The Equinox (Volume I, Number III)

THE EQUINOX being as dust? Who givest his fame to the poet, his bankruptcy to the rich man? Who dost distinguish between the just and the unjust? Thou keeper of all secrets, of this great secret which I seek, and have nowise found! This secret for whose very shadowing-forth in parable I, who am young, strong, successful, beloved, most enviable of men, would throw it all away! Oh Thou who givest that which none other can give, who art Thou? How can I bargain with Thee? What shall I give that I may possess Thy secret? O question unavailing ! For I know not yet Thy name! Who art Thou? Who art Thou? THOMAS [opening the door). Mr. Todd. [Enter tovp. caRR [rising]. How are you? I’m afraid you find me distracted! Listen: all my life I have sought—nor counted the cost—for the secret of things. Science is baffled, for Knowledge hath no wings! Religion is baffled, for Faith hath no feet! Life itself—of what value is all this coil and tumult? Who shall give me the secret? What is the secret ? [ropp whispers in his ear. Why, thanks, thanks! What a fool I have been! I have always known who you were, of course, but how could I guess you had the key of things? Simple as A BC—or, rather, as A! And nothing to pay after all!“ For of all Gods you only love not gifts.” [Ushers tovp to the door.] I follow you. [Topp smiles kindly on him. They go out. [The child turns; and, finding himself alone, begins to cry. CHARLIE. My nice man has gone away. Old Todd has taken him away. I think I hate that old Todd! [Enter Topp. 234