"I find," I replied, "in my own world that every religion and every form of occult mysticism, nay10, every science, in its own way and within its own range, attaches great importance to symbols in themselves apparently arbitrary. Experience shows that these, symbols often contain a clue to more than they were originally meant to convey, and can be employed in reasonings far beyond the grasp of those who first invented or adopted them. That a body like the Zinta could be held together without ceremonial and without formalities, which, if they had no other value, would have the attraction of secresy and exclusiveness, seems obviously impossible."
Here our host rejoined us. We passed into the gallery, where several persons were awaiting us; the men for the most part wearing a small vizor dependent from the turban, which concealed11 their faces; the women all, without exception, closely veiled. As soon as Esmo appeared, the party formed themselves into a sort of procession two and two. Motioning me to take the last place, Esmo passed himself to its head. If the figure beside me were not at once recognised, I could not mistake the touch of the hand that stole into my own. The lights in the gallery were extinguished, and then I perceived a lamp held at the end of a wand of crystal, which gleamed above Esmo's head, and sufficed to guide us, giving light enough to direct our footsteps and little more. Perhaps this half-darkness, the twilight12 which gave a certain air of mystery to the scene and of uncertainty13 to the forms of objects encountered on our route, had its own purpose. We reached very soon the end of the gallery, and then the procession turned and passed suddenly into another chamber15, apparently narrow, but so faintly lighted by the lamp in our leader's hands that its dimensions were matter of mere16 conjecture17. That we were descending18 a somewhat steep incline I was soon aware; and when we came again on to level ground I felt sure that we were passing through a gallery cut in natural rock. The light was far too dim to enable me to distinguish any openings in the walls; but the procession constantly lengthened19, though it was impossible to see where and when new members joined. Suddenly the light disappeared. I stood still for a moment in surprise, and when I again went forward I became speedily conscious that all our companions had vanished, and that we stood alone in utter darkness. Fearing to lead Eveena further where my own steps were absolutely uncertain, I paused for some time, and with little difficulty decided20 to remain where I was, until something should afford an indication of the purpose of those who had brought us so far, and who must know, if they had not actual means of observing, that in darkness and solitude21 I should not venture to proceed.
Presently, as gradually as in Northern climates the night passes into morning twilight, the darkness became less absolute. Whence the light came it was impossible to perceive. Diffused22 all around and slowly broadening, it just enabled me to discern a few paces before us the verge23 of a gulf24. This might have been too shallow for inconvenience, it might have been deep enough for danger. I waited till my eyes should be able to penetrate25 its interior; but before the light entered it I perceived, apparently growing across it, really coming gradually into view under the brightening gleam, a species of bridge which—when the twilight ceased to increase, and remained as dim as that cast by the crescent moon—assumed the outline of a slender trunk supported by wings, dark for the most part but defined along the edge by a narrow band of brightest green, visible in a gleam too faint to show any object of a deeper shade. Somewhat impatient of the obvious symbolism, I hurried Eveena forward. Immediately on the other side of the bridge the path turned almost at right angles; and here a gleam of light ahead afforded a distinct guidance to our steps. Approaching it, we were challenged, and I gave the answer with which I had been previously26 furnished; an answer which may not be, as it never has been, written down. A door parted and admitted us into a small vestibule, at the other end of which a full and bright light streamed through a portal of translucent27 crystal. A sentinel, armed only with the antiquated28 spear which may have been held by his first predecessor29 in office ten thousand Martial30 years ago, now demanded our names. Mine he simply repeated, but as I gave that of Eveena, daughter of Esmo, he lowered his weapon in the salute31 still traditional among Martial sentries32; and bending his head, touched with his lips the long sleeve of the cloak of therne-down in which she was on this occasion again enveloped33. This homage34 appeared to surprise her almost as much as myself, but we had no leisure for observation or inquiry35. From behind the crystal door another challenge was uttered. To this it was the sentry's part to reply, and as he answered the door parted; that at the other end of the vestibule having, I observed, closed as we entered, and so closed that its position was undiscoverable. Before us opened a hall of considerable size, consisting of three distinct vaults36, defined by two rows of pillars, slender shafts37 resembling tall branchless trees, the capital of each being formed by a branching head like that of the palm. The trunks were covered with golden scales; the fern-like foliage38 at the summit was of a bright sparkling emerald. It was evident to my observation that the entire hall had been excavated39 from solid rock, and the pillars left in their places. Each of the side aisles41, if I may so call them, was occupied by four rows of seats similarly carved in the natural stone; but lined after Martial fashion, with cushions embroidered42 in feathers and metals, and covered by woven fabrics43 finer than any known to the looms44 of Lyons or Cashmere. About two-thirds of the seats were occupied; those to the right as we entered (that is, on the left of the dais at the end of the hall) by men, those opposite by women. All, I observed, rose for a moment as Eveena's name was announced, from the further end of the hall, by the foremost of three or four persons vested in silver, with belts of the crimson45 metal which plays the part of our best-tempered steel, and bearing in their hands wands of a rose-coloured jewel resembling a clouded onyx in all but the hue46. Each of them wore over his dress a band or sash of gold, fastened on the left shoulder and descending to the belt on the right, much resembling the ribbons of European knighthood. These supported on the left breast a silver star, or heraldic mullet, of six points. Throughout the rest of the assembly a similar but smaller star glimmered47 on every breast, supported, however, by green or silver bands, the former worn by the body of the assembly, the latter by a few persons gathered together for the most part at the upper end of the chamber…. The chief who had first addressed us bade us pass on, and we left the Hall of the Novitiate as accepted members of the Order…. That into which we next entered was so dark that its form and dimensions were scarcely defined to my eyes. I supposed it, however, to be circular, surmounted48 by a dome49 resembling in colour the olive green Martial sky and spangled by stars, among which I discerned one or two familiar constellations51, but most distinctly, brightened far beyond its natural brilliancy, the arch of the Via Lactea. Presently, not on any apparent sheet or screen but as in the air before us, appeared a narrow band of light crossing the entire visible space. It resembled a rope twisted of three strands53, two of a deep dull hue, the one apparently orange, the other brown or crimson, contrasting the far more brilliant emerald strand52 that formed the third portion of the threefold cord. I had learnt by this time that metallic54 cords so twined serve in Mars most of the uses for which chains are employed on Earth, and I assumed that this symbol possessed55 the significance which poetry or ritual might attach to the latter.
