IN THE GALARESA.
De L'Ester--Comment vous portez vous, Madame Gentol[a:]. H[a:]-Moûfih
is with us and awaits your greeting.
Gentola--Ento friend, I cannot find words with which to express my
surprise and pleasure that you are here.
Ha-Moufih--Your kindly welcome assures me that you do not consider my
presence an intrusion. Yes, since passing to our Spirit World I have
visited many Planets, inhabited, or, as yet, uninhabited by humans,
but, until now, neither my inclinations or duties have brought me to
Earth. Now that I have had a cursory view of the natural divisions
of your planet, of its scenery, its peoples and the expressions of
their spiritual and intellectual growth, I perceive that in their
characteristics the Entoans and Earthians are very much alike. Upon
visiting planets other than their own, spirits of a scientific turn
experience great surprise at the striking resemblances existing between
all planets approaching a like degree of evolvement. Really, bulk,
density and atmospheric conditions constitute the most noticeable
differences. Yes, through our own observation and that of Spirits far
more exalted than are we, we are convinced that everywhere the human,
the God man, is expressed in the same form. I too regret that for the
present I can devote no more time to observation of all that pertains
to Earth, but, like the swiftly flowing waters of a stream, the days
glide by, and ere many years shall have elapsed you again will be a
freed spirit, and then we both may become better acquainted with your
Earth-World, of which you know comparatively little. But I detain
you, and De L'Ester grows impatient to be off. With your and George's
permission, I will assist you.
Yes, the view is indeed grand. It is well that mortals have no
conception of what awaits those who have fulfilled the laws of their
being, otherwise their physical existence would be unbearable. I have
been told that you greatly regret your inability to remember all that
occurs during your absence from your physical body. Were it possible
for you to fully retain such memories you would become unfitted for the
performance of the duties of your daily life. I also have been informed
of the vicissitudes of your present embodiment. Of how you have
combated seen and unseen difficulties. Of what your spirit friends have
had to overcome in turning aside your aspirations in directions that
would have unfitted you for this mission for which you were brought
into the mortal plane. Unwittingly you have been building better than
you have dreamed of. Sometimes in joy, sometimes in sorrow, yet ever
you have been building the conditions of a higher, a more comprehensive
existence.
Yes, we near our destination and our friends have preceded us to the
Rinvoh. Ah, how the memories of this scene hold me as by the links of
an unbroken chain. So intimately was my mortal existence connected with
all relating to this great Galarēs[a:] that, as I gaze upon the stately
structure adorned by most artistic statues, beautiful fountains, groups
of towering Bûdas trees, an endless variety of blooming plants, the
Acclinum (zoölogical department), the Rinvoh (aquarium) and other
admirable features, all forming a most comprehensive educational
system, memory recalls bygone years when I believed, as all Entoans
still believe, that the present existence was all of life and that to
fulfill to the utmost all righteous obligations and duties should be
the chief pleasure of the life graciously bestowed upon His children
by Andûman[a:], the All Wise, the Loving Creator of all things. This
rule of righteous living requires no amendment; but, alas, obligations
and duties fulfilled do not fill the measure of human happiness; one
also must possess assurance of a to-morrow with all its possibilities.
The present, which offers no promise of a joyous to-morrow, is as a
night with no promise of the dawn; and thus it is with the Entoans,
who cherish neither expectation nor hope of the joyous to-morrow of
continuous existence. That they may deserve the favor of Andûman[a:]
and His all Seeing Messengers their every thought and act is in
accordance with the teachings of the Holy Writings which, indeed,
contain many exalted precepts, but no intimation of continuous
existence.
De L'Ester, you are most patient in your endeavor to convey to
Gentol[a:] a sense of what I wish she might directly understand. I
shall regret if I may weary both you and her.
De L'Ester--Be assured that we are interested, not wearied, auditors.
Gentol[a:] says that she will look forward to the time when she will be
free to journey with you from world to world and, like you, be able to
retain memories of all the wonders of Spirit existence.
Ha-Moufih--Knowing that the desire will bring its fruition--its joyous
to-morrow--we contentedly will await its certain coming.
We now will join our waiting friends. Ah, George, I see that you are
observing an old acquaintance of mine, but I doubt if he will inspire
in you a spirit of poesy. Is he not a pompous, self-conceited looking
for creature? Gentol[a:], you will kindly attempt a description of this
impersonation of arrogance.
Gentola--I fear that my ability is inadequate to a description of the
creature. He is nearly twice as large as an ostrich and his legs are
so long and stout that he appears to be walking on tall stilts. His
feet are webbed and of surprising length and breadth, as well they
need be to support such a huge body. In proportion to his size his
head is rather small. It abruptly rounds up from his long and very
broad bill, and is surmounted by a large tuft of beautiful, snowy,
drooping feathers. His neck is extremely long, slender and very erect
and, like his body, is covered with an iridescent admixture of black,
green, purple and bronze plumage. His wing and tail feathers are
long, abundant and, like his plumed crest, snow white. As for his
large, staring eyes, they are the coldest, haughtiest, disdainfulest
eyes I ever have beheld. As he majestically struts away he is the
impersonation of an aristocratic, an ineffable swell. Really, his airs
are most amusing, and certainly he is a very handsome bird.
Ha-Moufih--So he is, and, notwithstanding the cold, supercilious
expression of his eyes, he has a not unamiable disposition, though I
must say that his virtues are of a rather negative character.
I caught him in his very early youth and he is the sole survivor of
four of his kind. When I brought him here from his semi-tropical home,
I did not anticipate that he would outlive me, but he has and looks as
though he may survive for years to come.
This species of bird is known as Vûln[a:]-kymos (crowned majesty), and
they are found in but two localities. Only when desired for some Rinvoh
do the authorities now permit them to be disturbed. In habit they
are semi-aquatic, and they build their nests on the margin of bodies
of fresh water. Two years previous to my passing to our spirit world
a strong desire for exploration overcame me and, with a scientific
friend, some attendants and necessary supplies, we took passage on an
air transport to a station on nearly the further side of Ento, but
in a latitude approaching the Temperate zone. There we procured some
burthen bearing animals and in an aimless fashion began a journey which
would terminate when my appetite for wandering should become satiated.
