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The Spike: or, Victoria College Review October 1907

Imaginary Conversations. — A Homily on Life

page 62

Imaginary Conversations.

A Homily on Life.

[Historical Note. — this interesting fragment was discovered by our literary expert when engaged I research work in the Science Lumber Room. He was of the opinion that it was a hitherto unknown piece from the works of Walter Savage Landor, but certain internal evidence goes to disprove that theory. It is evident from the notes attached to the MSS. That Rivulus was attached to the teachings of Heraclitus, while Stocer is the trusted attendant of one kuriakos, an Epicurean.]

Rivulus. How farest thou, Stocer ? and how doth thy master fare?

Stocer. I thank thee, Master Rivulus, the dainty frog is plentiful, nor is the succulent rabbit more difficult of the catching.

Rivulus. Ah, Stocer, 'tis a curious school in which thy master hath trained thee; twould seem that life composed of frogs and rabbits and sweet smelling flowers and curious herbs! Hast never cared fill thy time with an occupation requiring thought and deliberation?

Stocer. What care I for the morrow, Master Rivulus ? Wouldst suggest that I should devote my attention to spirit rapping ? Shall I, as a Hunter lost in the woods measures with this ear the heavy tones of a ponderous Bell in the far distance, seek consolation in the quest of a nebulous phantasm seeming to be in the distant future ?

Rivulus. Nay, Stocer, I would none of that. But thou has seen the Salmon climbing the rapidly descending waters : I saw one but yester eve; it mounted the stream, leaping from rock to rock till it reached the uttermost crag; then for a while it rested : its glittering Fin lay still with the light of day falling full upon it; who knows how long it remains there ? Who knows that it will not ere long leave its present post and reach higher ? Ah, Stocer, who knows ? Wouldst thou too not seek higher things ?

Stocer. In faith, Master Rivulus, I have not devoted overmuch reflection to such thoughts s these. But believe thou with me, Master Rivulus, that we should make life a joyful page 63 thing, and not make this world, our home, a den of dismal pessimists. I beheld a vision but a few nights gone. Methought a tall man of beaming countenance came from a field in the East at early morm; methought that thou, Master Rivulus, wast performing a menial task within the walls of a vast mansion; he of smiling face approached and spoke to thee of the radiant beauty of the day. When thou rapidst that on such a day the frivolous youths and high spirited one merely smiled again, muttered some mystic syllables, "kia kaha," smiled again, and passed on. Why canst not thou too smile at the follies and indiscretions of youth ? Wert not thou too young once ?

Rivulus. Aye, Stocer, I was young once. But I remember, I too beheld a vision once : we were seated singing songs when there entered Father Time, a Lank being, carrying in his hand a silvern wand; wherewith, indeed, he brake the chords of life of two of our band. Ah, Stocer, then my eyes were opened; then did I first truly understand the music of the spheres; then did I first realise what a frail, and too, what a base animal man is—a creature here, it would seem, for the annoyance of his fellow beings. There is ever and always some cause of regret.

page 64

Stocer. Yea, Master Rivulus, so thou wouldst seem to think. But hast thou never heard the legend of the two barbarian friends, members both of some warlike Celtic tribe ? The twain were engaged in parley; one a youth of beaming rotund countenance, the other a youth fair to look upon; quoth the latte," Art humgry," "I am," quoth he of the rotuud face. Then said the pretty one, "Eat," drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we diet." And theu did eat, and they did drink an wax merry; but on the morrow they dieted not, for the morrow came not but remained ever the morrow. Do thou too, Master Rivulus, be merry; heed not the undesired leaps and hops of an unkind Fate, but ever smile again on deeds of mischance.

Rivulus (testily), What knowledge do I gain to argue with thee ? Thou who art but the slave of another ! thou who dost but take thy dainty tit-bits for thy master's use, and dost pick up only the paltry with one who is free and untrammelled by the authority of one over him. Let me debate with one who is free.

Stocer. Ah, Master Rivulus, thou hast me there. I would that all were free. That thought, the thought that all thins should be free, occurs to me ever and again. Yonder wilt thou see a partial expression of my desire; yonder where they fowls are scratching on thy asparagus bed.

Rivulus, What ! thou hast loosed the birds that feed the dwellers in yon halls, and hast driven them to destroy the work of my hand ! Begone, thou scurvy-faced knave ! I knew thee for a quarrelsome varlet. Begone !

[Here Rivulus makes as if to strike Stocer, who retires to the midst of some neighboring marshy ground and dances a weird dance—probably something worse than a modern haka.]

image of flower

"Young Kelly, who won the Plunket Medal, has a fresh and attractive appearance. When he stepped on to the platform at Christchurch, on the occasion of the Challenge Scroll competition, the audience was startled by the involuntary outburst of a young lady in hall, who gasped out : Oh, what a pretty boy !'"—Free Lance.

(Advt.)