Hard was it for Electra to bear up under this. And more might follow. Hellen would do the wildest, rashest things, without doubt; for this reason she must divert his thoughts.
“I think when the thought cometh to one as strong as it did to me, during last night, that we should this day go sailing from Atlantis, it meaneth much. It meaneth we shall go. But what a drear night was this last, Hellen.”
“It was spent with thee and Æole. Therefore, was it bright.”
There was danger again. Fortunately, a turn in the garden brought them in sight of the landing place, where the others of the party were pausing, with faces turned toward them expectantly. Thus, they quickened their pace.
At the marble landing place awaited the two galleys, gay in their bright-colored awnings and hangings; whilst hovering about, were other galleys belonging to the palace and the neighboring nobles. The queen’s galley, the smaller of the two, was built of cedar, and its sides were ornamented in ebony and gold. It had but one mast, whose sail was of the costly byssus. The hangings and awnings were also of byssus, white, and richly embroidered in pale blue and corn color. The deck was inlaid with fine woods; and in the middle was the withdrawing room. This was built of satin wood, and paneled within in sandalwood; and was furnished with rugs, couches, tables, and chairs, all luxurious. On either side of this apartment, were stretched awnings, beneath which were more rugs and couches.
The other galley was arranged much like the queen’s, but was not so luxurious in its appointments, or lavish in its hangings. Evidently it was built for use. Scattered about its deck were baskets of provisions; whilst near the prow was a shallow hold, also containing baskets, and jars large and small. The withdrawing room had doors instead of hangings. The one sail was square, large, and of strong linen colored blue. Indeed, there was an air about this galley indicating it meant work. Thus, the eyes were attracted toward it full as much as toward the elegant one of the queen.
The figurehead of the queen’s galley was a bust of Amen; that of Hellen’s, a bust of Poseidon. Both flaunted banners bearing the symbol of Atlantis, a cross surrounded by a circle,[[22]] in gold. From each, many pennants were flying symbolic of Poseidon’s arrival on the island and his meeting with Cleito, the symbols being wrought in gold upon a blue ground.
Of the sailors, or oarsmen belonging, a few were at the oars; but the greater number were on the decks of the neighboring galleys.
Overhead, the sky was welcoming the beauteous Aurora who was now treading securely on her way. The hush, the glow, the heavenliness of young morn was upon all; and a little of its peace fell upon the spirits of the queen and her young charges, so that they stood silent, for the moment; giving inward, upward voice to their yearnings, and finding hope.
O East, with thy potent beams! It was for reason that the most ancient nations looked in thy direction for the especial Divine presence! It was for reason that their temples faced thee, their altars were placed toward thee; that they themselves, when bending the knee, looked to thee! For reason was it that the Star was set in thee, that the wise men journeyed—of their knowledge—toward thee and It!