The charm of feeling myself free from cares, which never were to my
liking, delighted me and for nearly two days we leisurely wandered
along the shore of a considerable fresh water lake known as Lois[a:]
[a:] lûtyēnos (lake of rushes), so shallow, so limpid, that when rowing
in our portable boat, we plainly saw fishes, large and small, darting
hither and thither through its greatest depths, which were thickly
grown with rushes, rodels and other aquatic plants. Along the shore
large trees and a close undergrowth of shrubs rendered our progress
rather tedious, but as we were in no haste we and our animals enjoyed
the shade and coolness of the forest, which like a wall of living
verdure, encompassed the lake. Toward evening of the third day we came
upon a small, cleared place on the margin of the lake and an unexpected
scene which quite upset our gravity. In the shallow water of the shore
line amid a luxuriant growth of grasses, rushes and weeds, was a huge
nest built of sticks, stones, grasses and clay and, with a leg on
either side, the body of a large and consequential looking bird rested
on its summit. Evidently he was on guard duty and did not enjoy it. His
attitude and preoccupied manner were sufficiently droll to cause us to
burst into laughter. The unusual sound alarmed him, but courageous and
faithful to his charge he stanchly remained on the nest, loudly calling
to his mate who, at a distance, was feeding among the rank growths of
the shallows. Instantly, with shrill cries and hisses, half flying,
half running, she rushed to the defense of her possessions. Our
attendants drew further away, but that we might observe the creatures,
my friend and I secreted ourselves amid the underbrush. The two birds
held a hurried consultation; then the female shaking her beautiful
plumage dry, with one leg on either side of the nest brooded over its
contents while the male bird in stately but watchful fashion promenaded
in the margin of the lake, now and anon unbending his dignity that he
might snatch from the water some unwary fish or other creature.
I was not unacquainted with this species of water fowl, but at that
time our Rinvoh did not possess them, and as then there were no
restrictions against our doing so we resolved to await the appearance
of the young brood which we would transport to Camariss[a:]. The
brooding time being well advanced, on the morning of the third day of
our waiting the birds exhibited much excitement, shaking themselves
and uttering low cries, while, gazing into the nest from whence came
a sound of continuous chirping. The parent birds were most devoted in
their attention to their young; one or the other continually bringing
them food and not for a moment were they left alone. On the morning of
the third day of their advent, with her bill the mother lifted them
one by one from the nest, dropping six downy little beauties into the
shallow water, where they paddled about in apparent enjoyment. At
sunset she carefully deposited them in the nest, hovering over them
while her mate quietly, but alertly, watched by her side.
The young birds grew prodigiously and in a few days were able to care
for themselves and were no longer returned to the nest, but, with the
parent birds rested in the margin of the lake. When old enough to be
removed with safety, at nightfall I cautiously approached them and with
a large net captured the entire brood. The frightened parents fled away
in the darkness but soon they returned and finding their young gone
their cries of distress resounded through the night. Their grief so
appealed to my sensibilities that in the morning I returned to them two
of the captives, over whom there was great rejoicing. In a commodious
water receptacle the four young birds were conveyed to Camariss[a:] and
placed in this Rinvoh. Later on I gave to the Rinvoh of Dao a pair of
them. The mate of this lonely widower lived until three years ago, and
now her prepared body graces a space in the Syffondû.
The incidents I have been relating may appear to you somewhat trivial;
they are intended to serve the purpose of acquainting you with
certain life forms and conditions of Ento, thus enabling you to draw
comparisons between what may come under your notice on this planet and
such forms and conditions as you may have knowledge of on your own.
After a glance at the creatures occupying compartments on the further
side I shall regretfully leave you. Here are shell covered reptiles
which Agassiz says are very like some of your salt water reptiles.
This unhandsome creature, sluggishly lying in the shallow water of its
capacious tank, is nearly one-third as broad as it is long, and its
length is quite twenty feet. The large brown and white scales covering
its body are erectile, as are the smaller ones on its long, slender
neck to which its long, narrow head and vicious looking eyes give a
serpentlike appearance. Now, as it moves into deeper water, one sees
the dull orange color of its belly. Its tail, with which it partly
propels itself through the water, opens and closes like a folding fan;
see how it curves under, then is projected outward with much force,
impelling the creature onward. You perceive that in swimming it also
uses its short, sinewy legs and webbed feet. It is strictly a water
reptile, never venturing into shallower water than that of the tank. It
is known as Pylo-akēdon (scaly armored), and is a species of reptile
nearly extinct.
Here are other water creatures which, in structure and form, are said
to closely resemble life forms of Earth. On other planets I have seen
very similar forms.
Of course only a limited number of Ento's various aquatic creatures
find homes in the different compartments of this Rinvoh, but they
represent both the rarest and the commonest species. The collections of
the Acclinum and Syffondû? (museum) are very comprehensive, the latter
containing a representation of life forms of the remote past and of
more modern times. In the Acclinum the collection of fossils is very
curious, but as you will be shown all that may be considered necessary
for the purpose in view, I need not particularize.
Gentol[a:], the moment has arrived when, for the present, I must leave
you and these friends. It would delight me could I remain with you and
them until the consummation of this mission, but it cannot be. May the
Divine Spirit of all that is unfold in us a fuller consciousness that
only through earnest endeavor can we attain to higher Spiritual planes
of being. Emanos, Info oovistû.
De L'Ester--We now will proceed to the arbor where a learned Ento
spirit, Zenest[a:] H[a:]o, will join us. He is a kinsman of Inidor[a:]
and Genessano, and once was a teacher of languages in this Galarēs[a:],
but as we have requested him to relate to you some of his personal
history I shall not further anticipate what, I doubt not, will interest
you. Ah, he awaits us. Loh[a:]û loh[a:]û, Zenest[a:]. You are most
welcome and I most happy in making known to you one whom you have
expressed a desire to meet.
Gentola--Sir, I trust that I may not be so unfortunate as to cause you
to regret your desire.
Zenesta Hao--Long have we of our Spirit World heard of you as of one
who, in the fullness of time, would aid in conveying to the Entoans an
assurance of continuous existence. I offer to you the homage due to
one who lovingly yields time, strength and an indulgence of personal
aims for the welfare of others, and may the time quickly arrive
when, through this mission, the darkness of certain conditions may
be dispelled from the minds of the children of Ento. You have been
informed of their pitiable despair which ever grows more unbearable;
it is the logical, natural result of the advanced spirituality of the
masses, in whom every sense and emotion have become exalted. In them
the love element is so spiritualized that when death takes from them
their dearest ones they do not mourn as do those of grosser natures.
They reach after them with a longing, agonizing, persistent, hopeless
grief, only conceivable by those whose Being is on an exalted Spiritual
and intellectual plane.
I know not your language perfectly, but when I may find myself at a
loss these dear friends will supply my needs. I am here, not only
through my own desire, but at the request of this Band, who believe
that I may serve a certain beneficent purpose. During many years of my
mortal existence I was a Professor of Languages in this Galarēs[a:];
thus I am as a link connecting the past with the present and, if I
may add to the interest of your experiences and of this mission, I
also will add to my own happiness. Friends, you will lead the way, and
Gentol[a:] and I will follow.
