The Chariot was flying down a shoreline, where dunes rose away from the surf. The wind was so strong that rocks the size of watermelons were rolling up the dunes, creating pathways. The road zig-zagged up the shoreline. The Fool could hardly see the bricks the road was made of under the blowing sand.
The Chariot came to a halt. The driver got out and started watering his peacock and ostrich. The Fool saw a man sitting by the road in deep contemplation. He walked up to the man, but the man didn’t stir from his meditation.
Standing suddenly at the Fool’s side was the Devil. His breathing was hot on the Fool’s shoulder and it smelled of sulfur.
Don’t worry, Fool, the Devil said, I’m not here for you.
The chariot driver led his ostrich and peacock to the shore and started a huge bonfire that floated on the surf. The ostrich and the peacock began to fan the fire with their wings while singing their songs: the ostrich swelled his neck and made a sound like a bassoon, hitting the low notes while the peacock cooed and cried.
Thin smoke filled the sky before the meditating man, a grey mist that swirled and swelled in the sea breeze. The Fool could see objects forming in the smoke. The Devil left the Fool’s side and flew up into the smoke and became a part of the charcoal fog.
Seven objects became very visible in the smoke.
Wake up, the Devil’s voice boomed from the smoke cloud, and you can have whatever your heart desires!
One of the cups held a golden bust that looked like the face of the sun, and it moved out above the meditating man. It had curls and a handsome face that smiled a kind smile.
You can have love! the Devil said. Stop your trudging alone and fill your heart with love and share this life with someone! Have someone to turn to for the answers to your questions. Have an oracle in your bed!
The meditating man did not budge.
A cup with a carpet spilling out came forward next. It was glowing.
I can give you all the answers, the Devil continued, and you don’t have to sit there anymore. I can just tell you all the secrets of the world. You can be enlightened with no effort. You can stop this ludicrous journey!
The meditating man did not stir.
Another cup came forth and a serpent slithered out of it and flicked its forked tongue.
Imagine being a god! the Devil said. A bite from this serpent, and you will be immortal. You will no longer know time and space, but dimensions that no mortal man could know. You will see worlds beyond your own and you can play with them. You won’t be under the thumb of other gods’ law.
The meditating man did not move.
Next was a cup with a castle tower looming out of it.
Have a home, the Devil said. Have land! Look out your window and see the Earth be yours for as far as your eye can see. All the plants and animals your domain. Always knowing you will have warmth and comfort every night in your bed, a kitchen larder full, and a hearth to keep the cruel world at bay.
The meditating man did not blink.
A cup full of jewels and coins floated out and hovered above the meditating man.
Be rich! the Devil yelled. Have all the gold, diamonds, jewels, and coin you will ever need. Buy anything you want. Buy a church! Buy a library! Buy a monastery! Whatever your heart desires. Buy!
The meditating man did not twitch.
A cup that held a wreath of laurels drifted to the front.
All man wants is success! the Devil said. I can give you accomplishments! You can wander the Earth as the most accomplished man to live. You can gloat and boast about what you have done. You can always walk tall with your chin up and your chest out.
The meditating man remained still.
The final cup came to the front, with the smoking face of a dragon in it. Its wings were tucked back and high above its body.
I can grant you magic, the Devil said. You can have power over natural laws. You can create gold out of lead. You can summon demons and devils. You will know the esoteric, and use it at your will. You will no longer live as a mere mortal but as a great wizard.
Still, the meditating man did nothing.
The Devil came out of the smoke then, and the smoke dissipated in the sea breeze, blowing over the high dunes inland. The chariot driver and his peacock and ostrich walked back to the Chariot. The meditating man just stayed in meditation, rocks rolling uphill beside him from the strong winds.