This cord or band retained its position throughout, crossing the dark background of the scenes now successively presented, each of which melted into its successor—rapidly, but so gradually that there was never a distinct point of division, a moment at which it was possible to say that any new feature was first introduced.
A bright mist of various colours intermixed in inextricable confusion, an image of chaos56 but for the dim light reflected from all the particles, filled a great part of the space before us, but the cord was still discernible in the background. Presently, a bright rose-coloured point of light, taking gradually the form of an Eye, appeared above the cord and beyond the mist; and, emanating57 from it, a ray of similar light entered the motionless vapour. Then a movement, whose character it was not easy to discern, but which constantly became more and more evidently rhythmical58 and regular, commenced in the mist. Within a few moments the latter had dissolved, leaving in its place the semblance59 of stars, star-clusters, and golden nebulae, as dim and confused as that in the sword-belt of Orion, or as well defined as any of those called by astronomers61 planetary. "What seest thou?" said a voice whose very direction I could not recognise.
"Cosmos62 evolved out of confusion by Law; Law emanating from Supreme63
Wisdom and irresistible64 Will."
"And in the triple band?"
"The continuity of Time and Space preserved by the continuity of Law, and controlled by the Will that gave Law."
While I spoke65 a single nebula60 grew larger, brighter, and filled the entire space given throughout to the pictures presented to us; stars and star-clusters gradually fading away into remoter distance. This nebula, of spherical66 shape—formed of coarser particles than the previous mist, and reflecting or radiating a more brilliant effulgence—was in rapid whirling motion. It flattened67 into the form of a disc, apparently almost circular, of considerable depth or thickness, visibly denser68 in the centre and thinner towards the rounded edge. Presently it condensed and contracted, leaving at each of the several intervals69 a severed71 ring. Most of these rings broke up, their fragments conglomerated and forming a sphere; one in particular separating into a multitude of minuter spheres, others assuming a highly elliptical form, condensing here and thinning out there; while the central mass grew brighter and denser as it contracted; till there lay before me a perfect miniature of the solar system, with planets, satellites, asteroids72, and meteoric73 rings.
"What seest thou?" again I heard.
"Intelligence directing Will, and Will by Law developing the microcosm of which this world is one of the smallest parts."
The orb74 which represented Mars stood still in the centre of the space, and this orb soon occupied the whole area. It assumed at first the form of a vast vaporous globe; then contracted to a comparatively small sphere, glowing as if more than red-hot, and leaving as it contracted two tiny balls revolving75 round their primary. The latter gradually faded till it gave out no light but that which from some unseen source was cast upon it, one-half consequently contrasting in darkness the reflected brightness of the other. Ere long it presented the appearance of sea and land, of cloud, of snow, and ice, and became a perfect image of the Martial sphere. Then it gave place to a globe of water alone, within which the processes of crystallisation, as exhibited first in its simpler then in its more complicated forms, were beautifully represented. Then there appeared, I knew not how, but seemingly developed by the same agency and in the same manner as the crystals, a small transparent77 sphere within the watery78 globe, containing itself a spherical nucleus79. From this were evolved gradually two distinct forms, one resembling very much some of the simplest of those transparent creatures which the microscope exhibits to us in the water drop, active, fierce, destructive in their scale of size and life as the most powerful animals of the sea and land. The other was a tiny fragment of tissue, gradually shaping itself into the simplest and smallest specimens80 of vegetable life. The watery globe disappeared, and these two were left alone. From each gradually emerged, growing in size, complexity81, and distinctness, one form after another of higher organisation82.
"What seest thou?"
"Life called out of lifelessness by Law."
Again, so gradually that no step of the process could be separately distinguished83, formed a panorama84 of vegetable and animal life; a landscape in which appeared some dozen primal85 shapes of either kingdom. Each of these gradually dissolved, passing by slow degrees into several higher or more perfect shapes, till there stood before our eyes a picture of life as it exists at present; and Man in its midst, more obviously even than on Earth, dominating and subduing86 the fellow-creatures of whom he is lord. From which of the innumerable animal forms that had been presented to us in the course of these transmutations this supreme form had arisen, I did not note or cannot remember. But that no true ape appeared among them, I do distinctly recollect87, having been on the watch for the representation of such an epoch88 in the pictured history.
What was now especially noteworthy was that, solid as they appeared, each form was in some way transparent. From the Emblem89 before mentioned a rose-coloured light pervaded90 the scene; scarcely discernible in the general atmosphere, faintly but distinctly traceable in every herb, shrub91, and tree, more distinguishable and concentrated in each animal. But in plant or animal the condensed light was never separated and individualised, never parted from, though obviously gathered and agglomerated92 out of, the generally diffused rosy93 sheen that tinged94 the entire landscape. It was as though the rose-coloured light formed an atmosphere which entered and passed freely through the tissues of each animal and plant, but brightened and deepened in those portions which at any moment pervaded any organised shape, while it flowed freely in and out of all. The concentration was most marked, the connection with the diffused atmosphere least perceptible, in those most intelligent creatures, like the amba and carve, which in the service of man appear to have acquired a portion of human intelligence. But turning to the type of Man himself, the light within his body had assumed the shape of the frame it filled and appeared to animate95. In him the rose-coloured image which exactly corresponded to the body that encased it was perfectly96 individualised, and had no other connection with the remainder of the light than that it appeared to emanate97 and to be fed from the original source. As I looked, the outward body dissolved, the image of rosy light stood alone, as human and far more beautiful than before, rose upward, and passed away.