Ah, how memory recalls the years passed in this Galarēs[a:]. Years so
full of mingled joys and sorrows. Certainly, if my mortal experiences
may seem of value to you, I shall be greatly pleased. In my early
youth I came here as a student, my mind filled with eager, glowing
anticipations, and here I remained until I was fitted to graduate with
honor to myself and credit to those whose patient labors and excellent
ability had won my loving reverence and lasting regard. Following my
graduation I was offered the distinction of a professorship in the
department of ancient and modern languages; I accepted the honor and
entered upon a career which terminated only when mortal existence
gave way to that which was a step higher on the ever ascending rounds
of evolution. Four years elapsed and I had won some renown as an
instructor and what, to me, was my heart's dearest desire--the love of
the woman whom I adored and who was, through the years of our wedded
life, the heart of my heart. Children as comely and as sweet as rodel
buds came to us, but ever as their mother and I with fond solicitude
watched these buds maturing and bursting into bloom, we looked into
each other's eyes and saw sombre shadows lurking there. Intelligent,
generous hearted, our children grew to maturity. Our sons were all that
our fond hearts could desire. Our daughters were as lovable and as
lovely as their mother. I could desire for them no greater excellence.
I then was in the full vigor of manhood, my wife in the full maturity
of comeliness and of many virtues. Our children were growing learned
and accomplished in such directions as their abilities and inclinations
led them. No perceptible danger threatened us or them. No cloud of evil
portent rose above the horizon of our sky, yet ever in our minds and
hearts the shadows lurked, for we knew, we well knew, that ever unseen
an implacable foe drew nearer, nearer, and that inevitably, one by one,
we must pass into the silence. We who shared each joy or sorrow, we who
so loved that when apart time was robbed of half its value. Ah, me!
Ere long a fatal hour arrived and now after the lapse of years and the
inexpressible happiness that has come to us, I find myself shrinking
from the memory of it.
One day a party of youths went pleasuring on Indolois[a:]'s treacherous
water and our three sons were with them. With the heedlessness of youth
they permitted the wind to waft their boat far out on its restless
bosom. Suddenly the wind became violent, the boat was capsized, then
engulfed in the tempestuous waves and ere assistance reached them
nearly all of the party were drowned. Two of them were our sons Liefton
and Clermond. A year later our remaining son, Faladon, lost his life in
a vain endeavor to save the life of a comrade who, recklessly leaning
far over the guard of a rising air transport, lost his balance and
Faladon, who stood near at hand, attempted to seize him, but the sudden
strain was greater than his strength, and both he and his friend were
dashed to death. These repeated disasters were more than my dear wife
could endure, and within a year her urned ashes were placed beside
those of our three sons.
In my heart was desolation and anguish unspeakable, but, for the sake
of our dear daughters, I strove to cheerfully bear my awful burthen
of sorrow and to, as far as possible, brighten the darkness which
overshadowed their young lives. They would not marry and we three
bereft ones walked as in one pathway, and thus I reached a period
of age equal to seventy of your years. Then, as though death again
remembered us, our youngest daughter was stricken with a fatal illness
and ere we reckoned it serious the breath of her life had ceased. Our
eldest and last child survived until I had aged to ninety-two years;
then, with scarcely more than a sigh, her worn heart ceased to beat
and I was left alone--aged, sorrow stricken and without desire for a
continuance of a life which no longer held for me either charm or hope.
Mechanically I fulfilled the duties of a position which had brought me
the consideration of many worthier than myself, but, alas, no power
could bring back my dear dead or give me peace. Laden with a heavy
burthen of sorrow, the years passed tardily, and among a youthful
generation whose tastes, occupations and aims had quite outgrown my
own, I walked almost alone. The friends of my youth and of later years
had passed into the silence, or had sought other lands as dwelling
places, and I no longer cared for new friends. In my home there were
those who ever were kindly attentive to my simple wants, but my utter
loneliness no one could alleviate. In the midst of a multitude I was
as one lost, as one whom death had forgotten and at last I longed for
oblivion.
Ninety-eight years brought me to a hot, languorous day, and the
humid air was laden with the fragrance of flowers, glowing amid
the surrounding greenery, or in riotous luxuriance, climbing over
walls, trellises and windows. I had come from the Galarēs[a:], and
ere entering my home I, for a little, gazed on the quiet, lovely
scene. Presently a sense of drowsiness stole over me and I entered my
residence and laid down to rest, perchance to sleep. For a moment I
experienced a peculiar sensation; then suddenly I slept and as suddenly
awakened to perceive standing near me with a smile on her lips, a
wondrously beautiful woman, whose face and form seemed strangely
familiar. In great surprise and unaccountable awe I gazed upon her;
then, breathlessly, I cried, "Who art thou, oh vision of a dead past?
Art thou a Goddess in the guise of my beloved, my lost Armēn[a:]?
Speak, I implore thee, ere I die of anguish." Smilingly she drew
nearer to me. Gently she stooped and clasped me in her arms. Tenderly
she murmured, "Zenest[a:], knowest thou not Armēn[a:], thy wife, the
mother of our children, who wait nearby to greet and embrace thee? My
beloved, thou didst but sleep a moment, to awaken and find thy dearest
ones. Nay, shrink not from me; I am not dead and thou dost not dream,"
she said. "Here are our children who will bear thee hence to the world
of living ones, where is neither death or sorrowful separations,
but where, with us, thou shalt learn of the immortality of the life
essence and of joys beyond aught thou hast conception of." The joy and
wonder of this was so great that I seemed to swoon, and, when again
consciousness came to my senses I found myself in a beautiful home,
surrounded by many dear ones and friends of my youth and later years,
who welcomed me to the world of living ones. And wonder of marvellous
wonders, my aged body had fallen away from me and I stood amid our
three stately sons as young as were they. As I looked into the faces
of those whom I had thought dead and forever gone into the Silence,
I could not utter one word. My wife and our beauteous daughters, all
with their dear arms about me, whispered words of explanation and of
assurance that I did not dream. Then our dear girls, Armēn[a:] and
Irmian, gathered loveliest flowers and showered them over me and their
mother. They led me through the beautiful white structure they said was
our home and still, while countless questions surged through my mind, I
was so overwhelmed by contending emotions that I only could mutely turn
from one to another. Finally I was made to comprehend the wondrous,
unlooked for change which had come to me while I slept. Birth, not
death, having opened the gateway of the new phase of life, gladly,
reverently, I took up the threads of the tangled web and woof of a
past condition, and gladly, reverently, in an existence of illimitable
opportunities, I have striven to weave a fabric adorned with loving
thoughts, loving words, and loving service.
I beg your indulgence for this lengthy reminiscence of a bygone time.
Gentola--Sir, you owe me no apology for your relation of that which
has more than interested me. Through death I, too, have lost many dear
ones, and only that I know that we shall meet again, I should be in as
deep despair as were you, as are the peoples of Ento. Your sad recital
has added to my desire to lend my poor aid toward bringing to your
peoples the priceless knowledge of continuous existence. May I ask how
long you have been in your spirit world?
