Dano, your Prince and fellow student, is one chosen as an instrument, through whom soon will be given to you a wonderful revelation, which will make of sorrowful Ento a world of hopeful, happy men and women. Dano does not dream. Through his inner senses, which are the senses of the Self, he discerns Spiritual things, and you too, Lēta̤ Verona̤da̤s, are on the verge of enlarged spiritual perception, and in the swiftly approaching days you will stand by his side, a teacher of a new faith. Now I will depart, and the Self of Dano will repossess his body, but ere I go hence with loving thoughts for all, and with loving memories for this Institution in which I passed my youth, and ended my mortal usefulness, I, Zenesta̤ Ha̤o, say to all, Info oovistû.
De L'Ester—Well done, well done, Zenesta̤. I had not thought it possible for any fully freed one to so entirely possess the youth. But Gentola̤ having paved the way you did so admirably. Do not you think so?
Zenesta Hao—I congratulate both Dano and myself that we have safely concluded this experiment, which nothing would induce me to repeat. He became so entirely submerged that had I retained possession a moment longer, he certainly would have become freed, and I—well, you all know what the consequence would have been. I understand De L'Ester. You are no more at fault than am I, but we must not again permit our zeal to get the better of our discretion.
Leta—Professor, this is not the first time I have seen Dano in this strange condition, and almost I am persuaded that while he slumbers, some god communes with him. May not it be that Andûmana̤ has taken pity on His sorrowful children, and that at His command His Messengers are using Dano as an instrument through whom to convey to us the knowledge that indeed existence is continuous? Ah, he moves, and his color is returning, but his slumber is very prolonged. Oh, that we soon may come to understand this mystery, if mystery it may be.
Instructor—I am amazed beyond expression by this strange occurrence. Zenesta̤ Ha̤o, do not we all know of his great learning, of his deep researches into ancient languages and records? What can this mean? What report shall I make of it to our superiors? Lēta̤, raise his head a little. He now appears to be in a quiet slumber, still it may be well to call Doctor Vyonda̤. Hasten, Rûfa̤, to call Doctor Vyonda̤ to come to Dano.
Oh, that it might be true, this story of continuous existence. Have not I lost a noble son, who was your fellow student? A beloved daughter, too, with whose life her mother's life and mine were bound as with one chord. Alas, alas, sorrow leads one to reach out after visionary nothings. Ah, he is awakening. Why, Dano, apparently you have been slumbering, and really we have been a little disquieted, in fact so disconcerted as to scarcely know what course to pursue. You are not ill? Speak if you can, and set our fears at rest. The cup of water, Lēta̤. Ah, now you are quite restored.
Dano—Friends, I regret that I have occasioned you some anxious moments. No, I am not ill, and I cannot explain these sudden attacks of unconsciousness. I only am aware that I have been in a deep slumber, which came upon me so suddenly that I could not avoid it. Perhaps I should obey Doctor Vyonda̤, and for a time cease pursuing my beloved studies.
Leta—Dano, can it be that you are unaware that while you slumbered, you spoke to us strange, and in a measure unintelligible words? With permission of our Instructor I will relate to you what you have said.
Dano—Lēta̤, your narrative fills me with dismay. Surely you are not jesting. Your serious face assures me that you are not. May Andûmana̤ forgive if unwittingly I have spoken lightly of sacred matters. Lately I have been subjected to what Doctor Vyonda̤ terms self-induced hallucinations. But I am not conscious of inducing them, and certainly I do not desire to indulge in such folly. I would not err, I would not sin, yet during these seizures I give utterance to expressions which are not in accord with our Sacred Writings. I pray the pitiful gods that I may not be held accountable for these unconscious utterances.
De L'Ester—Two Professors and a Physician are hastening this way.
Professor—My dear Dano, we have been quite alarmed to learn that again you have been attacked with faintness, and rejoice that you are recovering. Here is our good Doctor Vyonda̤, who speedily will restore you.
Dr. Vyonda—Certainly, certainly. It is nothing serious. Really there is no occasion for alarm. Such attacks are quite common. The high temperature of the season, and too close application to study superinduces such seizures. Dano, you must relax a little of your ardent pursuit of knowledge. You must indulge in lighter veins of thought. Youth is the age for enjoyment, innocent enjoyment of course, and for acquiring knowledge, but with, moderation, my dear Dano, with due moderation.
Your eyes are yet a trifle heavy. Allow me to administer this agreeable potion, which will dispel this sensation of lassitude. On retiring, you will take this palatable powder, which will insure quiet sleep. No visions, no hallucinations will disturb your repose, and in the morning we will counsel together as to the best course to be pursued. But no more study to-day, Dano, you understand, no more——
De L'Ester—Quickly, quickly, Gentola̤. He is not fully aroused from his entrancement, and his spiritual perception is very exalted. Follow my dictation.
Dr. Vyonda—He again is relapsing into unconsciousness. Order a litter at once, and have him conveyed to his apartment. Really this seizure is inexplicable, but I doubt not will yield to——
Dano—Doctor Vyonda̤, I am told to request you to quietly remain where you are.
Dr. Vyonda—This is most perplexing, most perplexing. Apparently he is unconscious, yet he bids me to quietly remain where I am. No. No. Not just now. We will wait a little. Put the litter further away. Give him more air.
Gentola—Dano, I am Gentola̤. This name has been given me by some persons who understand your language. I have told you that I come from a world named Earth, which is so far away in space that to Entoans it appears as a brightly shining point in the night sky. Try to understand that the vital, animating principle controlling all the activities of your physical body, is the immortal Self, the real Dano. Aside from certain of your Priests, but few Entoans are so highly sensitive as are you, who soon readily will perceive wholly freed Spirits. Because that I still am connected with my physical body you see, hear, and feel the touch of my real Self, the Spirit woman. For the reason that your Spirit consciousness, which is self perception, is highly evolved, you are thus favored.
This is no dream, no hallucination of an overtaxed mind. I am as real as are you. So are the wholly freed spirits who bear me from Earth to Ento. So was your sister Onta̤, who has appeared to you, but who, until you are further prepared, will not again attempt to do so.
In time you will be made to comprehend the laws involved in spirit return, but at present I cannot explain them. The Spirits with whom I am associated, and hosts of Spirits, of Spirit Spheres, of other Spirit Worlds, have combined their forces in a supreme endeavor to release the peoples of Ento from the hopeless religious beliefs, which long have held them in a state of such pitiful despair that as I gaze on their almost smileless faces, my heart throbs with sympathy for their perpetual sorrow. Dano, fear not, but rejoice that you have been chosen as a message bearer to them. Rejoice that through your instrumentality light from your spirit world soon will dissipate the shadows enshrouding the lives of your peoples.
The hour draws very near when Omanos Fûnha̤'s fair daughter, your affianced bride, must pass into your Spirit World. Only now does Valloa̤'s father realize that her days may be drawing to a close, and through fear and grief he is well nigh crazed. Daily in the Temple Zim he sacrifices to Andûmana̤, imploring with agonizing moans and tears that his precious Valloa̤ shall not be taken from him into the dread silence of death, but still she fades, as fade the lovely, fragrant rodels on Bascama's limpid water. Vainly your father, Basto Andûlēsa̤, endeavors to allay Omanos Fûnha̤'s fears, to assuage his grief, for at last he and your mother perceive Valloa̤'s perilous state, and they propose to immediately call you home, hoping, as does Omanos Fûnha̤, that your presence may arouse and aid the drooping girl to prolong, if not to recover her waning life.
