ERINCA̤ MICANA̤
De L'Ester—Make no excuses for having made us your debtors, but here is George, every line of his face suggesting that he has discovered something of interest.
George—I cannot say that I have made a discovery, but nearby is something that will interest Gentola̤ and Bernard.
De L'Ester—Lead the way and we will follow. Ah, a fountain and the temple garden and conservatories. Gentola̤, more than two years ago Aaron Poole drew for you a flowering vine he named Enrica; look about you and learn if it may be one of this great variety of shrubs, plants and vines.
Gentola—It is indeed; the moment we came here I noticed it draping that trellis and climbing up yonder wall. With its luxuriant foliage and profusion of pink blossoms, how very pretty it is. Poole did not tell me that it was an Ento vine, and when I questioned him he only said, "It is not of this Planet."
De L'Ester—That is just like him. I fancy that he thought to some time surprise you by showing you the original.
George—He has promised to meet us here, for indeed it was here that he sketched the Enrica vine which afterward he drew for Gentola̤. Always he is so prompt in his engagements that I am surprised that he has not yet arrived. While awaiting his coming we may look at this pretty fountain. The central figure of the group, holding aloft the cluster of rodels (the national flower) is very fine, indeed the entire composition of male and female figures is admirable. That sun illumined jet of water, thrown high into the air, thence felling downward envelops the group as with a shining veil. Gentola̤, Bernard, come and look into this basin.
Bernard—Mother, dear, as sure as anything these are gold and silver fishes. Do not they exactly resemble those you have on Earth? Yes, they are larger, and their tails and fins are oddly shaped; otherwise the resemblance is very close.
De L'Ester—Lohaû, lohaû, ēmano Poole. For some time George has been fretting and fuming over your late arrival; now he is so occupied as to be oblivious of your presence.
Aaron Poole—I greet you all, and I beg a thousand pardons for having kept you waiting.
George—Aaron, I shall no longer hold you up to admiring worlds as a model of punctuality. You are a full hour late.
Aaron Poole—Allow me to greet Gentola̤, then I shall explain my delay. Gentola̤, I rejoice that at last we meet face to face. Although for nearly ten years we have held frequent converse, and your face has grown as familiar to me as is my own, only now you see me.
Gentola—I am equally rejoiced that I can see you. Ever since I have known you and some other spirit friends, I have been curious as to your and their appearance. I have thought of you and of them as one thinks of physical personalities. Yet in some way I have formed nearly correct ideas of your and their forms and features. But I must say that you are taller than I had thought you might be.
Aaron Poole—My height is six feet and one inch, and that is nearly the height of a particular friend of yours who has been permitted to accompany me on this visit to Ento. This way, my blond Apollo.
Gentola—Well of all the wonders of this wonderful experience, this to me is the most surprising. Will Cox, you dear, dear boy. Oh, I am so glad to see you. So, so glad, and to think that after all these years, we meet on the Planet Mars—I mean on the Planet Ento. George, do be quiet; I shall cry if I wish to. Will, you dear boy, you are handsomer than you were in Earth life. Oh, I wish your mother could see you, your mother who so adored you, and who never ceases to mourn for you. While I laugh and cry, do tell me something of yourself. Why, Will, you, too, are crying. Don't do that. I was so surprised that I—I forgot myself; but I won't cry any more, and you shall smile too. There, that is like yourself.
William Cox—My dearest friend, let me call you Lady Sara, as I once did. I am so overjoyed to meet you, so glad, so thankful to the Divine Spirit that we both have learned that life is continuous. When at the home of Mr. Wicks we were about to part to meet no more on Earth, you said, "Oh, Will, promise me that if you die before I do, and shall continue to exist, and can return to this world, that you will come to me to tell me if there is another life than this," how little I knew of what would come to me and to you, too, dear Lady Sara. When I passed to the Spirit side and to my own place, almost my first Earth memory was of my promise to you, and for your sake, and that you might be better able to comfort my dear, sorrowing mother, I, with the assistance of kind spirit friends, strove to reach your consciousness, and when, after two years, we succeeded, I wept for very joy. I should so like to talk with you indefinitely, but I must not abuse the special privilege of this visit to you. Then, too, I am one of a Band of Spirits to whom has been assigned the accomplishment of a certain mission, and my leave of absence must not exceed the time specified. Be assured, dear friend, that I never lose sight of you. Your sorrows have been my own, and when Bernard passed to our side of life, and your condition was so critical that we feared that you, too, might come before this Mission should be accomplished, your friend Will was one of many who sustained you with our strength until you regained composure and a degree of health.
I have learned that these friends have given you a new and I must say an appropriate name, but for the sake of old times and memories, to me you are Lady Sara, and when the hour of your coming to the Spirit side shall arrive, I will be one of many loving friends to meet and greet you. Some day my dear mother and other dear ones may learn of this meeting, and she and they will know that I love them always. Now kiss me good-bye until we shall meet where not even a thin veil hides beloved faces from the gaze of lovelit eyes.
Gentola—Good-bye, Will, good-bye, and watch out for me, for the years are falling away like beads off a broken string, and it will not be long before I shall come to the World of Spirits. Until then I may not again see your face, but I will not forget, no, I will not forget.
Aaron Poole—It was a little unfair to take you so by surprise, but Will, dear fellow, insisted upon it. He was curious to learn if you would recognize him. You will be glad to know that he is very aspiring and ever ready to lend a helping hand, and that his progress is all that those who love him could desire.
FLOITZA
Now I shall tell you why my coming was so delayed. You all are aware that I have been on the Spirit Side nearly thirty years, and that at the time of my passing over I was a little under thirty years old. Within a few following years, my dear parents also passed to the Spirit Side, my four brothers and two sisters, all younger than myself, surviving them. Suddenly, this morning, my eldest brother also came. Leaving him in the care of our parents and other loving ones, I have hastened here, but desire to as quickly as possible return to assist in restoring him to consciousness. Gentola̤, you may not know that those who suddenly pass from the physical body require special treatment for restoration to a consciousness of their changed condition. The occasion of his sudden passing over was arterial suffusion of the brain, which almost instantaneously released him.
Gentola̤, the special reason for my coming at this time is that we may select from this fine collection of plants a subject or two for illustration. You no doubt have recognized the Enrica vine. I had thought to have the pleasure of showing it to you, but, as De L'Ester would say, "L'homme propose, et Dieu dispose," which perhaps is as true as many other aphorisms. Now we will look about for a subject or two.
Gentola—Here is a pretty vine laden with pink blooms. Is it too delicate for our purpose?
Aaron Poole—Rather so; still I will sketch it. Its name is Ilsoimen galistan (bride of morning). As it is difficult to control we must select simple if less beautiful forms. Here is a flowering shrub, the Floitza, that I will venture to sketch. It is attractive, and its foliage and blooms are not at all complex in structure. Yes, those are varieties of the same shrub, pink, purple, blue and white. We will attempt the blue variety. Now we will look through the conservatories and you shall select the next subject.
