothitbesomewisetoourknowings,asyoushallperceivebyyourReasoningsUponOldenDays,andbytheshowingsofthisMineOwnStory,forthatDeepWorldtohaveputforthnaturalcreaturesthatdidbeevenasmightbethosethatdidliveintheBeginning;thoughItomakenopointofthis,butonlythatitdothoccurtomythought;andalltoseemthatitdidbebredofCircumstanceandCondition;yetthistohavenosayingwhetherthattheretobeaspiritual-forcesomethingdeeperthantheCircumstance;forthistobeoutsideofanysurety,butnotoffensiveuntomyReason.

Butthisthinkingalsoneithertooffendme,thatalthoughmuch—andmayhapall—dothbemodifiedandshapendiversewaysbytheCircumstanceandtheCondition,yetdoththerebeaninwardforcethatdothbepeculiareachuntoeach;though,mayhap,tobemixtandmademonstrousordiversebyfoulorfoolishbreeding—asyoutohaveknowledgeofinthebodiesofthosedreadMonstersthatdidbebothManandBeast.Yet,also,Iheretosaythatmaybealldiversebreedingnottobemonstrous;butthistobebesidemypoint.ForItobenowsettotell,asIhavetold,thatitnottooffendmetosupposethattheretobethisinwardforcepeculiartoeachshapingofallbodiesthatdoholdthatwondrousqualityofLife.AndifthatyouaskmethatIgiveexampletomakeclearmythought,ItosaythatitdothbereasonabletosupposethattheForceorSpiritoftheHumandothbepeculiartotheHuman,whetherthatittobeaCauseofLife,ortheResultofthatwhichhathbeenevolvedoutofaCondition.Andwhetherittobetheonewayortheother,youtoknowthatwherethisForceorSpiritbefounduntainted,thereisman;andItobenotopposedtothinkthatMan

dothbeconstantalwayinmattersoffundament,andneithertohavebeenevertrulydifferent;thoughsomethingmodifiedinthebodyandsurely,inthefirst,allundevelopedinthelovelythingsofthespirit,becausethattheretobenocalltothese.Yet,presently,theylikewisetocome,andtoactuponthefleshwithrefinings;andlikewise,mayhap,theretobesomeactofthefleshuponthespirit;andsotothestateofthisAgeofthisourday,andtothatfarAgeofwhichIdotell.ButdevelopmentnevertomaketheHumanotherthantheHuman;forthedevelopmenttohavelimitspeculiartotheHuman.Andsurely,itdothappealtome,thatthedevelopmentofMandothliebetweentwopoints,thatbenotwondrouswideapart;andMantohavepowerthathearriveveryspeedyfromoneuntotheother,andlikewisethathegobacksoquick,oreventhemorehasty.Yet,evendiditbeeverprovedthatManoncetobeafish,Itohavenocausetoabatethefirstpartofmineargument;buttohavethemoreneedofthethought,thatIgainpowertoaccepttheFact;forIstillthentohavenooccasionthatIthinkMantohavebeentrulyaFish,oraughttrulydifferentfromaMan;butonlythathedidbeonceModifiedphysicallytohisneed,andtobestillpossessedoftheMan-Spirit,thoughalllacktofdevelopment.Yet,truly,ItobelessoffendinmyReason,ifthatitbeshownthatMandidbeeversomewiseinhispresentshape,thoughmayhapsobrutishastheHumptMen;butyetIdobereadytoconsiderallmatters,anddobuildnoWallsaboutmyReason.Yet,neitherItohaveanover-readyacceptanceofaught,buttoneedthatmyReasonshallapprove.

Andyoutoperceive,surely,thatIherenottospeakofthatwhichmaybeAfterward,whenthatallThis,ourlife,bedone.Forwhoshallsayhowmuchorhowlittlewethentogoforwarduntoloveliness;andIatthispointtotellyouthatIdohaveawondroushopeofbeauteousthings,andofsweetandmightyUpliftingandFurtheranceuntothatGladWorldwhichwehavebeheldtheshoresof,whenthatwehadstoodinholinesswiththeBeloved.

And,inverity,Inowoncemoretomystory;andtobegladthatIamdoneatthissmallsettingforthofamatterwhichdidneedwords,becausethatitdidhaverootinthisMineOwnStory,andtobegrownofitandfromit.

Now,theredidbeoneotherthingofnote,besidetheSeaBeast,whilstthatwedidbeupontheSeas;andthisdidbethestrangenessofagreatFire-Hillwhichdidstandinthesea,andwetopassverynighuntoit.Andsurelytheseadidboilaboutit,yetnotinallplaces;andtheredidbeascoregreatjetsthatdidgoupwardamonstrousway,anddidroarveryplaintousacrosstheseabetween;

andtheredidcomestrangegruntingsfromtheseaaboutthebaseoftheFire-Hill,andtheseItoconceivetobemadebytheupburstingofgasesinthisplaceandthat;andsurely,italltomakeustoknowofthegreatenergythatdidbewakefulinthatdeepCountry;andweyettostarebackwarduponthatHillofFireandForce,foragreatwhileafterthatwehadcomepast.

Now,beyondthis,theretobenaught,exceptthatwehadacertaincareaswedidcometothatplacewheretheGreatSeadidbebroketosmallerseas;butalltobeknitwithpassagesofwater,whichletusthroughuponourway.

Andsurely,IdidshowMineOwnMaidthosetwoplaceswhereIdidsleepwhenfirstIwascomeintothatCountry;andshetobesweetininterest,andalwaytohavesomewhatthatshewouldlearnofthisandthat.

Andso,whenthatwedidbefourgooddaysuponthewater,asIhavetold,wetocometotheland,uponaflatplaceoftheshore,wheretheCountrydidslopeupwarduntothemouthoftheFirstGorge,ofwhichyoudomind.Andthistobeinthetenthhourofthatday;andwelikewisetohavebegunthatvoyageinthetenthhour,asyoudoremember;andsurelyittohavebeenasweetandpeacefulwater-journey;andItohavebeenhappy,ifthatallthatdidbeyetbeforeus,toholdsomuchofpleasantnessandsafegoings.But,indeed,theretobemuchdangeryettocome,asyoudoknow;andwetohaveourheartssetincourage,andtogoforwardtoconquer;forsurely,ifthatwetoconquer,andtocomesafeintoourMightyHome,theretobethenthatwehaveallourlivestogetherinloveliness;andthistobetrulyaworthyprizeandagloryoftheheart,toendandtorepayourStress.

Andsurely,theMaidandIdidpresentlystrandtheraft,sowellaswemight,anddidthentowonderwhetheranyshouldevermoretobeholditthroughallEternity.Andwelooktalittle,eachattheother;andtheMaidthentocutfreeasmallpieceofthewoodoftheraft,tobeforanafterremembrance.

Andsowetohaveourgearupontheshore;andtheMaidthentogivemeaidthatIgetoncemoreintominearmour;andsoIpresentlytohavetheScripandthePouchagaintomyback,andtheDiskosinmyhand,andallinreadiness,andtheMaidwithherbundle(thatwasnowgrownsmall),andherbeltaboutherbody,thatshehaveherknifeuntoherhand.

Andsurely,theMaidthentokneelandtokisstheraft;formemoriesdidgather

uponher;andshetheretohaveonemorebreakingfromallthatdidbethefirstpartofherlife;andyoutogiveyourunderstanding,andsotohaveaquietsympathy,andtoperceivethatherheartdidbelikethatitshouldstirwithastrangetroubleofsorrowinginthatmoment.

AndsurelyIstooptthen,verygentleandloving,andhadMineOwntoherfeet;andIledherfromtheraft,andshetoneedthatshebenearme;andsowetogoforward,andtomakeupwarduntothedarkmouthoftheGreatGorge.

Andtheretobesomemilesuntoourright,thatgrimandutterhugeMountain,whereonafarupwardinthemonstrousnessofthenightdidbeperchedthosefourfire-hillsofwhichIhavetold.Andbelowthem,theretogoupwardthegreathillsofash,thathadbeencastdownthroughoutEternity.AndthisthinghadtheMaidlooktuponforagreattime,anddidbeneverdoneofherwonder;neitherI,noranyhumanthatevershouldhavesightofsogreatawonder.

AndsowetohavecomepresentlyupwardintothehighmouthoftheGorge,anddidgoonwardthenintothegloom,alittlespace,untilthatwewerecometotheplacewheretheGorgedidbendsharpuntotheleft,intodarkness.

Andlo!wemadepausehere,andturnedagainuntotheCountryofSeas,thatwehavealastoutwardlookoverallthatDeepandlivingLand,thatdidbehidsofardownwardintheeverlastingnightoftheworld.

And,inverity,itdidbeasolemnthingtoknowthatwe,mayhap,tobethelastoftheoldenHumansthatshouldevertolookuponthatCountry;andItowonder,inthatmoment,whetherthattheHumptMenshouldevertodevelop,insomefareternity,untothefullsweetnessofthespiritofHumanitywhichIdidthinktobeinwardofthem.Andthistobebothanoddandanaturalthoughttohavethen,asIdosee.Butatthattime,Ionlytothinkit,andnottowotortotroublewhetherthatitdidbeoddorotherwise.AndItothinkthatCountrydidbesomewiseastheOldenTimerenewed;buttrulywetolookuponearlythingswithneweyes.

Andweyettolookawhile,andtobehusht,andtoharkinthoselastmomentsuntothefarmutteroftheGreatFire-Mountains,andtheFire-Hills,andthenoiseoflifewhichdidgooverthatLand;andweeventhentobebutafewshortpacingsofffromthesilenceoftheGreatGorge,whichshouldleaduspresentlytowardtheEternalStrangenesswhichdidbeintheNightLand.AndtheMaiddidholdminearmveryclose,aswelooktourlastintotheredlightofthatDeep

andHidCountryoftheWorld,where,inverity,wehadcomesoutternightoourDeath.

Andpresently,Iturned,andtheMaidsliptherhandintomine,andthetearsdidgosilentdownherface,becauseofallthatdidbeprestuponherheart;butyetnottobeallofsorrow,fortheretobebothsorrowandhappiness,andalsotheredidbesomewhatofvagueemotionthatshenevermoretolookuponthatdearislandwhereshehadnursthermanagainuntolifeandwell-being;andshetobeinmindofallthoseplaceswhereshetoknowthatinafter-lifehermemorytowander;andshetohaveoft-toldtales,mayhap,untoherchildren,ofthatCountrythattheynevertosee;butonlytobeforawondertothemforever.

AndwepastthenroundtheMightyCorner-placeoftheGorge,andwentforward,somewhatstumbling,intothegloom.

Nowwewentsixteenhoursverysteady,andwithnaughtsavethegreatdarknesstotroubleus;andwebythistohavebeentwentyandsixhourssincelastthatwehadsleep;andsurelythisdidbeafoolishness,becausethatItoneedthatIcomeintomyfullstrength,erewereachtheNightLand;andittobeafollythatIshouldover-tiremyself;andtheMaidtohavesaidsomuch.

And,indeed,then,wecametoasafeplaceforourslumber,andwhilstthatweeatanddrunk,wemadecountfrommynotingsoftheoutwardway,andsodiddecidethatwegonomorethansixteenhours'journeyeachdaythroughtheGorge,andtosleepalwayforeightgoodhours.Andthiswetodo,boththen,anduntilthatwedidbecomeoutoftheGreatGorge,whichdidtakeusinall,somuchasfivedaysthiswise.

Andsurely,whenthatwewerecomeintothelightplacesoftheGorge,wetobemorecheered,asyoushallsuppose;yetoftdidwebehalfsmotheredwiththehorridgasesthatcameupwardinthispartandthat,asyoudomind.

Andmystrengthdidgrowconstant,aswejourneyed;yetwouldtheMaidneversufferthatIcarryher;butwentalwayverylightandclever,andwasgrown,intruth,setuntothisconstantwander.

Andatthisplaceandthat,ItomakepausethatIshowMineOwnthoseplaceswhereIdidslumber,andshealwaytoneedthatshecomeuntotheverypart,andthatshestandforalittlemomentwhereIdidliesolonesome,asIwentoutwarduntothatdespairfulsearching.Andalwayshethentobeuttertenderwithme,

andtobesomethinglackingofspeech,becauseofthecallingofherheart.

Andsurely,MineOwndidbealwaynowtoaskmewhenthatweshouldbecomeuntotheNightLand;andtorequirehowfaritshouldbe,andtobetakenwithagrowingofexcitement,verydearandnatural;and,inverity,Itobealmostsomuchsoasshe;andtowonderwhatshetothinkoftheMightyRedoubt,andofallthatstrangeandmonstrousLand.And,aboveallthese,Itobeshakenuntomyveryheart,thatIhavetheMaidspeedyuntosafety;lest,afterall,eventhoughwetohavecomesofar,theresomewhattohappenofwoe.Andallthisdidmakeitahardthingthatwenottobegintorace,andtoexceedthehoursthatwedidset;buttrulywehadwisdominthismatter,andslumberedalwayafterthesixteenthhour.

AndwenevertoseeaughtoflifeinallthatgreatanddesolateGorge;fortheredidbeonlythegas-burnings,andthebouldersandthestarkrocks,andofttheranksmellingsofthegases.Andalwayanutterandeverlastingquiet;savewhensomelonesomegas-firedidoddlytomoanortowhistle,andthewhistlingtosoundverydreeacrossthegreatwasteoftheGorge,andlikewisethemoaningtobebutathingtomakethelonelinesstobefeltintheheart;andtheMaidtofeelthuswithme.

