GIORDANO BRUNO.
De L'Ester--Good morning, madame. It gladdens us to find you quite
recovered from the exhaustion of yesterday and in such a cheerful mood,
and ready for our journey to Ento, which only for a few moments will we
delay.
Yes, we propose returning to the locality of our visit of yesterday,
from whence we shall prosecute our quest for further experiences. How
long shall we hold you with us to-day? For at least three, possibly
four hours. All will depend upon your endurance, and may loving angels
strengthen and sustain you, for only through your instrumentality can
we hope to attain the fulfillment of the emprise so ardently desired by
countless hosts of many spirit worlds.
Now, away for Ento. Our swift movement no longer disturbs you? No? We
knew that soon you would adjust yourself to it. George, we will descend
to the rift in the mountain. You recognize the spot, madame? Yes, that
is the entrance to the cavern, and our way lies through this rugged,
fern-clad rift to the further side of the mountain. The convulsion
which rent it asunder must have been a terrific one. How long ago did
it occur? It is our opinion, madame, that it may have occurred at about
the period during which our planet was assuming recognizable form,
which was so long ago as to be not a matter of years, but of ages.
[Illustration: OINA MISTA]
As we proceed, the rift narrows into this gloomy defile, overhung by
insecure-looking crags, from which, we emerge into the sunlight. What
a beautiful spot is this niche in the southern slope of the mountain!
It is a veritable flower garden. Indeed, madame, I wish you might
bear to your Earth home some of these lovely, fragrant, white star
flowers. Yes, they are a variety of Oin[a:] mist[a:]. The tiny stream
trickling from the mountain's side provides necessary moisture, and the
sun so warms the sheltered nook that the growth of the plants is very
luxuriant.
These star-like blooms are fitting emblems of the spirit group of
which you and Inez are members. What do I mean? Why, have not you
been told that in our spirit realms, as in the spirit realms of all
worlds, the law of affinity, holds Spirits in different groups, which
are designated by different names? Both you and Inez belong to the
group known as Star Angels. Onerous as is your present mission, on
your return to the spirit side it will be no less so, for the Star
Angels are the teachers of the Spirits who wander in darkness in the
Earth spirit sphere, multitudes of whom scarcely, if at all, realize
that they have left the physical body, _and ever are hovering about
the places where formerly they existed_. Not alone to those whose
mortal lives were passed amid vice and squalor and wretchedness; not
alone to those who were the very undertow of the murky tide of human
degradation and misery; not alone to these do the Star Angels minister.
There are myriads of men and women who have passed, and continually are
passing, to the spirit side of life, who have dwelt in luxurious homes,
surrounded by all the splendors and delights their selfish, perverted
natures craved; having, during their Earthly existence, chosen
spiritual darkness rather than light, they reap as they have sowed, and
in sorrow and bitter anguish gather up their sheaves of tares. To such
unhappy ones the Star Angels also minister.
In the Earth spirit sphere licentiousness, selfishness,
uncharitableness, envy, cruelty and all the baser animal passions
are the chains which hold the Spirit in bondage. Separation from
the physical body makes no change in the status of the physically
disembodied Spirit. _It goes to its own place, and cannot go elsewhere,
until it has earned advancement to a higher plane_.
Madame, I should like to make my replies as endless as your questions,
but this mutual pleasure must be deferred.
We will now move toward what has aptly been named Moûentos ho[a:]
falados, for, truly, it is a desolate valley, made so through the
conflagration to which Humboldt has alluded. We will pause on this
elevation, underneath which is the remarkable spectacle we recently
observed. The roaring, rumbling, hissing sounds and constant vibration
of this spot are rather disquieting, but as they can work us no injury
we need not hasten our departure. In this region during the winter
season there is a heavy snowfall as spring advances, the snow rapidly
melts, rains add to the volume of water which pour down the mountain
side and into those fissures from which gases and smoke are issuing.
The water coming in contact with the fire raging deep down beneath the
surface, tremendous explosions occur, casting out such quantities of
ashes that, as you perceive, the entire valley is covered as with a
parti-colored mantle. Vegetation there is none, and living creatures
shun the pestilent locality. Previous to the conflagration the valley
afforded sustenance for a large number of agriculturists and others
engaged in various occupations. At the further end of the valley we
yet perceive vestiges of the wrecked homes and industries of a busy
community.
On our right the mountain spur separates this valley from another
of about the same conformation and area. We will now pass on to
it. George, you will allow me to assist your sister. As you see,
madame, the summit of this mountain spur is nearly level. Its eastern
side, which forms the western boundary of the Valley of Desolation,
is somewhat abrupt, while on the west it gently slopes toward the
picturesque and lovely valley at its foot. As this spot affords a fine
view of what we desire that you shall observe we will for a little
remain here.
Nearly two centuries of Earth time have elapsed since this valley
became a solitude. The climate is temperate and salubrious, the soil
prolific, and water abundant, yet no Entoan could be induced to attempt
to dwell in this ill-fated locality. From Ento spirits we have learned
the story of the horror which led to its abandonment. As briefly as
possible I shall relate it.
While in the canyon you were told that its converging streams, through
an underground channel, flowed into a lake, which later on you should
see. Behold the sparkling waters of the canyon, the swiftly flowing
stream of the cavern gushing forth nearly at our feet. Observe that
several mountain rivulets add to its volume, which empties itself
into yonder tranquil, oval sheet of water, which, like a great mirror
framed in emeralds reflects in its depths the sapphire sky, and white,
ever-changing forms of fleecy clouds.
