The Church of New Labors

Another boring dinner with
Princess Mathilde...

The brothers went out into the fog
to mull with aperitifs. An odd creature
was shambling down in the street below.
At about a foot and a half tall, its gait
and general character resembled
an old drunk dressed like a plague doctor.

Jules said to Edmond:

I have conceived of a city whose
consistency is little more than a sparkle
or a glint. All of it sewn together with a
thread of song, and see through.

Edmond watched as the vulture
took the sick little street puppy in its jaws
and began the laborious process
required to fly.

Edmond then said:

A tunic of Magnesian fashion
fitted close his magnificent limbs,
and across it

a puppy's hide? -
held off the shivering rain..

Jules motioned for them
to go back inside, the Princess
had begun another tiresome
harangue.