Andalway,asIdidknow,shetothinkinherheartthatIdidcomethroughthatplacealonetomakeasearchingforherintotheunknownlandsoftheworld;andsurely,IdidbebutanaturalmanifthatIwassomethinghappyinmyheartthatMineOwnsotoponderandtoremember;fortherebydidherloveseemevertogrow.Andlikewise,amandothbegladinhisspiritandnaturalpride,thathisMaidtoknowthathehathdonewholesomelyofhisbestforherneed.Andyoubuttothinkuponthelove-days,andtoheartheechoesofthosedearproudthoughtsthatdidsotoswellinyou;anddothnotalltogosostrangelywithfamiliarpainintheoldway?

Nowitwasuponthefifthday,inabouttheseventhhour,thatIheardoddwhilesasoundinthisplaceandthatoftheGorge,asthattherocksmadehushtandstrangesoundsatus.AndItohavetheMaidinstantverynightome,andtheDiskostomyhand,andwethentogoonwardwithagreatcaution.

Andthricewedidpassplaceswheregas-firesdidburnanddance,andmadeoftalowmoaning,andsomewhilesalittlewhistling;andtheothersoundsyettocomeoddlyfromtherocks,inthisplaceandthat,verystrangeandunthoughtof,

yettobesomethingfamiliar.

Andsudden,itdidcometomethattheretobeafar-awaynoiseinthesesounds;thoughtheytoseemtocomefromthisplaceandthatalmosttomineelbow,asyoushouldsay.Andlo!IknewthenthatIharkeduntolittleechoings,thatdidbecaughtbythenearrocks,andtocomefromsomefarandmightysound.AndthisshouldbesurelythemonstrouspipingoftheGreatGasFountain,thatyoudowellmind.And,inverity,ItoldMineOwninamoment;andshetobealleagerwithme,becausethatthisdidbebothawondrousthing,andtobealsoalandmarktoshowthatwedidbenightocomeoutoftheGorge,andourjourneytocomethemorenearuntoanending.

Andsurelywelooktaheadveryearnest;andtheretobesomanystrangeandleapingfirestoourfront,thatwenottobeverysurewhichdidbethefarandmonstrousdanceoftheGreatGasFountain;fortrulyittobeyetsodistantthattheneargas-firesdidmakemoreupontheeyeupallofawearylengthoftheGorge,thandidthegreatdanceofthefar-offfire,thatwasnowsosmall,bythedistance.

Andpresently,whenthatweweregoneonwardsomethingmore,wetoseethattherewentalighteningandadarkeningafaralongtheGorge,sothatthebackgroundofthenightwasmadetolosesomewhatoftheintensityofitsdarkness,aswithconstantshuddersoflight;andthistobesurelythefarawaydanceoftheflameoftheGreatGasFountain.Andwethentowatchalwayaswejourneyed,andtoseehowthatthevagueshudderingsoflightdidgrowinthedistanceofthenight,anddidmergeandbecomeknownpresentlyinastrangeupliftingandfallingofafarawayblueflame.

Andthesoundnowtocomemoresteady,andtogrowinalongwhileintoamonstrouspiping,verygreatandwonderful,andhavingaconstantchangeinthenote.

Andwetocomepastthelastofthelesserfires,andtobeinthatpartoftheGorgewhichdidbefireless,saveforthegreatupwarddanceoftheGasFountain,whichdidnowtobegrownhugeandplain-seen,anddidmakeaquakinglightoveralltheGorge.

Andsointheend,wetobecomeverynightothedanceofthemonstrousflame;anddidbehalfstunnedbythenoise,whichdidbenowanutterandfurious

roaring,asyoushallremember;andtheMaidandIdidstandasbuttwolonesomestrangersinthemouth-partofthatdeepanddesolateGorge,anddidstarevoicelessuntothegreatflaw;andminearmdidbeabouttheMaid,andshetostandverynightome;andneithertospeak;andsurely,howshouldweanywise;forthenoisedidbesohuge.

Andafterthatwehadstaredagreatwhile,weturnedthatwelookeachattheother;andwekistverysober,thereinthelightfromthemonsterflame.Andafterward,wedidstareagainattheFlame,andsoonturned,andlooktallways,anddidmarveltoseethegreatthrowofthelightgoblueandspreadingandstrangeuntogreatdistances.

Andawhilewedidbewatchingthewaythatthefar-offsideoftheGorgedidcomeplaintosight,whenthattheFlamedidleap;and,truly,thatdidseemafarandlonesomePlace,asthatalostandforgotworldofdesolatemountainsdidbethere.

Andlo!wenowtolookthatweshouldseesomewhatofthewaythatourjourneytogo;andsurelynaughttobeclearshownsavewhentheFlamedidriseoddwhilestoamonstrousheight;andthistobebecauseofthehugerocksthatdidstandabouttheFlame.YetsomethingIwasabledtoshowtheMaidofthebottompartoftheMightyandUtterMonsterSlopethatdidbethelastwayofourjourney,erewewerecometotheNightLand.

Andwethentogoonwardforaboutagoodmile,thatwebenotsodeafenedbythenoiseoftheGasFountain;anditdidbenowbeyondtheseventeenthhour;sothatweeatanddrunk,andmadeourrestinasecureplaceamongthegreatboulders.

Andlo!whenthatwewaked,weeatanddrunkagain,anddidbesomethingsilent,aswetogazeattheFlamedancingmonstrous,andlonesomeandallsetaboutwiththestarkandmightyRocks,whichdidbelikeuntogiantsofsilencethatdidwatchforever.Andpresently,wehadourgearuponus,andwewentforwardtowardtheutterdarkoftheMightySlope;andwebeganthathugeclimb,thatshouldlastthroughdaysinaneternityofnight.

Andoftinthefirsthoursdidweturnaboutfromourblindstumblings,andgazedownwardoutofthelongheight,untotheloomoftheFlame,thatdidshudderfarbelowinthenight,andmadeaquakinglightinthatfardarkness.Andsodid

weleaveittodanceforeverthroughEternityinthatdeepandlostplaceoftheworld;andwebentallourwillandourstrengthuntotheclimb.

Andthiswaywentwestumblingforsixteengreathours;andbythattimehadcometoapaceproperforthattask,andtobesomethingnumbed,andseeminggrownunreal,becauseoftheaffectingoftheDarkness.

Andlo!foreightdaysthendidwegoupwardforeverthroughthatmostdreadfulnight.Andafterthefirstday,wecreptalwayuponourhandsandourknees,andItogointhefront,andhadtheDiskosreadyuponmyhip.AndItooktwoofthestrapsfromthepouchandthescrip,andsohadacertainlength;andIsetthemfromthewaist-beltoftheMaiduntomineownbelt,andsodidknoweverthatshecamecloseafterme.

Andwemadejourneyssixteenhourslong,anddideatanddrinkatthesixthandthetwelfthhours,andlikewiseweeatanddrankereweslept,andagainuponourwakings;andourslumber-timetogoalwaysomewheresabouteightgoodhours;forthusdidIbeheedfulthatwehaveallourstrengthforthatdreadnessofthejourney,whichdidbeyetbeforeus,acrossthefearandhorridterroroftheNightLand.

Andoft,atthistimeandthat,Iwasuttersickenedanda-weariedofreachingforwardandupwardforever,andmakingblindfumblingsthatIfindawayaboutgreatbouldersandtherocksandholesthatdidbeinourpathinthedark;forittoseemthatwewentlostfromalllifeandknowing,inablacknessthatshouldbeneverslackenedfromaboutus.

AndI,thesetimes,tomakeapause,andtocallsoftlyuntoMineOwnthatshecreepupnighuntome;andIthentotakeherintominearms,outoftheutterblacknessofthatnight.Andsotogiveandtohavecomfort.

Andsurely,MineOwndidwhisperonceuntome,thatshedidbestunnedwithloveandwonderintheheart;forshetoneverceasetoknowthatIdidadventurethroughthisgreatnight,thatIfindher.Andthisthingdidmakemeverywarminmyheart,asyoushallthink;butyetItostopherspeechwithagentlekiss;andshethentoknowthatshebedumbconcerningherthoughtinthismatter;yetshenevertoceasefromrememberingit,anddidbethemorestirredwiththetroubleofherlovelysecretworship;for,inverity,shetohavemetobeforherhero;andthistomakemeinthesamemomentbothsomethingshamedandgreatlyproud.

Andsowetobetogether,andaftersuchpause,togoforwardagain,withanewcourage.

Andsurelyitdidbeagreatcomforttometothinkthat,becausewetogoupwardandnotdownward,webenotliketofalloveranyhidcliffinthenight;forItohavenowsomelittleknowingoftheSlope,frommineoutwardjourney;yettorememberuponthatmonstrouspitthatIthentoescape,andsotogowithcare.

And,indeed,uponthesecondday,IhadMineOwntocreepmorenighwithme,andIthentohavebutonestrapbetweenus,andtheotherIsetastoneinto,anddidcastthestonealwaybeforeus,asupontheoutwardway.Andyoutomindyouofthis,ifyoubuttothinkalittleminute.

AndoftinthosewearydaysintheDarkness,didImakegentlewhisperingsthroughtheblackness,untoMineOwn,thatIgivecheeruntoher;andshealwaytoanswer,verysweetandloving;yeteverhusht,asIdidbe;andinverity,itdidbeasthatwecouldnotsetourvoiceslouduponthatMightySlope,lestsomeenchantmentcomeuponus,asitmightbesaid.And,indeed,eachtimethatIcastthestone,thenoiseofthestonetomakealittletroubleanddismalnessinmineears;foralldidbesoquietanddesolateandlostinnight,thatittomakeustoneedtobelikewisesoquiet,andtodesirethatwemightgoupwardsosilentasshadows.

Now,surely,ImusttellherehowthattheMaidtohavealwayatwakingthatsameawarednessthatIdidhaveupontheOutwardWay,thatsomewhatdidbenightous,andtoseemtohavebeenconcernedwithourwaking;andIlikewisetohavealsothesameknowledge,asbefore.Andoftaswedidgo,Itofeelthatsomewhatdidgoneartous.Andthistoputsomethingofafearuponme,becausethatIwaseveranxiousforMineOwn;andItohavehertobealwaythemorenightome,anddidsetthestrapfromhertome,evenwhenthatsheslept;sothatshenottobetouched,andItolacktoknow.Yetshetohavenofearconcerningthisthing;buttofeelinherspiritthatitdidbeaforcethathadnoevilintentuntous;butmore,neithershenorItoknow;andI,intruth,tocomeintheendusedtoit;savethatIdidbe,asIhavetold,anxiousinallthatdidconcernthelifeandwell-beingofMyBeloved.

Andsodidwegoonwardthroughthoseeightdays.

Anditsoontobegrowncold,sothatwebothtoneedthecloakoverusinour

slumbers;butinthejourney-hourstoneednaught;fortheupward-goingdidsurelyheatusverywell.

Andtherealsotobecomepresentlyachangeandaseemingofthinnessintotheair;andtheMaidtoremarkuponthis,andlikewisethatthewater-powdernowtobethatitnottofizzsoplentiful.

Andwewentupward,asitdidseemforever,andjourneyedveryhushtandsteadfast;andlikewisedidhaltatsettimes,thatweeatanddrink;anddidalwaysitthenverycloseandquietandinlove.Andsoalwaytogoneverbeyondsixteenhours'journeyeachday,andverywearifulevensomuch;forittobeasoreandconstantlabourofclimbing.

AndItolearnthehouralway,byalittleshiningoftheDiskosuponmytime-dial,whichIhavetolddidbesomewiseasthewatchofthisourpresentAge.Yet,truly,IalsotolearnthatImadesomewhatofaconstantnumberofforward-throwsofthestoneinanhour;andtheMaidtobethefirsttodiscoverthis,asshedidcreepbehindmeandharkedsteadfastandquietuntotheclatterofthestone,eachtimethatIcastit.Andshesometimestocalllowtomethatitnowtobethistimeorthattime;andItolookatmyDial,asIhavetold,andofttofindthatshedidbecuriouslyright.

Yetotherwhiles,wetohavenothoughttocount;butmadeaconstanthushttalkonetotheother;anddidgrowoddtimes,thatitdidseemtousthatwedidbetwospiritsthereinanEverlastingDarkness,thathadquietspeechonetotheother,andtobeseeminggonefromourbodies.Andwethentoneedthatwelookeachattheother,thatweknowtrulythatweyettoliveandtobeindeedwiththeBeloved.AndIthenalwaytomaketheDiskosspinalittle,yetsomethingmorethanwhenIshouldseethehour;and,inverity,ourfacesthentoshowpaleandstrangeseeminginthatluminousglowingofthegreatweaponintheDarkness;andwetolookveryeagerandanhungeredoflove,eachattheother;andsotoneedthatwebeheldlovingbytheBeloved,andsotohavecomfortandassuredness;andafterwardtohavepeacetogoonwardagain.

Anditdidbeonesuchtimeasthese,thatMineOwntogivemealovenameshehadcalledmeinthoseoldendaysofthisAge;andwhichsurelyIhadnotheardsinceMirdathdied.And,inverity,youtohavedearunderstandingwithme,howthatIthentobealltroubledwithvaguetroublesandghostlylove-achesintheheart;andlikewise,Ididbeallsetaboutinamomentbytheoldenenchantment

andspeechlessglamourthatdidbesolonghidandlostintheSpacesofMemory,wheresurelythespiritdothwandersuchoddwhiles,hushtuntoadumbtearlessnessandtoknowinthesamemomentbothAgonyandthevoicelessGloryandlostDelightoftheHath-Been;sothatitdothbeasthatyouwanderedinthespiritbetweenthesorrowfulpainoftheSunset,andthePromiseoftheDawnwhichdothbebuildedupontheNeedandHopeofthesoul,anddothalsotohaveanessenceofpainwithinit;becausethatthesedobeknitwithLongingwhichdothbetheessentialpangofMemory.Andso,mayhap,youtohavegonewithme;foryoutohavealsostrangethoughtsthatdocomeoutoftheyears,anddohurttheheart,evenwhilstthattheheartdothhungerofthatwhichdothsopain.Yet,truly,MineOwndidbenowwithme,asyoudoknowsothatIhadjoyallaboutmyheart;yetdidalltheyearsofmylostdelightsandofmypain,beinthespacesofmymemory,andMineOwnnowtohavestirredall;sothatnowordsthatdidbeevershapedofmanshouldhelpmetohaveeaseinspeech.