Gentola—Dear me, there is such an endless variety, and all so pretty that I cannot decide; were it not so difficult to control me, I should select this lovely crimson flower, but the foliage is so extremely delicate that it is not to be thought of. George, you have mentioned a certain plant that I should like to see; then I will decide. Ah, that is indeed a very attractive plant; looks as though it might be of the cactus family. Aaron, what do you think of it? Is it too complex for my poor ability?
Aaron Poole—I cannot quite determine, but we will try it. I shall have to ask one of our Ento friends to give us the name of this plant. Inidora̤, as you are something of a botanist, you may enlighten us.
Inidora—It is Ilno bersa̤. Zenesta̤ says that in Gentola̤'s language it would be hairy crawler. The habit of the plant is to crawl over rocks or any like support, though here it is trained over both a rockery and a low trellis.
Aaron Poole—This hairy crawler is Ilno bersa̤, and the vine with its wealth of pink blooms is Ilsoimen. The shrub is the blue Floitza, a pretty name for a pretty shrub. With these three sketches for the present we will content ourselves.
Now I must leave you, but as soon as my dear brother shall have regained consciousness and grown somewhat accustomed to his changed condition, I shall be free to again be with you. Gentola̤, while all your dear ones are deeply interested in this Mission, they long for its culmination, so that you may find leisure to receive them, for they, perhaps more than yourself, miss their former frequent communion with you. With pleasure I shall bear to them your loving message. Now, mes amis, au revoir.
HNOBERSA
De L'Ester—Gentola̤, these great conservatories, devoted to the special cultivation of these red and yellow blooms, furnishes the temple flower offerings, which, with the crystal Sun of the dome, the mosaic Sun radiating from the altar, and the red and yellow robes and ornaments of the High Priest and his assistants, symbolize the imaginary abode of Andûmana̤.
Now, George, we will rise and move slowly around Taimon, thus affording Gentola̤ and Bernard a view of the scenery and architecture of the many towns and villages beautifying its shores. Gentola̤, again we have for you a surprise and the fulfillment of a promise, which we anticipate will add to your enjoyment of your visits to Ento. Bernard, dear boy, you are only strong enough to sustain yourself. Allow George to assist your mother. Is not it pleasure enough to journey by her side? Ah, fond hearts, I understand, I understand.
Gentola—I am sure that you do. Never mind, dear lad, I will take the will for the deed. Do not rise higher, friends, else I shall not see so clearly as you all do. What lovely views. Certainly the architecture of those towns and villages is very beautiful. Yonder is a long train of Tuzamos rushing across the country, and see those huge vessels crossing the lake in all directions and coming and going on the Waterway. To me those Waterways are a source of continual wonderment. How were they excavated? How have the Entoans found courage, endurance or means to accomplish such gigantic works?
De L'Ester—To show you the process of excavation, which is so excellent as to not require extraordinary courage or endurance, will be the most satisfactory reply to your first two questions; as for the means required, the general government attends to that. I promise you that, a little later on, you shall observe the construction of a Waterway.
Gentola—I shall not forget to remind you of your promise. Yonder is another pretty town, and there are one, two, three circular temples, and again it occurs to me that nowhere have I seen a spire.
De L'Ester—The tall, pointed spire is not a feature of Ento architecture. On our planet its origin dates back to a period when humanity was on a low animal plane. Yes, the architecture of Ento is exceedingly ornate; exteriorly, to my mind, it is used to excess, while interiorly, sculpture, carvings and mosaics produce wonderfully rich and beautiful effects. In some of the public edifices and sumptuous private residences which you yet will see there are mosaics so exceedingly fine that nowhere have we seen anything of the kind surpassing them. On certain edifices you have observed lofty towers of excellent design. They are not merely architectural features, but are towers of observation. Not skyward, oh, no, but for horizontal distances.
You have been informed that their religion prohibits the Entoans from attempting to learn aught concerning Astranola̤, the imaginary realm beyond the clouds, wherein dwells their revered and feared Gods and Goddesses, so their telescopes, which are of great excellence, are used only for field purposes; that is, for observation of the annual floods and the like. But soon the radiance of their Spirit World will penetrate their consciousness, and advanced Spirits will be able to disabuse their minds of their fallacious beliefs relating to the here and the hereafter, and ere long, aided by enlarged telescopes, their learned ones will be gazing upon the wonder of myriad worlds, moving in stately grandeur through measureless space.
Extending from northward to southward is an elevation covered with great forest trees, undergrowth and vegetation. It is another mountain vestige, and once the waters of Loisa̤ Ta̤imon bathed its rocky base, but now a level stretch of some miles lies between it and the lake. Look now far along the plateau toward the north, and tell us what you see.
Gentola—Afar off I see a great city, extending from the lake shore across the plain, up the slope, across the plateau, down its further side, and—that is as far as my vision reaches.
De L'Ester—We will draw nearer. Now what do you see?
Gentola—I see a city so extensive, so marvellously beautiful, that I am almost persuaded that you have brought me into some spirit realm. Never have I seen anything so grandly, so magnificently beautiful as yonder white and gold city, and this is the fulfillment of your promise to some time, somewhere, show me a city surpassing any city of Earth. To, if possible, enhance its beauty, nature has luxuriantly draped sculptured walls and loftiest towers with wreaths of flower-laden vines, amid which are bees and birds innumerable, all adding their beauty to the enchantment of the scene. The streets are of great width and paved as smoothly as floors. There are no small, mean-looking houses, no evidences of poverty or degradation. With all my heart I wish that this city might be exhibited to our Earth peoples as an example of what humanity may attain to. The streets are alive with people, and motor and tramway carriages are passing in all directions, yet there is very little noise and no apparent confusion. I should like to know why those tramway carriages are so noiseless.
De L'Ester—I only can say that they are so scientifically constructed that I cannot explain their mechanism. The tramway rails are welded into unbroken lines, which, at short intervals, rest on cushions of an elastic substance very like caoutchouc, which prevents noisy jolting and jarring. Then, too, the speed of all manner of vehicles is carefully timed and regulated. Unlike the immature peoples of our own immature Planet, the Entoans are exceedingly careful of their own and the lives and rights of others.
You perceive that all street intersections are spanned by elegantly constructed bridges, over which people and vehicles pass slowly and safely. No, the Entoans are not indolent, but they are too wise to rush toward the undesired end of their existence. Indeed, every possible precaution against injury or death is observed. No, owing to the annual inundation, underground transit is not feasible. Yes, of course, the construction and maintenance of such public utilities is costly, but as Ento has no wars, the governmental revenues are amply sufficient for all necessary purposes.
Now we will descend to the lawn of yonder white golden-domed residence of the governor of this Province of Wya̤mo, whose capital is the white and gold city Kûltymo Tylû, which, in the English language would be Elevated City. It is the largest, and to my mind, the most beautiful city of Ento.
