- end_line
- 8789
- extracted_at
- 2026-01-30T20:48:18.539Z
- extracted_by
- structure-extraction-lambda
- start_line
- 8745
- text
- looking at all present with the utmost serenity. At length, one of the
horrified attendants, using two sticks for a forceps, disappeared with
the obnoxious nut, Upon which, the meal proceeded.
This attendant was not seen again for many days; which gave rise to the
supposition, that journeying to the sea-side, he had embarked for some
distant strand; there, to bury out of sight the abomination with which
he was freighted.
Upon this, his egregious misadventure, calculated to do discredit to
our party, and bring Media himself into contempt, Babbalanja had no
scruples in taking Jarl roundly to task. He assured him, that it argued
but little brains to evince a desire to be thought familiar with all
things; that however desirable as incidental attainments,
conventionalities, in themselves, were the very least of arbitrary
trifles; the knowledge of them, innate with no man. “Moreover Jarl,” he
added, “in essence, conventionalities are but mimickings, at which
monkeys succeed best. Hence, when you find yourself at a loss in these
matters, wait patiently, and mark what the other monkeys do: and then
follow suit. And by so doing, you will gain a vast reputation as an
accomplished ape. Above all things, follow not the silly example of the
young spark Karkeke, of whom Mohi was telling me. Dying, and entering
the other world with a mincing gait, and there finding certain customs
quite strange and new; such as friendly shades passing through each
other by way of a salutation;—Karkeke, nevertheless, resolved to show
no sign of embarrassment. Accosted by a phantom, with wings folded
pensively, plumes interlocked across its chest, he off head; and stood
obsequiously before it. Staring at him for an instant, the spirit cut
him dead; murmuring to itself, ‘Ah, some terrestrial bumpkin, I fancy,’
and passed on with its celestial nose in the highly rarified air. But
silly Karkeke undertaking to replace his head, found that it would no
more stay on; but forever tumbled off; even in the act of nodding a
salute; which calamity kept putting him out of countenance. And thus
through all eternity is he punished for his folly, in having pretended
to be wise, wherein he was ignorant. Head under arm, he wanders about,
the scorn and ridicule of the other world.”
Our repast concluded, messengers arrived from the prince, courteously
inviting our presence at the House of the Morning. Thither we went;
journeying in sedans, sent across the hollow, for that purpose, by
Donjalolo.
- title
- Chunk 2