Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. II | Page 3

but the shores of Maramma were silent, and forlorn.
Said Babbalanja, "It looks not as if the lost one were here."
At length we landed in a little cove nigh a valley, which Mohi called

Uma; and here in silence we beached our canoes.
But presently, there came to us an old man, with a beard white as the
mane of the pale horse. He was clad in a midnight robe. He fanned
himself with a fan of faded leaves. A child led him by the hand, for he
was blind, wearing a green plantain leaf over his plaited brow.
Him, Media accosted, making mention who we were, and on what
errand we came: to seek out Yillah, and behold the isle.
Whereupon Pani, for such was his name, gave us a courteous reception;
and lavishly promised to discover sweet Yillah; declaring that in
Maramma, if any where, the long-lost maiden must be found. He
assured us, that throughout the whole land he would lead us; leaving no
place, desirable to be searched, unexplored.
And so saying, he conducted us to his dwelling, for refreshment and
repose.
It was large and lofty. Near by, however, were many miserable hovels,
with squalid inmates. But the old man's retreat was exceedingly
comfortable; especially abounding in mats for lounging; his rafters
were bowed down by calabashes of good cheer.
During the repast which ensued, blind Pani, freely partaking, enlarged
upon the merit of abstinence; declaring that a thatch overhead, and a
cocoanut tree, comprised all that was necessary for the temporal
welfare of a Mardian. More than this, he assured us was sinful.
He now made known, that he officiated as guide in this quarter of the
country; and that as he had renounced all other pursuits to devote
himself to showing strangers the island; and more particularly the best
way to ascend lofty Ofo; he was necessitated to seek remuneration for
his toil.
"My lord," then whispered Mohi to Media "the great prophet Alma
always declared, that, without charge, this island was free to all."
"What recompense do you desire, old man?" said Media to Path.
"What I seek is but little:--twenty rolls of fine tappa; two score mats of
best upland grass; one canoe-load of bread-fruit and yams; ten gourds
of wine; and forty strings of teeth;--you are a large company, but my
requisitions are small."
"Very small," said Mohi.
"You are extortionate, good Pani," said Media. "And what wants an
aged mortal like you with all these things?"

"I thought superfluities were worthless; nay, sinful," said Babbalanja.
"Is not this your habitation already more than abundantly supplied with
all desirable furnishings?" asked Yoomy.
"I am but a lowly laborer," said the old man, meekly crossing his arms,
"but does not the lowliest laborer ask and receive his reward? and shall
I miss mine?--But I beg charity of none. What I ask, I demand; and in
the dread name of great Alma, who appointed me a guide." And to and
fro he strode, groping as he went.
Marking his blindness, whispered Babbalanja to Media, "My lord,
methinks this Pani must be a poor guide. In his journeys inland, his
little child leads him; why not, then, take the guide's guide?"
But Pani would not part with the child.
Then said Mohi in a low voice, "My lord Media, though I am no
appointed guide; yet, will I undertake to lead you aright over all this
island; for I am an old man, and have been here oft by myself; though I
can not undertake to conduct you up the peak of Ofo, and to the more
secret temples."
Then Pani said: "and what mortal may this be, who pretends to thread
the labyrinthine wilds of Maramma? Beware!"
"He is one with eyes that see," made answer Babbalanja.
"Follow him not," said Pani, "for he will lead thee astray; no Yillah will
he find; and having no warrant as a guide, the curses of Alma will
accompany him."
Now, this was not altogether without effect; for Pani and his fathers
before him had always filled the office of guide.
Nevertheless, Media at last decided, that, this time, Mohi should
conduct us; which being communicated to Pani, he desired us to
remove from his roof. So withdrawing to the skirt of a neighboring
grove, we lingered awhile, to refresh ourselves for the journey in
prospect.
As we here reclined, there came up from the sea-side a party of
pilgrims, but newly arrived.
Apprized of their coming, Path and his child went out to meet them;
and standing in the path he cried, "I am the appointed guide; in the
name of Alma I conduct all pilgrims to the temples."
"This must be the worthy Path," said one of the strangers, turning upon
the rest.

"Let us