And she took the girdle from her
waist that she had treasured so long, and the moths flew out of it in a
cloud. And he said, "Take the shoes of dependence off your feet."
And she stood there naked, but for one white garment that clung close to
her.
And he said, "That you may keep. So they wear clothes in the Land of
Freedom. In the water it buoys; it always swims."
And I saw on its breast was written Truth; and it was white; the sun had
not often shone on it; the other clothes had covered it up. And he said,
"Take this stick; hold it fast. In that day when it slips from your hand
you are lost. Put it down before you; feel your way: where it cannot find
a bottom do not set your foot."
And she said, "I am ready; let me go."
And he said, "No--but stay; what is that--in your breast?"
She was silent.
He said, "Open it, and let me see."
And she opened it. And against her breast was a tiny thing, who drank from
it, and the yellow curls above his forehead pressed against it; and his
knees were drawn up to her, and he held her breast fast with his hands.
And Reason said, "Who is he, and what is he doing here?"
And she said, "See his little wings--"
And Reason said, "Put him down."
And she said, "He is asleep, and he is drinking! I will carry him to the
Land of Freedom. He has been a child so long, so long, I have carried him.
In the Land of Freedom he will be a man. We will walk together there, and
his great white wings will overshadow me.
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