The Equinox (Volume III, Number I)

THE EQUINOX kiss is the key to the infinite sleep and lucid, the sleep of Shi- loh-am. 10. In my sleep I beheld the Universe like a clear crystal without one speck. 11. There are purse-proud penniless ones that stand at the door of the tavern and prate of their feats of wine- bibbing. 12. There are purse-proud penniless ones that stand at the door of the tavern and revile the guests. 13. The guests dally upon couches of mother-of-pearl in the garden; the noise of the foolish men is hidden from them. 14. Only the inn-keeper feareth lest the favour of the king be withdrawn from him. 15. Thus spake the Magister V.V.V.V.V. unto Adonai his God, as they played together in the starlight over against the deep black pool that is in the Holy Place of the Holy House beneath the Altar of the Holiest One. 16. But Adonai laughed, and played more languidly. 17. Then the scribe took note, and was glad. But Adonai had no fear of the Magician and his play. For it was Adonai who had taught all his tricks to the Magician. 18. And the Magister entered into the play of the Magi- cian. When the Magician laughed he laughed; all as a man should do. 19. And Adonai said: Thou art enmeshed in the web of the Magician. This He said subtly, to try him. 20. But the Magister gave the sign of the Magistry, and laughed back on Him: O Lord, O beloved, did these fingers relax on Thy curls, or these eyes turn away from Thine eye? 21. And Adonai delighted in him exceedingly. 84