Why not look up in wonder, bid the stars
Attest my praise of the All-mighty One ?"

The Dervish recites a pleasant little parable explaining



BROWNING CRITIQUES 265

the propriety of at least trying to appreciate the bless-
ings of small things, and finishes with :

"That this last cherry soothes
A roughness of my palate that I know :
His Maker knows why Mushtari was made."

Plot Culture

During lesson time one of Ferishtah's disciples
raised the question as to whether human manifesta-
tions of love were displeasing to the Maker's eye and
ear. The Dervish tells him he would not be distinctly
man if there were no limit line between himself and
his Creator. His own place is given him and

"There thou art master sole and absolute,
Only remember doomsday !"

When he must render account for the way he has cared
for the plot given him to live in. The Dervish also
counsels him that as his father provides for his mar-
riage it is enough :

"Be reticent, I counsel thee
Nor venture to acquaint him point by point.