"What seest thou?" was uttered in an even more earnest and solemn tone than heretofore.
"Life," I said, "physical and spiritual; the one sustained by the other, the spiritual emanating from the Source of Life, pervading98 all living forms, affording to each the degree of individuality and of intelligence needful to it, but in none forming an individual entity99 apart from the race, save in Man himself; and in Man forming the individual being, whereof the flesh is but the clothing and the instrument."
The whole scene suddenly vanished in total darkness; only again in one direction a gleam of light appeared, and guided us to a portal through which we entered another long and narrow passage, terminating in a second vestibule before a door of emerald crystal, brilliantly illuminated100 by a light within. Here, again, our steps were arrested. The door was guarded by two sentries, in whom I recognised Initiates102 of the Order, wearers of the silver sash and star. The password and sign, whispered to me as we left the Hall of the Novitiate, having been given, the door parted and exposed to our view the inmost chamber, a scene calculated to strike the eye and impress the mind not more by its splendour and magnificence than by the unexpected character it displayed. It represented a garden, but the boundaries were concealed by the branching trees, the arches of flowering creepers, the thickets103 of flowers, shrubs104, and tall reeds, which in every direction imitated so perfectly the natural forms that the closest scrutiny105 would have been required to detect their artificiality. The general form, however, seemed to be that of a square entered by a very short, narrow passage, and divided by broad paths, forming a cross of equal arms. At the central point of this cross was placed on a pedestal of emerald a statue in gold, which recalled at once the features of the Founder. The space might have accommodated two thousand persons, but on the seats—of a material resembling ivory, each of them separately formed and gathered in irregular clusters—there were not, I thought, more than four hundred or five hundred men and women intermingled; the former dressed for the most part in green, the latter in pink or white, and all wearing the silver band and star. At the opposite end, closing the central aisle40, was a low narrow platform raised by two steps carved out of the natural rock, but inlaid with jewellery imitating closely the variegated106 turf of a real garden. On this were placed, slanting107 backward towards the centre, two rows of six golden seats or thrones, whose occupants wore the golden band over silver robes. That next the interval70, but to the left, was filled by Esmo, who to my surprise wore a robe of white completely covering his figure, and contrasting signally the golden sash to which his star was attached. On his left arm, bare below the elbow, I noticed a flat thick band of plain gold, with an emerald seal, bearing the same proportion to the bracelet108 as a large signet to its finger ring. What struck me at once as most remarkable109 was, that the seats on the dais and the forms of their occupiers were signally relieved against a background of intense darkness, whose nature, however, I could not discern. The roof was in form a truncated110 pyramid; its material a rose-coloured crystal, through which a clear soft light illuminated the whole scene. Across the floor of the entrance, immediately within the portal, was a broad band of the same crystal, marking the formal threshold of the Hall. Immediately inside this stood the same Chief who had received us in the former Hall; and as we stood at the door, stretching forth111 his left hand, he spoke, or rather chanted, what, by the rhythmical sequence of the words, by the frequent recurrence112 of alliteration113 and irregular rhyme, was evidently a formula committed to the verse of the Martial tongue: a formula, like all those of the Order, never written, but handed down by memory, and therefore, perhaps, cast in a shape which rendered accurate remembrance easier and more certain.
"Ye who, lost in outer night,
Reach at last the Source of Light,
Ask ye in that light to dwell?
None we urge and none repel114;
Opens at your touch the door,
Bright within the lamp of lore115.
Yet beware! The threshold passed,
Fixed116 the bond, the ball is cast.
Failing heart or faltering117 feet
Find nor pardon nor retreat.
Loyal faith hath guerdon given
Boundless118 as the star-sown Heaven;
Horror fathomless119 and gloom
Rayless veil the recreant's doom120.
Warned betimes, in time beware—Freely
turn, or frankly121 swear."
"What am I to swear?" I asked.
A voice on my left murmured in a low tone the formula, which I repeated, Eveena accompanying my words in an almost inaudible whisper—
"Whatsoe'er within the Shrine122
Eyes may see or soul divine,
Swear we secret as the deep,
Silent as the Urn14 to keep.
By the Light we claim to share,
By the Fount of Light, we swear."
As these words were uttered, I became aware that some change had taken place at the further end of the Hall. Looking up, the dark background had disappeared, and under a species of deep archway, behind the seats of the Chiefs, was visible a wall diapered in ruby123 and gold, and displaying in various interwoven patterns the several symbols of the Zinta. Towards the roof, exactly in the centre, was a large silver star, emitting a light resembling that which the full moon sheds on a tropical scene, but far more brilliant. Around this was a broad golden circle or band; and beneath, the silver image of a serpent—perfectly reproducing a typical terrestrial snake, but coiled, as no snake ever coils itself, in a double circle or figure of eight, with the tail wound around the neck. On the left was a crimson shield or what seemed to be such, small, round, and swelling124 in the centre into a sharp point; on the right three crossed spears of silver with crimson blades pointed125 upward. But the most remarkable object—immediately filling the interval between the seats of the Chiefs, and carved from a huge cubic block of emerald—was a Throne, ascended126 on each side by five or six steps, the upper step or seat extending nearly across the whole some two feet below the surface, the next forming a footstool thereto. Above this was a canopy127, seemingly self-supported, of circular form. A chain formed by interlaced golden circles was upheld by four great emerald wings. Within the chain, again, was the silver Serpent, coiled as before and resting upon a surface of foliage and flowers. In the centre of all was repeated the silver Star within the golden band; the emblem from which the Order derives128 its name, and in which it embodies129 its deepest symbolism. Following again the direction of my unseen prompter, I repeated words which may be roughly translated as follows:—
"By the outer Night of gloom,
By the ray that leads us home,
By the Light we claim to share,
By the Fount of Light, we swear.
