ATLA. ATLA. % Storg of the IJCcrst isknb. BY Mes. J. GREGORY SMITH, AUTHOR OF -DAWN TO SUNEISE " " SEOLA,'" " SELMA," ETC. "Temples, towers, and domes of many storeys There lie buried in an ocean grave Undescried, save when their golden glories Gleam at sunset through the lighted wave." LONDON : WAED AND DOWNEY, 12, YOEK STEEET, COYENT GARDEN, W.C. 188G CHAELES DICKENS AND EVANS, CBYSTAL PALACE PBESS. -<&£. CONTENTS. PAGE INTRODUCTION . . . . . , » , 1 CHAPTER I. ATLANTIS. .....♦•• 5 CHAPTER II. NATAL 12 CHAPTER III. ATLA 14 CHAPTER IV. THE FLOATING GARDEN ...... 20 CHAPTER V. TYRHENA . . . . . . . ,26 CHAPTER VI. STORY OF DEDAN THE PILOT . . . . .34 CHAPTER VII. HEREKLA, DISCOVERER AND INVENTOR . . ,39 CHAPTER VIII. THE BREATH OF A STONE . . . . .45 577 vi CONTENTS. PAGE CHAPTER IX. THE ASTROLOGERS . . . .. . . .49 CHAPTER X. THE LOTUS LAND 54 CHAPTER XI. THE FEAST OF BAAL 70 CHAPTER XII. ION A THE CAPTIVE . . . ... 74 CHAPTER XIII. SAILED ........ 79 CHAPTER XIV. AT THE GATES . . . . . . . 82 CHAPTER XV. THE EDEN OP THE WEST 93 CHAPTER XVI. THALOK 98 CHAPTER XVII. ATLA 104 CHAPTER XVIII. WHISPERS IN THE WIND HI CHAPTER XIX. FALL 115, CHAPTER XX. ASTERA AND ZEMAR 119 CHAPTER XXI. LOVE 12& CONTENTS, t« TAGE CHAPTER XXII. THE SUN OF THE CRYPT . . . , . .132 CHAPTER XXIII. IN THE HALL OF THE GOD 139 CHAPTER XXIV. THE GARDEN OF PALMS .144 CHAPTER XXV. THE WINGED DREAM 146 CHAPTER XXVI. IN THE CHAMBER . . . ' . . .159 CHAPTER XXVII. ATLA AND ASTERA 163 CHAPTER XXVIII. THE PALACE OF NIGHT 167 CHAPTER XXIX. THE FEAST OF RAYNIR 188 CHAPTER XXX. THE VAULT OF THE QUENCHED LAMP . . . 202 CHAPTER XXXI. IN THE PAVILION . 20.7 CHAPTER XXXII. THE OPAL 211 CHAPTER XXXIII. UNCERTAINTY 216 CHAPTER XXXIV. THE FLIGHT ..,,...- 221 viii CONTENTS. PAGE CHAPTER XXXV. A STORM AT SEA 229 CHAPTER XXXVI. THALOK THE KING 239 CHAPTER XXXVII. THE PURSUIT 246 CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE FATE OF ZEMAR 252 CHAPTER XXXIX. THE WRECK OF A WORLD 264 CHAPTER XL. ALONE . 273 CHAPTER XLI. THE MYSTERY OF HUMAN SUFFERING . . . 276 CHAPTER XLII. MIRAGE 288 CHAPTER XLIIL kirtyah's revenge 293 CHAPTER XLIV. THE SUNSET OF A STORMY DAY • • . . 300 CHAPTER XLV. THE NEW ATLANTIS 304 ATLA. INTRODUCTION. " Where now are seen aerial gardens, height on height, Eising like Media's mountains crowned with wood ? Where the fane of Belus now ? " However the modern mind may exalt in the dis- coveries and inventions of the present age, it must concede that little has been added to the civilisation of the past, while much has certainly been lost. The men sometimes called primitive were not savages. The oldest written characters of which we have the key prove themselves not only richest in power of expression, but reveal startling facts connected with prehistoric society. In massive architecture, in naval structures, in tremendous mechanical appliances, in agriculture and peaceful commerce, and in the domestication of the lower animals, no less than in language as 2 ATLA. a vehicle for thought, the nations of antiquity at- tained a marvellous perfection. It would seem that almost as many arts have been lost as have been preserved. Who now can manufacture transparent gold, malleable glass, and quenchless lamps ; construct garden ships, and self- directing magnetic chariots, build hanging gardens, or elevated viaducts and aqueducts of Cyclopean proportion, such as are found in the ruins of Central and South America ? A recent explorer remarks : " The Incas tempered copper to an edge keen as steel ; they cut jewels with an art that modern lapidaries cannot imitate ; their colours are as lasting as their architecture ; under their political economy millions of people lived as one family." Who now will hew temples and cities of night under the rocky ribs of mountains ? What modern chisel can restore the flinty statues of Elephanta Ellora, and Ajunta, whose sculptors u built like giants and finished like jewellers ? ** Where is the artist who can carve and colour marble to rival living flesh, and finish statues whose diamond eyes seem to follow the beholder ? Where the scholar who can write a page of history with one dash of the pen ? INTRODUCTION. 3 Were not the metaphysics and cosmogonies of Hindu philosophers more profound and far-reach- ing than our own?. Where are our astronomical and geological calculations that stretch backward and forward through a kalpa, a period of time expressed by a unit and sixty cyphers? In the ancient esoteric doctrine is contained all that mere man can know of the origin of the universe, the laws of force, and the mystery of human existence. The Gommerean mind may be more clear and methodical in detail, but the root- thought will ever be found with the Hindu mystic and dreamer. Did not the priests of Egypt use the telephone and audiphone, or their equivalent, and penetrate the mysteries of magnetism as moderns have never done ? What monarch now will yoke the lion to his car, or tame the savage ounce, or use a serpent for a walking-stick? And what theatrical trans- formation scene at the present day equals the celebration of the Egyptian and Greek mysteries ? It may be asked, What was the source of this perfected civilisation ? There is much evidence to prove that the impress was from the West to b 2 4 ATLA. the East, from America to Asia; that the grand canals of Atlantis, no longer a fabled island, were the gateways through which issued the arts, sciences, and whatever else contributes to that material prosperity which is at once the blessing, or the bane, of national existence. The author of the following story has been for many years collecting materials for a study of this wonderful country, the Merope of Theopompus, called by the Greeks The Garden of the Hespe- rides, and by the Argonauts the Island of Flowers ; and has, under the guise of fiction, endeavoured to embody an idea of its stupendous civilisation, also to describe the awful cataclysm by which, according to Hindu geology, it was destroyed eleven thousand four hundred years ago. I. ATLANTIS.' " In that fair land All days were golden, all the months were strings, On which the master-harper of the world, The Sun, was ever making harvest songs." Midway between the continents of Europe, Africa, and America, where now the ocean rolls its un- broken surges, many thousand years ago there lay a vast island, or continent, called Atlantis. Its shores were high and heavily wooded, and inland was a group of lofty mountains on which the sky seemed to rest ; these were volcanoes ; and while fire often blazed from their craters, the everlasting snow upon the summits made them the home of refreshing breezes. In this ancient land were lakes, rivers, meadows, and forests; also populous cities, the grandest of which was imperial Atlan, the home of five hundred 6 ATLA. thousand inhabitants, the magnetic gem which at once attracted and dispersed a nation's glory. It was built in the centre of the island, upon a high plain at the foot of Noraghi, the loftiest vol- cano, and was surrounded by a wall, broad and high, upon which hung ever- verdant gardens. At the base of the wall was a zone of water deep enough to support the heaviest sea-going vessel; from this canal radiated seven ship-roads leading directly to the ocean. Between the canal that surrounded the high plain of Atlan and the open sea were other circumvallations and zones of water passing through other cities, all of which were pro- vided with quays, docks, and every accommodation for an immense home and foreign commerce. At each intersection of the canals, as also on the rock-bound shore, were massive gates of brass that could be closed in time of storm or invasion, mak- ing Atlantis one vast impregnable fortress, while across the streams were bridges of such propor- tions that an army could march over, or a ship pass under in safety. These encircling water-ways were so admirably arranged that at the pleasure of the gate-keepers vessels of the largest burthen could sweep majestically into the very centre of ATLANTIS. 