AndMineOwnMaidtoknowhowitdidbewithme;andshetohavesaidthething,scarcewotting,evenasherspiritdidsetitthroughherlips;andshebeforethentohaveforgotsoutterasI;andnowshetobestirredlikewisewithme;sothat,inverity,wetoholdhandsinthegreatDarknessupontheSlope,andtowaittillthepainandstrangetroubledidgosomewhatfromourhearts;andwetohavepoweragaintoknowtrulythatwedidbeagaintogetherinsweetverity,afteramightyEternity.

Andthusdidwego,andeveninthatstrangeNighttohaveaneverlastingcomingtogether;sothatsurelyourtwospiritstobenighmadeone,somewise;andthistobethatsweetandholythingwhichIdonameLove;andittobemygloryandAstonishmentthatLovehathcomeuntome.Andwithyouthathavelove,IamasaBrotherinholydelight;butwithallthathavenotknownLove,ortohavemissedLove,IamaMourner,andmyhearttopraythattheytoknowthisWonder,eretheydie;forelseshalltheydiesogreenandbitterastheybeborn,andtohavegrownnowiseuntoRipeness,whichdothbeCharity—theendoflifeandtheCrownofHumanity.

AndsurelyItogoforwardagainnowwithmytelling.AndyoutoknowthatontheeighthdayupontheSlope,abouttheendoftheninthhour,theretobeanupwardseemingoflight,afarbeforeusintheDarkness,anddidshowasadullandvaguesheenaboveusinthenight.Andtruly,Itoknowthatwedidbecomeatlasta-nearuntotheNightLand.

Andwewentupwardthenveryeagerthroughthedark;andthedimshinedidgrow,ever;sothatwesoontoseeitveryplain,asaloomingoflightafarupward.Andweevertoclimbandtogoonward.Andlo!inthefourteenthhourofthatday,wecameupslowlyoutoftheNightupontheSlope,andstoodattheendingofthatstrangeroadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk.

AndsurelyitdidbeasthatIwascomehome,andtohavesetmyfeetagainuponfamiliarLands;andthistobringtoyouhowfaroffIdidseemtohavegone;andnowtobecomeagaintoaKnownPlace.

AndwewentupwardupontheRoad,untilthatwedidtrulyhavetopttheSlope,andatlasttolookoutoverallthewonderandmysteryofthatLand.AndInevertoberidoftheuttergladnessofknowingthatIwascomethereagain,aftersostrangeajourney,andthatMineOwnhadIbroughtwithme,outofalltheunknownworld.Yet,truly,IalsonevertohaveforgettingthatthisfamiliarLandofStrangenessdidbethelasttestandthegreatestdreadfulnessofourjourney;andanxiousnessdidhanguponme;forInowtohavetotakethepreciousnessofMineOwnamongandbeyondallthatDangerofHorridForcesandofMonstrousThingsandBeastMen,andthelike.

Andtruly,Ididbeliketotrouble.

And,inverity,Ididstarewithafierceeagernessuntothefar-offplaceinthemiddlepartoftheNightLand,wheredidbetheMightyPyramid;andsurelyittheretoshineinthemidstoftheland,anddidbemineHome,whereneverhadIdaredhopeIshouldreturn.AndIsetminearmveryswiftandeagerabouttheMaid,andpointed,sothatsheseequicklythewonderandsafeMightinessofthatwhichdidbeourRefugeforallourlifetocome,ifbutthatwetowinuntoit.AndtheMaidtolookwithagreatandearnestsobernessandalovelygladnessanduttersoulandheartinterest,untothatPlacethatbareme,andwhereItohavecomefrom,andnowtotakeher.

Andlongandlongshelookt;andsuddencamerounduntome,andsetherarmsquickaboutmyneck,andburstuntoastrangeandhappyweeping.AndItoholdhergentletome,andlethercryverynatural,untilthatshewassomethingunpent.

Andlo!whenthatshewaseased,shetostandclosebesideme,andtolookagainuntotheMightyPyramid;andafterward,asshetosteady,shetoaskanhundred

questions,souttereagerandsotothrillwithjoyandexcitement,asthatshedidbeagladchild.AndanhundredquestionsIanswered,andshowedhernewthingsandWondersuncounted.

Andofallstrangenessthatshethentosee,theredidnonesotoshakeherinthespiritwithterrorasdidthatdreadfulandHorridHouse,whichdidbetheHouseofSilence.AnditwasasthatherverybeingdidknowandberepulsedofsomeHorrorthatdidconcernandbeinthatHouse;sothatshetowanttohideinthebushesthatdidbeanightotheRoad;andtruly,Itothinkthiswise,andtorememberandtobewaresuddenlythatwedidbeindeedcomenowintothePowerofMonstrositywhichdidbeutterandforeverabroadinthatLand.

Andsurely,wewenttheninamongthebushesthatdidgrowclumptuponthesideoftheRoad,asyoutoremember;andafterward,IcalmedthisnewfearthathadcomesoquickuponMineOwn;andshethentopeerforthwithmefromthebushes,andtohaverenewedsightovertheLand.

AndtheHouseofSilencetostanduponthatlowhillofwhichyoudoknow;anddidnotbeaverygreatwayoff,somewisetowardtheright.Yet,asyoushallhaveremembering,itdidtakemesomelongandbitterhoursuponmineoutwardway,ereIdidbecomefromundertheshadowofit,aswedosay,untothetop-partoftheMightySlope.

Butthistohavebeeninthemain,becauseoftheuttercarethatIdidneedtobringmesafepasttheHouse;forItohavegonelongandwearyuponmyhandsandkneesamongthebushes,asyouremember;andofttopause,andtobesostillasDeath,lestthatthePoweroftheHousetohavebecomeawareofmypassing.Andtruly,wetoneedagainsoutteracare,whenthatwemaketogopast,untoourMightyHome;andthistobeheavyuponmyheart,andItobeinthesamemomentanxiousthatwehavehastetothetrial,andyetverywilling,ifitmightbe,thatwenotmakeitforever.

And,indeed,afterthatwehadpeeredagoodwhilefromthebushes,Itoconsiderthatwedowelltoeatnow,andafterwardtohaveasafeplaceforourslumber,sothatwegofreshtothehorriddangersanddreadfulnessthatdidbebeforeusuponourway.

Andwethentolookabout,andsoontofindagreatboulderthatdidbesetwiththebushes.Andwemadeourplaceforsleepagainsttheboulder,andthebushes

wentallaround,sothatwedidbecompletehid.

And,inverity,wetobeverycold,aswehadbeenthosetwopastdays,whilstthatwemadetowardthetopoftheMightySlope.AndnowwetohavethefullchilloftheNightLand,anddidbeverygladtohavethecloak,sothatweeatanddrankwhilstthatwesattogether,andthecloakroundus.Andafterward,theMaidsetthecloakaboutusforoursleep;andwethentokissverysober,andIwithanxiousnessintheheart;butshewithless,becauseshetohaverestinme.

Andsowelaydowntooursleep,andtheDiskosreadyinmyhand;andmyspiritwakefulagainstanyterrorthatshouldcomeanightousinourslumber;andtheMaidIwarnedtobelikewisewary.

Andsurelywesleptandwaked,andtherehadgoneeightgoodhours,andnaughtwascomeanightoustoharmus.Andweeatanddrank,anddidharkoft,andlooktoutfromamongthebushes;buttheredidbenaughtabroadtosetdreaduponourspirits;andsowedidbemorecontent,andwellrestanda-readyforthefurtherjourneying.

NowIhadtheMaidtowearthecloak,becauseofthechilloftheLand;butsheinthefirsttorefuse,saveIalsotohaveitinmyturn;buttruly,Ididfeelthatitshouldsmotherme,andthatIneedallmyfreedomofmybody,lesttherecomeanythingsuddenuponus;andallthisIshowedMineOwn,andalsothatweshouldhavewearywork,andtocreepmuch,sothatIshouldbewarmbymylabourofgoing,andshelikewise,mayhap.Andshethentoconsent,becauseshesawthatIdidbeearnestandtoburnwithanxiousness;yethadmetopromisethatItakethecloak,ifthatthechilloftheLandgatmeanywisebitter.

Nowwemadeapause,whenthatwehaveourgearuponus,andwelooktwelloutovertheLand;andsurelyalwayoureyesdidgazeintheendinguponthatfarWonderofLightandSafeness,whichdidbetheMightyPyramid;andItobeneverceasedfromtellingMineOwnthisthingandthatthingconcerningtheGreatRefuge;andshetobeconstantstunneduntosilenceanddelightofwonder,andanonshakenuntoamultitudeofquestionings,sothattrulywedidbeasthatwenevertohavedonemakingknownoneuntotheother.

Now,asyouhaveknowledge,theHouseofSilencestooduponalowhill,andtheRoaddidbendaboutthebottomofthehill;andthiswaydidIcome,whenthatIwasonmineoutwardway.

Yetnowtheretobeanewplanofjourneyingcomeintomymind;for,asyoudoremember,IdidtakesomewiseofelevengreatdaysfromthePyramiduntothetop-partoftheMightySlope,becausethatIhadgonediverselyandroundabouttotheNorth-WestofthePlainofBlueFire.

Andsurely,asnowIlookt,itdidseemthatweshouldtryashortpassage,andtherebybecomefreeoutofalldangerinbutaspaceoffourorfivedays,ifonlywetosucceed.AndIstoodagoodwhileveryhushtandanxious,anddidconsiderthisnewway,anddidpresentlypointitouttotheMaid,howthatwesawtheMightyRedoubtstraighttothebackofthelowhillwherestoodtheHouseofSilence,andmayhapwemightchancetofindasafegoingthatway,andthatIdidponderthatwise.For,indeed,asyoudoknow,wemustgonighpasttheHouse,evendidwereturnbythelongjourneying,andthistobebecausethatthebushesdidmakeacoveronlyneartotheRoad,andalltobeacountryofbarerockbeyondthebushesonthatsideoftheRoad,whichdidbetotheNorthandWest.

Now,presently,Ihadformedmyintentionregardingourway,andtoldalltoMineOwn,andhowthatwetohavealwayanuttercaution;andthedangerImadesoplaintoherasIdidknowit,andshethentobewareinherhearttheneedtheretobeofcareandwisenessforever,aswedidgo.AndwethentomakeforwardintotheNightLand,andtobegonefromthetop-partofthatgreatdeep,inwhichtheretobehidstrangelands,asyoudoknow.Andsurely,ittobelikethatnoneshouldevertogothatwayagainforaneternity,ormaybeforever.

Andsowentweforward,withanewcaution.

AndwecameoutfromamongthebushesupontheNorth-WestoftheRoad,andcrostuntotheEastwardside;andherethebushestogrowveryplentiful,sothatIledonwithacheerfulnessofhopewithinmyheart.AndalwayIwentsofartotheSouth-Eastasthebusheswouldgiveustheircover,andthiswayImadethatweshouldscarcetopasswithinagreatmileofthedreadandhorridHouse;though,inverity,thistobemostdreadfulclose.

Andwewalkedthenforsixhours,andwentsometimescreeping,andoftstoopt,andeverwithagreatcaution.

Andinthesixthhourwemadearest,andeatanddrank,andafterwardwentforwardagain.

AndinthetenthhourwerewecomesomethingnighuntotheHouse;fortruly,wetobeofffromtheRoadWhereTheSilentOnesWalk,andsotogomorestraightly,andalwaytosavedistance.AndwekeptsofaroutwardfromtheHouseaswemight;butcouldpassitnotmorethanagreatmileoff,becausethatthebushesdidhavetheirmarginnearuponourleft,aswewent;andtheretobebarennessofrockbeyond;andfire-holesinthispartandthatamidthestarknessoftherockyspaces,thatshouldbeliketoshowusveryplain,ifthatwecameoutwardfromthebushes.

Andmoreover,therewentupwardintotheeverlastingnightoneofthoseTowersofSilence,whichdidbeinthispartandthatpartoftheland,andwerethoughttoholdStrangeWatchers.AndtheTowerstoodgreatandmonstrousafaroffinthemidstofthenakedrocks,showingverygreyanddim,savewhentheflareofsomegreatfiredidbeatupwardintheLand,andsenthugeandmonstrouslightsuponit.AndwetohaveneedalwaynowtorememberthisTower,andtokeepthemoresototheshelteredhidingofthebushes.Yet,inverity,wetohavelittlethoughtofaught,saveofthegrimandthreateningterrorandmonstrousnesswhichdidstandforeveruponthatlowhill,anddidbetheHouseofSilence.

Andintheeleventhhour,wedidgocreepingfrombushuntobush,anddidbeasshadowsthatwentinthemixtgreynessandoddshiningsofthatLand.AndthegrimanddreadfulHousedidbenowuntoourright,anddidloomhugeanduttersilentaboveusinthenight.AndthelightsoftheHousedidshinesteadfastanddeathlesswithanoiselessshining,asthattheyshoneoutofthequietofsomedrearandunnaturalEternity.AndtheredidaseemingofUnholinesstobroodintheair,andasenseofallanddeathlyKnowledge;sothat,surely,ourhidingdidseembutafutilethinguntoourspirits;foritwastousasthatwedidbewatchedquietandalwaybyaPower,aswesliptgentlefrombushuntobush.

Andwhenthetwelfthhourdidbenigh,wetobegintodrawclearoftheHouse;andsurelytheretocomesomewhatofeaseintomybrainandheart;foritdidbeasthatweshouldcomeclearofallharm.

