shadow, a vanity, a vexation of spirit! The fault, the sin, was in
himself, in his rebellious thought, in his untamed memory. Though
mobile as water, intangible as vapor, Thought, nevertheless, may be
tamed by the Will, may be harnessed to the chariot of Wisdom--must
be!--that happiness be found. And he recited the blessed verses of the
"Book of the Way of the Law":--

"_All forms are only temporary._" When this great truth is fully
comprehended by any one, then is he delivered from all pain. This is the
Way of Purification.

"_All forms are subject unto pain._" When this great truth is fully
comprehended by any one, then is he delivered from all pain. This is the
Way of Purification.

"_All forms are without substantial reality._" When this great truth is
fully comprehended by any one, then is he delivered from all pain. This
is the way of ...


_Her_ form, too, unsubstantial, unreal, an illusion only, though
comeliest of illusions? She had given him alms! Was the merit of the
giver illusive also,--illusive like the grace of the supple fingers that
gave? Assuredly there were mysteries in the Abhidharma impenetrable,
incomprehensible!... It was a golden coin, stamped with the symbol of an
elephant,--not more of an illusion, indeed, than the gifts of Kings to
the Buddha! Gold upon her bosom also, less fine than the gold of her
skin. Naked between the silken sash and the narrow breast-corslet, her
young waist curved glossy and pliant as a bow. Richer the silver in her
voice than in the hollow _pagals_ that made a moonlight about her