7 the island, or lie on its confines powerless to effect a landing ; these were the coiled dragon of fable, that guarded the golden apples of the Hesperides ; the gates were its hundred mouths. At one place only the sea deeply indented the shore. This was the Bay of Pirhua, a harbour on whose tranquil waters a whole fleet might ride at anchor. The most wonderful natural feature of Atlantis was a lake, or inland sea, called Ziclan, lying at the foot of the imperial city, embosomed in green and purple hills. The waters of this lake were salt, and subject to the ebb and flow of the tide ; it was therefore supposed to have a subterranean connec- tion with the sea. Upon this Land of the Blessed a semitropical sun for ever shone ; there reigned perpetual spring ; seed-time and harvest were one ; breezes cool from mountain snows, or warm from ocean currents that laved the shore, with springs both hot and cold, produced a climate favourable to health, longevity, and the perfection of animal and vegetable life. In the rich soil grew grain, fruit, flowers, and trees, such as have never since been seen. Elephants, horses, droves of cattle and sheep, wild beasts, birds of gayest plumage and sweetest note swarmed in 8 ATLA. meadow, forest, and hill ; there also were seen fish of every kind that sport in stream and fountain, or prowl in ocean deeps. Upon an opal sea the nautilus launched its rainbow keel and spread its silver sail, while beneath the wave the coral built fairy groves, teeming with life in strange and beautiful forms. Humming-birds flashed through the gardens like spirits of flowers, and in the dark forests the nightingale wooed his mate, the glow- worm and firefly each evening lighted the lantern of love. In the mountains were quarries of wonderful stone and mines of gems and precious metals, gold, silver, orichaleum, and nephyte — these last un- known save in that favoured land. In such conditions the human race attains its greatest physical perfection, unbroken health de- velops nervous and muscular energy, while lon- gevity increases the sum of individual power. At the period of which we write a dense population, increasing through ages of prosperity, thronged this nidus of life. The beautiful city of Atlan, a coronet upon the brow of the island, was the residence of the king and his eldest brother, who filled the place of ATLANTIS. 9 high-priest, while ten princes of royal blood were subordinate rulers in other cities. The public edifices in the great metropolis, product of generations of mighty toilers, surpassed anything since reared by human art. In its cen- tre was a grand plateau surrounded by a brazen wall, and within a still loftier terrace, upon which stood a magnificent temple and tower used for astronomical and religious purposes ; also an obser- vatory overlooking the island. Upon the verge of the inner terrace, enclosing all, was the Palace of Hesper, Star of the West, an immense hexagonal building of red and white nephyte, overlaid, as were tower and temple, with silver and gold. The spacious inner court was planted with rare trees, flowering shrubs and trailers, ornamented by arbours, arches, fountains, and statues, and en- livened by the presence of gentle animals and birds. Within the adytum of the temple was a colossal statue of the sea-god, who, it was be- lieved, raised this island from the depths of ocean and founded upon it a kingdom for his ten sons, children of Kleita, a mortal woman. This golden statue was seated in a chariot drawn by six winged horses, and around it were ranged images of the 10 ATLA. ten demi-gods. Before this group stood a pillar of orichaleum, on which were engraved the laws of the land, and an altar of sacrifice, from which oracles were delivered. The banks of Lake Ziclan were gorgeous with cool colonnades, vast amphitheatres, racecourses, boat-houses, and airy villas, whither the people were wont to resort for public recreation. For many ages the government of this wonder- ful empire was just and beneficent, the religion simple and pure, the people happy, but innova- tion and corruption had changed the conditions of society ; arbitrary rule and abuse of privilege had snpplanted earlier law, ruler and people loved power and pleasure more than justice. The pol- icy of the government had become aggressive; war was not only a pursuit, but a pastime; the Sun- Serpent was worshipped by cruel and obscene rites ; the smoke of abominable sacrifices dimmed the serenity of heaven ; moral obligation was ig- nored; and the inevitable consequence of such deterioration became apparent to the thoughtful patriot. A discriminating historian remarks : " The lowering of the moral standard in any commu- nity or nation is a sure precursor of convulsion." ATLANTIS. 11 Political paralysis and national death were immi- nent in Atlantis, and yet material prosperity was unabated, still patient nature seemed to smile. Kron, the king, was in the prime of manhood ; he represented a dynasty that had ruled for thou- sands of years ; none dared dispute his sway. By successful conquest, many colonies had been formed, which now offered homage and tribute to the central power. Ships laden with the wealth of distant lands waited humbly at the sea-gates ; the riches, prestige, and power of the nation exceeded that of any other, and Atlantis exultingly sang : " I sifc on my throne in the sea, I open the gates of sunset, I know not fear nor sorrow. I am Queen of Hesperos, Garden of the Gods." II. NATAL. ASTERA, DAUGHTER OF THE STARS. On the night of the vernal equinox, the city of Atlan was wild with excitement; the birth of a princess had been announced, the first heir of Kron the Magnificent. The infant was named Astera, Star of the West, and in her honour con- stellations of fire illuminated every building in the city. Atlan blazed in a glory that might have out- shone the lights of heaven and the fiery volcanoes ; but neither moon nor star rivalled the artificial glare, for a panoply of storm-clouds filled the sky. In a gorgeous inner chamber of the palace, Ishma of the Bast, the Court physician, and the midwives watched by the bedside of the queen, while Thalok, the high-priest, performed the cus- tomary natal rites in the temple. Throughout NATAL. 13 the palace all sounds were muffled and all lights subdued, perfume of flowers and burning incense mingled like love whispers in the soft airs that were permitted to stray through the luxurious chamber which welcomed to wealth and homage the royal maiden. III. ATLA. GIFT OP THE SEA.' " Oh, night and storm and darkness ! Ye are wondrous strong." On this eventful night, while the newly-born princess lay upon a curtained pillow, wrapped in soft slumber, another infant opened its eyes for the first time, under far different auspices. At Pirhua, the harbour nearest Atlan, the fury of the equinoctial storm was appalling. The wind howled, the rain came down in torrents, and great waves broke heavily against the mole that pro- tected the harbour. In the watch-tower of the gate stood Karmet and Occuna, warders of the port. The building was constructed upon acoustic principles, so that ATLA. 15 those within it could catch every sound coming from the sea. As midnight approached the vio- lence of the storm increased ; the noise inside the tower became intolerable. 