Facing us is the governor's residence. To the right are the official departments. To the left is a spacious structure devoted to such amusements as Entoans indulge in. Yes, they dance, but in a rather serious fashion. The movements of the various dances are slow, graceful, stately and rhythmically in harmony with the musical measures, with which their forms, more than their feet, keep time. Yes, the drama, too, finds its place among the amusements of the people, but its purpose is to instruct as well as to amuse. I scarcely know how to characterize the plays. Certainly, they are not tragic, neither do they represent the serio-comic. I should say that they are more nearly on the plane of high comedy, and Earth's pleasure loving peoples would consider them very tame. I can say for them that, in composition and representation, they are models of purity and of art. This is one of Ento's finest official residences, and in every niche and angle of its massive walls are sculptured forms of divinities or of distinguished Entoans, so finely executed as to command one's profound admiration. A grand flight of steps leads up to the spacious portico, whose lofty roof is supported by massive fluted marble columns, whose capitals are a strong reminder of the Corinthian capital.
Observe this imposing entrance, whose rose tinted doors are framed in rose tinted woods, so highly, so exquisitely colored, that their beauty is but slightly enhanced by these very artistic carvings. We will now enter and afford you and Bernard a view of the interior of the dwelling. This wide and deep hallway, with its broad staircase, leading upward to a second floor, thence to other floors and the domed roof, is very admirable. It is a composition of rose marble, onyx, carved, rose colored woods and mosaics so exquisitely beautiful, as to be incomparably artistic. It is well that the dainty blooms, child faces and lovely arabesques of the floor are protected by these fine rugs.
Evidently the staircases are more for ornamentation than for use, for at the further end of the hallway is an elegantly appointed elevator, into which, at this moment, a stately looking gentleman is stepping. He is Darraon Olēva̤s, Governor of Wya̤mo, and as uninvited guests we will proceed to the dining hall of his excellency's residence. To do so we will pass through this panelled vestibule, whose ornamentation of inlaid fruits and flower designs, is indeed very fine. The light filtering through the large rose and opalescent crystal window irradiates it with a softened glow which is a fitting prelude to the rich coloring of the apartment beyond this sumptuous silken drapery. Stand here, Gentola̤, and attempt a short description of this immense, elliptically formed room and its appurtenances.
Gentola—Where shall I begin? With the floor? Well, to my taste, it presents the most beautiful mosaic work I yet have seen. It is so exceedingly lovely that it seems a profanation to step on it. The field is opal tinted, and the border is very broad and rich, but not at all highly colored. From among its foliage and flowers, vines and delicately hued blossoms trail all over the field, and they are so realistic that they seem to be growing there.
At equal distances around the walls of the great room are wide panels of a wood resembling mahogany, but tinted a dull rose color. In the centre of each wide panel is a narrow fluted one of a lighter shade of rose colored wood, and all are carried up the walls and across the curved ceiling, where they meet under large rosettes of rose colored woods. In the centre of each rosette is a lighting apparatus, which is not at all like a chandelier, and which I am not competent to describe. I can only say that it is a combination of gold filigree work and many rose tinted crystal lilies inclosed in a gauzelike network of some transparent material.
De L'Ester—You might add that when the electric light is turned on, the network forms a sort of halo about the flowers, whose pale rose tints lend a softened and beautiful effect, and I will add, that, in the near future, one of your inspired ones will invent a very similar electric appliance.
Gentola—Where the panels curve between the walls and ceiling there are great carved clusters of flowers and foliage, of woods of various colors and the shadings are so fine that the compositions are very beautiful and lifelike. Between the panels, the walls are opalescent, and are adorned with paintings and handsome shelf-like projections, on which are the loveliest vases, statuettes and other bric-a-brac. At the west end of the room are two wide and lofty windows, over which falls exquisite lace and rich rose colored silken draperies, the borders ornamented with gold embroidery. Between the windows is an immense buffet, built into the wall, which appears to be a combination of carved and inlaid woods, of precious metals and jewels. On its highly ornamental shelves are various wares, very like some of the fine wares we have on our planet, and there are goblets and other vessels of crystal that shine with the brilliancy of diamonds. Some pieces are set with jewels of various colors, and they are exceedingly pretty. Through the crystalline doors of its compartments I see vessels of gold, of silver and of a metal that appears to be enamelled in tints of pale, lustrous green. The latter are ornamented with stones of a deeper tint of green, and they are so beautiful that I should like to have one of them. As for the shapes of these many lovely things, I am surprised that they are so like the forms of Earth's china, glass and other wares.
De L'Ester—Recall a lecture you heard in the Galarēsa̤, in which it was stated that not only is art long, but that form in its manifold expressions is universal. It is the manifestation of a natural law, and in accordance with the degree of their evolvement, everywhere, not only humans, but all orders of life express it in finer or cruder fashion.
Gentola—I believe that it is true, for through my limited observation of our moon, and my larger observation of Ento's and Earth's forms, whether natural or mechanical, I have found startling resemblances; frequently exact likenesses of the forms of either planet.
To return to a further description of the buffet. Its table of pearl tinted onyx, veined with palest green, is bordered by a luxuriant vine, whose leaves are composed of minute green stones, so shaded as to present a very natural effect. The vine and tendrils also are of stones, representing their brown and green tints. The large, purple clusters of fruit are of amethysts or similar stones. Genessano says, that the vine is a talissa̤ fûena̤, but I should say, it is a veritable grape vine. Anyway, it is very pretty, and its purple fruit suggests a question. Do the Entoans make wine and other intoxicants?
De L'Ester—These Ento friends, Inidora̤, Genessano and Zenesta̤ Ha̤o, say that, since time immemorial the Entoans have used fermented and distilled liquors, but never as intoxicants, their Sacred Writings forbidding the abuse of any of Andûmana̤'s gifts to His children. No, although of a wine drinking race, I never during my mortal existence, experienced a sense of intoxication. Did mortals understand that drunkenness is not alone a benumbing of the senses, a more or less pronounced anaesthesia, but that gradually it occasions a separation between the ego and the animal soul or conscious self, and that continued excesses lead to a wider separateness, a final domination of the animal soul, and that when dissolution occurs, the alcoholized spirit body has become a fit tenement for its wretched occupant, in fear and horror they would recoil from a peril so deadly. These friends will verify my statement that on no other planet have we observed such a strong tendency toward drunkenness as exists on Earth. Why is this so? Briefly then, the activities of heredity never fail, and some dominant primitive races of Earth, having looked upon wine when it was red, transmitted the vicious tendency to their descendants, and they in turn to after generations unnumbered. Certainly, it is true that, what are termed acquired tastes for this or that, are nearly, if not always based upon hereditary tendencies. Now, pray proceed.
Gentola—Against the walls are many chairs of beautifully carved, rose tinted wood. The seats are not upholstered, but are of a highly polished, very pale rose tinted wood, and oddly enough they are held or rather they hang on pretty golden brackets projecting from the walls. There is no dining table or even one small one. On what is food served?
De L'Ester—Wait a little and you shall learn. In the meantime we will enter an adjoining room used for the storage of table and other appointments, which doubtless we will find attractive. You will please mention such as may interest you.
Gentola—How very beautiful. What a wonderful collection. Gold, silver, crystal and other lovely wares in endless profusion. Evidently many of them are for decorative purposes. Such a collection is enough to make one covetous. Imagine me landing in my own home with one of these magnificent vases in my arms. Not for a moment would any one believe that it came from the planet known to them as Mars. Neither would I believe it were I some one else.
