And, no long time elapsed ere I had still additional reasons to cease wondering at the easy faith accorded to the story which I had given of myself.  For these Mardians were familiar with still greater marvels than mine; verily believing in prodigies of all sorts.  Any one of them put my exploits to the blush.

Look to thy ways then, Taji, thought I, and carry not thy crest too high.  Of a surety, thou hast more peers than inferiors.  Thou art overtopped all round.  Bear thyself discreetly and not haughtily, Taji.  It will not answer to give thyself airs.  Abstain from all consequential allusions to the other world, and the genteel deities among whom thou hast circled.  Sport not too jauntily thy raiment, because it is novel in Mardi; nor boast of the fleetness of thy Chamois, because it is unlike a canoe.  Vaunt not of thy pedigree, Taji; for Media himself will measure it with thee there by the furlong.  Be not a “snob,” Taji.

So then, weighing all things well, and myself severely, I resolved to follow my Mentor’s wise counsel; neither arrogating aught, nor abating of just dues; but circulating freely, sociably, and frankly, among the gods, heroes, high_ priests, kings, and gentlemen, that made up the principalities of Mardi.

CHAPTER LVIII Mardi By Night And Yillah By Day

During the night following our arrival, many dreams were no doubt dreamt in Odo.  But my thoughts were wakeful.  And while all others slept, obeying a restless impulse, I stole without into the magical starlight.  There are those who in a strange land ever love to view it by night.

It has been said, that the opening in the groves where was situated Media’s city, was elevated above the surrounding plains.  Hence was commanded a broad reach of prospect.

Far and wide was deep low-sobbing repose of man and nature.  The groves were motionless; and in the meadows, like goblins, the shadows advanced and retreated.  Full before me, lay the Mardian fleet of isles, profoundly at anchor within their coral harbor.  Near by was one belted round by a frothy luminous reef, wherein it lay, like Saturn in its ring.

From all their summits, went up a milk-white smoke, as from Indian wigwams in the hazy harvest-moon.  And floating away, these vapors blended with the faint mist, as of a cataract, hovering over the circumvallating reef.  Far beyond all, and far into the infinite night, surged the jet-black ocean.

But how tranquil the wide lagoon, which mirrored the burning spots in heaven!  Deep down into its innermost heart penetrated the slanting rays of Hesperus like a shaft of light, sunk far into mysterious Golcondas, where myriad gnomes seemed toiling.  Soon a light breeze rippled the water, and the shaft was seen no more.  But the moon’s bright wake was still revealed:  a silver track, tipping every wave-crest in its course, till each seemed a pearly, scroll-prowed nautilus, buoyant with some elfin crew.