ad breed."

"I think your mother is wise," said Pan. "What do you like best in the
world, Seumas Beg?"

The boy thought for a moment and replied: "I don't know, sir."

Pan also thought for a little time.

"I don't know what I like best either," said he. "What do you like best
in the world, Shepherd Girl?"

Caitilin's eyes were fixed on his.

"I don't know yet," she answered slowly.

"May the gods keep you safe from that knowledge," said Pan gravely.

"Why would you say that?" she replied. "One must find out all things,
and when we find out a thing we know if it is good or bad."

"That is the beginning of knowledge," said Pan, "but it is not the
beginning of wisdom."

"What is the beginning of wisdom?"

"It is carelessness," replied Pan.

"And what is the end of wisdom?" said she.

"I do not know," he answered, after a little pause.

"Is it greater carelessness?" she enquired.

"I do not know, I do not know," said he sharply. "I am tired of
talking," and, so saying, he turned his face away from them and lay down
on the couch.

Caitilin in great concern hurried the children to the door of the cave
and kissed them good-bye.

"Pan is sick," said the boy gravely.

"I hope he will be well soon again," the girl murmured.

"Yes, yes," said Caitilin, and she ran back quickly to her lord.

BOOK II. THE PHILOSOPHER'S JOURNEY

CHAPTER X

WHEN the children reached home they told the Philosopher-the result of
their visit. He questioned them minutely as to the appearance of
Pan, how he had received them, and what he had said in defence of his
iniquities; but when he found that Pan had not returned any answer
to his message he became very angry. He tried to persuade his wife to
undertake another embassy setting forth his abhorrence and defiance of
the god, but the Thin Woman replied sourly that she was a respectable
married woman, that having been already bereaved of her wisdom she had
no desire to be further curtailed of her virtue, that a husband would go
any length to asperse his wife's reputation, and that although she was
married to a fool her self-respect had survived even that calamity. The
Philosopher pointed out that her age, her appearance, and her tongue
were sufficient guarantees of immunity against the machinations of
either Pan or slander, and that he had no personal feelings in the
matter beyond a scientific and benevolent interest in the troubles
of Meehawl MacMurrachu; but this wa