t h e s i l k o f
the ascending
and descending
wors h i p p e r s.
On both sides
of the passage
sit the vendors
of gold l e a f
a nd w a x e n
tapers for the
pi o us , a n d
coloured beads
and mirrors for
the vain, a n d
books for the
learned, a n d
toys and supplejacks
for the
young. Pretty
women dart out
from behind the
gay stalls and
twang their little
triangular gongs
in the faces of
the passers-by,
and children run
to the - stranger
with offerings of
flowers and re
