"We do not know," replied the Skeptic, "for as yet no man has ever solved it."
"But I was explaining relativity to our host," cried the Cryptic, "and you interrupt me with this trifling gossip. Now, if a mass of silence traveling at the speed of light, should be deflected by a caricature of a phantom magnetic force, would the energy engendered—"
But at that moment the keeper of the caravansary appeared in the doorway and looked upon Gud questioningly. Gud nodded to him approvingly, whereupon five beautiful damsels entered dancing to flats and sharps, and flute and cymbal.
So the discussion of relativity was forgotten, as all things of the intellect are forgotten, when damsels young and beautiful dance to lute and timbrel.
After there had been much joyous dancing, the Cynic plucked at Gud's sleeve and asked:
"Who be these beautiful damsels, who dance so divinely, and whence came they?"
And Gud made answer and said: "These damsels be the daughters of the Pope, but I know not whence they came."
Chapter XLVII
And it came to pass that as Gud was making a long journey to a certain place he neared a wayside inn, and being weary he entered and found six characters drinking tea.