Yeshiva University - Masmid Yearbook (New York, NY)

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As Pilgrim approached the gate, incompetence beheld him with disdain and began to question him. He asked, Whence come you and whither are you bound? Pilgrim replied, I come from the crossroads and know not where I go. Then said Incompetence, We will deal with you on the morrow for as you can clearly see, it is ten minutes to the hour of five and 1 must close for the night. The Pilgrim was perturbed for it was midday. Hypocrisy allayed his fears, Beware what you do for you are on the highway of Holiness. We will wait till nightfall, spend the night, and continue our journey afresh in the morning. Lighting under a shelter. Pilgrim lay awake all night for he was wary of future events. Suddenly, he heard a rumbling in the distance which rap- idly drew near. In the dimness he espied a giant strutting down the road. As its immense shadow fell upon Pilgrim, he saw that it was Piety, who crossed the barrier with one great stride. In the process his gown was caught on the spire of the tollgate and it mockingly revealed to Pilgrim a strange undercarriage, for he was a man of small stature wearing stilts. Anxious to have this new mystery explained. Pilgrim quickly woke up Hypocrisy and asked for enlightenment. Hypocrisy responded, Thou speakest with a grim and surly voice. Thou hast sinned by looking upon the nakedness of Piety. Pilgrim persisted, But what meaneth those stilts ' Hypocrisy answered, Your curiosity is a snare and a delusion. The stilts accomplish two things. Firstly, they enable Piety to take less steps. Secondly, they allow him to present a better image to the sundry folk he encounters, thus enabling him to continue his righteous work. Then said Pilgrim, What is to prevent anyone who knows nothing of righteousness from wearing the cloak of Piety? Then answered Hypoc- risy Truly nothing, for if it suits thy whim, then take up a cloak and frock thyself. Thereupon they slept.

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Pointing his finger. Pilgrim exclaimed, Behold, Hypocrisy, up ahead, what is that structure that blocketh the way? It surely is not like the obstacles we have encountered heretofore. It cannot be of natural creation for it is sharp, angular and lacks Artemis ' s graceful symmetry. I am hard put to it for I have travelled but little way and now to perceive yet another distress. Woe to me! Then said Hypocri- sy. Fear naught, for at the gates you shall learn what needs be done. The grotesque structure consisted of numerous chambers each occupied by various attendants. The buttresses and gargoyles seemed as superfluous and antiquated as the occupants themselves. Each chamber housed a useless sundial which consistently read ten minutes to the hour of five. I saw that the gatekeeper bore the name Incompetence.

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