midday
They stood before him now -- these wonderful spirits . He believed surely that , should he dare to raise his eyes , he would see them , definite yet formless , arising glorious out of the cloud of golden reflection from Brahma 's threefold forehead . Thus he prayed , not kneeling , since the god cared only for his soul : `` Oh , Lord Brahma , Creator , hear me ! Thou who madest me knowest whither I came and whither I go ; but I , who am as the wind that bloweth as thou listeth , as a flower that springeth up in the night and unseen fadeth in the midday heat , I know not thy purpose nor the end for which I am . Lord Brahma , teach me , for my soul panteth after knowledge . Show me the path which I must tread , for I am weary with dreams . Teach me to serve my people -- be it hand in hand with the Stranger and his gods , be it alone .