Angels and Women (1924)

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ANGELSANDWOMENA Revision of the Unique NovelSeola by Mrs. J. G. SmithPublished byA. B. ABAC COMPANYNEW YORK

First Revised Edition June, 1924Printed in the United States of AmericaCOMPOSITION, PLATINGPRESSWORK, BINDING BYW. B. CONKEY COMPANYHAMMOND * INDIANA

FOREWORDTRITE but true is the saying, "Truth is strangerthan fiction." Fiction sometimes illuminates thetruth.A number of years ago Mrs. J. G. Smith publisheda novel entitled Seola. She claims to have been impelledto write it after listening to beautiful music. Shemade no pretense of a knowledge of the Bible. Yetmany of her sayings are so thoroughly in accord withthe correct understanding of certain scriptures that thenovel is exceedingly interesting and sometimes thrilling.The greatest Bible scholar of modern times read thisbook shortly before his death. To a close personalfriend he said: "This book, if revised according to thefacts we now know concerning spiritism, would beinstructive and helpful." Long prior thereto this notedBible scholar had written and published the first clearexposition of the Bible teaching on spiritism. Headvised his personal friend to revise the novel Seolaand to publish it if opportunity was afforded at somefuture time.This book deals with the events transpiring betweenthe date of the creation of man and the great deluge.The principal characters figuring in the novel are Satan,fallen angels and women. Angels are heavenly messengers.There was a time when all angels were good.The time came when many of them allied themselveswith Satan and became evil, hence called "fallenangels." Woman possesses finer sensibilities than man.She is more susceptible to seductive influences. Satanand his allies have taken advantage of this fact in overreachingwoman and through woman overreachingman. Holy angels are the exemplification of good.Good women are blessed creatures. Evil spirit beings3

4 FOREWORDstarted good human beings on the downward road.Evil angels and bad women have made countless millionsmourn.The Bible story of fallen angels or evil spirits isbriefly told as follows:Lucifer, once a good spirit being, of great knowledgeand authority, in order to satisfy his ambitious desirefor greater authority, deceived Eve, the first woman,causing her to sin. Adam, the first man, joined her inthe transgression. The sentence of death and expulsionfrom Eden resulted. Nine hundred and thirtyyears were employed in executing that death sentence.During that time there was born to Adam and Eve anumber of children. Sixteen hundred years later,among these descendants of Adam and Eve, were Noahand his family.Lucifer, now degraded, was named by Jehovah theDragon, that old Serpent, Satan the Devil God hadpermitted the angels, prior to the flood, to have supervisionof the peoples of earth. (Hebrews 2:3.) Theseangels had power to materialize in human form andmingle amongst the human race. Satan seduced manyof these angels and caused them to become wicked orfallen ones. They in turn debauched the womendescendants of Adam. The materialized angels, called"sons of God saw the daughters of men that they werefair; and they took them wives of all which theychose." (Genesis 6:2.) A mongrel race resulted fromthese fallen angels with the offspring of Adam. Thesefilled the earth with wickedness and violence. Theirwickedness became so great that the Lord Jehovahbrought upon the world the great deluge that destroyedall of this mongrel race.The sons of God who succumbed to the temptationsand thus became the fallen angels are alluded to as"Devas" in this book; their offspring as "Darvands."

FOREWORD 5The fallen angels or evil spirits were not destroyedin the flood, but imprisoned in the darkness of theatmosphere near the earth. Upon this point the inspiredwords of holy writ are: "For God spared notthe angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, anddelivered them into chains of darkness, to be reservedunto judgment." (2 Peter 2:4.)which kept not their first estate,"And the angelsbut left their ownhabitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains underdarkness unto the judgment of the great day."(Jude 6.)Since the flood these evil angels have had no powerto materialize, yet they have had the power and exercisedit, of communicating with human beings throughwilling dupes known as spirit mediums. Thus havebeen deceived hundreds of thousands of honest peopleinto believing that their dead friends are alive and thatthe living can talk with the dead.All students, familiar with the Bible teaching con°cerning spiritism, will read this book with the keenestinterest because it shows the method employed bySatan and the wicked angels to debauch and overthrowthe human race. The reviser of this book is of theopinion that the original manuscript was dictated tothe woman who wrote it by one of the fallen angelswho desired to return to divine favor. It is believedthat reverential persons now examining the revised editionof this book will have a better understanding ofthe evil influence about us and be better fortified in theLord’s word and grace to shield and protect themselvesfrom these evil influences.Spiritism, otherwise named demonism, is workinggreat evil amongst men. It should be studiouslyavoided. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Hencethis publication.

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FINDINGTHE MANUSCRIPTTNORTH - -. SYRIAN MTS., May 23, 19HIS month must be marked in white;it is the date of a wonderful discovery.Toiling along the steeps of the Anti-Libanus, on our way to Jahrada, we haltedfor the midday repast and, while the guideswere preparing it, reclined in the shadeof the scanty foliage. As we leisurelysurveyed the sterile landscape, our attentionwas attracted to an object quite unexpectedin this desert place, a flower ofsurprising beauty, which hung from a broadshelf of rock opposite.Edmund sprang forward to gather thewonderful blossom, and upon reaching theperilous steep to sustain himself laid hold ofthe root of a decayed tree which had oncegrown there. His weight had scarce beenthus suspended when the stump gave wayand slid down, carrying with it the earth in7

8 ANGELS AND WOMENwhich it had been imbedded, a portion of therock and the rash intruder who had dareddisturb its venerable repose.When reassured that no injury was sustained,we turned to examine the spot fromwhence the avalanche descended. Upon theperpendicular face of the rock, now fullyexposed, was a clearly defined triangle abouteight feet in altitude. A complicated figuresculptured in the center marked it the workof man. Speculation as to its characterwas cut short by Monsieur S-----, who exclaimed:"That figure is the PhoenicianDaleth! Plainly as would our language, itsays: ’This is a door.’ Ah, what liesbehind?"In great excitement we sent to the valleyfor aid; the triangular rock was removed,and proved to be the door of an artificialcave, about twelve feet square, cut in themountain. The sides of this cave weresmooth, the ceiling was arched, and in thecenter of the dome, among unknown sculp-

FINDING THE MANUSCRIPT 9tured characters, we perceived a cross ofpeculiar design.Upon a marble slab slightly raised fromthe floor, a heap of dust, tattered fibre, andshreds of gold outlined two human figureslying in the set repose of the dead. Diademsthat once crowned the heads of the sleepershad fallen to the floor, and by the side ofone of the forms, where the hand had been,was a cylindrical object which we immediatelysecured.Then the leader of our party spoke:"No doubt this is one of the oldest tombsin the world. The inscriptions must antedateeven those of the subterranean templesof Ellora and Elephanta. But why shouldwe with irreverent hand disturb these venerableashes? Let them repose, as we ourselveshope to rest till called forth in theawakening."Without further words he ordered thedoor to be carefully replaced, and we left1 See Appendix, Note 1.

i10 ANGELS AND WOMENthe shelving rock where again the dust ofyears will gather, other seeds germinate andshoot upwards, and again a leafy veil shimmeringin the wind will shut out from humaneyes the mysterious Daleth of old Syria.The relic thus obtained (doubly preciousnow that further spoliation was forbidden)proved to be a cylinder of purple amethystabout a foot in length and three inches indiameter. Upon one side, engraved withextraordinary delicacy, was the representationof a terrible flood, and upon the othera tree, under whose widespread brancheswere sitting a noble-looking man and womanwith young persons grouped around them.Beneath each figure were detached inscriptions.In removing the dust from the crystal aspring was touched, and the cylinder opened,disclosing a linen roll like those of Egypt(though incomparably finer), covered withminute characters which, under the rays ofthe sun, became intensely blue.

iFINDING THE MANUSCRIPT 1It occurred to one of our number, anenthusiastic archeologist, that this was amemorial of the great Deluge; the manmight represent Japheth, the son of Noah,who, according to the Hebrew Scriptures,was the father of seven sons; the woman washis wife and the other female figures hisdaughters.Upon this supposition we applied ourselvesassiduously and, after the most exhaustivecomparison and combination, foundthat the names of the men correspond withthose given in the tenth chapter of Genesis;the mother’s name proved to be Aloma,those of the daughters Samoula, Altitia,Apardis, Loamba and Jardel.The mystery was unraveled, and wefound ourselves in possession of the greatestarcheological discovery of the twentieth century--anantediluvian memoir, The Journalof Aloma, wife of the patriarch Japheth lForeseeing the perishable nature of theprecious document, travel was suspended,i

12 ANGELS AND WOMENand the energies of the entire party weredevoted to the work of deciphering. Underthe supervision of our learned archeologistgood progress was made, though, in ourhaste and ignorance, great freedom of translationwas unavoidable, and frequently ourinsight into obscure passages was scarcelymore than conjecture.It was fortunate that no delay was suffered;the delicate characters rapidly fadedin the light; the tissue, hermetically sealedfor so many ages, had lost its tenacity; dayby day it became disintegrated in the unaccustomedatmosphere, and almost beforethe last pages were finished it crumbled topowder.The beautiful but frail casket in which ithad been preserved was accidentally shiveredand, but for the story which had so marvelouslycome into our possession, the adventurein the Syrian mountains might havevanished from memory like a dream of themorning.

CHILDOF THE HERMITAGEWest Bank of the , EuphratesFirst i ng Moon--EvenAfter , AdamFour Cycles.THIS day completes another year of mylife; its events have made me unusuallythoughtful.Immediately after the morning sacrificeAllimades called me to the garden. Hiscountenance, always serious, was even sadas we sat down under our favorite cypresstree."Aloma, my daughter," he said, "you areno longer a child; maturing years and experiencewill bring to you, as to every humanbeing, care, perplexity and sorrow. Yourbrother, who would have been a companionand protector, is dead; I buried him atBalonia. You are alone."Shut out from the world in this impenetrableforest, your life will be eventless,occupied by the routine of labor and religiousduty; God grant you a tranquil mind.13

14 ANGELS AND WOMENFortunately you inherit my fondness forstudy. Having been carefully instructed inthe wisdom of the sages, you will find comfortwhen your household duties are over,among the manuscripts of ancient lore andrelics of other days which I have preservedfor this purpose; but lest you should havemany restless hours, and sigh for that companionshipwhich you will never find, Iearnestly advise you to commence a journalof your life, a record of the circumstancesof each day and of your mental experience.This will be a diversion, and vary themonotony of your sequestered life. I havemany things to communicate but not on thisday, the anniversary of my marriage andof our departure from Balonia, as also ofyour birth."With this he rose and retired into theshadow of the grove. His lightest wish islaw with me---my wise and pious father--so this evening I took from the library areed, linen roll, and an amethyst cylinder,

CHILD OF THE HERMITAGE 15his birthday gifts, and have come to myarbor study to begin the journal. Withoutdoubt it will be a dull affair; fortunately nostranger eye will ever rest upon it.What have I to record? The mists 1 or fairweather, the quality of the harvest, our successor failure in dyeing and weaving, theincrease of the flocks, an occasional alarmfrom wild beasts. Yet I am always happy;the garden abounds in fruit and flowers; wehave many cattle; we ride, pleasant evenings,in a boat upon the river; at other times welisten to stories from father, or to mother’ssongs. "We" means, besides myself, Cherosand Aldeth, our servants. They came tothis place with my parents before I wasborn, and are now getting aged. Cherosmust soon depart. Aldeth is not so old asher husband, and will live, I trust, a longtime.There is but one thing to trouble me:mother is often unhappy and weeps. At1 See Appendix, Note 2.2

such times father is stern and sad, Aldethsighs, they chide my youthful gayety, andI am oppressed with gloom.These moods of my parents are mysterious,connected, I imagine, with the remembranceof their former life, but I havenever presumed to question them. Today Iaccidentally received an intimation confirmingthis supposition, but still I am perplexed.While tying the vines beneath my mother’swindow, I heard her say (forgetting perhaps,that I was near)--"This is Aloma’s birthday; how beautifulshe is growing 1"I was greatly surprised, but still more sowhen my father groaned and answered:"Would to God she were deformed I Woman,why art thou made so fair l O fatal, fatalgift of beauty l but for it how lovely andpure thou art! The earth would not nowbe the theatre of unimaginable sin, norwould Satanas 1 and his wicked peers control1 See Appendix, Note 3.

CHILD OF THE HERMITAGE 17the 1 affairs of men; these deceitful beingswould not crush under their feet the heartsand hopes of mankind, nor you my wife,and I, your most unhappy husband, be exiledto this lonely hermitage. And another griefis added to our overburdened hearts: ourchild, now attaining womanhood, possessesthe fatal heritage l Would to God she haddied in your arms, as did her young brother."By this time my mother was sobbing and,frightened by the violence of her grief, Isilently withdrew, much agitated.What can it mean? Why should not menand women be beautiful as the birds andflowers ? Are they not all so ? Alas l I haveseen none but those of my own family.I once read in an old manuscript of festivals,wars, travels, and marriages; perhapsthese are connected with the misery of whichmy father spoke. I will ask him some daywhen he is instructing me.Ha!--a serpent glanced across my feet soSee Appendix, Note 4.

18 ANGELS AND WOMENquickly I scarce saw him. He too was beautifulbut filled me with terror. Will he seekthe dove’s nest l I must follow ....O, my dear birds! The father and motherare gone; one little white trembler remainsalone. But I have taken thee as my specialcare, pretty dove; the serpent shall do theeno harm. These venomous beasts alwayscome forth in the night; we must leave thisplace and retire to my chamber where weshall be safe.No--I will stay, and repeat solemnly,"God alone is Almighty. Depart, Evil One!"That will be a protection.How lovely is the grove in the twilight!The palms wave in the soft wind; the flowersexhale their odors; the insects chirp lazily;the birds are silent; the Euphrates sparklesin the fading light.The river (now that I think of it) appearsunreal tonight, not placid and calm, butagitated, and swelling upward; like a voiceit seems to say: "Coming, coming."

CHILD OF THE HERMITAGE 19What is coming, old river? Nothing, Isuppose, to Aloma who will perchancetread these lonely banks for hundreds ofmonotonous years.The power of the name of God hathwrought; the serpent cometh not; but it isgrowing dark; now must we go within. Oglorious golden hours[ O smiling yellowmoon, which I watch as through a silkenveil[ 0 bower and grove and river--dearsilent friends, do you not give me joy ofanother birthday? True, I am no longer achild, yet I love you none the less; with youI am always happy. Good night l

ALLIMADES’STORYA MONTH has passed since I began myjournal; nothing has happened worthrecording until today when I found an opportunityto question my father. Mother wentearly with Aldeth to gather grapes for drying,and I had my tasks as usual in thecypress grove. When they were finished,knowing that candor would be most acceptable,I said: "0 my father, on my birthdayby chance I heard a conversation betweenyourself and mother, in which you spoke ofbeauty as a dangerous gift, as being thecause of a dreadful condition of the world,and of your own unhappiness. Would youkindly tell me the meaning of your words ?"An expression of deep pain crossed hisfeatures as he replied: "Perhaps the time hasnow come, my daughter, when it is properto tell you what must sooner or later cer-20

ALLIMADES’ STORY 21tainly be brough to your knowledge. It isa strange and mournful story in which thereis but one light to relieve the deep shadowsof sin and sorrow."Know, then, Aloma, that after our firstparents, Adam and Eve, admitted the Deceiverto their counsels and had been drivenfrom their happy home, sin and death becamethe unavoidable and dread attendantsof human life. But more fatal than all othermiseries of the Fall was the power of interferencein human affairs which the Tempterhad acquired. He constantly used and, fromhis evil nature, abused this power, slowlygaining possession of the hearts of men, till,grown bold by success, he enticed otherStar-spirits 1 from their allegiance to theAlmighty, promising to establish them asgreat princes in the world."By some subtle process o£ which ourmost learned sages are ignorant, these angelschanged themselves into the likeness of men,1 See Appendix, Note 5.

22 ANGELS AND WOMENgrand, strong and beautiful. These majesticbeings became enamored with the beautyof women and took to themselves manywives. A race of magnificent but frightfullydepraved creatures, giants in intellect andstature, were the products of these unnaturalmarriages, and they, with despoticruelty,aided their sires in the subversion of theworld. The story of the crimes and abominationswhich prevailed would be too shockingfor your ears. The worshipers of Godstruggled in vain to stem the tide of diabolicaliniquity. Those who resisted the imperious1 will of these Devas or the Darvandstheir children, were disabled or put to death."Satanas, the most powerful of the incarnateangels, established his court at Balonia,City of the Sun, where the learning andwealth of the world were concentrated.Upon this city he lavished his immense resources.Its glory was past description; itstowers, palaces, and battlements glittered1 See Appendix. Note 6.

ALLIMADES’ STORY 23with gold and gems; its pomp and pageantryexcelled everything previously known. Butwhile feasting and seraphic music filled theroyal saloons, deeds of awful violence madethe subterranean vaults to shudder. Yetglory be to the All-Powerful, for the fulfillmentof the decrees, Lamech and Alladis, myparents, were preserved, and near this city ofsupreme glory and guilt I was reared in theways of righteousness. Being devoted to theacquisition of learning, I was spoken of as’Allimades, the Sage of Balonia!’"I had one brother; his name was Noah.I know not if he still lives. He was uprightand courageous, and being gifted withextraordinary powers of oratory, he fearlesslydenounced the foul living of the EvilOnes, and called upon God for deliverance.How often have I listened with awe, whenlike a torrent his sublime words were pouredout in warning, and have trembled with fearof the Devas’ vengeance. But he seemed tobear a charmed life; his hearers were spell-

24 ANGELS AND WOMENbound while he was addressing them, and allplots for his assassination failed. I knownow that God set a hedge about him."Our parents died early and we, with ourfew servants, were left in the world sole worshipersof the true God. To dispel his grief,my brother journeyed to a distant countryin the North and there, high among the darkstony mountains, where bleak winds destroyall but a scanty vegetation, he found a noblefamily who had retreated thither to escapethe wickedness of the world. After manymonths’ sojourn the oldest daughter wasgiven him in marriage, and he returned toBalonia, bringing with his wife a young girlwhose parents had died in that distant land.She was a lovely child, and with advancingyears grew into the perfection of womanhood.Her name was Samoula."Noah’s heart was comforted, and I stillfound consolation in studying works of apurer age."Soon after this change in our family a

ALLIMADES’ STORY 25shocking event occurred in the city, whichdrew from my impetuous brother a violentexpression of indignation. Fearing that hemight fall a victim to his rashness, notwithstandinghis former deliverance, I expostulatedwith him, but he gave no heed to mycaution."One evening, after he had with unusualeloquence addressed a great assemblage, Iremained upon the mountain and conversedwith him till the pale moon rose over themarble city. I spoke of the desperate conditionof the world, its entire subversion bythe Evil Ones. For myself I feared nothing,my unobtrusive life exempted me from suspicionor attack; but I portrayed his danger,and besought him by the love he bore hisyoung bride and me, his only brother, to bemore moderate in his attempts at reformation.I took his hand, and well I remembermy closing words""’O my brother, I believe as firmly asyourself that God is more powerful than

26 ANGELS AND WOMENSatanas; but what years have rolled awaysince the giant offspring of these execrablemarriages have defiled the earth with unnaturalcrime! We are powerless, dear brother;God has forgotten the world!’"He was so long silent that I looked upin alarm, for the hand which I held in minehad grown stony cold. In the gatheringgloom I saw his face beam with a heavenlyradiance. His eyes, dilated by strange emotion,were fixed upon the northern sky; hishand was raised, the whole attitude that ofrigid attention, as if he were trying to catchsome distant sound. He was evidently unconsciousof my presence, and though muchalarmed, I dared not disturb him. Afterremaining in this rapt posture a few moments,he sighed heavily, his hands fell, hishead was bowed, and he whispered, ’Even so,O God most mighty!’"Presently, turning toward me, he said,without any allusion to our previous discourse,’Allimades, thrice the voice has

ALLIMADES’ STORY 27spoken, and I know that the vision is true.Heard you aught, my brother?’ And withawe I answered, ’Nay[’ He continued:’There is tumult in the North, the regionof the mighty winds. At first like the tremorof leaves in a breeze, it increases to a gale,it crashes like a tornado; the thunder bellows,the earth quakes, the sea roars, itswaters surge and swell, an awful night withblackest tempest enshrouds the world. But,above the crash and convulsion of the elementsI hear a Voice, clear and low, thoughso terrible--it is the voice of God. I knownot the words, but the same meaning alwaysis given: "The end of all flesh is come; forthe earth is filled with violence throughthem. Behold, I will destroy them witheverything upon the earth. But with theewill I establish My covenant, and will savethee and thy family. Build a boat, wide andcommodious; it shall be thy refuge when thefloods of water overwhelm the guilty world.""’I am called, my brother, and must do a

28 ANGELS AND WOMENprophet’s work. Over me the Evil Oneshave no power; God hath appointed boundswhich they cannot pass. But you are indanger; you must fly, though not alone, lestgrief and solitude consume you. Take foryour wife the beautiful Samoula, who haslong loved you well,’"I answered: ’This revelation astonishesme; I know that you are indeed a prophet.The hour of doom approaches. God has notforgotten the world. I am agitated and confused;my course does not seem clear, but Iwill seriously consider your words.’"As we silently descended the mountain,the hum of the illuminated city came waftedtoward us with a new and mournful significance,and, absorbed each in his ownthoughts, we sought our quiet home."I was married to Samoula, and was happyin her love, but I did not fly. I lingered nearBalonia where, in the great repositories, Icould so conveniently continue my favoritepursuits. Here your brother was born and

ALLIMADES’ STORY 29died; his infant form reposes in a cave of themountain."A few years I remained unmolested, forI passed in and out of the city by the mostunfrequented streets, and never interferedin its affairs. I completed the copy of manyvaluable works, particularly those of Seth,and hopefully drifted along the stream oftime."But upon a certain evening, whenSamoula came near the environs of the cityto accompany me in the homeward walk, acrowd of Darvands and men followed us,discussing her beauty in a way whicharoused my quiet nature to furious wrath.’Honor to the great serpent!’ said one, ’wehave found the queen of love.’ ’What fairflesh and perfect bloom! My royal fathershall have a gift at my hands,’ said a toweringDarvand. ’Not so fast, my brother,’ answeredstill another giant; ’I have a betterplan.’"Terrified and enraged, I fled as fast as I

ut for the stern injunctions of the prophetthat we must remain concealed; discoverywill be fatal."I am content, but your mother, now thatyou are grown and do not require her maternalcare, is often unhappy. She feelsvaguely the loss of that life in which she isfitted to shine, and where she would havebeen the admiration of all eyes. I observeher growing uneasiness with extreme anxiety.I know not what it portends. Guardyour own heart, and assist me, my dear child,to divert your mother, lest an evil thoughtshould enter her mind."THE DISCOVERYAt this moment my mother appeared comingdown the avenue. She was flushed withlabor, and as she slowly moved forward I,for the first time, realized her exceedingloveliness. She was now in the full maturityof her charms, and of perfectly developedproportions. Her large blue eyes drooped

ALLIMADES’ STORY 35with a sad expression; her features were offaultless symmetry; her bosom, shoulders,and arms beautifully rounded; and her colorfaint and delicate as that of the shells wesometimes find in the drift of the river; butthe crowning glory of her stately figure wasthe wonderful hair. It was of a light goldencolor, and if extended to its full length, sweptto her feet, and enwrapped her form. Ithung in heavy waves, curling at the ends,and when for convenience she coiled it at theback of her head, it fell from her shoulderslikes the plumes of a bird.How graceful was her step, how firm andfree l My father, with admiration and lovein his eyes, arose and led her to a seat byhis side. "How fares the grape-harvest,Samoula?" said he. "My lord," she replied,"the light shone into the vineyard toowarmly and I left the place to be shelteredby your side." Allimades turned inquiringly,for there was more in her words than metthe ear. He was about to give utterance to

ALLIMADES’ STORY 37considered a sacred duty that every humanbeing should, once during life, make a pilgrimageto the site of ancient Eden, and inthat place of saddest memory offer prayerand sacrifice. I fear I have incurred the displeasureof the Almighty by deferring thisrite. Therefore, Samoula, do thou with thehelp of Aldeth and Aloma, prepare necessaryfood, a|so awnings to screen us fromthe heat of the day and the mists of night.Cheros and I will make ready the boat, andat daybreak tomorrow we will go forth uponthe pilgrimage."The unusual excitement in our householdand the anticipation of a journey make mealmost wild with joy. I can scarce composemyself to write; but I must finish the journal,there will be so much to record aftermy return. Four days of travel through astrange country, the wonders of ruinedEden, perhaps the sight of human beings,ourselves unseen of them. Why should theothers look serious? There comes a presen-

38 ANGELS AND WOMENtiment of change. The serpent crossed myfeet--a bad omen. The river whispers,"Danger is coming!" I must beware.

Second Moon.OCHANGETIME of grief and loss l O days andnights of woe l O dumb and lifelesshours l Is this the happy valley where myyouth was passed? I seem aged now. Thecypresses are black like funeral yews; theirshade is darkness, and yet the light of day ishateful to my eyes, dim with weeping. Othat I could find the gravel My mothermourns, but not with deep sorrow. In hersoft eyes is no retrospective glance, but agentle light like coming day.How shall I recover the broken thread ofmy story? How make up the calendar ofsorrow marked by the dial as ten suns only,but weighted with the woe of years? Yetthis journal, lightly begun at the suggestionof my beloved father, must be continued as asacred duty.As we stepped upon the boat made ready39

40 ANGELS AND WOMENto receive us, Father and Cheros, with longpoles, pushed from the shore and aided thewide-spread sail that propelled us slowlyalong. The great branch of the Euphrateswhich we were ascending, though now desertedand lonely, in far-gone years waslively with the boats of pilgrims to Eden,and heavy vessels bearing the products ofother lands to the great cities on its shore;but the Wicked Ones who control the affairsof the world have desolated this plain, strivingto obliterate from the memory of mankindevery reminiscence of the lost Paradise !I was too much occupied with the unaccustomedscene to find room for mournfulthoughts. Only when my eyes fell upon thesnow-white lamb resting by the green herbsprovided for his food, and I observed thegrave faces of my parents, did I rememberthe strange event of yesterday and realizethe serious object of our journey. As thehours of this delightful day drew to a close,and the declining sun veiled in mist warned

CHANGE 41us of the necessity for repose, Father andCheros warped the boat into a shady cove,and made it fast for the night. We lingeredlong over supper, spread upon the deck of ourlittle vessel, and when it was finished, tiredwith the day’s journey, I lay down and fellasleep listening to the voices of my parentsas they chanted the evening orison.Before our boat was unmoored in themorning we went ashore to view the ruinsof an ancient city, once famous for its magnificenceand learning, now only a moundof ashes overgrown with a straggling forest.Seth, the founder of this city, was a greatsage, the inventor of the characters used inwriting. He caused two wonderful pillarsto be erected upon which was inscribed thehistory of the world. These previous memorialsof better days were destroyed byorder of the Devas, but not until scribes ofour family had copied some portions of thewritings.The scene grew wilder and more drear

42 ANGELS AND WOMENafter we resumed our journey; the bankswere tangled with luxuriant shrubs andvines; birds of brilliant plumage flittedamong the trees; bright lizards and spottedserpents darted in and out or lay coiledaround their trunks.When night came on, and the journey drewto a close the river became narrower and talltrees, arching over our heads, made the waysolemn and gloomy. We grew depressedand conversation died. As the red sun, likea subdued fire, sank out of sight behind thegreat forest, we approached a rock whichrose in the middle of the river."Here," said my father, "our journeyterminates. Upon this rock, which parts thestream as it issued out of the Garden, oncestood the vigilant angelic guard with swordof flame. Alas! the way of access to the Treeof Life was completely closed to a wickedworld; gi vi ng but man will yet eat of its life-leaves in the Garden of God 1 which is to be1 See Appendix, Note 7.

