tablet from the head of Roland Spoon-bill's grave, which was on the very edge of the river.
"The river-god is a person of whims like the rest of us. And so that year, on the day that Delilah and Auden Spoon-bill went down the river to eat lotus flowers, he gave vent to one of them. He thought to send a premonition of the yearly flood in the shape of one beautiful green and purple and white wave, one which would not go so very far but which should be damaging in its effects.
"'Delilah,' said Auden Spoon-bill, 'since we are here eating lotus flowers, life is very fine, isn't it?'
"'Oh, very fine—yes, very fine,' said Delilah, and was thrilled.
"'You are a so dear friend,' said Auden Spoon-bill.
"'Yes,' said Delilah, and was not thrilled.