It is indeed pitiful to see the light dying out of her beautiful azure eyes, and the bloom fading from her lovely young face, which grows as pallid as roina̤ blooms. As her physical strength declines Valloa̤'s vision grows more Spiritualized, and as through a thin veil she sees the spirit forms of her mother and of other dear ones, who whisper to her unfolding Spirit senses words of loving cheer for her, for her stricken father, and for you, dear youth. She fancies that she dreams, and when smilingly she relates to her father the loving Messages from the dream-world he is filled with consternation lest her mind is being lost, and in the privacy of his own apartments he prostrates himself, crying to Andûmana̤, and to the mighty gods to suffer her to live, or if that may not he, to take her in her perfection into Astranola̤.
I am made to tell you this, that in a measure you may be prepared for the ordeal awaiting you, and to urge upon you to be strong and courageous, for you will require both strength and courage to sustain you. Even now a swift Messenger comes from Omanos Fûnha̤, bearing a letter from your father, so hasten to prepare for your journey to Dao. To these persons who gaze on you in breathless expectation of they know not what speak of what I have been made to say to you, for I know that when you shall have regained control of yourself you will imagine that you have had a fanciful vivid dream. Remember that I charge you to speak of what I have said to you. And now I am bidden to say Info oovistû.
ROINA
Dr. Vyonda—Ah, he is reviving, his pulsations are quickening, and his color returning. This seizure is peculiar, very peculiar. Such long continued unconsciousness indicates a low state of vital energy. Professor Dalmaon, with your approval, I shall at once advise his father that he for a time must have entire mental rest and change of scene, which will assist in his recovery from his present devitalized state. Why, my dear Dano, you have been quite unconscious of the anxious interest which for a few moments has disturbed our minds. But as I have said, it is nothing serious, nothing really uncommon, quite a natural result of continued mental strain, and you must rest, Dano, for a time, you really must rest and recuperate. Do you now feel quite yourself?
Dano—Friends, I wish to say something that will surely try your belief in my sanity, but if your kindness may permit you to listen to what I desire to relate you will make me your grateful debtor. Doctor, I believe that I am quite myself, but after I shall have related my story I shall not find fault should you all question my opinion.
While you have thought me unconscious I have been as fully conscious as yourselves, but unable to move, or to unclose my eyes, or to utter a sound. Yet in some strange manner I have seemed to see for the fourth time a fair skinned, dark haired, strange woman enveloped in shining garments, who says that she is from a world known in her language, as Earth, which is so far away in space, that to us it appears as a shining point in the night sky. She says that her Ento name, Gentola̤, has been given her by some who understand our language, which she does not. That she speaks from dictation of those who do understand it, and she has told me of something so sorrowful that for the present I shall not speak of it. She declares that through me a new religious revelation is about to be given to the children of Ento. But as Andûmana̤ only speaks through the great God Tymonas to the most high Priest, this declaration cannot be true. She also has said what is altogether improbable, that from our Supreme Ruler comes a swift Messenger bearing a letter from my father, who desires that I shall at once return to Dao, and that I shall make immediate preparation for the journey. Do not I pray you, gaze upon me with so much concern. I realize that this peculiar experience is the result of too much abstinence from youthful pleasures for which I care but little, and of over close application to study, for which I perhaps care too much.
Doctor Vyonda̤, I promise you that this unpleasant experience will cause me to mend my ways, not so much for my own, as for the sake of those who love me. Very true, doctor, very true, but since life is so full of sorrow, since the certainty of the approach of death so overshadows even youth's brightest days that ever our smiles are drowned in tears, life to me ever grows more valueless. Oh, that Andûmana̤, whose power is infinite, may make these dreams of mine prophecies of a reality so glorious that scarcely dare I think, much less speak of it.
Gentle friends, I pray you pardon me for having caused you some moments of anxiety. Make yourselves my debtors, and I shall be as patient with you as your affectionate kindness prompts you to be patient with my vagaries.
Instructor—Ever youth cherishes baseless hopes, dreams and illusions. Age alone knows the tranquillity of the inevitable. Although the midday of my life is gone, dreams wearing the semblance of realities come to me from the Region of Nowhere, then drift into the Realm of Shadows. No one is wise enough to account for the illusions of sleep, those phantasms emerging from the unknown and vanishing like mist wreaths from Indoloisa̤'s waters. I pray that it may not be accounted a sin that to me has come the thought that these dreams may be shadows of somewhere realities. That while we slumber our senses may perceive what our waking vision is too imperfect to discover. Who can say as to what may be in the regions of Astranola̤? Is not it written that to the Lady Camarissa̤, wife of Genessano Allis Immo, came a vision which so impressed her husband that it led to the introduction of the vast Irrigating and Waterways System, which has made our waste lands so fruitful and prosperous? From whence came this vision? No one can certainly say, but Andûmana̤, who knoweth His own ways, may have chosen the Lady Camarissa̤ as His Instrument, through whom He spoke to Genessano Allis Immo. And, friends, may not the woman of Dano's dream be an Instrument through whom he may be given a new revelation of Andûmana̤'s love for His sorrowful children? Do not we all know that when Andûmana̤, through the great God Tymonas declared to the Most High Priest Moukara that no more should unwilling human sacrifice be offered, He also declared that in some coming time another Revelation of His love for His children might be vouchsafed?
Andûmana̤, Creator and Preserver, may if He so wills, perpetuate that which is the essential part, the life of every animated creature. Adoringly and reverently I implore that He may take pity on His children, the children of His love, and grant us the ardent desire of our hearts that we may not pass into perpetual Silence, but that in some unknown region, we, with our beloved ones may continue to exist forevermore.
So strangely have our lessons been interrupted that but little has been accomplished. However, every incident of life teaches some lesson, and we to-day have received an exemplification that in its expressions it is many sided, and that at times it affords us glimpses of what may be beyond what we now know of.
Urvan, I advise that you shall remodel this foot, which is not quite up to your usual excellence. Lēta, this hand so delicately, so perfectly modelled indicates true artistic sense. Veradon, your execution is almost beyond criticism. Kiafû Rûvana̤, our greatest sculptor of either ancient or modern times, taught that the hand was the most expressive member of the body. That by its form, markings and movements, it afforded a true indication of the character and emotions of the possessor. As the hands of no two persons are exactly alike, there is in their expression an infinite variety which, to the observing student, may afford infinite opportunities. Dano, we rejoice that you appear quite recovered from your very peculiar seizure, and I pray that you may heed Doctor Vyonda̤'s advice, for, truly of late, you have been over studious. Surely you do not attach any importance to the dream prophecy of your speedy departure for Dao? That you may wholly dismiss it from your thoughts I suggest that we all shall repair to the gymnasium, where vigorous exercise may restore us to our usual serenity. Doctor, will not you and our honored Professors favor us with your company?
