[Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. II (of 2) by Herman Melville]@TWC D-Link book
Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. II (of 2)

CHAPTER V
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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.


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