1 c Good Occuna," said Karmet, raising his voice to the utmost, "let us go forth, or we shall lose our senses." Occuna paused, placing his hand behind his ear. " Listen ! " he exclaimed ; " sounds other than the roar of the tempest meet my ear. I hear the shriek of human voices. I hear the pounding of a vessel as it dashes against the rocks — the sound is off the bar. A ship has struck ! ,J The two men rushed to the cliff, straining their eyes in vain endeavour to penetrate the darkness. At that moment the guard in the lighthouse, perceiving something unusual in the harbour, turned upon it a powerful reflector, and lo ! a vessel of foreign construction lay breaking upon the mole. Occuna and Karmet were skilled sailors ; they speedily procured a lifeboat, manned it with their subordinates, and launched forth. Inside the mole the water was comparatively calm, and the oars- men were making rapid headway, when they 16 ATLA. suddenly ran across a small boat that had left the sinking ship unperceived in the rush and roar of the mighty surges. The shock was so severe and unexpected that the men in the foreign craft had barely time to lift a female figure into the arms of their dangerous rescuers, when the boat swamped to rise no more. While the warders held their breath in astonish- ment at this strange event, a great sea rolled in, making a clean sweep of the bar, carrying away the wreck, and tossing the lifeboat back to the very landing of the quay. Carefully raising their helpless burden, the sailors conveyed it to a shelter, and there beheld in amazement a woman very fair, with features of almost unearthly beauty. Her golden tresses were banded with a coronet of gems ; the drenched garments were of finest wool embroidered in silver. Her high rank was evident, and as she lay with closed eyes, those around were strangely impressed, for she seemed of more than mortal mould. By means of signals, intelligence of this re- markable adventure was immediately transmitted to the king in Atlan, and early next morning came the flying ship Nagil, with orders to bring ATLA. 17 the beautiful stranger to the palace, the Court physician being in attendance if his services were required. Vain precaution ; the fair-haired queen expired during the night, after giving birth to a daughter. Oh, blind and cruel fate, that so unequally metes out the lot of helpless mortals ! Waited for and welcomed by a proud nation, in the per- fumed hush of a palace chamber, Astera, Daughter of the Stars, was ushered into life, while on the same night, driven by a black tempest out of the raging sea, amid the horrors of shipwreck and death, another infant, unnamed and unknown, struggled into existence. But one solution of this extraordinary event was possible. A ship from some far-off, undis- covered . country, disabled and driven south by stress of weather, was wrecked on the Atlantean coast, and all had perished save one fruil atom of humanity. The fittest perish, the feeblest sur- vive, when the will of the Lawmaker moves upon the face of the waters. The islanders regarded the whole affair as little less than a miracle, and looked upon the helpless waif with superstitious awe; but Ishma, o 18 ATLA. the Court physician, who had been cast upon the island in a similar manner, moved by pity for the homeless stranger, besought permission to adopt her. The king cheerfully assented, named the child Atla, Gift of the Sea, bestowed upon her the title of princess, and decreed that she should be brought up at Court as the companion of his own daughter. Thus Atla, received into a royal home, became a child to the lonely Ishma, and the recipient of his long - smothered affection. He taught her infant lips to fashion the language of the Bast, and heard with ever fresh delight the sweetness of once familiar words repeated by a Northern tongue, for Atla's snowy complexion and delicate flush revealed unmistakably the heritage of wintry skies and cold seas. The fair exotic, in the bland air of a semi- tropical climate, grew in strength and loveliness. She became tall and graceful ; her eyes were violet, her hair was golden, a beauty marvellous and exceptional in this Land of the Sun. In disposition the princesses were as diverse as in their style of beauty. Astera was impulsive, ardent, passionate ; Atla dignified, spiritual, tran- ATLA. 19 quil, by innate authority controlling those around her without designing, or appearing to do so. Both were motherless, for Queen Nyah died during the infancy of her daughter, and both, no doubt, would have been spoiled by admiration and flattery, but for the gentle discipline each exerted upon the other. As they grew to maturity Atla intuitively chose robes. of delicate tint and texture, while Astera's dark bloom, black eyes and hair, were intensified by rich fabrics of crimson and gold. Nothing could be more attractive than the contrasting charms and sisterly fondness of these incomparable maidens, and passers-by would in- voluntarily linger to gaze upon the harmonies of Astera and Atla, the Euby and the Pearl. c 2 IV. THE FLOATING GARDEN. " On an ethereal lake whose waters lie Blue and transpicuous like another sky." In tins Eden of the West, nothing that the genius of man could invent to please the sense, or gratify national pride, seemed wanting. Architectural monuments, sculptured pillars, triumphal arches, temples, towers, and palaces abounded. Land- scape gardens, orchards, fountains, and vast theatres for open-air amusements, had long since exhausted the ingenuity of architects. Yet the king demanded that some grand and novel memo- rial should be built to commemorate the birth of his daughter and heir ; for, in failure of male issue, the royal prerogative was transmitted directly through the female line. As months passed away and no satisfactory sug- THE FLOATING GARDEN 21 gestions were made by the skilled designers, King Kron became impatient, and Ishma, the physician, ventured to address him upon the subject. " Oh, mighty Kron," said Ishma, w the God of my fathers giveth wisdom to his worshippers through visions of the night. Even when I was wrapt in deep slumber, the thought of the king's perplexity troubled my dreams. Then suddenly my soul was thrilled with wonder and delight, for a marvellous vision appeared before the eyes of my spirit. I saw upon the lake named Ziclan, which lies to the westward of this city, a sight of ravishing beauty, the like of which, I verily believe, has never yet existed. It was an island, in shape circular. Upon it grew all manner of trees and flowering plants, and in the centre thereof rose a fair tower, inlaid with gold and painted tablets glittering in the sun, and from the windows and balconies were silken banners suspended by cords. "Directly above the island, for night seemed suddenly to have fallen, in the soft twilight heaven hung the crescent moon, and in her arms a brilliant star. The island was round, like the full moon ; above it was a star, and in my sleep I murmured 22 ATLA. ' Astera V As I gazed, wondering what the vision might mean, a breeze came in from the sea, the waters of the lake were tossed into small waves, the trees upon the island bent low, the banners swelled out like the sails of a ship, and then, king ! a miracle appeared. The island rocked like a vessel in harbour, it moved forward and floated over the bosom of the lake, till it touched the farther shore." At this relation the king was mute with aston- ishment ; but when he recovered speech, he said : " Ishma, this is indeed [a wonder. Canst thou interpret the dream?" And Ishma answered : " Thus are the wise men and master-builders instructed. Shall not that miracle of beauty, till now unknown even in Atlantis, become a memorial of the Princess Astera's birth, a floating garden on Lake Ziclan, as yet seen only in visions of the night ? u " And the moon with the star in her arms ? " " king ! of this I know not the meaning, it is for the present hidden ; but I am well assured that the fate of the king's daughter is involved in the building of this island." " Ishma," said the king, " I give thee my com- THE FLOATING GARDEN. 