Dr. Vyonda—Certainly, for a little I shall attend this imprudent youth. Come, Dano, no more illusions, no more melancholy. Look on the bright side of life; yes, yes, on the bright side of life. Leave to age the shadows; walk in the sunshine while you may. Come, gentlemen, we can do ourselves no better service than to look on while these young people take the exercise we older ones used to so enjoy. Ah, me, age is very inconvenient, very inconvenient indeed.
De L'Ester—Gentola̤, from what the doctor and Art Instructor have said you may infer that the Entoans are very like some of our beloved Earth folk who consider everything outside their everyday experiences as illusions of diseased imaginations. Certainly, Soul consciousness, which should not be confounded with Spirit consciousness, is subject to illusions; thus one should be patient with sensitives who, at times, unknowingly misrepresent Spirit phenomena. Only minds capable of earnest, critical, patient fairness should attempt to test the truth or falsity of unusual occult occurrences. But the Messenger from Dao is about to arrive, and we will proceed to the gymnasium that we may observe how the doctor and professors may receive the fulfillment of the prophecy.
These wide and lofty passageways lead to various Departments of the Galarēsa̤, but into many of them we cannot at present even glance. At the head of this grand staircase is a department we later on will visit. Now we will enter the gymnasium and you, Gentola̤, will briefly describe whatever may attract your observation.
Gentola—Knowing so little of gymnasiums of our own planet I fear that I may not intelligibly describe this one. The apartment itself is immensely large and the domed ceiling very lofty. There are many large windows and they and the ceiling or roof are filled in with what appears to be opalescent glass set in metal frames. Depending from the roof are swings and ropes and various contrivances of whose uses I am quite ignorant. Attached to some of the ropes are huge balls of apparently an elastic material, which Dano and the other youths are so vigorously striking that they bound away, only to return again for further punishment which they are capable of resenting, for one has struck yonder youth a staggering blow.
That dark-skinned boy climbs that rope with the agility of a monkey, and yonder handsome blonde youth, hand over hand, climbs another rope depending from the very apex of the roof and now he comes down head foremost, and—oh—I thought he was about to fall, but he has turned a somersault and landed on his feet on a—ah, I see. That part of the floor is covered with spiral springs over which is a padding of some elastic material similar to curled hair; no, it is some sort of fibrous stuff and over it, stretched tightly, is a covering resembling rubber sheeting, which is so elastic that the gymnasts bound from it like so many rubber balls. Many of the appliances I have no knowledge of, but there are horizontal bars on which some of the youths are exercising with what appears to me utter recklessness. See that young giant swinging, swinging from that suspended bar, and there he goes through the air, catching another bar, and, oh my, I do not like to see that. I suppose that if he should fall that net would catch him, but it looks dangerous. Now he sits on the bar swinging to and fro, and now he drops and catches the bar, and now, with a great leap, he has caught a rope and is descending head foremost. I do not understand why any one takes pleasure in such risky performances.
If I say that those young men are practising with Indian clubs will I be greatly mistaken? How gracefully they handle the clubs and they, like their classmates, may be called handsome; but, somehow, I do not grow accustomed to the extraordinary size of the Entoans. Why those dark-skinned youths, including Dano, appear gigantic and the lighter hued youths, compared with you gentlemen also are giants.
The doctor and professors are looking on with apparent enjoyment and interest, especially commending Dano's energetic movements, but—ah, see, an attendant is presenting to the white-bearded Professor a letter. As he glances over its contents he pales visibly, and is greatly disturbed. In a low tone he says, "Friends, I have received a letter from Basto Andûlēsa̤." Now he calls to Dano.
Professor—Dano, Dano, I would speak with you. This moment a message from your honored father has arrived. You will listen while I shall read what concerns all here.
"To the renowned Professor Byra̤don Ova̤dos and his honored co-workers of the Galarēsa̤ of Camarissa̤, in the Province of Ondû I, Basto Andûlēsa̤, send loving greeting.
"Your sorrowful regret will equal my own when you learn that our beloved Supreme Ruler, Omanos Fûnha̤, grieves sorely over the continued ill health of his daughter, the lovely and amiable Princess Valloa̤, who slowly but, it is feared, surely declines toward the ending of her young life. She craves the presence of her affianced, my son, Dano, whom I hasten to summon to Dao. You, through all reasonable means, will facilitate his departure on the special transport awaiting him.
"Your kind heart and good judgment will guide you in breaking to my son this painful news which otherwise might assail him with too sudden force.
"With profoundest regard I honor myself by being your friend,
"Basto Andulesa."
Dano, dear youth, strive to compose yourself. Alas, how strangely true were the words of your prophecy. Andûmana̤, thy ways are incomprehensible. We implore Thee to aid us to understand the lessons Thou art offering to us, but which, in our ignorance, we fail to comprehend.
Dano, our loving sympathy is with Omanos Fûnha̤, your parents and you, our beloved Prince and pupil. Hasten to prepare for your departure and we will arrange for your comfort and speedy conveyance to Dao, where, we will pray the pitiful gods, you may find your beloved Valloa̤ recovering her precious life.
Gentola—Poor Dano, I feel so sorry for him. That Professor should not have announced the dreadful news so abruptly. A woman would have known better. These Entoans are a peculiar people. I do not mean that I do not admire them, for indeed, I do. They are so sympathetic, so ingenuous that I could wish that our Earth folk might be like them.
De L'Ester—They are some centuries older than our disingenuous Earth folk; consequently, have grown honest.
Gentola—Do you think our Earth folk will ever grow equally honest?
De L'Ester—It is to be hoped that they may. Certainly, if our fair planet may continue to hospitably entertain them for an indefinite length of time they may improve their ways of thinking and, as a man thinketh, so is the man.
George—Dano will journey by Special Transport. Shall we see him off?
De L'Ester—Yes, and then Gentola̤ must embark on our air transport which will bear her across millions of miles in less time than Dano will journey to Dao. Aye, in less time than will be consumed in his passage between the Galarēsa̤ and the station. He has made his adieux and is entering a Motor conveyance. We will precede him and his friends.
Gentola—I wonder if our Earth folk will ever have such carriages? One, two, three, four, five, six, seven passengers in it, and it moves off so silently, so swiftly that it must be a pleasure to ride in it. What beautifully paved streets, and how perfectly clean they are.
Oh, dear, I keep thinking of Dano. I wish I might comfort him. I do not understand why there need be such misery of one kind and another. If I were——
De L'Ester—Pardon me for interrupting you, but here is the station and the conveyance approaches. Ah, Dr. Vyonda̤ will accompany Dano who, as you have remarked, seems dazed.
Here is the special transport and a luxurious one it is. No, we cannot accompany the sorrowful youth. We have much to show to your inquiring eyes before you shall be taken to the capitol. Then, too, affairs are not in readiness for our presence there, but, ere long, they will be.
The Transport is rising and Dano and the doctor are waving adieux to their friends. To you we offer a like courtesy. George and Inez will again assist you back to Earth. One week hence we will come for you. In the meantime, that you may renew your vital energy, live as much as possible in the open air.
Info oovistû.
