but weighs the matter in the context of his power.
Before taking a position, he must first find out the facts.
In the nocturnal sense, the chameleon is deception
screened by abundant words,
and prolonged ambush which is meant to take by surprise.
The chameleon's not hurrying to put its feet on the ground,
but putting them down one after the next, means taking care,
exploring places, understanding before taking a position,
avoiding brusque action and surprise,
as well as unconscious acceptance and commitment,
or the belief that everything is just as always.
Do not believe that if the right foot fails
the left foot will also.
The chameleon that does not turn its head
to see, but rolls its eyes in every direction,
signifies keeping a cool head at all times
without, however, refusing to examine what is told.
This is the man who is willing to lend an ear
but who isn't carried along by the opinions of others,
and who knows where he is going, and how.
The beneficial meaning of its compressed body
is the ability not to be cumbersome.
In the nocturnal sense, it is the man who is easily trampled.
The ornate back of a crest symbolizes vigilance,
such is the diurnal meaning.
Nocturnally it means puffing out the chest,
being eager for flattery, full of pride and compliments.
The prehensile tail of the chameleon is prudence,
camouflaged defense in an unpredictible place.
Nocturnally it is a trap hidden
by perfidy and carried about with him.”
“Venerable master!” cried Hammadi.
“May your life lengthen, sparkle and shine,
your infinite light dissipating the shades.”
With this, the old man scraped on his beard, coughed,
sprinkled the ground with a long trail of spit,
and took his nose by the right thumb and index finger,
pushing together the tip of his nostrils.