44 ANGELS AND WOMENTHE FORSAKEN EDENAt early dawn we were astir with preparationfor the solemn rite. Upon the rock wasbuilt an altar; the offerings were placedthereon. As I climbed the pathway to coverthe sacrifice with lilies gathered at the water’sedge, the scene beyond filled me withastonishment.A vast expanse lay stretched before us,bounded by mountains, rosy and purple inthe morning light. Born in these far-offheights, fed by springs and rills, four greatrivers, widening as they advanced, rolledthrough a broad extended plain. Here werecalm lakes and valleys, and the verdure ofmeadow and grove. But no flocks reposedupon the grassy banks, nor cattle browsedthe rank savannas, nor lion lifted his voicein the dark glen. No harvester reaped thenodding corn, or loaded with purple grapesthe creaking wain. The crimson apples layin heaps, the nuts dropped noiselessly on the

sod, the empty stubble rustled in the wind,the untouched orange and fig, decaying onthe ground, went back into the parent stemto bloom again and again in vernal beauty.Sound there was none, but sighing of thewinds as they swept mournfully across thelonely Eden; no motion save that of lightand shadow flitting over tenantless plains.Silence and solitude forever brooded there.A belt of funeral yews, under-grown with athicket of brush-thorns, hedged in this landof supernal but desolate beauty. Directlyin front of the Warder’s Rock was a narrowopening bounded by two ancient yews ofmagnificent proportions; between thesetrees had sprung up a gigantic vine, whosewide-spread branches, twined and interwoven,made a vast impenetrable screen,closing the gate-way of the Garden of theLord. The tangles of this deadly vine hadformed themselves into spectral characters,which, facing outward, perennially renewedthe -- inscription

46 ANGELS AND WOMEN"SIN,DESPAIR, DEATH"Through a mist of tears the last look ofmortal eyes was now bestowed upon the forsakenbeauty of the Lost Paradise.OMENSTurning toward the altar, my father liftedhis voice in solemn confession and prayer.We then removed to the boat, and waited ata distance, repeating in the usual form of ouroblation:"Accept, most Holy God, the offering ofthy sinful but repentant creatures, and givethe gracious token by fire."A moment of breathless suspense, and theanswer came---but in a manner which filledus with terror. A fearful rumbling likesubterranean thunder was heard; the earthshuddered; the rock heaved and with a loudexplosion burst asunder. Fierce flames andsulphurous vapors rushed upward from ayawning chasm, and downward from the

CHANGE 47heavens, swallowing the altar of sacrificeand the very rock upon which we had beenstanding a moment before. The waters ofthe river bubbled, hissed, and then fell backto the old channel, our boat surged andtossed in the terrible convulsion, and the pallorof fear overspread our faces.We turned with anxious inquiry towardfather. Upon his countenance, pale as ourown, was no sign of doubt or alarm. Hishands were folded upon his breast, his headwas bowed in resignation, and he sighed, "Iaccept the decree. The will of the MostHigh be done." Then, without furtherwords, we hastened away from the scene ofdire portent.ALOMA RECEIVES THE GIFT OF PROPHECY.The current was now in our favor; we shotrapidly down the river, the veiled sun rodehigh in the heaven, and when, for the thirdtime since our departure from home, it sank4

48 ANGELS AND WOMENibehind the western forest, we drew into thequiet cove where we had first landed. Tranquillitywas in some measure restored as distanceincreased between ourselves and theappalling scenes of the morning, yet was theevening benediction of Allimades unusuallyearnest. Fatigued by the unwonted adventuresof the day, all of the party, except myself,were soon wrapped in deep slumber.Cheros and Aldeth rested quietly under apalm-tree on shore, my parents reclined upona platform raised under the tent-screen, andI lay upon a mat at their feet. The air wasserene and I tranquilly rested, listening tothe only sound that varied the intensity ofsilence--the ripple of the river as it lightlyflowed past our boat.Forgotten by the world, far from anyhuman habitation, in the midst of a greatwilderness, shrouded by the shadows ofnight, what cause was there for apprehension? Yet some unwonted agitation--a fear,or rather an expectation--rendered me for a

CHANGE 49long time wakeful, and I repeated again andagain these words: "Enlighten mine eyes,lest I sleep the sleep of dearth." Presently mythoughts became confused, and I passed intothe land of forgetfulness. Did any shadowof coming evil flit across my dreams ? Alas lit was the final hour of childhood, the lastuntroubled slumber which would seal myeyes; for before morning dawned, an eventoccurred which dispelled all careless fantasy,and changed forever the color and currentof my existence.I slept I know not how long, when I wasstartled by a flash of light, and perceived,although the moon had set, that the air wasillumined by such an extraordinary brilliancethat my eyes involuntarily closed again.:How can I relate what followed, incredibleeven to myself, but which I know is only tooreal ? I was powerless to move, and my eyeswere certainly closed; but by some new andstrange sight, I perceived standing directlybehind me two majestic beings, in form and

i50 ANGELS AND WOMENlineament like men, though far more statelyand beautiful, but whose faces filled me withdismay.Upon each royal brow gleamed a starluminous as their eyes, and the trailing garmentswere of a shape and texture I hadnever before seen. From the taller andgrander of these figures emanated the lightningflash which had awakened me. Thelook of admiration he fixed upon my mother,whose transcendent beauty reflected the unnaturallight, was almost as dreadful as thescowl that alternated upon his features whenhe turned toward my father. I was certainthat they were Devas, the incarnate celestialsof whose existence I had recently becomeaware. He who was tall and bright atlength spoke in words I had never beforeheard, but which, by some new perceptionof sound, I well understood."More beautiful than Eve, and as true toher lord. The man must die. Prince of theWest, send forth your baneful fire." The

CHANGE 51dark Deva raised his hand, and from the extendedfinger a slender shaft of light like apale starbeam shot forward and quiveredover my father’s heart. The bright beingspoke again: "Smite the girl also, Hesperus.""Not so, my Lord Satanas," said Hesperus,surveying me attentively; "this is no commonmaiden. Seest thou not her nature?""Unlike all others," exclaimed Satanas,"clear and strong, perhaps dangerous. Shemust die !" "My lord," responded Hesperus,"I have done you some service; I havehitherto asked no favor, but now I wouldsave this maiden," hesitating a moment--"for myself.""The Star of Evening would be reflectedin beautiful eyes at last," said Satanas,turning upon him a smile of surprise andtriumph.I shivered, but there was no motion; Igroaned, but I heard not my own voice. Ilay as in the deepest swoon till the morningsun shone upon our little boat and a shriek

52 ANGELS AND WOMENfrom Samoula aroused me. She was tryingto raise my father, and loudly entreating himto speak. Our old servants awoke and camehurriedly forward, but all help was in vain.Allimades was dead.In our distress and confusion we knewnot what to do; our piteous cries rent the air.At that moment two grand looking personscame to the water’s edge and kindly profferedtheir assistance. They seemed to bemen; but by the newly acquired sense I knewthat the name of one was Satanas and of theother Hesperus. Samoula, too much distractedto observe my whispered caution,willingly yielded to their seeming kindness;the body of Allimades was covered with asail-cloth, and we floated homeward, hurriedalong by the current of the stream. Our newacquaintances told my mother that her husbandhad died of a sudden and fatal diseasepeculiar to that locality; it was a miracle wewere not all dead; she must submit to theinevitable; they would convey us to our

CHANGE 53home and render all the aid and consolationin their power.After a few melancholy hours we reachedthe Hermitage and moored the boat at thefoot of the cypress avenue. I was filled withindignant grief when he, called Satanas, withtender assiduity, aided my mother and devotedhimself to her care, while the wickedHesperus conveyed the body of his murderedvictim to a closely screened bower in a remotepart of the garden. Here Cheros felledthe tall trees, and despite my protestationsand his own grief, covered the dead fatherand the living arbor, deep, deep, beneath theheavy cypresses, shut out from the sunlightand my loving eyes forever.I fled to my little room, and now, hiddenwithin it, as the shadows of night come on,how gladly would I lie down and wake nomorel Oh l is not this a dream, a delusion?BuG yesterday my father looked on me sokindly; his voice was sweet as he gave wisecounsel or related stories of the olden time.

54 ANGELS AND WOMENHis hand was strong and warm as he aidedmy weak attempts to climb the rock of sacrifice.Now his eyes are without light, hisface is stony; he answers not when I implorehim; his cold hands lie motionless, thoughthe trees weigh heavily upon his breast; heregards not my mother as she sits weepingby the side of the haughty Satanas.O strange, inexplicable Death! I walk asin a dream. Stay, sweet vision, thy wordsI do not comprehend. I catch the gleam--Alas! my life is changed; and yet the moon.rises as of old; the winds play idly with thecypress branches, all unconscious or carelessof the fearful mystery in the arbor; and thevoice of the river, as in the days gone by,breathes through the soft night air the samestrange words: "Coming, coming, coming1"DISASTERSeven days have passed since last I wrote,bringing other alarming events. I once

CHANGE 55longed for change and adventure. God forgivemy childish folly lI left my chamber on the morning after thedreadful day, with heavy heart and a vaguesense of disquiet and danger; my mothercame forward, embraced me with much affection,and for a few moments we wept ineach other’s arms. Sensible of a flash of lightacross my tired eyes, I raised them and sawthe Lord Satanas, magnificent and haughty,standing near with a look of impatience, asif the scene displeased him; the Devas hadnot left the Hermitage. Not wishing to intrudeour grief upon strangers, I hastilywithdrew to the arbor study, hoping to remainunobserved; but the dark Hesperus followedme, saying--"Aloma, I rejoice to behold your beauty,yet your eyes are dim with weeping. Let notgrief overpower you; time will soothe thissorrow and the days again be bright." Thesewords shocked and pained me, and when heextended to me his hand--the hand that had

56 ANGELS AND WOMENslain my father--I recoiled with sudden horror."Forgive," he said in deprecating tones;"I cannot pardon myself if I frighten or offendyou. Farewell 1"Satanas was preparing to depart. Takingthe hand of my mother, Samoula, as she acknowledgedher obligation for his kindness,the proud Lord replied: "We would lightlyesteem all service rendered to one so unhappyand so fair. Command us ever." Thelook which accompanied these words wasbold and ardent, but her eyes downcast comprehendednot the meaning.After our new acquaintances left us, withthe sense of relief came also that of desolation.Death has extinguished the light ofour household; the desire of our eyes istaken; we are left alone in an almost impenetrableforest; our servants are aged; adoubtful future is before us. Yet miserableas solititude must be, an introduction to thegreat world is far more to be dreaded. [often discuss our prospects with my mother,

CHANGE 57but her natural reticence is increased by misfortune,and I seldom obtain a confidentialresponse.Aldeth shares my dismal forebodings.One day, soon after the departure of theDevas, she led me to the grape-arbor andthus addressed me: "Aloma, I am alarmedfor Cheros. Since the death of your fatherhe is greatly changed. He scarcely eats orsleeps; his life seems departing. He saysnaught ! ’ but, ’Alas, my master! O my GodHe is old now; I fear he will die; and I havestill more terrible fears."Our strange visitors, 1 love them not. Itis many years since we left Balonia, and sinceI saw the transformed sons of God. But,dear child, I fear that the beings who havefound the Hermitage are not men. Yourmother, fairest of women, was concealedfrom the eyes of the Devas in this wilderness;she has been discovered, and we aresafe no longer."She clasped me in her aged arms, and ex-

58 ANGELS AND WOMENclaimed with deep emotion--"And you, poorchild, are like your mother. God save you!"To which I devoutly added--"Save me fromsin, O God!"Third Moon.The time has passed heavily; we bleachedand prepared for spinning the store of flax,gathered the hemp, clipped the hair of thecamels and wool of the sheep to make fabrics,and many an hour I spent in learningfrom my patient mother the art of dyeingthread, and weaving the fine linen of whichour garments are fashioned. The monotonyof the dreary days was relieved by light laborin the garden, drying grapes, dates, andsweet herbs. We conversed little, exceptupon the subjects of our daily occupations.Our life went on in a dull, eventless round,till yesterday at mid-sun when Aldeth rushedinto our apartments, exclaiming: "Cheroshas disappeared. He was gathering dates

CHANGE 59upon the river bank, when a sudden flash oflight and a loud rolling sound burst from thecalm sky! I saw him fall, and flew to hisassistance; the camels and kine in great affrightwere running around the place wherehe had fallen, but him I found not. O mymistress! O my child l Where is he, whereis my husband?"We went forth in haste to the river. Ahalf-filled basket was standing under thedate tree; the cattle bellowed, and with headserect looked down the stream. Upon its hurryingwaters we perceived the mantle of ourgood old servant floating out of sight. Thenwe lifted up our voices and wept, threw dustupon our heads, and in grief and despair satupon the earth, while the dew and darknessfell around us.WOOING OF THE STAR-SPIRITSAs day began to dawn, a boat was seencoming down the stream, and from the un-

ANGELS AND WOMENusual light that pervaded the water, and asudden illumination as it neared the shore, Irecognized with a sinking heart the presenceof the Star-spirits.Perceiving our group, the boat drew to thelanding. Two well-remembered forms advancedto the spot where we were sitting,and Lord Satanas spoke thus: "Passing thisshore upon a hasty affair of state, we werereminded of our last sorrowful visit, andturned aside to enquire how fares the lovelySamoula." Then surveying the group earnestly,with hypocritical surprise, he exclaimed:"Ah! what new calamity has befallenthee, most beautiful of women ? Whyis that glorious head defiled with ashes,which should be crowned with flowers, nay,with a royal diadem?""Alas, my lord," Samoula answered,"Cheros is dead I The decrees of fate areagainst us." "0 fairest of earth’s daughters,"said he, extending his hands to aid her,"even fate relents in the presence of thy

CHANGE 61tears. Thou shalt be protected. Arise; forgetthy sorrow while we take counsel withregard to the future."I had no time to remonstrate, for Hesperusimmediately addressed me: "And thou wiltneed a friend, Aloma. Turn not away, butconsider my words. Samoula will departwith Satanas; if thou remain alone in thiswilderness, death will soon ensue and thyfair form become a prey to savage beasts.Remove to Balonia, and greater dangerthreatens. But if I may claim the sacredright of protection, safety and happiness areassured. Aloma, thou hast power never beforeconferred upon mortal maid; thou artinspired by ambition lofty as that which animatesmy own spirit: Thou weft born to bean angel’s bride. Become the partner ofHesperus, share in his glory, and the unimaginablefervor of an angel’s passion willenkindle thy human soul. Love and honorshall be thine, such as woman has neverknown; the treasures of earth will be laid at

62 ANGELS AND WOMENthy feet; a princess shalt thou reign in mykingdom and in my heart."But lest the breath of a wicked worldshould dim the lustre of my precious pearl,I have prepared a paradise in the far West,remote from the haunts of men. No evil canencroach upon its joy, nor Deva’s glance intrudeupon its privacy. Above is the benignantsky, and in cool recesses flowers distillperfume; doves nestle in overhangingboughs; in the fountain white swans sail;and on the margin lilies nod. Thither shallAloma retire if the grandeur of royalty becomesoppressive."Then my soul became enlarged, and I replied:"O Hesperus! though I am a weakand ignorant maiden, humblest of the daughtersof men, by some power I can neither explainto another or myself, I know that thouart a Star-spirit, made for purity and glory,but now only less wicked than yon proudbeing who walks by my mother’s side. Iknow that a crisis impends in the affairs of

CHANGE 63earth, a pall hangs over the kingdom of theDevas; the day of reckoning draws nigh, andall who are found at that dread moment inthe service of Satanas will sink to darknessand despair. I am permitted to warn you;more than that I cannot do. Be your bride?Share your power and glory ? Sooner wouldI die by lingering starvation; sooner wouldI give my body to wild beasts or devouringflames. 1 I fear naught but my eternal deathwhich would mean eternal oblivion. Ambitious?In that thou saidst truly, but myambitions rise beyond the present bounds ofsense!"I was astonished at my own earnestness,and hid my blushing face; but marvelouslysustained, I walked away from Hesperus,who, overcome by the conflict of disappointedpassions, became deadly pale and remainedmotionless. The Devas soon left us.I do not know what passed between Satanasand my mother. She was thoughtful and1 See Appendix, Note 8,5

i64 ANGELS AND WOMENrestless, but spoke not, and upon myself filialawe imposed reluctant silence. An impassablebarrier seemed to have arisen betweenus; confidence was at an end.From this time on various afflictions assailedus. Many of our cattle died; treeswere set on fire; the date-bearing palms werethrown down; the river rose and flooded thewarden; destruction raged over the Hermitage.Our food and garments became mildewed;we drew near the gates of death. Icould not but connect these misfortunes withthe power of the Devas, who I knew weremalignant, as they were grand and beautiful.One memorable evening, after a day ofgloom and disaster, a sudden light pervadedthe scene---a peculiar brilliance which I buttoo well understood. Like the scintillationof stars, Satanas and Hesperus appeared beforeus; their voices were sweet and theirwords gentle. Following" them was a troopof strange looking beings, men of low fore-

CHANGE 65heads, beardless, giants 1 in stature, and ofgreat strength. I instinctively recognizedthem as the Darvands, the sons of the Devas.They bore upon their backs large bundleswrapped in oilskins. Carefully unrollingthese, they knelt and placed at my mother’sfeet baskets of fruit, meats, unlike any wehad hitherto known. Some of the packagescontained beautiful fabrics, shawls and girdlesrich with embroidery, and most ravishingto my unaccustomed eyes--jewels ofcrystal and gold.But curious admiration was checked whenI discovered upon every package a uniformmark, in shape of a winged serpent. I lookedat the bearers of the treasures. Upon thebreast of the tunics they wore, and upon theband which crossed their foreheads, was thesame emblem. I knew the deadly meaningof the seal. It was the form in which theTempter appeared to our mother Eve, and Ifled to my own apartment in great alarm.1 See Appendix, Note 9.

ANGELSAND WOMENHere, in the quiet of my room, the anxioustumult in my breast was soon calmed. Allnature seemed to bend over me with a smileand benediction as I looked out from mywindow upon the calm earth and sky. I wasalone, indeed, without human companionship,but I recalled the omnipotence of theGod of my father and feeling certain of hiscontinued protection, the feeling of lonelinessdeparted.A light step at the door interrupted mymeditation, and Samoula entered the chamber."The banquet is prepared. Will younot loin us, Aloma ?" The question did notharmonize with my mood, and I answered,perhaps too briefly, "No, my mother.""Our life is so sad and dull, will yon notaid to brighten it?""I cannot, my mother.""The Lord Satanas honors you with an invitation.Will you not accept it? Hesperusinquires for you, and anxiously awaits yourcoming. Will you not see him ?"

CHANGE 67Then I fell upon my knees and claspedSamoula’s hand. "Dear mother," I exclaimed,"God has enlightened my mind,therefore permit me to speak. Satanas andHesperus are treacherous friends. Theyhave destroyed Allimades and Cheros, andcan easily take our lives. But over our eternaldestiny they have no power, except asit is conferred by our own will. Resist thesewicked demons and they are powerless. Fortheir wicked purpose the Devas desire possessionboth of the mind and of the body.Therefore they condescend to temporize, topersuade, to allure. O mother, do not yield,lest you embrace death I""Aloma," she answered soothingly, "youare a child, utterly without knowledge of theworld. Your judgment is immature; a timidfancy has misled you. In this wildernessdeath is indeed inevitable. In Balonia, myearly home, whither my heart has everturned, we shall find, under the protection ofits powerfulord, not only life, but happiness.

68 ANGELS AND WOMENLay aside these unseasonable fears, andcome with me to the banquet."Again I answered---could I say aught else ?---"Nay, my mother."With a sigh Samoula retired; and when Ihad partaken of the simple food Aldethbrought for my repast, I commended myselfto God, and afterward slept in peace, thoughat intervals during the night I was awakenedby unusual noises in the forest--the crash offalling trees and the sound of mechanical implements.My first consciousness in the morning wasself-reproach that I had left my mother andAldeth so long alone with our dangerousguests. Robed more closely than usual, witha fold of linen over my head, I opened thedoor of my room, and saw at the farther extremityof the avenue the majestic form ofSatanas standing before Samoula, who satwith her face averted from his gaze.As I slowly walked toward them, I observed,more perfectly than ever, the mag-

CHANGE 69nificent proportions of the Deva--the massivehead crowned with golden curls, thepowerful shoulders and shapely limbs, thegrace and harmony of every motion, thestrength and elasticity of the figure, scarcelyconcealed by folds of a cerulean robe thicklyset with silver stars.Did my eyes deceive me ? Upon his shouldersappeared something like transparentwings, which vanished into the flowingdrapery. Verily this was a son of God--hewho had once been a Light-bearer, a son ofthe morning of creation l With quickenedsense I could distinguish every word. "Letme persuade you," he was saying, "I havenow held possession of the earth for manycycles, and am still unconquered, yea,stronger and more secure than of old; forHeaven abandons the strife. Satanas willreign in perennial manhood forever, but notalone. Power for his strong hand, love forhis heart, he desires. Among all of mortalmould, never, until the happy hour in which

70 ANGELS AND WOMENyour matchless form enchained my eyes,have I met my peer. Samoula must neverdie, 1 rendered immortal by our great love.The equal and companion of Satanas, shemust reign through the rolling ages, queenof the earth and Bride of the Sun!"Taking from a fold in his garment a jewelledbracelet, he clasped it upon her arm,saying, "By this token the compact issealed." I saw the band of flashing gems,bright like coals of fire, and where it closedtogether were two entwined serpents. Interrified expostulation I cried out---"Beware,O my mother 1" Satanas turned sharply, andbestowed upon me such a look of displeasureas almost deprived me of strength. Istepped suddenly backward, and found myselfin the arms of Hesperus. The tenderfirmness of the embrace was irresistible. Athrill responsive shot through my frame; animpulse to return the pressure almost overpoweredme; but at that perilous moment I¯ See Appendix, Note 10.

CHANGE 71caught the scornful smile of Satanas as heretreated with Samoula my mother, and Icried out--"Help me, God Almighty!"At that word the clasping arms relaxed,the magnetic chain was dissolved. With onebound I was free, and stood confrontingHesperus. He was robed in trailing garmentsof royal purple, a band of gold encircledhis head, where rested a pale star, and,glowing with emotion, he was as beautifulas Satanas.My face flushed with indignation andfright, yet, though repulsed, the Deva saidwith patient earnestness: "Listen, Aloma.I speak to you in confidence, for you are noless discreet than fair. Satanas has hadmany wives, and to all, as to Samoula, hepromised immortality. But when weariedof his queen, he subtly persuades her, andthe victim retires at the solicitation of hersated lord, drinks of the amaranthine cup,and dies by a petrifying poison l"Fear nothing," he added, seeing me shud-

72 ANGELS AND WOMENder; "together we will defeat his artifice.His counselor possesses the antidote for hisdeadly narcotic, and can aid you to saveSamoula from the fate of her predecessors.But I have more to say, Aloma. UnlikeSatanas, Hesperus has no roving desire.Ambition alone, not pleasure, called himfrom the service of the Eternal. I wouldhave power and reign a great prince. I willbe the peer of Satanas, nay, his dictator. Iwould reign in solitary grandeur, and yet--only the One Supreme is self-contained, anddwells in awful solitude."Sometimes I long for another self to sharemy bounteous life, upon whose heart my ownmay rest in times of trouble and weariness.The women of this world have I found weakand base. I turned from them in disgustuntil mine eyes met thine, O thou most regalmaid! Our companions in Heaven we lovedwithout desire; but thou, warm, palpitatingchild of earth, art fair to me as forms thatflit across the plains of Heaven, and as true.

CHANGE 73Thou art mine other self, O strongest soul,completest womanhood! Love for thee nowfills my heart, transforms my being. Iwould hold thee forever and forever, brightestjewel in my crown, rarest bliss in earthor Heaven. Hesperus, the passionless, bowsto one of mortal mould. Accept his adoration,make him happier, exalt him with thylove, my queen, Aloma!"With a look of infinite yearning he extendedhis arms. I was attracted, as is steelby the magnet. My brain grew dizzy, mysight indistinct, the pleading voice becamea confused sound. Then memory whisperedAllimades’ name, reason conquered feeling,and I replied: "Hesperus, not even thesafety of my mother shall tempt me. Sin ismore dreadful than death, holiness is moreto be desired than glory. I am inspired withwisdom and strength beyond my own comprehension;I know that you fell from holinesswhen you renounced the service of theLord of Heaven. Still lower are you debased

74 ANGELS AND WOMENthis day. You ask my love. The gift wouldbe fatal, the union accursed. So far, you maybe restored. If I yield to your persuasion,we shall sink into everlasting perdition."I then drew forth a small dagger, whichsince the visit of the Star-spirits I had alwayscarried, and I spoke again: "I knownot what moves me. I love you not, 0Hesperus, yet would I plunge this weaponinto my own heart to save you from the sinof my embrace." I held the point of the daggerfirmly upon my bosom, and Hesperus,after gazing upon me in astonishment,silently withdrew.Not in vain, 0 Allimades, did the memoryof thy warning come to thy child t Not invain did thy heart in years agone grow dullbeneath the deadly blight! And yet--thethread of my fate is twined with that ofHesperus.