Previous to its abandonment the valley, which is about seventeen
English miles in length, and half as many in width, was for the
most part devoted to the cultivation of grains and fruits. For the
convenience of those dwelling on either side it became necessary to
bridge the little river. Those substantial piers of stone and iron,
attest to the dimension and stability of the structure of nearly two
centuries ago. Where the river empties into the lake was another
and more imposing bridge, and there we perceive a number of great
white piers, like ghostly sentinels, keeping watch over the ruins
of a once populous city, extending from the bridge to far along the
eastern and western shores of the lake. The name of the city was
Pētûs[a:][a:] Tylû. In your language Pētûs[a:][a:] signifies pearl.
Hence, Pētûs[a:][a:] Tylû signifies City of Pearls, so named because
of certain pearl-bearing mollusks inhabiting the lake and river.
In Pētûs[a:][a:] Tylû were magnificent temples and institutions of
learning, and its private residences, were surpassingly beautiful. Its
various industries flourished and prosperity smiled upon a cultivated
and opulent community. Suddenly an ominous oppressiveness weighted
the atmosphere, and, nature aghast, was as silent as death. Then from
toward the south came a seismic wave, the ground trembled, heaved
and burst asunder into yawning fissures, towering temples crashed to
the ground in fragments, and public buildings and private dwellings
were shaken from their foundations in ruinous masses. Fire added
to the horror of the catastrophe and no one attempted to stay the
conflagration. Terror-stricken, all who survived the sudden disaster
strove to escape from the deadly peril to a place of safety. At
intervals, during two days and nights, the appalling shocks continued,
and it was estimated that fully one-third of the population of
Pētûs[a:][a:] Tylû, and the valley perished outright, or died from
injuries, terror and exposure.
After the subsidence of the seismic disturbances the survivors returned
to look after their dead, and, peradventure, to find some remnants of
their belongings; but so effectually had fire and destructive elements
done their work, that but few of their dead were recovered, and only
the ruins of their beautiful city remained. Ever since that dread
visitation, at intervals in this locality slight seismic shocks have
occurred, and no one has been found adventurous enough to attempt to
dwell in it.
Previous to this destructive event, this valley was one of the most
desirable spots on this portion of the planet. Sheltered as it is by
the mountain, its mean temperature is considerably higher than that of
other regions of the same latitude, and being thoroughly cultivated it
produced certain grains, fruits and vegetables in unusual abundance.
Nature, left to her own devices, has perpetuated some grains, fruits
and vegetables, but the harvests are gathered by wild creatures, who,
being undisturbed, have increased prodigiously. The air is vocal with
the notes of many birds, some of gay, others of modest plumage, and
trees and undergrowth are alive with small animals, whose chatterings
are to you unfamiliar.
Underlying the valley and the outlying region are coal fields,
reservoirs of naphtha, and deposits of various kinds, exactly
corresponding with those of our Planet, and in this mountain range are
immense stores of gold, silver and other minerals. Elsewhere these
minerals are mined or otherwise procured, but this locality will remain
undisturbed for as long as occasional slight seismic disturbances occur
or those ruins serve as reminders of the terrible catastrophe which
destroyed Pētûs[a:][a:] Tylû.
To the Entoans life is the chiefest consideration, and no inducement is
strong enough to tempt them to risk losing it. Could our daring Earth
men voyage between our Planet and Ento, how quickly would this solitude
be overrun with a gold mad multitude. Come here, they some time may,
but, heigh-ho, they will then care not at all for all the gold in the
universe.
Medium--Do the peoples of Ento and of other Planets consider gold and
silver more precious than other metals?
De L'Ester--We have visited many Planets peopled by humans, and
wherever we have found them sufficiently evolved to be able to
distinguish the qualities of things, we also have found gold and
silver taking precedence of all other metals. The Ento name of gold
is Vybo, which in your language might mean either glittering, shining
or brilliant. On this Planet gold is almost the only currency, and
you will have an opportunity for observing that it is coined in flat,
oblong pieces of varying weights. On the largest coin is what may be
termed the national emblem, a hand holding a full blown Rodel. On other
pieces are characters or symbols denoting their values. The Ento name
for silver is Rytz[a:], and as currency, it relatively holds about the
same value as copper holds in the estimation of your nation. Indeed,
with the Entoans, copper is little less valuable than silver, but for
ornamentation and the finer uses they prefer gold and silver to any
other metals.
Repeatedly you have been told that the components of all Planets are
the same. From unquestionable sources the truth has come to us that
the formulas of the Divine Chemist never vary. Thus Ento, Earth and
other planets, in proportion with their bulk and density, contain a due
amount of each universal component. On this Planet during past ages,
attrition and disintegration have been releasing the precious metals so
that they are easily procurable, and this has led to their application
to common uses.
You say that you find it difficult to adjust yourself to a belief in
or, rather, to a realization of the homogeneity of matter. That is not
to be wondered at. Old beliefs which, as a rule, are old superstitions,
cling to one with great tenacity. Nevertheless, it is a fact, and a
comprehension of it will enable you to adjust yourself to other facts,
one of which is that the Infinite Intelligent Energy compels each and
every atom to assume its orderly relation to all other atoms. Further,
that indeed, atoms are embryotic universes, each atom containing within
itself all the properties which anywhere exist, and any one atom may
form the nucleus about which other atoms may congregate, until a world
is in process of formation. But such was not the formative process
which brought this Planet and our distant World into recognition as
members of our Solar System.
