Blest are they who do not see
Death upon the family,
Friend in trouble, stolen wife,
Ruin of the nation's life."
"Considering the circumstances," said Gold, "I will accompany you. I, too, have a great sorrow." "Of what nature?" asked Swift. "Oh," said Gold, "it is a long story. When we get there, I will tell you in detail."
"But," said the crow, "I travel in the air, you on the ground. How will you accompany me?" And Gold answered: "If you feel concern for the preservation of my life, mount me on your back and carry me very gently."
At this the crow was delighted and said: "If that is possible, then I am blest indeed. There is none more blest than I. Let it be done. For I know the eight flights, Full-Flight and the rest. Thus I shall carry you in comfort."
"My friend," said Gold, "I should like to know the flights by name." And the crow recited:
Full-Flight, Part-Flight, and the Rise,
Great-Flight, and the Curve likewise,
Horizontal, Downward-Flight;
Number eight is called the Light.
After listening to this, Gold mounted the crow, who set off at Full-Flight. And very gently he brought his friend to the lake.
Thereupon Slow saw a mouse riding a crow, and wondering who he might be, plopped into the water—
