ply. And seeing such a host of
immortals, and hearing of multitudes more, purely spiritual in their
nature, haunting woodlands and streams; my views of theology grew
strangely confused; I began to bethink me of the Jew that rejected
the Talmud, and his all-permeating principle, to which Goethe and
others have subscribed.

Instead, then, of being struck with the audacity of endeavoring to
palm myself off as a god--the way in which the thing first impressed
me--I now perceived that I might be a god as much as I pleased, and
yet not whisk a lion's tail after all at least on that special
account.

As for Media's reception, its graciousness was not wholly
owing to the divine character imputed to me. His, he believed to be
the same. But to a whim, a freakishness in his soul, which led him to
fancy me as one among many, not as one with no peer.

But the apparent unconcern of King Media with respect to my godship,
by no means so much surprised me, as his unaffected indifference to
my amazing voyage from the sun; his indifference to the sun itself;
and all the wonderful circumstances that must have attended my
departure. Whether he had ever been there himself, that he regarded a
solar trip with so much unconcern, almost became a question in my
mind. Certain it is, that as a mere traveler he must have deemed me
no very great prodigy.

My surprise at these things was enhanced by reflecting, that to the
people of the Archipelago the map of Mardi was the map of the world.
With the exception of certain islands out of sight and at an
indefinite distance, they had no certain knowledge of any isles but
their own.

And, no long time elapsed ere I had still additional reasons to cease
wondering at the easy faith accorded to the story which I had given
of myself. For these Mardians were familiar with still greater
marvels than mine; verily believing in prodigies of all sorts. Any
one of them put my exploits to the blush.

Look to thy ways then, Taji, thought I, and carry not thy crest too
high. Of a surety, thou hast more peers than inferiors. Thou art
overtopped all round. Bear thyself discreetly and not haughtily,
Taji. It will not answer to give thyself airs. Abstain from all
consequential allusions to the other world, and the genteel deities
among whom thou hast circled. Sport not too jauntily thy raiment,
because it is novel in Mardi; nor boast of the fleetness of thy
Chamois, because it is unlike a canoe. Vaunt not of thy pe