GREATERCHANGEBalonia.Palace of Light, North Tower.OFourth Moon ,INCREDIBLE mutation of human affairsI One month ago I was an orphanchild, laboring unknown and uncared forin a lonely forest. Now I am the daughterof a queen, in a marble palace, attended byslaves, looking out from the midst of sumptuousappointments upon the splendors ofthe richest city in the world. Day is justbreaking--the hour when we were wont tocommence our daily toil, that we might restthrough the hot and drowsy hour of noontide.But here night is turned into day, andin the glare of ten thousand lamps feastingand revelry fill up the passing hours. I havejust returned from such a scene; but beforesleep seals mine eyes I must record theevents of the last few fateful days.After Hesperus left me in the cypressgrove,I turned away and wandered alone75

76 ANGELS AND WOMENupon the bank of the river. It still hurriedon, repeating the old sound of agitation andunrest. The whole air was filled with uneasiness.The winds rushed wildly around,the leaves bristled on the trees. A flutterand a stir, then Aldeth’s voice calling fromthe !" avenue, "Come, Aloma, my childAs we drew near the dwelling a bewilderingscene met my eye. It was so like the picturein an ancient manuscript I had just finishedreading ("The History of King Irad,"most famous monarch of the Land of Nod)that I could scarce persuade myself that thiswas not a dream. Objects I had never seenbefore were easily recognized, and I gavethem their appropriate names. How wonderfuldid everything appear to my uninitiatedvision, revealed in the morning light!Before the entrance of our dwelling stooda huge golden chariot, lined, cushioned, andcanopied with a soft, shining fabric of palesthue. Yoked to the royal car were six whiteelephants, with harness and trappings of

GREATER CHANGE 77scarlet and gold. Mounted upon the back ofeach huge beast was a Darvand, robed in scarletand holding a guiding wand in his hand.In front and rear were seen a band of similargigantic men, clad also in scarlet, with blackplumes upon their heads, and marshalled inbattle array. These I knew must be anotherdetachment of those terrible beings, of whommy father had spoken--Darvands, the offspringof angels and women. Strong andpowerful were they, but the expression oftheir faces made me recoil, and even fly forprotection to the side of Satanas and Hesperus,between whom Samoula stood, neverso lovely and radiant as at this moment.Depending from her head and envelopingher perfect figure was a transparent veil,through which gleamed a white robe--alas !not of linen, but of a texture similar to theblue and silver garment of the lord Satanas,who stood haughty and impatient while hewaited my coming."Aloma," said my mother in deprecating

78 ANGELS AND WOMENtones, "wilt thou not go with us?" Tremblingwith consternation, but strong in couragenot my own, I replied: "Our garden isoverflowed, our date-trees are destroyed, ourcamels and kine have perished, my fatherand Cheros are dead. I can but go with you.God save me from sin I"At the last words a hiss arose from thegiants and a scowl overspread the featuresof Satanas. His hand grasped the hilt of hissword, but Hesperus stepped quickly to thefront, and raising his hand significantly,said----"My lord, the maiden is mine.""Give me one moment to prepare," I cried,"and I will accompany you."I hastened to the study, and with the assistanceof Aldeth placed in a basket themanuscripts and writing materials of Allimades,and the amethyst cylinder presentedby him on my last birthday. I covered allwith a web of fine linen, and gave it in chargeof one of the giant servants.For one instant I yielded to the sharp pang

GREATER CHANGE 79of separation. "Farewell to the happy past,"I cried, "farewell to the home of my heart,to forest, bower, and river, and to my father’sgrave---a sad farewell!"Then I returned to the waiting group.Satanas and Samoula were already seated inthe chariot. Aldeth and myself were directedto occupy an apartment on one side of thecar. Hesperus took a place opposite andobedient to a command from Satanas, thegorgeous cavalcade moved forward withoutthe slightest obstruction. This was indeeda marvel, for we were in the depths of atangled forest. I now perceived what hadcaused the unusual noises of the night before.The trees had been felled and a broadhighway constructed. Over this we passedswiftly without jar or sound.The Darvands were arranged with precisionin advance and rear, but none werepermitted to approach the chariot. Silentand sullen, they ran with measured tread,subdued by fear of the royal displeasure. For6

80 ANGELS AND WOMENsome hours the scenery and surroundingswere familiar: dense forest, over archingtrees, and blossoms like those of the Hermitage.Presently we emerged into a vastplain, where no trees obstructed the lightalong our pathway. At a distance were citiesglimmering in the light. In the near cornfieldsand vineyards laborers toiled at theirtasks and looked up with stealthy glance asour train passed by.Night was now approaching. The journeywhich had occupied Allimades four dayshad been performed by the fleet elephantsin a few hours. We were drawing nearBalonia. During our progress the voices ofSatanas and Samoula were often heard inearnest conversation, but with sense absorbedin our new changeful surroundings,and preoccupied with conjecture as to an inscrutablefuture, I gave little heed to theirdiscourse.As I seriously meditated my mind becameenlightened and many doubtful matters were

GREATER CHANGE 81made plain. When the dull pressure of senseis gone, how clear the vision l Troops fillthe sky, and spectres walk the earth, voicesare on the breeze, all nature speaks. But,gloomy or glory, accents loud or low, thefaithful need have no fear.I heard a voice, as it were the breath ofthe wind, saying, "Fear not, little one, theDevas cannot compel the resolute righteoushuman. Thou hast set thy face to do thewill of the Most High; be thou faithful untothe end. The time is at hand."Then was brought to mind the marvelousdeliverance of my father’s brother, Noah;also how the strength of Hesperus had becomeweakness; and I prayed earnestly:"God of the Prophet, be Thou my defense !"BALONIAAs the light of the setting sun grew dimmerand the landscape began to fade, wepassed the gorge in Mount Hermon where

82 ANGELS AND WOMENAllimades had parted from his brother theProphet, and I beheld with the fresh delightof a child of the wilderness, the magnificentcity and valley of Balonia, seat of the empireof Satanas.Its marble towers and palaces glitteredwith gold; statues and fountains gleamedwhite among fern-palms, spice-groves, andgardens, where falling waters sparkled evenin the fading light. Along its paved streets,throngs of people and carriages were moving,and a confused hum mingled with thefragrance ascending from grove and garden.Through the midst of the city flowed a broadriver, and upon its bosom boats with silkensails were gliding, while myriads of unseenbells, fitfully shaken by the evening breeze,filled the air with sounds more musical andsoothing than can be described.Upon the mountain top was a lofty buildingfrom which all the surrounding countrycould be overlooked. This, I afterwardlearned, is called the Tower of Satanas, the

GREATER CHANGE 83place where the great monarch watches themotion of the stars, or holds consultationwith his angelic confederates. At the rightof this imposing edifice stood another, vastlylarger and more wonderful, the glorious Palaceof Light. It was built upon massivearches of stone, in shape like a star, thus enclosinga great court. Upon the long linesof wall, which formed the star-points, rosemarble structures, miracles of beauty.Toward the sunrise and sunset, and to thenorth and south, four lofty towers overlaidwith gold aspired to reach the skies. Uponthe highest of these a tall shaft was erected,and around it was entwined the monstrousimage of a winged serpent. As the breezestruck its pinions, it writhed around thestandard, and the scales of green and thefiery eyes glittered like those of living"creatures.Below the tower of Satanas was a fair lakewherein were floating gardens of exceedingbeauty. "That place," said Aldeth with a

84 ANGELS AND WOMENshudder, "I well remember; it is the Lake ofSacrifice."And now, as the royal train entered anavenue of spice-trees leading to the city,Satanas checked our advance and dismissedthe Darvands, whose superhuman strengthhad, during the day, kept pace with the swiftelephants.To avoid their bold gaze, I turned towardthe mountain, and saw upon the declivity agroup which at once attracted my attention.In advance was a dignified man and threeyounger persons, who were directing the removalof timber which had been cut from thedense groves far in the heights. The haltingof the chariot gave us an opportunity to observethis party more closely.The eldest person, evidently the father,was of a handsome, grave, even melancholyaspect. His flowing beard and peculiar expressioncaused my heart to throb withmournful memories, for I imagined I couldtrace a resemblance to my beloved father.

GREATER CHANGE 85Two of the young men were dark and stern,but the other was fair and stately as a palmtree.He pushed from his white brow thecurling locks, and surveyed the royal trainwith grave curiosity until his eyes restedupon the chariot. In a moment there cameinto his face a flush and bright consciousnesslike recognition, and as we moved forward,he seemed about to follow. We passedfrom sight, and my cheeks burned withshame, for had I not too earnestly returnedhis gaze?But why distress myself? Why care forthe stranger I may never meet again, andwho, perchance, forgot me before I reachedthe city?The sun having entirely set, the glory diedout of the scene; a chill pervaded the grayatmosphere as we passed under a grand archwayin the southern wall of the palace andentered the magnificent court. Depressed asI had suddenly become, I could but marvelat the wonderful architecture. Carvings, in-

86 ANGELS AND WOMENscriptions, and tinted images that rivalledtheir living models, everywhere met the eye;while through tessellated footpaths and carriage-wayspressed an expectant throng,who knelt upon the ground and hailed themonarch’s arrival with shouts of adulation.As the chariot halted before the mostsuperb of the corner towers, where gaycourtiers stood in waiting, Satanas liftedSamoula in his arms. Together they floatedrather than walked up the marble stairway,and vanished from sight in the broad illuminatedhall. I followed in great bewilderment.There was no abrupt sound or motion,like retreating footsteps, only the noiselessglide of a serpent.Through long corridors, where gilded pillarsupheld the vaulted ceiling, we were escortedto apartments in the northern tower.Here every imaginable luxury awaited us,and obsequious slaves stood ready to anticipateour wants. The chambers appropriatedto Samoula exceed the wildest dreams of

GREATER CHANGE 87imagination. The ceiling of the principalapartment is arched, and painted to representthe star-lit sky, in which the day-staroutshines all others. Transparent curtains,draped from the center of the dome, softenbut do not obscure its lustre. Upon the wallsare gorgeous tapestried scenes of war andthe chase. Always triumphant, the magnificentform of the great monarch is seen inevery posture, displaying strength andbeauty.In the small banquet-room are portrayedthe revels of the gayest and most dissoluteof the Devas. The figures are not pleasing,but the flowers and fruit rival those uponthe tables, heaped in golden baskets.The bedroom is like a garden of roses.There again is reproduced in art the majesticbut voluptuous form of the Light-bearer, recliningbeneath sheltering vines, or wanderingthrough sequestered walks in companywith one alone, whose lineaments reproducebut too faithfully Samoula’s beauty.

88 ANGELS AND WOMENThe bath is a scalloped pearl-shell, intowhich flows perfumed water. Mats arespread upon jasper floors, soft and brightlike a grassy lawn sprinkled with flowers.Everywhere glows the action, color andwarmth of life, and a light like that of thefull moon pervades the balmy air.Fatigued by long travel and unwonted excitement,I soon took leave of my happymother for the night, and retired to the adjoiningchamber, prepared for my especialuse. What a contrast to that which I hadjust left[ Cool, colorless, sombre, a realmof thought, not sense; wall and ceiling allof ivory, polished and carved in leafy boughs,flowers, birds, and butterflies; long mirrorsreflecting beautiful designs, and startling mewith the reduplication of my own whiteimage standing entranced and motionless.Upon the marble floor of blue and gray weremats of bleached wool and goat’s hair.Chairs and divans invited repose, and in asmall recess stood a dainty table containing

GREATER CHANGE 89materials for writing. Through the highceiling a subdued light entered, etherealizingevery object.It was a dream--a dream of peace andpurity and spirituality. Above the couch hadbeen placed an inscription of frosted silverinlaid upon ivory."Rest, sweet soul,In the home of thy spirit."But for the caution, now become habitual,I should have given expression to the rapturesuch beauty inspired; for I thought, "Herewould I ever rest l" But looking more intently,I saw, what had at first escapednotice, that the character used for the word"spirit" was that implying personality."Rest, sweet soul,In the home of thy Spirit."Ah, Hesperus! thy love hath prepared thiswelcome; but the home of a Star-spirit can-

90 ANGELS AND WOMENnot be Aloma’s place of rest. Then I forgotfatigue in the sense of danger, and remaineda long time absorbed in thought.Upon one side of the chamber a tall screenof ivory lace-work stood before a broadarched door, opening upon a balcony. Theair of the chamber had suddenly grown oppressive,and I went forth into the silentnight.Beneath was a garden of exceedingbeauty; thickets of trees and parterres offlowers interspersed lawns where gleamedalabaster vases, marble images, and jets ofwater rising misty and ghost-like as theywere swayed by the night wind. All was secludedand dusky, save the light from anextraordinary fountain in the midst of thegarden, where, instead of water, were bubblingwaves of fire. As these occasionallyshot upward in flame, the unnatural lightpenetrated to the recesses of the grove, andby the fitful flash I perceived a stately figurepacing the dim aisles, whose grand propor-

GREATER CHANGE 91tions and dignified carriage could not bemistaken.The solitary wanderer paused as if his attentionwere attracted. I would have retiredunobserved, but in an instant he was by myside and detained me gently, saying--"Donot fear; never shall one curl of thy goldenhair shrink from the unwelcome touch ofHesperus. O Aloma, beautiful, beloved, lookforth into the western sky l Seest thou thebrightest of yon celestial group, a starradiant and tender as thine own eyes ? Thereonce I dwelt, happy and pure. I would returnunto mine ancient realm. I have seenthy soul, Lily of Light, and I tire of earth,its baseness and sin. 0 my adored, beforeI leave I beg for but one kiss, the first andlast." The majestic form drooped, thehaughty head bent low, the angelic voice,sweet and sad as the wind-harp, trembled."Have pity, Aloma !"The tenderest chords of my naturevibrated to the appeal for sympathy to the

92 ANGELS AND WOMENgrief of such a being. He constrained me byhis woe, he entranced me by the melancholyof his eyes; again I felt the strange magnetismthat had so nearly overpowered me atthe Hermitage, and I cried out in an agonyof distracting emotion---"O God, deliver mefrom the power of this Spirit l Save himfrom himself; save him from my love! Whyare the creatures of God so tempted?" Thena voice fell from Heaven, saying, "To provethem and to show forth God’s great Power !"With that, strength returned, and I raisedmy head. The Deva had left me.Then I retired to my chamber and sat inanxious fear, far into the night. At length,reassured by continued quiet, the tumult inmy breast was hushed, and I composed myselfto record the adventures of this fatefuljourney. A weight had fallen upon me, myheart is as lead, my steps falter, a discordenters life, harsh, intolerable. Yet listen,doubting Aloma; does not a soft voicewhisper, "The jarring symphony, the chord

GREATER CHANGE 93of suspense, prelude the eternal harmonies"?The marriage, Samoula informs me, willnot be celebrated for several days. Certainrites of purification are required, which withpreparation of the wardrobe and decorationswill cause delay. This intelligence gives mehope; events may transpire to change entirelythe aspect of affairs. Ah, how muchthat was unlooked for has occurred since thewaning of the last moon!THEDREAMI cannot rest; the gloom of this unholyplace increases and overpowers me. I hadfallen asleep, and at that dread hour whenthe Giant Constellation plunges headwardinto the western waters, I perceived, but notby outward sense, two gaunt and raveningspectres stand by the bedside of my mother.

ANGELS AND WOMENUpon the forehead of one was stamped Murder,and upon the other, Lust."She is mine," said Murder,"We will share her," said the other."Agreed; we will share her when the tideturns .""O God," I groaned, "save my deludedmother, and carry away these dreadfulcreatures, when the tide turns."With that the forms slowly vanished andI awoke. The meaning of the vision is notrevealed. I am perplexed, yet must I againbetake myself to slumber, for trying scenesare before me.PRINCESS ALOMA IN THE CITY OF THE SUNIn the morning I visited Samoula andfound her surrounded by ladies of the courtand artists preparing for the approachingceremony. My presence was not required,and learning that the grand monarch and hiscounselor were to be absent during the day,

GREATER CHANGE 95I ventured into the halls of the Palace ofLight. From the dome over the great colonnadea thousand lustres hung. I noted theexquisite finish and decoration of the architecture,the colored mosaic of the floor, thebrilliant paintings upon the walls and sculpturedreliefs of the ceiling, where are portrayedlove-scenes of the incarnate spiritsand beautiful women, battles betweendragons and angels, triumphal processions,bands of strange captives, and representationsof festivals and pageants, all the carvingstinted with the colors of life.I saw many slaves and workmen employedas I passed a long marble gallery till Ireached the eastern tower. Here, finding acurtained balcony, I went forth to enjoy theview of the city and valley which lay in thatdirection. The mountain slope was beautifiedby walks and carriage-ways, groves, arbors,and fantastic structures. The shadedavenues converged toward the palace, andwere at this hour filled with gay figures and

96 ANGELS AND WOMENelegantly appointed vehicles passing in anever-changing, ever-renewed stream of lifeand beauty; while upon the lofty eminence ofthe mountain the enormous serpent stilltwined and twisted like a thing of life. Thebuildings of the marble city harmonized instyle with the Palace of Light. Upon thehighest point of each glittered a golden star.At a distance, near the entrance of the valley,was a singular structure, entirely unlikethe others, of wood, bulky and low, withoutany attempted beauty of proportion, atwhich I wondered greatly.And while I mused, a woman attended bya slave came through the open door near meand sat down on the opposite side of the balcony.She was attired after the elegant but dissolutestyle of the Palace, and though beautifulin face and figure, had a worn and melancholyexpression. I saluted her respectfullyand enquired if I shouldisturb her by remaining.She answered that these were her

GREATER CHANGE 97apartments, and that my presence was anhonor. I then questioned her with regard tothe low building in the distance, so incongruouswith the scene of splendor. Sheanswered, "That is Tebah, 1 intended to floatupon the great waters.""A boat?" I exclaimed in astonishment."It is far from the river and much too largeto float upon its surface.""Yes," said the woman, with a smile, "thatenormous boat has been for quite a time inbuilding--the work of a fanatical old manand his sons, who believe that this valley willpresently become a sea, upon which they willbe securely borne during a great Flood whichthey say will visit the earth. They declarethat the God of Heaven is displeased withthe present state of the world and has determinedto destroy all living beings."It may be true, as the old man says, thatthere is a God in Heaven, but Lord Satanascertainly possesses the world; all is now untSee Appendix, Note 11.

98 ANGELS AND WOMENder his control. The princes of the earth,"she added with a sigh, "have yielded to hismight, and now (here her voice sank towhisper) none are left to oppose his majesty.So the foolish preacher has built his owntomb, which Lord Satanas will consume bylightning some day, after the old prophet andhis family are ensnared within it."Then said I with increasing interest, "Omy mistress, make known the name of thepreacher I"She answered: "He is called ’Noah, Kingof the Waters.’ Unlike any other man ofthese times, he has taken but one wife. Twoof his sons have followed his example. Butthe third, who is by far the handsomest manin Balonia, has never married or even loved.The fair ones of Balonia would sacrificemuch to see him at their feet, but the toilsare spread in vain."Musing, she added, "Ah, cruel Japheth,through love for thee unhappy Semintaladied!"

GREATER CHANGE 99Instantly my thought reverted to thegroup I had seen upon the mountainside:the timber was for the building of Tebah;the patriarch was my father’s brother, theresemblance was not accidental; the sonswere my cousins; and the beautiful youthwhose gaze had, I fear, found in my eyes atoo responsive answer, was the youngest son,he of whom the woman spoke. Why did Itremble lest I was in error? Ignorant of myinterest in the family, she changed the subject,and with languid indifference said:"And are you not the daughter of the newqueen? She is surpassingly beautiful, accordingto report, though mature, and maynot hold sway longer than did the lastfavorite.""When did--the queen die ?" I inquired."I know not if she be dead; ’tis but amoon’s quarter since she drank the amaranthinecup, and was placed in the crypt ofNirvana. It is said that Lord Satanas canrecall those whom he places there, but I have

100 ANGELS AND WOMENbeen in this Palace many long years, andhave seen none come forth from that chamber.Why are the queens not warned, sayyou?,"All remember the fate of that rash maid,who, to save her beloved mistress, spoke oneword of caution, unavailing. For many yearssailors, drifted out of their course, haveheard screams issue from the dark caves ofthe lone rock Zero, where still the wretchedTamoulee suffers."Satanas may offer to woman the cup ofNirvana, but never from love."And I dare speak thus to you ? 0 child,truth and honor, like a halo, encircle yourbrow. Your eyes disarm doubt and jealousy.Yet by this trust my life is endangered! Yetwhat care I ? Long since I became apathetic,hopeless. Even ambition dies in this smotheringatmosphere. The reflections of the picturesare bright, but the shades are midnightgloom. I know the secrets of this place toowell. Would you know them? Then must

GREATER CHANGE 101your eyes be closed to sights that will sear,your hearing be dulled to the cry of painand woe; love and pity must hold no place inyour breast, and your heart must be turnedto stone."I am reckless and tired of life, or I wouldnot speak thus. Suspicion lurks in every alcove;Revenge hides behind each column;Envy and Jealousy walk the corridors;Treachery and Conspiracy scarce concealtheir malignant forms in the tapestriedchambers; Torture and Murder gloat overthe work of the foul fiends in the vaults below.You are beautiful. Take my advice,and secure the protection of one of thesecelestials; otherwise, you will not be safe forone hour. Uronion, my lord, is scribe toHesperus the counselor, and has access tothe keys of the Palace. With him have Iwandered through its secret recesses, andnerved my heart against despair by witnessingwoes greater than my own."Touched by pity for this unhappy woman,

102 ANGELS AND WOMENI asked her name and history, and how shehad become an inmate of the Palace ofLight.THE STORY OF MINERVA THE SORCERESS"My name," said the woman, "is Minerva;I was born a thousand measures from Balonia,on the shores of the great inland sea,a land of perpetual spring, of beauty and delight.My father was a powerful prince, whogoverned a happy people by just and equitablelaws; for he was a worshiper of God.He refused the fealty and tribute exacted byZaradis, a fierce Deva, who intruded himselfupon the earth after the descent of the LordSatanas, and established his kingdom on theborders of the land in which for many yearsthe dynasty of Arratas had borne sway. Themonarchs of our line, who were powerful andwise, remained undisturbed after the otherprinces of the world had succumbed to theDeva powers.

GREATER CHANGE 103"O happy days, when in my father’s royalbark, with Senaris my betrothed for a companion,1 we sailed across the Midland Seaand passed the narrow gate of rocks whichseparate it from the great waters which lie onthe western edge of the world. To the farwest upon the bosom of the Atlantine deeplay the Amber Isles, 2 raised by the ocean indistant years."Thither the light winds wafted us, andmany moons we remained in the land ofbeauty and never-failing verdure, gatheringgold and purple fruit, breathing health anddelight from the air of the ocean, till myfather was summoned to defend his kingdomfrom an attack of the Devas.’Wain struggle! Zaradis made alliancewith Lord Satanas. They united their armiesof Darvands, strong, crafty, cruel warriors,and swept over our kingdom like fire acrossthe stubble. Our city and palace were1 See Appendix, Note 12.2 See Appendix, Note 13.

104 ANGELS AND WOMENburned, the army slaughtered, and myfather, his generals and priests, were tortured.Semaris, my betrothed, was slain;my mother died of a broken heart; but I wastaken to the court of Zaradis, and spared onaccount of my beauty."Accursed possession, it is leaving menow !"I should have been the queen of Zaradisbut for the arrival of a still fairer captive;in that fortune favored me. I was married tothe Deva Uronion, and soon after our union,when the counselor of Lord Satanas came tothe court of Zaradis upon an embassy,Uronion entered his service and removed toBalonia, for the queen had been strangled,and he feared from certain tokens that Zaradis’fancy for me might return. Here have Ilived, unhappy certainly, though with one ofthe most constant of the gods;1 for Uronionis encouraged by his master to continence, ashe condemns the universal license.1 See Appendix, Note 14.