Prompt obedience130, heart and hand,
To the Signet's each command:
For the Symbols, reverence131 mute,
In the Sense faith absolute.
Link by link to weld the Chain,
Link with link to bear the strain;
Cherish all the Star who wear,
As the Starlight's self—we swear.
By the Life the Light to prove,
In the Circle's bound to move;
Underneath132 the all-seeing Eye
Act, nor speak, nor think the lie;
Live, as warned that Life shall last,
And the Future reap the Past:
Clasp in faith the Serpent's rings,
Trust through death the Emerald Wings,
Hand and voice we plight133 the Oath:
Fade the life ere fail the troth!"
Rising from his seat and standing134 immediately before and to the left of the Throne, Esmo replied. But before he had spoken half-a-dozen words, a pressure on my arm drew my eyes from him to Eveena. She stood fixed as if turned to stone, in an attitude which for one fleeting135 instant recalled that of the sculptured figures undergoing sudden petrifaction136 at the sight of the Gorgon's head. This remembered resemblance, or an instinctive137 sympathy, at once conveyed to me the consciousness that the absolute stillness of her attitude expressed a horror or an awe too deep for trembling. Looking into her eyes, which alone were visible, their gaze fixed intently on the Throne, at once caught and controlled my own; and raising my eyes again to the same point, I stood almost equally petrified138 by consternation139 and amazement140. I need not say how many marvels141 of no common character I have seen on Earth; how many visions that, if I told them, none who have not shared them would believe; wonders that the few who have seen them can never forget, nor—despite all experience and all theoretical explanation—recall without renewing the thrill of awe-stricken dismay with which the sight was first beheld143. But no marvel142 of the Mystic Schools, no spectral144 scene, objective or subjective145, ever evoked146 by the rarest of occult powers, so startled, so impressed me as what I now saw, or thought I saw. The Throne, on which but a few moments before my eyes had been steadily147 fixed, and which had then assuredly been vacant, was now occupied; and occupied by a Presence which, though not seen in the flesh for ages, none who had ever looked on the portrait that represented it could forget or mistake. The form, the dress, the long white hair and beard, the grave, dignified148 countenance149, above all the deep, scrutinising, piercing eyes of the Founder—as I had seen them on a single occasion in Esmo's house—were now as clearly, as forcibly, presented to my sight as any figure in the flesh I ever beheld. The eyes were turned on me with a calm, searching, steady gaze, whose effect was such as Southey ascribes to Indra's:—
"The look he gave was solemn, not severe;
No hope to Kailyal it conveyed,
And yet it struck no fear."
For a moment they rested on Eveena's veiled and drooping150 figure with a widely different expression. That look, as I thought, spoke a grave but passionless regret or pity, as of one who sees a child unconsciously on the verge of peril151 or sorrow that admits neither of warning nor rescue. That look happily she did not read; but we both saw the same object and in the same instant; we both stood amazed and appalled152 long enough to render our hesitation153 not only apparent, but striking to all around, many of whom, following the direction of my gaze, turned their eyes upon the Throne. What they saw or did not see I know not, and did not then care to think. The following formula, pronounced by Esmo, had fallen not unheard, but almost unheeded on my ears, though one passage harmonised strangely with the sight before me:—
"Passing sign and fleeting breath
Bind154 the Soul for life and death!
Lifted hand and plighted155 word
Eyes have seen and ears have heard;
Eyes have seen—nor ours alone;
Fell the sound on ears unknown.
Age-long labour, strand by strand,
Forged the immemorial band;
Never thread hath known decay,
Never link hath dropped away."
Here he paused and beckoned156 us to advance. The sign, twice repeated before I could obey it, at last broke the spell that enthralled157 me. Under the most astounding158 or awe-striking circumstances, instinct moves our limbs almost in our own despite, and leads us to do with paralysed will what has been intended or is expected of us. This instinct, and no conscious resolve to overcome the influence that held me spell-bound, enabled me to proceed; and I led Eveena forward by actual if gentle force, till we reached the lower step of the platform. Here, at a sign from her father, we knelt, while, laying his hands on our heads, and stooping to kiss each upon the brow—Eveena raising her veil for one moment and dropping it again—he continued—
"So we greet you evermore,
Brethren of the deathless Lore;
So your vows our own renew,
Sworn to all as each to you.
Yours at once the secrets won
Age by age, from sire to son;
Yours the fruit through countless159 years
Grown by thought and toil160 and tears.
He who guards you guards his own,
He who fails you fails the Throne."
The last two lines were repeated, as by a simultaneous impulse, in a low but audible tone by the whole assembly. In the meantime Esmo had invested each of us with the symbol of our enrolment in the Zinta, the silver sash and Star of the Initiates. The ceremonial seemed to me to afford that sort of religious sanction and benediction161 which had been so signally wanting to the original form of our union. As we rose I turned my eyes for a moment upon the Throne, now vacant as at first. Another Chief, followed by the voices of the assembly, repeated, in a low deep tone, which fell on our ears as distinctly as the loudest trumpet-note in the midst of absolute silence, the solemn imprecation—
"Who denies a brother's need,
Who in will, or word, or deed,
Breaks the Circle's bounded line,
Rends162 the Veil that guards the Shrine,
Lifts the hand to lips that lie,
Fronts the Star with soothless eye:—.
