Neuroomia/Chapter 3
CHAPTER III.
ITS HIGH CIVILIZATION AND PEOPLE.
On the advice of Folbrizzio and others I began to study the language, and went out but little. I had many tutors, and made what I considered to be satisfactory progress. The “Llilimalia” as the house was called, was slightly after the pattern of one of our first-class hotels. From the first I was impressed with the orderly and cultivated manners of the visitors, who were constantly coming and going, so that I was always well off for company.
On one occasion a more than ordinarily interesting man, named Banyaba, called at the “Llilimalia.” There was something impressive in his manner, and I had a long conversation with him. On learning my history, he suggested that we should go for a walk together to some picturesque places outside the city. I accompanied him, and on the way he offered to give me any information I desired about their people and institutions. This led me to think of politics, so I made inquiries concerning their form of government.
“Our Government, Captain Periwinkle,” he said, “is Republican. The chief ruler, or Yuengai, is elected by the whole of the people, and resides in Atazatlan, which is the political capital of Neuroomia. You may have noticed his house on a hill to your right as you were approaching the city.” I had. “There are,” he continued, “many other large cities in Neuroomia, and one of them even much larger than Atazatlan; but you shall doubtless see them all. I should have told you, however,” he went on, “that notwithstanding the great powers conferred upon the Yuengai, or President, the office in reality is more of a social than a political character, for he seldom has to interfere with the course of justice or the administration of a province. Each territory has its own governor and legislature, yet he is looked up to by all as the head, and his decision in many matters, though not in all, is final. He is elected for a period of ten years, and as a general rule it is not desirable that he should be under one hundred years of age.”
“Great heavens!” I exclaimed. “To what age do your people live?”
“According to our statistics,” he answered, “the average life in Neuroomia is from one hundred and fifty to two hundred years; but in some parts—Atazatlan for instance—it is greater, probably not less than two hundred years.”
“And in the face of this,” I said, “you claim to have come originally from the same stock as the nations of the other continents?”
“Yes!” was the reply; “but you must remember that this continent has been separated from the other parts of the world for at least three hundred millions of years, and had your people a like climate, and lived under similar conditions to us for the period mentioned, I venture to hazard a belief that their average life would be fully as long as that of ours. With us also,” he continued, “the average life is on the increase, though the difference, say, in twenty generations, is very slight. However, you may examine the statistics for yourself as soon as you become better acquainted with our language. They are thoroughly reliable for the last million years.”
“Have you any wars?” I inquired.
“None on record,” was the answer. “You see, we all speak the one tongue, and we take no delight in injuring our fellow-men. Look at our herds of olgommeras!” he went on. “They sometimes butt, and even fight each other; probably the idea of killing one another never occurred to them. How much less, then, should be the prospect of it occurring to man?”
“Have you neither disputes nor quarrels among your people?” I asked.
“We have disputes about ownership occasionally,” was the reply, “for we have private property in everything except land, which belongs to the general Government. These disagreements, however, are generally settled by arbitration, and it is only in very rare instances indeed that they have to be referred to our high tribunal. The hour at which we dine, however, is drawing near, so you had better come with me, and stay for a time, at least, at my house. We shall endeavour to make you comfortable.”
I accepted his invitation, and on our way through the town we met many beautiful girls, walking in groups of two, sometimes more, and I noticed that many of them were known to my friend. This led me to inquire at what age they generally married.
“The girls generally marry from twenty to seventy,” was the response; “the men from thirty to one hundred. I am one hundred and fifty years of age myself,” he continued, “and have never married; but then I am considered to be an old bachelor by the ladies of Atazatlan. However, I have recently decided to choose a partner.”
The piece of intelligence concerning his age fairly astonished me, for I had previously considered him to be about fifty,—the same age as myself.