Zenesta Hao--According to your computation of time, I passed from
Ento's physical realm nearly eighty years ago. Yes, since then, but not
very recently, I have visited Ento, but only when duty has impelled
me to do so. You may know that on entering the atmosphere, or aura
surrounding the scenes of their mortal existence, Spirits experience
mortal sensations, and unless duty requires, or attractions are
exceedingly powerful, spirits progressed beyond the first, or physical
sphere, do not care to undergo the discomfort of return.
Somewhat to my regret it has not fallen within my sphere of duties to
be engaged in the work of this mission, but through my own desire and
the solicitations of the members of this Band, for a time I shall be
with you and them. Rather recently I have become acquainted with some
of these friends, but my first meeting with De L'Ester and Giordano
Bruno occurred soon after I entered our Spirit World, which, of course,
was previous to your present re-embodiment, but not previous to your
having been chosen as a possible Instrument for the furtherance of
this mission. You may have been informed that this is but one of
many missions, for many purposes, in many worlds; that this one may
prove successful it is necessary to use as an intermediary one still
connected with the physical body. Yes, through our own experiences and
those of spirits of other Planetary Spirit Worlds, we have learned
that generally sensitives can be approached directly, but on Ento
conditions are so positive that although spirits can aid in developing
in those who are highly sensitive such phases as are most prominent,
they cannot become directly en rapport with them, so cannot control
them. Oh no, this is but one of many attempts to reveal to the Entoans
the truth of continuous existence, but never before have conditions
been so favorable as they now are. The culmination of certain events,
which must exert a tremendous influence in assuring the success of this
Mission, draws very near, and countless hosts of Ento's, Earth's and
of other Spirit Worlds, watch the movement with deepest interest and
ardent longing for the dawning of a glorious day for a people who long
have lived and died in a hopeless faith.
Gentola--While I am deeply interested in their spiritual condition, I
should like to know more of the social condition of the Entoans.
Zenesta Hao--Within certain limits the government of Ento is absolute,
and the Supreme Rulers never exercise a power exceeding these limits.
Neither do they permit any infringement of the laws, which are simple,
direct, forceful and just. In the Supreme Ruler is vested the privilege
of appointing such Counsellors and other officials as may be necessary
for the proper administration of laws enacted for the general welfare,
and being the representative of such laws, it is his or her bounden
duty to see to it that they shall be strictly observed. By the Entoans
it is considered no more a duty than a privilege to be of one mind in
their obedience to both civil and religious enactments.
Nominally, ever since the establishment of the national religion, the
Supreme Rulers have been its chief representatives, but through the
following centuries, gradually, an ever arrogant Priesthood assumed
claims to certain prerogatives, which grew into such oppressive abuses
that eventually the people, unable to longer endure, rebelled, and
the priesthood were obliged to abolish the horrible rite of human
sacrifice. Yes, this occurred during a rather recent century. Since
then the Entoans have grown, or rather they have outgrown the rigidity
of old beliefs, still they have but one religion. If at times certain
restless minds have dared to question the statements of the Sacred
Writings, or impiously have indulged in new and vain theories they
have been silenced. Ever Ento's Supreme Rulers have set an example of
entire obedience to the Priestly interpretation of the Sacred Writings,
and as they have believed so have the people believed. Should Omanos
Fûnh[a:], Ento's present chief representative, arrive at a belief in a
continuity of existence, generally, the Priesthood will oppose such a
radical innovation, but with the tide in the minds and hearts of the
people setting in that direction, they will be obliged to yield, indeed
many of them will gladly yield, for Priests, like other people, love
and sorrow.
Gentola--But how will so great a change of religious belief be received
by the less enlightened peoples? May it not occasion strife, or even
war?
Zenesta Hao--Oh, no. That is not possible. Ento's peoples are too
highly evolved to indulge in violent recrimination, which inevitably
must result in harm to all concerned. War is purely barbaric, and on
Ento there are no really barbaric peoples. There are those who are
somewhat primitive in their ideas and modes of living, but they are
far too civilized to think of murdering their neighbors. Largely, such
peoples are engaged in agricultural pursuits, and not being constantly
in touch with the finest expressions of civilization, they, to a
degree, lack its nicest distinctions of speech, manner, dress and so
on, but innately they are just, truthful, generous and humane peoples,
possessing the essential principles of true civilization.
Oh, yes, the Entoans are very human, and at times differences of
opinion relating to commercial, social, scientific or other matters
arise, but Governors and Advisory Councils of the various Provinces,
being arbitrators of provincial affairs, such trifling difficulties are
readily adjusted. It is an Ento axiom that "he who injures or condemns
his neighbor injures and condemns himself." So universally is this
axiom accepted that seldom is it disregarded.
Gentola--With deepest attention I have listened to what you have said,
and I feel that I better understand not only the motive for but the
conditions relating to this undertaking, which, through my increasing
interest in all concerning it, renders it a little difficult for me to
patiently await the unfolding of events.
De L'Ester--The unfolding of events soon will oblige us to further
enlighten you as to our plans. Necessarily, we have been somewhat
reticent so that gradually you might become prepared for your part in a
drama upon which Spirit Worlds are anxiously gazing. Ere long you, with
our entire Band, will repair to Dao, the capital of Ento, where dwells
Omanos Fûnh[a:], Osy Hûn, whose only child, Sēlon[a:] Vallo[a:], slowly
but surely, is releasing herself from her physical body. The hour of
her departure into Ento's Spirit Realms cannot long be deferred, then a
united and supreme effort will be made to open the way for the incoming
of the new revelation, but ere the arrival of that hour much must yet
be accomplished.
A highly spiritualized man is Omanos Fûnh[a:], who reverently obeys
what he has been taught to regard as Andûman[a:]'s Divine Law. Ento
never has been favored with a Supreme Ruler of broader views, of
kinder heart, or of a finer sense of justice. I believe that you
are aware that translated into your language Osy Hûn is Supreme or
Sovereign Ruler. Early in Omanos Fûnh[a:]'s wedded life his adored
wife, Sēlon[a:] Vallo[a:], passed to our spirit world, leaving as his
chiefest consolation an infant daughter who bears her mother's name.
