The Chariot was flying down a shoreline where dunes rose away from the surf. The wind was so strong that rocks the size of watermelons were rolling up the dunes creating paths. The road zig-zagged up the shoreline. The Fool could hardly see the bricks the road was made of under the blowing sand.
The Chariot came to a halt. The chariot driver got out and started watering his peacock and ostrich. The Fool saw a man sitting in deep contemplation. He walked up to the man, but the man didn’t stir from his meditation.
Standing suddenly at the Fool’s side was the Devil. His breathing hot on his shoulder and smelled of sulfur.
Don’t worry, Fool, the Devil said, I’m not here for you.
The chariot driver leads his ostrich and peacock to the shore and started a huge bonfire that floated on the surf. The ostrich and the peacock began fanning the fire with their wings while singing their songs. The ostrich swelled his neck and made the sound like a bassoon hitting the low notes while the peacock cooed and cried.
Smoke filled the sky before the meditating man. The grey mist swirled and swole in the sea breeze. The Fool could see objects forming in the smoke. The Devil left the Fool’s side and flew up into the smoke and became a part of the charcoal fog.
Seven objects became very visible in the smoke.
Wake up! The Devil’s voice boomed from the smoke cloud, you can have whatever your heart desires!
One of the cups held a golden bust that looked like the face of the sun, and it moved out above the meditating man. It had curls and a handsome face. It had a kind smile.
You can have love! The Devil said, stop your trudging alone and fill your heart with love and share this life with someone! Have someone to turn to for the answers to your questions. Have an oracle in your bed!
The meditating man did not budge.
A cup with a carpet spilling out came forward. It was glowing.
I can give you all the answers, the Devil continued, you don’t have to sit there anymore. I can just tell you all the secrets of the world. You can be enlightened with no effort. You can stop this ludicrous journey!
The meditating man did not stir.
One of the cups came out and a serpent slithered out and flicked its forked tongue.
Imagine being a god! The Devil said, a bite of this serpent and you will be immortal and you will no longer know time and space, but dimensions that no mortal man could know. You will see worlds beyond your own and you can play with them. You won’t be under the thumb of other gods’ law.
The meditation man did not move.
Next, a cup with a castle tower looming out of it came floating above the meditating man.
Have a home, the Devil said, have land! Look out your window and see the earth be yours for as far as your eye can see. All the plants and animals your domain. Always know you will have warmth and comfort every night in your bed, a kitchen lauder full, and a hearth to keep the cruel world at bay.
The meditating man did not blink.
A cup full of jewels and coins floated out and hover above the meditating man.
Be rich! The Devil yelled, have all the gold, diamonds, jewels, and coin you will ever need. Buy anything you want. Buy a church! Buy a library! Buy a monastery! Whatever your heart desires, buy!
The meditating man did not twitch.
A cup that held a wreath of laurels floated to the front.
All man wants is success! The Devil said. I can give you accomplishments! You can wander the earth the most accomplished man to live. You can gloat and boast about what you have done. You can always walk tall with your chin up and your chest out.
The meditating man remained still.
The final cup came to the front with the smoking face of a dragon in it. Its wings tucked back and high above its body.
I can grant you magic, the Devil said, you can have the power over natural laws. You can create gold out of lead. You can summon demons and devils. You will know the esoteric and use it at your will. You will no longer live as a mere mortal but as a great wizard.
The meditating man did nothing still.
The Devil came out of the smoke and the smoke dissipated in the sea breeze blowing over the high dunes inland. The chariot driver and his peacock and ostrich walked back to the Chariot. The meditating man just stayed in meditation as rocks rolled uphill beside him from the strong winds.