Again, I cannot refrain from a sense of surprise that I find here plates, pitchers, bowls, cups and saucers and all that constitutes an elaborate table service. And here are goblets, and a great variety of drinking glasses and other pieces of glassware, of such beautiful shapes and of such exceeding brilliancy that it is superior to any cut glass I ever have seen.
De L'Ester—Zenesta̤ says that in a province immediately south of Ondû is a deposit of a peculiar sand especially adapted to the manufacture of this fine glass. Although diligently sought for, nowhere else has a like deposit been discovered; hence, this ware is highly prized. Observe this elaborate centre piece of gold, crystal and precious stones. It is a great, four handled bowl with a small, beautiful vase on either handle. The bowl is for fruit, the vases for flowers.
As your question relating to the serving of food is about to be answered, we will stand in this doorway, which, you perceive, is slightly above the level of the dining hall floor. Observe that nearly the entire length of the floor is in two equal divisions, so nicely adjusted as not to be perceptible. Now they separate, and noiselessly are drawn under this and the opposite apartments, and from below rises a sumptuously appointed table laden with viands of most tempting appearance. Thus is your question answered.
Observe that the floor on which the table rests is of highly polished, deeply tinted, rose colored wood, which exactly fits into the space left vacant by the withdrawal of the mosaic floor. Yes, in most fine Ento dwellings dining halls for special occasions are arranged in this manner. In ordinary dwellings dining room floors are stationary, as is the floor of the adjoining family dining room. Now a very important looking person enters, takes a critical survey of the table, touches a button in the wall, and a number of attendants enter and quietly detach the seats from the walls and place them about the table. There are twenty covers, and evidently the repast is more of a luncheon than a dinner. Observe the floral decorations. A centre piece, quite as beautiful as the one we have been admiring, is filled with golden hued fruit and sweet scented, creamy blooms, and at either end of the table are lovely vases filled with clusters of the same fragrant blossoms. Though the food is generous in quantity and variety, the table is not overladen. There are breads of various kinds with dainty dishes of fruits and confections nice enough to tempt an epicure, but you will observe that there are no meats, save fishes, which are prepared as a salad. Inidora̤, what is the name of this luscious looking fruit?
Inidora—Oonda̤ we name it. It is agreeably acidulous, of an aromatic flavor and grows only in tropical and in semi-tropical countries. Gentola̤ may recall that in the vicinity of Camarissa̤ and somewhat further northward there are many extensive plantations of low, wide spreading trees, wearing dark green, glossy foliage. Those were oonda̤s lota̤s (oonda̤s trees) and these are their fruit and fragrant, lovely blooms. Nay, you owe me no thanks.
Gentola—I hear a sound as of sweet, low toned bells, and voices of persons coming nearer and nearer; and now they are entering preceded by a very tall, extremely handsome youth of bronze complexion, fine features, large, dark, brilliant eyes, blue-black, waving hair, held back by a gemmed fillet, and white teeth gleaming between his parted scarlet lips. As he approaches, bearing aloft a golden tray heaped high with oonda̤ blooms, he presents a picture of uncommon beauty. There are nine men and as many women, the latter clothed so beautifully in loose, graceful, white silken, gold embroidered robes that, henceforth, I shall detest the dress with which I have been accustomed to torment and disfigure myself. The important looking person seats the guests, and the youth crowns each one with a chaplet of oonda̤ blossoms. But two seats, one at either end of the table, are still vacant. Again the sweet toned bells are sounding. The guests rise, and with a most graceful movement of their hands, salute a stately, handsome man and a very lovely woman, who with gracious smiles and graceful salutations, approach and take the vacant seats, and the guests resume theirs. Now the youth approaches the host and hostess, tendering them chaplets of oonda̤ blossoms, which they receive and retain in their hands. Inidora̤ will be kind enough to continue the description which to me grows somewhat unintelligible.
Inidora—As a recognition of Andûmana̤'s gift of this golden fruit to his children the annual feast of the oonda̤ is observed by all Entoans. Oonda̤ in your language would mean divine, and as it is the favorite fruit of the dwellers in Astranola̤, it is thought to be appropriately named.
Those who have this moment entered are the governor of Wya̤mo, Darraon Olēva̤s and his wife, the Lady Noûnia̤. Now the governor rises, and bearing aloft his chaplet, he approaches his wife and places it on her head, fervently praying: "Andûmana̤, Creator and Giver of all good gifts even as I crown Thy child with oonda̤ blooms, so crown Thou her with the priceless blessing of a long and happy life;" and the guests respond, "Ra̤û, ra̤û, ra̤û." Now he kneels by the side of his wife, and as she places her chaplet on his head, with trembling lips she implores Andûmana̤ to prolong the days of her beloved, and that they may be as full of the fragrance of noble deeds as are oonda̤ blooms full of the perfume of Andûmana̤'s breath, and again the guests respond, "Ra̤û, ra̤û, ra̤û."
De L'Ester—We regret that we cannot devote further time to observation of this attractive festival, but affairs relating to our mission grow more pressing than you are aware of, and we must hasten our movements. We now will ascend to the upper floors. Yes, the decorations and furnishings of these spacious apartments are of the best art productions of Ento, and certainly they are beyond unfavorable criticism. You have learned that Ento's textile fabrics are surpassingly excellent; so you are not surprised at the beauty of designs, coloring and quality of these draperies, rugs, upholstery and other appurtenances of this elegantly appointed residence. Yes, in most Ento residences, large or small, somewhat sumptuous furnishings are the rule, rather than exception. In arts and manufactures the Entoans have progressed beyond the tawdry and mean, and all who so desire, may, at small cost, gratify cultivated tastes.
We now will go out on the balcony, George. Yes, the dome balcony. Do not you think that Vil Tylû (White City) would be as appropriate a name for this city as it was for your World's Fair City? And now that we have fulfilled our promise, may we hope that you are not disappointed?
Gentola—Dear friends, the fulfillment of your promise exceeds my anticipations, and as I gaze in all directions I am filled with wonder and admiration for this extensive, this grandly beautiful White and Gold City. The absence of all indications of poverty is in itself a charm, and it appears so immaculately clean and so new, that one might imagine it the creation of a very recent time.
Genessano—On the contrary, previous to the inception of the Irrigating and Waterways System, it was a city of importance, and as now, the capital of Wya̤mo. At the time that the proposed irrigating system was under consideration the then governor of Wya̤mo was one of its most enthusiastic supporters and later an indefatigable worker who lived to see the System assume unlooked for proportions and incalculable beneficence. His successors followed his fine example, and a time arrived when the Irrigated Belt touched Kûltymo's limit on the north, and you perceive that now it penetrates quite into the System. During later centuries the population has so increased as to necessitate encroachment upon the agricultural lands northward, and now in that direction the city's suburb is parallel with the northern shore of Ta̤imon.
