Among my subjects is a man, whose genius scorns the common theories of things; but whose still mortal mind can not fathom the ocean at his feet.

His soul's a hollow, wherein he raves." "List, list," whispered Yoomy--"our lord is dreaming; and what a royal dream." "A very royal and imperial dream," said Babbalanja--"he is arraigning me before high heaven;--ay, ay; in dreams, at least, he deems himself a demi-god." "Hist," said Mohi--"he speaks again." "Gods and demi-gods! With one gesture all abysses we may disclose; and before this Mardi's eyes, evoke the shrouded time to come.

Were this well?
Like lost children groping in the woods, they falter through their tangled paths; and at a thousand angles, baffled, start upon each other.

And even when they make an onward move, 'tis but an endless vestibule, that leads to naught.

In my own isle of Odo--Odo! Odo! How rules my viceroy there ?--Down, down, ye madding mobs! Ho, spearmen, charge! By the firmament, but my halberdiers fly!" "His dream has changed," said Babbalanja.