We at length stopped in front of a large, two-storey building, which, by the way, was high enough for a three storey, then passed through a well-kept flower-garden to the door, which was open. My friend now led the way through a large hall, then through another doorway, and I found myself in a splendidly furnished apartment, and in the presence of two young ladies, who smiled kindly as we entered. These, Banyaba informed me, were his sisters, and he mentioned my name to them. Then in a few words he explained how I came to be in Atazatlan. They appeared much interested, and said they would endeavour to make me happy. (I felt flattered at this.) However, there was no grasping of hands. Very soon after my arrival the meal was announced “ready,” and we sat down to it. There were many things on the table; some I had tried before at the “Llilimalia,” but others were new to me. However, not a great distance away was a vessel containing fish. This put me in mind of schanepper, so I made a beginning with it. It was not schanepper, however, but quite equal in flavour to that coveted fish. I enjoyed the meal, and we discussed many matters, the sisters being highly interested when I was telling them about our society ladies and leaders of fashion, Estas remarking that she knew nothing of the fashions, and that in Atazatlan the dresses of the ladies had changed but little for a very long period, and that in dressing they studied health and comfort rather than outward display. However, everything I beheld in Neuroomia since my arrival appeared so superior to what I had been accustomed to see in other parts of the world, that I could not help feeling somewhat insignificant, and further, I thought it quite possible I might not be doing justice to my own country and people. The ladies having retired, I informed him that if he chose I would tell him about some of our clever men and great philanthropists, also that I would address him standing, as I could speak better in that position than sitting.
“I shall be very much delighted to hear you speak. Captain Periwinkle,” he said.
Having stood up and cleared my throat, I began, and, in what I considered to be a neat little three-and-a-half hours’ speech, told him about some of the most distinguished men in Australia, Europe, and America, and also dwelt upon the noble efforts of many of my countrymen to alleviate distress, and improve institutions and systems. He listened attentively throughout the whole, and when I had resumed my seat, remarked,—
“I have not the least doubt but you have a very large number of able and philanthropic men among you. Indeed, I had already arrived at that conclusion before you began speaking, from what you had previously said in a casual manner. However, from what little I understand of your affairs, I am inclined to believe that it is not systems so much as individuals that require, reforming. Of course, at the same time, it is obvious that bad systems will corrupt individuals, but it by no means follows that good systems will produce just individuals. Something more is required. And, again, it is a much easier matter to sketch out and organize systems than to improve individuals. Further, I am of the opinion that the great error your reformers and statesmen make, is in endeavouring to make a beginning at the top rather than at the bottom of the scale, where they should endeavour to end rather than begin.”
I now, however, began to feel dozy,—I always do when discussing politics,—so I inquired if if it was the custom with them to set certain hours apart for sleep. While at the “Llilimalia,” I slept whenever I felt inclined.
“Yes,” he answered; “we have certain specified hours for repose, but in very many cases they are not passed in slumber. However, the general rule is, we sleep on inclination, and as little as we can. With you, I understand, about one-third of your lives is passed in sleep. With us the time passed in that condition is rather less than one-eighth. We consider any more sleeping than is really required to refresh the system a waste of time, and work constitutes one of our chief pleasures.”
“How about the night?” I demanded.
“Well, you have not been a night with us yet,” was the response. “When you have, you will probably find it not so dark and dreary as you imagine. We work in the fields at night without any artificial light, the same as in the day. However, I have an engagement shortly, and shall leave you for the present. My sisters will be able to give you information concerning our pastimes and domestic life.”
Banyaba here took his leave. However, I felt quite at home with the ladies. They were extremely agreeable, and made inquiries about the parts of the world I had visited, and the people therein. So I spoke of London, Paris, New York, and the Melbourne Cup. Estas, my favourite, informed me that she was fifty years of age, and her sister twenty-five. I was much surprised to learn the difference in their ages, for, judging from their appearance, I thought there could not be more than a couple of years between them.
We were now by ourselves, as Arizenda, the younger one, withdrew. Estas now suggested that we should go into the garden. I of course acquiesced, and we walked through the beautiful lawns and flower plots that surrounded the house, Estas in the meantime giving me to understand that they were kept in order by her sister and herself. She also initiated me in the names and peculiarities of many of the strange trees, plants, and flowers. The slanting rays of the sun, which was getting no lower, but travelling slowly along the horizon, shone through the foliage and flowers, while birds and butterflies of gaudy colours flew among the trees, or rested on the blossoms. Everything, indeed, was so quiet and peaceful, that I felt extremely happy. I knew that I loved Estas, and believed that she returned my passion. We had been seriously discussing some matter, when she bent down to examine the buds of some rare flower about to open. I took advantage of this to place my arm softly round her waist with a view to draw her towards me, but before I had time to utter a word, she pounced on me like a wild beast, bruising my muscles with her iron grip, then tossed me high into the air as if I were a mere play-toy. I fell heavily on my back, but was up again in a moment, and mad with rage to think that I, Captain Periwinkle, of the whaling ship Penguln, should be submitted to such infernal treatment. On gaining my feet, I looked towards her, and uttered some choice phrases I learnt before I became captain.
