Perceiving the violence of their rage, and persuaded from what I said, that much suffering at sea must have maddened them; Borabolla thought fit to confine them for the present; so that they could not molest me.
CHAPTER CI.
The Iris
That evening, in the groves, came to me three gliding forms:—Hautia’s heralds: the Iris mixed with nettles. Said Yoomy, “A cruel message!”
With the right hand, the second syren presented glossy, green wax- myrtle berries, those that burn like tapers; the third, a lily of the valley, crushed in its own broad leaf.
This done, they earnestly eyed Yoomy; who, after much pondering, said—“I speak for Hautia; who by these berries says, I will enlighten you.”
“Oh, give me then that light! say, where is Yillah?” and I rushed upon the heralds.
But eluding me, they looked reproachfully at Yoomy; and seemed offended.
“Then, I am wrong,” said Yoomy. “It is thus:—Taji, you have been enlightened, but the lily you seek is crushed.”
Then fell my heart, and the phantoms nodded; flinging upon me bilberries, like rose pearls, which bruised against my skin, left stains.
Waving oleanders, they retreated.