The deaf man straight rejoins: “Of that I’m very glad.”
The sufferer felt insulted by this joy expressed.
The deaf one had surmised,—had failed in what he’d guessed.145
He now inquired the diet: “Oh! It’s poison all!”
Complained the sick man. “Glad to hear it,” he let fall.
Still more the patient wondered. “Who attends you, pray?”
Asked Deafy; “whose advice is’t leads you on your way?”
“Death tracks my hours!” said he; “pray leave me now to rest.”
The other answered: “Better can’t be found; he’s best.”
The visitor retired, quite pleased with his rich art;