The Master,
adorned with gorgeous apparel and shining in gold, masked & wearing a
crown, came upon his disciples unannounced and asked for a glass of water.
The first
disciple, overawed, bowed & scraped & groveled at the Lord's feet,
asking whether he would like the priceless wine instead.
The second
disciple, disgusted by the stranger's pomp, sneered & suggested he buy his
own water, since he was so rich.
The third disciple
said nothing, but gave a glass of water.
The Master left
and returned a short while later clad in beggar's garments & hooded that
his face was hidden, and he asked his disciples for a glass of water.
The first
disciple, disgusted by the stranger's lowliness, sneered & suggested he
find someplace else to beg.
The second
disciple, moved to tears by the stranger's misfortune, fell all over himself to
provide for his every need, asking whether he would like the priceless wine
instead.
The third disciple
said nothing, but gave a glass of water.
The Master left
and returned yet again, but without disguise. He asked of his disciples whether
anyone had been by in his absence.
The first disciple
told the Master of the princely guest who had graced them with his presence,
and of the filthy beggar they had turned away.
The second
disciple told of the arrogant fool who had deemed himself so superior, and of
the poor soul they had helped and given charity.
The third disciple
said to his Master, "None were present in your absence."
The Master asked
of him, "What do you mean by this?"
"Thou wast
the king and the hermit," replied the disciple.
The Master
inquired yet further: "And how did you see this?"
"I looked
neither to your garments, nor to your gestures. I felt thy presence and was
filled with fear and trembling."
He who has ears to
hear, let him hear.
- The Neroic Parables
Akadzib: The Collected Writings of Franco Apophis Saint-Fond will be republished on the Fall Equinox.