Dreams of horror haunt his rest,
Storms of madness vex163 his breast,
Snares164 surround him, Death beset165,
Man forsake—and God forget!"
It was probably rather the tone of profound conviction and almost tremulous awe with which these words were slowly enunciated166 by the entire assemblage, than their actual sense, though the latter is greatly weakened by my translation, that gave them an effect on my own mind such as no oath and no rite5, however solemn, no religious ceremonial, no forms of the most secret mysteries, had ever produced. I was not surprised that Eveena was far more deeply affected167. Even the earlier words of the imprecation had caused her to shudder168; and ere it closed she would have sunk to the ground, but for the support of my arm. Disengaging the bracelet, Esmo held out to our lips the signet, which, as I now perceived, reproduced in miniature the symbols that formed the canopy above the throne. A few moments of deep and solemn silence had elapsed, when one of the Chiefs, who, except Esmo, had now resumed their seats, rose, and addressing himself to the latter, said—
"The Initiate101 has shown in the Hall of the Vision a knowledge of the sense embodied170 in our symbols, of the creed171 and thoughts drawn172 from them, which he can hardly have learned in the few hours that have elapsed since you first spoke to him of their existence. If there be not in his world those who have wrought173 out for themselves similar truths in not dissimilar forms, he must possess a rare and almost instinctive power to appreciate the lessons we can teach. I will ask your permission, therefore, to put to him but one question, and that the deepest and most difficult of all."
Esmo merely bent174 his head in reply.
"Can you," said the speaker, turning to me with marked courtesy, "draw meaning or lesson from the self-entwined coil of the Serpent?"
I need not repeat an answer which, to those familiar with the oldest language of Terrestrial symbolism, would have occurred as readily as to myself; and which, if they could understand it, it would not be well to explain to others. The three principal elements of thought represented by the doubly-coiled serpent are the same in Mars as on Earth, confirming in so far the doctrine175 of the Zinta, that their symbolic176 language is not arbitrary, but natural, formed on principles inherent in the correspondence between things spiritual and physical. Some similar but trivial query177, whose purport178 I have now forgotten, was addressed by the junior of the Chiefs to Eveena; and I was struck by the patient courtesy with which he waited till, after two or three efforts, she sufficiently179 recovered her self-possession to understand and her voice to answer. We then retired180, taking our place on seats remote from the platform, and at some distance from any of our neighbours.
On a formal invitation, one after another of the brethren rose and read a brief account of some experiment or discovery in the science of the Order. The principles taken for granted as fundamental and notorious truths far transcend181 the extremest speculations182 of Terrestrial mysticism. The powers claimed as of course so infinitely183 exceed anything alleged184 by the most ardent185 believers in mesmerism, clairvoyance186, or spiritualism, that it would be useless to relate the few among these experiments which I remember and might be permitted to repeat. I observed that a phonographic apparatus187 of a peculiarly elaborate character wrote down every word of these accounts without obliging the speakers to approach it; and I was informed that this automatic reporting is employed in every Martial assembly, scientific, political, or judicial188.
I listened with extreme interest, and was more than satisfied that Esmo had even underrated the powers claimed by and for the lowest and least intelligent of his brethren, when he said that these, and these alone, could give efficient protection or signal vengeance189 against all the tremendous physical forces at command of those State authorities, one of the greatest of whom I had made my personal enemy. One battalion190 of Martial guards or police, accompanied by a single battery of what I may call their artillery191, might, even without the aid of a balloon-squadron, in half-an-hour annihilate192 or scatter193 to the winds the mightiest194 and bravest army that Europe could send forth. Yet the Martial State had deliberately195, and, I think, with only a due prudence196, shrunk during ages from an open conflict of power with the few thousand members of this secret but inevitably197 suspected organisation.
Esmo called on me in my turn to give such account as I might choose of my own world, and my journey thence. I frankly avowed198 my indisposition to explain the generation and action of the apergic force. The power which a concurrent199 knowledge of two separate kinds of science had given to a very few Terrestrials, and which all the science of a far more enlightened race had failed to attain200, was in my conscientious201 conviction a Providential trust; withheld202 from those in whose hands it might be a fearful temptation and an instrument of unbounded evil. My reserve was perfectly intelligible203 to the Children of the Star, and evidently raised me in their estimation. I was much impressed by the simple and unaffected reliance placed on my statements, as on those of every other member of the Order. As a rule, Martialists are both, and not without reason, to believe any unsupported statement that might be prompted by interest or vanity. But the Zveltau can trust one another's word more fully76 than the followers204 of Mahomet that of his strictest disciples205, or the most honest nations of the West the most solemn oaths of their citizens; while that bigotry206 of scientific unbelief, that narrowness of thought which prevails among their countrymen, has been dispelled207 by their wider studies and loftier interests. They have a saying, whose purport might be rendered in the proverbial language of the Aryans by saying that the liar50 "kills the goose that lays the golden eggs." Again, "The liar is like an opiatised tunneller" (miner), i.e., more likely to blow himself to pieces than to effect his purpose. Again, "The liar drives the point into a friend's heart, and puts the hilt into a foe's hand." The maxim208 that "a lie is a shield in sore need, but the spear of a scoundrel," affirms the right in extremity209 to preserve a secret from impertinent inquisitiveness210. Rarely, but on some peculiarly important occasions, the Zveltau avouch211 their sincerity212 by an appeal to their own symbols; and it is affirmed that an oath attested213 by the Circle and the Star has never, in the lapse169 of ages, been broken or evaded214.
