Page:Artabanzanus (Ferrar, 1896).djvu/33

Rh Presence was diffusing itself around, and a Voice breathed the solemn words, Love one another, as I have loved you. A thrilling glow of inexpressible delight, tempered indeed by deeply humbled and remorseful thoughts, came to me, and then an intensely joyful burning of the heart as the unspeakable gift of love passed over us.

My conductor now led me into a smaller room, of which there were several opening into the great library. It was furnished in a very elegant manner, with every suitable convenience for a person of exalted rank. The walls were adorned with pictures of mysterious life. A beautiful globe, representing our little world, hung from the ceiling. A large clock of marvellous construction stood on one side. A golden vine spread its branches, bearing rich fruit, over one of the walls. Two large windows looked out upon the square, which was becoming more crowded with officers in all kinds of brilliant dresses. He in whose presence I now stood took his seat at a silver table, and pointed to a chair, of which I timidly took possession. He placed his helmet on the table. His rich brown hair curled over a high and noble forehead. His eyes were dark blue, and exceedingly bright and clear; his nose, ears, and lips were delicately formed, and strikingly beautiful. After a short pause he looked at me as if he would devour me with his eyes, and then he spoke thus to me:

'This is one of the outlying portions of the great city of Eternity, of which, doubtless, you have heard—not I hope with unbelieving scorn and contempt, as is the prevailing fashion in your ignorant world—and you see what our city is like; but you cannot see, and you cannot know, the ten thousandth part of its beauties, pleasures, and privileges. I have been, fortunately for myself, graciously permitted to take up my abode in it, and this palace is my residence when I am not commanded to be elsewhere. I have duties