Kûltymo Tylû is favored beyond any city of our planet, for though it is within the equatorial zone, it is far enough northward to possess a moderately temperate and most salubrious climate. Then northward, Lake Ta̤imon and the great Waterway affords an outlet for shipping, passing not only in that, but in all directions, and Cēhylû Ooltēma̤h, rising in the far north, runs southward, pouring its immense volumes into the System, thus affording highways for vessels of the largest size. In the distance, and toward the northeast, is Lake Komû-tēlesa̤ (lake of Springs) another considerable body of fresh water, and if you will look in that direction you will perceive that, through a continuation of the Waterway, it communicates with Ta̤imon, and that on its placid bosom vessels great and small are passing to and fro. Later, through observation, you will learn that the Waterways with their attendant feeders, directly or indirectly connect with nearly all the freshwater lakes and rivers of our Planet, and that all within certain degrees of latitude are embraced by the system. Thus, Kûltymo Tylû has at its doors extensive water transportation, added to which Tûza̤mos and air Transports bring it into ready communication with all portions of the planet, from whence it receives all manner of products. In turn Kûltymo Tylû exports immense quantities of manufactured goods and art wares, but its principal distinction is its great art school and library, to which come students from all over Ento. I, like yourselves, am enchanted with the beauty of this white and gold city, which to me suggests a great white bird, its body resting on the broad plateau, the tip of one snowy wing touching Ta̤imon, the other spreading toward the lovely valley Insa̤lû, and the neck and head gracefully curving downward over the northern slope of the plateau, to drink of the shining, vivifying waters of the beneficent System. Bernard, have you naught to say of this great city?
Bernard—Yes, aside from cities of our Spirit World, I have seen none to compare with it. As my dear mother has said, the beauty of its architecture, its exceeding cleanliness and absence of poverty are its most attractive features, and I quite agree with her. But, Genessano, you did not complete your simile; you forgot to give your bird a tail.
Genessano—You are very right; I did forget. Well, for my tailless bird I shall from among yonder gleaming, golden domes and snowy towers, whose symmetrical beauty is heightened by a southern background of fleecy clouds and azure sky, gather plumage as fine as that of alzoyta̤s, the sacred bird of Astranola̤, whose wide-spreading wings over-shadow death's darkened realm.
Gentola—I beg that you will not take offense at my boy's inconsiderate speech. During his Earth life always he saw the droll side of things, and in that direction I do not find him changed.
Bernard—Mother, dear, I meant no offense; so Genessano could take none.
Genessano—That is as true as truth. Bernard and I are as two opposing mirrors, each reflecting images upon the other's face; thus one never misunderstands the other's motives, and Bernard's ever are kind. Let this fraternal embrace assure you of our mutual good will.
De L'Ester—We will rise to the upper balcony, from which we will command a still more extensive view of the city and its suburbs, and you, Gentola̤, will give expression to whatever may impress you.
Gentola—To me the extent of this city is surprising. Eastward its limit is beyond my power of vision. Southward domes, turrets and lofty columns lose themselves amid the mists of the horizon. Northward, for mile after mile, on the level; thence down the sloping plateau and across the far reaching plain, the white and gold wonder spreads itself. In that direction, in the middle of some of the wide streets, are canals, on which small boats, carrying passengers or freight, are passing to and fro. At intervals the canals are spanned by handsome bridges, over which a variety of vehicles are passing. Toward the southwest Ta̤imon, which you say is nearly twenty miles away, mirrors in its waters the great warehouses and manufactories which line its shores. It occurs to me to ask why chimneys are not features of Ento architecture. Even those great structures have none.
Inidora—Many centuries previous to my existence on Ento electrical appliances had come into such general use that in all cities, towns, villages and pretentious country places, they almost were the sole agencies for heating, lighting, culinary and other purposes, and yet some families of the Soûvannallos and of another race far southward, still adhere to ancient domestic usages. Certainly they are the only Entoans who persist in using fireplaces and chimneys, which no longer are features of Ento architecture.
De L'Ester—Northward and southward, along the level of the plateau, and eastward and westward, toward Insa̤lû-Valley and Lake Ta̤imon, there are many stupendously tall and massive towers, whose average height is about one thousand feet, and whose bases seem substantial enough to support Ento's satellites. The skill and daring involved in their construction is both admirable and surprising. In their interiors are elevators which carry to the height of their summits persons and things connected with their service. They are used for a system of electric lighting, and also as watch towers during the annual floods and on their summits are as fine observation telescopes as we have seen. Yes, when those great towers are lighted, night is well nigh turned into day. How little the peoples of our planet yet comprehend what may be, and ere long will be, accomplished through the agency of electricity, whose civilizing power is illimitable. I should like to inform you as to one of its achievements, and at another time will do so.
You are exhausted, and we must hold you no longer. We will not come for you to-morrow morning, but at two o'clock in the afternoon. Earlier we will be at Da̤o to meet friends who are interested in our mission. Yes, friends from Ento's and other planetary Spirit Worlds. Be patient; the time is near when you will see them as you see us. For yet a little while Spirit forces will hold Valloa̤ in her physical form, for it would not be well should she pass to the Spirit side before all things are in readiness for the culmination of our mission.
Friends, George, Bernard and I will bear Gentola̤ safely to her home; then I must go elsewhere, but to-morrow we all will meet at Da̤o.
Gentola̤, rest your right hand on George's shoulder. Bernard, place your right arm about your mother and your left hand on my shoulder, and now for the Sorrowful star, toward which this mighty magnetic current bears us with the velocity of thought, and here in your quiet room, where twilight shadows have fallen, we leave you until the morrow. Bernard, make your adieu, for before she may be disturbed, I desire to see your mother recover herself. Ah, that is well. Yes, we still are here, and pleased that you so readily have regained your usual condition. As we have held you overlong to-day, I pray you, rest, rest, rest. Now au revoir.
DANO AND VALLOA.
De L'Ester—Exactly two o'clock, and you are awaiting us, so at once we will be off. Only George and I have come for you. Bernard and our friends will meet us at Kûltymo Tylû. Now, be at rest. Ready, George. No, mortals can have no realization of the rapidity with which wholly freed spirits are able to move. You, who to a degree are freed, do not realize it.
Gentola—No, I do not. Always, to me, we appear to be stationary, while all else is falling away from us. Now, as we near Ento, it seems to be rushing toward us, and now I perceive its divisions of land and water, and yonder is Kûltymo Tylû, and on yonder great tower our friends and my dear boy are watching and waiting for us. A greeting for you all, dear friends, and for you, too, my dear lad. Yes, from afar off I saw you waving your hand to me, you dear, dear boy.
George—While De L'Ester shall relate to you something that certainly will interest you, Inez and I will make a hurried visit to Da̤o, but ere he shall have concluded his narration we again will be with you.
De L'Ester—We find that, until our mission shall have culminated, we must defer visiting certain localities of peculiar interest, and as some untoward event might, during your mortal existence, prevent your gaining through personal observation, information concerning them, we have decided that I shall endeavor to acquaint you with some of their features.