EUROPE AND THE FAR NORTH.
De L'Ester—This is the seventh day since we have had the pleasure of greeting you. We are a little early but, as we have in store a joyful surprise for you, you will not chide us for our haste. Why, how sad you are. Ah, I understand. It is four years to-day since your son, Bernard, passed to our side of life. We have informed you that, aside from other motives, the stimulus of a strong desire to be all that your mother love wishes him to be has impelled him to strive for rapid progress, and that his urgent entreaties to allow him to accompany you on these journeys had won our consent. Yes, he soon will be with us; but now close your eyes and be passive. That is well, and—here is your surprise.
Gentola—Oh, my boy, my boy, my own dear boy! Is it indeed my boy, Bernard?
Bernard—Dear mother. Dear, darling mother. Yes, it is I. Do not I look as I used to look? Do you see me clearly? Am I indeed so greatly changed? Why, mother, on entering the Spirit World every one changes in appearance. And you think I look younger than when I was on Earth and more spiritualized? I am glad if you see that for, mother, dear, as you well know, during my mortal existence I was not a spiritually minded man. I, foolishly, and against your loving entreaties, lived on a very material plane, and when I passed to the spirit side I went to the place or condition I was fitted for—the home I had earned. Do not cry, mother, please do not cry, for that bitter, but necessary, experience is a lesson of the past. Yes, mother, from soon after I passed to the Spirit side until now, I often have been with you and have so regretted that, while I could see and talk with you, you could not see me. On that morning when I kissed you good-bye how little either of us thought that we would in the mortal body, see each other no more. Mother, you know I was such a strong man and death seemed so far off that I did not think it possible that it could, for many, many years, come to me. When I found myself in the Spirit World, grief and dismay so filled my soul that I cried and prayed that I might return to mortal existence, if only for a little while so that, as far as possible, I might undo some thoughtless acts which, for the first time, I saw in their true light. To add to my despair your grief over my unlooked for death was so agonizing, that it was feared that you might pass from your physical body which, accidentally, had been more seriously injured than you or any one realized. During the first three days of my new existence I, with others of your dearest ones, watched for the change that might come to you. Mother dear, the aid you received from the Spirit Side was what kept you here to do the work you now are engaged in. On the fourth day the crisis was passed and you know what followed. Yes, because of your devitalized state, we were deterred from further communion with you.
For myself, under the loving care and instruction of dear friends, I soon came to understand that the change called death was a rebirth into a higher life and that, through earnest endeavor, I might progress out of conditions that held me where I was. I learned that on entering the Spirit World, one finds themselves the result of all the successes and failures of all their past, including their last embodiment. For such successes as I found to my credit, I was thankful. For my failures, through loving service for mortals and Spirits, I have been, and am striving to pay my indebtedness. I also have learned that earned progress is a righteous law and that only through its fulfillment can any one grow in grace and such knowledge of truth as may further their Spiritual unfoldment.
From time to time you have entreated me to inform you as to my condition on the Spirit Side and always, for a reason, I have evaded a reply, but now that I have risen far above the shadows of the Earth sphere, I am rejoiced to be able to quiet your anxious thoughts and fears. No, dear mother, I do not now desire to return to Earth life. Since I have risen above the shadows I am very happy and exultant in my freedom from physical conditions. Then, mother dear, you know that it will not be very long before you and other dear ones will come to the glorious Spirit World, and until then we will be waiting and watching for you and them.
But, dear friends, we are forgetting that we are delaying the journey to Ento.
De L'Ester—Dear lad, no apology is required. Yours and your mother's joy but adds to our pleasure. Yes, you shall journey by her side, and such assistance as you may need gladly will be offered.
Gentola̤, we will not immediately pass to Ento. That you may be better prepared to compare certain of Ento's with some of Earth's divisions, we will direct our course across the Atlantic Ocean to England, of which, with her immediate possessions we will take a hasty survey. Also we will glance at France, Italy, Germany, Russia and Siberia, and, if we may find it expedient, we may pass over that dimensionless point termed the North Pole, where reigns perpetual winter and unbroken silence, save when crashing avalanches of ice and snow break the somber stillness, or when ethereal disturbances occasion tempestuous storms to rush and roar across the frozen, desolate wastes of the extreme north.
Yes, we are aware that at this time some daring and ambitious men are determined to reach the North Pole, and their heroic enterprise deserves a richer reward than they will obtain. No, I do not mean to say that no one in the physical body will ever reach the North Pole, for, in time, it will be accomplished. Spirits, scientifically trained, are engaged in impressing Earth minds who steadily are progressing in a knowledge of electrical forces and appliances, while other scientific minds whose attention is directed towards solving the problem of aërial navigation are becoming more and more nearly en rapport with spirits who are aiding them, and at no very distant time Air Transports will traverse Earth's aërial passageways with the same ease and security that Air Transports pass over Ento's North and South Polar regions.
Now we must be off. George, that is well arranged though, really, Bernard will require but slight assistance. Gentola̤, below us is New York city and harbor. We have come this way that you may form an idea of the number of vessels passing between the eastern seaboard and Europe. Truly, Liberty does enlighten the world, and license, which so often masquerades in the garments of the famed goddess, plunges nations into crime and barbarism. Yonder symbolic statue accentuates the fact, that at least one aspiring mind comprehends the divine idea of freedom.
What an immense number and variety of vessels are moving in all directions, and what an immense number and variety of vessels rest on the bed of this vast ocean; while over them and the pallid hosts who are entombed beneath its waters, white crested billows moan a perpetual requiem. Its bed is indeed a vast cemetery on which, side by side, lie noble and ignoble, rich and poor, friend and foe, for death, the reaper, makes no distinction. The tares are garnered with the wheat.
We are approaching England, the marvellous. England the heroic, the masterful, but never the magnanimous. The lion well typifies her people who are courageous, aggressive, persistent and, where her interests are involved, politic in an extreme degree. Ever with unclosed eyes, with but half sheathed claws, the lion waits and watches, waits and watches. So wait, so watch, thou guardian of Europe's, aye, of the World's peace, and seldom may thy vigilance be disturbed.
You have expressed a desire to see the Thames River. Below us is the noisome stream, and this is the great city of London. Observe it closely so that you may compare it with a certain city you will see on Ento. A city not so extensive or so populous, but far more beautiful.
Yonder, toward the east, is St. Paul's with its great dome and crucifix crowned spire; and that is Bow Church and facing us is old St. Paul's, with its spire reaching some hundreds of feet into the rather smoky atmosphere. Yes, it is a somber but also an impressive structure. That rather squat looking building is the Bank of England. No, it is not an imposing edifice. Yes, that is the famously infamous Tower, where so many unfortunates have found time to consider the vanity of ambition, the insecurity of royal or of popular favor, and of other unstable quantities. No, this really fine Shaft does not compare favorably with those you have seen in Camarissa̤. You wish to see Buckingham Palace? Then look at the structure facing us. And you are disappointed? Yet it is quite a grand structure. Ah, I see, you are comparing its architecture with that you have seen on Ento. I confess I anticipated hearing expressions of disappointment, so am not surprised. Yes, I promise you that, after the inauguration of our mission if you may so desire, we will bring you here and, at your leisure, you may observe whatever may interest you.