AndIturnedtotheMaid,thatIwhispergentleandlovingencouragementuntoher.Andlo!inthatmoment,MineOwngaveoutasuddenlowsobbing,andwasgonestillupontheearth.And,truly,myheartdidseemtodieinme;forIknewthattheredidbedirectedaForceoutoftheHouseofSilence,whichdidbeaimeduntotheSpiritofMineOwnMaid.AndIcaughttheMaidinstantintominearms,andIsetmybodybetweenherbodyandthedreadnessoftheHouse;

andsurely,myspirittoperceivethattherebeatoutatheradreadfulForce,whichdidhaveinitanutterSilenceandableaknessofDesolation.Andlo!IsawinamomentthattheForcehadnopowertoslayme;butdidsurelymaketoslaytheMaid.AndIsetmySpiritandmyWillabouther,forashield,ifthismightbe,andIhadhertominearmsasthatshedidbemineownbabe.

AndIstoodupright,fortheredidbenomoreusetohide;andIknewthatImustwalkforeveruntilthatIhaveMineOwntotheShelteroftheMightyRefuge,ortowalkuntilIdie;foronlywithspeedmightIsaveherfromthedreadandhorridMaliceofthatForce.

AndIsetfreetheDiskosfrommyhip,andhaditinminearmsbesidetheMaid,andIstrodeforwardoutofthebushes,andputforthmystrengththatIjourneywithanutterspeed.AndevermySpiritdidknowofthatmonstrousForcewhichdidbedirectuponus,totheDestructionofMineOwnMaid.

Andoddwhiles,asIwalkt,IcalledMineOwnbyheroldenlovename,andbythenewnameofNaani;butneverdidshemoveorseemeventhatshelived;andsurelymyheartsickenedwithinmewithamightydespair,sothataconstantmadnessdidbegintothrillinmeandtomakemesomethingmonstrousinstrength,withmyfierceagonyandintentnesstosave.AndonehopeonlyhadI,thatIbringheryetlivingintotheShelteroftheMightyRefuge;andso,swift,tothecareoftheDoctors.

Andlo!Ididstrivetobewiseinmydespair;forImadeaquickhaltingsoon,andIwarmedabrothofthetabletsandwateruponahotrock,andstrovethatIsetsomeofthebrothbetweentheclosedlipsofMineOwnMaid;yetdiditbeuseless,asItohaveknownbeforeinmyheart.AndalwayIkeptmybodyandmyWillandmySpiritandmyLovebetweentheMaidandthedreadfulnessoftheHouse.AndImadesomeofthewater,anddashtituponthefaceofMineOwn,andIchafedherhands;buttrulyittohavenouse;neitherdidItrulytothinkitshouldbeliketo.

AndIwipedherfacethen,andharkedtoherdearheart;andsurelyitdidbeat,veryslowandhusht.Andafterward,Iwraptherinthecloak.

AndIforcedmyselfthenthatIeatsomeofthetablets,andIdrankagreatlotofthewater,forafeverdidseemtoburninme,andmoreoverItomeanthatIlacknotforstrengthtomytask.

AndIsetmygearuponmeveryspeedy,andIliftedMineOwnBeloved,thatdidbenowsohusht,thatoncehadbeensomerryanddearlynaughty.Andsurely,Inighchokedasthethoughtupraseinme;butIsetitback,anddidbutgothemorefurious.Andsurelynomandidevergosofastandconstantuponhisfeet,throughaneternity;forIwascomeagaintomystrength,andtheredidbeamadnessofintentionanddespairuponme;andIwentonforever.

AndateachsixthhourwhenIstoptverybrieftoeatandtodrink,ImadetobringMineOwntohersenses;yetshenevertocome,andalwayherhearttogrowthemorefeeble;sothatintheendIdidutterfeartohark;anddidbutsetfoodanddrinkintome,andonwardagainwithanutterfierceness.

AndwhytherecamenotanySweetPowerofGoodnesstohelpmeinmystrait,Inevertoknow;butdidcalldesperateuponallGoodthingstoaidme,asIwent,tosaveMineOwn.Buttherenaughttocome;sothatIhadgrownintocursings,butthatIdidnottolosemywisdomtoanyuselessfoolishness.Andalway,asIwent,ItoseetheLandblindly,andoftvagueandgreyasthatIdidlookatnaughtreal,andagainwithstrangeflashingsoflight,andtheglareoffires;andanontoseetheLandasitdidbe,andalloddwhilestohavenowtomethefeelofadreadandmonstrousdreaming.

AndsurelyIspedforeverthroughthedreadfulhours,andwentneithertotherightnortotheleft,neitherdidIstrivetohideinthebushesnortoevadeaught,forIknewthattheMaiddiedslowlyinminearms,andtheretobenomoregaininlife,savebyspeed,thatIhaveherswifttotheMightyPyramidtothecareoftheDoctors.Andagreatanddespairingmadnessgreweverwithinme.

AndthriceItohaveavaguememorythattherecamecreaturesatme,fromthedarkoftheLand;butsurelyIslewthemwiththeDiskos,andhavenorememberingthereof,onlythatmineangerdidboilinme,andItoknowoncethattheDiskosdidrunbloodinmyhand.

Andlo!theretocomesuddenuntomyspirittheknowledgethattheaetheroftheworlddidbestirred.And,indeed,IdidbesurelysightedbythegreatMillionsoftheMightyPyramid.Andtheytohaveseenmecomeforwardintothesightofthespy-glasses,andthatIdidbringamaidinminearmsoutofallthenightoftheworld.

Andtruly,asIdidafterlearn,thedearMasterMonstruwacanhaddiscoveredme

greathoursbefore;fortherehadbeenasteadfastwatchkeptintheTowerofObservationformyreturning,ifthateverIshouldreturn;andthemightoftheGreatSpy-Glasshadshownmeplainagoodwhilegone,andthatIdidcarrysomewhat,thatwassurelythemaidthatIdidgotofind.YethadtheMastergivenanorderthatnowordbesetabroadtothePeoples,ofthisdiscovering,lestthattheemotionsoftheMillionstotellovermuchuntotheevilPowersoftheLand.ButnowhadtheMillionsalsocomeuntoknowledge;formanyhadceasednottowatchthroughtheirspy-glasses,andthenewstotravelveryspeedythroughthecities;andsurelynowtheredidbeaconstantspiritualnoiseinthenight,tobeheardonlyoftheSpirit,yettosufficetowakeandtowarnallthatLand.

Andtruly,asIaftertolearn,theMasterMonstruwacandidknowbytheinstrumentsthattherecameaforceoutoftheHouseofSilence,andthistotroublehimgreatly;sothathesetthewordthroughthePyramid,bytheHour-Slips,thatallthePeoplesstrivetocontaintheiremotion,lesttheybringanHarmandaDestructionuponme,bywarningtheLandwiththegreatnessoftheirfeelings.

Yet,inverily,thisdidbeuseless;forthePeoplesdidbeveryhuman,andcouldnowisechecktheirgladnessandgreatwonderandexcitement;foritwastothemsogreatawonderalmostasweshouldsufferifthatamaninthisAgeshouldgobeyondDeathinsearchofhisBeloved;andafterwardtocomebackwarduntotheLiving;and,surely,insuchcase,howmightyshouldbeouramazement;andthistobesomewisehowtheydidbe;yetwithitalsoasweetandnaturalgladnessandstrongwelcoming,whichdothbethetruebeatoftheHumanHeartuntotheWanderer.

Andpresently,andthroughallthetimethatIcameforwardacrosstheLand,theredidbemayhapsanhundredmillionthatdidneverceasetowatchmefromtheembrasures,fromtheView-Tables,andfromallvantages.Yet,foralongwhile,onlytheywhichpossessedstrongspying-glassesdidbeabledtoseemetruly,forIwasagreatwayoff.

AndmillionsdidbutstarevainlyuntothatpartwhereIwassaidtobe;andtheHour-Slipstocomeoutfourtimesinthehour,andtotellaughtthatdidbeknown.AndsoshallyouperceivethatHumanitydidbuthavegrownthemoreHuman.

And,inverity,Iwentforwardwithallmystrength,anddiddriveheedlessthroughthemilesandthenight,andscarceconsciousofaught,becauseoftheachingmadnessofdespairthatdidgroweverwithinme;forIknewthatMineOwnMaiddiedalwayinminearms,asIdidcarryher.

Andlater,amonstrousspaceofhoursittoseem,IknewthatIwascometothatpartoftheRoad,whereitdidbendsomewhatuntotheValeOfRedFire;andthisdidbesomethinganightothatwildernesswheretheYouthsdidfightwiththegiant-men.

AndIcameovertheRoad,andurgedmybodyutterfuriousacrosstheLand.And,surely,inthatmomentwhenIcrosstheRoad,greatnumbersoftheMillionsdidseeme,thathadnotseenbefore.AndtherewentashakingintheaetheroftheWorld,becauseofthesuddenemotionofsomightyaMultitude;andlo!itdidbeasthatinthatmomenttheLandwasatlastwaked;fortherecamefromfarawayuntotheEastward,afaintanddreadfullaughter,asthatamonstrousBeinglaughtuntoItselfinsomelostanddreadfulcountry.AndtheLaughterpassedovertheLand,anddidechostrangely,asitdidseem,inthispartandthatpart,andpresentlytogorollingroundinthefarandhidWestLands,andtobeasthatitwanderedawhileamidthefarmountainsoftheOuterLands,andwaspresentlylostfrommyhearing.

Andmyheartchilledalittlemaybe;butyetdidInotcareover-much;forItolackallifthatIlacktDeath,ifthatInottobegivenpowertosaveMineOwn.YetdidImakealittlepause,sothatIgattheknifefromthebeltoftheMaid,anddidalsotobaretheCapsule;forifthattherecameaDestructionuponus,ItomakeinstantsurethatMineOwnMaidbesafeuntodeath,andIthentogoquicklywiththeCapsule.

AndafterwardIagainuponmyway.

AndeveruponeachsixthhourIdidstopthatIeatanddrink,anddidonwardagain,evenasamachine;forIcommandedmyselftothisdutyofvictual,thatIlacknotmystrengthuntothesavingoftheMaid.Yet,truly,IdidseemtochokealwayasIstrovewiththetablets.

Andlo!everasIwentforwarddidtheLandawake;andmyspirittoknowthatGreatForcesdidbeabroad,restless.AndtheMonsterstobeginwildroamings,becausethattheyalsotoknowoftheUnrestthatdidbecomeintotheLand.And

theretogopresentlyoddroaringsacrosstheLand,fromnightuntonight.AndItogoforwardthemoredesperate,andtostepneithertotherightnortotheleft;buttomakedirectuntomyMightyHome.

AndtheValeofRedFiredidbesoonafaroffuntomyright,andthebulkoftheWatcheroftheNorth-Easttobesomewiseuntomyleft,beforeme;andthegreatbacktobetowardme.Andtruly,IlooktattheBrute-Force,anditdidbeasthatIdrewnighuntoaMountainofWatchfulness;andaboveitintheeverlastingnightdidbetheblueshiningoftheluminousring,andtheringshedalightdownwardovertheMonster-Force;andtheshouldersdidbehugeandhumpt,evenastwosmallhills,anditlooktforeverfrommethrougheternityuntothePyramid.Andthistobeplain,thoughIdidbeagreatwayofffromit.

Andsudden,asIwent,therecameSomewhatoutofabushuntomyleft,androseupatme,verylongandtall;andsurelyitdidbesomekindofaman,andcameatme.Andmyfuryandmydespaircameinwarduponmeinamoment,sothatItroublednottosetdowntheMaid,butleapedatthething,whereitdidbeyethalfhidinthedark.Andlo!itdiedinpieces,andtheDiskosdidroartocontentmyheartaninstant.AndIthenonwardagainthemoresavage,sothatmyheartdidbeadreadfulthingwithinme.

AndagreatwhileIwentthen,anddohaveavaguerememberingthatthistimeandthattherecamethingsatmefromoutofthedark;butsurelytheytohavediedveryspeedy,thatInottoremembermore.

Andthehoursdidpassinspacesoftimethatdidbemadeofterrorandnumbnessandanutterandevergrowingfuryofdespair.AndIdidbeatlastasthatIdidburninwardwithagrimanddreadfulenergy,andtoseemtogrowthelesstired,andtocomeovertheLandwithastrongereaseandsomewhatasthatIdiddesirethingstocomeuntome,thatIhavesomethingtoeasemyheart;forlo!MineOwnMaiddidbedyinginminearmsasIcarriedher;andItobeinableakandsickeneddread,sothatIlackedallcouragenowtolistenuntoherheart,asIhavetold;andwentburning,anddryandhotintheeyes.

AndevertheresoundedtheroaringsacrosstheLand;andtheredidbeaddedpresentlylowerandmorehorridanddreadnoises.AndlaterIheardafarthuddingoftheearth;andinalittletherewentpastmeagreatMan,runningsoheavythathedidmakeashakingashepastme;yet,inverity,byasweetmercy,hesawmenot,andwasgoneonwardinamomentandlostutterintothenight.

AndtheaetheroftheworldtobefullofthetroubleofthePeoples,astheManpastme;andafterwardtheretobeastirringofgladthankfulness.Andtruly,alwaymyspiritdidknowstrangelyasinadream,thattheMillionssettheirsympathyandpityandhelpaboutme,anddidgirtmeaboutwithHumanloveandwithencouragementandwithupliftedthoughts.Yet,inverity,didallbeaswaterbesidethefiercewineofmyloveanddespair,whichdidurgemeonwardinanaturallackingofalldread,saveforMineOwn.AndtrulythisdothbethewayofLove,andshallmakefearlesstheheartoftheweakest.Andtheretobeprayersinthenight,andalltheaethertobesurgedwiththespiritualtroubleandcallingsandcryingsoftheMillions;sothat,indeed,ifthatmyspiritsotohearthesethings,ittobeconceivedthatthesedopassoutwardintotheEverlasting,andtobreakupontheShoreofEternityinananguish,evenasavisiblefoamofsupplication.

