Enough? To himself —? Where is it that’s written?
I’ve read it, in youth, in some so-called classic.
In the family prayer-book? Or Solomon’s Proverbs?
Alas, I notice that, year by year,
my memory for dates and for places is fading.
[Seats himself in the shade.]
Here’s a cool spot to rest and to stretch out one’s feet.
Why, look, here are ferns growing-edible roots.
[Eats a little.]
’Twould be fitter food for an animal —
but the text says: Bridle the natural man!
Furthermore it is written: The proud shall be humbled,
and whoso abaseth himself, exalted.
[Uneasily.]
Exalted? Yes, that’s what will happen with me;—
no other result can so much as be thought of.
Fate will assist me away from this place,
and arrange matters so that I get a fresh start.
This is only a trial; deliverance will follow,—
if only the Lord lets me keep my health.
[Dismisses his misgivings, lights a cigar, stretches himself, and gazes out over the desert.]