Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. II | Page 7

There, they must
decay, in honor of the god Ananna; for so this dead tree was
denominated by Mohi.
Now, as we were thus strolling about the Morai, the old chronicler
elucidating its mysteries, we suddenly spied Pani and the pilgrims
approaching the image of Doleema; his child leading the guide.
"This," began Pani, pointing to the idol of stone, "is the holy god
Ananna who lives in the sap of this green and flourishing tree."
"Thou meanest not, surely, this stone image we behold?" said Divino.
"I mean the tree," said the guide. "It is no stone image."
"Strange," muttered the chief; "were it not a guide that spoke, I would
deny it. As it is, I hold my peace."
"Mystery of mysteries!" cried the blind old pilgrim; "is it, then, a stone
image that Pani calls a tree? Oh, Oro, that I had eyes to see, that I might
verily behold it, and then believe it to be what it is not; that so I might
prove the largeness of my faith; and so merit the blessing of Alma."

"Thrice sacred Ananna," murmured the sad-eyed maiden, falling upon
her knees before Doleema, "receive my adoration. Of thee, I know
nothing, but what the guide has spoken. I am but a poor, weak-minded
maiden, judging not for myself, but leaning upon others that are wiser.
These things are above me. I am afraid to think. In Alma's name,
receive my homage."
And she flung flowers before the god.
But Fauna, the hale matron, turning upon Pani, exclaimed, "Receive
more gifts, oh guide." And again she showered them upon him.
Upon this, the willful boy who would not have Pani for his guide,
entered the Morai; and perceiving the group before the image, walked
rapidly to where they were. And beholding the idol, he regarded it
attentively, and said:--"This must be the image of Doleema; but I am
not sure."
"Nay," cried the blind pilgrim, "it is the holy tree Ananna, thou
wayward boy."
"A tree? whatever it may be, it is not that; thou art blind, old man."
"But though blind, I have that which thou lackest."
Then said Pani, turning upon the boy, "Depart from the holy Morai, and
corrupt not the hearts of these pilgrims. Depart, I say; and, in the sacred
name of Alma, perish in thy endeavors to climb the Peak."
"I may perish there in truth," said the boy, with sadness; "but it shall be
in the path revealed to me in my dream. And think not, oh guide, that I
perfectly rely upon gaining that lofty summit. I will climb high Ofo
with hope, not faith; Oh, mighty Oro, help me!"
"Be not impious," said Pani; "pronounce not Oro's sacred name too
lightly."
"Oro is but a sound," said the boy. "They call the supreme god, Ati, in
my native isle; it is the soundless thought of him, oh guide, that is in
me."
"Hark to his rhapsodies! Hark, how he prates of mysteries, that not
even Hivohitee can fathom."
"Nor he, nor thou, nor I, nor any; Oro, to all, is Oro the unknown."
"Why claim to know Oro, then, better than others?"
"I am not so vain; and I have little to substitute for what I can not
receive. I but feel Oro in me, yet can not declare the thought."
"Proud boy! thy humility is a pretense; at heart, thou deemest thyself

wiser than Mardi."
"Not near so wise. To believe is a haughty thing; my very doubts
humiliate me. I weep and doubt; all Mardi may be light; and I too
simple to discern."
"He is mad," said the chief Divino; "never before heard I such words."
"They are thoughts," muttered the guide.
"Poor fool!" cried Fauna.
"Lost youth!" sighed the maiden.
"He is but a child," said the beggar. These whims will soon depart;
once I was like him; but, praise be to Alma, in the hour of sickness I
repented, feeble old man that I am!"
"It is because I am young and in health," said the boy, "that I more
nourish the thoughts, that are born of my youth and my health. I am
fresh from my Maker, soul and body unwrinkled. On thy sick couch,
old man, they took thee at advantage."
"Turn from the blasphemer," cried Pani. "Hence! thou evil one, to the
perdition in store."
"I will go my ways," said the boy, "but Oro will shape the end."
And he quitted the Morai.
After conducting the party round the sacred inclosure, assisting his way
with his staff, for his child had left him, Pani seated himself on a low,
mossy stone, grimly surrounded by idols; and directed the pilgrims to
return to his habitation; where, ere long he would rejoin them.
The pilgrims departed,