Far within Ento's Arctic and Antarctic regions there are lands which, during a large part of the year, are covered with ice and snow. Still farther northward and southward and at the poles such intense cold perpetually prevails that the land surfaces are uninhabitable. In these regions are vast deposits of precious and other ores, and to gain access to them many difficulties had to be surmounted. I say had to be surmounted; for, during many centuries, mining within the Arctic and Antarctic Circles has been a settled industry. In remote times, as at present, throughout Ento's Torrid and Temperate Zones, the mining industry has progressed northward, and to a lesser degree southward, and so gradual have been its movements that, almost imperceptibly, it has penetrated polar lands, and mainly through the agency of electrical appliances has the achievement been made possible. You have been informed that more than fifty Ento centuries ago, the Entoans understood electrical engineering and many electrical appliances, and that then, as now, Tûza̤mos and air Transports were used as common carriers, but, of course, they were less perfect than those of to-day. Still, they served the requirements of their time, which were less exacting than the requirements of to-day. But you have not known that, quite within Ento's Arctic and Antarctic Circles, there are large underground communities of men, women and children, whose occupations, almost solely, are connected with the mining industry. Naturally, one might infer that the disadvantages of their environments would be both discouraging and depressing. Not so. Through the agency of electricity their underworlds are brilliantly lighted and where necessary comfortably warmed, and it enables them to keep in constant touch with the outer world which, at any time, they may visit, and from whence they may command such luxuries and comforts as they may desire.
Lines of Tûza̤mos penetrate far northward and southward, and where they cannot go air Transports can and do go. Thus these communities are not at all isolated, and they go and come where and when they will. Some time, if you may so desire, you shall visit some of them, and I may assure you that you will find them very interesting. Yes, all mines are owned by the general government, and the remuneration of those engaged in them is so liberal, so equitable, as to assure to them prosperity and contentment. At the entrances of the various great mines are enormously lofty light towers, whose several floors are devoted to educational and other purposes. In the schools some of Ento's foremost scientists of the past and of the present day have been taught electric and hydraulic engineering, geology, mineralogy and other specialties. Other floors are for living rooms, nurseries, hospitals and the inevitable Istoira̤. The several departments are attractively finished and furnished, and are quite as desirable as are well appointed dwellings of milder climes. On the summits of these lofty towers are immense electric lights which are to navigators of space what beacon lights are to mariners of seas. To air voyagers they afford cheering assurance of their whereabouts and of hospitable entertainment; for, at all mining centres, are air Transport Stations for the accommodation of travellers and for shipping purposes.
Frequently, in Arctic and Antarctic regions, terrific snow storms occur, and were it not for the far reaching tower lights, air pilots would not be able to find Transport landings, which ever are kept in readiness for their arrival. Yes, the mines are located in mountainous regions, for as the poles are approached the planet's surface is very rugged and mountainous, and as on all stable planets the more nearly the poles are approached the vaster are the mineral deposits. Yes, the same law applies to Earth, and were I not somewhat opposed to prophesying, I might say that within ten years the insatiable gold worshippers of our planet will set up their altars in localities nearly as frigid as are Ento's northern and southern mining regions. Much more in this direction I might relate, but we anticipate that later on we may afford you views of what I have given you a mere idea. Ah, here are George and Inez.
George—I fear that we may have abused our leave of absence; if so I can only say that we have been so engrossed as to not note the passing moments. Since our visit of the early morning her Spirit attendants have succeeded in temporarily stimulating her vital energy, but ere long they will have to yield to the inevitable, and Valloa̤, the golden haired, will be borne to Ento's Spirit World. Evidently she realizes that death, the dread terror, is drawing near and it is touching to see her young, lovely face wearing a smile while her faintly throbbing heart is full of anguish at thought of leaving her adored father and Dano, her betrothed. Inez, my dear one, will you tell our sister about the dying girl?
Inez—Words cannot describe the pathos of the scene. Since witnessing it my heart is burthened with measureless sympathy for mortal sorrow. By one side of Valloa̤'s couch sat her father, his woful face betraying his consuming grief and anxiety. By the other side knelt Dano, his rapt gaze wearing the expression of one who sees with clear eyes. So emaciated, so wan is Valloa̤'s lovely face that it is as snow amid the wealth of her golden, flowing hair. As we looked and listened she turned to her father with encouraging words, then she smiled into his and her lover's eyes, and said, "Dearest ones, pray do not regard me so wistfully. I am growing stronger; soon I shall be well;" and they, to hide from her their despair, smiled back at her, assuring her of their confidence in her speedy recovery. About her were Ministering Spirits who, to their utmost were sustaining her physical energy, and for a moment I stood near her and Dano, who with a startled look, turned toward me, and quickly I moved away. He grows very sensitive, and Valloa̤'s Spirit vision is so clear that as she recedes from the mortal condition, in exceeding bewilderment she gazes into the thinly veiled Spirit World, whose glory fills her soul with ecstasy. I now am satisfied that our Band have acted wisely in not taking you into the presence of the dying girl, for assuredly your easily aroused sympathy would endanger your safety.
De L'Ester—Which we dare not trifle with, as in it is involved the success or failure of our Mission. This, you perceive, is the loftiest tower of the city. It is a signal tower, and through this telescope, which is one of its scientific features, it commands a view of the immense distances of this levelled portion of the planet. Gaze now over the city and express your impression of the view.
Gentola—Beautiful, wondrously beautiful! Toward the east the city gently inclines downward, and across Insa̤lû Valley, merging itself into the country, which is so closely dotted with white dwellings and Istoira̤s, gleaming amid the green of lawns, orchards and lofty bûda̤s and other forest trees, that one cannot say where the city ends and the country begins. Southward the plateau rises gradually in broad terraces, on which are white and gold structures like stately palaces, amid blooming gardens and the feathery foliage of bûda̤s trees. Some are less spacious, but scarcely less attractive in the beauty of their architecture and surroundings. There are open squares lined with palatial white and gold residences and other structures whose great domes and towers look down upon fountains so lovely as to defy my descriptive ability. Upward and upward the terraces rise until against the background of the deep blue sky the southern portion of the city appears as a dim, mist-veiled, never-to-be-forgotten, magnificently lovely picture. I cannot imagine a scene more beautiful; no, not even in Celestial Worlds. Seeing this wonderful city and learning to what heights humanity may attain arouses within me a hope for the future of our own sorrowful planet.
De L'Ester—Alas and alas, that many, many centuries must elapse ere your hope shall bear fruition. Development of the peoples of a planet, as a whole, is not a matter of centuries, but of ages. Centuries come and go, and only Infinite Intelligence can discern that all along the line one step has been taken. Like the rising and falling of ocean's unquiet waves, now amid mad tempests, dashing their white crests toward the sky, anon with gentle undulations laving the sand strewn shore, so amid storm and calm, the peoples of planets slowly, but surely, evolve toward higher planes of being.
Wars, with their lamentable features, are the upheavals of the animal impulses of crude civilizations, and Earth's peoples are far from being civilized. All over our planet civil corruption and social, selfish greed and ambition for place and power are eating into the very vitals of society, hence of governments, and if Spirit agencies cannot sway the minds of some who may serve as Saviors, the poverty and agony of the masses in time will produce a state of delirium, in which the sense of accountability will be lost; then woe be to those who, through standing on the shoulders of their defrauded and oppressed brethren, have climbed to high places.