To reply intelligibly to your questions is one thing, to do so
satisfactorily is another affair. At least I may hope that I have not
shocked you. No! Then on some other occasion I may feel emboldened to
recur to this subject. Now, one more look at the tranquil lake still
mirroring in its limpid water fleecy clouds and sapphire sky. One
more look at this lovely valley so luxuriantly clothed with grasses,
flowering plants, shrubs, trees and blossoming vines, and we will flit
to yonder distant mountain peak. Allow me the pleasure of aiding you.
Ah, what a pleasing view! Madame, you will kindly attempt a description
of it.
Medium--To the best of my poor descriptive ability I shall try to meet
your wishes. Extending westward are plains reaching further than my
sense of vision. From the base of the mountain, southward, the surface
of the land is broken into shallow, valley-like depressions, covered
with luxuriant vegetation. To the left is a forest of gigantic trees,
and in the distance and toward the south I see houses and cultivated
lands and some animals grazing. Thanks, George, I do not care to
approach them more nearly, I see them quite distinctly, and they
closely resemble one of the animals already described. I mean the one
so like a horse, but they are smaller, and they are altogether white,
excepting their black, short, erect manes and long black tails.
De L'Ester--They are a smaller variety of the same animal, and they
and their larger relatives, are at times used for such purposes as the
peoples of our planet use the horse. They are designated as Lûm[a:]
Zēon, and their services as draught animals are but seldom required,
the Entoans regarding them more as a luxury than as a necessity.
The animal near yonder clump of shrubbery is a cross between the
Lûm[a:] Zēon and another animal known as the Algoû. Yes, it is a
graceful and handsome creature, its marked peculiarities are its coat
of long, silken brown hair and its very erect appearance, the result
of its shoulders being a trifle higher than its haunches. Otherwise it
closely resembles the Lûm[a:] Zēon. George will now assist you downward
to the level.
George--Ever at your service, my sister.
_Gently gliding toward the plain,
In my arms I safely hold you;
Downward, downward, once again,
Here we are on terra firma._
I take it for granted that you all admire my poetry.
De L'Ester--Your doggerel, rather.
George--Unadulterated envy prompted that ungracious remark. Alas! how
often genius excites jealousy or goes unrecognized save by superior
minds. But I am magnanimous and I forgive you. A poet can afford to be
generous to one less gifted than himself. It really appears as though
you all are more interested in this browsing Algoû than in my inspired
utterances. I shall console myself with the reflection that as time is
endless I can afford to wait for appreciation. In the meantime, shall
we follow the course of this sparkling rivulet, which further on loses
itself in a marshy tract? De L'Ester, as you are more familiar with the
flora of Ento than am I, I shall now be silent. A poet should not be
expected to know everything.
[Illustration: LOIS[A:] MICAN[A:]]
De L'Ester--Your modesty, George, is only a little less admirable than
your poetry. What more can I say? You perceive, madame, that Spirits,
as well as mortals, at times indulge in a bit of nonsense. Ah! you
recognize these tufts of pretty flowers. Yes, it is the vining water
lily, which our artist friend, Poole, drew for you two years ago. See
how bees are extracting sweets from its pink chalices, which are quite
as fragrant as the flower you name tuberose.
You have been informed that the Ento word Lois[a:] stands for our words
water, lake, pond, reservoir, stream and so on, and that the Rodel
is the representative of the Ento lily family. Lois[a:] mīcan[a:]
is a diminutive relative of the true Rodel, and, with the Entoans,
who are flower lovers, it is a universal favorite. In your language,
mīcan[a:] would mean angular, crooked, curved and twisted, and you
will pronounce it Mēcan[a:]h.
This variety of the Rodel always is found by the margins of streams or
in marshy localities. Its long, slender, crooked leaf and flower stalks
convey the impression of a vining tendency, hence its name. See how the
rivulet is bordered with this and other blooming plants whose white,
red, blue and yellow tints present an endless array of floral beauties.
Yes, several of them have been drawn for you by Poole and Jared James.
I believe you and Jared had a slight unpleasantness over one of his
drawings. He is a very right minded person, but does not take kindly to
interference with his plans.
As we move along you may observe that the rivulet is widening and
losing itself in yonder great marshy tract, and if you will look toward
our left you will see something that may surprise you. Certainly, we
may go nearer. Yes, this is the same gorgeous, carmine hued, many
petaled, golden centred Water Queen, so faithfully reproduced for
you by Aaron Poole. You may recall that at the time it was drawn we
promised to some time show you the growing plant. Poised on their long,
slender flower stalks and stirred by the breeze, the stately beauties
bow this way and that, as though in gracious acknowledgment of the
homage of the myriad blooms growing luxuriantly all over the marsh and
filling the air with their sweet perfume.
The queen, though holding her head so loftily, has only her beauty to
commend her. Such odor as she exhales is very objectionable, and her
train of many slender stemmed leaves falling about her feet and onto
the limpid pool which serves her majesty for a looking glass, are
covered with a viscid exudation, and woe to such insects as may alight
on their treacherous surface. Her royal highness is known as Lois[a:]
Gentolissima. In these nearby, showy masses of bloom you will recognize
the Water Princess. Considering the difficulties in the way, Poole
certainly very fairly reproduced those two plants. You may observe
that the Princess differs from the Queen in having shorter, thicker
flower stalks, smaller leaves, fewer petals of a paler carmine, and her
pistils and stamens are of a brownish tint. This near relative of the
queen is Lois[a:] Gentolan[a:].
