Duck Theology, parts 1038 - 1041

1038. First of all, Coromo does not trust his good fortune. God has, in no uncertain terms, shown him how to pay for his art supplies, by letting him in on the secret about the credit card companies. It was God's intent, I am sure, to see to it that his application was approved. But Coromo does not trust his good fortune, on the contrary he suspects he is being baited into some dreadful predicament.

1039. This is a distant echo of poor Odysseus, that time when the Gods finally allow him to return home, and Calypso tells him to build a raft to sail over the wine dark sea. He does not think this is a good thing at all, or any kind of an answer to his prayers, on the contrary he says:

1040. "Now Goddess," Odysseus says, "you can not really be meaning to help me home when you bid me do such a dreadful thing as put to sea on a raft. Not even a well-found ship would venture on such a voyage: nothing you can say or do shall make me go on board a raft unless you solemnly swear you mean me no mischief."

1041. For a person who is constantly helped and looked after by the Gods practically day and night, Odysseus is remarkably cautious and loath to do anything with out a few good omens to give him confidence. I suppose this is because he has seen over and over again that the Gods are tricksters, and always on the lookout for a good laugh at the expense of those poor humans they appear to be so willing to help out.