AndsurelytheunityofloveoftheMillionsdidmakeanaturalForceaboutme;for,inverity,theForcethatdidcomefromtheHousetoseemtobesomewhateasedfromtheMaid;yettheretobenosuretyinthis;foralldidbedesperationandturmoilinmyheart,andItohavebutonethoughtinmybrain,thatIbringMineOwnswiftacrosstheLanduntotheMightyPyramid,andsountotheDoctors.

Andlo!therestolepresentlyfromafarthedeepanddreadfulbayingoftheHounds;sothatIknewwedidbesurelydead,savethatamiracleshouldhappen.AndIasktinmyheartinafierceandmadfashionwhythattheydidnottorigoneoftheoldenshootingweapons,thattheyshootfromthePyramid,andsotogivemesomeaidinmineextremity.

Andbehold,evenasIdidbesobitter,therewentafarupwardintheeverlastingnight,wheredidshinetheLastLight,thesharpflashingsoftheSetSpeech;andIdidwarminmyheartalittlewithhope;fortheMasterMonstruwacandidseethatIwasnowalldiscovered,andtheretobenomoreuseforsilence,anddidspeakstraightandhelpfuluntome.AndImadetoreadtheSetSpeech,butmineeyeshadbeenmadandnearblindedwithlosthope.ButinamomentIsawclear.Andbehold,thedearMasterMonstruwacanbidmetokeepgoodmycourage,forthattheydidhavemadereadythreeoftheoldenweapons;andmoreover,theytosaveme,evenifthattheyhavetoturnloosetheEarth-CurrentovertheLand.AndhecommendedmewithHonour,andthatIstriveforwardyetalittlewhile;forthatanHundredThousandMendidbePrepared,anddideventhengodownwardintheirarmourbytheLifts.

Andsurely,asyoushallthink,myhearteasedalittleinme,andthereburnedsomewhatofahopeinmyspiritthatIyettobringMineOwnuntotheDoctors,ereitbetoolate.

AndthebayingoftheHoundsdidgrownearerinthenight;andtheretogrowevertheroaringsovertheLand;andasenseofEvilandmonstrousnesstobeabroadinallthenight.

Andlo!ItohavecomebythissothattheWatcheroftheNorth-Eastdidbebackwarduponmyleft;andIlooktkeenandfearfulnowattheMonster-Force;andbehold,thegreatbell-eardidquivercontinually,sothatIsawtheMonstermadesomewhatknownuntoalltheLand.AndtheMonsterdidlookasever,untothePyramid;anddidbeagreatandsilentHillofLifethatdidleantowardthePyramid;andthelightfromtheRingcamedownwarduponthemonstroushide,whichdidbesetinvastfoldsandwrinklesuponit.AndtheMonstertoknowofme;yetnevertomove,neithertoshowlife,savethattheeardidquiversohorridly.

AndIknewthattheymadesomegreatpreparationinthePyramidforour

defence;forallthenightdidbeginnowtoshakeandtoquiverwiththemightybeatoftheEarth-Current.

XVI

INTHECOUNTRYOFSILENCE

Andlo!IdidbecomesomethingnighuntotheMightyPyramid;andmygreatHomewentupvastintotheeverlastingnight,asaveryMountainofsweetLifeandSafety,andhadsurelyamazedmeafreshwiththeutterBignessofit,onlythatdespairandwearinessdidhavetoogrimanholduponmyheartformetocareofaught,savetohaveMineOwnMaidwithinthesafewonderofthehugeRefuge.Anditdidbestillafarofffromme.

AndItogoforwardacrosstheLandwithastronggoing;andlo!asIpastahollowplacewheredidburnafire-hole,therecamesomethingoutofthehollow.Andthethinggatupwardfromcrawling,anddidbeagreatandhairedMan.AndtheManlooktatme,andafterwardcameuntome,anddidputhishandsforward,veryeager,ashecame.AndIdidseethehandsplaininthelightfromthefire-hole,andthehandsweremonstrous,anddidbearmedbrutishwithhorridclaws,sothattheManshouldhavebeenabletoripaught,evenasawildbeast.

AndIputMineOwnveryswifttotheearth;andsurely,Icarednotforlifeoraught;forthisthingdidmaketodelayme,andItobefiercewithdespairthataughtshouldhaltme.Andlo!Ileapedveryfuriousandwithcoldangeratthegiant;andIsmoteatthemonstrousbrute;butheuntothesideinaninstantoftime,andsoescapedtheblow.Andheflungforthhismonstrousarmoutofthehalf-darkofashadowthatdidbecastbythedanceofthefire-hole,andcaughtmyhead-pieceandplucktitfrommesostrongandbrutishthathecastmenighadozenfeetontomyback.YetIwasnotharmedinthelife,butonlysoreshakedandbruised;andItobeupinamoment,andcameinuponthegiant,andtheDiskosdidroarandblazeinmyhandsasIswungtheweapon.AndIgatthegiantabovethemiddlepart,andtheDiskosdidglutitself,andwentthroughthegiantasthathedidbenaught,thoughsohugeandmonstrousandgirtwith

strength.Andhetohavesurelyturnedhisshouldersashedied;fortheupperpartofthegiant-manwenthorridtotheearth,andthelegsandthetrunkstoodplaininthelightofthefire-hole,andthebloodwentupwardasafountaininthenight.

AndImadenopause,butleapeduntotheMaid,andhadherinamomenttominearms,andonwardagainpastthatdeadthing,thatdidonlythentofallwithanhorridsound.AndsurelythenightdidbefullofanastonishmentandupliftednessoftheMillions,sothattheirspiritualcryingsdidgoallaboutme,anddidtellmethattheyhadperceivedthisthing,anddidcasttheirloveanddelightuntome,andavastexcitementtobeuponthem.

Andlo!Iscarcetohavegoneagreatmilemore,buttherecametwovaguethingsoutofadarkplace,wherecertainrocksdidupstand;andIsmotethemwiththeDiskos,andwentonward;butwhattheydidbe,Inevertoknow.

Andsurely,afterthat,Ididseemtogosmitingforever;fortheretocome,timeandoft,strangethingsoutfromthebushesandtherocks,asthatalltheLanddidbea-crawlwithfoulandmonstrouslife,andItogosmiting,asinadream,andtospeedforwardeverwithamorefiercedespair;forsurelytheendofourlivesdidbecome,andInottobegivenpowertosaveMineOwnMaid.

AndalltheLanddidbefullofgrimandmonstrousroarings,andodd-wiselowersounds,verydeadly.AndonceIdidhearthenoiseofgiantsrunning.AndallthenighttobeEvil.And,inverity,howIdidnotbeslainbysomedreadForce,Inottoknow,unlessthatIdidbeburnedfreeofallweaknessthatanEvilPowershouldhavechancetoharmmethrough;for,indeed,Ihadbeendealtabittertrainingamonstroustime.

Andlo!theretobeagainthedeepanddreadfulbayingoftheNight-HoundsuntotheSouth-East,andtobenearer;andItoknownowthatnostrengthofmineshouldservetoprotectMineOwn.

Andlo!fromtheupwardnessofthenight,wheredidbetheLastLight,theresuddentocomedownwardastrangeblueflash,thatsmotedownwardintotheLanduntotheSouth-East.Andagaintheflashtocome,andmayhapascoretimesafter;andtheretocomedownoutoftheheightapeculiarcracklingsound,thatdidbelessthanthethunderofthisage,yetmoreloudthananyothersoundthatyouevertohear.Andlo!IknewthattheHumansdidbegintofightforme,

thatIbringMineOwnsafeuntoHome.

Andbehold!itdidbeasthatallthewakefulnessoftheLandthathadbeen,didbebutassleep,besidethewakefulnessthatnowtocome;forsurelytheNightnowtoseemtorockwiththeroaringsoftheMonsters,andwiththebe-stirringofGreatForces.AndevertheretogoovertheLandtheyowlingofthatstrangeanddreadfulLaughter,whichdidcomefromthathidCountryinthenightofthelostEast.

Andlo!therearoseconstantnowthehoarseanddreadfulbayingsoftheHounds,andmadeknownthatamightypackdidbeout.Andtheytoseemtobenomore,maybe,thanagoodmileuntotheSouth-East;andItobeallalone,saveforthedyingMaidthatIheldinminearms.AndIlooktvainlyandwithdespairfortheHundredThousandthatdidbePrepared,andhadcomedownward,asyoudoknow,untomineaid.Buttruly,theredidbenaughttoseeanywheres,savethestrangelightsandshadowsoftheLand;andthemovementofmonstrouslifeinthisplaceandthatplace.AndtheHoundstocomenearerwitheverymomentoftime;sothatindeed,Iknewthatdeathdidbeverynigh.

AndIceasednotfrommystride;butwentforward,anddidbegintorun;forthePyramidwasnotahugewayoffinthenight;andtheshineoftheCircleaboutit,tobeplainseen,savehereandthere,whereitdidbehidstrangely.AndItohaveadespairinghopethatIcomeyetwithMineOwnintothesafetyoftheCircle.

AndthebayingoftheHoundstocomeeverthemorenear;andsurelyitdidbeadoublyhideousbitterthingthatIloseMyDearOne,sonighuntoHome;andthegreatMountainofmyHometogoupwardbeforemeintothenight,andtoseemsonearthatsurelyIdidbealmostthere;butyet,mayhap,twogreatmilesoff,eventhen.And,behold,Icalledoutinvaindespairandtonoend,whythatnonecometogivemeaidinthisextremity;fortheHoundsdidbaynowbutthehalfofagreatmile,uponmyleft,anddidsurelyhavescentofme,bythewayoftheirdreadfulbaying.

And,truly,theMillionstohaveananguishofsympathyforme;forthespiritualnoiseoftheiremotiondidbeplainuntomyspirit;andtheysurelytohaveseenandtohaveinterpretedthewaythatIdidlookaboutmeandappeartocalloutindespair;fortherecameallaboutmeinamomentthecompanioningofagreatandsweetspiritualforce,whichdidbebredoftheirquickgoingwithmeintheirunderstandingandlove;andtheytohaveperceivedhowthatIdidbeuntothe

endofhope;andtheHoundstobealmostuponme.

Andinthismoment,therecameafreshtomyhearingtheshakingbeatoftheEarth-Current;sothatIknewtheHumanstotakedesperatemeanstosave.AndtherecametomyviewavastpackoftheHoundsuntomyleft,andtheycamerunningatagreatpace,andtheirheadsdidbelow,andtheytobesogreatashorses;andseenplain,andagaininshadow,allinthesamemoment,astheydidcome.

And,inverity,Iknewthatwetwotobedeadindeedereaminutebegone,ifthattheHumansnottohaste.AndIstoodwhereIdidbe;fortherewasnomoreusetorun;andIlooktfromtheHoundsuntotheMightyPyramid,andagaintotheHounds.AndagainIlooktwithmyhopegone,untothePyramid;fortheHoundsdidbescarcetwohundredfathomsofffromme;andtheredidbehundredsofthemightybeasts.Andlo!evenasIlooktthatlasttimeuntothePyramid,therebrakeoutamonstrousburstingflame,thatdidrushdownwardfromtheSealedlowerpartoftheMightyPyramid.AndtheflamesmotedownwardupontheLandwheretheHoundsdidrun,andalltheNighttobelostfrommysightinthebrightnessandstrangenessofthatmightyflame;sothatIsawnomorethePyramid,oraught;butonlytheshininganddreadfulgloryofthatflame.AndtheFlamemadeablastintheNight,andahotnessthatdidseemtowitherme,evenwhereIdidbefromit.AndIperceivedthattheHumanshadtrulyturnedloosetheEarth-CurrentupontheHounds,thatIbesaved.AndtherewentaconstantgreatthunderingovertheLand,becausethattheEarth-Forcedidrendandsplittheair,anddidtearuptheearth.AndtheroaringoftheMonstersdidbehushtandlostinthatmightysound;andItoseenoplacewheretheHoundsdidbe;butonlyflamesandbrokenlandswheretheEarth-Forcedidstrike;andgreatrocksdidbehurledallwhithers,withavastnoise;andtrulyitdidbeamercythatIwasnotslainanhundredtimes,ifthismightbe,bythefailingsandburstingsofgreatrocksandboulders.

Andlo!inamomenttheHumansdidcutofftheEarth-Force,andhaditagaintotheircontrol.AndtheretoseemnowagreatsilenceupontheLand,andanutterdark;savethatflamesandnoisecamefromthatpartwheretheCurrentdidstrike.AndIveryspeedytocomefreeofthedazednessthathadme,andmadeagaintomyrunning;for,intruth,ittoseemnowthatIshouldyetbelettowinuntosafetywithMineOwn.

Andmineeyesdidgrowpresentlyuntotheiraccustomedusing;andItolookall

waysaboutme,lesttherecomesomewhatuponmeeventhentoworkourdeaths.AndforagoodtimetheretobenaughtthatIdidseeanywheres,neithertheretobethewakefulsoundsoftheLand,saveonlythegrimandhorridLaughterfromafarinthedeadEast.