23 mand with full power for its construction ; if thou verify the dream, wealth and honour shall be thy reward. The heart of Kron is at rest." The royal decree went forth that an nnlimited supply of material, machinery, and skilled work- men should be placed at Ishma's disposal, and labour upon the novel structure was begun imme- diately. An immense network of woven sea-rods, pliable and strong as steel, formed a living, growing foundation for the superincumbent mass. Upon this huge wattle, now anchored to the shore, earth was carefully spread and filled with fibrous roots of aquatic plants. After they had become tho- roughly impacted, the soil was made deep enough for shrubs and trees. These were left undisturbed for several years, and when the foundation was pronounced by the architects safe and firm, a tower of dream-like beauty, built of cork and painted to resemble stone, was erected among groves and gardens of supernal luxuriance. Finally stays of timber were placed beneath the island to strengthen it, and when all was per- fect, silken sails were suspended from roof and balcony, and on the pinnacle of the tower glittered 24 ATLA. a silver moon with a star in its arms. The Atlan- tean world thronged to behold the trial of its sailing qualities, which proved to be perfect : and thus was the dream of Ishma made a reality. Before this marvel of architecture was com- pleted many years had passed ; Astera and her companion had attained maturity, and notable events had transpired. The king was still with- out a consort, and it was more than suspected that the beautiful Atla was destined to fill the vacancy on the throne. An arrow from the bright eyes of Astera had pierced the heart of her cousin Zemar, son of the high-priest, while deadly pas- sions and desperate plans were secretly cherished in the breast of Thalok, his father. This unscru- pulous man had long since discovered whither the eyes of the king and Zemar turned, and his schemes were vaguely forming. Kron, the reign- ing monarch, Astera, his immediate successor, and Zemar, her lover, were bars in the pathway of his ambition. If these obstacles were removed, Thalok would be king of Atlantis, and Atla, of whom he was deeply enamoured, could grace his throne. The seasons came and went, and made no sign ; THE FLOATING GARDEN 25 youth and maiden increased in years and beauty ; the king planned measures for the aggrandisement of national glory, and particularly busied himself in perfecting a colony founded on the coast of a great continent lying to the west. The high-priest schemed and plotted, yet during all these years, though "the heavens maintained their terrible composure," nature was secretly marshalling her mighty forces, and in a far-off country there was preparing a new factor in coming events; a net- work of fate was weaving, undreamed of by sage or prophet. V. TYRHENA. THE SONS OF NIMROD, THE MIGHTY. Thousands of miles to the east of Atlantis, on the shores of the Sea Cham, now called Mediter- ranean, lay the walled city Cacara, a place of great commercial importance, in that far-off, for- gotten time. An unceasing tide of human activity streamed through its paved streets ; caravans laden with merchandise stretched away into the desert ; the port was alive with water-craft of every description; the quays were crowded with men busily employed among the wares of commerce. Along the shore rose tall chimneys, from which black smoke drifted like plumes. Here were the largest manufactories and metallurgic works in the world, where were produced molten images, orna- TYBKENA. 27 ments, implements of peace and war, rich dyes and fabrics. But beyond all this, Cacara was celebrated for the manufacture of glass amphora and lustre drops, or beads, lozenge-shaped and polished like sap- phires; the secret of their manufacture was con- fined to the Phoenicians, who used these gems as coin in mercantile transactions. Upon the walls of the city were watch-towers and astronomical observatories, and, according to the custom of Sabeans or star-worshippers, in a grove upon a high place east of the city, stood a temple dedicated to Ashteroth, Queen of Heaven. Near by were the Magian towers and the royal residence, built of massive stone and roofed with cedar. Kirgath Melek, reigning monarch at the time of which we write, was a wise ruler and a man of affairs, who gathered into his service the learned and skilful of all nations. But the pride of Court and people was his son and heir, the young Prince Herekla, now eighteen years of age, already tall and grand, for he in- herited the physical traits of his primogenitors, the famous Annakim. His features and form 28 ATLA. of matchless perfection were transfused by a wonderful sweetness of expression, never seen at the present day save in old Phoenician statuary. Beneath this peculiar charm and dignity, un- usual at any age, the face of Herekla wore a look of profound thought and self-repression, while his changeful colour and dark glowing eyes flashed denial to the intellectual repose of his countenance. His presence was of the rare type that imposes respect, almost awe, even in childhood. His mother, Queen Nansyka, a woman of many virtues, had greatly influenced his character. She taught him to shun the women's apartments, where the handsome boy would have been spoiled by flattery, but encouraged him to cultivate the acquaintance and friendship of the elders and wise men, among whom were two persons especially entitled to confidence — Madai, a Persian Magus, and Kadmon, a Hindu Arhat, deeply imbued with the philosophy of his native land, and of great repute among Chaldean priests as an astrologer. At his mother's suggestion Herekla chose these wise men for his instructors, and at night would repair with them to the observatories, there to study the sacred cypher, read the stars, and watch TYBEENA. 29 the combinations of the planets. Thus he acquired the lore of sages and even supplemented their wisdom by his quick insight. From these adepts in Oriental philosophy he learned the profound virtues of self-repression and self-abnegation, and in their practice obtained control of those with whom he was associated, no less than of his own spirit. His days were spent in the laboratory inspect- ing the charts of sailors and models of ships ; him- self planned and projected sea-going vessels and voyages ; assisted by skilled artisans he also ex- perimented in fusing metals and earths, and in perfecting fabrics and dyes. During leisure hours he practised with sword and lance, managed all kinds of water-craft, was a powerful swimmer and successful hunter, but most of all athletic pursuits he delighted in the subjection and management of spirited horses. To gratify this predominant taste, his father procured from the deserts of Joktan two wonder- ful steeds, Zuzin and Zummin. Black in colour they were, dappled like the dawn and fleet as the wind, the admiration of all who beheld them. These fiery animals brooked ^not the restraint of 30 ATLA. bit and bridle, neither could they be persuaded to draw the heavy chariots of the king. Being de- clared utterly unmanageable, Melek was about to return them to their desert home, when Marchar, a merchant from the land of the Tsinim, begged an audience. " Most noble Melek/' he said, prostrating him- self, "although the children of Tsin are as the dust of the balance before thee, bear with me patiently while I declare that there are, in the land of my fathers, chariots of the sun, before which even the intractable Zuzin and Zummin will be meek as the oxen that tread out the corn ; neither will charioteer nor groom be required, for the chariot is enchanted, and guideth both itself and the steeds." " Son of Yu," answered Melek, * ' if it be as thou sayest, go to thy country, purchase for me at any price a Chariot of the Sun, bring it to Tyrhena, and great shall be thy recompense. But if thou deceive the king, thou knowest the law." u Upon my life be it," said the merchant, and departed. After many months had passed a caravan arrived from the East and with it were Marchar TYRHENA. 