GREATER CHANGE 105"When I came to this place I retained theimpress of my early faith, but have longsince abandoned all expectation of interventionfrom Heaven. I have listened to talesof war and subjugation; to stories of mightydeeds accomplished by the Star-spirits; Ihave seen the unsparing cruelty and undisturbeddomination of their giant sons, till Iam convinced that faith in God is a fictionof the imagination. The weak minds of thecommon herd crave a religion, and Satanashas supplied it in the worship of his Symbol--the serpent."The kingdoms of earthly princes havepassed away. God, if there be one, cares notfor men, nor takes notice of their affairs. Heleaves the earth to my Lords Satanas, Zaradis,Hesperus, Ramidas, Saranzia, Owaduand many others, who reign in distant regions.But all pay allegiance to Satanas, theLight-bearer, who seduced them from Heaven1and placed them in subordinate power.1 See Appendix, Note 15.i

106 ANGELS AND WOMEN"No doubt thou art still deluded by fantastichope. This will soon be dissipated, andthou wilt acknowledge that God has forsakenthe earth. Thou wilt abandon the fallacyof prayer, and curse thy fate and the Devas,as I do at this moment."THE PR1ESTS OF SATANASAstonished by such a history, and shockedat the impiety of Minerva, I hesitated toreply. Just then a procession of strange figures,passing a narrow pathway which ledfrom the city, diverted our attention. Inadvance was a band of men, hideous inaspect, with scarlet feathers on their heads,upon their bodies purple tunics, emblazonedwith yellow dragons, and in their handssharp scimitars."The Priests t" said Minerva with ashudder."Who are the Priests?" I inquired."Debased, truth- hating, power-loving

GREATER CHANGE 107men, who attend the great serpent, andoffer the sacrifice upon which he and hisbrood are fed every day at noon."I cast another timid glance at the procession.Their proud, cruel and unrelentingfaces occasionally turned toward a line ofnaked men, who tottered after them withfeet hampered by heavy chains and handsbound behind their backs; their heads werebowed; their mournful wail betokened fearand despair."These," said Minerva, "are victims aboutto be slain at the Lake of Serpents, receivingpunishment perchance for some slightoffense to our masters, or without pretextsacrificed in malignant wantonness to satisfythe clamor of the superstitious and imbrutedcrowd."Appalled at the sight of such monstrouscruelty, I arose in great fear, and hastenedto the solitude of my own apartment lest Ishould witness some other horror.Toward evening I was aroused by the

108 ANGELS AND WOMENentrance of Samoula, now doubly radiant inthe gorgeous robes and gems presented byher enamored lord."Aloma," said she, "our simple life at theHermitage has unfitted us for the splendorand magnificence now at our command.This royal state confuses me; I fail to realizethe proper bearing of events. Sometimesmy heart misgives me, and I fear thechange is evil. But these doubts are the resultof ignorance and unfamiliarity with theworld. The Lord Satanas is grand and noble;he excuses my deficiency and devotes himselfto my happiness. He would exalt meto his lofty standard. Thus gratitude, aswell as love, bids me overcome everyscruple."This evening the crystal court is to beilluminated in honor of our arrival, and Iam to be presented to the people of Baloniaas their future queen. You are invited toshare in the ceremonies of the hour. Slaveswill soon place at your disposal robes of

GREATER CHANGE 109honor and jewels fit for the daughter of aqueen. O my child, do not refuse to accompanyme and participate in my fortune andglory! You are the only tie that binds meto the past. I may yet wish to retrace mysteps; let not this link be broken.""I will accompany you," I answered, "butlet not the queen be displeased if I refusethe jewels and robes of state. The gifts ofSatanas would ill become the daughter ofAllimades." Then I wept, and continued--"O my mother, the change is naught but evil !You will never retrace your steps.""You are excited, and speak wildly," saidSamoula. "I will leave you to calm yourselfbefore the night comes on."My appearance must have justified herwords, for I felt the strange tremor andflush, the supernatural power of speech andsight, which since the night of Allimades’death has often inspired me. Samoula retired,and presently came maids and eunuchsbearing the gifts of Satanas, and also a jewel-

ll0ANGELS AND WOMENcasket of exceeding beauty sealed with thesignet of Hesperus.After they had retired, I laid aside theroyal gifts, enwrapped myself in a veil of thefinest linen, transparent and white as themarvelous flower that never sees the sun, andthus awaited the signal of illumination.JAPHETHWe entered the crystal court amid a blazeof light, with sounds of ravishing music andacclamations of the throng. A band of Darvandsescorted us to a high dais in the centerof the court, where Satanas with royal majestyawaited the queen; and as she, in robesof more than earthly splendor, took her seatby his side, a tempest of applause from thespectators fairly shook the lofty building. Iwas placed in a golden chair upon a step ofthe stair, and for a moment gazed enchantedat the magnificence of the architecture. Theinner court was surmounted by a lofty

GREATER CHANGE 111crystal dome thickly hung with glitteringprisms, a thousand pillars of jacinth entwinedby golden wreaths upheld the immensearch; the marble walls were madeairy by delicate and graceful perforationsthrough which the cool night breeze couldpenetrate.In glancing over the gay throng, my eyesrested upon a figure standing in an openarchway, which at once startled me andriveted my attention. Tall, graceful, serious,in this white-robed figure my eyes andheart recognized the youth of the mountain,whom I doubted not was the youngest sonof the Prophet. 0 could I but have speechwith him, one of my own kindred, a man unpollutedin the midst of universal corruption,one I could safely trust! But if this werenot the young man I had seen--if Minervahad mistaken his character--if he shouldhave no interest in my welfare, or shoulddespise the daughter of the queen of Satanas IThese doubts rent my bosom, and destroyed8

112 ANGELS AND WOMENall interest in the scene before me. I wasdimly conscious, as in a confused dream, ofwonderful feats performed by men and wildbeasts, of enchantments, intoxicating odors,dancing, music and feasting. But onethought absorbed me: shall I speak with thisyoung stranger? Does he regard me withkindness?The night wore away. I remained motionlessupon the step of the dais, and stillin the doorway the white figure was seen.But although I had eyes for none other,I was not myself unobserved. Eldero, afavorite son of Satanas, stood near, regardingme with bold and insolent admiration,often addressing me in language of offensiveflattery. I grew alarmed, and was longingto change my position, when Hesperus, themaster of ceremonies, accosted me in tonesof melancholy rather than presumption."Aloma, wouldst thou go forth from thisplace?"I hesitated to reply, for, more than pres-

GREATER CHANGE 113ent discomfort, I feared his solitary escort.He seemed to divine my thought, for adeeper shadow overspread his grand features,as he gave order to a band of slaves:"Attend the princess whithersoever shewill.""Ho! Ho!" said the Darvand with a leer."What careth my Lord Hesperus, the Passionless?"The eyes of the Deva flashed fire. Heraised his hand in menace, and bestowedupon my tormentor a look so terrible thathe shrank back in silence. Fearing the consequencesof a moment’s delay, I directedthe guard to take me to the open air; I passedquickly through the throng, whose rude gazeand free remarks made the breath of nightdoubly welcome as we drew near an entranceto the garden.Then was made manifest the guiding handof the Almighty; for it came to pass that,when the slaves essayed to reach the northerntower, a band of dancing girls entered

114 ANGELS AND WOMENthe court, and we were pressed backward bythe throng to the eastern side, where still remainedthe unknown youth. He respectfullystepped aside as we passed. I seatedmyself upon the balcony, and the cool breezesoon restored my courage.The wonderful scene I then beheld is impressedupon my memory, ineffaceable inoutline, color, and shading. The veiledmoon hung low in the sky; in the east couldbe seen the faint flush of dawn; the palmsand acacias rustled and whispered secretsof the night and of coming day. Blendingwith their mysterious breath were sounds ofrevelry in the Palace, music and the measuredtread of the dancers, the harsh voicesof the giants, the sycophantic tones of men,light, assured laughter of beautiful women,musical accents of illustrious Star-spirits,sighs of tired and panting slaves. The glarefrom illuminated hall and dome, shimmeringthrough panel and archway, shone out uponobelisk, statue and fountain; it mingled

GREATER CHANGE 115strangely with the perfume of the tropicalnight, but did not dispel the black, ominousshadows moving noiselessly through thisparadise of sin.At the further end of the balcony stoodthe slaves in fixed immovability, and relievedagainst that dark background, in the fullblaze of glory which streamed through thearchway, stood the white-robed stranger likean angel of light. His earnest eyes met minewith entreaty; his hand was half extended.A sudden sense of the supreme importanceof the moment, a feeling that the goldenopportunity of my life was passing away,that he would vanish in the darkness and belost forever, overpowered all reserve. Unmindfulof the exposed situation, of pryingeyes around, and of the danger that mightfollow, after a moment of hesitation I badehim approach. He came forward, and by amanner composed and respectful at oncereassured me."Fair princess, you are Aloma, daughter

116 ANGELS AND WOMENof the queen. I am Japheth, son of theProphet. Hopelessly separated are we byworldly distinctions, and yet the rapt purityof your face, the simplicity of your dress, theindifference or distaste you manifest to thepageantry within, give token that by sympathywe are not divided."Do you ask why I am voluntarily inscenes where you appear only by compulsion?Know, then, 0 beautiful stranger--forgive my boldness--that I saw you in thechariot of Satanas on the evening of yourentrance into Balonia, and the hope of meetingyou once more led me to enter the Palace,and join an assembly whose characterand amusement my soul abhors. I dared nothope to hold converse with you, and nowthat I have the opportunity, with throngingthoughts and desires I await your favor."Hearing this, my heart revived, and I answered-"0son of the Prophet, permit meto make known my brief history. You calledmy name rightly--Aloma--and I am the

GREATER CHANGE 117daughter of the queen, but my father wasAllimades, the Sage of Balonia, son ofLamech and brother of Noah."With heightened color and joy in his eyeshe drew nearer, and said--"O princess, thouart my cousin! Thou, the daughter of Allimades,I see thee at last I" Then, taking myhand, he trembled, grew pale and seemedunable to repress the low rapid words:"Aloma, your face and voice are an inspiration,a revelation of which I have dreamed,for which I have prayed. You are the fulfillmentof my heart’s prophecy, the promiseof Heaven. Forgive this abruptness, thisvehemence. I am amazed; I cannot controlmyself. I have waited for you so long; yetnow all my former years seem like a dream,and this brief moment, the waking to life andreality."Though much affected by these words, Irepressed emotion, and answered quietly:"We are indeed near kin; the discovery givesme inexpressible happiness. There is much

118 ANGELS AND WOMENto be spoken, but the night wanes; to remainlonger in this place would invite observationand danger. Even now I perceive the glanceof Hesperus toward us. We must part."But Japheth could not refrain. "Dear cousin,"said he, "ask me not to leave you--rather come with me to my father’s house,where among kindred you will find safety.You cannot realize the dangers of thisglittering palace. The thin film of splendorscarce hides its sins and crime. Ifyou are again immersed in the tide offalse glory, I fear you will flit from meforever, as your image has faded from mylonging sight in unsubstantial dreams.Naught but a miracle can save you in thisaccursed place."Again my mind was suddenly illuminated,and the purpose of the Most High revealed.The gift of prophecy was bestowed for myown salvation and that of others; and I answeredconfidently--"The miracle has beenperformed. I am possessed of a talisman

GREATER CHANGE 119more potent than the wiles and violence ofDeva or Darvand. We shall meet again.".At this momenthere was a tumult in thecourt, and a herald’s voice announced theretirement of the queen. I motioned Japhethto leave me. He vaulted lightly over the railingof the balcony, and in a moment was lostin the darkness below. I gave the order tothe slaves, and they moved toward the northerntower. As I passed the son of Satanas,his bold eyes saluted me, and he muttered--"The princess is fairer than the queen; herstep outgraces even the dancing of Oradel.Where were my father’s eyes when he preferredthe mother? I swear this is a morselfit for a god l The Deva thwarted me, butif he win not the damsel, she is mine. Ourlords are delicate in their wooing; a Darvanddoth not hesitate nor relent."His brutal expression and villainous languagewere terrifying. I hastened with theguard, and unmolested reached my chamber.Here have I endeavored to review calmly

120 ANGELS AND WOMENmy perilous situation and the adventure ofthe evening, which seemed so unreal. Icoul doubt my own identity, but the sacredmanuscripts of my father lie before me, andin the mirrors which adorn this magnificentapartment are reflected the familiar formand dress of the Child of the Hermitage.Now will I lie down to rest, and forgettingthese new conditions, wander in dreamsthrough the cypress-groves, and listen oncemore to the voice of Allimades blending withthe murmur of the river.When this journal was laid aside for thenight my adventures were not over. Witha sense of danger averted, and a vague forebodingof peril to come, I sought my couch.The lights in the chamber were extinguished,there was no moon in the sky, and pale starlightcoming through the window madeevery object shadowy and undefined. Acreeping chill came over me as a fresh breeze

GREATER CHANGE 121swept suddenly through the chamber. WasI dreaming?I opened wide my eyes and perceived withhorror that a large panel in the opposite wallmoved inward, and the shaggy head of theabhorred Eldero peered through it. In aninstant be seized me with giant grip, envelopedmy head in the bed-covering, anddarted through the open wall, down an unfamiliarcorridor, toward a staircase whichI knew must lead to the vaults below.Whirled rapidly along, helpless in an ironclutch, I struggled in vain to make audiblemy smothered screams; for deeds of violenceand cries of despair produced no impressionupon dull sleepers well accustomed to suchsounds. No curious eye looked forth fromthe silent dormitories; no vigilant watchmanraised his hand to interfere, as the Darvandfled swiftly down the darkened hall to thesteep and fatal descent.But just as I felt myself lowered, an astrallight filled the air, the arms of Eldero were

ANGELS AND WOMENwrenched asunder, and alone he was plungedheadlong into the darksome pit, while thewrathful voice of Hesperus rang through thestillness of the night: "Lustful monster,insatiate ravisher, wouldst thou dissolve thispearl of Paradise in the cup of thy s|n?"Again I was carried rapidly through thelong corridor, back to my own apartmentand placed upon the bed. Swift and suddenas his coming was the departure of the Deva.There was a profound sigh, and the displacedpanel moved into its former position. Asound of closing bolts and bars followed,then silence, solitude and shade.I now felt that safety was assured, andwith supreme gratitude for the marvelousdeliverance, thoroughly exhausted I sankinto slumber.THE SORCERESS AND THE PROPHETI slept soundly till midday, and was thenroused by a voice at the chamber door, whichI recognized as that of Minerva. She called

GREATER CHANGE 123my name, and when I admitted her, she offeredto assist at my toilet. The extremesimplicity of my dress rendered such aid unnecessary,and after some hesitation shespoke again:"Aloma, I believed that all fear of Godand sympathy for my own kind were dead inthis withered heart; but your innocence andpurity, sweet child of the wilderness, havebrought back vividly the memory of earlydays, when like you I was uncontaminatedby the wickedness of the world, when in faithI knelt with my princely father to offer thedaily sacrifice, when we mingled our tearsand lamentations at the tomb of the brotherbeloved and early lost, when with pleasure Ipondered upon the wisdom and piety of theancients and dreamed that I might emulatetheir noble deeds."Why was I brought to this evil place,where in the pursuit of power and pleasureI have forgotten myself and God? Aloma,I love you because you are what I once was,

and I abhor myself for what I have nowbecome. You may perchance escape downfailand perdition, but how can I be restored ?For the Sorceress of Balonia there is noatonement, only the dreadful end."But what folly has seized me that I bemoanmy fate in this insane manner? Letus drink and be gay. Man dies and Pleasureflies; we must keep pace while she wingsher way over banquet-halls and perfumedcouches." With that, she took from herbosom a small amphora of transparent jade,and pouring out a few crystals, round andred like drops of blood, threw them into thelustral, where, according to the custom ofthe Palace, fragrant oils were kept burningto perfume and purify the air. As the tinyballs touched the flame, they burst with aringing sound, and the apartment was filledby a dense mist of pungent, intoxicatingfumes, in which every object was intensified,and the sorceress herself appeared the incarnationof youth and beauty. The vapors

GREATER CHANGE 125were slowly resolved into the semblance ofmoving figures, surrounded by all sensuousdelights, while strains of voluptuous musicenchanted the ear. In the midst of this bewilderingscene I perceived a well-rememberedDeva kneeling before my own glorifiedimage.My brain was dazed but, conscious thatthere was danger in such delight, I exertedto the utmost my fast failing will, and fledfrom the atmosphere of enchantment to thebalcony, where, in the fresh air I soon regainedfull possession of my reason.In a few moments the unnatural scene hadvanished, and Minerva came to me in greatagitation, saying, "For the first time Mayafails, but Homa remains; 1 drink, fair girl;let us quaff the cup of Homa--nectar of thegods, longed for by men; antidote of sorrow,balm of memory, dissipator of fear--give mea draught that I may steep my brain in forgetfulness.Where is the Homa, girl?"See Appendix, Note 16.

126 ANGELS AND WOMENHer excitement was painful as she returnedand searched the apartment wildly.Long habit had again mastered an awakeningconscience.With profound pity I took her hand andsaid: "Minerva, that for which you searchis not here. The Homa and your enchantmentsare alike dangerous. They do notheal, but poison the soul. But I have a cordialfor a mind diseased. Listen, and I willtell you of this medicament. Minerva, theDevas are cruel, unrelenting, full of hate.The Almighty is compassionate and forgiving;the restorative to virtue and happinessis belief in His mercy.""But I cannot hope, and for me there isno mercy; you know not, simple one, theextent of my wickedness. I must drink theHoma, it stupefies the brain; and yet, whenits power is over, I wake to greater horror.Whither can I turn.7 Only to death ?"After a moment of silence she exclaimed:"What day is this,7 The day when the

GREATER CHANGE 127Prophet warns the scoffing crowd--almostthe very hour--hasten! hasten! He is wise,he is pure; no drop of Homa has passed hislips, confusing reason and weakening will.He can instruct us."We will go to the mountain-side; thechariot awaits my call; the name of Uronionupon its front is a passport, though all menin the kingdom of Satanas know and fearMinerva the Sorceress. Yea, to the ProphetI will go, though my power be thus brokenand my life the forfeit I"Anxious to enlighten Minerva, and also tolook once more upon the face of Allimades’brother, I gladly accepted this proposal, andwe were soon on our way through the cityto the mountain. I was delighted with thechanging scenes of the busy marts, so newand unfamiliar, the buildings of variousforms and uses, the long rows of colossalimages which bordered the highways as weentered the royal avenue where dwell thegiant sons of Satanas.9

128 ANGELS AND WOMENThe road was broad, so that a score ofchariots could pass at once. Upon its borderswere gardens of exceeding beauty, aparadise of fountains and flowers. Statelypeacocks paced the white walks, birds ofgorgeous plumage flitted through the shrubbery,and golden fishes darted across thecrystal basins.Beyond these gardens stood beautiful palaces,sculptured with various devices. Beforeevery mansion stood a slender obelisk,entwined with living vines now full of scarletblossoms. Upon the green turf were littlepeople disporting in capricious joy. Theywere the first I had ever seen, and in a transportof admiration, I exclaimed: "Oh, thechildren, the beautiful children!"Minerva looked upon me with surprise."You were brought up in a forest, and havenever before seen children, and yet you recognizethem at once and give them theirappropriate name. And so it is in all things.Without mistake you accord to new and un-

GREATER CHANGE 129familiar objects their proper designation.Whence comes this power ?"I answered, smiling, but somewhat puzzled:"Is it not so with every person ? Itwas certainly thus with Adam, 1 our primogenitor;the proper word must have occurredto him, as to me, with the occasion for itsuse. But I am often myself surprised at thispower. I do not remember to have possessedit before Allimades’ death. Perhaps it is aspecial gift of God."Just then we reached the heart of Balonia,and here, on either side, were rows of colossalstatues, the most fearful and imposingin the city, with heads far outstretched, backof which pointed forward great pinionsmeeting in midair. The effect of these hideousforms was frightful. I shivered as wepassed into their shadow. As we emergedagain, and entered the country, many peoplewere seen going toward the mountain. Wefollowed, and were soon in the presence of1 See Appendix, Note 17.

130 ANGELS AND WOMENthe famous Prophet, and alighting from ourcar, drew near to listen. Standing with histhree sons1 upon a low terrace, he addressedthe crowd. His face was solemn even to sadness,and the words that met our ears werethese:"Lo, for many years have I lifted up myvoice in warning and entreaty. My soul hasbeen daily vexed with your abominabledeeds. You have wallowed in gluttony anddrunkenness, in lust and lechery; you havesaid to Avarice, ’Thou art our father,’ andto Sensuality, ’Thou art our mother.’ Recklessand besotted you have embraced destruction."O abject slaves of a merciless despot,your manhood is lost, your lives are forfeited;you are doomed I With strong groaningand tears, with fasting and sacrifice,have I sought the Almighty on behalfof the sinful sons of Adam. Repent I Repentf before the thunders of Heaven shall1 See Appendix, Note 18

GREATER CHANGE 131burst upon your guilty heads !" Then throwingup his arms he exclaimed: "O God, itis vain, all in vain l The day of wrath is athand !"The night winds whisper a dreadfulsecret. In far-off regions I hear the mutteringsof the approaching storm. The ominousroar of ocean is borne upon the blast;it gapes to devour its prey. The seals ofDeath and Sheol are broken, and Vengeancerushes forth on the wings of Destruction.Too late! Too late! You will hear my voiceno more; the Prophet’s work is ended!"He ceased, and there was a great commotionin the crowd; but I gave no heed to it,for Minerva, shaken like a reed in the wind,cried out----"O Prophet of God, I repent l Isthere no mercy for me ?" He heard her andwas about to approach, when a malignantdemon who hovered behind a black cloudswooped out of the sky, and aimed a dart atthe Prophet. But a holy angel, until thatmoment unperceived, rose at the critical

132 ANGELS AND WOMENmoment and with his shield turned theweapon away. At the Prophet’s narrowescape I swooned and for some time wasunconscious.Presently I recovered, and found myselfin the arms of my cousin, who, attracted bythe cries of Minerva, had discovered me asI fell."Thou art cold and pale, beloved," saidJapheth in alarm; "thy form is rigid and thygaze fixed; thou wilt not soon leave me?This cannot be thy death!" Then, suddenlyinspired, I answered--"Not in thy arms shallI yield up my parting breath. In the lasthour of life I shall repose upon anotherbreast, but one so much resembling thee, OJapheth!""Aloma," said he with awe, "hast thou,like my father, a prophetic power?" And Ireplied solemnly, "God knoweth."I turned toward Minerva, and found herengaged in discourse with the Prophet, whounconscious of the attack upon his life (for

GREATER CHANGE 133his supernatural perception extends not tovision), was absorbed in giving her instructionand comfort. He did not notice mypresence, nor that his son was with me. I,therefore, stepped quietly into the chariot;Minerva followed, and we turned toward thePalace.It was late before we recrossed the city,but artificial lights made the warm night likeday. The streets swarmed with a mixedmultitude, men and Devas with their beautitifulwives and children, all abroad to catchthe breeze which at this hour sweeps downthe valley. As we drove along, impious languageshocked our ears, revealing discontent,jealousy, and hatred. Minerva appeared illat ease and thoughtful. To divert her mindand inform myself, I inquired, "Why dothese people continue in bondage so galling?Why not resist, though in the attempt theyperish?""What can be done ?" she replied. "Countlessplots have been formed, conspiracies to

154 ANGELS AND WOMENdestroy the life of Satanas, by fire and flood,by steel and poison. His body is impervious,his spirit-forged weapons irresistible. Thepower and grandeur of the Darvands, naytheir very existence, depends upon the willof the Devas. Therefore they yield outwardobedience, while within smoulder fires ofhatred and rebellion."By this time we reached the Palace.Minerva embraced me affectionately at parting,and when I said, according to custom,"God be with you," to my surprise she addeddevoutly----"May it be so to the end."As I entered my apartment, the voice ofSamoula summoned me to her chamber.She was surrounded by admiring slavesand tire-women, who were displaying forher inspection and choice, elegant costumesdesigned for the coronation. Sheasked my approval of a robe so glitteringand transparent that it might have beenformed of woven sunbeams, and a veil ofsimilar texture, embroidered with minute

iGREATER CHANGE 135gems that reflected the lamplight in scintillatinggleams.Totally unconscious of danger, she isabsorbed in the ceremonials and magnificentpreparations of which she is the brilliant center.Satanas is rarely in the queen’s apartments,being, it is remarked with somesurprise, unusually occupied in affairs ofstate.While the preparatory baths, oils, and cosmeticshave greatly heightened Samoula’sbeauty, they seem to have stupefied her reasonand conscience. Ah, my deluded mother,how gladly would I again warn her of theperils by which we are environed ! But thereis no opportunity. Jealous eyes, quick ears,and ready tongues are ever near.To this inanimate scroll will I commit mystory, and entrust my fear, hoping that somegleam of maternal affection may lead her toperuse this page and admit once more to herconfidence the child who would cheerfullylay down her life to save her.

136 ANGELS AND WOMENiTHIRDDAY AT BALONIAI rose at dawn of day, and calling Aldethto accompany me, went forth to breathe thefresh air of morn. This I knew would bemy last opportunity to walk the streets insafety, for at noon the subordinate princeswith their retinues were expected at Balonia,whither they had been summoned to pay theannual tribute and take part in the ceremonyof the coronation. During their stay the citywill be filled with Darvands, who are withoutthe self-repression of their spirit-sires:the earth is filled with violence throughthem.At that early hour the long corridors ofthe Palace were silent. The court wasempty, and gave back a hollow echo to ourfootsteps as we passed out through the easterngate. The city of Sin was asleep. Theintriguing brain, the heart throbbing withanguish or anger, the hand of stealth, the feetswift to pursue evil, must sometimes rest,

GREATER CHANGE 137and this was the hour of tranquillity in Balonia--thecapital city of the gods.Nature was also in repose. Too calm andsilent seemed the morning’s dawn. Nozephyr lifted the drooping leaves; no chirpof bird or insect disturbed the broodingsilence. A gray haze hung over the sleepingcity, an ominous hush pervaded the valley.I paused to listen. I sat upon the earth andleaned my head upon a projecting rock. DidI feel a tremor coming from the bowels ofthe earth, the parturient throes of an unbornearthquake? I looked up into the deeps ofthe soft sky. Could I not discern in the faroffmist the smothered tumult of generatingelements, the struggles of a chained tempest?I spoke--Aldeth wondered at mystrange words; I myself wondered.I rose and hastened on until a short turnin the pathway brought me directly in frontof the building called Tebah. Here was animation.The smoke of early sacrifice slowlyfloated heavenward, and the Prophet with

138 ANGELS AND WOMENhis family bowed before the altar. Greatlyaffected by this reminder of my former life,I stepped forward and knelt with the worshipers.The quick eye of Japheth detectedthe presence of strangers, and when thegroup arose, he came forward with words ofwelcome, and taking my hand respectfully,led me to his father."This," said he, "’is the maiden of whomI spake, the child of Allimades, who has thismorning worshiped with us the God of herfather." The Prophet gazed upon me earnestly,and tears came into his eyes as heembraced me, saying--"Thou hast Samoula’sface and form, but Allimades’ steadfastsoul looks forth from thine eyes. Thricewelcome, my daughter."The other members of the family receivedme kindly, and when I entered the dwellingentreated me to take the highest seat. Aftera brief hour, in which our hearts were comfortedby words of counsel and affection, Iarose to take leave, but the Prophet detained

GREATER CHANGE 139me, saying, "Wilt thou not remain with us,daughter of my beloved brother? There isone vacant room in the Tebah; surely it wasreserved for thee."As I endeavored to frame a reply, Japhethcame quickly to my side, and added his eloquententreaties to those of his father. Hiseyes beamed with anxious love, his glowingface reflected the blush which suffused mycheeks. "The vacant room, dear cousin, adjoinsmy own; let it be thine. My brothershave chosen companions, but I am still alone.Without thy sweet presence, so shall I everremain, for none but Aloma can become thebride of Japheth."Taking courage, I replied: "By the ties ofkindred and affection, by the bonds of religionand sympathy, by the presence ofimpending danger, I am thine; but for themoment our paths diverge. I must returnto my mother. I shall come to thee again,for God wills it shall be so." Japheth wouldhave accompanied me. "The way is full of

140 ANGELS AND WOMENperil," he said. But I declined, answering,"Fear not, my guard is strong."Then bidding my friends farewell, I hastenedalong the streets, which now showedsigns of awakening life, and soon reachedthe Palace. As I entered the chamber, tomy surprise I found Uronion, the husbandof Minerva, awaiting my return, in whosecountenance I noted a grave shadow. Hisfeatures were overcast with melancholy.He presented me a linen scroll sent byMinerva, which I opened, and in astonishmentread as follows:"Peace be with thee, Aloma, child ofHeaven. Thy coming was the dawn of lightto one long overshadowed with that gloomwhich is the penalty of sin. The dew of thypure youth fell upon my parched and blackenedheart. The light of thy innocent smilewarmed to life the withered blossoms of loveand pity; but far better than all, thy simplepiety awoke the faith of my childhood. Withhorror I reviewed my life, and repented.

GREATER CHANGE 141"Minerva, inmate of the Palace of Light,sought the Prophet of God, received his exhortation,and accepted his faith. I wellknew the penalty--death, swift and dreadful;the fatal summons was not delayed.This moment Eldero and his band stand atmy chamber door, the subterranean cavereceives me. Thou wilt see me no more."I send by Uronion (who still hath somelove and pity), in token of my grateful love,a casket I have long preserved, the onlyreminiscence of my early life, a present frommy royal father. Keep it, dear Aloma, andsometimes think of Minerva, but never withgrief. If I die at the hands of demons byGod’s will, all is well. I have hope in Hismercy that I shall yet live again.1 Farewell I"Tears blinded my eyes as I received fromthe hands of Uronion a casket containingvarious utensils necessary for woman’shandiwork. "Alas I Alas !" said he, "Icould not save Minerva. Today I leave thisa See Appendix, Note 19.