George, we now will hastily pass over England's rural-districts, then we will move northward. Yes, the landscape views are indeed fine. Nature, in her tranquil moods, ever is charming.
Beneath us is bonnie Scotland, with her many lakes and heathery heights. Yonder is Loch Lomond and is not it a lovely sheet of water? But, to my mind, not more so than others of Scotland's many lakes. No, we cannot now devote time to seeing cities; it is the geography of the countries we are passing over that we wish you to observe.
George, we will devote a few moments to an observation of the Isle of Man. Gentola̤, on our side there are Spirits who remember a time when the ocean was many fathoms deep above its slowly rising surface. That is the island, and it appears a rather precarious abiding place. Some time I may tell you of its origin, which differs from the accepted scientific view.
Now you may salute the Emerald Isle, the birthland of your nearest ancestors, who were of Scotch blood. You have desired to see Lough Neagh, near which your father was born. Its rippling water is beneath us now. Of Ireland's lakes, mountains, holy wells and fairy lore doubtless your father has told you many strange stories, but the strangely tragic story of wrong and oppression for which Ireland furnishes a piteous theme is as yet, unwritten.
Yes, this southern portion of the island is very picturesque and broken; the same may be said of the inhabitants. No, we will not visit Wales. From Ireland we will pass directly to France and to Paris which, as has been aptly said, is France. Is not it a very beautiful city? During my Earth life I regarded it as being so perfect as to be changeless, but now as I gaze upon it, I see but few vestiges of nearly three hundred years ago.
Oh, Paris, Paris, thou aggregation of opulence and squalor; of much that is admirable and more that is detestable; aye, of all that is good, bad or indifferent in human nature; since first I knew thee in thy beauty, luxury and arrogance, thou hast grown superb, but while decking thyself with costliest raiment and priceless jewels, thy feet tread in the mire of debauchery. In thy hands thou bearest a crucifix yet in thy heart thou art a wanton. With one breath thou chantest Laus Deo, with the next thy lips are smirched with ribald song.
Oh beautiful, oh pitiable Paris! Through whose broad or narrow ways pass unseen angels of mercy, who continually are striving to raise the thoughts and aspirations of thy sensuous people above the insensate follies of vicious tendencies. Not yet, not yet, but in a coming time the tribulations of thy people will turn them away from the spell of thy enchantments, and with clearer eyes and purer aspirations they will seek the heights of Spiritual progress. Beloved France, land of my birth, home of my childhood, youth and manhood, I look backward through the years and I behold thee regnant in power, or tossed as a shuttlecock in the hands of thy foes. Then I behold thee dancing gaily on the brink of a precipice and, as I gaze, out of the shadows emerges the dread Reign of Terror, which stained thy garments with the best blood of thy children. Still I gaze, and out of the blackness of thy despair a strong hand, guided by indomitable will, and measureless ambition, rescues thee from the abyss into which thy mad and ignorant folly hath plunged thee, and then a new day, whose effulgent glory blinds the eyes of other nations, dawns for thee. Again deep shadows eclipse the effulgence of thy glory, whose beams gleam fitfully through some troublous years, and thus amid brightness and shadows the centuries have flown, and again, though in their hearts they spurn the plebeians whom they have chosen as rulers, thy children cry, "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity," and the fateful years go by.
Liberty and equality are the finest jewels in the crown of any nation, but alas, it is the few, and not the many, who are able to estimate them at their full value.
Now reluctantly my gaze turns toward Alsace and Lorraine, who, like two orphaned children are obliged to carry water on both shoulders, yet no one dares to lift their burthens, or to restore them to their own. With sorrowful sympathy I have watched their changeful history, and the end is not yet.
An Alsatian born am I, and though it is nearer three than two centuries since I passed to the Spirit Side, my heart clings to the land of my birth and I dream of a time that may, nay, will, arrive, when France, regenerated and with garments undefiled, shall take her rightful place amid the galaxy of Earth's greatest nations.
Southward now to Italy, the land of music, of art, of sunshine and of flowers. As we gaze upon the verdure clad slopes, the smiling valleys and upon the cities whose storied greatness reaches backward into classic times, I recall that one has written, "Oh, Italy, thou art in one the glory and the shame of Christianity, for while upon the pages of thy history are names heroic, thy garments are stained with the best blood that hath flowed in the veins of thy children. Alas! that through thy ignorant zeal thou, in a bygone time, didst torture those whom thou shouldst have worn upon thy bosom as jewels beyond price. Tortured them, too, in the name of the genuine Teacher of a religion of peace and good will toward all men."
Gentola̤, two members of our band, Galileo and Giordano Bruno, attest to the horrible cruelties and crimes which, in their days, were, in the name of religion, perpetrated upon helpless men and women. No, Spirits do not forget; but ere they can progress they must and do forgive.
Although at this time a humane, wise and liberal minded man is King of Italy, there is a power under his throne that chafes and schemes to overturn it but, happily comprehensive ideas are illumining the minds of his people who stand as a bulwark between it and those who, for their own selfish, ambitious and unrighteous ends seek its destruction. Yes, all religious systems are beset with fanaticism and always fanatics are, in some sense, dangerous. Then, too, to what lengths will not ambitious self-seeking, lead mortals, even blinding them to every principle which ennobles and elevates humanity.
On your account we regret that our time is too limited to admit of sightseeing, but we will slowly pass over Rome so that you may gain a general idea of the appearance of the antiquated one who, despite her powdered and patched wrinkles, still dreams that she again will be mistress of the world's destinies; that her voice is as the voice of God and that her outreaching arms will yet embrace spiritually, if not temporally, all the nations of the Earth.
Germany next claims our attention. Below us is Berlin, where dwells the young Emperor whose highest ambition is to act as arbitrator for all Europe. Naturally aristocratic and domineering, his tendency is to override all obstacles. He cannot tolerate advice, much less coercion. He is angered easily, yet with a kindly word is pacified. He is quick to take offense, and as quickly he forgives. When he conceives that the glory of Germany or his personal honor are called in question in his demand for redress he is adamantine. At an hour's notice he is ready to appeal to arms, yet he is moved to pity by a cry of distress. In this scion of a stern, as well as gentle ancestry, ambition, arrogance, courage, integrity and a large admixture of the love element, serves to form a most unique character.
Yes, Berlin is an imposing city, but in it, as in all large aggregations of humanity on our planet, luxury and squalor are such near neighbors that the songs and laughter of the fortunate do not drown the moans of the wretched.
We now are crossing the border line between Germany and Russia. Over what a vast area the autocratic Czar holds sway. Does it not seem marvellous that to one man millions of people yield more or less willing obedience? Yet marvellous only when one loses sight of the fact, that in all manifestations of nature; or, if it may please you better, of God, necessarily there is a central, dominant principle. Among the millions of this great empire are many who are the Czar's equal, and others who, in the sense that makes a man worthier than his fellows, are his superiors. Yet these millions of humans are subject to him, because that in his rank is involved all the principles that the government of Russia stands for, and all governments require a figure-head, be it emperor, king or president.
