Here’s the cup to strengthen, soothe and sustain.�
Just as Shalmanezer was about to grasp the cup, the other personage approached him. Her name was Peace, and she was attended by a mild, earnest-looking young man called Self-Denial. In the calm depths of her dark-blue eyes was a tender, loving light, and on her brow a majestic serenity which seemed to say, “The cares of earth are at my feet; in vain its tempests sweep around my path.� There was also a look of calm, grand patience on the brow of her attendant, which gave him the aspect of one who had passed through suffering unto Peace. Shalmanezer was gazing eagerly on the fair young face of Pleasure, and about to quaff the sparkling nectar, when Peace suddenly arrested his hand and exclaimed:
“Beware of this cup! ’Neath its ruddy glow,
Is an undercurrent of shame and woe;
’Neath its sparkling sheen so fair and bright,
Are serpents that hiss, and adders that bite.�
The young man paused a moment, looked on the plain garb of Peace and then on the enchanting loveliness of Pleasure, and, pushing aside the hand of Peace with a scornful gesture, he said proudly and defiantly:
“I will follow Pleasure!�
Peace, thus repulsed, turned sadly away; and Self-Denial, wounded by Shalmanezer’s rude rejection, bowed his head in silent sorrow and disappeared from the scene.
As Peace departed, Shalmanezer eagerly grasped the cup of Pleasure and pressed it to his lips, while she clasped her hand in his and said in a most charming manner, “Follow me;� and then he went willingly to the place where she dwelt.