Your English words, lady, friend, gentle, loving, kind, beloved and the
like, in the Ento language is represented by the word Gentol[a:]. The
affixes an[a:], an[a:][a:], issima, issim[a:][a:], en[a:], ēn[a:][a:]
and others add to the word gender, number, dignity, distinction,
tenderness and so on. Frequently one or more of these or other affixes
are used as diminutives. You will remember this, as the word is a
common one and used in varying senses.
Medium--You speak of this or that as being known to the Entoans by such
or such a name. Am I to understand that all Entoans speak the same
language?
[Illustration: LOIS[A:] GENTOLISSIM[A:]]
De L'Ester--Strictly speaking, the Entoans have but one language,
which is spoken by all educated persons, but among what you might
term the common people of different Provinces there are dialects
and provincialisms, but not of a very marked character. Yes, all
the peoples of Ento are, to a greater or lesser degree, educated.
Nowhere on the planet does a condition approaching barbarism exist.
In every community there are industrial and other schools, which the
youthful Entoans are obliged to attend; thus all become fitted for such
occupations as they may choose.
Ere long two friends from Ento's spirit spheres, who at times serve
with our Band, will join us. They are more competent to afford you
special information relating to Ento educational matters than are we.
Medium--Allow me to remark that, having all my life heard of but one
Heaven, it seems strange to hear you speak of other heavens or spheres,
as belonging to other Planets.
De L'Ester--Doubtless it may appear strange to you. For myself, upon
entering our spirit world, one of my great surprises was to meet
Spirits from other Planetary spirit spheres who had come into our
realms on voyages of discovery or to make acquaintance with us and
our ways. No, only very advanced spirits can journey _unaided_ beyond
their own spirit spheres. Those less advanced, by which I mean less
spiritualized, may, when assisted, visit other planets and their spirit
spheres.
Yes, all Planets inhabited by the spiritualized human are surrounded by
their own spirit spheres.
Your beloved and loving son implores us to allow him to accompany
his dear mother on these journeys, and, through earnest endeavor
he progresses so rapidly that we purpose attempting soon to bring
him with us. Nearly five of earth's fleeting years have greatly
added to Bernard's spiritual growth and strength. Earth life with
its temptations, its defeats and victories, now appear to him as a
troubled, vanishing dream, dreamer and dream alike sorrowful.
Heredity, overlapping tendencies of previous embodiments and
environments, largely, are the influences which act as character
builders. Bernard's really fine, generous nature on one hand served him
as armor against foes without and within, on the other hand it rendered
him vulnerable to assaults to which impetuous youth ever is subjected.
But he builded as well as he could. _So do all._ Every one rough hews
his own character and, through the Divinity who shapes all ends,
eventually all learn to build according to the perfect law of love.
Yes, we are aware that Bernard has made you acquainted with his
experiences and progress, and be assured that all that loving service
can offer is aiding him in his highest aspirations.
We have not yet informed you that a dear friend, a member of our Band,
is to meet us here, and at any moment he may arrive. No, you have not
yet met him, but--Ah, here he comes! Hail! hail! and a welcome from all.
Madame, this is Giordano Bruno, of whom I doubt not you have some
knowledge. We are delighted that you are to have the pleasure of a
mutual acquaintance.
Bruno--Madame, I kiss your hand and shall be honored if I may place you
among my closest friends.
Medium--I assure you that I appreciate the kindness which prompts you
to meet me in such a friendly fashion.
De L'Ester--According to prearrangements, our friend and comrade,
Bruno, has come to take an active part in our plans. He and George,
having made a study of certain features of our programme will, from
time to time, lead our movements. I now shall give way to one whom we
all delight to honor.
Bruno--I am charmed, madame, that henceforth I shall have a place in
the Band of which you are the valued instrument. Since my entrance into
our spirit world, I have experienced much pleasure in visiting this and
other Planets, but seldom have I desired to return to our own sorrowful
Star. Memories of the terrible, woeful torture that freed me from my
physical body have disinclined me to look upon the land of my birth.
Ah, how often recollections of that sorrowful time force themselves
upon my consciousness. Never have I been able to forget the hour
when, rather than renounce what I knew to be a truth, I yielded up my
mortal existence. But Giordino Bruno lives. Aye, despite the ignorance
and cruelty of men who, in the name of the gentle, loving Nazarene
condemned him to an ignominious death; he lives and knows as many
of earth's learned ones now know, that worlds do revolve. Aye, that
systems of worlds as infinite in number, as the universe is infinite in
extension, pursue their appointed ways through space, proclaiming as
they fly: God is Infinite, God is Law, God is Truth, God is All.
Despite Papal excommunication and condemnation to eternal torment,
Giordino Bruno lives in a realm so surpassingly fair that even tongue
of archangel cannot declare the glory thereof.
Madame, will you bear from me a message to the peoples of your native
land? Yes? Then I thank you.
Children of earth's most favored land--children of America, I, Giordino
Bruno, once a citizen of sun-kissed Italy, greet you.
Rejoice unceasingly that freedom of thought and speech are yours.
