- description
- # CHAPTER XIV. Taji Receives Tidings And Omens
## Overview
This chapter, titled "Taji Receives Tidings And Omens," is part of the novel [Mardi: And a Voyage Thither](arke:01KG8AJ8ZNB03D0FWFP362WQEN). It was extracted from the file [mardi_vol2.txt](arke:01KG89J1954N2G0NAERBNJXEX9) and is part of the [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection. This chapter follows [CHAPTER XIII. Babbalanja Endeavors To Explain The Mystery](arke:01KG8AJQ15KSJKSA1C1Q9RMDGE) and precedes [CHAPTER XV. Dreams](arke:01KG8AJQ1A4K4GFGNQ1AXPTH5Y).
## Context
The chapter details events that occur as the characters sail. They are overtaken by a shallop from Borabolla, bringing news of the death of Taji's follower, who was found with three arrows in his heart. This news deeply affects Taji, who believes the death is linked to his own pursuit and the ongoing conflict with Aleema's followers. Later, Hautia's heralds arrive, presenting symbolic omens in the form of leaves and flowers, which Yoomy interprets as signs of blighted hopes and a warning to Taji.
## Contents
The chapter focuses on the reception of ominous news and symbolic messages. Key events include:
* The arrival of messengers from Borabolla with news of a follower's death.
* Taji's grief and suspicion that the death is connected to his enemies.
* The arrival of Hautia's heralds bearing symbolic gifts (a trifoiled leaf, an arrow-shaped leaf, and faded daffodils).
* Yoomy's interpretations of these omens as foretelling misfortune.
* The characters' decision to press onward, seeking the living rather than dwelling on the dead.
* The chapter concludes with the characters preparing for rest and dreams.
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- CHAPTER XIV. Taji Receives Tidings And Omens
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- CHAPTER XIV.
Taji Receives Tidings And Omens
Slowly sailing on, we were overtaken by a shallop; whose inmates
grappling to the side of Media’s, said they came from Borabolla.
Dismal tidings!—My faithful follower’s death.
Absent over night, that morning early, he had been discovered lifeless
in the woods, three arrows in his heart. And the three pale strangers
were nowhere to be found. But a fleet canoe was missing from the beach.
Slain for me! my soul sobbed out. Nor yet appeased Aleema’s manes; nor
yet seemed sated the avengers’ malice; who, doubtless, were on my
track.
But I turned; and instantly the three canoes had been reversed; and
full soon, Jarl’s dead hand in mine, had not Media interposed.
“To death, your presence will not bring life back.”
“And we must on,” said Babbalanja. “We seek the living, not the dead.”
Thus they overruled me; and Borabolla’s messengers departed.
Soon evening came, and in its shades, three shadows,—Hautia’s heralds.
Their shallop glided near.
A leaf tri-foiled was first presented; then another, arrow-shaped.
Said Yoomy, “Still I swiftly follow, behind revenge.”
Then were showered faded, pallid daffodils.
Said Yoomy, “Thy hopes are blighted all.”
“Not dead, but living with the life of life. Sirens! I heed ye not.”
They would have showered more flowers; but crowding sail we left them.
Much converse followed. Then, beneath the canopy all sought repose. And
ere long slouched sleep drew nigh, tending dreams innumerable; silent
dotting all the downs a shepherd with his flock.
- title
- CHAPTER XIV. Taji Receives Tidings And Omens