AndoftasIdidrun,ItostarehungryheartedupwardattheMightyPyramid;andsurelyitalwaynowtoseemtobelessbrightthanbefore.Andinthefirst,ItosetthistothecountthatmineeyesdidbeyetdazedbythegreatFlameoftheEarth-Force;butsoonItoperceivethatitdidbeotherwise;andthattheredidbetrulyalessbrightnessofthelightthatdidshinethroughoutalltheMightyRedoubt.AndthislackIconceivedhadowingtothatgreatusingoftheforceandpoweroftheEarth-Currentthathadbeenloosedtosaveus.AndItohavethisnewthingcolduponmyheart;for,truly,ifthattheForceoftheCurrenttobemadeoverlow,theretobeadangerforalltheHumansthatdidlive,evenforallthegreatMillionsoftheMightyRefuge.Andthis,didbesurelyknownbytheMasters;andtheytohavenomorepowertoaidmewiththeCurrent,untilitflowstrongagain,lestthattheydestroyallthePeoplesoftheEarth.Andallthistobeplaintomeinamoment,asIran;andItobebutthemoredesperatetocomeuntoinstantsafetywiththeMaid.

Andsurely,ItobeyetinexpectingoftheHundredThousandtocomeuntome;buttheynottocome.AndallaboutmetheLandtobeginagaintogiveoutthenoisesoftheMonsters;andtosendforthnewandpeculiarnoises,asthattheredidbemoreawakedintheLandthandidbeeverheardbymebefore.Andpresently,Isawthattherewentlivingthings,creeping,betweenmeandthelightoftheCircle.AndItoknowthatIyettohavetofightbitter,ifthatIwouldbringtheMaidsafe.AndIswungtheDiskosfree,andranon.

AndsuddenmySpirittoknowthatIdidbewarnedofsomenewperil;andItolookupwardintothenight,thattheMasterMonstruwacanshouldmayhaptotellmethedanger,bytheSetSpeech.But,intruth,therecamenotthequickflashingsoftheSetSpeech;butonlyanupwardstillness,andadimnessofthelightsoftheMightyPyramid.Andafterward,ItolearnthatthedearMasterMonstruwacanmadetowarnmeofdanger;butthatalltheinstrumentsoftheTowerofObservationtofailtowork,andlikewiseallthemachineryofthePyramidtocease,evenuntothemovingofthegreatlifts,andthemoanoftheAirPumps;andalltohavebeenthiswayfornighagreathour,untilthattheEarth-Currentdidflowagainmorefull.Andsurely,thisdothshowthatDeathdidnightocomeuntoalltheMillions,becauseofthegreattrialthatdidbemade

tosaveus.

But,truly,myspiritdidbewarnedbythetroubleoftheMillions,andbecausetheMasterMonstruwacancalledvaguelywithhisbrain-elements;sothatIwentevermorewarily,anddidlookallways.Andlo!suddenItostareabovemeintothenight;andtheretobeapalecircle,veryquietandsteadfastthatdidgoalwayoverthetwainofus.AndIsawthatthisdidbesurelyoneofthosesweetPowersofHoliness,thatdidstandbetweenoursoulsandsomedreadPowerthatcameanightoworkourDestruction.AndItohavenoover-fear;butdidputmytrustintheForceofHoliness,andwentforward,runningwarily.

Andsurely,IcamemayhapsonighastowithinfourhundredpacesoftheCircle;andItothinkthatIyettowinMineOwnsafeandundelayedwithintheguardingoftheCircle.AndthelightoftheCircledidburndim;sothatIhadsuddenfearwhetherthatitbeanymoreuseforaGuard,untilthattheEarth-Currenttocomemorefree.AndallthisasIran,swiftandwaryandutteranxious.

Andlo!inthatmomentinadimplacethereroseupthreebeast-menfromtheearth,andcameatme,growling.AndthefirstdidbesoclosethatIhadnoroomtotheDiskos;butbeatintheheadofthemanwiththehaft-part.AndIleapeduntothesidethen,andswungtheDiskos,anddidbeuttermad,yetchill,withfury;sothattheMaiddidbenomorethanababeinthecrookofminearm.AndIcameinsuddentomeetthetwobeast-menastheyranatme;andIcutquickandlightwiththegreatWeapon,anddidhavethatangeruponmewhichdothmaketheheartaplaceofcoldanddeadlyintent;sothatIhadawondrousandbrutaljudgementtotheslaying.And,truly,Islewthemasthattheyhadbeennomorethanmice;andIhadnoharm,neithersomuchasatouchfromthem.And,behold!inthatmomenttherecameagreatShoutofwonderandofwelcomefromwithintheCircle.AndIlooktswiftly,andbeganagaintorun;fortheredidbemeningreyarmourallwithintheCircle;yetcametheynottomineaid.

Andlo!inamomentIknewwhythattheHundredThousanddidhaveheldofffrommeinmineextremity;for,behold!theredidbemonstrousBlackMoundsallalongwithoutoftheCircle,anddidrockandswaywithaforceofstrangelifethatdidsetanhorrorintomysoulasIran;fortrulytheydidbethevisiblesignsofmonstrousForcesofEvil.AnddidanyHumanhaveventuredoutwardbeyondtheCircle,thenhadthatmanbeenDestroyedintheSpirit,andlostutterly;sothatnonehaddaredtocome;neitherhaditbeenofuseifanyhadmadethemselvestobeasacrificetoaidme;for,truly,theytohavebeenofnouse,

whendead,asyoushallsay.

AndtherecameaconstantshoutingfromtheHundredThousandtome,thatIhaste,andindeedtohaste.AndtrulyIdidhastewithallmystrength.AndIlooktuntothedearCircleofHolinessthatdidbeaboveustwain;andittogosteadfastoverus;sothatIsawwetobesurelysaved.

Andlo!ItobenomorethananhundredpacesnowfromtheglowingoftheCircle.Andbehold!eveninthatinstant,theremustcomebrutalthingstodestroyus;fortherecameanherdofsquatandbrutishmenallaboutmeinamomentfromtheshadows,wheretheyhadbeenhid.Andtheycaughtatme,andcaughtattheMaidtotearherfromminearm.Andtruly,itdidbeasthattheysurelytohavesuccess;forIcouldnowiseinamomentfreemyself,andyettoguardtheMaidandtousetheDiskos.Andlo!Ikicktwithmymetalboots,andgavefromthem,andturnedallwaysinamoment,andwrenchedfree;andIleapedback;andtheherdofhorridbrutesafterme.

AndnowItohavespacefortheDiskos,andagrimnessinmyheart;andIcameroundverysudden,andraninamongthemen,smiting.AndIhitveryswiftbothfromtherightandtheleft,andtoandfrowithaconstantquickcircling.AndtheDiskosdidspinandroar,andmadeastrangelightuponthefacesofthemen,andtheytohavetusksliketothetusksofpigs.AndsurelyIdidragethroughthem,smiting.Andtheytostrikemeathousandtimeswithgreatstones,sothatminearmourrang,andwasallfreshburst,andIneartosickenundertheblowsandnewwounds;buttheynottoharmtheMaid,forIcarriedherabovetheirsquatandbrutishreach.

Andthebrute-mentoseemwithoutend.ButImadealwayforwarduntotheglowingoftheCircle;andthenighttobefullinthatplaceofthefierceshoutingsoftheHundredThousand;andmany—asIdidlearn—tohavetriedtocomeuntome,butthattheircomradesheldthemfromsouselessadying.

And,inverity,ItobenowscarcefiftypacesfromtheglowingoftheCircle;anddidbenightofall;forIdidbesoutterdazedandwoundedwiththefight,andillwithavastwearinessandthedespairandmadnessofmyjourney,andmoreover,asyoudoknow,Inottohaveslept,buttohavecarriedtheMaidforeverthroughdaysandnights,andtohavefoughtoft.

Andlo!theHundredThousandstoodjustwithintheCircle,andtheythatwereto

thefrontdidswingeachmantheDiskos;andtheyhurledeachtheDiskosinamongtheherdofthetusktmenthatdidmaketoslayme.Andsurelythistosaveme;fortheherddidthintomyfront;andItogathermystrength,andtochargewithdespair,andtosmiteandneverbeceasedofsmiting;sothattheredidbedeadcreaturesallabout.Andbehold!Ibrakethroughtheherd,withMineOwn,anddidbeupontheCircle.Andlo!IsteptovertheCircle,thatdidscarcenowtogiveoutaResistance;andathousandhandsdidcomeforwardtogivemehelp;yetdidnonetouchme,butgavebackfromme;fortheredidbethataboutmewhichheldthemoff,aswithalittleawe;forItobestrangeuntothem.

AndIstoodthereinagreatsilence,andtheDiskosinmyhandranbloodtothehaft.AndmaybeIrocktasIstood;formanyagaindidputouttheirhands,astoholdme,andagaindrewback,andweresilent.

AndIlooktuntothem,andtheylooktbackatme;andIdidgaspawhile,andwasstrangelydazed,anddidtrytotellthemthatIhadneedoftheDoctorsfortheLifeofMineOwnMaid,thatdidbedyinginminearms.Andbehold,inthatmoment,theredidbeasoundofgiantsrunning,outinthenight.Andsomethentocryoutdifferentmatters,toaidme,andtobewareofthegiants,andtobringtheDoctorstoattendmeontheinstant.

AndothervoicesdidcallthattheHolyLightwasgonefromabove;andlikewisetheBlackMoundsfromtheouterpartoftheCircle.AndtheredidbeamonstrousnoiseofroaringsintheLand,andalltocomebewildereduntomybrain,whichdidsurelyfailnowwiththegrimandutterstresswhichhadbeenminesolong.

Andtheretobealsoaconstantnoisethatcamefromnearandfromupward;andtrulyItoknow,asinadream,thatitdidbemadeoftheshoutingofthegreatMillions,thatdidmakeaneternalandvagueroaring-soundupwardinthenight,thatdidcomedownfromtheupperheights,nomoreloudthanastrangeandcontinualmurmuringoutoftheloftymiles.

Andsurely,Itofindmyvoiceinalittleminute,anddidaskanearmanwhethertherebeanyDoctorswiththemen.AndinthatmomenttherecameforwardaMasteroftheDiskos,whichdothbeasaCommanderofthisage.AndhemadetheSaluteofHonourwiththeDiskos,andwouldhaveeasedtheMaidfromme;butItoaskagain,veryslow,whetherthattherewasaDoctora-near.Andheontheinstanttogiveanorder;andthegreatthousandstobegintoshape,anddid

makeamightylaneuntotheGreatGatewayoftheMightyPyramid.

AndtheMasteroftheDiskosmadeasigntocertainthatdidbenear;andtheystoodaboutme,asItoknowdully,lestIfall;buttheynottotouchme;forIdidbeasthatImustnotbelaidhandupon;forIdidneartochokewithdespairlestItohavecomeHometoolate;andsurely,also,thementoseemasthatIdidbestrangeuntothem.

Andtherewentordersswiftandconstantthiswayandthat;andlo!inalittlewhile,therecametwobigmenoftheUpwardCities,running;andtheyhadalittlemanbetweenthemuponasling.AndthelittlemandidbeaMasteroftheDoctors;andheaidedmegentletolayMineOwnMaidupontheearth.AndtheMasteroftheDiskosmadeasign,andthementhatdidbenear,turnedeachhisback;andtheDoctortomakeexaminationforthelifeofMineOwn.

Andtheretocomeaboutthattimeaseemingofsilenceintheland.AndtrulytheHundredThousanddidbeutterquiet;andagreatquietintheMightyPyramid;for,intruth,alltoknow,bythis,thattheretobeafearthattheMaidIdidbringoutofthenight,didbeslainbytheEvilForces.

AndsuddenthelittlemanthatdidbetheMasterDoctor,looktupquietandpiteousatme;sothatIknewinamomentthatMineOwnMaiddidbedead.AndhetoseethatIknew;andhecoveredthefaceofMineOwn,andstoodupveryspeedy;andhecalledsoftlytothementhatdidbetomyback,andhesignedtothemthatsometosupportme,andsometoliftMineOwnMaid,andbearheruntotheGreatGateway.Andhelooktkeenatme;andItofightalittlethatIbreathe;andafterwarddidmakewithmyhands,thatthemennottocomenearme,neithertotouchMineOwn.AndtheMasterDoctortounderstandthatIdidbetrulystronguntilIdie,anddidbeckonthemenfromme,andfromtheMaid.

AndIstoopt,inalittle,andIliftedMineOwnMaidintominearmsforthatlastjourneying.

AndIcamedownthemightylaneoftheHundredThousand,allintheirgreyarmour.AndtheydidmakesilentsalutewiththeDiskosreversed,eachmanasIpassedhim,anddidbeuttersilent.AndIscarcetowotofaught,savethatalltheworlddidbequietandemptied,andmytasktohavefailed,andMineOwntoliedeadinminearms.Yet,truly,didittohavefailedutter?forIhadsurelysavedMineOwnfromtheterroroftheSecondNightLand,andshenottohavecome

aloneandwithmadnessuntoherdeath;buttohavediedinminearms;andshesurelytohavebeencomfortedwithinherspirit,becausethatmylovedidbesoutterabouther.AndItothinkvaguelyandterriblyonanhundredsweetloveactionsthatshetohaveshownuntome;andsuddenIdidrememberwithadreadfulpainhowthatInevertohavewakedtodiscoverMineOwnMaidkissingmeinmysleep,asItohavemeant.Andamadnessofanguishdidflashsuddenthroughthenumbnessuponmybrain;sothatIdidbeblindedalittle,andsurelywentcrookedinmywalk;forItoknow,sudden,thattheMasterDoctorsteadiedmineelbowforamoment;butafterwarddidleavemebe,asItohaveagaincontrolofmyspirit.

Andlo!asIdrewnighuntotheGreatGateway,thelightsofthePyramidtobegintoglowagainmorestrong,andthemachineryoftheLiftsandtheAirPumpstowork,becausethatnowtheEarth-Currentdidgrowoncemoretonaturalstrength.AndtheytohavepowernowtoopentheGreatGate,whichdidbedonebygreatmachines.

AndtheretocomeforthtomeetmeanumberoftheMastersoftheMightyPyramid;andthedearMasterMonstruwacandidcomebeforethemall,soeagerasthathedidbemineownFather.Andhetohaveheardsomewhat,vaguely,thattheretohavebeenafearforthelifeofthemaidthatIdidbring.