However, I do not think she understood them. I looked round for the gate, but could not see one, so I walked briskly towards the house, followed by Estas, who said there must be a misunderstanding somewhere. I explained that I only wished to take her nearer myself, which with us indicated love and esteem. She replied that she had not been accustomed to such sudden outbursts of affection, and feared that manner of wooing would not be approved of by the young ladies of Atazatlan, who would probably repel it as unceremoniously as she did herself. Nevertheless, she implored me to overlook her conduct, and regretted having caused me pain or annoyance. However, we let the matter drop, but I could not readily forget the juggling business, and began to think she could not have much poetry in her nature, and also that she was too old for me; now that I knew her age; but worst of all, I felt unwell, and knew that my liver was out of order, so I sought out my sleeping apartment, threw myself on the bed, and was soon fast asleep.
On waking, I found myself quite refreshed, and also quite cured of my love for Estas—that one toss in the air did it. My first impulse was to leave immediately, but on going out, I met Banyaba, who desired me to prolong my visit. I could see, by his surprise when I spoke of taking my departure, that he knew nothing of the little incident with his sister.
Estas and Arizenda now put in an appearance. They were as courtly as before, and I yielded to the request of the latter to remain longer, for, after all, the affair with the elder sister was the result of a misunderstanding, and on thinking the matter over, I came to the conclusion that it might be unkind of me to leave these well-meaning persons abruptly.
The ladies now withdrew, and Banyaba began to tell me something about the recent engagement that caused his absence, in his usual cheerful manner, when Arizenda returned, bringing him a large and beautifully illustrated volume. This, he said, was the principal newspaper of Atazatlan, which they received at regular intervals.
On examining it, I found that it contained a vast amount of reading matter, but not so many advertisements as the London Times or the Sydney Morning Herald.
The next meal, however, was soon announced, and my host spoke of many matters, including some of his own adventures. Arizenda sat opposite me, and looked extremely well. She appeared prouder and more dignified than her sister. Like her, she was a blonde, with beautiful yellow hair and blue eyes. In figure, she was somewhat more graceful than the former, and was a little taller than myself, being about five feet ten inches in height. She also had a sympathetic voice, and I thought her possessed of more sentiment than her sister.
I now came to the conclusion that she and not Estas was the girl I should have loved, and began to wonder why I had bestowed my affections on the latter. However, it was evident now that I had made a mistake in doing so.
After a time, Banyaba took his departure for one of the distant cities of Neuroomia, and left me with the young ladies. Of course it was understood, as he would probably be absent for some time, and that I may be gone before his return. I enjoyed the company of Arizenda, and gave her an account of some of my travels. She laughed and sympathised in turn, and I felt myself fairly carried away by her charms.
“You must never think of leaving our continent, Captain Periwinkle,” she said. “How foolish of you it would be to return, perhaps to greater dangers than those you have already experienced! Have you seen our beautiful harbour?” she continued.
I answered that I had only obtained a glimpse of it from a distance, and suggested that we should pay it a visit. She agreed, and we set out together. The harbour was indeed lovely, and more than realized my anticipations. We wandered by grottos and pebbly shores, meeting many people on our way, among whom it appeared Arizenda had numerous acquaintances.
