is over,--the fair ones are gone, . . why should we linger? Thou art
half-asleep,--believe me 'tis time thou wert home and at rest.
Lean upon me, ... so! that is well!"--this, as the other rose
unsteadily to his feet and lurched heavily against him, . . "Now let
me guide thee,--though of a truth I know not the way through this
wondrous woodland maze, . . canst tell me whither we should turn?
... or hast thou no remembrance of the nearest road to thine own
dwelling?"--

Thus speaking, he managed to lead his stupefied companion out of
the tent into the cool, dewy garden, where, feeling somewhat
refreshed by the breath of the night wind blowing on his face,
Sah-luma straightened himself, and made an absurd attempt to look
exceedingly dignified.

"Nay, an thou wilt depart with such scant ceremony"--he grumbled
peevishly--"get thee thence and find out the road as best thou
mayest! ... why should I aid thee? For myself I am well contented
here to remain and sleep,--no better couch can the Poet have than
this violet-scented moss"--and he waved his arm with a
grandiloquent gesture,--"no grander canopy than this star-
besprinkled heaven! Leave me,--for my eyes are wondrous heavy, and
I would fain slumber undisturbed till the break of day! By my
soul, thou art a rough companion! ..." and he struggled violently
to release himself from Theos's resolute and compelling grasp..
"Where wouldst thou drag me?"

"Out of danger and the shadow of death!" replied Theos firmly..
"Thy life is threatened, Sah-luma, and I will not see thee slain!
If thou canst not guard thyself, then I must guard thee! ... Come,