Taji Makes Three Acquaintances
Down to this period, I had restrained Samoa from wandering to the
neighboring islands, though he had much desired it, in compliance with
the invitations continually received. But now I informed both him, and
his comrade, of the tour I purposed; desiring their company.
Upon the announcement of my intention to depart, to my no small
surprise Media also proposed to accompany me: a proposition gladly
embraced. It seems, that for some reason, he had not as yet extended
his travels to the more distant islands. Hence the voyage in prospect
was particularly agreeable to him. Nor did he forbear any pains to
insure its prosperity; assuring me, furthermore, that its object must
eventually be crowned with success. “I myself am interested in this
pursuit,” said he; “and trust me, Yillah will be found.”
For the tour of the lagoon, the docile Chamois was proposed; but Media
dissented; saying, that it befitted not the lord of Odo to voyage in
the equipage of his guest. Therefore, three canoes were selected from
his own royal fleet.
One for ourselves, and a trio of companions whom he purposed
introducing to my notice; the rest were reserved for attendants.
Thanks to Media’s taste and heedfulness, the strangers above mentioned
proved truly acceptable.
The first was Mohi, or Braid-Beard, so called from the manner in which
he wore that appendage, exceedingly long and gray. He was a venerable
teller of stories and legends, one of the Keepers of the Chronicles of
the Kings of Mardi.
The second was Babbalanja, a man of a mystical aspect, habited in a
voluminous robe. He was learned in Mardian lore; much given to
quotations from ancient and obsolete authorities: the Ponderings of Old
Bardianna: the Pandects of Alla-Malolla.
Third and last, was Yoomy, or the Warbler. A youthful, long-haired,
blue-eyed minstrel; all fits and starts; at times, absent of mind, and
wan of cheek; but always very neat and pretty in his apparel; wearing
the most becoming of turbans, a Bird of Paradise feather its plume, and
sporting the gayest of sashes. Most given was Yoomy to amorous
melodies, and rondos, and roundelays, very witching to hear. But at
times disdaining the oaten reed, like a clarion he burst forth with
lusty lays of arms and battle; or, in mournful strains, sounded elegies
for departed bards and heroes.
Thus much for Yoomy as a minstrel. In other respects, it would be hard
to depict him. He was so capricious a mortal; so swayed by contrary
moods; so lofty, so humble, so sad, so merry; so made up of a thousand
contradictions, that we must e’en let him depict himself as our story
progresses. And herein it is hoped he will succeed; since no one in
Mardi comprehended him.
Now the trio, thus destined for companions on our voyage, had for some
time been anxious to take the tour of the Archipelago. In particular,
Babbalanja had often expressed the most ardent desire to visit every
one of the isles, in quest of some object, mysteriously hinted. He
murmured deep concern for my loss, the sincerest sympathy; and pressing
my hand more than once, said lowly, “Your pursuit is mine, noble Taji.
Where’er you search, I follow.”
So, too, Yoomy addressed me; but with still more feeling. And something
like this, also, Braid-Beard repeated.
But to my sorrow, I marked that both Mohi and Babbalanja, especially
the last, seemed not so buoyant of hope, concerning lost Yillah, as the
youthful Yoomy, and his high-spirited lord, King Media.
As our voyage would embrace no small period of time, it behoved King
Media to appoint some trustworthy regent, to rule during his absence.
This regent was found in Almanni, a stem-eyed, resolute warrior, a
kinsman of the king.
All things at last in readiness, and the ensuing morning appointed for
a start, Media, on the beach, at eventide, when both light and water
waned, drew a rude map of the lagoon, to compensate for the
obstructions in the way of a comprehensive glance at it from Odo.
And thus was sketched the plan of our voyage; which islands first to
visit; and which to touch at, when we should be homeward bound.