Yeshiva University - Masmid Yearbook (New York, NY)

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Pilgrim searched for his cow but it had crossed the gate and now grazed on the other side. He said, Howam I to collect my milk if my cow has es- caped from me? Then said Incom- petence, You may cross on condi- tion that you leave behind something of value. Then said Pilgrim mourn- fully, I am dreadful of my condition, for I have not a thing of importance. Incompetence asked, Do you value the vessel now in your possession? Pilgrim replied, Yes, but without it, I am lost. Yes, but if you do notyield it, you may proceed no further, answered Incompetence. Then said Pilgrim, Yes, but without it I am hindered as well. Incompetence ex- claimed, Do not question my competence! Pilgrim reluctantly returned the sieve to Incompetence. Thereupon he crossed the stile and retrieved his cow. He set himself to the task of milking, but found it impossi- ble. He exclaimed, What a fool I am to attempt to ex- tract this exacting measure. I had no credentials in my bosom, and neither does my bovine companion. Oh! What hardship and terror I have undergone. And nowthe deepest hurt of all to discover that this animal is as much a cow as I am. At this Incompetence fell into a grievous rage and declared, Seeing as thou hast disobeyed my counsel it shall be worse with thee than if thee had never been born. Then said Hypocrisy to Pilgrim, Thou seest that I am still here with thee, a far weaker man by nature t hen thou art. Do not be afraid for let us exercise a bit more patience. You must understand that Incompetence must not let anyone trespass upon these grounds with- out having paid his toll. And as he yet spoke, a pitiful figure drew up to the tollgate and without the difficulty that Pilgrim had just met, the gatekeeper helped him cross. Neither did he meet with the least discourage- ment. But when he came to the gate he knocked at the door, opened it, and passed directly through. I beheld that he was, by nature, cold; his mouth was large, and his belly much would hold. Pilgrim, upset and bewildered, sought an answer to the puzzling occurrence. Hypocrisy quickly responded, You will later receive the comforts of all your toil, and joy for all your suffering. As for now do not lose faith, nor question others, for here we live by tradition.

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Once again, Incompetence asked, Whence come you and whither are you bound? Then answered Pilgrim, I come to take the path that Hypocrisy showeth me. Incompetence then asked for Pilgrim ' s cer- tificate that he might go in. And Pilgrim fumbled in his bosom and found none. Then said Incompetence, Have you none? But Pilgrim answered not a word. Thereupon Incompetence closed the gate. Pilgrim feared that his journey would be curtailed and begged for entrance. Incompetence replied that in such cases he must consult those of higherauthority. Pilgrim turned to Hypocrisy and in a mournful tone cried, I sink in deep waters. All the waves are over my head. SelahJ Then said Hypocrisy, Be of good cheer my brother. I feel the bottom and it is good. Thou Shalt yet complete the journey before thee. Incompetence returned, There is yet one way by which you may pass. Pilgrim, somewhat strengthened and better able to bear his burdens asked of him, How may I do so? Then said Incompetence, The toll is not as exacting as a pound of flesh. It merely requires a pound of milk. Then begged Pilgrim, But with what am I to collect it? Incompetence replied, I have a vessel for thee. Once more the Pilgrim ' s eyes lit up with joy and he said, Pray give it to me that I may soon continue on my way. Incompetence handed Pilgrim a gold- en sieve. Said Pilgrim, Lo! I am troubled. Whatform of vessel do I possess? Then said Hypocrisy, Dare you shun such a holy vessel? Take solace in the tradition that passeth through this gate and muse no longer. I beheld that once again the Pil- grim ' s heart was gladdened. And said Pil- grim, Now we shall end this haggling and I shall soon be able to pass.

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Great darkness and horror fell upon Pilgrim. He began to inquire if there were no other way around the gate, to which Hypocrisy answered. Yes. but there hath not been anyone permitted to tread that path since its foundation. But if you will, we shall make the attempt, for I am truly your friend. Then said Pilgrim. Seemingly, thou art. That evening, they prepared to bed down by the road, but in the darkness they took the path around thetollgate. They followed the road throughout the night with- out much difficulty, for strangely, it bore the tracks of many men and sprouted no undergrowth. As dawn approached, they caught up with the man who had gone thro ugh the to II gate effortlessly. Pilgrim asked. How art thee called? The stranger replied. I am known as Inadequacy.