_Guard jealously this priceless blessing_ which through centuries of
bloodshed, torturing flames and agony unspeakable has become your
heritage. Glorious indeed are your United States of America, blest
beyond expression in being as a "City of refuge" to the oppressed of
other nations. Not yet, Heaven born one, have you outgrown your years
of infancy and, though yet with uncertain steps you totter and waver,
ever your generous hands are extended toward the helpless, ever your
loving heart is pitiful for those who drink of the overflowing cup of
human misery. Ever your eyes are brimful of compassionate tears for the
unfortunates beyond ocean's watery wastes to whom your voice is as the
voice of an angel crying: "Come to us! come to us! and share with us
our bounteous store. Come to us and be free as we are free." I greet
you, child Republic. Thou, indeed, art the brightest jewel in earth's
diadem of nations. Freedom is thy most precious possession; lest
selfish greed and love of power may seek to wrest it from thee, wear
it next thy heart. Swear by all that to you is sacred, that neither
political nor religious intolerance shall find foothold upon your soil.
Let your unalterable declaration be: Liberty of conscience, liberty of
speech for all; license for no one.
Cherish in your heart of hearts a love of justice, of forbearance, of
toleration, of that charity which neither thinketh nor doeth evil,
but permit no faction or Religion to interfere with your liberty of
righteous action.
Insidiously, aristocratic ideas are striving to cross the threshold of
your Temple of Equality. Guard well its doorways. Sacrilegious hands
are seeking to smirch the records of your courts of justice; let your
vengeance fall swiftly upon the offenders.
On the fair face of your Goddess of Liberty there is a troubled frown;
beware lest she turn from you in anger. Spotless is her snowy robe,
children of earth's greatest Republic. See to it. See to it that in
the coming years you shall not stain it with your heart's best blood.
May the angels who watch over the destinies of nations be strong enough
to guide through the perilous future your "Ship of State," which,
through calm and storm steers toward an unknown shore. Amen! Amen!
Madame, our spirit realms are deeply interested, not only in the
progress of the United States of North America, but of the entire
continent. It is a matter for regret that your people do not more fully
realize _that they are an object lesson for all the other nations of
Earth_. The heart-beats of your Republic send a vitalizing current
through all the peoples of our planet. How all-important then, that
this life current shall flow unpolluted to the hearts and brains of all
nations.
Madame, through your kindly attention to my words you have made me your
debtor, but I feel assured that if these friends can bear with me, I
may ask as much of your courtesy.
Now, with your permission, we propose conferring on you a new name.
In madame there is no comradeship. Medium you do not fancy. Sara
is somewhat familiar. Gentol[a:], an Ento name, we consider very
appropriate. Will you allow us to know you by this name, whose
significance you understand? Yes? Then with Love and Truth as sponsors,
you shall be to us Gentol[a:].
George--Congratulations are in order. With tenderest, truest affection,
I offer mine.
De L'Ester--As all are children of The One, I offer a brother's love
and devotion.
Agassiz--De L'Ester's sentiment is also mine.
Humboldt--And mine, too, our friend, our sister.
Inez--And mine, for my sister by birth and "for love's sake."
Gentola--Friends, this is a strange christening, and for a time, I
fancy that my new name will to me seem equally strange. I promise you
that I shall strive to be all that it signifies.
Bruno--We chose the name because we know that it indicates your nature,
which is in tune with all that is best in the human.
Now, Gentol[a:], what I have to say is in line with the pursuits of our
friends, Agassiz and Von Humboldt, consequently, quite aside from the
science which engages me. But, having, with George, and other friends,
explored this portion of Ento it is thought that I am qualified to
offer you such information as may be pertinent to the present stage
of our mission. On Ento during a remote age, there existed certain
amphibious creatures so enormously large and unwieldy that only through
their prodigious strength could they have coped with other fierce,
active, gigantic forms of that early time. Scarcely can one realize
their size, their uncouth forms or their extreme ferocity, which
impelled them to a continuous warfare against not only their own kind,
but against other species equally huge and aggressive. As has been
said, Spirits, on our side of life, sufficiently progressed, can and do
visit Planets, not only of our Solar System, but of other systems of
worlds, and now, as at all times, there are Planets of our and other
systems evolved to a degree analogous to that of Ento, during the age
in which these and similar creatures existed. Through observation of
conditions obtaining on such Planets, we arrive at a conception of
the appalling conditions that must have existed on Ento during the
Reptilian Age, when the steaming waters teemed with countless life
forms and on unstable shores huge creatures fought to the death,
filling the hot, moisture-laden atmosphere with their savage cries,
roarings and hissings.
Cunning, sagacity, instinct, call it what we may, is an accumulated
unfoldment of innate ability expressed as the sum of inherited
experiences; hence, on Ento, in that age, the cunningest, the
strongest, the most active and tenacious of certain species survived
the many calamitous occurrences which swept out of existence myriad
reptilian creatures. Yes, modified through environments, even yet pigmy
representatives of ancient, huge ancestors inhabit the watery divisions
of Ento.
Previous to the spiritualized man epoch there was an enormous
production and destruction of life forms, and in time Ento became a
vast repository of fossilized remains. Time, climatic changes and
other causes so contributed to their destruction that only petrified
specimens of the larger and later reptiles are occasionally discovered.
How long ago did the earliest Ento humans appear? Gentol[a:], the
germinal man of Ento appeared when the first life cells swarmed in
the warm waters of the young Planet. But the evolved human, the
Spiritualized Man, became conscious of himself long after the great
creatures of the Reptilian Age had of necessity yielded place to no
less huge quadrupeds, who were more highly evolved expressions of life.
