“Lies, lies, all is lies!  But beyond the lie stands Truth, as the White Witch stands behind her veil.  You drew the veil, Macumazahn, and saw that beneath which brought you to your knees.  Why, it is a parable.  Wander on through the Valley of Lies till at last it takes a turn, and, glittering in the sunshine, glittering like gold, you perceive the Mountain of everlasting Truth, sought of all men but found by few.

“Lies, lies, all is lies!  Yet beyond I tell you, beauteous and eternal stands the Truth, Macumazahn. Oho-ho!  Oho-ho! Fare you well, Watcher-by-Night, fare you well, Seeker after Truth.  After the Night comes Dawn and after Death comes what—­Macumazahn?  Well, you will learn one day, for always the veil is lifted, at last, as the White Witch shewed you yonder, Macumazahn.”