Page:Balkan Short Stories.djvu/40

28 “And remain a fool, just as you are!” interrupted Satan. No! You do not know what a woman is! Your unripe dreams are hung upon the stars, the eagle's wings, but not where they belong. You do not know that your soul is a woman, that nature is a woman—death—eternity— You have renounced woman and that is the reason that you are a child, with the longing of a giant in your heart, and the grief of an old man. I pity you!”

Fear stood in the young priest's eyes.

“Then teach me to know woman, and in return take my life, my soul!”

Satan laughed and came nearer.

“What is the use of this feeble light?”

With these words he extinguished it; stepped to the window and stretched his hand out into the night. Like white silk threads something gleamed outside, changed into a beam of light, and in a thrice floated between the bars a white star, which illumined the room. A sulphur glow filled the room, which gradually changed into different colors. Satan felt within his breast, drew out three round, black pieces of wood which he fitted together.