31 and the chariot. King and noble assembled in the court of the palace to witness a trial of its power. The horses, loosened from their stalls, rushed out with such strength and ferocity that the utmost efforts of four Nubian giants scarcely restrained them. When they entered the court, excited by the presence and number of the crowd, they reared and plunged frightfully, their eyeballs rolled in frenzy, their neighing was like the roar of wild beasts ; they seemed possessed by demons. The dismayed courtiers begged the king to retire, but he ordered the assistance of other grooms, and after a furious struggle the steeds were forced within the traces of iron. Marchar watched his opportunity, and at a propitious moment adroitly threw a chain of fine wrought steel over the head of each horse, slipped a bit of the same metal between the teeth, and clasped thereon another chain depending from the pole of the chariot. Then stepping back, he cried : " Remove the bridles and release the steeds ! " The grooms reluctantly obeyed, springing aside in terror, but a hush of astonishment held them and every spectator spellbound. The horses, find- 32 ATLA. ing themselves at liberty, made a desperate plunge as if they would go forward, but stopped short trembling, their eyes closed, their heads drooped, their knees bent, they seemed about to lie down. " Who will enter the chariot ? w cried Marchar. " Who will venture ? " All were silent save the young prince, who, with heightened colour and flashing eyes, stepped forward and said : "Instruct me, merchant of Tsin, and I will essay that task." "Thou art brave, Herekla," responded Marchar; " thy courage is the promise of success. First caress each horse, call him gently by name, but touch not bit or bridle." Herekla went forward without fear, patted the sides of the trembling steeds, stroked each face and neck, calling them by name, till they became reassured, and bent affectionately toward him. When they were accustomed to his voice and touch, Marchar said: " Now take thy place in the chariot ; the horses will go through the gate to the south, ever keeping the same direction. When thou wouldst guide them otherwise, press the lever in front of the TYBRENA. 33 chariot to right or left, as is desired. Go forth fearlessly ; no harm can befall thee, the horses are enchanted." Then Herekla, taking his place, cried out : " Zuzin ! Zummin ! Away, away ! M The horses, cheered by the voice, and feeling some impulse that urged them forward, sprang through the gate, taking a course due south, while king and courtier, rapt in astonishment, watched them move swiftly but steadily forward, until they were lost to sight on the distant plain. Toward evening Herekla returned, bringing in the horses perfectly tractable, but as fresh as when they left the Court. Gracefully acknowledging the shouts of welcome, he drove directly to the stables, released and fed the horses with his own hand, caressed them, called them by name and retired. From that hour the fiery steeds of the desert accepted the young prince as their master; they knew his kind voice and touch, they left their stalls at his summons, and every day the superb equipage of the royal charioteer might be seen swiftly scouring the southern plains. VI. STORY OF DEDAN THE PILOT. THE TOILERS OP THE SEA." One summer morning, not long subsequent to the events just related, King Melek entered the council-chamber in the Hall of Audience and took his place upon the ivory throne. His son, the Prince Herekla, stood by his side, and around were ranged the councillors and Magi. Their faces wore a troubled expression, for they had been summoned to deliberate upon matters deeply affecting the welfare of the nation. After a brief silence, the king thus addressed the assembly : u Again have the ships of Tsin out- voyaged those of Phoenicia, and have entered a dangerous harbour while ours were wrecked in the attempt to follow; one man alone remains alive to tell the story." STORY OF DEDAN THE PILOT. 35 Then turning to an attendant, he added : " Call in Dedan the Pilot, who arrived yesternight with the Brythean caravan." Presently there entered a man, travel-worn and sad of countenance, who, after prostrating himself at the feet of the king, rose and related his mis- adventures. " king, live for ever," said Dedan the Pilot. "Six months ago, thy ship, the Whale, was re- turning from the land of Ophir, laden with gold, ivory, apes, and peacocks ; for by the goodness of Baal, giver of fortune, the voyage had prospered. We came in sight of a strange land, and upon the shores were many sunken rocks, round which the sea boiled like a pot. While sailing along this coast, we saw in advance of our ship a vessel of the Tsinim, floating like a log upon the water. Even as our sailors were still deriding this clumsy craft, it passed between the rocks, steering skil- fully, and landed near a city where a river entered the sea. Oar voyage had been long; we were straitened for food and water, and seeing the good fortune of these men, a murmur of discontent arose among the crew. " ' Shall the children of Gog/ they cry, ' eat of d 2 36 ATLA. the fresh fruits and drink of the pure springs, while the sons of Cush perish with hunger and thirst ? ' And they stood and cursed. cc Then said the master of the ship : ' Be it on your heads/ He commanded me, and the helm being put about we followed. But as we came near to land, some god of Tsin caused a mist to rise over the water, and having no object whereby to steer, we fell upon the rocks ; the ship was broken up, and all thy servants, with the treasure, were plunged in the deep and perished. " But it so chanced that the helm, to which I clung when it parted, caught on a rock and stuck fast, where I lay, knowing naught till the ships of Tsin returned, and seeing a man in that plight, sent a boat to fetch me, more dead than alive. Some of the sailors would throw me back into the sea, but the more merciful said ; ' Leave him on the deck ; perchance his life may come to him again." " So they left me till the going down of the sun, and my spirit returned, but I made no sign, for in my heart I said ; ' If the lord Baal prosper me, in the night I will creep forth and discover the god that guides the ship in mist and darkness/ STORY OF BEBAN THE PILOT. 37 for as we departed from the coast I had seen the pilot look often into a box near the helm. " Night fell upon the sea ; the moon and the Lady Ashteroth walked in the pathway of heaven ; the wind was light, the water calm ; and the pilot, seeing there was no danger, fell asleep. Then I arose stealthily, and creeping to the box, looked therein. " The pilot paused, and the king inquired anx- iously : " What sawest thou, Dedan ? " "I saw, king, a bowl of earthenware, such as is sold by the merchants of Tsin, and upon the inside thereof were graven lines marking the four corners of the earth, and around were pictures of the host of heaven and other curious figures that I did not understand. The cup was filled with water and in its midst a float of cork, and lying upon it was a needle of iron like those used by women in broidery. When the ship turned, even if it were completely put about, the needle and the float that sustained it whirled away and re- mained always pointing to the south. It was like a living creature, yet it stirred not at the approach of my finger. By this I perceived that it had been enchanted and was the slave of some spirit or god. 38 ATLA. Then I trembled with fear and crept silently away and lay upon the deck till morning, and no one was aware of what I had seen. " After I had eaten and recovered strength, I wrought with the men, and they treated me kindly. The pilot often consulted