Page:Autobiography of William Love, P.C..pdf/48

48 And I felt myself in the happy land. I was alone, in a canoe gliding smoothly, as if a thing of air, on the still bosom of a glassy sea: I floated on pleasantly without the slightest exertion, propelled by the mere act of my will, that buoyed me up,—like Tell's eagle—but the cup of pleasure was soon dashed from my lips; the tiny bark struck on a coral reef and filled, and then it and I sank beneath the surface—strange sounds filled my ears—while sinking I opened my eyes, and beheld all around me of a beautiful green, and strange fishes with eyes sparkling brighter than the Kooh-i-nor, looked wonderingly at me as I continued to sink down, down. I fell into a stupour—how long I remained in it I cannot say, but when I regained my senses I was in a coral cave glittering with gems innumerable. After gazing a little, wrapt in wonder and admiration, melodious sounds fell on my ear, the like of which I had never heard before. Attracted by the music, I left the coral cave and entered another apartment, of the most gorgeous colours. The roof appeared one vast rainbow, supported by pillars of adamant, inlaid and variegated with gold, rubies, and emeralds. The floor was pearl, from which fountains threw up sparkling waters of fantastictic colours. Here and there on pedestals of alabaster, stood men and women, the most beautiful I had ever seen. One like the “Greek Slave,” beckoned me towards her—I approached—she held out her chain in a