The moon hath no fixed course, and is wayward, and wanders about the heavens among the innumerable stars that glare and wink out. It said that some of the best and brightest of these have fallen from their place to the earth and are sunk in darkness forever. Some folk are like these fiery stars, and shine for a time, and when they fall, they cannot recover their places, so their light is forever extinguished. There will never be any more brightness or comfort again from their radiance, and they leave behind a deep blackness of gloom, that which was first before the stars were ever made. And so Lord Estarfin’s star hath fallen into darkness and gloom, and it is strange to think that after all of his wild battling with the world, he will effect it no more, and no longer will he do what he ought, and what is due. He may have indulged in an evil temper, this one who took his fellow up by the throat, and half-choked him in his determination to do his duty. It was not a just nor noble deed, but I overlooked it. I overlooked it, as I overlook many things, and I told myself it was an unfavorable circumstance which brought about this misfortune, though it made me sore angry. I have had time to think the matter over, and it looks different now. I am not angry anymore; I cannot recall anger in the Gardens of the Lady, but it vexes me that my carelessness might have brought about this excitement. If only I had kept back those few hasty words, then it would be different. But now it is too late. I am troubled, and my heart is gnawed with doubt and regret when I see poor Lord Estarfin lying in the pale flowers, and all my thought is taken up with care. He is even weaker now, and staggers when he walks, which is not often, and I pity him.
Unhappy and miserable we all are at times, so perhaps everyone is deserving of pity and needs it from his fellows; but I do not. Would that I were worthy to receive the kind sympathy of friends as Lord Estarfin has - but I do not need this, either.