142 ANGELS AND WOMENaccursed place and return to the kingdom ofZaradis. Hesperus is next to Satanas inpower. He can protect Aloma." "0 Uronion,"I entreated, "can you not believe inthe God of Minerva?" "No," he answeredgloomily, and departed.I was now distracted by grief and self-accusation,for there came into my mind thevisit in the eastern tower, when I saw thewretched victims driven by the priests ofSatanas to the death-sacrifice, and held thatdiscourse with Minerva which led to her disobedienceof the laws of the Palace. WasI not in some measure to blame? She mustbe rescued--but in what manner could I giveher aid? Uronion is helpless, Satanas unrelenting;to appear in his presence wouldincrease his displeasure. Hesperus is powerful,but from him I could ask no favor. MustMinerva be abandoned to her fate ? The ideawas intolerable.Afterward I became more calm, and reflectedthat in the confusion produced by the

GREATER CHANGE 143entrance of the princes with their trains, theattention of every one, even the cruel Priestsof Satanas, would be absorbed, and the sacrificeforgotten. Then could Uronion, whowas familiar with every passage through thesubterranean vaults, make his way toMinerva and undiscovered carry her to aplace of safety. But where was Uronion, theDeva? He had left me in despair, determinedto fly from Balonia. There must beno moment of delay.I rushed into the halls, and to my agitatedinquiries received answer that he had goneto the eastern tower. Thither I hastened,but the apartments of Minerva were tenantless.I ran through the galleries to the court,and when near the gate, a man informed methat he had met Uronion on his way to theTower of Satanas, where Lord Hesperustransacted the business of state.All who could move had flocked to the cityto witness the entrance of the royal trains,and unobserved I flew along the desertedI0

144 ANGELS AND WOMENstreet, climbed the rock, and almost breathlessreached the Tower. The gate was ajar.I entered, and quickly ascended the longstairway leading to the chambers. Here Ifound a door, and opening it cautiously, fora moment forgot my errand through astonishmentand wonder. I stood beneath a vastrepresentation of the heavens; the dome wasof azure, deep as midnight, and upon it weresuspended gold and silver orbs, like the sun,moon and stars. The wails were hung withgorgeous drapery, against which were placedweapons of war and instruments of unknownservice.At the farther extremity of this vaultedchamber was a throne, and ranged upon thesides were raised floors after the manner ofhalls of council. Doors also opened without.Scarce had I time to make a hasty survey,when voices issuing from another chamberrecalled my wandering sense and filledme with alarm. I could not be mistaken;Hesperus and Uronion were in the next

GREATER CHANGE 145apartment engaged in earnest conversation.Frightened at the temerity which had ledme to such a place, and full of apprehensionas to the consequences if I were discovered,I shrank behind a large pillar, and was entirelyscreened from sight. Presently a dooropened and the speakers came forth."The Preacher is guarded by the Almighty,him we may not molest," said Hesperusgravely; "but vengeance must overtakethe daring one who leaves the Palaceof Light to listen to his fables. The offenseof Minerva is unpardonable.""But, my lord," said Uronion (I trembledat his words), "Minerva went not forthalone. The Princess Aloma was her companion.Together they drove through thestreets of the city, and coming out on thefarther side, impelled by curiosity, or perhapsby the desire of the young girl, theystopped to listen. 0 my lord, you know notthe passion of love, and fail to appreciatemy distress."

145 ANGELS AND WOMEN"The daughter of the queen accompaniedMinerva?" said Hesperus with heightenedinterest.Then, musing, he continued, "Perchancelove in my heart has awakened pity. OUronion, I am not insensible to thy distress.Take this key to the outer entranceto the vaults; go while the guards are gazingat the procession. Liberate Minerva,and fly with all speed. Hearken !rathe trumpetsof heralds; the Devas approach the city.Satanas holds today a grand consultation;marriage pageants are of little momentin presence of the danger which nowthreatens."The object of my coming was accomplished,but when I would have fled, a mistywall uprose on every side, and in its shademy form vanished from sight. By this tokenI knew I was safe, and repeating mentallythe words, "Over the righteous soul theDevas have no power," I leaned against thepillar and remained motionless.

GREATER CHANGE 147COUNCIL OF THE DEVASThe descending footsteps of Uronion hadscarce died away when the tramp of armedDarvands, the bright flashes of fire and themusical voices of the Devas announcedthe presence of Satanas and his associates.They came, a band of celestial forms, cladin angelic livery, princely and resplendent,with words and voices of heavenly sweetness.Their eyes flashed unearthly fire;their airy footsteps gave no echo. Uponeach royal brow blazed its own peculiar star,set with the color of its nativity; but in thefeatures could be seen lines traced by centuriesof unrestrained passion and despoticpower. Princes of the East and of the West,of the North and of the South, Wardens,Kings, Guardians, and others of unknownnames.But where is the Monarch of the Waters?No answer; but from afar a sound as of thebooming of the sea in a rising storm. The

148 ANGELS AND WOMENwarrior sons retired, and the proud Devasbowed before the throne. And now a change--each form looms indistinct, each voicegrows terrible. I had come to this place tospeak to Uronion; I must witness a councilof Devas. I hear---every nerve is strained.I tremble and falter--the friendly columnsupports me. Remember, repeat, if thoucanst, Aloma!Ah, no, I cannot--words unearthly. Yetmust I catch the meaning, and before oblivionseals every sense, give form to what Iscarcely comprehend. Listen l it is the voiceof Satanas.In some distant, awful hour he dared tostrive against the Creator and aspire to HisAlmighty glory. Who but the Light-bearerwould presume to soar so high? Swellingwith pride, he revolted and attracted to hisbanner myriads of the host of Heaven. Theysubjugated the human race, under his instruction,won the love of women, and establisheda sovereignty. For many cycles their

GREATER 49 CHANGE 1kingdom has remained undisturbed, but nowthe enemy is roused, and sternest dangerthreatens.He calls upon Agnaris, the god of Fire.Swift, subtle, uncertain, he moves forward,his step marked by a scorched footprint. Onhis head gleams no star, but in place thereofa crown of thin flames. His eyeballs glowlike living coals, his voice is hollow andgusty. The Devas shrink from his hotbreath, all save the lord Satanas, beforewhose piercing glance Agnaris grows paleand almost disappears. He bids the greatMaster look to the stars that draw upon theircentral fires, which struggle to be free.They heave the bed of ocean; they strive toburst the ribs of earth; the demons cannotrestrain their fury.Agnaris disappears, vanishes in space, andthe aerial voice of Prince Owadu is heard.In his realm is a great planet uninhabited,cracked and fissured, deep-seamed and rentby volcanic fire. Deep, jarring, splitting

150 ANGELS AND WOMENsounds now issue from the center of thisdesolate orb; it is about to fall to pieces. Itsdisruption will endanger the earth.Hesperus is called. He, ranging in thetwilight hour along the bounds of day anddarkness, beholds with alarm a strange musteringof the Heavenly host. The balanceof the worlds is unsettled, the Earth isthreatened with dire catastrophe. Tempestswill prevail; a great deluge will come,by the breaking of the last great waterycanopy which envelops the Earth, letting ina mighty flood of waters?A cry of horror burst from all the band,succeeded by a hush of fear. Then likewaves that growl above the wreck, outspakeZorabah, darkest and most fierce. He wouldabandon this troublesome world, leave it tothe wrath of Jehovah; he scorned men, anddetested women and children. In his realm,he said, is an untenanted world of exceedingbeauty. There, free from the offense odiousSee Appendix, Note 20.

GREATER CHANGE 151to himself as to the Lord of Heaven, he wouldestablish a kingdom greater and moreglorious.But Satanas in wrath rebuked the other.He will yield nothing to the Lord of Heaven;not even shall the approaching marriage bedeferred. Naught but utter ruin can changehis purpose. He owns the Earth; he holdsit by might. If it be destroyed in the furyof the elements, then and not till then, shallit be abandoned. Themselves he defies theEternal to destroy! He cannot quench thespark which He Himself has furnished andwhich surely could not but be immortal likeHimself. 1Ah, how art thou blinded and deceived, Ofallen ! Spirit, once so wiseAnd now Satanas rouses the courage ofthe other Devas by recounting the triumphsof former struggles, their passion by mentionof their beautiful wives and children,their pride by thought of province and1 See Appendix, Note 21.

152 ANGELS AND WOMENpower. They must convert the Eternal’sexpected victory into failure, and thus aggrandizetheir rank to the splendors of thehighest heaven.The Strong One is bound by His own law,was the argument; by that Law they mustprecipitate the hour of doom! Then followwords vague and awful, like rushing meteorsand roaring winds, not to be written,not to be recalled, whose import I couldscarce comprehend. I only knew that by adesperate plot which involved the destructionof other planets, Earth’s calamity mightbe averted.Satanas ceased, and heavy thunder shookthe dome; fire and smoke filled the vault;but, rising above the tumult, I heard thisdreadful blasphemy:"Honor to our Light-Bearer !Praise Preparer! to the Way-Glory ! to the God-DarerSatanas, our King!"

GREATER CHANGE 153Again was heard the voice of the greatPrince--"Who will lead?" All cried, "Hesperus!Hesperus!" Hesperus answered:"And hereafter reign, the equal of Satanasthe King." The fires burned low, and thefeatures of the great King grew dark, but heanswered grandly: "Agreed, right royalprince. Thou only, besides Satanas, canstdiscern the forces. Thou, Hesperus, neverclouded by fumes or Homa, never shakenwith throbs of passion l"Summon thine associates in peril andglory; seven is the mystic number. CommandLoeda and Orba, twain and twain;fear not to call Koradin the mighty. Atmidnight depart; thou carest not for banqueting.Away! Away! Our peril admitsno delay."Mid flashing lights and sounds that jarredthe Tower, with words and signs obscureand awful, the Devas departed, all but theLord Hesperus, who retired to his chamberand closed the door.

154 ANGELS AND WOMENThis was my moment for flight, but byreason of fear and astonishment I was renderedpowerless. However, the reflectionthat delay would but increase the danger ofdiscovery gave me supernatural strength.Noislessly I crept from my place of concealmentand safely outside the gate of theTower, flew rather than ran to my retreat inthe Palace. Once only I dared to glancebackward. I had not been discovered.Upon the dizzy height of the dome stoodHesperus alone. His eyes, which blenchednot at what confronted him, earnestlyscanned the vault of heaven. Absorbed,motionless, he strove to forecast the possibilitiesof the morrow.HESPERUS AND SATANASEvening had now fallen upon the earth.The day, sultry and hot, was over, and exhaustedby its extraordinary adventures, Ithrew off the upper wrap with which, since

GREATER CHANGE 155coming to Balonia, I had always concealedmy head and bosom, removed the vest, andloosening my hair, suffered it to flow to myfeet. How like it is to Samoula’s! I unboundmy sandals, and for a few momentsenjoyed the repose and freedom of solitude.The Palace of Light overlooked the city, andas my chamber was in the highest tower, nointruding eye could violate its seclusion,though the latticed door where I sat wasopened wide upon the small balcony to admitthe evening air."For the moment," I exclaimed, "I amalone and safe, but oh, what danger andwrath hang over the world l I hear advancingfootsteps. The Avenger hastens, the dayof woe is at hand. How great is our exposureand peril l 0 my mother, we sleepupon a volcano; we are curtained by stormclouds;pitfalls and snares are beneath ourfeet l How shall we escape destruction? 0my God, how shall we escape ?"Then, retiring to the shadow of the chain-

156 ANGELS AND WOMENbet, I knelt to pray. "O God of Allimades,lead me unstained from this city of Sin!Show me a way of escape, even if it be bythe dreary gate of Death! But not for myselfalone would I implore Thy mercy. Mymother--though she die, save her from furthersin! O Thou Most Holy, restore herto righteousness, undefiled by the embraceof Satanas! And for one other would I dareto lift up my voice. O God of infinite mercy,Hesperus Thou didst create for glory. Hissin is not so dreadful as that of his associatesin rebellion. O Thou compassionate One,give him power to repent, restore him to Thylove, make him again a bright angel, strongto do Thy service, loving Thee more thanothers of the Heavenly host, who know notthe joy of pardoned sin!".At this instant I became conscious of apresence in the room, and heard a breathinglike a deep-drawn sigh. Hastily arising, Isaw in the doorway of the balcony, distinctlyrevealed against the evening sky, the form

GREATER CHANGE 157of Hesperus. There was a rustle, a slightupward motion, and the form vanished. Myheart beat thick with alarm, and my cheeksgrew hot with shame. Hesperus, wishing tosay farewell before his perilous undertaking,had come to the tower. He had seen me disrobed,had heard my prayer! The sigh--was it from wounded love or penitentsorrow?Far too anxious and agitated for sleep, Iwrapped myself in a mantle and went outupon the balcony. Presently I heard voicesbelow in earnest conversation. I could notsee the speakers, but I recognized the nowfamiliar voice of Hesperus. "I can servethee no longer; though this decision is madeat a moment when peril stimulates courage,thou wilt not accuse me of cowardice.""Can a Deva know madness ?" asked Satanas,in a tone of incredulity. "I but returnto sanity and duty," answered theother. "The Almighty Law is eternal fitness:it cannot be broken. We are not

158 ANGELS AND WOMENrevolutionists, but rebels, who conspireagainst a beneficent Ruler. I repent; I shallresist no more.’""And this to one who exalts thee aboveall others, who now makes thee his equal?Dost thou ask favor of the Eternal--thouwho hast ravished the earth, defied His law,blasphemed His name---thou, the Counselorof Satanas ?""I know not," returned Hesperus. "I rememberthat I have sinned; I will sin nomore. This for myself, the rest with God.""Prince of the West," exclaimed Satanas,"this change is but the weakness of newbornpassion. Aloma affects piety for herown purpose. She is but human, as thoumayst soon prove." "Lord Satanas," saidHesperus with dignity, "the love of womanmay sink an Angel to perdition, or bear himupward to the gates of glory.""The damsel hath bewitched thee. Accursedthe hour in which she perished notSee Appendix, Note 22.

GREATER CHANGE 159with her father. She shall die when Samoulais wholly mine!" exclaimed his lord."Till the rites are celebrated I remain inthy service, though Zaradis, as he desires,shall command the Mystic Seven. Andknow thou, O Satanas, Aloma, like theProphet, is secure, guarded by the power ofthe Omnipotent One."THE PAGEANTCoronation morning rose. At break ofday the great court was astir with workmenand Darvands who were to complete thepreparations. As my windows opened uponthis court, the noise awakened me, and I roseand watched their labor. Towers, walls,houses and hanging gardens, all bore a festiveappearance. Flags and ensigns flutteredin the breeze, garlands hung from the shaftof the great serpent, flowering shrubs andvines filled every projection, and the air washeavy with perfume. Across the great11

160 ANGELS AND WOMENarches were the banners, with tinkling bellswrought into the significant words:"Satanas and Samoula.""’Queen of the Earth.""Bride of the Sun."Gilded pavilions were made ready to receivethe queens of the other Devas, and inthe center of the court rose a great throne,upon which Satanas was to crown Samoulaat once Bride and Queen. This throne, ofmore than human grandeur, rested upon thebacks of four brazen dragons, from whosemouths flowed a perpetual stream of Homa.There were no steps to the throne, but froma wide opening in the wall of the Palace,leading directly to it, was an aerial pathwayresembling a broad sunbeam.As I observed these wonders, a suddenhush pervaded the court. Each workmansuspended his labor, and a subdued murmurran through the crowd: "Make way, makeway! Ormandu, the Prince of the Winds,

GREATER CHANGE 161cometh l" The place was vacant in a moment,and an awful form, indistinct andshapeless, descended from the air to completethe decorations. Closely screened bythe lattice, I fled not, but breathlessly observedhis motions, wondering thereat withgreat amazement. He beckoned the clouds;they came, and he shook out their folds; hecalled the winds, and they rushed to obeyhis mandates; in the vast cavern of his mouthwere they confined till driven forth to do hisbidding. Across his vague shoulders wereflung iris-hued bows, and his quiver heldforked lightnings.With fitful force he began to labor, raisingfrom the corner towers tall columns ofvapors, white and glistening as the foam ofthe ocean. These he united by prismaticarches thrown across the court, meeting ata point above the throne. Over the loftydome thus formed, this awful being stretcheda cloud-curtain rosy in hue, which softenedwhile it did not obscure the light. From the

162 ANGELS AND WOMENbosom of this cloud were reflected a thousandopaline tints, dissolving, blending, asthe mass swayed in the breeze.An occasional flash of light or a dash ofhail gave intimation of danger, and explainedthe terror this Presence inspired. He vanishedlike a shadow, and a long time I remainedentranced by the changeful aspectsof his wonderful creation, unmindful of thepassing hours, and unobservant of the assemblynow thronging court and pavilion,roof and terrace.The spell was sharply broken by a messenger,who came in haste to inform me thatmy presence was required by the queen.Thereupon I obeyed the summons, and wastaken through a screened garden into aninner chamber exceeding all others in splendorand magnificence. Over the alabasterwalls and vaulted ceiling ran a golden trelliscovered with mimic vines and, flowerspainted in divers colors, perfumed with mistand sprinkled with gems like star-dust.

GREATER CHANGE 163Beneath a canopy of silver lace, the couchof down was spread; around the apartmentwere placed gold and ivory furniture, mirrorsand statues, and above all, curtains ofazure, adjusted for shade or seclusion.Within this atmosphere of light andshadow, color and perfume, stood the royalpair, unapproachable in majesty and beauty.The world had never seen a vision of suchtranscendent glory. Satanas, the Lightbearer,was attired in a robe of heavenly blue,bedecked with diamonds and jewelled fringethat swept the floor like dancing flames.Upon his forehead blazed a pentacle ofstarry gems, from which issued a spray asit were a fountain of fire, and in his handwas held a sceptre set with similar glory,while from every jewel-point quivered andflashed the light peculiar to his majesticpresence.Samoula, as Dawn, recipient and reflectorof light, was draped, or, rather, enshrouded,in garments rosy and nebulous as the cloud

164 ANGELS AND WOMENnow overhanging the Palace. In everyblushing fold lay pearls, white and lustrous,and a veil of mist and sparkling light, securedupon her forehead by a coronet ofsapphire, covered but did not conceal thegolden hair which rippled to her feet. Hereyes were large and brilliant like stars, hercolor tinted like the flush of day, and whenshe moved, a perfume floated in the air,sweet as the breath of morn. BeautifulSamoula, incarnation of woman’s grace andloveliness, my tears fall fast for thee lWhile Hesperus, grave and silent, receivedthe orders of Satanas, I conversed with mymother apart."Aloma," she began, in gently chidingtones, "why art thou still in rustic garb, illsuitedto this festal day? Array thyselfquickly in robes of state, that thy presenceand beauty may grace our coronation." Ikissed her hand in humility, and answered,"0 my mother, verily God hath given mepower to pierce the veil of futurity; to per-i

GREATER CHANGE 165ceive that which cannot be apprehended byoutward sense. By this I am warned to takeno part in these scenes. Forgive me if I butobserve thee at a distance; my heart is withthee even unto the end.""My child," she said, "thy words fill mewith alarm l They are the clear echo of adull voice within me, a reproof, a menace;my conscience is troubled, but reason isclouded. I am driven forward by an irresistiblepower, tangled in a net from which Icannot extricate myself. I fear yon haughtylord, yet I must obey his will. O that Allimadesstill lived 1" At this, the only allusionto my father she had ever made, we wereboth greatly agitated. I restrained myselfwith difficulty, and soothed her, saying--"The evil is irreparable: the diet of thePalace, its baths and perfumes, I have takennone of them, and can perceive dearly thatthe future will execute the decrees of theMost High. Let us hold fast the thread offaith t Allimades placed in our hands, and i

166 ANGELS AND WOMENwill lead us, let us hope, even through fireand blood, safe to the haven of eternal rest,in God’s good time." "Pray for me, mydaughter," she answered, greatly moved. "Ihave lost the power of prayer. We part, Ifear, forever. Farewell! Farewell!"At this moment the shaft of the revolvingserpent made no shadow; it was the highnoon. The sounding trumpets announcedthat all was in readiness. Satanas took thehand of Samoula. Together they floatedthrough the long corridor, through the broaddoorway, down the aerial pavement, to theirplace upon the golden throne.Profound silence reigned throughout thevast assemblage as Satanas removed fromhis sceptre the diamond spray, placed it inthe coronet which encircled the brow ofSamoula, saying, "Thus do I create thee mycompanion, the perfection of beauty, Brideof Satanas, Queen of the Earth and Sun."At that instant the cloud-screen overheadwas rent asunder, and a blaze of light

GREATER 67 CHANGElstreamed upon the royal pair, conferringsuch dazzling effulgence that the astonishedmultitude, after a moment of stupefaction,burst into a storm of applause, shouting, "Agod l a goddess l Glory to Samoula, peerlessin beauty l Glory to Satanas, Light-creator,King of the Earth and the Sun!"This blasphemous adulation of created beingsfilled me with horror, a feeling whichseemed to find voice in a growl of thunderfrom a black cloud overhead, as it suddenlyclosed together.And now the blare of trumpets announcedthe approach of the tribute-bearers, an almostinterminable procession, who were thisday to lay the treasures of earth and sea atthe feet of the mighty Prince. The giantsons of Satanas led the van, their athleticforms clad in silver scales, and on their headsnodding plumes. Fair were they in complexion,with light, curling locks; for though thenumerous wives of Satanas had been of everystyle of beauty, the sons resembled their

168 ANGELS AND WOMENroyal sire. They were mounted upon horses,whose black, glossy bodies were thickly dappledwith spots, and whose fierce, rolling eyesand airy thread seemed to scorn the earth.Following the children of Satanas came athousand white elephants, bearing magnificentpresents to the mighty monarch.Next in rank were the sons of Owadu, inarmor of burnished green, seated in superbchariots drawn by harnessed lions, whosesavage nature tamely yielded to the superhumanstrength and fear-inspiring voices ofthe terrible beings who held the reins. Afterthem, the sons of Zaradis, Saranzis, Ramudas,and other celestial princes, all mightymen, men of renown, arrayed in the costumesof their fathers’ kingdoms, presenting munificentofferings to the King of earthlyprinces.Snatches of conversation were wafted tomy ears from various men and women in thevast assemblage, comments upon the debaucheriesof the Devas, and the Darvands,

GREATER CHANGE 169their brutal and wicked sons. The wordsshowed me all too plainly the corruption ofmind wrought in the speakers. Shame andindignation filled my soul as I drew my veilclose and shrank back, realizing more fullythan ever the appalling condition of theworld under this perverted angelic sway.Truly these beings made the earth tremble;they shake the kingdoms, and destroy thegovernment thereof; they listen not to thecry of the prisoner I Dazzled by the magnificenceof the Devas and their giant offspring,overawed by their unscruplous tyranny, menhave abandoned the struggle, and drift withthe stream of ungodliness. They say: "TheLord hath forgotten the earth, the Lord seethnot."Yet the Prophet has ceased not to warnthem that the day of wrath approaches; andnow the fatal decree has gone forth. Evenat this moment of exultation the footstepsof the Avenger echo along the pathway oftime.

170 ANGELS AND WOMENThrough the long afternoon, amid plauditsof the gazing throng, the brilliant processionstreamed past, bearing the wealth andglory of the world. Chariots and horses,camels and cattle, rare and curious animalsfrom every clime, bundles of fur, bales ofrichest fabrics, broidered vestments, mirrors,vases, caskets of gems, gold and silver, coral,amber and treasures of the sea, baskets offruits, strange plants, spices, perfumes, and aband of dancers and beautiful captives.And now appeared a culminating wonder--a fleet of air-ships, winging their flightabove the great assembly[ These marvelousstructures are the invention of a mightyDarvand who discovered in the hollow bonesof birds that which would have escaped theeyes of mere mortals, the secret of flight. Ithas been carefully concealed, and the use ofthese aerial barges confined to the royalfamilies with whose colors they are superblydecorated.Upon the prow of each barge stood a beau-

GREATER CHANGE 171tiful queen, who, as the ships paused on flutteringsails before the throne, gracefullydropped at the feet of the newly crownedempress tokens of admiration and loyalty.As the fleet slowly sailed away and disappearedin the overhanging mist, a strain ofangelic music from the Devas proclaimed thetriumph of rebellion and sensuality. 0 sinand shame, the dreadful guilt lauded byangel tongues lThe pageant was ended, the feast was tobegin° The sun, which, through its canopyof mist, had all day long looked calmly downupon this scene of splendor, now sank in thewest° Above the descending orb rolled upwardbillowy clouds of crimson hue; theruddy glow stained tower and pavilion, marblecolonnade and house-top. And thus,when Satanas and his bride passed up theluminous pathway into the banquet-hall, Samoulaappeared immersed in a crimson tide."Too red, too red!" abruptly exclaimed Aldeth."My mistress seems bathed in blood!"

172 ANGELS AND WOMENRETRIBUTIONThe sun went down, the crimson fadedand deepened to purple, gray shadows fell,and with a shiver I retired to the solitude ofmy own chamber, while Aldeth prepared asimple repast. Before it was finished theconfusion and uproar in the banquet-hall becameso great that I trembled for the safetyof my mother. "Go, Aldeth," I cried, "lingernear Samoula. You may be of service toyour mistress, and I shall be less anxious."Left alone, I went forth upon the balconyand gave myself up to melancholy reflections.Could I do aught for my mother ? She wasnow irrevocably bound to Satanas. In theAll-Powerful God alone was help. I lookedout upon the heavens. Twilight had fadedinto night. As my heart went out to God inprayer, a passing thrill gave token that thefetters of sense were removed. I saw celestialforms soaring upward, radiant and pure,though powerful as those of the Devas. Atremor fills the air; it wavers, faints, and dies

GREATER CHANGE 173---again it swells upon the breeze. Is it risingwind, moaning among the palms? No!No! Voices celestial float earthward fromthe vanishing cloud--words are formed; theyweave a requiem--the warp is music, thewoof a sigh.SONGOF THE ANGELSMourn--for the Star of DayDieth at dawn;Weep--for the Moon’s soft rayPaleth ere morn.No rosy blush may rise,No perfume-breathed sighs;The burning kiss,The dream of blissTo anguish turn.Behold--the mists of deathNow darken heaven;Listen--the roarng wavesAre ! madly drivenAnd shrieks of wild despairConvulse the shivering air;Life’s flame expires;The natal firesNo ! longer burn

174 ANGELS AND WOMENThe giant sons must die;The Lords of LightIn caverns dark must lie,In rayless night.E’en Mercy sighs, "Too late!"’Neath prison bars they wait,In blind dismay,The dreadful dayThat ! seals their fateLike the last quiver of a bell the sounddies in the distance. But who is he that remainsenwrapped in mournful thought?His face is stern and sad, his hand rests uponthe hilt of a sword, his black garments rustlein the night-breeze like withered leaves, andhis voice, blending with the melancholysound, -- whispers"O hand, be firm; heart, be unrelenting; yedo but execute the decrees of the MostHigh."Who is he that joins not his peers in theirflight from the doomed earth? It is Azelles,Angel ! of DeathI close my heavy eyes, and press my throb-

GREATER CHANGE 175bing heart; my thoughts revert to Allimadesresting beneath the cypress trees. O thatI ! were lying unconscious by his sideTHE BEGINNINGOF THE ENDThere was but one moment to dream, fornow an awful uproar arose throughout thePalace--shouts, curses, yells; then a confusedcrowd rushed madly into the garden,men and giants uttering unintelligible cries.Towering above all others, the mightycelestials pressed forward, rage and fury depictedon their dreadful faces.And lo! the fountain of fire in the midstof the garden, moved by some infernal influence,shot up furiously into the sky, lightingwith unnatural glare the great court, thepalace and surrounding heights--a fearfulmockery of day. The struggling crowdsurged and howled forth oaths and blasphemiesso horrible that I pressed my handsupon my ears to shut out the stunning words.In vain did I oppose such feeble barriers, for12

176 ANGELS AND WOMENhigh above all other sounds was heard thevoice of Satanas rallying the Devas."To arms, to arms, celestials! The hourof fate hastens, but we will foil our hatedFoe. Yet will I ascend and be like the MostHigh! To my victorious allies will I givethe kingdoms of the world and its glory.Aladdis, the hour has come! Loosen theSteeds of the Sun!"The vaulted dome re-echoed the voice, terribleas a roll of thunder; shouts from themaddened Devas answered the appeal, firesflashed from heaven-forged armor, and theclash of alarms swelled the distracting din.The winged Deva sped toward Mount Her-,on and uttered a piercing cry, which wasanswered by a roar beneath the mountain,so furious that the Palace shook and thecrowds shrieked with fear. The doors of thevault burst with a dang, and there rushedforth, like the blast of a furnace, horses offire winged with flame.1 Driven by the wind,1 See Appendix, Note 23.

