So the hospitable man hurried to and fro all day, gathering this that was rich, and that that was costly, and the other that was delicate; and bidding his acquaintance come and help him do honor to his friend.

   Next day he met another friend, who was a physician.

   "Whither away so fast?" asked the hospitable man.

   "Do not stay me!" said the physician. "The case is urgent. I am going to So-and-So." And he named the friend from over seas.

   "You distress me infinitely!" cried the hospitable man. "Is So-and-So ill?"

   "Some rascal poisoned him last night," said the physician. "A bad business. I doubt if he recovers."

   "Good God!" cried the hospitable man. "He dined with me last night."

   "Oh! was it you?" said the physician.

   The great Pot boiled and bubbled over the crackling flames. Fat and lean, sweet and bitter, had gone to fill it, and all seethed merrily together. "Hubble bubble!" said the Pot.

   Now it came to pass after a time that a certain part of what was within rose to the top, and mantled there, frothing and eddying.

   "I am the cream!" it said. "This is my proper place, the top of the Pot. Under me the mass seethes darkling, and from it I rise to light and air. My glory rejoices; this is as it should be!"

   Now came the Cook, and lifted the lid of the Pot and looked in. "Ah!" he said. "The scum has risen, and must be taken off, lest the meat be spoiled." And he took it off.

   "Hubble bubble!" said the Pot.

   "But you don't understand!" said the Soul. "It is my body that makes all the trouble. Its nerves are all atwist, its brain does not work properly, its heart is too small.

    I

   am all right: if I could have another chance, in a decently furnished body, you would see what a different creature I should be."

   "Very well!" said the Angel-who-attends-to-things. "I know several other souls who are wishing for a change; you may try their bodies, and see if you can suit yourself."

   The Soul thanked 

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