The Czar is a man of fine intelligence, of an affectionate and generous nature, but he is so hedged in by pride of birth, by love of power and the precedents of usages that he possesses but a scant understanding of the needs of the diverse races who people his dominions. Yes, he, like most of Earth's rulers, walks on the verge of a precipice over which, at any moment, some ruthless hand may topple him. No nation of Earth has yet outgrown the naturally turbulent animal element which, in the human, ever is snapping and snarling, and it is only when humanity has evolved beyond it that an observance of the Golden Rule becomes possible. Earth's peoples not having evolved to the height of such a possibility, rulers must needs be guarded by steel and served by slaves, both rulers and slaves being held in bondage through fear of consequences. No, I do not recall that I ever have cared for the ephemeral distinctions of mortality's brief days.
We near St. Petersburg, an extensive and populous city, which, like the country, is covered with snow. Yes, the cold is very severe, and rivers and lakes are bound in icy fetters. Never mind, the time is not very far distant when you shall be free to not only visit the city, but you even may unceremoniously call on the royal family.
Now we are crossing the Ural Mountains, and in a moment we will be passing over Siberia. One is tempted to moralize over those exiled from home and country to this far northern land. Ah me! What tragedies have been enacted, what crimes committed against humanity, perpetrated, too, in the name of justice, who is not so blind that she will not some time reckon with the perpetrators.
Since starting on our journey but little more than an hour has elapsed, and—yes, we have reached the North pole of our planet. For certain mentalities there is a charm in attempting difficult undertakings, and serious obstacles but spur them on to greater enthusiasm, to higher endeavor. To ordinary mortals the awful wastes of ice and snow over which we have passed would be utterly appalling, but for some the scene would possess a sort of enchantment. So courageous explorers will continue to seek for this point, and many valuable lives will yet be lost in the attainment of a nearly futile object. Yes, ambition and curiosity are forceful and apparently necessary incentives of human endeavor.
Now gaze downward and as far as your vision may extend and describe the not at all pleasing view.
Gentola—How shall I describe the wonderful spectacle so terrible, yet so weirdly fascinating. Overhead the clouds are heavy and threatening, and a shadowy darkness as deep as twilight prevails, and in the partial light there is a peculiarly luminous quality as though the atmosphere might be laden with diamond dust, on which light from somewhere is falling. De L'Ester, do you know what occasions the singularly beautiful radiance?
De L'Ester—This luminosity is the effect of the magnetic aura emanating from the polar centre. No, I do not mean magnetic centre, but polar centre. Under certain conditions it produces or creates what is known as Aurora borealis. Yes, I mean that there are certain planetary activities which create magnetic storms, and when such disturbances occur our northern earth sky presents a more or less beautiful display of what, by many, are termed northern lights.
Gentola—Were I in my physical body would I perceive this luminous appearance, and is it at all times luminous?
De L'Ester—You and very many, but not all persons in the physical body would be able to perceive the magnetic aura, particularly when, as at present, it is very pronounced. You forget that I already have said that the emanation is continuous, which is the same as saying that it is at all times luminous to those who can perceive it. Please resume, for we soon must hasten to Ento.
Gentola—I cannot find words adequate to a description of this scene which is so peculiar that it overwhelms me. The loveliness of color, radiating and pulsating through the atmosphere like some living thing, is so marvellous that one can imagine its pulsations are the heart throbs of the planet.
As far as my vision reaches I see no land, no water, no living thing, and everywhere it looks as though great waves of a tempestuous sea had climbed toward the sky and suddenly were frozen into immobility. Amid the swirl and commotion of the elements, avalanches of ice and snow are crashing downward from the crests of snow mountains, whose peaks tower toward the clouds. To my mind it is not only a sublime but an awful scene. I should think one might go mad if obliged to long remain amid such desolation and such tremendous sights and sounds. But, De L'Ester, once you mentioned the existence of a former open Polar Sea. Will you tell me of it?
De L'Ester—As you please, madame, though but in a few words. At another time a member of the Band will speak of it at length. Our planet has experienced two Glacial periods. Previous to the first period there was at the then North Pole an unfrozen, but very limited sea. Twice through the activities of natural laws a slight tilting of our planet has occurred. During its existence, again and again the same catastrophe must repeat itself. Always accumulations of ice and snow at the North Pole preponderate over the same at the South Pole. The centre of gravity seeking an equilibrium, necessitates a changed position of the planet, which will account for the finding of tropical vestiges so very far north. Some of Earth's scientists very naturally have concluded that the glacial drift forced these vestiges to their present position, but through eminent scientists on our side of life we know that this is a mistaken idea. Were it possible for mortals to search under these tremendous accumulations of ice and snow, they would find the fauna and flora of a tropical region, and what would be more startling, the well preserved remains of very primitive humans and somewhat of their belongings.
During our too brief hours of camaraderie, it is not practicable to note all that comes under our observation, but be assured that much that cannot be written you, more or less vividly will remember as food for thought through coming years of your mortal existence.
Now take a last survey of the dreary expanse below us, to which you will not say good-bye, but au revoir, for, doubtless after you shall have been freed from the physical plane of being, under more favorable conditions you will revisit this scene of which you now have but a limited view. And now, mes amis, off for Ento.
Gentola̤, recently you inquired of Genessano if the Entoans composed poetry and he replied yes, but his modesty forbade his saying that previous to passing to the Spirit World he had attempted versification. We have prevailed upon him to recall some sad lines which we deem apropos to the object of our mission, and as on this ever wondrous magnetic current we speed toward Ento, he will recite them and I, to the best of my ability, will translate them into your language.
An ocean whose waves reach Eternity's shore,
Rolls silently on; not a sound is heard
Of the wrecks that go down in its depths profound,
To rest on its bed and are heard of no more.
Oh, Ento, thy children so loved, so deplored,
Ever fade from our sight never more to return,
And in measureless anguish we cry unto Thee:
Spare, spare us our dear ones, Andûmana, dread Lord.
Around us are falling, like leaves from the trees,
Our loved ones, our friends whose forms are so dear
That we wear them as jewels enshrined in our hearts,
And yield them to Death, so Andûmana decrees.
Oh, pitiful gods! Andûmana implore.
To succor His children who lie at His feet,
And cry in their anguish and deep despair:
Give lack to our arms our loved ones once more.
De L'Ester—As I have done my best, I shall not apologize for my unmeritorious translation of Genessano's meritorious poem, which voices the ceaseless cry of Ento's sorrowful peoples.
Gentola—Genessano, my friend, so worshipful is my love for my dearest ones, that I understand the emotion impelling you to give expression to this wail of despair. When this dear boy, journeying by my side, passed into the world of spirits, only my knowledge of a continuity of conscious existence sustained me under my sudden bereavement, so I rejoice that the time draws near when the peoples of Ento may come into a knowledge of this consoling truth.
