They Visit The Tributary Islets
In Willamilla, no Yillah being found, on the third day we took leave of
Donjalolo; who lavished upon us many caresses and, somewhat reluctantly
on Media’s part, we quitted the vale.
One by one, we now visited the outer villages of Juam; and crossing the
waters, wandered several days among its tributary isles. There we saw
the viceroys of him who reigned in the hollow: chieftains of whom
Donjalolo was proud; so honest, humble, and faithful; so bent upon
ameliorating the condition of those under their rule. For, be it said,
Donjalolo was a charitable prince; in his serious intervals, ever
seeking the welfare of his subjects, though after an imperial view of
his own. But alas, in that sunny donjon among the mountains, where he
dwelt, how could Donjalolo be sure, that the things he decreed were
executed in regions forever remote from his view. Ah! very bland, very
innocent, very pious, the faces his viceroys presented during their
monthly visits to Willamilla. But as cruel their visage, when, returned
to their islets, they abandoned themselves to all the license of
tyrants; like Verres reveling down the rights of the Sicilians.
Like Carmelites, they came to Donjalolo, barefooted; but in their
homes, their proud latchets were tied by their slaves. Before their
king-belted prince, they stood rope-girdled like self-abased monks of
St. Francis; but with those ropes, before their palaces, they hung
Innocence and Truth.
As still seeking Yillah, and still disappointed, we roved through the
lands which these chieftains ruled, Babbalanja exclaimed—“Let us
depart; idle our search, in isles that have viceroys for kings.”
At early dawn, about embarking for a distant land, there came to us
certain messengers of Donjalolo, saying that their lord the king,
repenting of so soon parting company with Media and Taji, besought them
to return with all haste; for that very morning, in Willamilla, a regal
banquet was preparing; to which many neighboring kings had been
invited, most of whom had already arrived.
Declaring that there was no alternative but compliance, Media acceded;
and with the king’s messengers we returned to the glen.