“Do I not!” whispered Ban, turning to kiss the fingers that tightened on his shoulder.
“And—and I blasphemed and said there was always a serpent in every Paradise, and that Experience was a horrid hag, with a bony finger pointing to the snake.... This is my recantation, Ban. I know now that you were the true Prophet; that Experience has shining wings and eyes that can lock to the future as well as the past, and immortal Hope for a lover. And that only they two can guide to the Mountains of Fulfillment. Is it enough, Ban?”
“It is enough,” he answered with grave happiness.
“Listen!” exclaimed Io.
The sound of song, tender and passionate and triumphant, came pulsing through the silence to meet them as they rode on.