Genessano—Oh, Ento! beloved Ento! I too, rejoice that ere long the shadows which have so obscured thy spiritual radiance shall drift away from thee, even as under the golden beams of Diafon-evoiha the mists of dawn drift from off thy fair face. Hail to thee! Hail to thee Ento, thou beauteous world of the starry realms of space! With exultant heart I gaze on thee, for soon in thy spirit realms the glad words will be heralded that the day of thy rejoicing has come; that henceforth the eyes of thy downcast children shall be filled with the light of a joy divine, the joy of knowing that death of the physical body releases into a higher life—the immortal self. Only those who have loved, lost and sorrowed for the dear ones gone into endless silence can comprehend the joy that pervades my Being as I realize the ineffable gladness that soon will fill the hearts of the peoples of Ento.
De L'Ester—Gentola̤, you perceive how enthused we all are over, I may say, the certainty of the success of our mission, which is ours only in the sense that we are assisting others who, like ourselves, are interested in the righteous undertaking.
Yes, all greatly beneficent enterprises for the uplifting of humanity of any planet originate in the spirit realms. You are aware that on our planet all persons are not equally receptive, which is the same as saying that they are not equally sensitive. The same is true of the peoples of other planets. The law of Being is universal, but, through heredity, which is the sum of preceding existences, also through the influences of social and other conditions always, among all peoples, there are individuals apparently ahead of their time. Not through their own desire, but through conditions, to which I have alluded, the most dominant being ecclesiastical repression. As a whole, the Entoans are very positive, but among the ascetic priesthood are individuals so sensitive that, like Dano, Lēta and others, they are impelled to manifest it. These are they who apparently are ahead of their time; in reality they are the forerunners of spiritual upheavals, not of to-day, perhaps not of to-morrow, but of a time that surely will come.
Largely through their ardently affectionate nature the Entoans are growing approachable. Love and sorrow are retorts in which are consumed the dross of human passions, beliefs and prejudices. Thus, through their love and their sorrow, their souls are unfolding for the reception of spiritual influences and the perception of spirit presences.
We have so loitered that Zenesta̤ Ha̤o, who awaits us yonder at the Galarēsa̤, well may have grown impatient. Loha̤û emano, Loha̤û.
Zenesta Hao—Friends, you are late. What has so delayed you?
De L'Ester—We fear that we may have taxed your amiability and patience, but, after consideration, we decided to afford Gentola̤ a view of certain of earth's regions with which she was unacquainted, so that she might compare them with regions of a corresponding latitude and longitude of Ento. The youth who accompanies us is the son of Gentola̤, who four years ago passed into our spirit world and this is his first visit to Ento. Bernard, dear boy, this is our esteemed Ento friend, Zenesta̤ Ha̤o, once a Professor of Languages in this Galarēsa̤.
Bernard—Sir, I am happy in making your acquaintance, and deeply grateful that these dear friends have allowed me to accompany my mother to your planet.
Zenesta Hao—Inidora̤, Genessano and I, as representatives of our people, with much good will offer the son of Gentola̤ a cordial welcome to Ento.
Bernard—For which you and they have my thanks.
Zenesta Hao—Friends, previous to my coming here, I visited the invalid at Da̤o. Dano's arrival has stimulated Valloa̤'s life forces, and a ray of hope lights up Omanas Fûnha̤'s despairing heart. It is but the fitful burning of the expiring flame and the young creature can survive but for a brief time. As the union between herself and her physical body weakens, she grows more spiritualized and sensitive; so also does Prince Dano, who does not deceive himself with false hopes of Valloa̤'s recovery, and both gladly are growing into a clearer understanding of the wondrous truth that life is continuous. With timorous joy they whisper of a time when they may be reunited to part no more, but it is pitiful to listen to their murmured words of love, of sorrow and of the newly born hope which yet is too marvellous to be fully realized. With tears in my eyes and tenderest pity in my heart I turned from them, for I remembered, aye, I remembered when my beloved Armena̤'s life went out and left me desolate and despairing.
De L'Ester—For your report which partakes of both joy and sorrow, we thank you, and we will so shape our movements as to meet all emergencies.
Gentola̤, you are aware that early in the present century there lived a man of Scotch birth named Hugh Miller, who was so orthodox that he found himself unequal to the feat of balancing the Bible in one scale, and the results of his geological investigations in the other. Despairingly he abandoned the futile attempt, and suddenly crossed over the Scottish border into a world, not of effects, but of causes. Come forward, sir, and afford me the pleasure of introducing to you our intrepid medium Gentola̤.
Hugh Miller—Madame, this is a strange meeting between one who was, and one who yet is an inhabitant of our Earth plane, where once I earnestly, anxiously, prayerfully strove to go toward the light. During my investigations evidences, which I could neither dispute or explain away, so perplexed me that I fell into a vortex of doubt and dismay that whirled me into the world of spirits. I perceive that you do not know my story. I pray you acquaint yourself with it.
While in the physical body the study of geology was with me a positive passion, and when in the world of spirits I recovered from my temporary aberration of mind, gladly and naturally I continued my favorite pursuit.
Yes, madame, I was greatly surprised, I may say overwhelmed, when upon regaining full consciousness I found the spirit world so unlike all my preconceived notions, but as real, as substantial, as the old red sandstone which had so perplexed and upset all my ideas concerning the creation of our world. I had been taught and did believe that in six days God created the heavens and the earth, and all that was therein, but geology told another story. It related that the Earth had not been created, but that through ages and ages it had evolved from cosmic matter into a measurable world, which through other ages had become fitted for the abode of myriad life forms. As a thoroughly orthodox believer my very Soul revolted against these evidences of nature, and finally under blows of a small hammer upon a leaf of God's revelation in stone my reason reeled, and I—— But no more retrospection.
Friends, I am at your service, and shall be happy if in the least I may add to your profit or your pleasure.
Ah, this is the geological department which is very complete, very comprehensive. What a vast apartment and so beautifully arranged and kept. Madame, observe those supporting columns; are they not in style nearly Corinthian? To you it may appear a somewhat startling fact, but when understood it is not. The so-termed Primary colors are an expression of a universal natural law, and form is equally so. As water, in freezing, inevitably forms certain crystallized shapes, so in the human mind, inevitably, form assumes certain curves, lines and dimensions. These friends will bear witness that not only on Ento and Earth, but on other inhabited planets we have found the Arch, with its Keystone, and columns of the various orders employed in architecture here and on our Planet.
You observe that this great apartment is divided into several departments. In this one is a fine collection of fossils which, for lack of time, we must pass by. De L'Ester says that we shall only glance at this wonderfully complete display of gems which ever are dear to the heart of a woman. Now here——
De L'Ester—Friends, for a little while we will defer the examination of the gems. Nearby an Instructor is addressing a Class of students who may afford us opportunity for an experiment.
Instructor—For as in it there is much that cannot be accounted for, geology affords room for speculation (and I regret to say for irreverent expression), not found in any other science. Our Sacred Writings declare that out of substances within Himself Andûmana̤ created Ento and all living creatures, into whom He breathed the breath of life and to whom He gave the power of procreation. That at death of the body the breath of life returns to Him, and again and again is breathed into the newly born. One of our most learned men, Ziro Emyda̤s, estimates the circumference of Ento as being koida̤s ferma̤ itsaa̤ fonitû ûvon soynas (little less than 12,000 miles). No mind can realize the immensity of Andûmana̤, Who out of His personality, created Ento and all things.
