The witch asks her familiar, a rat:
"'...how went the journey?'" (p. 50)
He replies:
"'Long and cold... in bat shape, blown on the wind, I fared to Elfheugh...'" (ibid.)
That is as much as I plan to quote this evening but it suffices.
First, we notice that the wind takes a reasonably active role in the proceedings. By now we expect it to.
Secondly, the familiar's first three words sound familiar. I have read very little of Rudyard Kipling but have always been impressed by the following verse:
What of the hunting, hunter bold?
Brother, the watch was long and cold.
What of the quarry ye went to kill?
Brother, he crops in the jungle still.
Where is the power that made your pride?
Brother, it ebbs from my flank and side.
Where is the haste that ye hurry by?
Brother, I go to my lair to die!
-copied from here.
In a Poul Anderson text, there is always something to post about. Until some time tomorrow.
2 comments:
Kipling's always worth reading.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
Absolutely! Plus, Kipling wrote funny poems as well, a favorite of mine being his "Municipal."
Ad astra! Sean
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