Man is in one, angel and animal, and ever as the angel strives for ascendency, the animal snarls and shows its teeth, and you may believe me that, were it not that Spirits of highest Realms control illumined minds of Earth, who serve as restraining influences in the consciousness of the masses, a chaotic state of society quickly would ensue. Apparently, it is a provision of Divine Law that the wise and strong shall aid the unwise and weak; that the higher shall reach down to uplift the lowly, and those who fail to fulfill this righteous law thereby so lessen their Spiritual estate that, in the world of equitable adjustments, they find themselves in a state of poverty undreamed of by mortal man.
Yes, even as the peoples of Earth agonize in the throes of evolution, so in past ages have the Entoans agonized; so, to a degree, do they yet agonize, for though they are more highly evolved than are the peoples of our planet, they, as I have once said, are yet in their swaddling clothes.
Yes, ages elapsed ere they evolved from savagery to a civilization which made it possible for their ideals to assume form and expression in the construction of this wonderful and beautiful city. Wonderful not only in its architecture, but in its many fine expressions of science, of art, of social amenities and usages, and other admirable features of an advanced evolution, which has carried from the past into the living present such lessons of wisdom as have been learned in the school of experience. The school whose pupils never play truant and who ever are learning their lessons well or ill, and who, perforce of natural law, must advance onward toward clearer, higher views of the meaning of life, of love, of God in humanity.
Now again look southward. Is not it a vision to enrapture the soul of an artist or a lover of the beautiful? See how temples, domes and light towers lose themselves in the cloudlike, luminous haze which the slanting sun rays glorify into an indescribable loveliness. Toward the lovely valley Insa̤lû the shadows of declining day are falling over the whiteness of the city and over domed temples and light towers. Afar, gray and empurpled mist wreaths are rising and veiling the pallid beauty of fountain groups, whose silvery treasures, thrown high into the quiet air, are tinted by the glory of the setting sun, which gleams athwart Ta̤imon, over which, like dream phantoms, vessels great and small are noiselessly gliding. Lower, lower sinks the red disk of the solar king, and fleecy clouds, catching the reflection of his last beams, put on their robes of crimson and gold, and like angels in flight, drift across the deepening azure of the sky.
George, we now will ascend, but not to a great height, for soon the light towers will be ablaze, and you, Gentola̤ and Bernard, will witness a spectacle you will not soon forget.
Look downward now. Shadows are brooding over the great city, and save for the musical tones of the temple bells every sound is hushed, but wait a little and the scene will change.
Ah, you are startled, as well you may be. Is not the transformation marvellous? Is not the scene grandly, weirdly beautiful? Below us is the wide-spreading city, whose lofty electric light towers suddenly have turned night into day, and southward, where the terraced plateau attains its greatest elevation, is the great light tower on whose summit is an immense golden and crimson crystal Symbol of Andûmana̤'s abode, and as the afterglow of its radiance fades from the sky, suddenly the Sacred Symbol will blaze into the splendor of its amazing beauty. Now, from every temple, the music of chiming bells floats upward and the atmosphere is vibrant with their rhythmic notes. With expectant gaze, all eyes are turned toward the Symbol of their Religion, and now flashing upon the bosom of night behold the glowing, scintillating, radiant wonder. Simultaneously from every lip bursts forth a prayer, which I will translate into your language.
Andûmana̤, Creator and Preserver, even as the shadows of night wrap us about, so may Thy Love infold us while we sleep, and may Thy Messengers, who read our inmost thoughts, bear to Thee the fervent adoration of Thy loving but ever sorrowful children. Oirah, oirah, oirah. (So be it.)
In low, plaintive tones the chiming bells accompany the intoned prayer, and every face is uplifted toward the great glowing Sun, whose dazzling radiance penetrates the dense fog enveloping the city as with a snowy mantle.
Gentola—Ever since you promised me that some time I should at night behold some portion of Ento, I have tried to imagine how it might appear, but never have I imagined a scene so grand, so beautiful, so marvellously strange as this.
Oh, that the peoples of our planet might, if but for a moment, behold this illustration of the possibilities inherent in humanity, for surely it would stimulate them to higher endeavor, to emulate the attainments of the Entoans, whose peace, prosperity, learning, culture, refinement and kindliness is in strong contrast with the turmoil, poverty, selfishness and lack of real friendliness prevalent among the masses of our rightly named Sorrowful Star. Yes, I know that the Entoans are sorrowful, but it is not of a nature that debases them, and I hope and pray that soon it may give way to measureless joy.
De L'Ester—So hope, so pray all who are engaged in this Mission.
Gentola—As I listen to the chiming of the temple bells I do not distinguish one discordant note, and all ring in perfect unison. I should like to know how this is accomplished?
Inidora—All Ento temples possess chimes of bells, and all the chimes of each city are tuned to the same key note. They are electrically connected, and by means of electrical mechanism all are simultaneously rung. Our people have stated times of worship, which are at sunrise, at midday and at sunset, and when in a few moments yonder radiant Symbol of Ento's faith shall be extinguished, again the waiting people will implore Divine protection through the night, and the chiming bells again will ring their plaintive Oirah, oirah, oirah. (Amen or be it so.)
Yes, in cities and towns and country places the same religious ceremonies are observed. At sunrise the blessing of Andûmana̤ and the protection of the Divine Ones who dwell in Astranola̤ are invoked. At midday all Sacrifices and Offerings of value are laid upon the altar. At sunset in temples flowers alone are laid upon the altar, and the High Priest invokes for his people the protection of Andûmana̤'s Messengers. No, it is only in Kûltymo, Da̤o, Camarissa̤ and two other cities of Ento that there are such Symbols as we now are gazing upon. But see, the glory of its beauty is paling and—now it has disappeared. Again the chiming bells fill the air with melody. Again from every lip ascends a prayer for protection through the darkness of night. Gradually the melody dies into silence, and through the deepening twilight and the soft radiance of its many light towers, Kûltymo Tylû gleams in pallid whiteness, in phantom-like loveliness. Quietly, tranquilly, the people are returning to their homes. No sounds of traffic or of labor break the stillness of the great white and gold city, but from soiva̤s (parks) and ilofēn mûna̤a̤ (amusement gardens) strains of sweet music float upward and thither, presently, men, women and children will wend their ways.
And thus, Kûltymo Tylû, queen city of my beloved Ento, we leave thee, and as our faces turn away from thee, our backward, lingering glances stray over thy peerless loveliness, and we regretfully murmur Info oovistû.
Gentola—Dear friends, so strange, so enchanting are some of the experiences that you are affording me that I am at a loss to express either my emotions or my boundless gratitude. Oh, if only I might remember all that I see, all that occurs. Why is it that, after I have regained full consciousness, I can no more recall these experiences than I can recall a dimly remembered dream?
De L'Ester—Cannot you comprehend that it is you, the Ego or Spirit Self which alone takes cognizance of these experiences? That the magnetic chord connecting you, the Spirit Self, with your conscious mind, which is the animal soul consciousness, is, so to say, the telegraphic wire through which, under our control, your physical organism is made to automatically record the words transmitted by whichever member of our Band may be acting as operator? While you are with us your Soul consciousness is in abeyance; hence, is not an active factor in these experiences, and can record nothing concerning them. Take comfort from this statement. When under my control you shall rewrite, and as far as feasible correct the imperfect record of our journeys to and experiences on Ento; imperfect because you are not yet fully developed in your peculiar phase of mediumship; your memories relating to our Mission will experience a sort of resurrection, and you will recall much, if not all, that has and yet will transpire while engaged in our endeavor to serve as we would be served. Not until you shall be wholly freed, will you fully comprehend this statement, but when you shall be enabled to recall these experiences, also to a degree, you will realize that they are more than dreams. Yes, doubtless, there are those who will regard you as a visionary. That will be their mistake, not yours.
