Angelo Branduardi - Mustapha's tale lyrics

ANGELO BRANDUARDI "fables and fantasies" Mustapha's Tale Mustapha the silver bit and stoked up the fire Began his tale once in the blue hills so tired I found a cave to shelter in, the entrance was low If its fable or fantasy the desert wind knows If its fable or fantasy the desert wind blows Suddenly awakened with a black chill of terror I saw twelve hooded figures in graveyard apparel Who shuffling towards me where I crouched by the wall Said Mustapha you're now one of us, we have need of one more Yes joining hands they left a place and called for one more Thirteen we must be tonight for conjure and scheme My limbs gave me to them I prayed that I dreamed My hands held fast by other hands the circle was closed If its fable or fantasy the desert wind knows If its fable or fantasy the desert wind blows A pentagram of Caldea was drawn in vermillion Where five lamps were a'flickering to foul incantation When all at once sulphurous vapours did rise A cloud, a shape, a form, a face with tapers for eyes Never was a gargoyle more hideously moulded Or a voice heard more of snake fit Which that awful head issued No greater riches offered for a small sacrifice A name in blood, a promised soul, the unholy price A name in blood, a promised soul, the unholy price It offered me all women both living and dead Palaces and flower a crown for my head But from somewhere deep inside me came the strength to scream no If its fable or fantasy the desert wind knows If its fable or fantasy the desert wind blows Mustapha the silver bit and stoked up the fire Began his tale once in the blue hills so tired I found a cave to shelter in and the rest I've disclosed Fable or fantasy the desert wind blows Fable or fantasy the desert wind blows If its fable or fantasy the desert wind blows