Before midnight Esmo dismissed the assembly by a formula which dimly recalled to memory one heard in my boyhood. It is not in the power of my translation to preserve the impressive solemnity of the immemorial ritual of the Zinta, deepened alike by the earnestness of its delivery, and the reverence of the hearers. There was something majestic215 in the mere antiquity of a liturgy216 whereof no word has ever been committed to writing. Five hundred generations have, it is alleged, gathered four times in each year in the Hall of Initiation217; and every meeting has been concluded by the utterance218 from the same spot and in the same words of the solemn but simple Zulvakalfe [word of peace]:—
"Peace be with you, near and far,
Children of the Silver Star;
Lore undoubting, conscience clean,
Hope assured, and life serene219.
By the Light that knows no flaw,
By the Circle's perfect law,
By the Serpent's life renewed,
By the Wings' similitude—
Peace be yours no force can break;
Peace not death hath power to shake;
Peace from passion, sin, and gloom,
Peace of spirit, heart, and home;
Peace from peril, fear, and pain;
Peace, until we meet again—
Meet—before yon sculptured stone,
Or the All-Commander's Throne."
Before we finally parted, Esmo gave me two or three articles to which he attached especial value. The most important of these was a small cube of translucent stone, in which a multitude of diversely coloured fragments were combined; so set in a tiny swivel or swing of gold that it might be conveniently attached to the watch-chain, the only Terrestrial article that I still wore. "This," he said, "will test nearly every poison known to our science; each poison discolouring for a time one or another of the various substances of which it is composed; and poison is perhaps the weapon least unlikely to be employed against you when known to be connected with myself, and, I will hope, to possess the favour of the Sovereign. If you are curious to verify its powers, the contents of the tiny medicine-chest I have given you will enable you to do so. There is scarcely one of those medicines which is not a single or a combined poison of great power. I need not warn you to be careful lest you give to any one the means of reaching them. I have shown you the combination of magnets which will open each of your cases; that demanded by the chest is the most complicated of all, and one which can hardly be hit upon by accident. Nor can any one force or pick open a case locked by our electric apparatus, save by cutting to pieces the metal of the case itself, and this only special tools will accomplish; and, unless peculiarly skilful220, the intruder would 'probably be maimed or paralysed, if not killed by …
"Thoughts he sends to each planet,
Uranus221, Venus, and Mars;
Soars to the Centre to span it,
Numbers the infinite Stars."
Courthope's Paradise of Birds
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1
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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2
antiquity
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| n.古老；高龄；古物，古迹 | |
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3
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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4
vows
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| 誓言( vow的名词复数 )； 郑重宣布，许愿 | |
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5
rite
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| n.典礼，惯例，习俗 | |
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6
rites
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| 仪式，典礼( rite的名词复数 ) | |
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7
awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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8
Founder
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| n.创始者，缔造者 | |
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9
ciphers
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| n.密码( cipher的名词复数 )；零；不重要的人；无价值的东西 | |
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10
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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11
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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12
twilight
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| n.暮光，黄昏；暮年，晚期，衰落时期 | |
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13
uncertainty
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| n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物 | |
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14
urn
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| n.（有座脚的）瓮；坟墓；骨灰瓮 | |
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15
chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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16
mere
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| adj.纯粹的；仅仅，只不过 | |
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17
conjecture
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| n./v.推测，猜测 | |
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18
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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19
lengthened
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| （时间或空间）延长，伸长( lengthen的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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20
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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21
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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22
diffused
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| 散布的，普及的，扩散的 | |
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23
verge
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| n.边，边缘；v.接近，濒临 | |
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24
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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25
penetrate
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| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
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26
previously
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| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
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27
translucent
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| adj.半透明的；透明的 | |
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28
antiquated
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| adj.陈旧的，过时的 | |
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29
predecessor
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| n.前辈，前任 | |
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30
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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31
salute
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| vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮 | |
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32
sentries
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| 哨兵，步兵( sentry的名词复数 ) | |
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33
enveloped
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| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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34
homage
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| n.尊敬，敬意，崇敬 | |
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35
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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36
vaults
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| n.拱顶( vault的名词复数 )；地下室；撑物跳高；墓穴 | |
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37
shafts
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| n.轴( shaft的名词复数 )；（箭、高尔夫球棒等的）杆；通风井；一阵（疼痛、害怕等） | |
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38
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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39
excavated
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| v.挖掘( excavate的过去式和过去分词 )；开凿；挖出；发掘 | |
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40
aisle
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| n.（教堂、教室、戏院等里的）过道，通道 | |
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41
aisles
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| n. (席位间的)通道, 侧廊 | |
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42
embroidered
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| adj．绣花的 | |
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43
fabrics
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| 织物( fabric的名词复数 )； 布； 构造； （建筑物的）结构（如墙、地面、屋顶）：质地 | |
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44
looms
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| n.织布机( loom的名词复数 )v.隐约出现，阴森地逼近( loom的第三人称单数 )；隐约出现，阴森地逼近 | |
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45
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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46
hue
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| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
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47
glimmered
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| v.发闪光，发微光( glimmer的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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48
surmounted
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| 战胜( surmount的过去式和过去分词 )； 克服（困难）； 居于…之上； 在…顶上 | |
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49
dome
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| n.圆屋顶，拱顶 | |
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50
liar
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| n.说谎的人 | |
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51
constellations
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| n.星座( constellation的名词复数 )；一群杰出人物；一系列（相关的想法、事物）；一群（相关的人） | |
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52
strand
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| vt.使（船）搁浅，使（某人）困于（某地） | |
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53
strands
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| n.（线、绳、金属线、毛发等的）股( strand的名词复数 )；缕；海洋、湖或河的)岸；（观点、计划、故事等的）部份v.使滞留，使搁浅( strand的第三人称单数 ) | |
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54
metallic
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| adj.金属的；金属制的；含金属的；产金属的；像金属的 | |
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55
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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56
chaos
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| n.混乱，无秩序 | |
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57
emanating
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| v.从…处传出，传出( emanate的现在分词 )；产生，表现，显示 | |
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58
rhythmical
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| adj.有节奏的，有韵律的 | |
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59
semblance
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| n.外貌，外表 | |
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60
nebula
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| n.星云，喷雾剂 | |
