Page:Artabanzanus (Ferrar, 1896).djvu/41

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THE VAST CITY OF ETERNITY
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have done no harm: I never killed, or cheated, or committed adultery, therefore I shall be all right. I tell you nay: more, far more than this shall be required of you: awake from your pleasing dream, and awaken others. Is the great Being who created all worlds one likely to be mocked or played with? Wash while you may, in that Fountain which is offered for the effacement of all uncleanness. Remember the poor, and help them according to your means; rescue young children from wickedness, and our God will bless you.'

So saying he struck the table with his silver staff, and another officer entered the room. 'Take,' said my father to him, 'this servant of mine back to the ship in which he came hither.' He bowed to me with a distant grace and dignity which cut me to the heart, though it carried with it a consolatory effect, and retired to another apartment. My tears fell fast as I followed my new conductor, who bade me take my place in a chariot which we found at the entrance gate.

We were now driven through several wide streets, under a series of magnificent arches, not by the way which we had at first traversed, but up the mountain side for some distance; and then turning back through a terrific gorge, which was spanned by a glorious bridge, constructed of large blocks of glass of all imaginable colours. Our carriage stopped in the centre of the bridge. The views on either side were grand beyond description. The officer by my side, who seemed to be a very good-humoured kind of man, carried on a running commentary on every wonder which presented itself to our view. We now drove down rapidly to the ship, and I was hurried on board. She once more flew through the water, coasting along the shore of the lake, and a truly astonishing shore it was, studded with gigantic castles and mansions in the bosoms of de-