Ziro Emyda̤s intimates that after the creation of Ento, Andûmana̤ did not at once create all living things, but his deductions are somewhat illogical and by some are thought to be impious. His statement he terms the Theory of Stratification, and it is so specious that I hesitate to quote from it. Generally it is admitted that the science of geology demonstrates that the formation of Ento is stratified, and that each stratum presents an appearance peculiar to itself. For instance, here is a stone from the third stratum which largely is composed of a variety of minute shells. Here are others from the fourth and fifth strata, each varying from the others in their composition, and the same may he said of the strata nearer the surface. Phrysos, you who, to an extent, favor Ziro Emyda̤s's theory, dare you give utterance to what these stones indicate?
Phrysos—May the gods prevent my uttering aught that may oppose the truth. At times the thought enters my mind that possibly our Priesthood may not fully comprehend the meanings of certain words of our Sacred Writings. Ziro Emyda̤s questions the infallibility of their interpretations. He declares that Andûmana̤ alone is infallible, and that Gods and men are but His Instruments through whom He works His will. That the Priesthood have called him to account for what they term his lack of reverence for Sacred things has not deterred him from firmly adhering to his declarations, and I confess that while my immature mind does not wholly grasp the presentation of his Theory, I greatly admire his courage and no one, I believe, questions his sincerity.
I am but a beginner in this fascinating study, but already I realize that one must closely adhere to established theories else one easily may drift into unauthorized and dangerous speculations, but I, no more than yourself, question the infallibility of the Sacred Writings, and yet——
De L'Ester—Gentola̤, place the tips of your fingers near his head, now speak to him.
Phrysos—And yet—and—yet—friends, I seem to hear a voice—it speaks to—speaks to me, and I feel—a strange—sensation stealing—over—me. I—I——
De L'Ester—Now place your hands over his eyes. Ah, how readily he yields.
Instructor—What ails you, Phrysos? Why, I believe he is falling into a swoon. Phrysos! Phrysos! Trissa̤, hasten for a cup of water. Raise a window, Avilla the air may be too close.
De L'Ester—Rapidly but distinctly follow my dictation.
Gentola—I am one who already hath spoken to thy friend, Prince Dano, of a new and glorious Revelation which very soon will be given to the peoples of Ento. Thou hearest my voice but seest not my form standing near thee, even as thou shalt stand near Dano as a Priest of the new Revelation. I am Gentola̤. Remember and fear not.
Instructor—Thanks, Trissa̤. It was but a momentary faintness, probably occasioned by the oppressive atmosphere.
Why, Phrysos, really we thought you were about to swoon; you whose boast is that you never have known a moment's illness. Was it the closeness of the atmosphere that occasioned the attack?
Phrysos—I cannot say what occasioned it. I fancied I heard a voice coming from some one or somewhere, and I grew faint. No, I was not unconscious, but could not open my eyes or reply to your inquiries. It must have been occasioned by the closeness of the atmosphere. You will excuse me and I will walk about, and in a few moments I shall recover myself.
Evylon—To what strange days have we come. Phrysos, one of our athletes; Phrysos, one of our brightest and closest students, attacked much as was Prince Dano. Yes, I was in the art studio when Dano became unconscious, and when he was revived he spoke strange words which surprised and shocked all who heard them. But, evidently, Phrysos was not unconscious, for his countenance expressed great surprise and lively emotion. He says that he seemed to hear a voice, but we heard no sound. I pray the Gods that no such attack may seize any of us.
De L'Ester—Touch this youth's hands. First the right, now the left hand. See how he stares and rubs one over the other. Touch them again. Greatly excited he springs to his feet, exclaiming, "Something has touched me! Touched me twice on my hands! No, I see nothing that could have caused the sensation. I fear that my sympathy for Phrysos has rendered me imaginative. I, too, pray you excuse me and soon I shall walk off all morbid fancies."
Instructor—As our lesson is concluded we will join you. You do well not to yield to what you very properly term morbid fancies. It is well understood that one mind can affect another mind, and then the question arises, what is mind? Fra̤tos, one of our most learned and brilliant thinkers, declares that——
De L'Ester—We cannot afford time to learn what Fra̤tos declares, probably that mind is matter in an active state.
Gentola̤, we are delighted that you can so successfully approach Ento Sensitives. One other of those students could have been made to sense your presence, but we must not permit our enthusiasm to get the better of our judgment, else a panic might occur.
Genessano, you have reason to be hopeful for the success of our Mission for, evidently, the Spiritualized faculties of many of your people are highly evolved.
Genessano—Oh, that the hour may swiftly arrive which shall usher in the dawn of the brightest day that ever has come to Ento. A day that will mark an epoch of gladness in the history of a sorrowful people.
Before proceeding with our investigations, you desire to know the result of my very recent visit to Da̤o. As Zenesta̤ has said, Dano's arrival momentarily has stimulated Valloa̤'s life forces, but she fades away as fades a rodel broken from its stem. As gradually she releases herself from her physical body her inner vision grows clearer and she reaches out and greets the dear ones who have preceded her into our spirit realms. Sēlona̤ Valloa̤, the golden haired, died in giving birth to Valloa̤. She was the wife of Omanos Fûnha̤'s youth, and no one has taken her place in his affection or by his side. While mourning his irreparable loss, ever his chiefest solace has been the golden haired, blue eyed child who now is the image of her mother. In the hour of his approaching bereavement Omanos Fûnha̤ will, when convinced of its truth, gladly embrace a faith that shall give assurance of a reunion with those whom he holds dearer than all else. Basto Andûlēsa̤, his nearest kinsman and closest friend, in all possible ways sustains him. In character they are much alike and both are wise, loving and spiritualized men. To them Valloa̤ smilingly but earnestly, insists upon the reality of her visions, and the Messages her mother, Sēlona̤, sends to her husband and the Andûlēsa̤s. And thus the days and nights pass, and the way is being prepared against the time when the lovely girl shall be borne from them into higher Realms.
De L'Ester—Dear friend, your report favors our Mission, but how pitiful it is, and geology is an interesting science, but as we are humans, the affairs of humans lie nearer our hearts and I confess that my sympathy for Dano, Valloa̤, and the grief stricken father, is greater than my interest in all the Sciences of all the Planets in the Universe. Gentola̤, you are surprised and our friends smile at my impulsive utterances, but they understand, as you do not, that with longing unspeakable, I look forward to the hour when my own shall return to me. Ever I am waiting and watching for an angel of love and mercy, who strives to lift out of degradation and wretchedness mortals whose ignorance and debaucheries drag them down into darkness. Her present embodiment has placed us far apart, but duties fulfilled are converging our ways and ere long, face to face, we again will gaze into each other's eyes and read there the assurance of our Eternal Union. It should not so surprise you to learn that in the spiritual marriage two entities, male and female, form an inseparable whole, and that there is no other real union possible, all others being temporary, yet not necessarily on the merely animal plane. When, to a certain point, we shall have completed our present undertaking, we hope that you may be induced to listen to talks on this and other subjects, for the more clearly you understand Spiritual Laws, the better you will be prepared to enter the Spirit World.