Andsurely,hedidbetoldbyoneneartotheGateway,thattheMaiddidbedeadinminearms;forheandalltheMastersdidpauseandstandsilentformetogoby,anddidreverseeachhisDiskos;andthistohavebeenanHonourshown,thanwhichtheredidbescarceanygreater.

Andtherewentaconstantmurmuringupinthenight,whichdidbethespeechoftheMillions,questioning.AndthenewsthattheMaiddidbedead,wentupwardthroughthemiles.Andmyspirittoknow,asinadream,ofthespiritualnoisewhichdidgooutwardthroughallspace,anddidbethegriefoftheMultitudes,astheydidhearthisthing.Yet,truly,theredidnothingcomfortmeanywise;neitherIproperyettoknowtheverityofmyloss;forIdidgostunned.

AndIcameinthroughtheGreatGateway,andtheFullWatchdidstandtheresilentintheirarmour;andtheymadetheSaluteofHonour.AndIwentonwardwiththedeadMaidthatIdidbringoutofEternity.

Andpresently,theythatwerearound,didguideme,withtheMaidinminearms,

untotheGreatLift.AndItookMineOwnMaidintotheGreatLift;andtheMasterscamewithme,anddidbeintheirarmour;andnonedidspeaktome.AndtheMasterMonstruwacanandtheMasteroftheDoctorsstoodsilenttothesideofme.AndtheredidbeeverywheregreatMultitudes,thatIdidseevaguely;butmyspiritnottowotofthem.

Andlo!Istoodveryquietanddumbaswedidgoupwardthroughthemiles;andtheMillionsoftheCitiesstoodabouttheGreatLift,andtheredidbeagreatsilenceupwardanddownwardthroughthestrangemiles;savefortheweepingofwomenindearsympathy,thatdidsoundfarandlowandconstant.

AndpresentlyItoknowthattheMasterMonstruwacanandtheMasteroftheDoctorsdidlookonetotheother;andItobeawaresuddenthatIstoodinmyblood;forIdidbewoundedinanhundredparts,andthebloodtogoalwayfromme.YetdidtheMasterDoctorbeslowtodoaughtforme,becausethathetoperceivethatIdidbeslainintheheart;andtheretobenopainsodreadfulasthatheshouldbeliketowakemeunto,ifthathewenthastily.

Yet,presently,theredidcomewhirlingsintomyhead;andsomeonedidsurelymaketoeaseMineOwnMaidfromminearms.ButIheldher,dumbly;andthebloodtogothemorefromme;andtheynottoknowwhatshouldbedone.AndItolookatthem.AndthedearMasterMonstruwacandidbesayingsomewhatuntome,thatIdidhavenopowertohear;butonlytoknowthathisfacedidbeveryhuman.Andtherewentastrangenoiseallaboutme;andtheMasterMonstruwacantoseemtoholdmeup,andtobeckontosomethatdidbetomyback.Andlo!therecameablackness,andthegentlenessofarmsaboutminearmour….

AndItocomepresentlytoquietnessandtohalf-dreams;anddidalwaytoseemthatIcarriedMineOwnMaidinminearms.Buttrulytheredidpassthreegreatdays,whilstthatIdidbethus.AndIallthatwhiletobelaidquiet,andtobetendedbytheMasterDoctor,andaidedbyallknowledgethatdidbeknownofHumans.

Andonthethirdday,asitmightbecalled,Itocomefulluntomysenses;andthepaintotakemeinthebreast;andtheMasteroftheDoctorsdidbewithme,andtheythatnurstme;andtheMasterDoctorwatchedmeverykeenandgentle.

AndIdidbeinabedoftheHealthRoomofmineowncity.AndIgatfromthe

bed,andtheDoctortosaynaught;butonlytowatchme.AndIwalkttoandfroalittle,andhealwaytowatchme;andpresentlyhegavemesomewhattodrink;andIdrank.AndIwasgonesoonfromallknowledge.

AndItocomeagainuntoaknowingthatIyettolive;andtherewentacertainstrengthinmybody.Andlo!thefirstthatIdidsee,wastheMasteroftheDoctors;andItoperceiveinamomentthathehadwakenedme,andhadnurstmystrengthforthatmoment,thatIlivethroughtheBurial.Forhetobeverywise,andtohaveknownfromthatfirstseeingofme,thatInottoliveafterthatMineOwndiddie.

Andtherewasbroughttomealoosegarment;butItorefusethegarment,dumbly,anddidlookaboutmeverytroubledandforgetting.AndtheMasterDoctorlooktalwayatme;andlo!inamomenthecalledone,andgaveanorder.Andtherewasbroughtinthenmybrokenarmour,andagarmenttowearbelow.AndIthentoknowthatIdidbecontentinthismatter;andtheDoctoralwaytowatchme.Andtheydrestmeinmybrokenarmour.

Andsurely,astheydrestme,myspirittohearthesorrowandsympathyoftheMultitudes,anddidknowthattheywentdownwardbymillions,untotheCountryofSilence.

Andlo!inthatmomentwhenIneartobeinminearmour,ItomindsuddenagainthatInevertohavewakedtodiscoverMineOwnMaidkissingmeinmysleep.AndthePaingatmeinthebreast,sothatIhadsurelyendedthen,butthattheMasterDoctorsetsomewhattomybreath,thateasedme,andgavesomethingofdullnessuntomysensesforawhile.

AndIdidbecarriedtheninaslinguntotheGreatLift,andtheredidbeabedinthelift,andtheDoctortohavemetolieuponthebed;andItoknowthathealsotoknowthatInevertoneedabedanymore;neithershouldIevertocomeupwardagainintheLift.

AndtrulytheMightyPyramiddidbeanemptyness;fortheredidseemtobeleftonlytheStressMastersthatdidarrangethemovingoftheMillions.AndtheStressMastersdidstandabouttheLift,aswedroptdownwardthroughthegreatmilesuntotheUndergroundFields.AndwecamedownwardinthelastuntotheCountryofSilence,whichdidlieanhundredmilesdeepintheworld,anddidbeanhundredmileseverywayofSilenceuntotheDead.

Andtheythatwerewithme,gatmefromtheLift,anddidmeantocarrymeintheslinguntoTheLastRoad.ButIstooduponmyfeet,andmadethatIshouldwalk,andIheldoutmyhandfortheDiskos,whichonedidcarry.AndtheMasterDoctorsignedthattheyshouldobeyme,asmyspirittoknow.AndIwalktverysteadfastdowntheWaythatdidleaduntoTheLastRoad;andtheMasterDoctorwalktbehindme,alittlespaceoff.

Andsurely,theredidbeallthePeoplesoftheWorldinthatgreatCountry;andthePeoplesdidbespreadoutforever,sofarasmyseeingdidgo;andtheytohavesightofme;andalltheaetherdidbestirredwiththehumannessoftheirsorrowandtheirkindsympathy.Andtheregrewamurmur,whichdidbeliketoalowrollingthunder,anddidbethevoicesofthePeoples.AndtherollingofthatgreathushtSoundwenttoandfroacrossthatmightyCountryofQuiet;andtheretobeafterwardanuttersilence.

AndIsawbelowmetheplaceoftheLastRest,wheredidbethebeginningofTheLastRoad;andtheredidlietherealittlefigure,coveredwithawhiterobe,thatdidglimmerwiththebeauteousworkofwomenthathadstitchtloveandhonourintothatLastGarment.Andsurely,Itorockuponmyfeet,andtosteadymyselfwiththeDiskos;andtheMasterDoctortobeuntomysideinamoment,andgavemeagainsomethingthatIbreathe-in.But,indeed,Itorefuse,afterthatIhadtakenonebreathofthedrug;forItobeabletobearmypainthelittletimethatInowtohavetolive;andItomeanthatIhavenodimnessofmysensesforthoseshortminutesthatIshouldhaveyetnearuntoMineOwn.AndtrulytheMasterDoctordidnotpressmeanywise,buthadaperfectunderstanding,andwentquietagaintotherearward.

AndIcamesoontothatplacewhereMineOwnDeadOnedidlie;andtheMasterMonstruwacanstoodtoherfeet,anddidbeclothedingreyarmour,andhadtheDiskosreversed;andthistobeforanHonouruntoMyDeadMaid.

Andtherekneeledtwomaidsinwhite,onetotherightandonetotheleftofMineOwn,andtheytobeforFaithfulness,anddidbemaids,becausethattheywatchedbyamaid;andhadlikewisebeenmatrons,ifthattheDeadhadbeenwifeuntoany.

AndtheplaceattheHeadoftheLastRestdidbeempty,anddidbeforme;andhethatstoodtothehead,didbeforLove;foritdidbethechief,anddidhold

dominionoveranddidmaketolivebothFaithfulnessandHonour.AndthistobethewayoftheBurialalway.

Andlo!Itookmycourageintomyheart;andIstoodtotheheadofMineOwnMaid;andIlooktdownuponthewondrouswhitegloryofthegarment,whichdidbewhitebecausethatMineOwndidbeaMaid;yetdidbeworkedwithyellowFlowersofWeeping,aswedidcallthem,becausethatshehaddiedinlove.AndItoknowthatnohandhadtouchtthatwonderfulgarment,savethehandsofmaidens.

Andbehold!asIstoodthere,fromfarawayovertheLand,theredidcomeafarandfaintsound;andthesounddidcomemorenigh,sothatIknewthatafaroff,beyondtheHillsoftheBabes,theMillionsdidbegintosingtheCallingSong,whereMilliondidcallhushtuntoMillion,andthesounddidcomeonwardtowardwherewedidbe,anddidgooverus,andpassonwardinahushtandwondrousbreathingofsound,asthatalltheLovethatdidbeeverinthisworld,didcallinalowanguishuntoalostBeloved.AndthesoundtopassawayandawayoverthatmightyCountryinthedeepEarth,anddidhushandhushuntoagreatanduttersilence,saveforafaintmurmurofcountlesswomenweeping,thatdidbeintheairofthatLandofQuiet.

Andtheretobeaspaceofsilence,andagainthesilencetobebrokenbyafarsound;andtheretocomeagainfrombeyondthefarHillsoftheBabesastrangeandlowsound,anddidbeasofawindwanderingthroughdampforests.Andthesoundgrew,andcameacrosstheHillsoftheBabes,anddidbebreathedforthbyMillionafterMillion,sothatinalittleItoheartheSongofWeepingsungverylowandsorrowfulbythemultitudes.AndtheSongcameonwardoverallthatgreatCountry,andpastoverus,andwentonwardintothefarLandbeyondtheDome,anddidbecaughtbythevoicesofMillionsthatdidbehidingreatdistances,andsotogoonwardforever,andtodieatlastuntoamightysilence.

AndtheMasterMonstruwacanlooktatmefromthefeetofMineOwnMaid,andItoknowthatthemomentdidbecomewhenItopartfromtheMaidNaaniforeverandforever,eventhoughItoliveinsomestrangefuture,andtofindhersoulinsomeothersweetchild.AndIstooptandlaidtheDiskosbesideMineOwnMaidthereupontheLastRest;andthetwomaidsdrewbackthelightwonderoftheGarment,andshowedmethefaceofMineOwn,andshetosleepthereforeversosweetandhushtasachild,andasoftItohaveseenhertosleep.

AndIlooktalittlewhile,andthepainofmyheartdidbesufficient,sothatIknewIdiedasIlookt.AndoncemoreIlookt,andIsetmysoulaboutMineOwn.AndIfoughtwithmyself,andstoodupward,andthemaidsdidcoverthefaceofMineOwnMaid.

AndtheMasterMonstruwacancommendedNaaniuntoEternity.AndheraisedtheDiskosreversed;andlo!theRoaddidbegintomoveupwarduntotheDome,andMineOwnMaiddidbeupontheRoad;andItofightthatIkeepbreathing;sothatInottodiebeforeshebelostuttertomysight.

AndtheredidrisenowasoundfromallthatCountrythathadnoorderinit;anddidbeliketoalowmoaningthatdidfillalltheairoftheLand;andtheretobealsoaconstantsound,asofalittlewhistlingdreewindthatdidbeinallthatCountryofQuiet;andtrulythistobemorethananysinging;forittobethetrueweepingofmultitudes,thatdidsorrowfromtheheart,withthegriefofthisthingthatdidbe.

AndIstoodutterstill,anddiddrawmybreathveryeven,andlooktuntothatsmallformthatdidbenowafaroffwhereitdidlieuponthemovingRoadway.AndIgazed,asthatmysoulandallmybeingdidhavenopowerelse,evenasamanthatdies,dothsetallhisstrengthtoalastmovement.AndInottowotthattheMasterMonstruwacanandthetwomaidsdidholdmeup,becausetheytoperceivethatIdidbedying;forIonlytoseeMineOwnLittleOnelyingafaroffuponthemovingoftheLastRoad.

AndtheMaidinthatmomenttocometotheplacewheretheRoaddidpassintothestrangeandluminousvapouroftheEarth-Current,whichdidlieallaboutthebaseoftheDome;andthevapourtobeonlyasafaintshiningsmoke,scarceseen,yettobeenoughtogivesomethingofuncertaintytotheDead,whenthattheydidhavepastinwardofit.

AndIstared,withallthatdidbeleftofmystrength;forMineOwntobegoneutterandforeverinbutalittleminute.Andtheuncertaintyoftheluminousvapourdidclingabouther,andtomakehertoseemunrealtomygaze;forthevapourdidbeinconstantmovement,andtogiveaseemingofshiftingtoandfroofallthatdidbeinit.