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61
astronomers
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| n.天文学者，天文学家( astronomer的名词复数 ) | |
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62
cosmos
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| n.宇宙；秩序，和谐 | |
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63
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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64
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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65
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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66
spherical
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| adj.球形的；球面的 | |
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67
flattened
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| [医]（水）平扁的，弄平的 | |
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68
denser
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| adj. 不易看透的, 密集的, 浓厚的, 愚钝的 | |
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69
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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70
interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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71
severed
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| v.切断，断绝( sever的过去式和过去分词 )；断，裂 | |
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72
asteroids
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| n.小行星( asteroid的名词复数 )；海盘车，海星 | |
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73
meteoric
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| adj.流星的，转瞬即逝的，突然的 | |
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74
orb
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| n.太阳；星球；v.弄圆；成球形 | |
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75
revolving
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| adj.旋转的，轮转式的；循环的v.（使）旋转( revolve的现在分词 )；细想 | |
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76
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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77
transparent
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| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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78
watery
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| adj.有水的，水汪汪的；湿的，湿润的 | |
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79
nucleus
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| n.核，核心，原子核 | |
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80
specimens
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| n.样品( specimen的名词复数 )；范例；（化验的）抽样；某种类型的人 | |
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81
complexity
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| n.复杂(性)，复杂的事物 | |
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82
organisation
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| n.组织，安排，团体，有机休 | |
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83
distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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84
panorama
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| n.全景，全景画，全景摄影，全景照片[装置] | |
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85
primal
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| adj.原始的；最重要的 | |
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86
subduing
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| 征服( subdue的现在分词 )； 克制； 制服； 色变暗 | |
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87
recollect
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| v.回忆，想起，记起，忆起，记得 | |
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88
epoch
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| n.(新)时代；历元 | |
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89
emblem
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| n.象征，标志；徽章 | |
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90
pervaded
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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91
shrub
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| n.灌木，灌木丛 | |
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92
agglomerated
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| 团聚颗粒 | |
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93
rosy
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| adj.美好的，乐观的，玫瑰色的 | |
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94
tinged
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| v.（使）发丁丁声( ting的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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95
animate
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| v.赋于生命，鼓励；adj.有生命的，有生气的 | |
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96
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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97
emanate
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| v.发自，来自，出自 | |
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98
pervading
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| v.遍及，弥漫( pervade的现在分词 ) | |
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99
entity
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| n.实体，独立存在体，实际存在物 | |
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100
illuminated
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| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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101
initiate
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| vt.开始，创始，发动；启蒙，使入门；引入 | |
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102
initiates
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| v.开始( initiate的第三人称单数 )；传授；发起；接纳新成员 | |
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103
thickets
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| n.灌木丛( thicket的名词复数 )；丛状物 | |
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104
shrubs
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| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
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105
scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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106
variegated
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| adj.斑驳的，杂色的 | |
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107
slanting
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| 倾斜的，歪斜的 | |
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108
bracelet
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| n.手镯，臂镯 | |
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109
remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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110
truncated
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| adj.切去顶端的，缩短了的，被删节的v.截面的( truncate的过去式和过去分词 )；截头的；缩短了的；截去顶端或末端 | |
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111
forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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112
recurrence
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| n.复发，反复，重现 | |
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113
alliteration
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| n.（诗歌的）头韵 | |
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114
repel
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| v.击退，抵制，拒绝，排斥 | |
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115
lore
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| n.传说；学问，经验，知识 | |
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116
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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117
faltering
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| 犹豫的，支吾的，蹒跚的 | |
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118
boundless
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| adj.无限的；无边无际的；巨大的 | |
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119
fathomless
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| a.深不可测的 | |
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120
doom
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| n.厄运，劫数；v.注定，命定 | |
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121
frankly
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| adv.坦白地，直率地；坦率地说 | |
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122
shrine
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| n.圣地，神龛，庙；v.将...置于神龛内，把...奉为神圣 | |
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123
ruby
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| n.红宝石，红宝石色 | |
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124
swelling
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| n.肿胀 | |
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125
pointed
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| adj.尖的，直截了当的 | |
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126
ascended
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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127
canopy
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| n.天篷，遮篷 | |
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128
derives
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| v.得到( derive的第三人称单数 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取 | |
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129
embodies
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| v.表现( embody的第三人称单数 )；象征；包括；包含 | |
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130
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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131
reverence
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| n.敬畏，尊敬，尊严；Reverence:对某些基督教神职人员的尊称；v.尊敬，敬畏，崇敬 | |
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132
underneath
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| adj.在...下面，在...底下；adv.在下面 | |
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133
plight
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| n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定 | |
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134
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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135
fleeting
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| adj.短暂的，飞逝的 | |
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136
petrifaction
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| n.石化，化石；吓呆；惊呆 | |
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137
instinctive
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| adj.(出于)本能的；直觉的；(出于)天性的 | |
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138
petrified
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| adj.惊呆的；目瞪口呆的v.使吓呆，使惊呆；变僵硬；使石化(petrify的过去式和过去分词) | |
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139
consternation
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| n.大为吃惊，惊骇 | |
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140
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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141
marvels
