But know
that the defects of the older steed may be compensated by the
energies of the young rider, whereas the violence of the young
horse requires to be moderated by the cold temper of the older."
So spoke the sage; but neither to this observation did Sir
Kenneth return any answer which could lead to a continuance of
their conversation, and the physician, wearied, perhaps, of
administering comfort to one who would not be comforted, signed
to one of his retinue.
"Hassan," he said, "hast thou nothing wherewith to beguile the
way?"
Hassan, story-teller and poet by profession, spurred up, upon
this summons, to exercise his calling. "Lord of the palace of
life," he said, addressing the physician, "thou, before whom the
angel Azrael spreadeth his wings for flight--thou, wiser than
Solimaun Ben Daoud, upon whose signet was inscribed the REAL NAME
which controls the spirits of the elements--forbid it, Heaven,
that while thou travellest upon the track of benevolence, bearing
healing and hope wherever thou comest, thine own course should be
saddened for lack of the tale and of the song.
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