Yeshiva University - Masmid Yearbook (New York, NY)

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As soon as Piety cast his eyes on the form of Worldly Wise, he swooned with the love that welled up inside of him, to rthe lack of female companionship on the road was of common knowledge. As is the way of the world, this love soon deepened, until Piety could contain himself no longer. I pray thee, he panted, be my wife, for I have not seen thy equal in all my travels. And the comely lass seemed stricken with the desirous Piety, for she soon agreed to the match. The joy of Piety knew no bounds. Let us hurry, for I know of an inn but little way down this road, where we can join our destinies forev- er. Piety spoke truly, for not too far in the distance, the company perceived a small inn. And the inn was truly a wondrous sight, for Pilgrim had never seen such a structure in his life. In the manner of all inns, a courtyard beckoned the weary Pilgrim. But unlike the usual inn, whose majestic courtyard spread far and wide for the comfort of travellers, the courtyard of this inn was small and 22 cramped, with weeds abounding at his feet.

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Upon awakening, Hypocrisy turned to Pilgrim and the beautious Worldly Wise, and spake unto them, saying, I charge, thee, friends, pray, let us return to the path which will truly lead us from this heathen wildernessto the land which I have told you of. But the travel- ler was troubled and was slow to heed Hypocri- sy ' s call. But sir, he spoke, I think ... A mistake, muttered Hypocrisy under his breath. But the Pilgrim continued, I think this forest of lush vegetation suits my desires and therefore see no reason to continue our long and arduous tra vails. The anger boiled up inside of Hypocrisy and bespoke through clenched teeth, Your arguments are empty and void of merit. Pilgrim, foryou have never seen the land which I have seen. You think only of momentary pleasures, and think naught of the final reward. An ashen look fell across the countenance of Pilgrim, for the harsh words of Hypocrisy troubled him. And thus, the Pilgrim and Worldly Wise continued their journey. On and on the road wound before them. Each step became labored for Pilgrim. Sweat soon formed rivulets upon his forehead and brow. And soon. Pilgrim raised his head, and lo. be- fore him stood Piety.

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Pilgrim warily entered the great lobby of the inn. Its dank and gloomy interior further depressed Pilgrim, for he had never seen such gloomy surroundings for an inn. The innkeeper, a veritable giant, gaunt and hollow in appearance, was named Gross Incompe- tence. As he looked around the room. Pilgrim ' s gaze fell upon an elderly couple sitting in the corner. Pray tell me, good innkeeper, who are those figures? Them, snorted the innkeeper, they are lonely refu- gees from life. But sir, cried the Pilgrim, should so many strangers abound where paying guests must tread. And would ye remove them, my inquisitive friend? asked the innkeeper, handing him a key. Here! Your room is in the attic. Thus, Pilgrim began the laborious task of climbing the staircase to his loft. As he reached the top floor, incred- ible filth greeted his eyes, as did the unmade, un- kempt bed. Pilgrim decided to retire early. However, animal-like snoring coming from adjacent quarters made sleep impossible. Finally, as the sun was about to rise, he managed to drift off to the world of sleep.