is named Haste,
its younger is called Suspicion.”
Hammadi declared:
“Father, I have nothing left to give you;
but I wish you could teach me more.”
“I am Sorry my son, but empty hands
cannot draw water from a well.
Now that your hands are naked and you have nothing,
no words can pass from me to you.”
Thus the old man spoke, scorning graciousness
and pitilessly removing himself.
After leaving his corner
he asked Hammadi's help in loading the oxen,
setting them on the way, and getting them to walk.
Then a mighty star 87 shone and dissipated the night 88
which had fallen and darkened every corner.
The bright star shone and brightened,
lit up the eastern road that the little man
had just taken, leaving no shadow.
Hamtudo and Demburu gathered around, saying:
“You see, he bewitched you, mystified you, dispossessed you!”
They began to laugh uproariously,
couldn't stop. They doubled over, held their sides,
twisted, and while still laughing, said:
“Hammadi, your tutor, for high-grade gold,
yellow and pure, gave you many a lesson!
Certainly you are now filled with knowledge
so that pure and precious gold wouldn't have to weigh down your oxen.”
Demburu said:
“You refused my advice, and now you've smartened up.
Now you would finally agree, I hope?”
Hammadi had no answer
for the mocking tone of his friends.
But he was far from regretting his act,
If he had had the chance,

Notes (Lilyan Kesteloot)
87Among shepherds this is called “the shepherds' star”; but it is the same one that is called “star of the laborer” or “morning star.” Is this the initiatory star, in the east during morning and in the west at night?
88. And yet, this supposedly is happening in the morning; therefore there is intentional illogicality which symbolizes either mystery or human ignorance.