When one speaks of an event as having occurred some hundreds of
thousands of years gone, in the mind of an uninformed auditor it is
likely to occasion a sense of incredulity. But I safely may say that
the lapse of time which merged the Reptilian into the Mammalian Age,
during which came to the evolved human animal his crowning glory, _a
spiritualized, conscious existence_, if measured by years, might be
compared with the countless sands upon the seashore.
Now we must recur to the matter under consideration. As you perceive,
this division of the plain extends from the base of the mountain to
the verge of this extensive morass, which rests in a basin-shaped
formation of limestone. The plain itself is the result of ages of
attrition and disintegration of the foothills of the mountain chain,
and the morass is the result of many centuries of accumulated remains
of vegetable growths and débris washed from mountain and plain into
the basin of what once was one of a chain of fresh water lakes.
Its southern rim is a rather narrow ledge of limestone, once of
considerable elevation, but now a mere barrier between the morass and
a much lower level. Prior to the filling up of the lake it extended
westward quite thirty English miles, where it connected with a series
of smaller lakes leading into a great fresh water lake known to the
Entoans as Lois[a:] Bascam[a:], of which later on you will learn more.
For the double purpose of draining the morass, thus rendering it
tillable, and also that the mountain streams flowing into it may be
used for irrigation of the lands southward at the foot of the ledge, a
great basin is being excavated, into which they will be led. Already
the ledge has been pierced to afford them egress.
At a depth of about eighty feet the excavators unearthed some
petrifications of remote life forms. One of a prodigious size, has,
among the learned ones, occasioned excited interest. Savants from all
over the Planet are hastening to examine the fossils, especially the
larger one, and to no doubt talk learnedly of those relics of bygone
ages. When, very recently, George and I visited the spot we learned
that the large petrifaction is the well preserved skeleton of an
amphibian quite sixty feet in length. How came it there? One can only
conjecture as to that. Certainly there was a time when the temperature
of this latitude was much higher than at present, and the waters of
the entire chain of lakes teemed with forms of life now extinct. It
is quite as certain that the enormous spring floods so increased the
volume of the lakes that their waters then poured over the ledge,
which was loftier than it now is. It is not so certain as to how the
amphibian came to find lodgment at the base of the ledge. Perhaps,
in fleeing from a foe it rushed over the ledge, or having through
some mischance lost its life, its body may have been swept over it,
thus adding its skeleton to an already large accumulation of similar
structures. George and I observed a number of learned men and women
eagerly examining and discussing the probabilities and possibilities
relating to the great fossil, which is but slightly mutilated and is to
be removed to some museum.
As we looked and listened we were somewhat amused by the remarks of
some of the assemblage who evidently were quite sincere in their
statements.
One studious looking man mildly declared that the Holy writings clearly
intimated that in the beginning Andûman[a:] created from within Himself
all things. Another man warmly disputed this declaration on the basis
that Andûman[a:] being perfect, could not out of his own Personality
have created creatures so monstrous, so hideous as was this and many
others. No, clearly it was through a misunderstanding of the Holy
writings that such an illogical conclusion could be arrived at. Then
a person of great dignity of mien gave his opinion, which, evidently,
he considered final, that in the beginning, after Andûman[a:] created
Astranol[a:] and His messengers, He created Ento. Having prepared homes
suited to their needs He created all living creatures. Some He found
unsuited to His pleasure; such He destroyed, as is evidenced in these
fossilized structures, which, for the most part, find no correspondence
in creatures now existing. Having perfected His designs, He, _out
of Himself_, created His children who perpetually should dwell on
Ento. Then, with conviction, he exclaimed: Andûman[a:], through His
Messengers, who dwell in the best realms of Astranol[a:], revealed to
His children the origin of all things, all of which is contained in the
Holy writings, and I call His Messengers to witness that I, Kēlof[a:]
Irdomyn, am not so impious as to question His divine words.
No one seemed inclined to dispute with this expounder of mysteries and
with a self-satisfied air he resumed his critical examination of the
ancient fossil.
To be told that in nearly all directions the Entoans are further
advanced than are the peoples of Earth, and in a breath to bring you
face to face with their extremely circumscribed and absurd religious
ideas and beliefs, out of which have grown equally circumscribed and
absurd notions relating to certain scientific matters, naturally, may
occasion you to hesitate as to your acceptance of other statements we
have made and others yet to follow. Realizing this, we consider it
advisable to offer an explanation of a seeming paradox.
Through the process of unfoldment, spiritualized humans grow into
clearer, higher conceptions of personality. Through ages of ignorance
and savagery intuitively they grope their ways toward truth, which,
like a beacon light, beckons them onward and upward, and slowly, but
surely, their consciousness grows and unfolds as lotus blooms grow and
unfold from ooze and darkness into sunlight. _Thus, through ages the
Entoans evolved into a recognition of self as personality, but not
as spirit_, for Andûman[a:], being to them a Material Personality,
naturally, they could not conceive of aught more sublimated than their
Creator. Still their unrecognized spiritual forces inevitably urged
them forward, and in their history a period arrived when to a degree,
society became organized, and about certain centres congregated
those most learned in such sciences and arts as had resulted from
ages of evolution. As yet the masses were almost wholly uneducated,
consequently their ideas relating to social obligations and other
niceties of civilization were extremely crude. Wars between different
nations were continually waged, and of necessity, the weaker succumbed
to the stronger. Selfish, ambitious, cruel and successful leaders
grew arrogant, and the people were impoverished and enslaved and such
civilization as existed seemed threatened with extinction.