Andbehold!asIdidstare,withmydreadfulpain,theredidbesuddenastrangehoarsenoisefromthenearerMillions.Andlo!inaninstanttherecameamighty

ShoutoutofallthatCountry;andtheshoutdidbemadeagain,anddidgrowintoamightyhoarseroaringfromtheMillions,sothatallthatgreatCountrydidbefilledwiththemonstroussound.And,inverity,Itohaveseenthething,likewise;buttohavesetittothemadnessoflongingofmyheartandtothatdesperateanddreadfulpainwhichdidmakemetobecrazedandlostfromallsanethinking.

AndthethingthatIdidsee,hadbeenthattheMaiddidseemtomove,thereupontheLastRoad,whereshedidlie;butindeed,thistohaveappearedonlytobethestirringoftheluminousvapouroftheEarth-Current,whichdidseemtomakethingsshift,asIhavetold.

Andlo!InowtoseetrulythattheMaiddidmovewhereshewaslaidafaroffupontheRoad;andInowtoknow,andtobelievethatshedidindeedlive.Andmylifecameintomewithabounding;yetdidmyheartseemtobeamomentstilledinmybreast.AndtheMasterMonstruwacantohavesignedalreadythattheRoadwaybestopt,andbroughtbackward;butItobenowupontheLastRoad,anddidrunasamadman,shoutingvainlyuponthenameofMineOwn.AndItolearnafterwardthattheretohavebeenadreadfulperilthatallthenearMillionstorushtowardtheLastRoad,andso,mayhap,tohavecausedthedeathofmany,andtohavebeenliketohavecrushtMineOwn.Butthisdangertohavebeeneased,becausethattheWatchMasterdidactveryprompt,andsetthegreatregimentsofhismentokeepbacktheMillions,anddidsendasignalabroadoveralltheCountry,thattheretobecalmness,forthattheMaidshouldbesuccoured.Andalway,whilstthistobe,IdidrunstaggeringmoststrangelyupwardoftheLastRoad;andsurelythatgreatroofdidringandboomwiththeconstantandmightyshoutingsoftheMillions.

AndtheredidrunothersalsoalongtheRoad,tomyback;butItohavebeenthefirst,andtomakeagoodspeed,thoughIdidstaggerandrocksostrangeuponmyfeet;andtheRoadalwaytobemovingbackwardunderme;andsoItobecomewonderfulsoonuntowheretheMaiddidbe.Andshetobeuponherback,andtohavepushttheGarmentfromherface,anddidbelyingwithhereyesopen,andalookofgentlewondermentuponherdearface.Andshethentoseeme,andhereyesdidsmileatme,verygladandquiet;fortheretobeyetanutterweaknessuponher.

Andlo!Icamewithafallingbesideher,andIgatuponmykneesanduponmyhands,andmyheartdidshakemylipstodrywhisperings.Andshetolookweak

andsteadfastuntome,andItolookforeverather;andIdidalwaytrytosaythingsuntoher;butmymouthtorefuseme.

Andunderstandingdidcomeintoher,asalight;andshetoknowinthatinstantthatshetobetrulycomeintotheMightyPyramid,andItohavegathertheresomewise;andshetowakesuddeninherbody,andsetherhandsforthalla-tremblingfromtheGarment,andindreadfultrouble.AndItoseethenthattheblooddidgofromme,constant;andtheMaidtohaveperceivedthisthing,sothatshewaswakedthemoreproperinamomentfromherdeath-swoon.

Andsurely,Ididbleedverydreadful;forallmywoundsdidbeopenedwithmyrunning.AndItohavesuddenpowerwithmylips,anddidsayuntoher,verysimple,thatIlovedher.Andshetobeallinanhazefromme;andItoknowthatshetohavecomelikewiseuntoherknees,anddidhavemyheaduponherbreast;andtheretobeanuttershakingoftheairwithsomegreatsound,andamightyspiritualstirringoftheaetheroftheworld.

AndtheretobethenthevoiceoftheMasterMonstruwacanverydullinmineears;andthelowvoiceoftheMasterDoctor;butInevertohearwhattheydidbesaying;anddidknowonlythatMineOwnMaiddidlive;andInottomeantodie,buttofightuntoliving.AndevenwhilstthatImadethisresolving,Iwasgoneintoanutterblackness.

XVII

THELOVEDAYS

Now,whenthatIgatbackuntolife,ItoknowthatIwentupwardintheLift,anddidbeuponthatsamebed,whereItothinkInevertoneedabedanymore,neithertocomeupwardagainfromoutoftheCountryofSilence.

AndItoknowvagueandstrange,thatthereroseupfromoutofthemightydepthsoftheworld,thedeepthunderoftheUndergroundOrgans,anddidsoundasthattheymadeastrangeandutterdistantmusicbeyonddeath;andtheretogoalwayarollingchaunting,asthatmultitudesdidsingbeyondfarmountains,andthesoundtobesomewhilesasafar-blowingwind,lowintheDeep;andagaintocomeclear,andtobethatgreatoldenmelodyoftheSongofHonour.AndIknew,asinadream,thattheMillionsinthatdeepCountrymadeanHonourandaRejoicingoverthisWonderofJoywhichdidbecome.Butyetalltobefaintandhalfhidfromme,andmineeyestobeasthattheyhadnopowertoopen,andItoseemtobeliftingalwayuponstrangewatersofunrealness.Andtheretobesweetandlovelyodours,andthesetobeofreality,andtocomefromthegreatFields,wheretheflowersdidalwaytogrowaboutthepassagewaysoftheLifts;fortheLifteventhentobegoingupwardthroughthegreatmiles.

AndmayhapImovedalittle;fortherecamethevoiceoftheMasterDoctorlowandgentletome;andbidmerest;forthatalldidbewellwiththeMaid.Andsurely,afterward,Ididbegoneintoanhaze,andtheretobethenaseemingofdaysinwhichIhalftoliveandhalftosleep,andtowonderwithouttroublewhetherIdidbedead.

AndthentheretocomedayswhenIlayveryquiet,andhadnothoughtofaught;andtheMasterDoctorofttobendovermeinthishourandthathour,andtolookkeenintomyface.Andintheend,afterstrangespaces,therebentoverme

another,andtherelooktdownuponmethedearandlovelyfaceofMineOwn,andtheeyesdidspeakloveintomysoul;yetdidshebecalmandhusht.AndItobeginagaintoliveinmybody,andImade,mayhap,alittlefumblingwithmyhands;forshetotakeandtoholdthem;andlifetocomefromhertome;andshetobeeverwordlessandgentle;andcontentmenttogrowinme,andpresentlyanaturalslumber.

AndtherecameadaywhenIdidbeletrise,andtheythattendedme,carriedmetooneoftheQuietGardensofthePyramid;andtheysetmethere,anddidseemtoleavemealone.AndtherecameOnethenaroundabush,andlooktatmeamoment,aswithanhalfshyness;onlythatthelovethatdidshineinhereyes,madetheshynesstobealittlething.And,truly,IknewthatitdidbeMineOwnMaid;butIneverbeforetohaveseenNaanidrestprettyasamaid.AndIlookttoher,andknewthatshedidbemoredaintythanevenItohaveknown.AndsuddenImadethatIrisetocomeuntoher;butshetorunquicktome,thatshestopmeofthisnaturalfoolishness;andshethentositbesideme,andtotakemyheadagainstherbreast,andshenottodenymeherlips;buttobebothamaidandamothertomeinthesamemoment.

Andafterward,shehadmetobeverystill;andwetositthereinanutterdumbhappiness,untiltheythatdidattendme,werecomeagain.AndtheMasteroftheDoctorsdidbewiththem,andItoseethattherewentsomethingofsatisfactioninhisface.

AndafterthatdayIsawMineOwnMaideveryday;andIgatbetteruntohealthwithawondrousquickness;forLovedidmendme.AndsoonIdidbeletgodownwarduntotheFields;butyettogobyprivateways,becausethattheMultitudesshouldbeliketofollowmealway;andItoneedtobequiet.

AndtheMaidtobewithme;fortheMasterMonstruwacanandtheMasteroftheDoctorsdidagreeuponthismatter,andhadanOfficerofMarriagetowedus;andwetobemarriedveryquietandsimple;forIyettobeover-weakforthePublicMarriage,whichwetohavelater;when,truly,theMillionsmadeusaGuardofHonoureightmileshigh,fromthetopuntothebottomoftheMightyPyramid.Butthistohavebeenlater,asIdotell,anddidbeaCeremonialofthePeoples,becausethattheynottobedeniedthattheygivemeanHonour.

AndsurelytheMaidtobewithmealway,anddidbenowmywife,andmystrengthtocomealwayuponme,andMineOwntogrowagainuntoaperfect

health.And,inverity,wedidbenowintheLoveDayswhichdobethemostbeauteous,ifthattheLovetobeTrue.

AndwedidwanderthroughthemightyFieldsatourwill,andwalktintheLovePathsoftheFields,whichdidbealwayaneartothoseplaceswheredidbethevillages.AndItohideourname,lestwetobebesetbyany,outofnaturalcuriousnessandkindliness;forwetoneedtobeuttertogetherandquiet.

Andwetochosethoseplacesforourslumberwherebeautyofflowersdidbemostwondrous;andwetocarrysomewhatoffoodwithus;butalsotoeatwhenwecameuntothevillageswhichdidbehereandthereintheFields,whichweretrulysohugeasCountries.AndMineOwndidmakegoodherpromiseanhundredtimes,asyoushallsay,anddidpreparemeagreatandheartymeal;anddidteasemeutterthatIdidbeaglutton,asIdideat,andkistme,lestthatIhaveeverachancetosayaughtinmineowndefence.Andtruly,shedidbeallthatmyheartandmyspiritdiddesire;andshetohavecompanionedmewithLove,andtohaveenteredmyspiritintoJoy.

AndoncewetogodownwarduntotheCountryofSilence;butnottostayverylongatthattime;becausethatmyMemorydidreturnuponme.Yetintheaftertime,wetowanderthereoftwithMemory,andHolinessofgreatThinkings,andwithLovewhichdothholdall.

AndaswetoleavethatCountry,ItotellMineOwnhowthatwhenshehadbeensuspendofherlifebytheHorridForceoftheHouse,ItohavemindedmewithadreadfulpainthatInevertohavewakedtodiscoverherkissingmewhenthatIdidsleep.AndsurelyMineOwnDearOnedidblushmostlovely,andhadneverknownthatIdidbeawareofhersweetnaughtiness;andshethentohaveallthoughtformineagony,whenthatshedidbedead,eretheVapouroflifeoftheEarth-ForcedidsetherspiritfreeoftheSilence.

Andshetocomeuntomeindearunderstanding.

AndshethentotellmethattheDoctorstosaythatshehadbeen,asitwere,stunnedandfrozeoftheSpirit,andallherBeingandLifesuspend;andthegreatlife-forceoftheEarth-Currenttohavewakedherspirit,andherbodythentoliveandherbloodtoflowproperagain.AndtheDoctorshadtalktmuchandsearchedmuchoflateintheoldenRecordsoftheirWork;andtheytohavefoundsomewhatofonesuchhappeningintheoldentime;buttruly,naughtsuch

tohavebeeneverthroughamightyageofyears.

AndwhilstthatwetowanderandtorestintheFields,IofttotellMineOwnofthismatterandthatmatter;andItoknowthatshehadlearnedsomewhatofoddthings,ereIdidbecometohealth;butnotovermuch;forshealsotohavebeenutteralack,asyoushallthink;andtohavecomefromherbed,whenthatIdidliesostill;fortheMasterDoctortohaveordainedthis,becausehetofearthatItobegoingtrulytodie,ifthathenottodosomewhattoawakenmyspirit.Andinverity,youshallthinkuponthedeepnessofmyLoveasItoknowthatshedidhaveheldmyhandssobraveandgentle,whilstthatshetohavescarcepowertoherfeet.AndItosayalittleholypraiseofMineOwn.

AndsodoIcometomineending;andhavebutonemorethingthatItell.Andthistohappenawhilelater;afterthatMineOwnandIhadgonethroughthesecondmarriagewhichdidbethePublicMarriage.Foritdidbe,thatonedayMyWife,thatdidbeMineOwn,didtakemewithasweetcunninguntotheHallofHonour.Andsurely,whenIwascomethere,ItoseethatmanyofthePeoplesdidbeinthatgreatHall,anddidstandaboutinasilence;yetasthattheyhadnomeaningtodoaught;butyettobethattheydidwaituponsomewhat.

AndMyWifedidgoforwardwithmeuntothecentreplaceoftheHall;andsuddenIsawwhythatshedidbringmesocunningsweet;fortheredidstandinthemidstoftheHallofHonour,inthePlaceofHonour,aStatueofamaninbrokenarmour,thatdidcarryamaidforever.

AndIdidbedumb;andhowofthisAgeshallyoutoknowtheHonourthatthistomeaninthat;foritdidbeanHonourthatwasgivenonlytotheGreatDead;andItobebutayoungman,anddidbesoutterfarofffromgreatness;savethatItolovewithallmyheartandwithallmyspirit,andthereforedeathtobebutalittlethingbeforelove.AndyoutoknowhowLovedothmakesweetandbravetheheart;andtohaveunderstandingwithmeinmyhumblenessandmywonderandmynaturalpridethattheredidanysothinktohonourme.

AndMineOwndidbeweepingwithjoyandhonestprideofherman,besideme.AndtheretobeanuttersilenceofdearsympathyinallthegreatHallofHonour.Andtheythatdidbethere,toletmegoinquietness,withMineOwn,whichdidbealovelythingofunderstanding.

AndItogolovingandthoughtfulwithMineOwnWife;andshetobeverynigh

tome.

AndItohavegainedHonour;yettohavelearnedthatHonourdothbebutastheashofLife,ifthatyounottohaveLove.AndItohaveLove.AndtohaveLoveistohaveall;forthatwhichdothbetrulyLOVEdothmotherHonourandFaithfulness;andtheythreetobuildtheHouseofJoy.

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