the spirit in the box, and the ship swerved not from its course, and the voyage prospered till we arrived at the entrance of the Erythean Sea, and I, unwelcome messenger that I am, hastened to Cacara, to lay my misfortunes at the feet of the king. Thy ship and the sailors "lie on that accursed shore, and I alone am left to tell the story." Then Dedan fell to the ground in the violence of grief, but the king spake comfortably, and said : " Fear not, Dedan ; thou hast done well ; perchance this loss may be for our greater advantage. Go in peace ; nevertheless, speak not to any concerning this matter." As Dedan retired, the king sighed heavily, and said : u Oh, that one could make known to us the spirit that enchants the needle of iron,, then should Phoenicia be ruler of the sea, and her merchants become rich above all others, for verily our ships and our sailors are better than those of the Tsinim." VII. HEREKLA, DISCOVERER AND INVENTOR. At these words, the young prince rose, and obeisance to his father, left the Council- chamber and descended to that part of the city where the smoke and glare of the furnaces gave token that the smiths wrought the hot metals. He entered the largest of the factories, and, calling to the overseer, said : " I pray you, master smith, make for me a staff pointed with steel, wherewith I can climb the mountain ; and make also a needle of iron well tempered, such as is used by women in broidery. These keep safely till I call for them." After Herekla had given these orders, he went forth in his chariot, as was his custom, driving the steeds of Joktan, and as he journeyed, he mused : " An enchanted needle, an enchanted chariot ; 40 ATLA. one guideth a ship, the other controlleth furious horses; both are from the land of the Tsinim. The needle is of iron, and it lieth along a float of WQpd — so said Dedan — and along the wood of the chariot is not iron everywhere placed ? Have not mine eyes often observed this and as often I wondered thereat? And doth not the chain of steel that encircles the heads of my steeds, and the iron that curbs them, attach to that of the chariot ? Each day the horses grow stronger, and yet each day my power over them increaseth. u Surely this is a mystery, and yet through the mists I dimly perceive a law defined, a fact at- tainable. Oh, that I could grasp it and aid my father and glorify my countrymen ! " To-morrow I will sacrifice to my god, even to Melkarth Herekles, after whom I am named, the pure god my mother worships. Perchance he will aid my earnest endeavour." The next day Herekla went from the palace alone, for he was greatly beloved and discreet, so that his father, having no fear for his safety, en- couraged in him a daring spirit. He took the staff and needle that the smith had made, and climbed the mountain, where was an altar in BEREKLA, DISCOVERER AND INVENTOR. 41 honour of Melkarth, the achiever of mighty deeds, the god of blooming youth. The young prince abhorred the bloody and foul rites of Baal, Ashtoreth, and Moloch, even as he loved the ideal of strength and purity repre- sented by his mother's god. Before the altar he now bowed, offering flowers and fruit gathered on the way, and calling upon the deity : " O friend of man, for the honour of my father's kingdom and the good of his people, reveal to thy servant the spirit that controls the steeds and guides the ship/' This he repeated many times, giving his soul to prayer. At length, resting his staff upon a rock that overlooked the city, he sat down and remained a long time in earnest meditation. The ordinary pleasures of childhood and youth had little fasci- nation for this remarkable young prince; he was more happy in the council-chamber, the Magian tower, at the crucible of the alchemist, or the forge of the artisan, than in the halls of mirth and feasting. Knowing that if he outlived his father he would one day be king, his mind was filled with schemes for the aggrandisement of the nation and welfare of the people. 42 AT LA. And now he sighed : " Would that I might solve this mystery and become a blessing to the nation, for verily onr people are given to traffic and not to war! Our sailors could thus explore the four quarters of the world, and its treasures would be poured into our bosom." Absorbed in these thoughts, the hours passed unheeded ; he grew drowsy from inaction and the warmth of the sun, and, leaning back against the rock, fell asleep and dreamed. And lo ! the sun- god presents him a cup of gold and an arrow of steel ; with these in his hand, he crosses the deep, until he reaches a land in the far west, where a dreadful storm is raging. In the darkness and danger floats a human form, luminous like a spirit ;. he struggles to reach and rescue it, but wakes with a start, to find the day past and the sun setting. He rose quickly and prepared to descend the mountain, but in taking up the staff, felt it slightly adhere to the rock. Again and again he replaced it, and each time perceived the same dragging sen- sation. Upon closer examination he saw particles of sand and small pebbles whirl after and attach themselves to the point. At this he smiled, and said : H The staff is cer- BEREKLA, DISCOVERER AND INVENTOR. 43 tainly bewitched ; " but instantly, as another thought flashed through his mind, he trembled and sank upon the earth, saying : " This is Bae- tylia, a rock that hath life. Is it not the spirit that controls the ship and the chariot ? M Moved by some sudden intuition, he drew forth the needle he had brought, and, applying it to the point of the staff, saw it stir in his hand and cling to the steel. Overcome with emotion, he fell down before the alter, saying : " Melkarth, thou hast unveiled the mystery ! I am thy servant for ever." The sun's broad disk now dipped in the sea, and, clasping his treasure firmly, Herekla de- scended to the valley. He felt confident that he had discovered a pecu- liar power possible to iron after contact with cer- tain earths or rocks ; but how should he apply this knowledge to the construction of a compass ? He confided his perplexity to no one, for reticence was a strong characteristic of his nature ; but he summoned Dedan, and, after obtaining from him a more detailed description of the instrument used by the foreign sailors, he retired to the solitude of his laboratory and wrought assiduously to repro- 44 ATLA. duce it. After many days of patient toil and many discouraging failures, he at last perfected his invention. The cumbersome float and cup of water was discarded, the needle was suspended upon a delicate pivot, the balance was perfect, and to Herekla's great joy he found that it always pointed to the north. This peculiarity he accepted as a fact, although the cause he could not fathom. Wherever he went, walking or driving, the mag- netic needle was his companion, and by a certain tremulousness he detected a sympathy between it and the self-directing chariot. VIII. THE BREATH OF A STONE. The council again assembled. A great ship was ready for sea; its destination must be determined. The wise men urged that it be sent to the country of the Tsinim, where, by purchase or force, their mysterious power over iron might be learned. The king approved the plan, and a decision was imminent when the young prince modestly asked permission to speak. "Oh, my father, and ye nobles of Cacara, let not anxious thoughts trouble you; neither waste the months in journeying to seek that which lieth at your own door. " Behold the arrow of Baal transfixed in a heart of iron and brought to earth by the hand of Melkarth, the victorious." Throwing open the box, he exclaimed : u I pre- 46 ATLA. sent for your acceptance, the breath of a stone, the spirit of a rock, even that which controls the chariots and ships of the Tsinim." Greatly astonished, King Melek replied : u How can the course of any be guided