CHAPTER LXI. AN INCOGNITO.
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For the rest of that day, and several that followed, we
were continually receiving visits from the neighboring islands;
whose inhabitants in fleets and flotillas flocked round Odo to
behold the guests of its lord. Among them came many
messengers from the neighboring kings with soft speeches
and gifts.
But it were needless to detail our various interviews, or
relate in what manifold ways, the royal strangers gave token
of their interest concerning us.
Upon the third day, however, there was noticed a mysterious
figure, like the inscrutable incognitos sometimes encountered,
crossing the tower-shadowed Plaza of Assignations
at Lima. It was enveloped in a dark robe of tappa, so
drawn and plaited about the limbs; and with one hand, so
wimpled about the face, as only to expose a solitary eye.
But that eye was a world. Now it was fixed upon Yillah
with a sinister glance, and now upon me, but with a different
expression. However great the crowd, however tumultuous,
that fathomless eye gazed on; till at last it seemed
no eye, but a spirit, forever prying into my soul. Often I
strove to approach it, but it would evade me, soon reappearing.
Pointing out the apparition to Media, I intreated him to
take means to fix it, that my suspicions might be dispelled,
as to its being incorporeal. He replied that, by courtesy,
incognitos were sacred. Insomuch that the close-plaited
robe and the wimple were secure as a castle. At last, to
my relief, the phantom disappeared, and was seen no more.
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Numerous and fervent the invitations received to return
the calls wherewith we were honored. But for the present
we declined them; preferring to establish ourselves firmly
in the heart of Media, ere encountering the vicissitudes of
roaming. In a multitude of acquaintances is less security,
than in one faithful friend.
Now, while these civilities were being received, and on
the fourth morning after our arrival, there landed on the
beach three black-eyed damsels, deep brunettes, habited in
long variegated robes, and with gay blossoms on their heads.
With many salams, the strangers were ushered into my
presence by an old white-haired servitor of Media's, who
with a parting congé murmured, “From Queen Hautia,”
then departed. Surprised, I stood mute, and welcomed them.
The first, with many smiles and blandishments, waved
before me a many-tinted Iris: the flag-flower streaming
with pennons. Advancing, the second then presented three
rose-hued purple-veined Circea flowers, the dew still clinging
to them. The third placed in my hand a moss-rose bud;
then, a Venus-car.
“Thanks for your favors! now your message.”
Starting at this reception, graciously intended, they conferred
a moment; when the Iris-bearer said in winning
phrase, “We come from Hautia, whose moss-rose you hold.”
“All thanks to Hautia then; the bud is very fragrant.”
Then she pointed to the Venus-car.
“This too is sweet; thanks to Hautia for her flowers.
Pray, bring me more.”
“He mocks our mistress,” and gliding from me, they
waved witch-hazels, leaving me alone and wondering.
Informing Media of this scene, he smiled; threw out queer
hints of Hautia; but knew not what her message meant.
At first this affair occasioned me no little uneasiness,
with much matter for marveling; but in the novel pleasure
of our sojourn in Odo, it soon slipped from my mind; nor
for some time, did I again hear aught of Queen Hautia.
-- -- p275-229
Melville, Herman, 1819-1891 [1849], Mardi and a voyage thither, volume 1 (Harper & Brothers, New York) [word count] [eaf275v1].