How Donjalolo, Sent Agents To The Surrounding Isles; With The Result
Ere recounting what was beheld on entering the House of the Morning,
some previous information is needful. Though so many of Donjalolo’s
days were consumed by sloth and luxury, there came to him certain
intervals of thoughtfulness, when all his curiosity concerning the
things of outer Mardi revived with augmented intensity. In these moods,
he would send abroad deputations, inviting to Willamilla the kings of
the neighboring islands; together with the most celebrated priests,
bards, story-tellers, magicians, and wise men; that he might hear them
converse of those things, which he could not behold for himself.
But at last, he bethought him, that the various narrations he had
heard, could not have been otherwise than unavoidably faulty; by reason
that they had been principally obtained from the inhabitants of the
countries described; who, very naturally, must have been inclined to
partiality or uncandidness in their statements. Wherefore he had very
lately dispatched to the isles special agents of his own; honest of
heart, keen of eye, and shrewd of understanding; to seek out every
thing that promised to illuminate him concerning the places they
visited, and also to collect various specimens of interesting objects;
so that at last he might avail himself of the researches of others, and
see with their eyes.
But though two observers were sent to every one of the neighboring
lands; yet each was to act independently; make his own inquiries; form
his own conclusions; and return with his own specimens; wholly
regardless of the proceedings of the other.
It so came to pass, that on the very day of our arrival in the glen,
these pilgrims returned from their travels. And Donjalolo had set apart
the following morning to giving them a grand public reception. And it
was to this, that our party had been invited, as related in the chapter
preceding.
In the great Palm-hall of the House of the Morning, we were assigned
distinguished mats, to the right of the prince; his chiefs, attendants,
and subjects assembled in the open colonnades without.
When all was in readiness, in marched the company of savans and
travelers; and humbly standing in a semi-circle before the king, their
numerous hampers were deposited at their feet.
Donjalolo was now in high spirits, thinking of the rich store of
reliable information about to be furnished.
“Zuma,” said he, addressing the foremost of the company, “you and
Varnopi were directed to explore the island of Rafona. Proceed now, and
relate all you know of that place. Your narration heard, we will list
to Varnopi.”
With a profound inclination the traveler obeyed.
But soon Donjalolo interrupted him. “What say you, Zuma, about the
secret cavern, and the treasures therein? A very different account,
this, from all I have heard hitherto; but perhaps yours is the true
version. Go on.”
But very soon, poor Zuma was again interrupted by exclamations of
surprise. Nay, even to the very end of his mountings.
But when he had done, Donjalolo observed, that if from any cause Zuma
was in error or obscure, Varnopi would not fail to set him right.
So Varnopi was called upon.
But not long had Varnopi proceeded, when Donjalolo changed color.
“What!” he exclaimed, “will ye contradict each other before our very
face. Oh Oro! how hard is truth to be come at by proxy! Fifty accounts
have I had of Rafona; none of which wholly agreed; and here, these two
varlets, sent expressly to behold and report, these two lying knaves,
speak crookedly both. How is it? Are the lenses in their eyes
diverse-hued, that objects seem different to both; for undeniable is
it, that the things they thus clashingly speak of are to be known for
the same; though represented with unlike colors and qualities. But dumb
things can not lie nor err. Unpack thy hampers, Zuma. Here, bring them
close: now: what is this?”
“That,” tremblingly replied Zuma, “is a specimen of the famous reef-
bar on the west side of the island of Rafona; your highness perceives
its deep red dyes.”
Said Donjalolo, “Varnopi, hast thou a piece of this coral, also?”
“I have, your highness,” said Varnopi; “here it is.”
Taking it from his hand, Donjalolo gazed at its bleached, white hue;
then dashing it to the pavement, “Oh mighty Oro! Truth dwells in her
fountains; where every one must drink for himself. For me, vain all
hope of ever knowing Mardi! Away! Better know nothing, than be
deceived. Break up!”
And Donjalolo rose, and retired.
All present now broke out in a storm of vociferation; some siding with
Zuma; others with Varnopi; each of whom, in turn, was declared the man
to be relied upon.
Marking all this, Babbalanja, who had been silently looking on, leaning
against one of the palm pillars, quietly observed to Media:— “My lord,
I have seen this same reef at Rafona. In various places, it is of
various hues. As for Zuma and Varnopi, both are wrong, and both are
right.”