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| n.奇迹( marvel的名词复数 )；令人惊奇的事物（或事例）；不平凡的成果；成就v.惊奇，对…感到惊奇( marvel的第三人称单数 ) | |
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142
marvel
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| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
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143
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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144
spectral
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| adj.幽灵的，鬼魂的 | |
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145
subjective
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| a.主观(上)的，个人的 | |
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146
evoked
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| [医]诱发的 | |
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147
steadily
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| adv.稳定地；不变地；持续地 | |
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148
dignified
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| a.可敬的，高贵的 | |
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149
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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150
drooping
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| adj. 下垂的，无力的 动词droop的现在分词 | |
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151
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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152
appalled
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| v.使惊骇，使充满恐惧( appall的过去式和过去分词)adj.惊骇的；丧胆的 | |
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153
hesitation
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| n.犹豫，踌躇 | |
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154
bind
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| vt.捆，包扎；装订；约束；使凝固；vi.变硬 | |
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155
plighted
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| vt.保证，约定（plight的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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156
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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157
enthralled
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| 迷住，吸引住( enthrall的过去式和过去分词 )； 使感到非常愉快 | |
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158
astounding
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| adj.使人震惊的vt.使震惊，使大吃一惊astound的现在分词) | |
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159
countless
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| adj.无数的，多得不计其数的 | |
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160
toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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161
benediction
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| n.祝福；恩赐 | |
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162
rends
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| v.撕碎( rend的第三人称单数 )；分裂；（因愤怒、痛苦等而）揪扯（衣服或头发等）；（声音等）刺破 | |
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163
vex
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| vt.使烦恼，使苦恼 | |
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164
snares
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| n.陷阱( snare的名词复数 )；圈套；诱人遭受失败（丢脸、损失等）的东西；诱惑物v.用罗网捕捉，诱陷，陷害( snare的第三人称单数 ) | |
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165
beset
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| v.镶嵌；困扰，包围 | |
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166
enunciated
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| v.（清晰地）发音( enunciate的过去式和过去分词 )；确切地说明 | |
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167
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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168
shudder
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| v.战粟，震动，剧烈地摇晃；n.战粟，抖动 | |
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169
lapse
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| n.过失，流逝，失效，抛弃信仰，间隔；vi.堕落，停止，失效，流逝；vt.使失效 | |
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170
embodied
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| v.表现( embody的过去式和过去分词 )；象征；包括；包含 | |
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171
creed
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| n.信条；信念，纲领 | |
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172
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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173
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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174
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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175
doctrine
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| n.教义；主义；学说 | |
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176
symbolic
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| adj.象征性的，符号的，象征主义的 | |
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177
query
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| n.疑问，问号，质问；vt.询问，表示怀疑 | |
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178
purport
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| n.意义，要旨，大要；v.意味著，做为...要旨，要领是... | |
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179
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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180
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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181
transcend
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| vt.超出，超越(理性等)的范围 | |
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182
speculations
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| n.投机买卖( speculation的名词复数 )；思考；投机活动；推断 | |
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183
infinitely
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| adv.无限地，无穷地 | |
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184
alleged
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| a.被指控的，嫌疑的 | |
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185
ardent
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，强烈的，烈性的 | |
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186
clairvoyance
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| n.超人的洞察力 | |
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187
apparatus
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| n.装置，器械；器具，设备 | |
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188
judicial
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| adj.司法的，法庭的，审判的，明断的，公正的 | |
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189
vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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190
battalion
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| n.营；部队；大队(的人) | |
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191
artillery
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| n.(军)火炮，大炮；炮兵(部队) | |
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192
annihilate
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| v.使无效；毁灭；取消 | |
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193
scatter
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| vt.撒，驱散，散开；散布/播；vi.分散，消散 | |
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194
mightiest
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| adj.趾高气扬( mighty的最高级 )；巨大的；强有力的；浩瀚的 | |
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195
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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196
prudence
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| n.谨慎，精明，节俭 | |
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197
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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198
avowed
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| adj.公开声明的，承认的v.公开声明，承认( avow的过去式和过去分词) | |
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199
concurrent
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| adj.同时发生的，一致的 | |
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200
attain
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| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
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201
conscientious
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| adj.审慎正直的，认真的，本着良心的 | |
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202
withheld
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| withhold过去式及过去分词 | |
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203
intelligible
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| adj.可理解的，明白易懂的，清楚的 | |
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204
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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205
disciples
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| n.信徒( disciple的名词复数 )；门徒；耶稣的信徒；（尤指）耶稣十二门徒之一 | |
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206
bigotry
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| n.偏见，偏执，持偏见的行为[态度]等 | |
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207
dispelled
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| v.驱散，赶跑( dispel的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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208
maxim
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| n.格言，箴言 | |
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209
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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210
inquisitiveness
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| 好奇，求知欲 | |
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211
avouch
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| v.确说，断言 | |
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212
sincerity
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| n.真诚，诚意；真实 | |
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213
attested
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| adj.经检验证明无病的，经检验证明无菌的v.证明( attest的过去式和过去分词 )；证实；声称…属实；使宣誓 | |
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214
evaded
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| 逃避( evade的过去式和过去分词 )； 避开； 回避； 想不出 | |
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215
majestic
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| adj.雄伟的，壮丽的，庄严的，威严的，崇高的 | |
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216
liturgy
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| n.礼拜仪式 | |
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217
initiation
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| n.开始 | |
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218
utterance
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| n.用言语表达，话语，言语 | |
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219
serene
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| adj. 安详的，宁静的，平静的 | |
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220
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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221
Uranus
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| n.天王星 | |
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