It is a fact that under adverse conditions, humanity degenerates more
rapidly than under favoring conditions it is capable of progression.
Were this truth generally recognized, it might act as a deterrent
against the reckless, criminally foolish conduct of nations who rush
into wars as though they were a pleasurable pastime, rather than
a damning process for the breeding of generations of preordained
murderers, suicides, thieves and prostitutes--the inevitable results of
inherited tendencies.
The Entoans, being no exception to a universal rule, were in a
deplorable condition, when a memorable epoch arrived which ushered
into mortal existence a man fitted for his arduous mission. A man wise
and humane beyond any one of his time. A man of high courage, firm
will, a fine sense of justice and a wonderful ability for controlling
other men. About him he gathered not only an immense army of soldiery,
but all who cared for their own safety and the welfare of the people,
hastened to join him in his efforts to bring about a better state of
affairs. In an incredibly brief time he subdued the vicious oppressors
of the people. Forced warring elements into peaceful subjection.
Established in the fullest sense, a centralized government, based
upon equitable principles. Autocratic, certainly it was, but with the
peculiar feature that rulers and people should he amenable to the same
laws. When through peace and prosperity the peoples of the Planet were
brought into harmonious relations with each other and with their newly
found freedom from oppression and dissension, Zoifan Ouidas, their
deliverer and Supreme Ruler announced that through a shining messenger,
Andûman[a:] had communicated to him certain instructions relating to
His now obedient children. A congress of Ento's learned and pious ones
having been convened, Zoifan Ouidas made known the revelation he had
received which constituted a basis for what was to be accepted as the
Holy writings. To this revelation was added such beliefs and legends as
appeared reasonable and desirable, and from these writings a creed was
formulated and a ritual established.
To this day the creed remains unchanged, but from time to time the
ritual has been added to or modified to suit the views or aims of an
all-powerful priesthood.
Since the establishment of their national religion, centuries have
been added to centuries. Steadily the generations of Entoans have been
evolving, and were it not that an unyielding ecclesiasticism has held
them in spiritual bondage, this closing of their fiftieth century of
peace and equal rights for all would find them not only with knowledge
of all the arts, but of all the sciences known to the people of our
planet, and their faces on which pathos, sorrow and despair are written
in every line would be beaming with the priceless consciousness of a
continuity of existence which ere now should have been a possession of
the plane of their unfoldment.
To a degree you now may comprehend the paradoxical situation,
and I trust that what I have related, may serve to explain other
incongruities which from time to time may attract your attention.
De L'Ester--George, with an excited air, is returning from the
excavation. What so perturbs you, mon ami?
George--Hasten, friends, hasten. A professor is about to hold an
autopsy over the remains of the ancient amphibian, and I fancy it will
be an edifying occasion.
De L'Ester--We immediately will accompany you. You with Inez and our
friends will lead the way. Gentol[a:], allow me to aid you. Direct your
gaze southward, and toward the right. Yes, quite a large assemblage
which will afford you an opportunity of seeing some of the eminent
personages of Ento, scientists, writers and others.
We need not approach nearer. Gentol[a:], attend closely to what the
very modest and intellectual appearing Professor may say. I shall
translate it word for word.
Professor--I have been requested to express an opinion as to what
order of life this fossilized structure may represent. Also as to the
probable date of its existence. Speaking with exactitude, this creature
was, like its diminutive descendants of the present, at home on the
land, or in the waters of Ento's lakes and rivers of temperate and
warmer climes. I need only allude to a fact that is well understood
that all this order of life, of which in ancient times there was a
greater variety than now exists, belongs to the Acrocustēno ingo-lavion
(amphibious flesh-eaters). Of the probable date of the creature's
existence I hesitate to speak. In these days many men and women
of learning and research find themselves in a state of unrest and
indecision. On one hand science demonstrates what appears to be facts.
On the other hand these apparent facts are opposed by the declarations
of our Holy writings. To state the matter briefly through ancient
records we learn that nearly two hundred centuries have elapsed since
the Creation of our beloved Ento. Our Holy writings declare the same,
and also make mention of and describe huge forms of life similar to,
if not exactly like this as having been of the first created creatures
who long previous to the establishment of our Holy religion had become
extinct.
How shall I proceed? Step by step scientific research has led us
backward, and now we face the indisputable fact that in this fossilized
structure, and the formations about it is positive evidence that the
creation of Ento dates incalculably further back than two hundred
centuries.
Friends, how shall we reconcile the positive statements of our Holy
writings, with this equally positive statement in stone? May the gods
be merciful, for, alas, I see no way out of the dilemma, and I refuse
to further incur the wrath of Andûman[a:]'s messengers.
Bruno--This person is in a fair way to get himself into trouble. As we
read the thoughts of the assemblage we learn that were some of them
as outspoken as this professor he would not find himself alone in his
skepticism. As it is a craven fear of their gods and the priesthood
seals their lips, and as the professor with a troubled face turns away,
they regard him with an air of disapproval.
In the reports these scribes are writing many learned terms will be
used, many learned opinions expressed, and doubtless many learned lies
will be told, all for the glory of Andûman[a:], to whom it is believed
His messengers will bear an account of these proceedings.
De L'Ester--Gentol[a:], you will attempt a description of this scene.
You need not hesitate. Where you may fail we will prompt you.
Gentol[a:]--Extending eastward and westward I see a not very broad
ledge of limestone rock. On its southern side it is so perpendicular
and its surface is so smooth that it presents the effect of well
executed masonry. I cannot estimate the distance from where the
petrifactions lie on a broad shelf-like projection to the top of the
ledge, or from the projection to the bottom of the excavation.
