Aaron's rod

196
AARON'S ROD
alone. Love too. But there also, taking one's way alone,
happily alone in all the wonders of communion, swept up on
the winds, but never swept away from one's very self. Two
eagles in mid-air, maybe, like Whitman's Dalliance of Eagles.
Two eagles in mid-air, grappling, whirling, coming to their
intensification of love-oneness there in mid-air. In mid-air
the love consummation. But all the time each lifted on its
own wings: each bearing itself up on its own wings at every
moment of the mid-air love consummation. That is the
splendid love-way.
The party was festive at dinner-time, the women in their
finest dresses, new flowers on the table, the best wine going.
It was Sunday evening. Aaron too was dressed and Lady
Franks, in black lace and pearls, was almost gay. There were
quails for dinner. The Colonel was quite happy. An air
of conviviality gathered round the table during the course
of the meal.
"I hope," said Aaron, "that we shall have some music to-
night."
"I want so much to hear your flute,"
"And I your piano," he said.
said his hostess.
"I am very weak very out of practise. I tremble at the
thought of playing before a musician. But you must not be
too critical."
"Oh," said Aaron, "I am not a man to be afraid of."
"Well, we will see," said Lady Franks. "But I am afraid
of music itself."
"Yes," said Aaron. "I think it is risky."
"Risky! I don't see that! Music risky? Bach? Beethoven!
No, I don't agree. On the contrary, I think it is
most elevating most morally inspiring. No, I tremble be-
fore it because it is so wonderful and elevating."
"I often find it makes me feel diabolical," said he.
"That is your misfortune, I am sure," said Lady Franks.
"Please do take another but perhaps* you don't like mushrooms?"