Page:The Shaving of Shagpat.djvu/264

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244
THE SHAVING OF SHAGPAT

that I was tripped by my own conceit; the poet counselleth:


"When for any mighty end thou hast the aid of heaven,
Mount until thy strength shall match those great means which are given":


nor that I was overthrown in despising mine enemy, forgetful of the saying of the sage:


"Read the features of thy foe, wherever he may find thee,
Small he is, seen face to face, but thrice his size behind thee."


Wullahy! this Karaz is a Genie of craft and resources, one of a mighty stock, and I must close with Shagpat to be sure of him; and that I am not deceived by semblances, opposing guile with guile, and guile deeper than his, for that he awaiteth it not, thinking I have leaped in fancy beyond the Event, and am puffed by the after-breaths of adulation, I!—thinking I pluck the blossoms in my hunger for the fruit, that I eat the chick of the yet unlaid egg, O Feshnavat. As is said, and the warrior beareth witness to the wisdom of it:


"His weapon I'll study, my own conceal;
So with two arms to his one shall I deal."


The same also testifieth:


"'Tis folly of the hero, though resistless in the field,
To stake the victory on his steel, and fling away the shield."


And likewise:


"Examine thine armour in every joint,
For slain was the Giant, and by a pin's point."