She is the original of the portrait you saw in the first dwelling you
visited on Ento. Yes, the young girl reclining on a couch while Prince
Dano stands near smiling on her. She has grown a most beautiful and
admirable woman, but is as frail as the phantom-like blossoms of the
roin[a:] draping yonder marble statue. Her father idolizes the fair
girl, and she returns his devotion with tenderest affection. Of late
into his mind has stolen a chilling dread, for, despite all that his
love can suggest or science can accomplish to increase her strength,
she grows weaker and more fragile. She is, as you are aware, affianced
to Prince Dano, and ere long he will be summoned to Dao, where his
parents reside. Ere now this would have occurred, but Omanos Fûnh[a:]
shrinks from admitting to himself that Vallo[a:] is in a perilous
state. That gradually, but surely, she is being overshadowed by the
invisible terror, the dread god Phra (death). Still he lays on the
temple altar votive offerings, praying that the pitiful gods may
restore her, and the days pass and the end draws near.
I tell you this, that you may to an extent understand the present
situation at Dao.
In the adjoining studio is Prince Dano, and other art students. We
will enter and observe them and their work. Dano, as he leans against
a column, regarding a dainty piece of statuary, upon which evidently
he has been working, wears an expression of care and preoccupation.
Yonder is a group engaged in drawing from the nude, the model a lad as
symmetrical, as beautiful as one of their fabled Gods. Further away
other youths and maidens draw from still life, and here is a large
class engaged in modelling heads and other objects from a plastic
material, and beyond Dano, two girls and several youths are attempting
to release from marble forms more or less attractive.
What a spacious studio, and each department so perfectly equipped.
Those carved panels, separating the sky lights of the lofty ceiling,
are of exquisite design and execution, and the arrangement of the
shades and draperies is very admirable. The Drawing Instructor is about
to address his class, and Dano draws near to listen. We will do the
same.
Instructor--I desire to impress upon your minds that each element
of art is as perfect as is art in its finest, fullest expression;
hence, to slight the minutest detail is to slight the whole. In the
straight line are all the elements of highest art. The curve itself
is a succession of minute straight lines which also are capable of
expressing light, shade, form and color, for are not colors the results
of light impinging upon various arrangements of the straight line?
In the admirable work of Prince Dano which very appropriately he names
a dream child, we behold an example of the value of the straight line.
The curves of the upraised arms and dainty limbs. The modelling of the
beautiful head and exquisite face. Even the dreamy expression of the
half-closed eyes, all are the results of--but you are inattentive--and
disturbed--why, Dano, dear youth, are you ill? A cup of water, Lēta. I
believe there is no occasion for alarm, he only has swooned and shortly
will revive. Thanks, Lēta, I will bathe his face which, doubtless, will
arouse him.
Leta--Professor, I pray you to desist. He is subject to such attacks,
and soon will return to consciousness. It is Doctor Vyond[a:]'s opinion
that he overtaxes his strength, and----
De L'Ester--Zenest[a:], he is so thoroughly submerged that I believe
you safely may attempt to possess his organism. Gentol[a:], do not
move; the circle must remain unbroken, or Zenest[a:] cannot hold him.
Be courageous, be firm, Zenest[a:]. Ah! that is well done.
Dano--Friends, I who address you am not Dano; I am Zenest[a:] H[a:]o,
once a teacher of languages in this Galarēs[a:], but now a denizen of
the world of living ones. Know that what you term the breath of life is
your real, intelligent self. This self or personality is an expressed
portion of the Thon Eyam[a:] Yanos (Infinite Intelligent Energy),
which in man finds its highest representation and, consequently, is
as indestructible as Andûman[a:] (God). Friends, I pray you to hear
me silently and patiently. Once I was as you now are, and to me my
wife Armēn[a:], bore sons and daughters. Their urned ashes with their
mother's and my own, may be found in the Istoir[a:] Lēmah (Temple of
the dead). Like you, I sorrowed for my dear dead. Like you I knew not
that in a world surpassingly fair, I should continue to exist in a
state of inexpressible happiness. But finally death released my real
self from my worn body, and to my unutterable amazement and delight I
found myself possessed of what I shall term a spirit body, far more
admirable than the one I had during my mortal existence inhabited. I
also found myself possessed of enlarged capabilities, and of a sense
of freedom indescribable. And, oh joy of joys, in my new life I found
all my dear ones whom I had not hoped to ever find again. Learn, dear
friends, that death of the physical body does not mean death of the
Self. Learn that continuity of existence is a law of the Thon Eyam[a:]
Yanos (the Infinite Intelligent Energy). Learn that surrounding this
Ento world, invisible to physical vision are realms so glorious that
language cannot describe them, and that at death of your bodies, in
them your immortal selves will find all that loving hearts and highest
aspirations can desire. Oh, my friends, no longer walk with downcast
eyes. No longer despair because you have been taught to believe that
your loved ones and yourselves will go into the Silence, and be no
more. Children of Ento, lift up your hearts and rejoice, for so surely
as you now exist, so surely will you continue to live, to love, and
to learn lessons of Divinest Wisdom in a radiant world not subject to
mortal conditions.
Dano, your Prince and fellow student, is one chosen as an instrument,
through whom soon will be given to you a wonderful revelation, which
will make of sorrowful Ento a world of hopeful, happy men and women.
Dano does not dream. Through his inner senses, which are the senses
of the Self, he discerns Spiritual things, and you too, Lēt[a:]
Veron[a:]d[a:]s, are on the verge of enlarged spiritual perception, and
in the swiftly approaching days you will stand by his side, a teacher
of a new faith. Now I will depart, and the Self of Dano will repossess
his body, but ere I go hence with loving thoughts for all, and with
loving memories for this Institution in which I passed my youth, and
ended my mortal usefulness, I, Zenest[a:] H[a:]o, say to all, Info
oovistû.
De L'Ester--Well done, well done, Zenest[a:]. I had not thought it
possible for any fully freed one to so entirely possess the youth. But
Gentol[a:] having paved the way you did so admirably. Do not you think
so?
Zenesta Hao--I congratulate both Dano and myself that we have safely
concluded this experiment, which nothing would induce me to repeat. He
became so entirely submerged that had I retained possession a moment
longer, he certainly would have become freed, and I--well, you all know
what the consequence would have been. I understand De L'Ester. You are
no more at fault than am I, but we must not again permit our zeal to
get the better of our discretion.
Leta--Professor, this is not the first time I have seen Dano in this
strange condition, and almost I am persuaded that while he slumbers,
some god communes with him. May not it be that Andûman[a:] has taken
pity on His sorrowful children, and that at His command His Messengers
are using Dano as an instrument through whom to convey to us the
knowledge that indeed existence is continuous? Ah, he moves, and his
color is returning, but his slumber is very prolonged. Oh, that we soon
may come to understand this mystery, if mystery it may be.
Instructor--I am amazed beyond expression by this strange occurrence.
Zenest[a:] H[a:]o, do not we all know of his great learning, of his
deep researches into ancient languages and records? What can this
mean? What report shall I make of it to our superiors? Lēt[a:], raise
his head a little. He now appears to be in a quiet slumber, still it
may be well to call Doctor Vyond[a:]. Hasten, Rûf[a:], to call Doctor
Vyond[a:] to come to Dano.
