Collected Works (Vol. II)

182 THE SWORD OF SONG Mystic mean- ing of Pente- cost. Super-con- sciousness iS the gift of the Holy Ghost. Poet nota materialist. Mohammed's ideas. Verbatim re- port of Moslem account of the Annunciation. Such reservations—and I class Myselfa Christian: let us pass Back to the text whose thread we lost, And see what means this “ Pentecost.” This, then, 1s what I deem occurred (According to our Saviour’s word) That all the Saints at Pentecost Received the gift—the Holy Ghost ; Such gift implying, as I guess, This very super-consciousness.TM Miracles follow as a dower ; But ah! they used that fatal power And lost the Spirit in the act. ‘This may be fancy or a fact ; At least it squares with super-sense Or “spiritual experience.” You do not well to swell the list Of horrid things to me imputed By calling me “materialist.” At least this thought is better suited To Western minds than is embalmed Among the doctrines of Mohammed, The dogma parthenogenetic * As told me by a fat ascetic. He said : “ Your worthy friends may lack you late, But learn how Mary was immaculate !” I sat in vague expectant bliss. | The story as it runs is this: (I quote my Eastern friend © verbatim !) The Virgin, going to the bath, Found a young fellow in her path, And turned, prepared to scold and rate him / “How dare you be on me encroaching ?” The beautiful young gentleman, With perfect courtesy approaching, Bowed deeply, and at once began: “ Fear nothing, Mary! Allis well! Lam the angel Gabriel,” She bared her right breast ; (query why ?) The angel Gabriel let fly * Concerning conception of a virgin. 720 745