GREATER CHANGE 177they assumed strange, distorted shapes,smoke and light issued from their nostrils asthey rapidly approached the Palace.I grew terrified and turned to flee, when afearful sight held me motionless. On thewall of the garden stood a dark and gloomyform, whose features of deepest melancholy,seen by sudden flashes of the Fire Fountain,I recognized to be those of Hesperus. Satanasalso perceived him and springing forward,he swung the sharp sword abovehis head. "Traitor," he shouted, "mount upwards,and receive thine honor and fortune 1""Traitor no longer," returned Hesperus;"loyal at last to my rightful King."With a howl of rage, Satanas disappearedfrom view. I was soon aroused by the excitedentrance of our old servant, Aldeth, who beganin breathless terror, "My child, awfulomens have been seen. Scarce were the kingand queen seated at the banquet, when amessenger (sent to inquire why the Homafountain had ceased to flow) came in haste

178 ANGELS AND WOMENand informed Satanas that the water in thewells had suddenly sunk and the bed of theriver was dry."’Strike off the head of the liar,’ commandedthe enraged king. ’My lord,’ interposedthe Counselor, ’death on a weddingday is but an evil omen.’ Satanas paused:not so the sword of the executioner. Oneswift blow, and the head of the unfortunatemessenger rolled upon the floor."A strange light now filled the banquethall,and on the ceiling ran letters of firetraced by no mortal hand. The green serpentin the golden tank threw himself violentlyout of the water, his red crest erect,and with horrible hissing and convulsions expired."At this moment Zorabah rushed in---oneof the chiefest of the Devas. His countenancewas distorted by rage, and he roaredlike the roar of a mighty cataract. ’Besottedfools,’ he cried, ’forgetful of our tremendousemprise, you are wantoning away moments

GREATER CHANGE 179upon which hang the fate of Eternity, I couldhate you as I hate the weak race to whichyour sensual bodies are enslaved l Drivelingidiots, leave your women and banqueting[Zaradis and his force have been forced to flee.Up and away l Unless you act at once withmighty vigor, all is lost! lost!! lost!!!’"Without waiting to reprove the presumptuousZorabah, Satanas, with all the otherDevas, sprang from the table, seized theirarmor, and exchanging fearful words andtokens, rushed forth. The ladies conveyedthe queen from the hall before I could gainaccess to her." While Aldeth yet spake, apiercing scream rang out through the nowempty corridors, a cry of mortal anguish.Startled from the paralyzed conditioninto which I had fallen, I flew along thehalls, followed closely by the affrightedAldeth, the song of the Angels resoundingin memory--"Weep--for the Moon’s soft rayPaleth ere morn."

180 ANGELS AND WOMENWe reached the door of the bridal chamber.O sight of woe! There, prone uponthe marble floor, lay the beautiful form ofmy mother, writhing in the agonies of death.The steel had done its work, the lifebloodpoured fast from the cruel wound in herbosom. Yet was she still conscious, and as I,sobbing, embraced her, she whispered faintly--"Saved, O my daughter!" Then her violeteyes were closed in death.Frantic with grief and terror, I dashedaway the restraining arms of Aldeth, andrushed out into the pale moonlight. All wasquiet in court and palace, but afar could beheard a confused sound like the surges ofocean. As I passed the wall from which afew moments previous I had seen the formof Hesperus, I groaned aloud---"O night ofdeath and woe! O my mother! O Hesperus!O my God!"A deep sigh answered, and from the denseshadow of the wall came back the words:"O my God!"

GREATERCHANGE 181There was such pathos in the tone that,forgetting my own grief and fear, I turnedtoward the spot from whence the sound proceeded,and there, pale but firm in courage,stood Hesperus. I hastened to his side, andfor an instant he took my hand and pressedit closely in his."Aloma, I repent fully of my disloyalty toGod. Nevermore will I be a rebel againstmy holy Creator. No more will I take theform of a human. I must again assume mynormal spirit condition. I shall never forgetyou. Now I must say, Goodbye, and mayGod be ever with you l" In a moment Hesperushad vanished, and ! stood alone.THE PROPHETESS ALOMA’$ VISIONRaising my heart in thankfulness to God$ quickly sped along, scarce knowing whitherI went. The men of the city, uncertain ofpurpose, had fled to the Tower of Satanas,and a hushed fear, as of some impendingcalamity, had fallen on the women and chil-

182 ANGELS AND WOMENdren. I paused not until I found myself beyondthe limits of the deserted city, and comingupon an open plain, gazed long and earnestlyinto the southern sky. By the tremorthat agitated my frame, by the increasingluminosity of the dim stars, by a clearervision of the shrouded full-orbed moon, andby the intensified quickening of every sense,I was conscious of the superhuman power.Then, in vision, I went out, past sun andmoon, past grand and solemn orbs, throughfields of drifting stars, out into cold anddarksome space, till I hung upon the vergeof God’s Infinity. I perceived the Invisible,the Inaudible, the Intangible, that which unaidedmortal sense can never comprehend.I looked upon the Energies of Nature!Wheels within wheels, forever turning,changing, returning. Impalpable resistance,imponderable weight. Nor night nor discord,age or death. Swift as thought, firmas the will of God. There dwells EternalOrder[ ! There dwells Eternal Noon

GREATER CHANGE 183Beneath a dome clear as crystal I saw theDial of Time. There are the cycles measured,there are recorded the immeasurable eternities.And above all was the Great Center,which binds the sweet influences of the stars.At this sight I trembled and cried out withfear lest it might be loosened and crashthrough all the worlds. But a mighty angelanswered my fear, saying, "Omnipotencealone can loosen the bands established byEternal Will. Child of earth, look thou westward."Straining my eyes through illimitableplains of ether, I perceived a long line ofworlds, stretching in almost endless continuity.One immense star was wheeling intoplace, ! silent, sublime, awfulIn a moment more the angel spake again."Behold, O child of earth!" I followed withmy eyes to where he directed with his goldenwand. His eyes were fastened on the greatDial, and following their inclination, I perceivedthat the index was slowly sinking to

184 ANGELS AND WOMENthe lowest point of the great circle, beneathwhich in letters black as night, I discernedthe inscription: "The Hour of Doom."Again I followed the solemn eyes of theangel, which now were fixed with intenseeagerness upon a luminous spot high abovethe atmosphere of the earth. There, like aphantom host in battle array, I saw the rebelangels upon their steeds of flame, and by hissuperior brightness knew that Satanas heldcommand. In the thickest of the conflictbetween the powers of darkness and the powersof light, the towering form of the greatopponent of God flashed forth a blaze thatdazzled and appalled all who opposed him.O intensest demoniacal rage, O majesticwrath of Heaven, how can mortal speak theirpower !Before this infernal blast of demon-furythe angelic band seemed to slowly give way,and the triumphant voice of Satanas, clearbut distant, rang out like a mighty trumpet."Princes of Satanas, the battle is won; the

GREATER CHANGE 185earth is ours! We defy the Strong One! Wewill yet reign in power equal to the Eternalupon His Throne!"Then the heavens stood aghast, the earthwas shaken, the stars grew pale and circledmore slowly on their wheels of fire[ Allnature shuddered at the possible consummation.At this moment a sudden hush, a pulselesssilence, fell on all created things, as fromthe northern sky, stretching across the etherealvault, there appeared--the Shadow of aHand !Without delay or haste, the Shadowmoved forward and fell upon the host ofdemons, who, elated with their assurance ofvictory, perceived not its advance. Suddenlya spasm as of cold passed over them, the fireslowly faded, ashy pallor overspread everyface, the strong pinions drooped, theweapons fell from their nerveless hands,despair took possession of each of thesefallen angels.Colder and darker grew the host, sinking

186 ANGELS AND WOMENlower and lower, when, with the suddennessof a flash of light, a great comet, which in theabsorbing interest of this supreme momenthad been rapidly approaching unseen,swerved to one side and gradually circledaround them, condensing and hardening asit passed under the Shadow of the Hand,until they were hopelessly encompassed andbound in adamantin bonds.A faint blue flame parting from the onetime Light-bearer gave token of the laststruggle, as deeper and darker the incarnationof despair sank into the rayless gloomof the black, unfathomable abyss of earth’satmosphere.The Shadow then moved till it reachedthe crystal dome; and then the pointer onthe dial trembled to the Hour of Doom. Toolate, too late, to save the kingdom of theDevas! All is lost! Again deep silence fellon all created things; then, like the solemnchime of bells came voices of the Heavenlyhosts in antiphonal chant: "Glory, glory,

GREATER CHANGE 187forevermore l Thou alone art mighty, LordGod Omnipotent 1"When I awoke I was as one dead, withoutsense or motion, lying prone upon the coldearth.How long I was insensible I know not, butwith returning consciousness I heard thevoices of men in great agitation. "It surelyseems," said one, "that the old monomaniac’swords are to come true. What doth it allportend?" "Listen," exclaimed another,pausing breathless near the place where Iwas; "heard you not a sigh? What fills theair? A crash, a breath, a whisper l Let usfly[ Whither shall we go? Where is Satanas?Why comes he not to control thePower of the Air?" In terror they ran forward,stumbling in the darkness, leaving mescarcely less affrighted than themselves.At this moment of perplexity as I stoodin bewilderment, not knowing where to turn,I heard one calling my name---"Aloma,

188 ANGELS AND WOMEN,Aloma!" Sweeter than the music of anangel was the voice coming through thegloomy night."O Japheth," I cried, as I fell into his extendedarms, "my mother is murdered, thenorth tower is burned, Aldeth must haveperished---""But I am with you, my beloved," saidhe; "the barriers that separated us are removed,and wilt thou not he mine?" AndI answered, "Dear Japheth, I am thine."Carefully we groped our way along towardthe Tebah into which Japheth told methe family were now removing. He alsoinformed me that being near the Palacewhen the alarm was sounded, he entered thehalls and sought me in vain; but among thewomen who had gathered around the bodyof the murdered queen was poor Aldeth, almoststupefied with terror.He roused her and together they went tomy chamber, hoping" that I might have fledthither. Not finding me, Japheth proposed

iGREATER CHANGE 189that such articles as belonged to me shouldbe removed from the Palace to the habitationof the Prophet, to which it was possibleI might have retreated. Being convincedthat the great catastrophe was near, he hiredsome idlers who stood in the halls, and sooneverything was transferred to the Tebah.But the lost one was not there; whereuponold Aldeth went back to await my return.Alas, it was to meet her fate, for in a fewminutes the tower fell and all within perished.What caused its fall is not known.Faithful old servant and friend! She hasgone to .her rest to await the awakening fromdeath to restitution, when Paradise shall berestored to Earth, in the Judgment Day.Meantime Japheth sought me through thedarkness, directed by a peculiar aureolawhich encircled my head. The nature of thishe did not understand, but in my heart I feltthat it was the lingering glory of the visiongiven me. Trembling and weary, wereached the much-desired haven, where our

190 ANGELS AND WOMENanxious friends gave us cordial welcome.None questioned as to my absence from thePalace and I told the vision to none; to noother human eye was it revealed.After some much needed refreshment, Iretired to the little room Japheth had unwittinglyprepared for my reception. Here,among the articles so hastily removed frommy chamber in the Palace, I found my journaland before the events of this day of wondersfade from my memory, I confidethe secrets I can entrust to no other.This night,Prophet and my own irrevocableto itby the solemn words of thevow, I havebeen united to Japheth in the sacred bondsof marriage. The unusual circumstanceshastened this event. _An unparalleled tragedyis about to transpire. The desolation ofa world !Was ever wife so wedded? Was ever amarriage journey so begun? Our love hadbirth in danger and gloom, dire portents inearth and heaven attend our nuptials, and

GREATER CHANGE 191shrouded horror hangs over the race of men.May that powerful Hand, whose shadow cansink to despair the hosts of mighty Satanas,control the elements now gathering fordevastation and carry us safely through thatperilous voyage in which there is neithermap nor chart, rudder nor compass, sun norstar, to guide.The memory of this night’s experienceoverpowers me; I can scarce trust my ownrecollection. Was it an illusion, or have Iindeed been permitted to behold the SpiritWorld and witness the mystery and majestyof God’s Power in the energies of Nature?As I look forth into the night and upward toHim, the answer and assurance is given.Slowly, fearfully, I turn to the West. There,high above the dusky mountain, like a smileshining through tears, still trembles theEvening Star !

THE TEBAH AND ITS INMATESTHE first day of my new life is madememorable by other marvels.We were awakened at dawn by a deeproar, as of a wild beast coming down thevalley. Hurrying to the door an extraordinarysight met our eyes. A large lion withhis mate stood irresolute upon the bank ofthe river. He bent his shaggy head to theearth, smelling the ground as if he perceivedsomething unusual, then stopped abruptly,looked up to the sky, sniffed the air, roaredagain and ran forward. Frightened by hissavage mien, we all hastily retreated, exceptthe Prophet, who went out to meet him.The ferocious beast crouched low, draggedhimself upon the ground and crept close tothe master, fawning and rubbing againsthis side. The Prophet fondled the lion ashe would a dog and led him unresistingly192

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 193through the door of the Tebah, into a narrowstall at the farthest end of the boat. Hismate passively followed; the bar was raisedand they were made secure.This event was so significant that a solemnsilence fell upon us; but we had littletime to consider before a loud bellow washeard and a huge elephant with his matecame plunging across the plain, throwing histrunk in the air and sniffing in fear as thelion had done. He also came near and sufferedhimself to be led quietly to his quartersin the boat. Soon a frightened stag anddoe peeped timidly over the hill and surveyingour party for a moment, came to theplace where we were standing; two beautifuldogs followed them, but looked not uponthe game, only upward at the sky andhowled.And now the valley seemed alive with animals,thronging over the hills and swarmingfrom the groves. None molested another; allseemed urged forward by the instinct that

194 ANGELS AND WOMENdanger was abroad and safety with theProphet.The sons of Noah assiduously aided thefather, and without confusion the patientbrutes were bestowed in the places assignedthem. Presently the familiar note of a woodthrushcaught my ear, and looking upward,I perceived a tree near by filled with featheredsongsters and fowls of many species.With the enticement of grain scattered uponthe ground they followed us and were easilysettled in their new home.Meantime a crowd of idlers had gatheredto witness this extraordinary scene. Some,jeering the Prophet, inquired why he hadconcealed his magic under the pretense ofpiety and defied him to frighten them by thisexhibition of black art. Some endeavoredto drive back the animals, but were repulsedby angry growls, or a snap of the teeth toofierce to be again invited. Some looked onstupidly, while the more thoughtful seemedpuzzled, and said, "What means this unnat-

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 195ural course of the wild animals? They sniffthe air as if in fear and quietly submit themselvesto be imprisoned in this strange buildingwhich appears prophetically arrangedfor their reception. Is it possible the madProphet has told the truth ?""You speak folly," said another. "Wonderswill never cease while the world stands;these animals are governed by some lawwith which we are unacquainted; our sagesmust be consulted.""Let us not forestall trouble," said stillanother. "Believe in danger when it appears.The end comes soon enough. Howhot the day grows 1"Indeed, the heat had become intense, andafter the hold of the vessel was full, weceased from receiving the animals andsought refreshment and repose.Toward evening Japheth took me to examinethis marvelous building. The beasts,dull and sleepy, gave little heed to our coming,though sometimes they started and ut-

196 ANGELS AND WOMENtered a cry of fear. Their quarters are dividedfrom those of the family by a thickwall that excludes all sound and yet is arrangedto admit a sufficiency of fresh air.Food and drink are in abundant store: but,being closely confined and quiet, it is thoughtthey will require little care.Years was the Tebah in building, accordingto instructions given our venerablefather Noah in a vision, which instructionswere most faithfully carried out. Nothingthat could contribute to our comfort hasbeen overlooked. Many men were employedin its construction to whom it was an inexplicablemystery. The building of such anelaborate vessel was considered the height offolly by interested but unbelieving neighbors.But, nevertheless, the Lord blessedNoah and the work prospered.The three sons labored tirelessly to completethe Tebah at the appointed time. Thisexercise assisted in their developing intostrong and graceful men. Many difficulties

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 197arose taxing their ingenuity. The overcomingof these increased their love and reverencefor the Great Architect, whose plansthey were endeavoring to carry out.In finishing the individual apartments forthe members of the family the preferencesof each were lovingly considered and greatwas our joy at the completion of the work.My own room, though small, is beautiful.Had ! expressed my preferences I could nothave been so greatly pleased. The colors aresoft and harmonious, the furniture simpleand appropriate.My writing materials have been placed ona beautiful little ivory table. What a wonderfullittle gold, diamond pointed pen l FromJapheth, I suppose. Through the windowwith its translucent material streams thelight, and it can be adjusted to admit the air.There are several ferns tastefully distributedaround the room which I shall enjoy caringfor, and noting their growth. My heart isfull of love and joy at this moment as my

198 ANGELS AND WOMENhusband enters and we spend much time inloving conversation.We have been in the Tebah for seven daysand there has been a solemn hush over everything!A tense feeling of expectancy. Thedoor is closed. This was done by an unseenhand and we know the time has arrived.!How quiet everything is l The calm beforethe 1 storm.I hear voices of men and Darvands underour window. They say that wild animalsare now wandering about and ravaging thecountry. The speakers without crouch underthe shadow of the Tebah, greatly terrified.Their words are frightful--they cursethe heated air, they curse the Devas for theircontinued absence; they curse themselves,and God.After the morning repast and a sacrificeof unusual solemnity, we sat for a long timein silent meditation. Soon the voice of theProphet broke the stillness: "The time hasa See Appendix, Note 24.

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 199come. Soon will the valley of Balonia andthe realms of all the Devas be naught but thebed of a raging sea, upon which, by themercy of God, we shall ride in safety. Thuswill the Lord vindicate our faith in the eyesof all. God’s wisdom will be made manifest.The multitudes have been warned in vain;they have lost their opportunity; they mustdie. :However, there is hope for them in thefuture. God has revealed to me that He hasa blessing for all in the distant future, providing,of course, they will at that time provethemselves worthy of the blessing. But theDarvands--their very existence is contraryto the will and law of the Lord. They mustperish forever in their incorrigible wickedness.The earth will never see them more!"He paused a moment: "Hark I the mutteringrumble of the heavens. Even now the tempestgathers, which shall add to the horrorsof the sea."Again we relapsed into silence unbrokensave by the loud complaints of the passers-

200 ANGELS AND WOMENby and by the moans of the animals, whoinstinctively feel the coming woe. Fourmoons ago I wrote in this journal my father’swords: "Shut out of the world in thislonely forest, your life will be eventless."Ah, how rapid has been the march of events 1But I cannot stop to review the past. Itseems a wonderful providence of the HolyOne that though bereaved of my parents Iam surrounded by a family fast becoming asdear to me as my own. My brothers andtheir wives I love; at first for Japheth’s sake,but now for their own. Shem’s beautifulwife, Asenath, is very quiet and dignified,while Ham’s Junia is just the opposite.Junia is irrepressible naturally, but even sheis sobered by these transcendent events.Noah’s wife, Lydia, is most beautiful of all.I think Japheth looks like his mother. AndNoah has indeed been a loving father to me.I married his favorite son and that partlyaccounts for his fondness for me.After the sun went down, showing but

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 201dimly through the mist, we rose and preparedfor watching the skies and other outwardportents betokening the coming Deluge.The tremendous tragedy overshadowingour own lives rendered us all silent. Themoon was at its full. An increasing light inthe east gave token of its approach. "TheFlood-tide," said the Prophet, "will soon beupon us. Even if the Devas should nowreturn and attempt the removal of their retinuesin waiting at Balonia it could not beaccomplished. They would be met on everyside by the advancing waters and their overthrowhastened. They must renounce forevernow their assumed bodies of flesh andreturn to their normal condition to be boundin fetters by the Almighty. Their giant sonsthey will see no more forever. In a fewhours the Deluge will inevitably reach us;but fear not, my children; let your faith inGod be manifested in the midst of the veryterrors that surround us; they are but thefulfillment of His immutable word."

202 ANGELS AND WOMENSilently, with eyes and ears strained tocatch every portent of what was about tocome, we sat by the window and watchedthe blood-stained moon slowly mount theheavens; for in the ominous silence weknew an implacable sentry held ward, onethat the bravest can scarcely meet withoutdread--Azelles, the Angel of Death!THE HOUR OF DOOMSoon after midnight we heard a sound inthe air like a shriek, or wail, passing over thevalley. Afterward came short sudden gusts,succeeded by hollow intervals of intensecalm. Breathless we listened. All was confused,inharmonious, dissonant. The Spiritsof the Air seemed to be in distress. Therewere voices in complaint--moaning, angryvociferation. A sullen, far-off roar causedthe earth to tremble. I covered my headto shut out all sense and compel oblivion.In vain l As faint dawn glimmered feebly

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 203in the East, a heavy blast swirled down fromthe North with a force that shook our buildingand chilled us to the bone. In a few momentscame a hot wind from the oppositedirection; the air was filled with dust andat the same time an unusual dampness wasfelt.Unconsciousness of the awful certaintycould be no longer feigned. "0 Japheth," Icried, "Azelles and the Prince of the Powerof the Air rage in darkness above the valleyand the earth shudders!" We rose hastilyand all stood in silence with bowed heads andfaces covered.We then approached the broad window;one glance upward and we shrank aghastfrom the appalling sky. Around thecramped, distorted horizon a lurid haze hadsettled. Over this crawled a great mass oftawny vapor and high above was a dome ofblack clouds, like great rocks rolling in theskies.Yet no wind now stirredthe leaves; a

204 ANGELS AND WOMENpainful, awful stillness brooded over all.The city was aroused. Housetop and towersbecame crowded with men gazing at the portentousheavens. Suddenly, as by a commonimpulse, all eyes were turned to theNorth, whence had come but shortly beforethe chill blast and terrible shudder.0 sight of horror, before which even theheart of the boldest Deva must quail l Entirelyacross the entrance of the valley,crowding the very mountaintops, appeareda mighty wall, tottering, crashing, falling,pressed forward by some invisible power.Upon its awful front, in confusion whichdazed the sight, were borne timbers, fragmentsof buildings, earth, rocks and mutilatedbodies of animals and creatures of thesea. But most dreadful of all, tossed in uncertainmotion, were the ghastly corpses ofdead men and women and children.Beyond and above, heaped against thelowering sky, were seen oncoming cold,angry seas, raging breakers, monster water-

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 205spouts, clutching the clouds and roaring asif all the waters of the world were dashedtogether in a frenzy of destruction. Withpiercing shrieks the crowds turned to flee,but 1o! another horror--another flood hungabove the city, borne onward from the South--the Oceans of Death were closing abovethe valley. Paralyzed with fear and despair,all stood motionless, till a cry arose--"To the hills, to the hills l" Then up therocky steep they rushed--strong men andDarvands, delicate women, confused childhood,panic-stricken by the fear of imminentdeath. As the mass pressed madly on, manywere dashed over the rocks and fell shriekinginto the gulf below.Strange power of the human mind I Amidthe wild unreality of that tremendous scene,as in a picture surrounded by most terribleaccessories, I saw and recognized in the flyingcrowd some of the attendants of thePalace and other royal households. Onegroup impressed itself as vividly as the

206 ANGELS AND WOMENlightning flash that revealed it--a beautifulwoman (her dress a queen’s) with an infantpressed to her snowy bosom, while by thehand she led a child whose strong featuresand powerful limbs too surely betrayed acelestial parentage. Her hair and garmentsstreamed in the wind, which she vainlystrove to breast, and her voice of despairsounded shrill above the roar of the storm--"Save us, 00wadu, save us 1"Alas l far from the reach of her voice, inchains of darkness, was Owadu, awaiting theJudgment of the Last Day lIn another instant all sense and feelingwere absorbed in the jarring shock that weourselves experienced. The floods rushedtogether, sky and ocean mingled, the writhingvapors were torn by a mighty force, thefloodgates of heaven were opened and an inundationfrom the clouds swelled the wildwaters already surging through the valley.The sharp lightning flashes split the heavyvault, the dun air was whirled into a tornado,

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 207the winds shrieked and howled like infuriateddemons, twisting and tearing everythingin their course. To increase the horribledistraction and din, immense flocks ofbirds and bats of every description werehurtled through the darkening air into thegreedy wave, despite helpless screams andviolent flutterings.And now approached the unimaginablehorror. An earthquake, of awful violence,rocked the valley, one moment stretching itout like a plane, tossing the wreckage to thevery clouds and the next sinking so deep thatthe mountain-tops seemed about to toppleover and crush us. The mighty billows inquick succession roared above the hills andanon settled into a trough of inky blackness.A fierce antagonism of fire and flood ensued,the ribs of earth were cracked, its crust wasrent asunder, subterranean fires belchedforth and a terrible eruption of hissing waterand melted rock, with chaos and darkness,shut us in.