We had a long chat with a very beautiful brunette named Louva, who was a friend of ’Zenda’s. She reminded me of her father’s invitation to visit their home, and I again promised to do so. We now turned homeward, and as we were passing a secluded and romantic waterfall, I determined to give my fair companion what I considered would be an agreeable surprise, by kissing her, and made the attempt by putting my arm around her neck (when she happened to be looking in the direction of the falls), and was in the act of putting my mouth against hers, when she suddenly seized me and bumped me a few times against one of the trees close by, exclaiming, “Would you bite me, you wretch!” then carried me to the water-fall, and placed me beneath it till I was thoroughly saturated, after which she tossed me on the grass and walked indignantly away. I got up, shivering with the cold, feeling despondent and very much humiliated at the indignity to which I had been submitted. One thing, however, I felt thoroughly convinced of—that my love for ’Zenda was gone; that waterfall banished it.
While meditating what I should do, a passer-by noticed the predicament I was in, and, doubtless, coming to the conclusion that I had fallen into the pool below the cataract, invited me to his house. I accompanied him, and on the way learnt that he was a bachelor. I then related all that occurred at the waterfall, and he sympathised with me. It was not, however, to gain sympathy,—which I scorned,—that I gave him a detailed account of the incident, but from a sense of what is right. Had I remained silent, I should have been concealing the truth, which I consider equivalent to telling a lie, and I hate men who tell lies. One of the causes that induced me to become so much attached to Septimus Robinson was, that he never told lies. However, when I come to think the matter over, I remember that he seldom told anything. So the only conclusion I can arrive at is that on many occasions he must have concealed the truth, and was therefore a silent liar all his life. I saw no ladies about the residence of my new acquaintance, nor was I anxious to see any. I put on a suit of his clothes, but it was not a good fit, being rather large, so he suggested I should go to a tailor with him. The tailor soon had me in a splendid suit, the fit being all that could be desired. I now felt myself a masher, and quite recovered from the effects of my walk with Arizenda. We returned to my friend's house and dined together; then, thinking of my promise to visit Louva, my host directed me, and I repaired thither.
After a brisk walk, I came to a large building that answered the description I had of Louva's dwelling. I entered the gateway and met Ilaclatella (her father) at the door. He gave me a hearty reception, and in due time I found myself alone with Louva in a gorgeously decorated room. She took her seat in front of a large stringed instrument that reminded me of a piano, played sweetly, and sang like the birds of Neuroomia. She had thick, wavy, black hair, and large hazel laughing eyes. However, her principal charm was her complexion, and I thought her the handsomest girl I had yet seen in Atazatlan. She made inquiries about the Penguin and the frozen lands beyond Neuroomia; also about the great oceans I had traversed, and appeared pleased when I told her that at present I had no intention of returning to the regions from whence I came. Indeed, I fancied that she began to look upon me as a hero, and felt there was a kind of mute sympathy between us which instilled confidence, and made her company agreeable and entertaining in the highest degree.
The hour for dining having arrived, we joined the family circle. I felt in the highest spirits, and to impress Ilaclatella with the grandeur of the world I had left, for I never believed in acting the part of a cynic, I told him of the great fortunes of the Astors, Vanderbilts, Jay Gould, the Duke of Westminster, Tyson, and others. When I had concluded, he simply inquired if there was any poverty in the countries where those men lived? I replied in the affirmative, and was compelled to admit that many persons every year died from starvation alone.
He then went on to say that he considered the amassing of enormous wealth by a few individuals a curse to any country.
Thereupon I inquired if there were no millionaires in Atazatlan. His answer was “No. It would be almost impossible” (that is, if by millionaires I meant exceedingly wealthy persons). “I suppose you are aware,” he continued, “that land with us is not private property. If, however, through trading or other means, a man should accumulate great wealth,—that is, what we should term great—the maximum fraction he can bequeath to any person at death, or give away during life, is defined by our laws. The State claims nearly the whole, so that with us no young person can begin life wealthy. With you, if I understand the matter correctly. Governments as a rule are poor, and individuals enormously wealthy. With us, the general Government is very wealthy, and every one has enough and to spare.”
We now rose from the table, and very soon afterwards Ilaclatella went away to the city, leaving me again alone with Louva, who invited me to join a small fishing party she had arranged. I of course consented, for I knew that I should be quite at home at the fishing. The house was situated on a headland, with steps leading from the portico to the water’s edge; so we got into the boat without any inconvenience. There were only two others going with us—a young lady and a man named Fontin, who appeared to be slightly older than myself. There were hooks, lines, and bait for the fish, and luncheon for ourselves in the boat.