Oh, that it might be true, this story of continuous existence. Have not
I lost a noble son, who was your fellow student? A beloved daughter,
too, with whose life her mother's life and mine were bound as with
one chord. Alas, alas, sorrow leads one to reach out after visionary
nothings. Ah, he is awakening. Why, Dano, apparently you have been
slumbering, and really we have been a little disquieted, in fact so
disconcerted as to scarcely know what course to pursue. You are not
ill? Speak if you can, and set our fears at rest. The cup of water,
Lēt[a:]. Ah, now you are quite restored.
Dano--Friends, I regret that I have occasioned you some anxious
moments. No, I am not ill, and I cannot explain these sudden attacks
of unconsciousness. I only am aware that I have been in a deep slumber,
which came upon me so suddenly that I could not avoid it. Perhaps I
should obey Doctor Vyond[a:], and for a time cease pursuing my beloved
studies.
Leta--Dano, can it be that you are unaware that while you slumbered,
you spoke to us strange, and in a measure unintelligible words? With
permission of our Instructor I will relate to you what you have said.
Dano--Lēt[a:], your narrative fills me with dismay. Surely you are not
jesting. Your serious face assures me that you are not. May Andûman[a:]
forgive if unwittingly I have spoken lightly of sacred matters. Lately
I have been subjected to what Doctor Vyond[a:] terms self-induced
hallucinations. But I am not conscious of inducing them, and certainly
I do not desire to indulge in such folly. I would not err, I would not
sin, yet during these seizures I give utterance to expressions which
are not in accord with our Sacred Writings. I pray the pitiful gods
that I may not be held accountable for these unconscious utterances.
De L'Ester--Two Professors and a Physician are hastening this way.
Professor--My dear Dano, we have been quite alarmed to learn that
again you have been attacked with faintness, and rejoice that you
are recovering. Here is our good Doctor Vyond[a:], who speedily will
restore you.
Dr. Vyonda--Certainly, certainly. It is nothing serious. Really
there is no occasion for alarm. Such attacks are quite common. The
high temperature of the season, and too close application to study
superinduces such seizures. Dano, you must relax a little of your
ardent pursuit of knowledge. You must indulge in lighter veins of
thought. Youth is the age for enjoyment, innocent enjoyment of course,
and for acquiring knowledge, but with, moderation, my dear Dano, with
due moderation.
Your eyes are yet a trifle heavy. Allow me to administer this agreeable
potion, which will dispel this sensation of lassitude. On retiring,
you will take this palatable powder, which will insure quiet sleep. No
visions, no hallucinations will disturb your repose, and in the morning
we will counsel together as to the best course to be pursued. But no
more study to-day, Dano, you understand, no more----
De L'Ester--Quickly, quickly, Gentol[a:]. He is not fully aroused from
his entrancement, and his spiritual perception is very exalted. Follow
my dictation.
Dr. Vyonda--He again is relapsing into unconsciousness. Order a litter
at once, and have him conveyed to his apartment. Really this seizure is
inexplicable, but I doubt not will yield to----
Dano--Doctor Vyond[a:], I am told to request you to quietly remain
where you are.
Dr. Vyonda--This is most perplexing, most perplexing. Apparently he is
unconscious, yet he bids me to quietly remain where I am. No. No. Not
just now. We will wait a little. Put the litter further away. Give him
more air.
Gentola--Dano, I am Gentol[a:]. This name has been given me by some
persons who understand your language. I have told you that I come from
a world named Earth, which is so far away in space that to Entoans it
appears as a brightly shining point in the night sky. Try to understand
that the vital, animating principle controlling all the activities of
your physical body, is the immortal Self, the real Dano. Aside from
certain of your Priests, but few Entoans are so highly sensitive as
are you, who soon readily will perceive wholly freed Spirits. Because
that I still am connected with my physical body you see, hear, and feel
the touch of my real Self, the Spirit woman. For the reason that your
Spirit consciousness, which is self perception, is highly evolved, you
are thus favored.
This is no dream, no hallucination of an overtaxed mind. I am as real
as are you. So are the wholly freed spirits who bear me from Earth to
Ento. So was your sister Ont[a:], who has appeared to you, but who,
until you are further prepared, will not again attempt to do so.
In time you will be made to comprehend the laws involved in spirit
return, but at present I cannot explain them. The Spirits with whom
I am associated, and hosts of Spirits, of Spirit Spheres, of other
Spirit Worlds, have combined their forces in a supreme endeavor to
release the peoples of Ento from the hopeless religious beliefs, which
long have held them in a state of such pitiful despair that as I gaze
on their almost smileless faces, my heart throbs with sympathy for
their perpetual sorrow. Dano, fear not, but rejoice that you have
been chosen as a message bearer to them. Rejoice that through your
instrumentality light from your spirit world soon will dissipate the
shadows enshrouding the lives of your peoples.
The hour draws very near when Omanos Fûnh[a:]'s fair daughter, your
affianced bride, must pass into your Spirit World. Only now does
Vallo[a:]'s father realize that her days may be drawing to a close,
and through fear and grief he is well nigh crazed. Daily in the Temple
Zim he sacrifices to Andûman[a:], imploring with agonizing moans and
tears that his precious Vallo[a:] shall not be taken from him into
the dread silence of death, but still she fades, as fade the lovely,
fragrant rodels on Bascama's limpid water. Vainly your father, Basto
Andûlēs[a:], endeavors to allay Omanos Fûnh[a:]'s fears, to assuage his
grief, for at last he and your mother perceive Vallo[a:]'s perilous
state, and they propose to immediately call you home, hoping, as does
Omanos Fûnh[a:], that your presence may arouse and aid the drooping
girl to prolong, if not to recover her waning life.
It is indeed pitiful to see the light dying out of her beautiful
azure eyes, and the bloom fading from her lovely young face, which
grows as pallid as roin[a:] blooms. As her physical strength declines
Vallo[a:]'s vision grows more Spiritualized, and as through a thin
veil she sees the spirit forms of her mother and of other dear ones,
who whisper to her unfolding Spirit senses words of loving cheer for
her, for her stricken father, and for you, dear youth. She fancies
that she dreams, and when smilingly she relates to her father the
loving Messages from the dream-world he is filled with consternation
lest her mind is being lost, and in the privacy of his own apartments
he prostrates himself, crying to Andûman[a:], and to the mighty gods
to suffer her to live, or if that may not he, to take her in her
perfection into Astranol[a:].
I am made to tell you this, that in a measure you may be prepared
for the ordeal awaiting you, and to urge upon you to be strong and
courageous, for you will require both strength and courage to sustain
you. Even now a swift Messenger comes from Omanos Fûnh[a:], bearing a
letter from your father, so hasten to prepare for your journey to Dao.
