Page:Queen Moo's talisman; the fall of the Maya empire (IA queenmoostalisma00leplrich).djvu/37

 An armadillo thence out crept, nor stayed

Till at her feet, as if it thus obeyed

A force unseen or was by fetter bound;

But none appeared upon that hallowed ground.

The aged man this creature gently placed

Above a brasier which the Princess faced;

As in its depth clear-burning charcoal lay,

With pity moved she cried aloud—"Nay! nay!"

But he—"Think not that I would torture this

Or aught that is; could I then hope for bliss?

Each being in Creation works its way

To perfect rest, all must this law obey.

From Ku all emanate, are thence divine;

Eternal law ordaineth all combine

To aid; each one of us must give and take.

This creature, serving us, will progress make,

And we are lifted up in reaching down;

Thus by endeavor we ourselves may crown.

Learn then, this little friend shall nothing feel,

Experience shall to thee a truth reveal.

Thy slender fingers I but touch, and lo!

All feeling goes, no heat therein doth glow.

Now move thy hand, 'tis free again dost find;

This holy law to suffering flesh is kind;

Who knoweth this, sensation can enchain,

And armadillo shall not suffer pain."