ON THE CAUSES OF THIS MY PILGRIMAGE THROUGH THE WORLD
When I had attained that age at which the difference between good and bad begins to appear to the human understanding, I saw how different are the ranks, conditions, occupations of men, the works and endeavours at which they toil ; and it seemed most necessary to me to consider what group of men I should join, and with what matters I should occupy my life.
{The Fickleness of the Mind.)
2. Thinking much and often on this matter, and weighing it diligently in my mind, I came to the decision that that fashion of life which contained least of cares and violence, and most comfort, peace, and cheerfulness pleased me most.
3. But then, again, it seemed to me difficult to know
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which and what was my vocation, and I knew not of whom to seek counsel ; nor did I greatly wish to consult anyone on this matter, thinking that each one would praise to me his own walk in life. Neither did I dare to grasp anything hastily, for I feared that I might not choose aright.
4. Yet, I confess, I secretly began to grasp first at one thing, then another, then a third, but each one I speedily abandoned, for I remarked (as it seemed to me) something of hardship and vanity in each. Meanwhile, I feared that my fickleness would bring me to shame. And I knew not what to do.
5. Thus yearning and turning the matter in solitude in my mind, I came to this decision that I should first behold all earthly things that are under the sun, and then only, having wisely compared one thing with another, choose a course of life, and obtain in some fashion the things necessary for leading a quiet life in the world. The more I thought the matter over, the more this matter pleased me.
THE PILGRIM OBTAINS IMPUDENCE AS A GUIDE
And then I came out of my solitude — and began to look around, thinking how and whence to begin my voyage. At that very instant there appeared one coming, I knew not whence. His gait was active, his sight skilful, his speech quick, so that it seemed to me that his feet, his eyes, his tongue, all possessed great agility. He stepped up to me, and asked whence T came and whither I proposed to go ? I said that I had left my home, and decided to wander through the world and obtain some experience.
( The World a Labyrinth^
2. This pleased him well, and he said, "But
where hast thou a guide ? " I answered, " I have
none. I trust to God and to my eyes, that they will
not lead me astray." " Thou wilt not succeed,"
said he. " Hast thou heard of the labyrinth of
Crete ? " *' I have heard somewhat," I answered.
He then replied, " It was a wonder of the world, a
building consisting of so many chambers, closets,
and corridors, that he who entered it without a
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guide walked and blundered through it in every direction, and never found the way out. But this was nothing compared to the way in which the labyrinth of this world is fashioned, particularly in these times. I do not, believe me, counsel a prudent man to enter it alone."
{Description of One who was insolent.)
3. " But where, then, shall I seek such a guide ? " I asked. He answered : " I am able to guide those who wish to see and learn somewhat, and to show them where everything is ; therefore, indeed, did I come to meet thee." Wondering, I said : " Who art thou, my friend ? " He answered : " My name is Searchall, and I have the by-name of Impudence. I wander through the whole world, peep into all corners, inquire about the words and deeds of all men, see everything that is visible, spy out and discover everything that is secret ; generally, nothing can befall without me. It is my duty to survey everything ; and if thou comest with me, I shall lead thee to many secret places, whereto thou wouldst never have found thy way."
4. Hearing such speech, I begin to rejoice in my mind at having found such a guide, and beg him not to shun the labour of conducting me through the world. He answered : "As I have gladly served others in this matter, so will I gladly aid you also." And seizing my hand, " Let us go," he said, and we went ; and I said : " Well, now will I gladly see what the ways of the world are, and
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also whether it contains that on which a man may safely rely." Hearing this, my companion stopped and said : " Friend, if thou art starting on this voyage with the purpose, not of seeing our things with pleasure, but of passing judgment on them according to thine own understanding, I do not know if Her Majesty our Queen will be pleased with this."
( Vanity y the Queen of the World.)
5. " And who, then, is your Queen ? " I said. He answered : " She who directs the whole world and its ways from the beginning. She is called Wisdom, though some wiseacres call her Vanity. I therefore warn thee in time, when we shall go there and look round, do not cavil ; then wouldst thou draw some evil upon thyself, even though I be close to thee."
FALSEHOOD JOINS THEM
Thus, whilst he talks with me, behold someone steals up to us, a man or a woman (for he was wondrously muffled up, and something that seemed like mist surrounded him). " Impudence," he said, " whither dost thou hurry with this man ? " "I am leading him into the world," he replied. " He wishes to behold it."
2. " And why without me ? " the other again said. " Thou knowest that it is thy duty to conduct the pilgrims, mine to show them where things are. For it is not the wish of Her Majesty the Queen that anyone who enters her kingdom should himself interpret what he hears and sees according to his pleasure, or cavil too much. Rather doth she wish that all things that exist and their purposes be told him, and that he should content himself with that."
Impudence answered : " As if anyone could be
so insolent as not to remain with the others ; but
this one, meseems, will require a bit." " It is well ;
let us go forward." Then he joined us, and we
went on.
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( The Ways of Falsehood in the Wor/d.)
3. I, however, thought in my mind : " Would God that I had not been led here ! These are deliberating about some bit for my mouth." And I say to this, my new companion : " Friend, take it not amiss ; gladly would I know thy name also." He answered : " I am the interpreter of Wisdom, the queen of the world, and I have the duty to teach all how they can understand the things of the world. Therefore I place in the minds of all, old and young, noble and of mean birth, ignorant and learned, all that belongs to true, worldly wisdom, and I lead them to joy and merriment, for without me even kings, princes, and the proudest men would be in strange anxiety, and would spend their time on earth mournfully."