SHADOWS 73 



of the wrist the docile serpent lashed offensively. Then 

 did the shark, frightened of a shadow, flee with mud- 

 stirring haste, like the wicked when no man pursueth. 



The hour of day-dreaming was past. I slip over the 

 side of the boat to roll and splash in tepid water limpid 

 almost to invisibility, and to test the wondrous buoyancy 

 of the substantial part of man. Sit down, the lips 

 just awash, so that the accurately ballasted portion 

 cushions on the cleanly sand. Stretch out the legs so 

 that the heels barely rest. Head thrown back and 

 arms extended, fill the lungs to their utmost capacity 

 with the placid, revivifying air, and you will find your- 

 self so uplifted that the heels alone gently touch the 

 sand. At each inspiration almost sufficient air is im- 

 bibed to float the whole bulk and machinery of the body. 

 And when the radiant air is all one's own, why be nig- 

 gardly ? Let it be gulped greedily, strongly, wilfully, 

 and let the smiling sea, responding to the embraces of 

 your wide-spread arms, salute your lips with ripples. 



