read the lessons of the desert and the mountain. He learned to know
directions by the growth of the trees. By the perfume of the lilies,
he sought out the hidden springs. By the red clouds at evening, he
knew that the sky would be fair. By the red light in the morning, he
was warned of the coming storm. And there were many who followed him
and his way, though he did not will it so.

And he taught his companions, saying: "We must seek his way in the
nature of the things that abide. To learn this nature of things is the
beginning of wisdom. For day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto
night showeth knowledge. The way of nature is solid, substantial,
vast, and unchanging. He who walks in it stands secure, as in the
shadow of a high tower or as if encompassed by a mighty fortress. The
wisdom of the forest shall be granted to him who seeks for it with calm
heart and quiet eye."

But among his followers there were many who were eager and would hasten
on, and although they spoke much of the Nature of Things and of the Law
of the Forest, they were contented with speaking. "The road is long,"
they said to themselves, "and the hours are fleeting." They had no
time to contemplate the glory of the heavens. The beauty of the lilies
fell on unobservant eyes. For all these things they trusted to the
report of others. The words passed from mouth to mouth, losing ever a
little of their truth. And in this wise the voice of wisdom was turned
to the language of folly. For the nature of things is truth. But no
man can find truth except he seek it for himself. And so they fared
on, each well or ill, according to the truth to which his way bore
witness.

Meanwhile those who bore the white banner remained long in council. At