65. CHAPTER LXV.
TAJI MAKES THREE ACQUAINTANCES.
Down to this period, I had restrained Samoa from wandering
to the neighboring islands, though he had much desired
it, in compliance with the invitations continually
received. But now I informed both him, and his comrade,
of the tour I purposed; desiring their company.
Upon the announcement of my intention to depart, to my
no small surprise Media also proposed to accompany me: a
proposition gladly embraced. It seems, that for some reason,
he had not as yet extended his travels to the more
distant islands. Hence the voyage in prospect was particularly
agreeable to him. Nor did he forbear any pains to
insure its prosperity; assuring me, furthermore, that its
object must eventually be crowned with success. “I myself
am interested in this pursuit,” said he; “and trust me, Yillah
will be found.”
For the tour of the lagoon, the docile Chamois was
proposed; but Media dissented; saying, that it befitted not
the lord of Odo to voyage in the equipage of his guest.
Therefore, three canoes were selected from his own royal
fleet.
One for ourselves, and a trio of companions whom he
purposed introducing to my notice; the rest were reserved
for attendants,
Thanks to Media's taste and heedfulness, the strangers
above mentioned proved truly acceptable.
The first was Mohi, or Braid-Beard, so called from the
manner in which he wore that appendage, exceedingly long
and gray. He was a venerable teller of stories and legends,
one of the Keepers of the Chronicles of the Kings of
Mardi.
The second was Babbalanja, a man of a mystical aspect,
habited in a voluminous robe. He was learned in Mardian
lore; much given to quotations from ancient and obsolete
authorities: the Ponderings of Old Bardianna: the Pandects
of Alla-Malolla.
Third and last, was Yoomy, or the Warbler. A youthful,
long-haired, blue-eyed minstrel; all fits and starts; at
times, absent of mind, and wan of cheek; but always very
neat and pretty in his apparel; wearing the most becoming
of turbans, a Bird of Paradise feather its plume, and sporting
the gayest of sashes. Most given was Yoomy to amorous
melodies, and rondos, and roundelays, very witching to
hear. But at times disdaining the oaten reed, like a clarion
he burst forth with lusty lays of arms and battle; or, in
mournful strains, sounded elegies for departed bards and
heroes.
Thus much for Yoomy as a minstrel. In other respects,
it would be hard to depict him. He was so capricious a
mortal; so swayed by contrary moods; so lofty, so humble,
so sad, so merry; so made up of a thousand contradictions,
that we must e'en let him depict himself as our story progresses.
And herein it is hoped he will succeed; since no
one in Mardi comprehended him.
Now the trio, thus destined for companions on our voyage,
had for some time been anxious to take the tour of the Archipelago.
In particular, Babbalanja had often expressed
the most ardent desire to visit every one of the isles, in quest
of some object, mysteriously hinted. He murmured deep
concern for my loss, the sincerest sympathy; and pressing
my hand more than once, said lowly, “Your pursuit is mine,
noble Taji. Where'er you search, I follow.”
So, too, Yoomy addressed me; but with still more feeling.
And something like this, also, Braid-Beard repeated.
But to my sorrow, I marked that both Mohi and Babbalanja,
especially the last, seemed not so buoyant of hope,
concerning lost Yillah, as the youthful Yoomy, and his high-spirited
lord, King Media.
As our voyage would embrace no small period of time, it
behoved King Media to appoint some trustworthy regent, to
rule during his absence. This regent was found in Almanni,
a stern-eyed, resolute warrior, a kinsman of the king.
All things at last in readiness, and the ensuing morning
appointed for a start, Media, on the beach, at eventide, when
both light and water waned, drew a rude map of the lagoon,
to compensate for the obstructions in the way of a comprehensive
glance at it from Odo.
And thus was sketched the plan of our voyage; which
islands first to visit; and which to touch at, when we should
be homeward bound.
