The Parable of the Man, the Dog, the Great Abyss

The least enlightened is he who finds the path and, drunk with success, is lost in exultation.

Dr. Reverend Manmacher Upshaft the Enlightened, the old man who stands on the highest peak of Mount Chai and ponders his past illuminations was, in his youth, afflicted with a strange and wonderful experience.

For one hour each Wednesday morning, just before dawn, for a period of slightly less than eight months, God spoke to Dr. Reverend Manmacher Upshaft.

No one knows what God said to the young Dr. Upshaft. Whenever anyone asks the Enlightened One what he learned from his conversations with God, the good Doctor is wont to stare off into space with a dreamy expression and pontificate (at wearisome length) on how incredibly, delightfully beautiful God's voice was.