"My son, it is said 'To return a word before hearing the matter is
folly.' But also, 'Every man shall kiss the lips of him who answereth
fit words.' And further, 'To the aged every stranger shall be a staff,
nor shall he twice inquire his way.' Though I may not scan thy face,
thou scannest mine; and I, who now am blind, have been a seer in
Israel."
As he ceased, another figure--a woman's--stepped out, as it seemed to
him, from behind the man; stepped forward and touched him on the arm.
"Hail, then, Elisha, son of Shaphat!"
"Thou knowest? . . ."
"Who better than Miriam of Shunem? Put near thy face and look."
"My eyes are very dim."
"And the oaks are higher than Shunem. My face has changed: my voice
also."
"For the moment it was strange to me. As I came along I was reckoning
thy years at three-score."
"Mayst add five."
"We may not complain. And thy son, how fares he?"
"That is he, behind us. He is a good son, and leaves his elders to
speak first. If we sit awhile and talk he will wait for us."
"And thy house and the farm-steading?"