So the terms of this compact were not ever made public. Thus
all men stayed at no larger liberty to criticize its provisos than his
circumstances had granted to Dom Manuel, upon whom marrying had put the
obligation to provide, in one way or another way, for his wife and
child.
[Illustration]
XXXII
The Redemption of Poictesme
When then these matters were concluded, and the future of Poictesme had
been arranged in every detail, then Miramon Lluagor's wife told him that
long words and ink-bottles and red seals were well enough for men to
play with, but that it was high time something sensible was done in this
matter, unless they expected Niafer to bring up the baby in a ditch.
The magician said, "Yes, my darling, you are quite right, and I will see
to it the first thing after dinner."
He then said to Dom Manuel, "Now Horvendile informs me that you were
duly born in a cave at about the time of the winter solstice, of a
virgin mother and of a father who was not human."
Manuel replied, "Certainly that is true. But why do you now stir up
these awkward old stories?"
"You have duly wandered from place to place, bringing wisdom and
holiness to men--"
"That also is generally known.
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