Now we are over the intersection of the Central Waterway, with one running toward the northwest, which also intersects with one traversing a portion of the North Temperate Zone. Since Genessano Allis Immo demonstrated the practicability of great Waterways, several have been completed and others are in course of construction. Through them and their feeders the retention of the annual floods and control of irrigation has been greatly simplified and their measureless value demonstrated.
To-morrow we all will meet at this point. We held you too long yesterday and you are yet somewhat devitalized. We will see to it that you shall sleep restfully to-night, and in the morning at nine o'clock we will be en evidence.
George, Inez and your wistful-eyed lad will see you safely home, and we will repair to Da̤o.
Au revoir.
RE-EMBODIMENT.
De L'Ester—We find you difficult of control this morning. Like the legendary Martha you are anxious about many things. Our journey of to-day is less in your thoughts than are the exasperatingly high prices of household supplies or the letter you have been reading. How do I know? Have not I said that I can read your thoughts as you might read an open book? No, I cannot at all times do so; it is only when, as now, I am en rapport with your soul consciousness.
You are not resting easily. Ah, that is better. Now you are tranquil, and now—you are free, and we are off for Ento. Yes, glorious indeed is this sense of freedom from physical conditions, which only to a limited degree can you either perceive or realize. It may surprise and disappoint you to be told that in your present state you cannot perceive Spirit Worlds. That you may perceive us, we and these Ento Spirit friends are obliged to, in a sense, etherealize. No, not as Cabinet Spirits etherealize, but in a more sublimated sense. At the culmination of our Mission conditions may be such as to enable you to behold Spirits as they really are. No, I do not promise it, but it may occur.
No, mortal ears are not attuned to sense ethereal vibrations. Hearken to the grandly sublime, sonorous under-tone coming from Eternity's shoreless sea and rolling in rhythmic measure onward, onward forevermore. Beethoven, Handel, Mozart and others of Earth's illumined ones, in moments of inspiration caught faint notes of music celestial, and with ardent longing strove to give them expression. Believe me that a so termed musical genius is a musical medium, whose subconscious mind, like an aeolian harp, vibrates in unison with the unwritten music of the Soul of the Universe.
We are nearing the intersection of the Waterways, and our friends perceive our approach. Lohaû, ēmenos. We greet you all and apologize if we have kept you waiting.
Gentola̤, you will please give me your attention. At no great distance the branch running in a southwestward direction forms a junction with another Waterway which is not yet completed, and which later on we may observe. For the present we will continue our course toward the northwest. The large town at this intersection is an important shipping point, and yonder is quite an imposing temple, two smaller ones and some pretty suburban Istoira̤s. There are some imposing public buildings, many handsome private residences, a pretty park, and the streets are wide and beautifully kept, and along the margins of the street canals are borders of blooming plants. Really, it is an attractive town, but at present we cannot give it further attention. It is named Fûna̤voh Ritza̤, which in your language would mean Town of the Intersection. Passing in either direction are vessels of various sizes, some of them equaling in dimension and tonnage the huge steamships traversing the seas and oceans of our planet, and it is not too much to say that in point of scientific construction and beauty of finish and furnishing Earth does not possess their equal. They are so scientifically constructed as to be practically indestructible, and electricity is the propelling energy; also it lights them, and when desired heats them. For a brief period we will take passage on the vessel about to leave port. Gentola̤, come to the bow and observe how swiftly and almost noiselessly it cleaves the water. At this rate of speed it will soon cross the second intersection, and before to-morrow will be traversing the broad expanse of Villostû Nykon (Sea of Many Islands). We now will glance through the interior. These great saloons and luxuriously appointed sleeping apartments are finished in rare carved woods and inlaid designs of Ento's fruits and flowers through which peer lovely child faces of marvellously delicate and artistic execution.
You perceive that this vessel carries many passengers, and all in equal comfort. Unlike the vessels of our planet it carries no steerage passengers, for on Ento such an atrocity is as unknown as are class distinctions, which the Sacred Writings distinctly forbid. This is the Sacred statement: "I, Andûmana̤, the Creator of all that is declare that of one blood, one bone, one flesh, I have made all the children of My Love, so let no man dare say, I am better than my brother," and I can assure you that the Sacred commandment is obeyed.
On this deck are the offices, saloons, sleeping, culinary and dining apartments. On the deck below, to which we will now descend, are the engineer's and his assistants' apartments and departments, and also storage for freight. For the motive energy, the mechanism is partly here, and partly in what may be termed the hold. These vessels are so like and so unlike the seagoing vessels of our planet that should I attempt to describe existing differences I would consume too much time and space, but we desire that you shall bear to the peoples of Earth a knowledge of the fact that it is possible for vessels of the largest size to be propelled by electric energy, and also that now on Earth there are men inspired by Spirit Electricians who are working to that end, and that ere long there will come into the Earth sphere men, who, on the Spirit side, have learned the higher applications of electric energy, and who will know how to use them. The time is not far distant when, on our planet, steam as a motive power will have become as obsolete as it is on Ento.
Your continued surprise, at seeing on Ento much that corresponds with, or at least bears a resemblance to Earth forms, is so natural that we do not marvel at it; still, if you will bear in mind a fact we already have stated, that form is the expression of a universal principle, and that in conformity with the degree of his evolvement, man expresses it, you will cease to wonder that our next door neighbors, the Entoans, shape the keels of their vessels on the same lines as Earth's shipbuilders shape the keels of their vessels. Adaptation of means to ends is an expression of form. Thus the savage who shapes the primitive dugout, or his more advanced brother who constructs the more shapely bark canoe, intuitively applies the principle of form as a means to an end. As the Entoans of the present are the result of the Entoans of the past, you may rest assured that their progenitors also used dugouts and bark canoes, and only through their larger accumulated experiences do they, in some directions, take precedence of their less mature Earth brethren, who, in time, will outgrow their youthfulness. We now will ascend to the upper deck, for we are approaching one of the circular basins which are features of all Waterways. They occur at intervals of about twenty English miles, and through the system of atmospheric telegraphy the movements of all vessels are so perfectly controlled that their passage in opposite directions is accomplished through the medium of the basins, and thus collisions never occur.
Observe how swiftly, how gracefully, yonder huge vessel sweeps around the further curve of the basin, cleaving the water like a thing of life, and leaving in its wake great undulating billows of snowy foam. Across the basin friendly salutations come to our fellow voyagers, and they cry back, "Lohaû, lohaû. Fa̤endos a̤yon mûya." Ah me, it is hail and good-bye to most things, and now it is good-bye to this fine vessel which for a time has given us hospitality and you an object lesson.