ON THE DRY LAND
and not such a one as any should be sorry for when I go, or one to be regretted, or even cared for at all."
And still the old man spoke not, but wept softly; and Love grieved bitterly in his kindly heart.
And Love said: "Because I am so small my strength has been concealed from you, and the evil that I have done. But my strength is great, and I have used it unjustly. Often I pushed you from the causeway through the marshes, and cared not if you drowned. Often I mocked you, and caused others to mock you. And often I led you among those that hated me, and laughed when they revenged themselves upon you.
"So weep not, for there is no kindness in my heart, but only murder and foolishness, and I am no companion for one so wise as you, but am so frivolous and silly that I laughed
241
