Tiffin In A Temple
Upon at last drawing nigh to Odo, its appearance somewhat disappointed
me. A small island, of moderate elevation.
But plumb not the height of the house that feasts you. The beach was
lined with expectant natives, who, lifting the Chamois, carried us up
the beach.
Alighting, as they were bearing us along, King Media, designating a
canoe-house hard by, ordered our craft to be deposited therein. This
being done, we stepped upon the soil. It was the first we had pressed
in very many days. It sent a sympathetic thrill through our frames.
Turning his steps inland, Media signed us to follow.
Soon we came to a rude sort of inclosure, fenced in by an imposing
wall. Here a halt was sounded, and in great haste the natives proceeded
to throw down a portion of the stones. This accomplished, we were
signed to enter the fortress thus carried by storm. Upon an artificial
mound, opposite the breach, stood a small structure of bamboo, open in
front. Within, was a long pedestal, like a settee, supporting three
images, also of wood, and about the size of men; bearing, likewise, a
remote resemblance to that species of animated nature. Before these
idols was an altar, and at its base many fine mats.
Entering the temple, as if he felt very much at home, Media disposed
these mats so as to form a very pleasant lounge; where he deferentially
entreated Yillah to recline. Then deliberately removing the first idol,
he motioned me to seat myself in its place. Setting aside the middle
one, he quietly established himself in its stead. The displaced
ciphers, meanwhile, standing upright before us, and their blank faces
looking upon this occasion unusually expressive. As yet, not a syllable
as to the meaning of this cavalier treatment of their wooden godships.
We now tranquilly awaited what next might happen, and I earnestly
prayed, that if sacrilege was being committed, the vengeance of the
gods might be averted from an ignoramus like me; notwithstanding the
petitioner himself hailed from the other world. Perfect silence was
preserved: Jarl and Samoa standing a little without the temple; the
first looking quite composed, but his comrade casting wondering glances
at my sociable apotheosis with Media.
Now happening to glance upon the image last removed, I was not long in
detecting a certain resemblance between it and our host. Both were
decorated in the same manner; the carving on the idol exactly
corresponding with the tattooing of the king.
Presently, the silence was relieved by a commotion without: and a
butler approached, staggering under an immense wooden trencher; which,
with profound genuflexions, he deposited upon the altar before us. The
tray was loaded like any harvest wain; heaped up with good things
sundry and divers: Bread-fruit, and cocoanuts, and plantains, and
guavas; all pleasant to the eye, and furnishing good earnest of
something equally pleasant to the palate.
Transported at the sight of these viands, after so long an estrangement
from full indulgence in things green, I was forthwith proceeding to
help Yillah and myself, when, like lightning, a most unwelcome query
obtruded. Did deities dine? Then also recurred what Media had declared
about my shrine in Odo. Was this it? Self- sacrilegious demigod that I
was, was I going to gluttonize on the very offerings, laid before me in
my own sacred fane? Give heed to thy ways, oh Taji, lest thou stumble
and be lost.
But hereupon, what saw we, but his cool majesty of Odo tranquilly
proceeding to lunch in the temple?
How now? Was Media too a god? Egad, it must be so. Else, why his image
here in the fane, and the original so entirely at his ease, with legs
full cosily tucked away under the very altar itself. This put to flight
all appalling apprehensions of the necessity of starving to keep up the
assumption of my divinity. So without more ado I helped myself right
and left; taking the best care of Yillah; who over fed her flushed
beauty with juicy fruits, thereby transferring to her cheek the sweet
glow of the guava.
Our hunger appeased, and Media in token thereof celestially laying his
hand upon the appropriate region, we proceeded to quit the inclosure.
But coming to the wall where the breach had been made, lo, and behold,
no breach was to be seen. But down it came tumbling again, and forth we
issued.
This overthrowing of walls, be it known, is an incidental compliment
paid distinguished personages in this part of Mardi. It would seem to
signify, that such gentry can go nowhere without creating an
impression; even upon the most obdurate substances.
But to return to our ambrosial lunch.
Sublimate, as you will, the idea of our ethereality as intellectual
beings; no sensible man can harbor a doubt, but that there is a vast
deal of satisfaction in dining. More: there is a savor of life and
immortality in substantial fare. Like balloons, we are nothing till
filled.
And well knowing this, nature has provided this jolly round board, our
globe, which in an endless sequence of courses and crops, spreads a
perpetual feast. Though, as with most public banquets, there is no
small crowding, and many go away famished from plenty.