We
pass him on that he may shine on things that need much heat. No one is
allowed to keep him long, he belongs to all"; and they went on among the
trees.
I said to God, "This is a strange land. I had thought blindness and
maimedness were great evils. Here men make them to a rejoicing."
God said, "Didst thou then think that love had need of eyes and hands!"
And I walked down the shining way with palms on either hand. I said to
God, "Ever since I was a little child and sat alone and cried, I have
dreamed of this land, and now I will not go away again. I will stay here
and shine." And I began to take off my garments, that I might shine as
others in that land; but when I looked down I saw my body gave no light. I
said to God, "How is it?"
God said, "Is there no dark blood in your heart; is it bitter against
none?"
And I said, "Yes--"; and I thought--"Now is the time when I will tell God,
that which I have been, meaning to tell him all along, how badly my fellow-
men have treated me. How they have misunderstood me. How I have intended
to be magnanimous and generous to them, and they--." And I began to tell
God; but when I looked down all the flowers were withering under my breath,
and I was silent.
And God called me to come up higher, and I gathered my mantle about me and
followed him.
And the rocks grew higher and steeper on every side; and we came at last to
a place where a great mountain rose, whose top was lost in the clouds.
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