ANGELS AND WOMENThe avalanche hung over us for a breathand then descended. Above the howling ofthe storm, the roaring waters and bellowingearthquake, an awful crash was heard. Thevessel staggered, heaved and spun around inthe boiling maelstrom like a dry leaf in agale. l ! 0 that horrible, sickening swirDizzy and stunned, we fell prostrate, thecolor forsook our faces, the warm current oflife was frozen, our hearts almost ceased tobeat; we were within the jaws of death, wesank into an abyss l 0 our God, shield usand protect us from this fearful houri wasthe cry of each heart.Then the Tebah made a tremendous lurch,plunged completely under water, trembledin every joint, righted again and crashingthrough a thousand wrecks, came upunharmed."God be praised[" exclaimed our fatherNoah, "we are afloat l"And with pale, earnest lips we all echoed,"God be praised ["

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 209PERIL AND GLOOMThe torrents of destruction were yet contendingfor mastery. At one time that fromthe North would prevail and drive us almostupon the remaining towers of the city.Again we were dashed back the length of thevalley by the torrent from the South. Entangledamong wrecks which covered themighty surge, the timbers of our staunchvessel groaned and creaked as if they wouldpart. We could feel the commotion frombeneath as we were helplessly dragged acrossrocks, tree-tops and submerged buildings.Rut our Ark of shelter was planned by aDivine Architect, even by Him who sent theDeluge, for He knew it would be requiredin this hour of unexampled peril. Our greatbark lived in a boiling, tempestuous seawhere the stateliest ship would have beenshattered to fragments.After many days of convulsive turmoil,the storm somewhat subsided though the

210 ANGELS AND WOMENwaters still rose rapidly along the hill-sides.We breathed more freely and our fatherNoah looked after the frightened beasts,from whom we had heard occasional moansof pain and fear. At length, with halfavertedgaze, we ventured to again approachthe window. O vision of gloom! Theheavens were gathering blackness and heavymasses of cloud were driving across themurky sky. The lurid moon was drownedin a black, watery mist; its feeble sickly lightrevealed the dim outlines of the horror bywhich we were surrounded. We were driftingnear a mountain of unfamiliar outline,whose top was crowded with living beingsin every attitude and aspect of despair.Women and children there were none.Their feeble natures had yielded long beforethis terrible consummation. But men andDarvands, animals, birds, serpents, were allcrowded in indistinguishable confusion.Some sat in motionless apathy, with despairingfaces upturned to the pall-like sky.

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 211Some with frantic cries and outstretchedarms wildly implored our aid, others with insanelaughter sprang into the awful waters,in desperate attempts to reach our vessel.But shrieks of terror, strangled cries ofthe dying and the howl of beasts, were in aninstant hushed, as the densest darkness suddenlyswallowed all[ And now a terrificstorm again burst forth in renewed fury.Heaven and earth were shaken by fearfulbursts of thunder; incessant and awfulflashes of lightning illumined the night.Rain came down in torrents l Before thisdreadful time, the earth had known no rain;therefore the incredulous had paid no heedto Noah’s repeated warnings of the comingdeluge. And now it appeared as thoughwindows were opened in heaven and theflood poured forth with resistless fury. Tothe poor people perishing in the flood, thesight of so much rain descending from theheavens seemed most strange and terrible.We could hear the swollen breakers roar-

212 ANGELS AND WOMENing over the mountain-steeps. Feeble daylightat length struggled faintly through theenveloping shroud of darkness and we couldsee many dead bodies floating all around us;later, thicker darkness shut us in. Our noblefather Noah was a pillar of strength tous all through these dark days and cheeredand comforted us in our deep distress. Whocan describe the anguish caused by witnessingthe desolation of a world l Yet we preserveda measure of tranquillity, even in themidst of universal destruction, knowing thatthis was but a just retribution permitted bythe All-Powerful One as a lasting exampleof the results of disobedience.Again and again did day blacken intonight of only a deeper shade of blackness.Then the long night would pale into a semblanceof day. We would welcome even thefaintest rays of light and eagerly awaitedthe cessation of the tempest.Finally, the Prophet spake to us in wordsof comfort: "My dear ones, God Almighty,

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 213ithe All-Powerful One, has preserved us fromthe ravening floods when we were utterlyhelpless. Forever blessed be His name l Hewill always be mindful of the obedient. Hehath chosen us out of all the world, unworthythough we are, to continue the humanrace. Now we have come through thisgreat flood and remain alive, let us now partakeof food that our strength may revivefor I perceive that you all look pale and wanfrom want of food and sleep. Later my goodwife will prepare you a soothing drink ofherb leaves which will induce sleep."Accordingly we ate food and partook ofthe warm drinks, then retired for a muchneeded rest. My head scarcely touched thepillow of my couch ere I was lost in a profoundslumber, too deep to admit of dreams.When I awakened I was surprised to findthat the water had become comparativelycalm. We seemed to have settled into a shelteredplace, where we were not shaken bybillows and winds.

214 ANGELS AND WOMENOur life within our marvelous Tebah nowbegan to be conducted in a more orderlyfashion. Every one went about his or herduties more cheerfully, with a sense of deepgratitude for so great a deliverance. Eachtried to make the other happy and 1 learnedthat Noah’s sons were resourceful men,adept in many arts and sciences acquiredfrom their ancestors.My love of study was now somewhat gratified.The family of Noah possessed manyrare and wonderful manuscripts containinghistories of former events. From these Ieagerly selected one written by Enoch beforehis Translation. It appeared from this thatEnoch was only three hundred years oldwhen our first father Adam died and hadheard from Adam’s own lips of all that happenedfrom Creation down to his own day.In reading this valued manuscript I shedmany tears over the account of the entranceof sin into our world. How little did ourmother Eve realize what her beloved chil-

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 215dren would suffer for her thoughtless deed.I was reading this account when Japhethentered and finding me in tears gently inquiredthe cause and was relieved to find thatthey were induced by an ancient sorrow.THE CORONAL OF HESPERUSThe rain descends incessantly. A blackmist enshrouds the horizon. Yesterday thelittle family assembled in our mother’s apartmentand I read from the writings of Allimadesa story of olden times: "The Love ofEndymion, a Star-spirit, for Orrobia, Princessof the Kingdom of Nourma." We wereall much affected by the great trials and virtueof the princess, unshaken even to hervery end, when the gate of death closed uponher fair form and Endymion could see her nomore.This story was a gift from my father whenI was but a child. Often had I retired tothe recesses of the forest to linger over the

216 ANGELS AND WOMENscroll and dream undisturbed of the fortunesof Orrobia. How mysterious then seemedthe love of a Star-spirit for a mortal maiden !And now is the mystery solved ? Alas, no lThe sadness of my heart increased andfearing some word or look might betray it,I presently withdrew to the solitude of myown chamber. Here I looked once moreupon the memorials of my former life--thetreasures and parchments of Allimades, theshawl and robe wrought by Samoula’s handand the rare utensils, Minerva’s dying gift.The bodies of these, my loved ones, nowlie beneath the mighty waves. In death theywill sleep their long sleep--perchance manycycles until the awakening time and Paradiseis restored on earth. All except therepentant Deva, Hesperus. Ah, Hesperus!--though now chained with other fallenangels, in the distant future, when thy Dayof final Judgment has come, thou wilt comeforth purified, restored, forgiven IMy eyes fell upon the jewel-casket, his

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 217gift, which poor Aldeth had conveyed fromthe Palace--the last service of her devotedlife, who also now sleeps beneath the heavingbillows. The casket has never beenopened. I might now look upon its contents.With trembling fingers I pressed the spring.It unclosed; a soft perfume was exhaled anda light vapor passed from an ivory tabletwhich bore these words:Sigh with me, Aloma,Answer sigh by sigh;Drink with me, Aloma,The cup of ecstasy.Love with me, Aloma,Then shall bliss unknown,Born of angel’s passionEver be thine own.I raised the tablet, and beneath, upon asilken cushion, lay a diadem of rarest beauty--a wreath of silver lilies, exquisitelywrought and frosted snowy white. Dependingfrom the slender filaments were quiver-

218 ANGELS AND WOMENing pearls and deep in the heart of eachdelicate flower an opal flowed like smotheredfire. Ah, Hesperus !Tears dropped from my eyes upon theprecious garland. I hear the footsteps of myhusband. Why do I fear that he will findme weeping! He looks upon my grief withsad surprise, discovers the casket, divines thecause of my tears, reverently takes the glisteningcrown from its repose, places it uponmy forehead, saying, "Aloma, my queen!"Dear Japheth, how gently didst thou remindme that henceforth my realm must beonly ! where thou art kingAfter a few moments of thoughtful silencemy husband spoke again--"Beloved, yourlife before the happy hour when first we metis to me unknown." I comprehended hisreasonable desire and without reserve corntided to him my strange history, at whichhe marveled greatly and forgave my tears,embraced me tenderly and in return for suchconfidence related many wonderful events of

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 219his own life, adventures he had had, and howhe was at various times wonderfully deliveredby the power of God from falling intothe power of the wicked Star-spirits and thepowerful and treacherous Darvands, theirgiant sons.THE TIDE TURNSIt is now the forty-eighth day since weentered the Tebah. Several remarkablethings occurred yesterday. Early in themorning I was awakened by a shaft of sunlightstreaming into my chamber throughthe window. Its brilliance was dazzling. Ihad never beheld anything so bright andwonderful before.What strange phenomenon is this? Ithought within myself as I ran to the windowand awestruck beheld the sun rising inthe East, a huge ball of golden fire tingingall the sky around it with waves of vivid

220 ANGELS AND WOMENcolor. I was lost in admiration and wonder.What had happened ? It had ceased rain°hag and the sun was unveiled for the firsttime to human eyes. Vaguely at first I comprehendedthe significance of the sun’s newglory. Hitherto the sun had been veiled bythis watery ring which had now descended.The waves were still rippling toward theTebah and were all tinged with gold reflectingthe radiance of the sun.Were the others aware of this new beauty?Quickly robing I ran to the general roomwhere the family was wont to meet. I foundall gathered together and after exchangingmorning greetings learned that my experiencehad been shared by all. We then joinedin reverent prayer of praise and thanksgiving,led as usual by the honored head of thefamily.Shem retired to his own quarters andinspired by this event composed a sacredsong expressing our joy over this occurrence.i

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 221Then he joined us and with beaming facechanted it for our benefit, accompanying itwith the soft tones of the harp.1 Everythingnow took on a new air of cheerfulness andeverybody went about their daily occupationswith the new song on their lips.I slowly became aware, at first refusing tocredit my observations, that Ham did notseem to join in our devotions as heartily asthe rest. His careless remarks and lack offilial respect often causes his father andmother to display an anxious expressionwhich they endeavor to hide from all.We all eagerly awaited the appearing ofthe moon and stars in the evening, beinginformed by Noah that they would presenta spectacle equally wonderful to the risingof the sun. Nor were we disappointed inour expectations, for pale but serenely beautifulappeared the moon slowly ascendingfrom the horizon, the tranquil waters reflectingthe golden glow. In the blue vault of1 See Appendix, Note 25.

ANGELS AND WOMENheaven the stars began to make their appearancein bewildering number and variedbeauty. We watched them in fascinatedsilence.At length Noah spoke and said, "Hear myvoice and hearken unto my speech: file Godof all flesh hath revealed unto my forefathersthat this mighty deluge marks a greatepoch in the history of the world, to be succeededby other ages, in which Satanas willendeavor to outwit the Almighty and willapparently succeed, only to be completelyvanquished in the end by a mighty one whowill come in the name of the Lord. MayHis gracious will be accomplished and maywe, His children, abide faithful and awaketo ’’1 behold the Paradise regained.Many other things did Noah relate to us,too many to record here, but suddenlyJapheth, who had been watching the waters,exclaimed: "The waters are receding." Thisdiscovery was soon confirmed by all. We1 See Appendix, Note 26.

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 223began to wonder how long we would yet beconfined in our Tebah.AZELLESThis evening I stood alone and watchedthe waves, as in capricious play with thewind they rippled against the sides of ourvessel. Twilight brooded over the boundlessocean--a sea where naught hath breath;no cities on its shores, no islands on itsbosom, no ships plowing its waves, nor birdsskimming the surface, only infinite tranquillityand silence---and the night. The Tebahdrifted in the soft breeze, the darkness deepenedand a shadow fell upon my soul asmemory recalled the past.It was but a short time, and yet it seemedan age, since I listened to the wind in thecypress-tops and to the sound of the riverflowing on, calm as the current of my life.Ah, what unexpected depths of passion,what strange events awaited me! Only He15

224 ANGELS AND WOMENwho can read the secrets of the hearts knowsthe struggle, the difficulties through whichHe has permitted me to pass. With no humanguide to direct, no one to understandbut He who is the Father of the fatherless.A nameless melancholy fills my heart.Upon a rock projecting from the waterstood motionless a tall figure enshrouded inblack robes, leaning upon a heavy sword, andas we floated near, I recognized the dreadform of Azelles, the Dark Angel! His eyeswept over the waste of waters and I heardthese words:"The work is finished, the decrees of theMost High are fulfilled and I go to Him fromwhom I came."So saying he loosened his black cowl andmantle and cast them with his sword into thesea; for the insignia of pain and woe are notpermitted to enter the realm of Heaven.As he soared upward, there was revealeda form so ineffably fair, a face so radiantwith eternal youth, that in sudden surprise,

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 225scarce conscious of my words, I murmured:"O beautiful angel, no longer disguised, I seethee as thou art, the angel of Life l Leavenot the world so soon. I would partake ofthy life I"At this moment a hand was laid on myshoulder and a voice spake softly, "Dostthou dream, Aloma?" I turned toward thespeaker and my eyes met those of Japheth.His arms enfolded me and the visionvanished.ALOMA FORETELLSFourth Moore.JAPHETIC TRIBESTHE GLORY OF THESince the night of the departure ofAzelles from the earth, Japheth seldomleaves me alone. He saw not the angel,but my words alarmed him; and so ithappened that when I came this evening toenjoy the fading light he came also and satby my side.

226 ANGELS AND WOMENWe never tire of watching the sun sinkinto the waste of waters, transforming theheavens to a mass of glorious color, graduallyfading to paler shades and fainter glowuntil the last ray disappears.Japheth broke the eloquent silence (Ihave found one can be silent with those theylove) with the words: "Aloma, I havepeculiar love for the setting sun. I haveoften wondered what land it looks upon asit passes from our sight. In the West thereis some attraction which I cannot resist; myeyes turn thither and my heart follows. Doesit not seem strange to you, my beloved ?""Japheth," I answered, "I understand; thesame impulse impels me, even at thismoment !"Though the hot blood suffused my faceas I spoke, I faltered not."My husband, thou art rightly called:Extension: thy children and mine will everjourney to the West; our hearts do but precedetheir footsteps. An Illumination from

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 227the Holy One comes to me. I can piercethe cloud of futurity and see the majestic butawful pageant of human life move down thepath of time-onward, resting never, mergedin the ocean of Infinity l"The sons of Japheth are a little band; theband increases to a tribe, the tribe becomesmighty nations. Like a whirlwind theysweep toward the West. Their sons aremighty warriors. None more fair than thedaughters of Japheth. I hear the noise ofbattle, the thunder of engines of war! Javanand Tubal emblazoned on hostile banners.Alas that sons of mine should meet in mortalcombat. Still the power of the serpentprevails, setting brother against brother.The children of Javan obtain universal sway--another mighty conflict and Elam arisesto rule the world. 1 Again the world isdrenched in blood, a people of a small countrybut mighty in deeds of war wrench thedominion from the children of Shem.1 See Appendix, Note 27.

228 ANGELS AND WOMEN"Cities arise in the wilderness l Wasteplaces bloom like a garden. Multitudes fillthe earth and subdue it."Westward still press the sons of Japheth;whither the bright sun leads they follow.I see floating palaces like our Tebah uponthe stormy seas; they depend not upon thewind but move by a power within themselves.They send messages that speed asthe lightning. Upon the land are chariotsof iron and wood which go swiftly butsmoothly along the highways. There areships that fly like birds through the air.I hear the thunder of the nations as theyclamor for freedom from the oppressiveyokes of kings and rulers. They endeavorto be wholly free, every man a king as Adambefore he sinned. In impotent anger theyslay one line of oppressors only to come underthe rule of another. Alas l Is there noeye to pity? But wait, I see that deliverancecomes at last, though not by humanbeings. He who created our first parent

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 229comes to the rescue. More than this is yetbidden from my view."My eyes closed and as I sank away overpoweredby the wonderful vision, Japhethcaught me in his arms, exclaiming: "Comeback to me, Aloma, I cannot live withoutyou1" My strength returned and he continued:"Dark are your words; I understandthem not. Let us leave the future to unravelits own mysteries while we live and love inthe present."So present happiness occupied our wordsand thoughts. Yet strangely contrastingwith our tranquil joy, suggested, perhaps bythe vision which pictured our children atenmity among themselves, Lamech’s sadpoem runs through my head:"Adah and Zillah! hear my voice,Ye wives of Lamech! give ear unto my speech;For a man had I slain for smiting me,And a youth for wounding me:Surely sevenfold shall Cain be avenged,But ’’1 Lamech seventy and seven.1 See Appendix, Note 28.

230 ANGELS AND WOMENiAlas that we should bequeath this sad heritageto our children. 0 Adversary of ourrace, how long wilt thou prevail to plantseeds of hatred in the hearts of the childrenof men ?THE TEBAH TOUCHES LANDSeventh Month --Seventeenth Day.At daybreak this morning we were awakenedby a sudden jarring of the Tebah, whichthrew my couch against the wall. Awakeningso abruptly from a deep, dreamless sleep,it required a breathing space or two to realizewhat had happened. Then I understoodinstinctively that the Tebah was fastaground.With much less than the usual time devotedto donning my raiment, I was arrayed. Themusical but subdued tones of the harp summonedthe family to morning worship. Iran to the central chamber. Only Noah andLydia were there.

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 231iNoah was at the hearth replenishingthe fire, which had almost gone out. It soonbegan to blaze cheerfully. I reclined on acushion at Lydia’s feet as we discussed themomentous occurrence."Dear child," said Lydia, "This is indeeda day never to be forgotten. At last we havereached our goal. The peril of the deep nolonger threatens. We are safe on land againand it is now only a question of days perhapsere we may emerge from our temporaryrefuge and dwell once more on our nativeearth."We know not where we are except it wasrevealed to Noah before we embarked on thislong voyage that we would anchor on amountain in the center of the world. Omnipotencehas guarded us all our journeythrough."When the family were all presentwe engaged in our accustomed morningprayer with joyful and thankful solemnity.

232 ANGELS AND WOMENTenth Month--First Day.LAND APPEARSIt is now two months and thirteen dayssince we rested on earth. A constant watchhas been kept to discern the first appearanceof land. All are beginning to feel their confinementnow. All longed for the day of release.We tried in vain to picture the earthas it would now appear. Would we be ableto recognize the old ruins? Or would theface of the earth be so changed that we wouldfind no familiar landmarks? We could onlysurmise and wait.At last the happy day arrived. Ourbrother Ham first discerned the welcomesight of land. It was a small black objectrising from the vast sea. Slowly did the waterssink, slowly the mountain peak emerged.Now even the animals became restless. Ithad been my daily habit to feed the sheepand other small animals, a duty I had grownto enjoy, and I had made friends with many

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 233of them. Japheth promised me that the littlelamb born during the voyage should be mine.Poor animals; they will be glad too, to havetheir freedom again.Eleventh Month--Tenth Day.This morning Noah opened the window ofthe Tebah and sent forth a raven but it returnedin the evening to the Tebah. Thewaters are gradually receding. Much of thesurrounding country is now visible. We canonly discern that the mountain on which wehave rested is very high and descends to thevalley below by gentle slopes. This willenable us to leave the Tebah without difficulty°Ham can scarce be restrained fromendeavoring to go forth now but Noah haspersuaded him that the Most High has providedhim with a sign by which he will recognizethe proper time.Eleventh Month--Twenty-fourth Day.Seven days since Noah opened the windowand sent forth a dove. Away she flew and

234 ANGELS AND WOMENwas soon lost to sight. In the evening shereturned and Noah put forth his hand andcaught her and brought her in. He waitedagain seven days and sent forth the dove asecond time. In the evening she returned asbefore leaf ! but in her beak was a fresh olive-He now summoned the family to relate thismemorable incident. The waters are abatedfrom off the earth.First Month--First Day.There came a day when our little dovereturned not and we saw her no more.Today Noah with his three sons removedthe covering of the ark and we beheld abeautiful scene. There were mountainsstretching in every direction and valleys withglistening rivers traversing them. The skyabove was a beautiful blue. All natureseemed to present a joyous aspect. I gavemyself up to the rapturous enjoyment of thismagnificent sight.There are now no wicked Devas to again

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 235destroy the human race. How strange tothink there is not a sound of living beingsin all the world but within the narrow confinesof our Tebah. This universal silencewill never again prevail, a brooding silencewhile nature meditates a new beginning.The old world has ended, the new begun[What yet undreamed of possibilities are reservedfor our race?Third Month--Fourth Day.Arguri. On the slopes of Ararat.It is seven days since we left the Tebah.On that day God spoke unto Noah and commandedhim to go forth, he, his wife and children,and take with him every living thingthat was with him in the Tebah. This commandmentNoah hastened to obey. Thecamels, elephants and horses bore the heavierburdens as we unloaded the Tebah. TheTebah appeared desolate, indeed deserted byits occupants.Noah led the procession, the family follow-

236 ANGELS AND WOMENing. Slowly we descended the mountain.The animals went cautiously at first, beingtimid, but soon acquired confidence andscattered in every direction--all except theanimals which bore our possessions anddomestic cattle and fowl, which continued tofollow us down the mountain.THE RAINBOW PLEDGEFor several hours we journeyed and haltedat noon. Our father Noah built an altarunto the Lord and sacrificed and he slew ofall clean cattle and fowl and offered uponthe altar. All gathered around the altar asthe Prophet lifted his eyes to heaven andoffered thanks to the Almighty for ourpreservation. And the Lord was pleasedwith the sacrifice and drew near and communedwith the Prophet.The Lord spake and said: "I establish mycovenant with you; and all flesh, and withyour seed after you; and all flesh shall not

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 237be cut off any more by the waters of a flood.This is the token of the covenant which Imake between me and you and every livingcreature that is with you for perpetual generations.My bow I do set in the cloud andit shall be for a token of the covenant betweenme and the earth."Simultaneously with the words of theLord appeared the rainbow in the sky, composedof all the colors, and very beautifulto behold.Seventh Month---First Day.NOAH’S INTOXICATIONA strange and sad thing happened to ourbeloved Father. I hardly know how torecord it. Noah is a husbandman and hadpreserved seeds of all plants in the Tebah,and on settling on the slope of this mountain,he and his sons tilled the ground andplanted the seeds. Noah invented a veryuseful instrument for this purpose called a

238 ANGELS AND WOMENplow and by means of this their labor wasmuch lessened.When the grapes were ripe Lydia madefrom their juice a wine and gave to Noah todrink as he returned from harvest one daymuch wearied, thinking it would refreshim.:But it had a strange and unusual effect uponhim. He became intoxicated, and Ham,entering the tent of his father, found himuncovered[Hard-hearted as he is he carednot for his father’s predicament but hastenedto his brothers and recounted it to them.Shem’s indignationhis brother Ham’s unrighteousconduct knew no bounds. Shemand Japheth then ran to the assistanceof their father, and entering the tent backwardscovered their father with a garment.At length Noah awakened from his sleepand was informed about what had happened.His marvelous mind quickly grasped the significanceof this startling event. He instructedhis sons that a new thing had happened.The juice of the grape had fer-

TEBAH AND ITS INMATES 239mented. This had been impossible beforethe Deluge. But the climate was greatlyaltered after the flood, causing food to ferment1 and spoil very rapidly.Shem and Japheth were blessed by theirfather for their good deed; but regardingHam, Noah said that his descendantswould be servants.Here the manuscript abruptly ended, butupon the back of the linen roll was an inscriptionin bolder characters, which aftercareful study we found to be--

THE STORY OF JAVANAfter the Flood, 500 Years.Aloma, our honored and loving mother,has left us. She sleeps in the land ofIapeti, in the land of forgetfulness, whitherall our fathers have journeyed, and whitherall the living must follow. Seven days agoshe called me to her side and said:"My dear Javan, it seems scarcely possiblethat it is now five hundred years sincethe Deluge l How rapidly the years haveslipped by l I was just emerging from childhoodat that time. How gracious the Lordhas been in bestowing on me seven noblesons. May the All-Beneficent One guardyour future."In times past I was permitted by theAlmighty God to have a vision of the future.In that vision I beheld the attempt of themighty Satanas, who together with his cohortswas restrained in darkness at the time24O

THE STORY OF JAVAN 241of the Deluge, that they might no longerappear in human form."’My mother ceased speaking for some moments;her thoughts seemed far away. Atlength she resumed:"As on that night do I seem to hear thevoice of Japheth crying to me, ’Aloma,Aloma, my beloved 1’"Dear Japheth, I come!--not to the shelterof the perishable Tebah, but to rest withthee in peaceful sleep in the dust of the earthuntil that happy day when we shall beawakened and enjoy forever the restoredParadise 2 of God."And now I must depart. To you, OJavan, in whose arms it was foretold I shoulddie, I commit the keeping of this journal,which faithfully I have kept according to thewords of Allimades. This I entrust to yourcare for the benefit of my posterity, who arenow scattered throughout the earth. Once1 See Appendix, Note 30.21.See Appendix, Note 3

242 ANGELS AND WOMENthey spoke a single language, but becauseof their disobedience in building the Towerof Babel, their languages were confusedand they were scattered to the four cornersof the earth. In vain did I warn them todesist from their impious course in buildingthat Tower. You remember my grief attheir refusal to heed my warning. But amother’s love cannot die. Let my wealth beequally divided among them, and convey tothem my blessing."The history of the great Deluge has beentransmitted by other survivors of our family.My record agrees with theirs. When you layme in the tomb beside the dust of yourfather place in my hand the amethyst cylinderbrought from the library of Allimadesand let it contain this record."Here my mother motioned all in attendanceto retire, which we did, borne downwith grief at her approaching death.

THE STORY OF JAVAN 243In the night there was a commotion in theroyal pavilion. The attendants of mymother were summoned. Hastily I enteredthe chamber and raised my mother in myarms. Her life was rapidly departing. Oncemore the old prophetic fire flashed from hereyes and wondrous words came from herquivering lips:"Again I have a vision of the future. Ibehold coming to the earth the promisedseed of the woman, born from a favored one,a descendant of our kinsman Abraham.This marks the opening of the Divine purposeeffecting the deliverance of our familyand not ours only, but all the families of theearth. 1"He is the Messenger of Jehovah. He announcesthat he comes not to do his own willbut the will of his Father, who sent him. Heis the chief of all creation. He is the RightHand of Almighty God. In some marvelousway, which is not now revealed, he1 See Appendix, Note 32.

244 ANGELS AND WOMENcauses the sentence passed upon our fatherAdam to be satisfied, that Adam and his racemay be released. I behold that he dies as aman and is raised out of death a powerful,glorious being and elevated to the highestposition in the universe next to Jehovah. Isee written the words that he came todestroy Satanas and his works, and thatSatanas 1 shall be destroyed."The scene changes. Century rolls onafter century. Dimly I see a wonderful workprogressing in silent grandeur, unknownand unnoticed by mankind."At last the mighty Prince appears again.Now he comes in power and great glory andproceeds at once with the work appointedfor him, to overthrow and destroy thepower of Satanas the usurper. There isgreat commotion on the earth and all thenations are in distress and perplexity. Wars,pestilences and famines afflict the peoples ofall lands. Selfish men, goaded on by Sa-1 See Appendix, Note 33.