De L'Ester--From the projection to the top of the ledge is quite one
hundred feet, but at the time of the creature's misadventure the
altitude of the ledge must have been considerably greater. From the
projection to the bottom of the excavation the distance is, I should
say, about eighty feet.
Gentola--On the south side of the ledge an immense excavation is being
made. On the north side the morass is on a level with the top of the
ledge, but on the south side the ground slopes rather abruptly to a
plain which appears to greatly need irrigation.
Aside from the large and very perfect petrifaction there are numerous
smaller ones which do not appear to interest the investigators. Indeed
they are in a very fragmentary state, and I suspect that my description
is of the same character.
I see a large number of men at work in the excavation. Some are engaged
in lining the sides with huge cut stones, which are mechanically lifted
and laid with much precision, some kind of cement being used to fill
the interstices. Other men attend the working of scoops, which take up
great quantities of soil, which is hoisted to the top of the excavation
and dumped into receptacles which run swiftly on a tramway to the plain
where it is thrown out, the empty receptacles returning on another
track. Nearly all of the labor is done by machinery, but I cannot say
what the motive power may be.
De L'Ester--Electricity furnishes the motive power, not only for those
machines, but as you will have occasion to observe for nearly all
mechanical purposes of the Entoans.
Gentola--One noticeable feature of this scene is the behavior of those
laborers who move about so quietly and speak in such a polite and
gentle fashion. The work proceeds very expeditiously, yet no one seems
in haste, or exhibits the least excitement or impatience.
How very tall those dark skinned men are, and they are so erect and
finely proportioned. Yes, notwithstanding their lustrous bronze
complexions they certainly are handsome men. Their long, black, wavy
hair, large dark eyes, regular features and very intelligent expression
is in strong contrast with the fair complexioned, brown or blond
haired, gray or blue eyed, and smaller men who are working on the
tramways.
All, both dark or fair, wear their hair to their shoulders, parted in
the middle or on one side, pushed well back from the forehead and held
in place by what appears to be fillets of silver. All wear shapely,
half loose garments, reaching to the knees, and the lower limbs are
clothed in loose fitting--well, as I do not know the Ento name, I shall
say trowsers.
De L'Ester--The Ento name for the upper garment is lenivo. For the
trowsers, as nearly as I can pronounce it, the Ento name is birrsch.
And for the foot covering, which you perceive is a very nicely formed
shoe, not of leather, but of a manufactured material, the name is--no,
not fettos, but pfettos.
We now will move to the tented space, and in a general way, but
briefly, you will further describe the appearance of those men and
women who are engaged in quiet discussion over fragments of the smaller
fossils.
Gentola--Both men and women of the dark skinned race are exceedingly
tall. The men are very handsome, very distinguished looking, with a
dignity of bearing quite devoid of ostentation.
The women are very beautiful, very graceful, very gentle, and quiet,
and with such fine, intelligent expression, that I cannot find words to
express my sense of their superiority to any women I ever have seen.
I do not quite so much admire the fair skinned men and women who are
more slightly built, but who are taller and stouter than any earth race
that I know of, and certainly they are in appearance very admirable.
Bruno, were you sufficiently tall, you might claim kindred with some
of those handsome, olive skinned men and women, who are but slightly
darker than yourself. They appear to represent one race, the bronze
complexioned ones another, the fair skinned men and women an entirely
different race.
It seems odd that the men, as well as the women, wear their hair long
and flowing. The hair of the men to their shoulders, that of the women
quite below their waists, and all wear fillets of various kinds. I must
say that I think the effect very pretty. As for the garments of both
sexes, they seem to me simply perfection, not at all voluminous, but
loose, graceful and of textures so admirable as to weave and coloring
that seldom have I seen fabrics so beautiful.
De L'Ester--You have mentioned the fillets worn by both sexes. The
metals, the width, form and settings of the fillets indicate the
official positions and occupations of the wearers. Not alone are they
worn for convenience or as ornaments, but also as badges of certain
distinctions, for which all are urged to strive. Class distinctions
in the sense of caste do not exist, and all are incited to a spirit
of emulation in the direction of meritorious achievements, which are
considered the only real distinctions. From the laborer yonder to the
Supreme Ruler, all men and women strive to attain to the utmost of
their capabilities. The cut, color, ornamentation and other features
of apparel also indicate the position and occupation of the wearer. As
our mission progresses you will have opportunities of further observing
such matters.
No, for decorative purposes the Entoans do not wear head coverings.
They too much prize their beautiful, abundant hair to risk such
abominations as hats and bonnets. Then, too, their taste is too finely
cultivated to admit of personal disfigurement.
Gentola--I commend both their judgment and taste, and I wish I might
understand what those learned persons are saying. The scene itself
I shall not soon forget. It is worth the experiences of an ordinary
lifetime.
De L'Ester--These friends and I possess a general knowledge of the
language, but of scientific technicalities we know next to nothing. If
we did both time and space are too limited to devote ourselves to their
consideration.
Not another word. We have held you long enough. One momentary,
comprehensive glance at the scene and then Earthward. George and Inez
will bear you swiftly to your quiet home. Au revoir.
George--Safe you are in your own room, and some one desires to enter.
It is your friend, Mrs. S----le, who always brings you flowers.
May divine and loving influences abide with you until we again come for
you. Adieu.