by this cup ? Prove thy words, my son, and thou shalt be accounted wisest among men/' Then, answered Herekla: "Bandage mine eyes so that I can see nought but the cup in my hand, turn me around many times until all memory of my position is lost, lead me forth from this cham- ber, and I will pursue the pathways of the court, as thou shalt direct." They did according to this plan, and unerringly he crossed the court and walked through grove and garden with eyes close covered, seeing only the cup in his hand. In other ways they tested his ability, and at last the most incredulous were convinced, saying: "The benevolent Melkarth, the friend of youth, hath inspired him ; our ship- masters shall waste no time voyaging to the land of Tsin." The council decreed, that to honour Herekla for this wonderful discovery, he should be made commander of the ports, that he should hold a THE BREATH OF A STONE. , 47 signet of power, and the captains should do his bidding. Being invested with authority, he went to the harbour where the new ship lay, named it the Whale, after that which was lost, appointed Dedan to be the master, gave him the cup of Herekles, instructed him in its use, and issued these orders : " Sail ever to the west ; steer by the cup of Mel- karth ; follow the track of the sun and the stars ; look often to that small star low in the north that has no track ; it neither rises nor sets and changes not ; mayhap it will help thee in time of trouble. Yet neglect not to take in thy ship the customary basket of pigeons; the power of these birds to discern land is wonderful ; they may be of service if the cup should be broken or fail. c c Sail ever to the west ; stay only to replenish the stores of the ship ; pass every island, double every cape, dare every sea, make charts of the same to aid thee on thy return. At last, per- chance thou wilt come to some unknown land, and if the people of that country are friendly, make a treaty of amity, trade with them, inter- change commodities, make them presents, and. after thou hast disposed of thy cargo, which is of 48 ATLA. the abundance of Phoenicia, return by the way thou earnest, trading and dealing honourably by all thou shalt meet on the way, steering ever east by the cup of Melkarth till thou shalt reach this har- bour in peace." Dedan and the sailors applauded the words of the prince, and swore by the gods that control the sun, the moon, and the five planets, that they would keep sacred the commands of Herekla. Then the sails were unfurled, the heavy oars struck the water, the Whale swung from its moor- ings, and, amid the cheers of the multitude that stood upon the shore, it steadily moved out of the harbour, freighted with the treasures of the East. While king and courtier went in state to offer sacrifices of blood in the temples of Baal and Ash- teroth, Herekla repaired alone to the hill where his discovery was made, and watched the white sails till night fell upon the earth, and the wester- ing ship disappeared in the darkness. IX. THE ASTROLOGERS. Two years passed, and in a climate where the energies of nature are most active, Herekla at- tained maturity. By wise preferences in training he had become a true son of Anak, agile and hardy; his form developed into the perfection of manly strength and beauty. Yet he was still simple and severe in habit, grave and quiet in manner, tranquil and serene in disposition, though the rich colour that mounted to his dark cheek and the flash of his piercing eye gave token of a smothered fire that might at any moment burst into a conflagration. But fuel there seemed none, soft sentiments were merged in stern pursuits, his eyes wandered not towards the ladies of the Court, E 50 ATLA. and the king grew anxious lest his son should never wed. Upon Herekla's twentieth birthday Melek sum- moned his wise men and astrologers, to take their advice concerning the welfare of the young prince. After various plans had been proposed, and the council could come to no agreement, Kadmon the Hindu, teacher and friend of Herekla, rose and thus addressed the king : "0 sovereign lord, since thou hast honoured me by a place at thy Court, and, by the secrets of our high Order, hast committed me to thy confi- dence, I have carefully observed the life of our young master, and by methods known only to the descendants of Charmos, father of the Chaldeans,, and by the Magi of that nation communicated to me, I have cast his horoscope." Profound silence fell upon the assembly as Kadmon continued : " king, listen to the voice of the stars ! Thy son shall excel in power and might all who have gone before him; yet a great disaster threatens. Before Baal, the sun-god, shall twice fill the baskets of the vintage, strange and portentous signs shall appear in heaven. The sun and moon TSE ASTROLOGERS. 51 shall be darkened at midday, and Mazzaroth shall blaze forth in splendour from the western sky. To Herekla this is the hour of fate, for, as thou well knowest, Mazzaroth is the star of his nativity. But whether good or ill portend, I swear, by the majesty of the Unnameable One, I know not. The place of the vision was strange, the land heaved like the surges of Cham, darkness fell upon mine eyes, and mine ears were stunned by the roar of mighty waters." * Kadmon paused, the assembled councillors were silent, and the heart of the king was troubled. At length Persep, youngest of the Magi, spoke thus: " Let not my lord, the king, be dismayed. The vision of Kadmon was of a foreign land. At home, in Cacara, our beloved prince will, no doubt, be in safety. Therefore, for two years, the time of the vision, do thou surround him with all delights, and suffer him not to depart from his own country until the danger is past." To this plan the council agreed, and it was so determined. While the wise men were thus deciding his future, Herekla sat alone in a tower upon the E 2 52 ATLA. hill Melkarth, overlooking the sea. The ship, two years ago, confided to the care of Dedaa the Pilot, had not returned, nor yet sent tidings, and fears of disaster oppressed both king and subject, for many a man had friend and fortune in that venture. To Herekla its success was of supreme importance, involving, as it did, the practical utility of his discovery and invention. He had recently contrived a lens which caused distant objects to seem near. By its power he could distinguish every movement of the sailors in the harbour below, and could even read the hiero- glyphs painted upon the vessels. Now long and earnestly, as he had often done before, he swept the vacant line where sea and sky are mingled. He almost ceased to hope ; but, lo ! a white speck dots the horizon — it increases in size ; a vessel is surely approaching. For hours the young prince keeps watch, till at length the outline is discernible through the glass, and he recognises the form of the long absent ship. His heart beats high, the blood rushes through his veins as he swiftly descends to the city, and carries the joyful intelligence to king and Court. THE ASTROLOGERS. 