Page:Avon Fantasy Reader 17.djvu/115

RV 113 (ONE-MAN GOD) "I like to read the graceful poems that are flung so frequently on the walls of buildings by enthusiasts of the brush. However, I cannot afford to buy books."

The god brightened perceptibly. "Now you are rich, you can buy all the books you want."

"Only one book do I need, the verses of Lao Tzu that I committed to memory as a youth."

The God of Scented Pine Trees felt as though his nose was out of joint. Why had he never thought to write a book? What was a book, anyway, but a mere jumble of words! He was worried almost into hysterics. It was bad enough to have only one worshipper, without having to share his devotion.

He decided that he would treat the book of Lao Tzu as though it of little importance.

"What did he write that is so memorable?"

Fo Wen reflected for a moment, then he quoted,

The God of Scented Pine Trees broke into cold sweat. Did this simple coolie realize what he was saying? Surely he could not be so erudite as thus to berate him! Truly, these were difficult days in which to be a god.

He sighed so deeply that it stirred the garden like a breeze.

"Would you like to look through your new house?" he asked brusquely.

"My hut serves my simple needs. Why should I desert it?"

"Because I, thy god, command thee!"

Fo Wen rose wearily to his feet. It had not occurred to him to stand in the presence of the god. Perhaps it was because there was so little in his appearance to command respect. He seemed more worried than regal, he was too fat and gaudily overdressed.

"As you wish," he said without enthusiasm.

"Oh, for a few other worshippers," thought the god, "that I might put this ingrate in his place!" But he remained civil for he badly needed this lone worshipper even though he was so little devout.

"You shall drink from a jade cup," he said.

Fo Wen remained silent. What matter the vessel from which one slakes thirst?

"In your possession will be amber trinkets in which leaves and ferns, insects and lovely flowers are entombed; while all about your home will be gorgeous jade flowers growing, their petals of gems of rainbow colors. The rugs beneath your feet will be soft as moss and of a green sheen. You will bathe in a crystal bath, the like of which may not be found the world over. You will feast on viands of a piquance and delicacy to entice the appetite of a king."

"Rice alone is sufficient for my needs. Possessions mean nothing to me."

"But you will be rich!"

"Have I ever been poor?"