Part 10 (2/2)

And Sonda Marco brought as bade His pupils to the royal knee.

Three pa.s.sed the monarch's test severe, The fourth remained: then spake the king, ”Now, Prehlad, with attention hear, I know thou hast the strongest wing!

”What is the cream of knowledge, child, Which men take such great pains to learn?”

With folded hands he answered mild: ”Listen, O Sire! To speak I yearn.

All sciences are nothing worth,-- Astronomy that tracks the star, Geography that maps the earth, Logic, and Politics, and War,--

”And Medicine, that strives to heal But only aggravates disease, All, all are futile,--so I feel, For me, O father, none of these.

That is true knowledge which can show The glory of the living G.o.ds,-- Divest of pride, make men below Humble and happy, though but clods.

”That is true knowledge which can make Us mortals, saintlike, holy, pure, The strange thirst of the spirit slake And strengthen suffering to endure.

That is true knowledge which can change Our very natures, with its glow; The sciences whate'er their range Feed but the flesh, and make a show.”

”Where hast thou learnt this nonsense, boy?

Where live these G.o.ds believed so great?

Can they like me thy life destroy?

Have they such troops and royal state?

Above all G.o.ds is he who rules The wide, wide earth, from sea to sea, Men, devils, G.o.ds,--yea, all but fools Bow down in fear and wors.h.i.+p me!

”And dares an atom from my loins Against my kingly power rebel?

Though heaven itself to aid him joins, His end is death--the infidel!

I warn thee yet,--bow down, thou slave, And wors.h.i.+p me, or thou shalt die!

We'll see what G.o.ds descend to save-- What G.o.ds with me their strength will try!”

Thus spake the monarch in his ire, One hand outstretched, in menace rude, And eyes like blazing coals of fire.

And Prehlad, in unruffled mood Straight answered him; his head bent low, His palms joined meekly on his breast As ever, and his cheeks aglow His rock-firm purpose to attest.

”Let not my words, Sire, give offence, To thee, and to my mother, both I give as due all reverence, And to obey thee am not loth.

But higher duties sometimes clash With lower,--then these last must go,-- Or there will come a fearful crash In lamentation, fear, and woe!

”The G.o.ds who made us are the life Of living creatures, small and great; We see them not, but s.p.a.ce is rife With their bright presence and their state.

They are the parents of us all, 'Tis they create, sustain, redeem, Heaven, earth and h.e.l.l, they hold in thrall, And shall we these high G.o.ds blaspheme?

”Blest is the man whose heart obeys And makes their law of life his guide, He shall be led in all his ways, His footsteps shall not ever slide; In forests dim, on raging seas, In certain peace shall he abide, What though he all the world displease, His G.o.ds shall all his wants provide!”

”Cease, babbler! 'tis enough! I know Thy proud, rebellious nature well.

Ho! Captain of our lifeguards, ho!

Take down this lad to dungeon-cell, And bid the executioner wait Our orders.” All unmoved and calm, He went, as reckless of his fate, Erect and stately as a palm.

Hushed was the hall, as down he past, No breath, no whisper, not a sign, Through ranks of courtiers, all aghast Like beaten hounds that dare not whine.

Outside the door, the Captain spoke, ”Recant,” he said beneath his breath; ”The lion's anger to provoke Is death, O prince, is certain death.”

”Thanks,” said the prince,--”I have revolved The question in my mind with care, Do what you will,--I am resolved, To do the right, all deaths I dare.

The G.o.ds, perhaps, may please to spare My tender years; if not,--why, still I never shall my faith forswear, I can but say, be done their will.”

Whether in pity for the youth, The headsman would not rightly ply The weapon, or the G.o.ds in truth Had ordered that he should not die, Soon to the king there came report The sword would not destroy his son, The council held thereon was short, The king's look frightened every one.

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