Most given was Yoomy to amorous melodies, and rondos, and roundelays, very witching to hear.
But at times disdaining the oaten reed, like a clarion he burst forth with lusty lays of arms and battle; or, in mournful strains, sounded elegies for departed bards and heroes.
Thus much for Yoomy as a minstrel.

In other respects, it would be hard to depict him.

He was so capricious a mortal; so swayed by contrary moods; so lofty, so humble, so sad, so merry; so made up of a thousand contradictions, that we must e'en let him depict himself as our story progresses.

And herein it is hoped he will succeed; since no one in Mardi comprehended him.
Now the trio, thus destined for companions on our voyage, had for some time been anxious to take the tour of the Archipelago.

In particular, Babbalanja had often expressed the most ardent desire to visit every one of the isles, in quest of some object, mysteriously hinted.