"Then spake to
him the swineherd, a master of men: Stranger, since thou askest and questionest
me hereof, give heed now in silence and make merry, and abide here drinking
wine. Lo, the nights now are of length untold. Time is there to sleep, and time
to listen and be glad; thou needest not turn to bed before the hour; even too
much sleep is vexation of spirit. But for the rest, let him whose heart and
mind bid him, go forth and slumber, and at the dawning of the day let him break
his fast, and follow our master's swine. But let us twain drink and feast
within the steading, and each in his neighbour's sorrows take delight,
recalling them, for even the memory of griefs is a joy to a man who hath been
sore tried and wandered far. Wherefore I will tell thee that whereof thou
askest and dost question me."