To these persons who gaze on you in breathless expectation of they
know not what speak of what I have been made to say to you, for I know
that when you shall have regained control of yourself you will imagine
that you have had a fanciful vivid dream. Remember that I charge you
to speak of what I have said to you. And now I am bidden to say Info
oovistû.
[Illustration: ROINA]
Dr. Vyonda--Ah, he is reviving, his pulsations are quickening, and
his color returning. This seizure is peculiar, very peculiar. Such
long continued unconsciousness indicates a low state of vital energy.
Professor Dalmaon, with your approval, I shall at once advise his
father that he for a time must have entire mental rest and change of
scene, which will assist in his recovery from his present devitalized
state. Why, my dear Dano, you have been quite unconscious of the
anxious interest which for a few moments has disturbed our minds. But
as I have said, it is nothing serious, nothing really uncommon, quite
a natural result of continued mental strain, and you must rest, Dano,
for a time, you really must rest and recuperate. Do you now feel quite
yourself?
Dano--Friends, I wish to say something that will surely try your belief
in my sanity, but if your kindness may permit you to listen to what
I desire to relate you will make me your grateful debtor. Doctor, I
believe that I am quite myself, but after I shall have related my story
I shall not find fault should you all question my opinion.
While you have thought me unconscious I have been as fully conscious as
yourselves, but unable to move, or to unclose my eyes, or to utter a
sound. Yet in some strange manner I have seemed to see for the fourth
time a fair skinned, dark haired, strange woman enveloped in shining
garments, who says that she is from a world known in her language,
as Earth, which is so far away in space, that to us it appears as
a shining point in the night sky. She says that her Ento name,
Gentol[a:], has been given her by some who understand our language,
which she does not. That she speaks from dictation of those who do
understand it, and she has told me of something so sorrowful that for
the present I shall not speak of it. She declares that through me a new
religious revelation is about to be given to the children of Ento. But
as Andûman[a:] only speaks through the great God Tymonas to the most
high Priest, this declaration cannot be true. She also has said what
is altogether improbable, that from our Supreme Ruler comes a swift
Messenger bearing a letter from my father, who desires that I shall at
once return to Dao, and that I shall make immediate preparation for
the journey. Do not I pray you, gaze upon me with so much concern.
I realize that this peculiar experience is the result of too much
abstinence from youthful pleasures for which I care but little, and of
over close application to study, for which I perhaps care too much.
Doctor Vyond[a:], I promise you that this unpleasant experience will
cause me to mend my ways, not so much for my own, as for the sake
of those who love me. Very true, doctor, very true, but since life
is so full of sorrow, since the certainty of the approach of death
so overshadows even youth's brightest days that ever our smiles are
drowned in tears, life to me ever grows more valueless. Oh, that
Andûman[a:], whose power is infinite, may make these dreams of mine
prophecies of a reality so glorious that scarcely dare I think, much
less speak of it.
Gentle friends, I pray you pardon me for having caused you some moments
of anxiety. Make yourselves my debtors, and I shall be as patient with
you as your affectionate kindness prompts you to be patient with my
vagaries.
Instructor--Ever youth cherishes baseless hopes, dreams and illusions.
Age alone knows the tranquillity of the inevitable. Although the midday
of my life is gone, dreams wearing the semblance of realities come to
me from the Region of Nowhere, then drift into the Realm of Shadows.
No one is wise enough to account for the illusions of sleep, those
phantasms emerging from the unknown and vanishing like mist wreaths
from Indolois[a:]'s waters. I pray that it may not be accounted a
sin that to me has come the thought that these dreams may be shadows
of somewhere realities. That while we slumber our senses may perceive
what our waking vision is too imperfect to discover. Who can say as
to what may be in the regions of Astranol[a:]? Is not it written that
to the Lady Camariss[a:], wife of Genessano Allis Immo, came a vision
which so impressed her husband that it led to the introduction of the
vast Irrigating and Waterways System, which has made our waste lands
so fruitful and prosperous? From whence came this vision? No one can
certainly say, but Andûman[a:], who knoweth His own ways, may have
chosen the Lady Camariss[a:] as His Instrument, through whom He spoke
to Genessano Allis Immo. And, friends, may not the woman of Dano's
dream be an Instrument through whom he may be given a new revelation of
Andûman[a:]'s love for His sorrowful children? Do not we all know that
when Andûman[a:], through the great God Tymonas declared to the Most
High Priest Moukara that no more should unwilling human sacrifice be
offered, He also declared that in some coming time another Revelation
of His love for His children might be vouchsafed?
Andûman[a:], Creator and Preserver, may if He so wills, perpetuate
that which is the essential part, the life of every animated creature.
Adoringly and reverently I implore that He may take pity on His
children, the children of His love, and grant us the ardent desire of
our hearts that we may not pass into perpetual Silence, but that in
some unknown region, we, with our beloved ones may continue to exist
forevermore.
So strangely have our lessons been interrupted that but little has been
accomplished. However, every incident of life teaches some lesson, and
we to-day have received an exemplification that in its expressions it
is many sided, and that at times it affords us glimpses of what may be
beyond what we now know of.
Urvan, I advise that you shall remodel this foot, which is not
quite up to your usual excellence. Lēta, this hand so delicately,
so perfectly modelled indicates true artistic sense. Veradon, your
execution is almost beyond criticism. Kiafû Rûvan[a:], our greatest
sculptor of either ancient or modern times, taught that the hand was
the most expressive member of the body. That by its form, markings
and movements, it afforded a true indication of the character and
emotions of the possessor. As the hands of no two persons are exactly
alike, there is in their expression an infinite variety which, to the
observing student, may afford infinite opportunities. Dano, we rejoice
that you appear quite recovered from your very peculiar seizure, and I
pray that you may heed Doctor Vyond[a:]'s advice, for, truly of late,
you have been over studious. Surely you do not attach any importance
to the dream prophecy of your speedy departure for Dao? That you may
wholly dismiss it from your thoughts I suggest that we all shall repair
to the gymnasium, where vigorous exercise may restore us to our usual
serenity. Doctor, will not you and our honored Professors favor us with
your company?
Dr. Vyonda--Certainly, for a little I shall attend this imprudent
youth. Come, Dano, no more illusions, no more melancholy. Look on the
bright side of life; yes, yes, on the bright side of life. Leave to age
the shadows; walk in the sunshine while you may. Come, gentlemen, we
can do ourselves no better service than to look on while these young
people take the exercise we older ones used to so enjoy. Ah, me, age is
very inconvenient, very inconvenient indeed.
