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70 FERISHTAH'S FANCIES.

And sighs — ' Well-saffroned was that barley-soup I '

Can wisdom co -exist with — gorge-and-swill

I say not, — simply sensual preference

For this or that fantastic meat and drink ?

Moreover, wind blows sharper than its wont

This morning, and thou hast already donned

Thy sheepskin over-garment : sure the sage

Is busied with conceits that soar above

A pett>- change of season and its chance

Of causing ordinary flesh to sneeze ?

I always thought. Sir "...

"Son," Ferishtah said, " Truth ought to seem as never thought before. How if I give it birth in parable ? A neighbour owns two camels, beasts of price