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Mardi and A Voyage Thither, Volume 1, a novel by Herman Melville |
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Chapter 101. The Iris |
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_ CHAPTER CI. The Iris That evening, in the groves, came to me three gliding forms:--Hautia's heralds: the Iris mixed with nettles. Said Yoomy, "A cruel message!" With the right hand, the second syren presented glossy, green wax- myrtle berries, those that burn like tapers; the third, a lily of the valley, crushed in its own broad leaf. This done, they earnestly eyed Yoomy; who, after much pondering, said--"I speak for Hautia; who by these berries says, I will enlighten you." "Oh, give me then that light! say, where is Yillah?" and I rushed upon the heralds. But eluding me, they looked reproachfully at Yoomy; and seemed offended. "Then, I am wrong," said Yoomy. "It is thus:--Taji, you have been enlightened, but the lily you seek is crushed." Then fell my heart, and the phantoms nodded; flinging upon me bilberries, like rose pearls, which bruised against my skin, left stains. Waving oleanders, they retreated. "Harm! treachery! beware!" cried Yoomy. Then they glided through the wood: one showering dead leaves along the path I trod, the others gayly waving bunches of spring-crocuses, yellow, white, and purple; and thus they vanished. Said Yoomy, "Sad your path, but merry Hautia's." "Then merry may she be, whoe'er she is; and though woe be mine, I turn not from that to Hautia; nor ever will I woo her, though she woo me till I die;--though Yillah never bless my eyes." _ |
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