Part 10 (1/2)
”Not more?”
”They were one,” repeated the prophet. ”My son, your soul is sick. It is sick with sorrow and love. Love is strong, but wisdom is stronger. Gather wisdom, my son. My child, I can see into your soul. I see it lying tortured and trembling.”
”There is no comfort if I do not find her!”
”There is comfort. Isis seeking for Osiris recovered all the pieces of his body except that piece which fructified her. And yet she found comfort, in the end.”
”Give me comfort, holy father.”
”I am wisdom, child, and you are young. Serve wisdom, but honour love.”
”Father, why did the pirates resemble one another?”
”Because they were one.”
”One pirate?”
”One pirate.”
”Where is Ilia, father?”
”My son, even my wisdom does not tell me that whereof you have not dreamed. You dreamed of many pirates, who resembled one another like doubles. There was one pirate, my child.”
”Who was he?”
”Did Serapis conjure up his image before you?”
”I no longer see it.”
”Then go in peace. And let love and wisdom comfort you.”
Lucius went. On the threshold of the pyramid he met an hetaira. She glittered like an idol in her ceremonial garb, sewn with jewels, and looked at him with painted eyes.
”It's Tamyris, my lord,” said Caleb. ”She is going to consult Amphris. She has paid a talent! Has Amphris interpreted your dream? The door-keeper, who also is wise, has interpreted mine for me! And for only five drachmae.”
”One pirate! One pirate!” murmured Lucius.
And he clenched his fists, impotently....
The mult.i.tude streamed away along the terraces. The barges glided back on the ca.n.a.l, in the night.
And constantly, near the pleasure-houses and taverns, the vessels stopped and the dreamers alighted.
Here mead flowed and foaming golden beer and heavy Mareotis wines and the intoxicating liqueurs of Napata. Here the naked women, who beckoned with lotus-stalks, twisted in the dance.
”Back!” cried Lucius. ”Back to Alexandria!”