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while he was noble, being sprung from a Star, and he made himself
master over them, and called them his servants. No pity had he for the
poor, or for those who were blind or maimed or in any way afflicted,
but would cast stones at them and drive them forth on to the highway,
and bid them beg their bread elsewhere, so that none save the outlaws
came twice to that village to ask for alms. Indeed, he was as one
enamoured of beauty, and would mock at the weakly and ill-
favoured, and make jest of them; and himself he loved, and in
summer, when the winds were still, he would lie by the well in the
priest's orchard and look down at the marvel of his own face, and
laugh for the pleasure he had in his fairness.
Often did the Woodcutter and his wife chide him, and say: "We
did not deal with thee as thou dealest with those who are left desolate,
and have none to succour them. Wherefore art thou so cruel to all
who need pity?"
Often did the old priest send for him, and seek to teach him the
love of living things, saying to him: "The fly is thy brother. Do it no
harm. The wild birds that roam through the forest have their freedom.
Snare them not for thy pleasure. God made the blind-worm and the
mole, and each has its place. Who art thou to bring pain into God's
world? Even the cattle of the field praise him."
But the Star-Child needed not their words, but would frown and
flout, and go back to his companions, and lead them. And his
companions followed him, for he was fair, and fleet of foot, and could
dance, and pipe, and make music. And wherever the Star-Child led
them they followed, and whatever the Star-Child bade them do, that
did they. And when he pierced with a sharp reed the dim eyes of the
mole, they laughed, and when he cast stones at the leper they laughed
also. And in all things he ruled them, and they became hard of heart
even as he was.
Now there passed one day through the village a poor beggar-
woman. Her garments were torn and ragged, and her feet were
bleeding from the rough road on which she had travelled, and she was
in very evil plight. And being weary she sat her down under a
chestnut-tree to rest.
But when the Star-Child saw her, he said to his companions,
"See! There sitteth a foul beggar-woman under that fair and green-
leaved tree. Come, let us drive her hence, for she is ugly and ill-
favoured."