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Article HAFAZ, THE EGYPTIAN. ← Page 2 of 5 →
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Hafaz, The Egyptian.
to dazzle him by its splendid errors ; and the conversation of the learned only proved to him the insufficiency of human knowledge . Wearied with the mental conflict he had so long sustained , Hafaz left his gorgeous palace and sauntered forth to enjoy the cool evening breeze upon the banks of the fertilizing Nile . Gradually wandering from the city , the salutations of his friends became less frequent , and at last he stood , as he thought , alone within sight of the then regal city of Memphis . ! he exclaimed
" Yes" , breaking from the deep reverie in which he had been plunged , " I can endure this doubt no longer . I will travel . Truth must somewhere be found , and if Egypt contains her not , I will seek her in other lands . " " And who shall direct thy steps ? " demanded a stern voice . He started , and perceived for the first time an elderly man , in the garb of a sage , standing beside him : his countenance was marked with a sober gravity , which would have made it appear stern , had not an expression of calmness and content relieved it . His dress was decent , but plain .
"Thou wouldst find truth ? " exclaimed the unknown ; "but why seek it in other lands ?" " Father , " replied the Egyptian , " truth dwelleth not in Egypt . I have sought it in her temples , in her schools , in the palaces of the great , in the retirement of the learned ; but in vain . Could wisdom find it , " he continued , with a slight expression of pride , " I had not been unsuccessful . "
The elder regarded him for a few moments in silence . " Vain worm , " he sighed , " what is thy wisdom ? " stooping , he reached one of the many lotus flowers which grew upon the borders of the river . " Canst explain the mystery of this flower ? for years thou hast seen them bloom and fade around thee , yet failed to reach the secret of their being ; so with truth ; she dwelleth near thee ; breathes in the balmy air , or thunders in the tempest wild where she is presentyet thou hast
; every , not perceived her . " " Canst thou guide me to her ? " demanded Hafaz , awed by the solemnity of the stranger ' s manner . " I will reward thee , I am rich . " The old man laughed scornfully . " Couldst thou command this globe , and pour its many treasures at my feet , it would not repay me . Yet on one condition I will be th y guide ; but I demand two pledgesconfidence and obedience . "
" Try me , " replied the youth ; " conduct but my steps aright , and I will be thy slave . " The Sage , after regarding him for a few moments with a scrutinizing glance , answered , " Follow me ! " and without waiting to see if his command was obeyed , directed his steps towards a narrow path , which led them still further from the proud city of Memphis . For hours after the sun had set , Hafaz continued to follow his strange guidewho continued his walk at the
, same equal pace . Unaccustomed to such rapid exercise , the young Egyptian was several times tempted to call to his companion , but shame restrained him . The shades of night had fallen ere the elder staid his steps— " 'Tis well , " he exclaimed with an encouraging smile , as for the first time he perceived that the youth had followed him , " here will we rest . " " Here ? " replied Hafaz , "in this desert place ! had we not better entw your habitation and demand refreshment ?" " Thou wouldst demand in vain , " replied his guide , " it is the house
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Hafaz, The Egyptian.
to dazzle him by its splendid errors ; and the conversation of the learned only proved to him the insufficiency of human knowledge . Wearied with the mental conflict he had so long sustained , Hafaz left his gorgeous palace and sauntered forth to enjoy the cool evening breeze upon the banks of the fertilizing Nile . Gradually wandering from the city , the salutations of his friends became less frequent , and at last he stood , as he thought , alone within sight of the then regal city of Memphis . ! he exclaimed
" Yes" , breaking from the deep reverie in which he had been plunged , " I can endure this doubt no longer . I will travel . Truth must somewhere be found , and if Egypt contains her not , I will seek her in other lands . " " And who shall direct thy steps ? " demanded a stern voice . He started , and perceived for the first time an elderly man , in the garb of a sage , standing beside him : his countenance was marked with a sober gravity , which would have made it appear stern , had not an expression of calmness and content relieved it . His dress was decent , but plain .
"Thou wouldst find truth ? " exclaimed the unknown ; "but why seek it in other lands ?" " Father , " replied the Egyptian , " truth dwelleth not in Egypt . I have sought it in her temples , in her schools , in the palaces of the great , in the retirement of the learned ; but in vain . Could wisdom find it , " he continued , with a slight expression of pride , " I had not been unsuccessful . "
The elder regarded him for a few moments in silence . " Vain worm , " he sighed , " what is thy wisdom ? " stooping , he reached one of the many lotus flowers which grew upon the borders of the river . " Canst explain the mystery of this flower ? for years thou hast seen them bloom and fade around thee , yet failed to reach the secret of their being ; so with truth ; she dwelleth near thee ; breathes in the balmy air , or thunders in the tempest wild where she is presentyet thou hast
; every , not perceived her . " " Canst thou guide me to her ? " demanded Hafaz , awed by the solemnity of the stranger ' s manner . " I will reward thee , I am rich . " The old man laughed scornfully . " Couldst thou command this globe , and pour its many treasures at my feet , it would not repay me . Yet on one condition I will be th y guide ; but I demand two pledgesconfidence and obedience . "
" Try me , " replied the youth ; " conduct but my steps aright , and I will be thy slave . " The Sage , after regarding him for a few moments with a scrutinizing glance , answered , " Follow me ! " and without waiting to see if his command was obeyed , directed his steps towards a narrow path , which led them still further from the proud city of Memphis . For hours after the sun had set , Hafaz continued to follow his strange guidewho continued his walk at the
, same equal pace . Unaccustomed to such rapid exercise , the young Egyptian was several times tempted to call to his companion , but shame restrained him . The shades of night had fallen ere the elder staid his steps— " 'Tis well , " he exclaimed with an encouraging smile , as for the first time he perceived that the youth had followed him , " here will we rest . " " Here ? " replied Hafaz , "in this desert place ! had we not better entw your habitation and demand refreshment ?" " Thou wouldst demand in vain , " replied his guide , " it is the house