THE STORY OF JAVAN 245itanas, plunge the world into a terrible timeof trouble which becomes so intense that itmounts to the very heavens, and the heartsof men are melted because of the trouble.The world reels to and fro and staggers likeone who is drunk, and men are at their wits’end. They cry unto the Almighty in theirtrouble and He helps them out of their distress.He makes the storm a calm, so thatthe waves thereof are still. And then standsforth the Prince of Peace and commands thestorms to subside, and sweet peace settlesdown 1 upon the earth."With the mighty Prince I see a gloriouscompany, the most beautiful creatures I haveever looked upon. They were selected andtrained with greatest care throughout thecenturies, being silently gathered one by onefrom among all nations and kindreds. Whenthe :Prince returned he received these chosenones to himself, raised them to life immortaland granted them the power to sit with him1 See Appendix Note 34.

246 ANGELS AND WOMENon his throne. I see these become the judges,not only of men, but of the Devas, whosejudgment must come in the great Day ofthe 1 Almighty."I see poor, depraved humanity, so longbenighted and fettered by the power of Satanasand the fallen angels, being graduallylifted up out of their degradation by thesechosen ones of Jehovah. All the chains ofignorance, superstition and darkness arebroken, and the fetters fall from the handsof the people. Satanas and his associatesare bereft of all power. I see the mightyhosts returning from the prison house ofdeath and being brought again to their ownland. They come with rejoicing. The tenderties of home and family, broken by death,are re-established. Thy mother, too, shallstand in her lot at the end of the days andbe reunited to her beloved ones. 2"I behold Allimades with Samoula by his1 See Appendix, Note 35.2 See Appendix, Note 36.

THE STORY OF JAVAN 247side. There is also Minerva, Aldeth andCheros in the bloom of youth. These, withjoyful song, walk with each other beneaththe trees by the beautiful streams of water;the birds are singing, the trees are clappingtheir hands for joy; and all creation is singingx the praise of Jehovah."Hesperus, too, I see once more in beauty,having been restored to harmony with thegreat Creator. He rejoices at my awakening.With pleasure he speaks: ’Aloma, welcometo the kingdom of Messiah. Obey thegreat King of kings and Lord of lords andthy life shall be endless and unlimited joythy portion.’ I see a host of angels inheaven, who respond: ’Joy to thee, Hesperus,thou who hast loved the light.’"I see the beauty and glory of Eden restored.The deserts are blossoming as therose; the whole earth yields its increase andis made as the Garden of Eden. There followsa government which satisfies the de-See Appendix, Note 37.

248 ANGELS AND WOMENsires of all honest men. The people sow thefields and plant vineyards which yield abundantly.Wars are forgotten, sickness is nomore; there is not even a fear of such things.I behold a restored earth, a restored people.Sorrow has passed away. There is no morecrying, no more tears. There is no moredeath. I see a host of angels in heaven praisingGod. I behold a host in the earth catchingup their songs and joining in the praiseuntil everything that breathes is singing thepraise of Jehovah and his beloved Son, thePrince of Peace.’"The vision of Aloma is ended l"Here the voice of my mother, which hadbeen so marvelously sustained, failed her.Utterly exhausted by this last supremeeffort, she sank rapidly. She seemed to bealmost gone. Thus she lay for half an hour.Then her large, luminous eyes opened oncemore. She raised her finger and seemed tobe listening. Then she whispered softly:1 See Appendix, Note 38.

THE STORY OF JAVAN 249"Hush! the sound of the river coming, coming--EternalLife/ Eternal Harmony!"In another moment with a radiant smilethe eager, earnest eyes closed forever.Aloma was dead.My mother was buried beside our fatherin the tomb on the mountain of Iapeti. Onher brow was set the crown her humility haddeclined, and "The Journal," encased in imperishablecrystal, will be placed in her hand,perchance for the benefit of future ages,when the wonderful events of her life, recordedtherein, may have passed from thememory of man. Upon the walls of hertomb have we sculptured the Arbor-Vitae,emblem of that which she saw in dying vision;and when the shadows of death gatherover us, may we also apprehend its significance,and with the latest breath bless theGod of Japheth and Aloma.The words of Javan are ended.

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APPENDIXNOTE 1. (See page 9)"Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earthshall awake." (Daniel 12:2.) "Awake and sing,that dwell in dust." (Isaiah 26:19) Although thebodies of those who sleep in death may have lain forthousands of years in the grave, yet their identity ispreserved in the memory of God. In due time "allthat are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shallcome forth" (John 5:28, 29), "every man in his ownorder." (1 Corinthians 15:23) The resurrectioneach one is to that station to which, in the perfectjudgment of God, he is fitted. "God giveth it a bodyas it hath pleased him." (1 Corinthians 15:38)change takes place in sheol, the tomb, the Bible hades,"for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, norwisdom, in the grave [Hebrew, sheol] whither thougoest." (Ecclesiastes 9:10) "There shall be a resurrectionof the dead, both of the just and unjust."(Acts 24:15) See THE HARP OF GOD, pages342, 343; and STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES,Vol. I, pages 191, 192; Vol. V, pages 341-343.NOT" 2. (See page 15)In the days before the Flood there were no rains,"for the Lord God had not caused it to rain upon theearth, . . . but there went up a mist from theearth, and watered the whole face of the ground."--Genesis 2:5, 6.NOTE 3. (See page 16)Satanas, which means "The hater" or "The accuser,"is the proper name given by our Lord to that brightangelic being who, in his perfection, was known as251

252 ANGELS AND WOMEN"Lucifer, son of the morning." (Isaiah 14:12)him it was said by the prophet Ezekiel, "Thou sealestup the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.Thou hast been in Eden, the garden of God; everyprecious stone was thy covering. . Thou art theanointed cherub that covereth; and I" have set thee so:thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hastwalked up and down in the midst of the stones offire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the daythat thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee."--Ezekiel 28:12-15.Of how Lucifer came to be Satanas or Satan weread briefly from Isaiah’s prophecy: "How art thoufallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!How art thou cut down to the ground, which didstweaken the nations ! For thou hast said in thine heart,I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throneabove the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mountof the congregation, in the sides of the north: I willascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be likethe most High."---Isaiah 14:12-14.The Bible asserts that Satan began the rebellionagainst the Divine law, and seduced our parentsthrough his own ambition for power. Satan was ereatedperfect and upright; but to be created perfectand to remain upright are two entirely different propositions.God has been pleased to create his intelligentcreatures with perfect liberty to follow the right, orto alter their course and become rebels. Satan voluntarilychose evil, and Jesus said of him that "he wasa murderer from the beginning [of man’s life uponthis planet]. . ._ He is a liar, and the father ofit."---John 8:44.Of the ultimate end of Satan there can be no doubt.He is to be completely destroyed. (Hebrews 2:14)The language "never shalt thou be any more" (Ezekiel

APPENDIX 25328:19) leaves no room for a hope or a fear of hisexistence under any conditions, anywhere, when thefinal punishment for his course is administered, namely,destruction. See THE HARP OF GOD, pages 36,37; and STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, Vol.VII, pages 500-503.NOTE 4. (See page 17)We read in Genesis 6:1, 2: "And it came to pass,when men began to multiply on the face of the earth,and daughters were born unto them, that the sons ofGod saw the daughters of men that they were fair;and they took them wives of all which they chose."These deceitful beings, the cohorts of Satan, are"the angels which kept not their first estate, but lefttheir own habitation, . . . giving themselves overto fornication, and going after strange flesh." (Jude6, 7) As a punishment for their evil conduct theyhave been confined since the Flood within the atmosphereof our earth "under darkness unto the judgmentof the great day. (Jude 6) It is these chains underdarkness" that necessitate spiritistic seances being heldin darkened rooms.In Job 38:7 we read: "The morning stars [earlybright ones] sang together, and all the sons of Godshouted for joy." This passage refers to the situationwhich existed at the time of the creation of theworld, before man was brought upon the scene, andcould by no possibility have reference to human beings.We conclude, therefore, that in Genesis 6:1, 2 quotedabove the inspired writer calls attention to the fact that"sons of God" (angels who assumed human form asflesh-and-blood men) were joined in marriage withwomen.It is significant that the Scriptures never allude toangels as assuming the form of women. It is even more

254 ANGELS AND WOMENsignificant that angels are always referred to in theBible as masculine; and there are many incidents relatedin the Scriptures where they assumed human formas men. Abraham entertained angels, "sons of God,"unawares (Genesis 18); and Jacob wrestled with oneuntil break of day. (Genesis 32:24-30) See THEHARP OF GOD, page 30; and STUDIES IN THESCRIPTURES, Vol. I, page 183.NOTE 5. (See page 21)The expression "Star-spirits" is drawn from thepassage Job 38:7: "The morning stars sang together,22:16) Lucifer is also referred to as a "son of themorning"; and there are yet others, for Lucifer, inhis ambition, said: "I will exalt my throne above thestars [bright shining ones] of God." (Isaiah 14:13)The victory of Israel over Jabin and Sisera in thedays of Deborah is ascribed to the fac that "the starsin their courses fought against Sisera," which is understoodto mean that the holy angels were on the sideof the Israelites, directing the battle.--Judges 5:20.NOTE 6. (See page 22)"The sons of God came in unto the daughters ofmen, and they hare children to them; the same becamemighty men which were of old, men of renown."(Genesis 6:4) In this passage reference is madethe offspring of the illicit union between the "sons ofGod" (the fallen angels designated in this novel asDevas) and the "daughters of men." Throughout thisstory these children are called Darvands.

APPENDIX 255NoTs 7. (See page 42)Although God put a flaming sword east of the Gardenof Eden, to keep Adam and Eve from partakingof the tree of life, yet now in the near future theentire earth will be made like unto the Garden ofEden when the Lord has lifted the curse from mankindand from the earth itself. "Then shall the earthyield her increase; and God, even our own God, shallbless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of theearth shall fear him."---Psalm 67:5-7.In that day the crops will be so abundant that "thefruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest." (Isaiah29:17) Then "the desert shall rejoice and blossomas the rose." (Isaiah 35:1) "Then the eyes of theblind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shallbe unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as anhart, and the tongue of the dumb sing; for in the wildernessshall waters break out, and streams in thedesert."--Isaiah 35:5, 6.Then the world of mankind, restored to God’s favor,shall "inherit the desolate heritages." (Isaiah 49:8)Then "instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree,and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree."(Isaiah 55:13) Then the Lord "will multiply the fruitof the tree, and the increase of the field." (Ezekiel36:30) "And they shall say, This land that was desolateis become like the garden of Eden." (Ezekiel36:35) See THE HARP OF GOD,pages 28, 29, 39,40; and STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, Vol."VII, pages 82-95.NOTE 8. (See page 63)Death means destruction of being, the opposite oflife. "God so loved the world that he gave his onlybegotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should17

256 ANGELS AND WOMENnot perish." (John 3:16) "The wicked shall perish."(Psalm 37:20) Jesus "poured out his soul unto death,"thus making "’his soul an offering for sin." (Isaiah53:10, 12) He thus demonstrated that the penaltyfor sin is death. "The soul that sinneth, it shall die."(Ezekiel 18:4) Let us fear to disobey the greatCreator. Such a course persisted in leads to ultimatedestruction, the utter oblivion to which all God’s enemiesshall eventually be consigned. See THE HARPOF GOD, page 35, chapter 3; and STUDIES INTHE SCRIPTURES, Vol. V, pages 353-381.NOTE 9. (See page 65)The offspring of the fallen angels were quite evidentlyof unusual physical proportions and are the’ giants" referred to in Genesis 6:4. From the Scenarioof the PHOTO-DRAMA OF CREATION (page 17)we quote :"The account of the fall of the angels from beingsons of God to be demons helps us to understandwhy God decreed the Deluge to wipe out all of thehuman race except Noah and his family. We perceivethat God from the first intended to deal only withAdam and his family. The giant sons of the fallenangels came into being contrary to the Divine will;hence, properly, no provision was to be made for them.They never had a right to life, nor will they have aresurrection. On the other hand, all of Adam’s posterity,redeemed by Jesus’ death, must be recoveredfrom death, with full opportunity to secure everlastinglife. After the Deluge, the demon angels dematerialized---resumedtheir spirit conditions."NOTE 10. (See page 70)Satan’s statement to mother Eve, "Ye shall notsurely die" (Genesis 3:4), is the lie which our Lord

APPENDIX 257referred to when he said of Satan that "he is a liar,and the father of it." (John 8:44) Perhaps Satanhas from the first believed this lie. It is the basis ofevery heathen religion, and of every perversion fromthe teaching of Christ. Bug i# is a lie, nevertheless.Mankind is mortal, dieable; all the facts about usprove the truth of this statement. God "only hathimmortality." (1 Timothy 6:16) He alone, from thefirst, was and is undieable, immortal. Even his firstand best loved Son could die and did die. The Son,who was exalted to immortality at his resurrection,"far above all principality, and power, and might, anddominion, and every name that is named" (Ephesians1:21), says of himself: "I am he that liveth and wasdead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore."--Revelation1:18.NOTE 11. (See page 97)The word translated "Ark" in the account of thehome of Noah and his family during the Flood is notarun, meaning box, but tebah, which signifies somethingdesigned to preserve those who take refuge in it.NOTE 12. (See page 103)"Midland Sea" is the Mediterranean.Rocks" is the Strait of Gibraltar.NOTE 13. (See page 103)"Gate of"Amber Isles" are the Cape Verde Islands, 400 mileswest of Africa, famous for the raising of medicinalherbs.NOTE 14. (See page I04)In the Bible the word GOD, which means mightyOne, is used in reference to others beside the onesupreme God. "Who is like unto thee, O Jehovah,

258 ANGELS AND WOMENamong the gods?" (Exodus 15:11) "Give ear,Jehovah, unto my prayer .... Among the godsthere is none like unto thee."--Psalm 86:6-8.NoTs 15. (See page 105)See Note 4, to which may be added the fact that weare assured by St. Paul that Jehovah will not subjectthe world to come, wherein dwelleth righteousness, tothe administration of angels, as he permitted to be thecase with the earth and its peoples before the Flood.--See Hebrews 2:5.NOTE 16. (See page 125)Maya, Sang, it for illusion. Homa, an intoxicatingdrink made from milkweed, used by the ancient Aryantribes, believed by them to have been of antediluvianorigin and regarded in a certain sense as a spirit ordeity.NOTE 17. (See page 129)"And out of the ground the Lord God formed everybeast of the field and every fowl of the air; andbrought them unto Adam to see what he would callthem: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature,that was the name thereof."---Genesis 2:19.NOTE 18. (See page 130)"Noah was five hundred years old: and Noah begatShem, Ham, and Japheth."---Genesis 5:32.NOTE 19. (See page 141)The first great judgment was at the beginning, inEden, when Adam stood on trial before God. Theresult of that trial was a verdict of guilty, disobedient,unworthy of continued life. The penalty inflicted wasdeath (Genesis 2:17); and as a result "in Adam alldie."--1 Corinthians 15:22; Romans 5:12.

APPENDIX 259Mankind has been redeemed from the curse of deathby the one ransom sacrifice for all which the greatRedeemer gave. Hence, the falling asleep in deathis not now to be considered death in the full, everlastingsense of the word. In the Millennial morningall humankind will be awakened, for the purpose of anindividual trial and judgment, with its reward of everlastinglife to the obedient, or punishment of everlastingcutting-off from life to the incorrigibly wicked,namely, extinction, second death. See STUDIES INTHE SCRIPTURES, Vol. I, page 129; VoL V, page345; and THE HARP OF GOD, pages 322, 323.NOTE 20. (See page 150)Isaac Vail, author and scientist, corroborates theBiblical account of the Flood in his theory of creation,which is briefly but thoroughly and convincingly reviewedin STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, Vol.VI, chapter 1. The wise will not attempt to guess thatwhich God has not revealed respecting how he previouslygathered together earth’s atoms. The basic rocksindicate clearly that they were once soft and fluid fromintense heat; and scientists generally agree that not agreat way below the crust, the earth is still hot andmolten.The Vailian theory credits the rings of vapor surroundingthe earth to the fact that all combustible elementswere thrown off by the heat leaving basic rockonly as all else would be changed into gases, formingan impenetrable canopy for miles around the earth inevery direction. The earth at this period must haveresembled Saturn with its "rings." The breaking downof these rings, long periods apart, furnished numerousdeluges. The water, strongly mineralized, covered theentire surface of the earth, just as described in Genesis."We assume from scientific reasons," says Mr. Vail,

260 ANGELS AND WOMEN"that the last of these rings was pure water; that it hadnot yet broken and come down in the day of Adam’screation, but that it completely overspread the earthas a translucent veil above the atmosphere. It servedas does the whitened glass of a hothouse to equalizethe temperature ; so that the climate at the poles wouldbe little if any different from that at the equator."Following the Deluge in Noah’s day came greatchanges, accompanied by a great shortening in thespan of life. With the breaking of this canopy in theFlood came a terrific change, almost instantaneous,from a hothouse temperature to arctic coldness. SeeScenario of the PHOTO-DRAMA OF CREATION,pages 2, 3, 19.NoTE 21. (See page 151)The Scriptures say of some that they "seek for glory,honor and immortality." (Romans 2:6, 7) This iscontradiction to some who claim that all men have it,without seeking it. Again, the apostle says of the saintof God that "this mortal must put on immortality."(1 Corinthians 15:53) Except it be granted as a rewardfor faithfulness by him ’who only hath immortality,"the Almighty, there could never result in theentire universe of God an immortal being. See 1Timothy 6:16; and STUDIES IN THE; SCRIP-TURES, Vol. I, page 173, chapter 10.NOTE 22. (See page 158)Will those "spirits in prison," the angels which keptnot their first estate and became fallen ones, ever havean opportunity to repent of their sin and return to theservice of God? St. Peter tells us that they are "reservedunto judgment" (2 Peter 2:4), thus settlingthe matter that they, as well as mankind, will have atrial under the reign of Christ and the church. "Know

APPENDIX 251ye not that we shall judge angels?" (1 Corinthians6:3) It is doubtless true of the repentant angels andof the holy angels, as it is with men, that if they resistthe devil he will flee from them.The Scriptures show us that human hope rests in thefact that a ransom price was provided for Adam andfor all who lost life in him, but what is the basis ofhope for the fallen angels ? Did our Lord Jesus diefor them? We are not so informed.The angels were not under condemnation to death,hence needed not to be redeemed from death. Theangels were condemned to restraint and confinementuntil the day of trial, when God will judge both menand angels. (Acts 17:31) We are assured that "’itpleased the Father, . having made peacethrough the blood of the cross, by him to reconcile allthings out of harmony unto himself, . . . whetherthey be things in earth, or things in heaven."--Colossians1:20.NOTE 23. (See page 176)If the introduction of steeds of fire should appearto any person as too fanciful, we may refer to theScriptures. "There appeared a chariot of fire. andhorses of fire, and parted them both asunder.’; (2Kings 2:11) "The Lord will come with fire, and withhis" chariots" like a whirlwind, to render his anger,, withfury, and his rebuke with flames of fire.----Isaiah66:15.NOTE 24. (See page 198)Our Lord, too, corroborates the account of theFlood. "As the days of Noah were, so shall also thecoming of the Son of man be." (Matthew 24:37-39)See STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, Vol. II.page 162; Vol. IV, page 606.

262 ANGELS AND WOMENNOTE 25. (See page 221)As an evidence that the arts and sciences were dev.elopedat this early time, note the following expressionregarding the seventh from Adam in the line ofCain, the same generation as Noah’s great-grandfather."And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the fatherof all such as handle the harp and organ."--Genesis4"21.NOTE 26. (See page 222)Although the family circle has been sadly broken,we are thankful to know that the great glory of theAlmighty will be manifest when the bondage of corruption,death, gives way and the loved ones returnto their own. Then he will give them "rivers of pleasure"(Psalm 36:8) to enjoy in the Edenic home whichthis earth will be made, and when the earth is filledwith the glory of the Lord their happiness will knowno limit.NOTE 27. (See page 227)Nimrod, the mighty hunter, the grandson of Ham,built Babylon and laid the foundation of the first universaldominion, the Babylonian empire. Shem’s son,Elam, was the ancestor of the Persians, who, with theMedes, conquered Babylon. Javan, the son of Japheth,was the ancestor of the Greeks, who obtained the thirduniversal supremacy.NOTE 28. (See page 229)These lines are quoted from Genesis 4:23, 24. "Thisis the only extant specimen of antediluvian poetry; itcame down perhaps as a popular song to the generationfor whom Moses wrote; and he inserts it in itsproper place in his history. Herder regards it asLamech’s song of exultation on the invention of the

APPENDIX 263sword by his son Tubal-cain, in the possession of whichhe foresaw a great advantage to himself and hisfamily over any enemies."---Smith’s Bible Dictionary.NOTE 29. (See page 239)"The breaking of the last canopy at the time of theFlood produced an acidulous condition of the atmospheretending toward fermentation and directly affectinghuman longevity. This ferment changed the characterof the grape product, making it alcoholic. Noah’sintoxication was certainly the result of ignorance ofthis change." See Scenario of the PHOTO-DRAMAOF CREATION, page 19,NOTE 30. (See page 241)"And the angels which kept not their first estate, butleft their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlastingchains under darkness unto the judgment of thegreat day" (Jude 6) "God spared not the angelsthat sinned, but cast them down to heft and deliveredthem into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment."----2Peter 2:4.NOTE 31. (See page 241)tion by judgment." (John 5",78,29) "They that havedone evil" means the world in general. In the trialtime that is coming all of these 8hall have an opportunityfor everlasting life.As the dead come hack from the tomb provision willbe made for them by their friends who are living onthe earth. Families long broken up will be again reunited,and sadness will give way to joy. Gradually

ANGELS AND WOMENthroughout the thousand year reign of Messiah thehuman race will march up the highway of holiness untilall shall have had a full opportunity. Only the winfully wicked will be destroyed, while all the obedientones shall be restored to the perfection exampled inEden before sin entered, and awarded the gift of eternallife with its attendant blessings of liberty and happiness.(Ezekiel 16:55 ; Isaiah 11:4-9) See THEHARP OF GOD, page 319, chapter 11; andSTUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, Vol. IV, page615, chapter 13.NOTE 32. (See page 243)"For unto you is born this day in the cA W of David,a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." (Luke 2:14) "The next day Johnseeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold theLamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."(John 1 ",29) "For God so loved the world, thatgave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believethhim should not perish, but have everlasting life."(John 3:16) "I am come that they might have life,and that they might have it more abundantly."--John10:10.The Ransom is the central theme of the entire Bible.We choose some of the pointed passages: "There isone mediator between God and men, the man ChristJesus, who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testifiedin due time." (1 Timothy 2:5, 6) "Deliver himfrom going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s : he shall returnto the days of his youth."---Job 33:24, 25.In Hebrews 2:9 we are informed that "Jesus tasteddeath for every man." "I will ransom them from sheol(the Bible hell, the grave): O death I will be thy

APPENDIX 265plagues, a O sheol, I will be thy destruction." (Hose13:14) The whole race has been redeemed, and therefore,when God’s due time shall arrive, a blessing ofresuscitation, of awakening from death, shall come toevery member of the race. See THE HARP OFGOD, page 115, chapter 6; and STUDIES IN THESCRIPTURES, Vol. V, pages 426-482.NOTE 33. (See page 244)"Forasmuch as the children are partakers of fleshand blood, he (Jesus) also himself likewise partookthe same; that through death he might destroy himthat had the power of death, that is, the devil." (Hebrews2:14) "He that committeth sin is of the devil;for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purposethe Son of God was manifested, that he mightdestroy the works of the devil."--1 John 3:8.NOTE 34. (See page 245)"For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind,which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount upto the heaven, they go down again to the depths: theirsoul is melted because of trouble. They reel to andfro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at theirwits’ end. Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble,and he bringeth them out of their distresses. Hemaketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof arestill. Then they are glad because they be quiet; so hebringeth them unto their desired haven."--Psalm107:25-30.NOTE 35. (See page 246)That the Christian church is an exception to God’splan for the world is evident from the statement thatits selection was determined in the Divine plan beforethe foundation of the world. (Ephesians 1:4, 5)

266 ANGELS AND WOMENJesus was the first or forerunner of the "seed" ofpromise and the Scriptures show that Satan was awareof this fact and made many attempts to destroy theHoly One, and has since persecuted the followers ofJesus. It pleased the Father to seek a Bride for Hisbeloved Son. Of this Bride class St. Peter writes,"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and preciouspromises, that by these ye might be partakers ofthe Divine nature." (2 Peter 1:4) See THE HARPOF GOD, page 181, chapter 8, and STUDIES INTHE SCRIPTURES, Vol. VI, pages 85, 163, chapters3, 4.NoTE 36. (See page 246)See Ezekiel 16:55 ; Isaiah 35:10; Jeremiah 31:15-17;and THE HARP OF GOD, pages 542-352.NoTE 37. (See pages 247)"His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shallreturn to the days of his youth." (Job 33 ".25) "Letthe heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let thesea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field bejoyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the treesof the wood rejoice Before the Lord: for he comethto judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness,and the people with his truth." (Psalm96:11-13) "Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof;the world, and they that dwell therein. Let the floodsclap their hands: let the hills be joyful together. Beforethe Lord; for he cometh to Judge the earth: withrighteousness shall he judge the world, and the peoplewith equity."--Psalm 98:7-9.NOTE 38. (See page 248)We quote from a book entitled "A Desirable Government,"in which it is clearly shown that Messiah’s

APPENDIX 267Kingdom is now due to be set up on earth, and all thegladsome prophecies are about to be fulfilled:"The devil, through his earthly representatives,has taught the people that the masses will spend eternityalive, not in happiness, but in torment. This is afalse doctrine. Those that refuse to obey the Lordwill he destroyed. ’All the wicked will he destroy.’(Psalm 145:20) The obedient ones shall be restoredto perfection of body, of mind and heart, anddwell together with their loved ones in happiness."Many are now blind and deaf and lame and halt.These deficiencies shall pass away under the righteousadministration of the desirable government. Concerningthis, God’s prophet says: ’The wilderness and thesolitary place shall be glad for them; and the desertshall rejoice and blossom as the rose. It shall blossomabundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: theglory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellencyof Carmel and Sharon; they shall see the glory of theLord, and the excellency of our God. Thenthe eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of thedeaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame manleap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing.’(Isaiah 35:1, 2, 5, 6) In order for man to be happyhe must be relieved of sickness, given health, and havepeace. Under the new government these things willbe granted. ’Behold, I will bring it health and cure,and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them timabundance of peace and truth.’---Jeremiah 33:6."The people will be so happy under the new orderthat they will assemble, not to petition for redress oftheir wrongs, but to sing the praises of the new andrighteous government. (Isaiah 51:11; Psalm 148)The obedient ones shall be restored to the days oftheir youth and their flesh shall become fresher than achild’s.--Job 33:25.

268 ANGELS AND WOMEN"Thus we see that the new government will be adesirable government. It will bring to the obedientones of earth all that they have desired; namely, life,liberty and endless happiness." See A DESIRABLEGOVERNMENT, pages 31-35.