He very frankly
counselled me not to venture unconducted further into this country.
The land of Tragedy was broad. And though on this side it lay adjacent
to the naive and civil people of Comedy; on the further, in the shadow
of those bleak, unfooted mountains, lurked unnatural horror and
desolation, and cruelty beyond all telling.
He very kindly offered me too, if I was indeed bent on seeking the
sea, an old boat, still seaworthy, that lay in a creek in the river
near by, from which he was wont to fish. As for Rosinante, he supposed
a rest would be by no means unwelcome to so faithful a friend. He
himself rode little, being indolent, and a happier host than guest;
and when I returned here, she should be stuffed with dainties awaiting
me.
To this I cordially and gratefully agreed; and also even more
cordially to remain with him the next day; and the next night after
that to take my watery departure.
So it was. And a courteous, versatile, and vivacious companion I found
him. Rare tales he told me, too, of better days than these, and rarest
of his own never-more-returning youth.
Pages:
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161