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king be withdrawn from him.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.
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