The scenery was superb, and we pulled in the direction of a small island, where Louva said there were good fishing grounds. Getting the lines fitted up for Louva and myself was the work of a very brief time, for I was ambitious to catch the first fish, and I believe that Fontin also harboured that desire. We now let the boat drifts and threw our lines into the water nearly together. I however, got the first bite, and after some little tugging, landed in the boat a fine plump fish, striped with red and gold. They called it a lomdin, and appeared to prize it much. It seems, however, that it possessed a certain peculiarity of which I was ignorant. At any time it has the power to spring several feet into the air, yet seldom exhibits it if left unmolested. Unfortunately, however, almost immediately it was in the boat, and before any of the others could warn me, I ran my fore-finger along one of the golden stripes. In an instant it curled itself almost round, then came slap up against my face, with such overwhelming force, that I lost my balance, and we both tumbled into the water, and nearly upset the boat. The lomdin, of course, disappeared, and I soon came to the surface again. The boat, however, was very light and somewhat frail, and I knew it would not be a very easy matter to climb into it; besides, I was anxious to let them see how I could swim, so I boldly struck out for the island. At first I swam leisurely, but all at once strained every muscle and sinew in my body to gain the land, for I saw a huge head, not unlike a seal’s, come up out of the water, stare at me for a moment with its great eyes, then make for me at a rate of speed that was wonderful. I thought of our own sharks and crocodiles, and put forth all my strength, yet I was doubtful if I could reach the shore before he came up with me. A thousand things in that brief instant flashed across my brain. Yes! I was safe. I felt the bottom, and was in shallow water. However, I hurried to the land, then turned round to have a look at my pursuer, but to my surprise he was swimming in another direction.
The boat was now coming up, so I knelt down to wash my face, for my nose bled profusely.
The others having landed, Louva, who was very kind and attentive, suggested that we return home. However, I would not agree to this. Of course I was wet, but that was nothing new to me. She mentioned the name of the monster that had disturbed me so much, and said that it was perfectly harmless, and subsisted upon roots and marine plants.
We now secured the boat, and threw in our lines from the shore, choosing places where we thought fish would probably be most plentiful, then made them fast, and ascended to the high ground, where we obtained a magnificent view of the surrounding sea. Louva and the other young lady in the meantime selected a picturesque spot under a broad-leaved tree for our luncheon. We sat down, and I believe all enjoyed the repast. Meanwhile, however, I kept well in the sun, and noticed with satisfaction that my clothes were drying. After our picnic was over, we rambled over the island, the ladies picking the rare plants and flowers for their gardens and shrubberies.
After passing some time in this way, we returned to our lines, only to find, however, that they had not been disturbed by fish; still, the baits were gone, and this my friend said was the work of crustacea, so we decided to shift them and choose fresh places. Louva and myself threw ours in close to one another, but Fontin and the young lady went farther along the rocks, till we lost sight of them. The fish, however, did not seem inclined to bite, so we again made the lines fast, and went in search of shells.
The weather was sunny and beautiful, the birds sang in the trees above, and there was scarcely a ripple on the surface of the silent water. My clothes were now dry, and I began to enjoy the outing, for I loved Louva, and felt happy. Yes! happier, I thought, than I ever felt before; and I could not help reflecting how extremely pleasant an island like this would be for a home, and with loving Louva as a mate.
We now decided to climb one of the higher rocks, in order to get a better view of the shores. I was the first to reach the top, and judge my surprise on seeing Fontin in the very act of putting his arm round the waist of the young lady, as they were sitting together on a cliff overlooking the water. I thought o£ what I had recently suffered for similar behaviour, and was almost speechless. Louva noticed my consternation, and hastened to my side. I pointed towards the guilty couple, but she only smiled, and said the only explanation that she could offer was that they had been acquainted for a very long time, and believed they were betrothed.
Here we decided to return to our lines and see about the fish; but there was none, the baits being untouched, so we came to the conclusion they were not going to bite, and made preparations for returning home. We did not have to wait long for Fontin and the young lady, who came leisurely along; but while they were still some distance away, a glance convinced us that as far as capturing fish was concerned, they had been as unsuccessful as ourselves.
