"
"It is only," resumed the Shadow, "when our thoughts are not fixed upon
any particular object, that our bodies are subject to all the vagaries
of elemental influences. Generally, amongst worldly men and frivolous
women, we only attach ourselves to some article of furniture or of
dress; and they never doubt that we are mere foolish and vague results
of the dashing of the waves of the light against the solid forms of
which their houses are full. We do not care to tell them the truth, for
they would never see it. But let the worldly man--or the frivolous
woman--and then--"
At each of the pauses indicated, the mass of Shadows throbbed and
heaved with emotion; but they soon settled again into comparative
stillness. Once more the Shadow addressed himself to speak. But
suddenly they all looked up, and the king, following their gaze, saw
that the aurora had begun to pale.
"The moon is rising," said the Shadow. "As soon as she looks over the
mountains into the valley, we must be gone, for we have plenty to do by
the moon; we are powerful in her light. But if your majesty will come
here to-morrow night, your majesty may learn a great deal more about
us, and judge for himself whether it be fit to accord our petition; for
then will be our grand annual assembly, in which we report to our
chiefs the things we have attempted, and the good or bad success we
have had."
"If you send for me," returned the king, "I will come.
Pages:
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52