53 The excitement and tumult were unbounded. Everybody hurried to the wharves, where now the colours of the vessel were clearly to be seen. Soon the Whale was safely moored, and Dedan and his comrades received the embrace of their friends. The unlading took place immediately, and great was the wonder as many unfamiliar objects were landed upon the quays; strange birds and beasts, fruits, fabrics, and plants before unknown, even in the abundant marts of these merchants of the world. The night was given to feasting and mirth, but Herekla, anxious to learn the particulars of the voyage, after the ship -master was refreshed, hastened to the audience-chamber of the king, where Dedan related this marvellous story. THE LOTUS LAND. u Soft are the skies of the lotus land, White is the surf that laves the strand, Tall are the waving lotus palms, Dark is the shade of their outstretched arms. Dreamy the life of the mystic band, Steeping each sense in perfume bland, Floating through vapours rainbow spanned, They live and walk in a trance-like sleep ; They hear strange voices call from the deep, And though the sun sinks in the west, They turn not to a place of rest, But softly sing in the dark'ning air, 1 Though other lands of earth are fair, For ever and for ever more, We will dream on the lotus shore.' M "0 king," said Dedan, "as thy soul liveth, our adventures have been wonderful and our dangers great, but the power of Melkarth and his enchanted cup prevailed. "After leaving the port of Cacara, we passed the countries and islands where we are wont to THE LOTUS LAND. 55 trade, and when we had sailed west for many days through the sea of Cham, we came to a strait, where was a fierce conflict between the wind and the sea. We were driven about by the incon- stancy of the elements that contend in this place, until, for want of water, we were forced to land. On one side was a mountainous shore, and on the other a frowning rock of great height. We were nearly wrecked, but after much tossing fell into calm water under the shadow of the rock, and the sails hung idle, though the wind still howled in the sky. We climbed the height, and lo ! to the west was an ocean, gray and misty, with surges a league in length heaving against the sky. " The waters of the sea of Cham are blue, and comparatively quiet, but in these straits they were tumultuous, for the great ocean ever poured itself into the sea, and the wind was contrary. " At this fearful sight the sailors cried out : 4 It is the sea Muhit/ for they knew not what to say. " Then they murmured : € The godsf orbid that we should enter this dangerous ocean; no vessel can withstand its might, even though it escape be- ing dashed upon the rocks/ 5(> ATLA. "But remembering the orders of my lord Herekla : f Sail ever to the west/ when all were asleep I surveyed the harbour from the height, and determined by the needle in which way I could pass out to sea. I then called Karmos the Stead- fast, and the best sailors, and together we weighed anchor, loosened sail and dashed into the strait. The conflict was terrible, but the wind prevailed, and by dawn we were far out at sea. The crew yielded to fate, and after four days' sailing we sighted an island. " The shores were high, and dense with verdure ; snow-capped volcanoes rose majestically against the sky, fair cities dotted the slopes, and orange groves like cloud shadows darkened the plains. "As we drew near, double-prowed boats came out to meet us. They were manned by sailors grand in form and dark in visage. They spoke a diverse language, but when by gesture we signi- fied that our mission was one of peace, they brought us into harbour and ministered to our wants. " Next day ambassadors came from the king of that land, one of whom was a venerable man, Ishma by name, whose features marked him a son THE LOTUS LAND. 57 of Shem. To our joy he addressed us iu the Phoenician language, saying that he was born in Tyrhena, though brought up in Egypt, and taught the science of the priesthood. Many years ago he crossed the great desert that lies to the west of Egypt with a caravan sent out to explore the country beyond. The camels and many of the men died, and the remnant, being unable to re- turn, constructed a rough boat and launched upon a sea which they had discovered, hoping thereby to reach Egypt again. But a storm overtook them, and after much suffering they were rescued by strange sailors and brought to this country, Atlantis it is called, where the king received Ishma with great favour, and after he had acquired the language, made him the royal physician. We told him our story, and he kindly offered his aid. " We were then conveyed through a grand canal to the royal city Atlan. The country is very populous, the inhabitants are darker than we, their foreheads are high and retreating, which gives them a lordly look; their eyes are black, their features regular, but expressive of unrest. " These people are great warriors, and have con- quered many lands ; they are ever busy, and their £8 ATLA. works are mighty, so that we were dumb through astonishment. The streams caused by melting of snows on the volcanoes are gathered into tanks and brought to the cities in aqueducts. These streams not only supply the people with pure water, but irrigate the heated plains, and at night turn great wheels that flood the streets of hewn stone and carry all impurity through the canals into the sea. u On our way to the city we passed a beautiful salt lake called Ziclan, lying among wooded moun- tains ; on its bosom drifted pleasure boats of fanci- ful shape. But the most wonderful object on this inland sea is an artificial island, or Floating Gar- den, built to commemorate the birth of the Prin- cess Astera, only child of the king and heir to . all his grandeur. This Floating Island is green with trees and vines, and gorgeous with flowers, amid which nestles a tower of exceeding beauty, gay with banners and silken sails. "In the city are hanging gardens, towers, palaces, and temples, which exceed those of Chaldea; the carved and molten images are more wonderful than those of Egypt ; the paintings and tapestries outvie those of Tyrhena; the tower of Kohl is TEE LOTUS LAND. 59 greater than that of Belus; in its grand adytum is a colossal image of the sea-god, a pillar of nephyte, and an altar where sacrifices are offered and oracles given once a year. u In this temple we were received by the king, whose name is Kron. He is a tall, grand man, who wears his crown and carries his sceptre right royally. We bowed to the earth before him, and when, by the interpretation of Ishma, we were commanded to rise, we presented the gifts and message of our sovereign lord, Melek Kirgath of the East, who desired to make a treaty of friend- ship with the ruler of this land, and to ask his most gracious favour. " The king approved our suit, and inquired many things concerning my lord Melek and his country. He gave command that we should receive the courtesy due to ambassadors and be nourished at the palace till our return. " After we were dismissed, Ishma instructed us in the laws and customs of the land, and warned us in no way to violate them. He further informed us that Kron, the king, is a beneficent ruler and mindful of the good of his subjects ; but bade us beware of Thalok, the high-priest of the Sun-Ser- 60 ATLA. pent, a foul and cruel deity, worshipped by many of the people. Though the laws were originally well observed, through the machinations of this wicked and powerful man, innovations have crept in, abominable rites are practised, crime and ini- quity are legalised under cover of the sacerdotal office. These practices are abhorred by Ishma, who worships the God of his father Shem. " I had left the royal presence rejoicing at my good fortune in finding a countryman and in being permitted to see this unknown land. I hoped, after examining its wonders and concluding a treaty with the king, to bring our vessel speedily homeward and lay much treasure at the feet of my lord. But soon a soft languor crept over me, a dreamy forgetfulness took possession of my soul. I cared no longer to traffic or even observe the strange sights around me. I went no more to the harbour where my ship was lying, I had no memory of friends or country, but I longed for the fruits around me, and would abide in that land for ever. None save my comrades observed this change, until one day Ishma, the physician, came to me with a message. (( ( Oh, Dedan/ he said, ' I bring you good THE LOTUS LAND. 61 tidings. Kron the Magnificent gives thee his favour and grants an audience, for he is about to return thee to thy country with gifts and tokens for thy master/