44
Orion.
[Book II.
As we of yore were taught, and found enough
For all our needs, and for our songs and prayers.
Yet had he, as it seemed, some plan within,
And ever tended to some central point
In some place—nought more could I understand:
Wherefore I deem that he is surely mad."
"And so deem I,"—rejoined Encolyon:
"Ever advancing—working a new way—
Tasking his heart, forgetful of his life
And present good—of madness the sure sign."
For all our needs, and for our songs and prayers.
Yet had he, as it seemed, some plan within,
And ever tended to some central point
In some place—nought more could I understand:
Wherefore I deem that he is surely mad."
"And so deem I,"—rejoined Encolyon:
"Ever advancing—working a new way—
Tasking his heart, forgetful of his life
And present good—of madness the sure sign."
While thus they talked, Harpax with speed approached,
Shouting his tidings—"Merope loves Orion—
Orion hath gone mad for Merope!"
The twain who had erewhile the cause discerned,
And signs of reason's loss, at this fresh news,
So little dreamed-of from his recent mood,
A minute looked each other in the face
With sheep-like gravity, then backward sank
Against the tree, loud laughing. "This were good,"
Checking his laughter with a straight-lined face,
Encolyon said, "if not too deeply burning,
And that a power within himself he hold
To pause at will." But Harpax quick rejoined,
Shouting his tidings—"Merope loves Orion—
Orion hath gone mad for Merope!"
The twain who had erewhile the cause discerned,
And signs of reason's loss, at this fresh news,
So little dreamed-of from his recent mood,
A minute looked each other in the face
With sheep-like gravity, then backward sank
Against the tree, loud laughing. "This were good,"
Checking his laughter with a straight-lined face,
Encolyon said, "if not too deeply burning,
And that a power within himself he hold
To pause at will." But Harpax quick rejoined,