The young ladies, who sang like sirens, pulled the boat, and at the same time entertained us with many beautiful songs on the way back, Fontin occasionally initiating me into the mysteries of fishing expeditions in Neuroomia.
On arriving at the steps, we saw Ilaclatella standing above. He called out to us that we need not trouble about carrying the fish up, as he would send some one down for them; so we followed his advice.
Having reached the house, I did not join the others, but sought out my sleeping apartment, for I felt exhausted and inclined to slumber. Louva more than once appeared in my dreams. However, I slept long and soundly, and on waking up, felt very hungry. It so happened, however, that the dining hour was approaching, and by the time I was prepared, the meal was announced.
The conversation at the table on this occasion was brisk; in fact, I believe I opened the debate by adverting to the numerous inventions and discoveries of the nineteenth century. Whereupon Ilaclatella inquired if this were our first and only civilization, and if it were likely to be permanent.
I answered the first part of the question in the negative, but with regard to the latter I could say nothing, but believed it would be so.
He then inquired if by our inventions—which, he admitted, were indeed wonderful—we had eradicated all diseases from among our people, and improved the conditions of the masses generally?
Referring to diseases, I admitted we had not; and as for the masses, I could safely say that their condition had certainly improved in many countries during recent years, but that much still remained to be done, and at the present time some of our ablest men were working in that direction. It now occurred to me that I had seen no delicate or unhealthy-looking persons in Atazatlan, nor did r hear of any strikes or inflammatory speeches. This led me to ask if they had no hospitals in the city.
“No!” was the reply; “we have no use for them. Diseases do still make their appearance in Neuroomia at long intervals, but we invariably manage to stamp them out in the bud. Our physicians are employed by the State, and each one has the supervision of a district, and reports to the central government of the State in which he is located the outbreak of any disease of an infectious or contagious character, and also furnishes periodical accounts of the general health of the people. It is also their duty to visit, give advice and medicine where required, and attend to the sick. Multifarious as these functions may at first appear, yet the work of our physicians is extremely light, but the responsibility is great, for we hold that nothing can be of greater import to a nation than the health of its people.”
“Have you any idea how your civilization originated?” I inquired.
“It is believed that the ancient inhabitants of Neuroomia—that is, our forefathers—were savages,” was the answer, “and also that our civilization originated through necessity or accident—perhaps both.”
“It appears to be founded on a firm basis,” I remarked.
“That,” he said, “is the result of design, and I can give you information on that point. Our history tells us that the object of the ancient sages of the land was to secure perfect health for every individual, or, in other words, to have a people with healthy bodies and healthy minds. This they considered to be the first and most important step in the direction of a high civilization.”
“And they were successful,” I interjected.
“Yes,” he said, “it appears they were, and that it was only the work of a few generations.”
“How was this accomplished?” I asked.
“Many things had to be considered,” was the answer. “In the first place,” he continued, “they had to make themselves acquainted with Nature’s laws, and then abide by them. Then again, their marriage laws were of a stringent character, and of course food, clothing, dwellings, and exertion had to receive attention.”
“I notice,” I said, “that though your people are not much greater in size than ours, yet they are ever so much stronger” (I had unpleasant proof of it), “and possess more vitality. How is this sustained,” I asked, “considering that you are one people?”
“We are but one people, and have only one continent,” was the reply; “yet we are constantly colonizing. Take, for instance, that rich district you passed through on your way to Atazatlan. Well, the whole of the people are to be removed from that territory at an early date, and settled on another that has not been occupied for nearly five hundred years. Our people like this migration to new parts; they and also the animals and plants benefit by it.”
“How about the health of your great cities?” I asked.
“Cities are built only in localities known to be extremely healthy,” was the answer, “and on chosen sites. The principal portion of Atazatlan, for instance, is built on the bare rock, the soil used for gardening and other purposes having been carried to it; and then it is not an unusual thing for us to shift the whole population of a city to a fresh site. However,” he continued, “I shall be leaving here in a little time for Tehana, which is the largest city in Neuroomia, and if you choose, I shall be happy to take you with me: you will learn more by sight than by explanation. There-are also other large cities, such as Scalascala and Yacla, that you may find interesting to visit.