“Now, to what purpose that anecdote?” demanded Babbalanja of Mohi, who in substance related it.
“Marry! ’tis but the simple recital of a fact; and I tell it to entertain the company.”
“But has it any meaning you know of?”
“Thou art wise, find out,” retorted Braid-Beard. “But what comes of it?” persisted Babbalanja.
“Beshrew me, this senseless catechising of thine,” replied Mohi; “naught else, it seems, save a grin or two.”
“And pray, what may you be driving at, philosopher?” interrupted Media.
“I am intent upon the essence of things; the mystery that lieth beyond; the elements of the tear which much laughter provoketh; that which is beneath the seeming; the precious pearl within the shaggy oyster. I probe the circle’s center; I seek to evolve the inscrutable.”
“Seek on; and when aught is found, cry out, that we may run to see.”
“My lord the king is merry upon me. To him my more subtle cogitations seem foolishness. But believe me, my lord, there is more to be thought of than to be seen. There is a world of wonders insphered within the spontaneous consciousness; or, as old Bardianna hath it, a mystery within the obvious, yet an obviousness within the mystery.”
“And did I ever deny that?” said Media.