Page:Dealings with the dead.djvu/207

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DEALINGS WITH THE DEAD
201

energies. Souls can grow tired, but they find rest—not in inactivity, as doth the body, but by a change of action. The mathematician, weary of figures, finds repose by performing chemical experiments or in studying music. That man's soul is now supplying fuel to the body, by converting the essences of his system into the pabulum of rife. Presently its task will be finished, whereupon it will again resume its seat upon the regal throne of its own mighty world." * * * * *

Thotmor ceased to speak. I turned from the sleeper in wondering awe, and, guided by the rare being at my side, felt that I was once more rising through the air.



Transmigrating—The Soul.

Turn where we will, ask whom we may, for information, we are sure to be met with the stereotyped "Know thyself." As well tell me to leap over the salt sea! I ask all mankind, the ocean, land, air, sun, moon, stars, history—everything else, both material and mental, sacred and profane—to point me out a single human being who really knows himself, or even approximately so. Where, I ask, is the wonderful mortal—tell, O tell me where?—and from hollow space the echoes mock me—where?

To know oneself! The words are easily spoken or penned; but to do it, is, of all things, the hardest and most difficult; for this very selfhood's personality is, beyond all others, the special acquaintance of whom we know the least.

The sentence "Know thyself" was written over the porch of an ancient temple. The man who placed it there must have been deeply spiced with satire and