Angels and Women (1924)

170 ANGELS AND WOMEN
Through the long afternoon, amid plaudits
of the gazing throng, the brilliant procession
streamed past, bearing the wealth and
glory of the world. Chariots and horses,
camels and cattle, rare and curious animals
from every clime, bundles of fur, bales of
richest fabrics, broidered vestments, mirrors,
vases, caskets of gems, gold and silver, coral,
amber and treasures of the sea, baskets of
fruits, strange plants, spices, perfumes, and a
band of dancers and beautiful captives.
And now appeared a culminating wonder
--a fleet of air-ships, winging their flight
above the great assembly[ These marvelous
structures are the invention of a mighty
Darvand who discovered in the hollow bones
of birds that which would have escaped the
eyes of mere mortals, the secret of flight. It
has been carefully concealed, and the use of
these aerial barges confined to the royal
families with whose colors they are superbly
decorated.
Upon the prow of each barge stood a beau-