De L'Ester--Gentol[a:], from what the doctor and Art Instructor have
said you may infer that the Entoans are very like some of our beloved
Earth folk who consider everything outside their everyday experiences
as illusions of diseased imaginations. Certainly, Soul consciousness,
which should not be confounded with Spirit consciousness, is subject to
illusions; thus one should be patient with sensitives who, at times,
unknowingly misrepresent Spirit phenomena. Only minds capable of
earnest, critical, patient fairness should attempt to test the truth
or falsity of unusual occult occurrences. But the Messenger from Dao
is about to arrive, and we will proceed to the gymnasium that we may
observe how the doctor and professors may receive the fulfillment of
the prophecy.
These wide and lofty passageways lead to various Departments of the
Galarēs[a:], but into many of them we cannot at present even glance.
At the head of this grand staircase is a department we later on will
visit. Now we will enter the gymnasium and you, Gentol[a:], will
briefly describe whatever may attract your observation.
Gentola--Knowing so little of gymnasiums of our own planet I fear
that I may not intelligibly describe this one. The apartment itself
is immensely large and the domed ceiling very lofty. There are many
large windows and they and the ceiling or roof are filled in with what
appears to be opalescent glass set in metal frames. Depending from
the roof are swings and ropes and various contrivances of whose uses
I am quite ignorant. Attached to some of the ropes are huge balls of
apparently an elastic material, which Dano and the other youths are
so vigorously striking that they bound away, only to return again for
further punishment which they are capable of resenting, for one has
struck yonder youth a staggering blow.
That dark-skinned boy climbs that rope with the agility of a monkey,
and yonder handsome blonde youth, hand over hand, climbs another rope
depending from the very apex of the roof and now he comes down head
foremost, and--oh--I thought he was about to fall, but he has turned
a somersault and landed on his feet on a--ah, I see. That part of the
floor is covered with spiral springs over which is a padding of some
elastic material similar to curled hair; no, it is some sort of fibrous
stuff and over it, stretched tightly, is a covering resembling rubber
sheeting, which is so elastic that the gymnasts bound from it like so
many rubber balls. Many of the appliances I have no knowledge of, but
there are horizontal bars on which some of the youths are exercising
with what appears to me utter recklessness. See that young giant
swinging, swinging from that suspended bar, and there he goes through
the air, catching another bar, and, oh my, I do not like to see that. I
suppose that if he should fall that net would catch him, but it looks
dangerous. Now he sits on the bar swinging to and fro, and now he drops
and catches the bar, and now, with a great leap, he has caught a rope
and is descending head foremost. I do not understand why any one takes
pleasure in such risky performances.
If I say that those young men are practising with Indian clubs will I
be greatly mistaken? How gracefully they handle the clubs and they,
like their classmates, may be called handsome; but, somehow, I do not
grow accustomed to the extraordinary size of the Entoans. Why those
dark-skinned youths, including Dano, appear gigantic and the lighter
hued youths, compared with you gentlemen also are giants.
The doctor and professors are looking on with apparent enjoyment and
interest, especially commending Dano's energetic movements, but--ah,
see, an attendant is presenting to the white-bearded Professor a
letter. As he glances over its contents he pales visibly, and is
greatly disturbed. In a low tone he says, "Friends, I have received a
letter from Basto Andûlēs[a:]." Now he calls to Dano.
Professor--Dano, Dano, I would speak with you. This moment a message
from your honored father has arrived. You will listen while I shall
read what concerns all here.
"To the renowned Professor Byr[a:]don Ov[a:]dos and his honored
co-workers of the Galarēs[a:] of Camariss[a:], in the Province of
Ondû I, Basto Andûlēs[a:], send loving greeting.
"Your sorrowful regret will equal my own when you learn that our
beloved Supreme Ruler, Omanos Fûnh[a:], grieves sorely over the
continued ill health of his daughter, the lovely and amiable Princess
Vallo[a:], who slowly but, it is feared, surely declines toward the
ending of her young life. She craves the presence of her affianced,
my son, Dano, whom I hasten to summon to Dao. You, through all
reasonable means, will facilitate his departure on the special
transport awaiting him.
"Your kind heart and good judgment will guide you in breaking to
my son this painful news which otherwise might assail him with too
sudden force.
"With profoundest regard I honor myself by being your friend,
"Basto Andulesa."
Dano, dear youth, strive to compose yourself. Alas, how strangely
true were the words of your prophecy. Andûman[a:], thy ways are
incomprehensible. We implore Thee to aid us to understand the lessons
Thou art offering to us, but which, in our ignorance, we fail to
comprehend.
Dano, our loving sympathy is with Omanos Fûnh[a:], your parents and
you, our beloved Prince and pupil. Hasten to prepare for your departure
and we will arrange for your comfort and speedy conveyance to Dao,
where, we will pray the pitiful gods, you may find your beloved
Vallo[a:] recovering her precious life.
Gentola--Poor Dano, I feel so sorry for him. That Professor should
not have announced the dreadful news so abruptly. A woman would have
known better. These Entoans are a peculiar people. I do not mean that
I do not admire them, for indeed, I do. They are so sympathetic, so
ingenuous that I could wish that our Earth folk might be like them.
De L'Ester--They are some centuries older than our disingenuous Earth
folk; consequently, have grown honest.
Gentola--Do you think our Earth folk will ever grow equally honest?
De L'Ester--It is to be hoped that they may. Certainly, if our fair
planet may continue to hospitably entertain them for an indefinite
length of time they may improve their ways of thinking and, as a man
thinketh, so is the man.
George--Dano will journey by Special Transport. Shall we see him off?
De L'Ester--Yes, and then Gentol[a:] must embark on our air transport
which will bear her across millions of miles in less time than Dano
will journey to Dao. Aye, in less time than will be consumed in his
passage between the Galarēs[a:] and the station. He has made his adieux
and is entering a Motor conveyance. We will precede him and his friends.
Gentola--I wonder if our Earth folk will ever have such carriages? One,
two, three, four, five, six, seven passengers in it, and it moves off
so silently, so swiftly that it must be a pleasure to ride in it. What
beautifully paved streets, and how perfectly clean they are.
Oh, dear, I keep thinking of Dano. I wish I might comfort him. I do not
understand why there need be such misery of one kind and another. If I
were----
De L'Ester--Pardon me for interrupting you, but here is the station
and the conveyance approaches. Ah, Dr. Vyond[a:] will accompany Dano
who, as you have remarked, seems dazed.
Here is the special transport and a luxurious one it is. No, we cannot
accompany the sorrowful youth. We have much to show to your inquiring
eyes before you shall be taken to the capitol. Then, too, affairs are
not in readiness for our presence there, but, ere long, they will be.
The Transport is rising and Dano and the doctor are waving adieux to
their friends. To you we offer a like courtesy. George and Inez will
again assist you back to Earth. One week hence we will come for you.
In the meantime, that you may renew your vital energy, live as much as
possible in the open air.
Info oovistû.