Between us and the players there was a beautiful undulating country, which abounded with streamlets and sylvan dells, and the peculiar soft light of the region brought out the deep green of the foliage to a degree I had not previously beheld. The scene was exquisitely lovely, so rich in tint and colour as to leave an indelible impression upon the mind. Indeed and in truth this was a fairyland, an enchanted ground, though to my vision it was real, palpable, and actual. I became rooted to the spot, for never had I beheld a scene so full of beauty. I was awakened from my reverie by the familiar voice of the prince, who called out, “Elidorus! Elidorus! our time is up; we must haste over other mountains and valleys, over streamlets and rivers, for we have a long distance yet to go, and but a short time to travel it in.”
On taking our seat in the aërial carriage, the prince informed me that we should not stop again until arriving at our journey’s end, and that on passing a rocky headland we could see in the distance, we should have a capital view of the city of the plain. When we passed the place alluded to, the city appeared in sight, but the houses and palaces were buried in the rich green foliage of trees, which grew in every street. As we were proceeding at a fearful pace, we had only a glance at the city as we passed over it.
On arriving at our destination, we were conducted by a little gentleman clad in rich apparel to the Hall of Brotherhood, which we found was crowded with the principal inhabitants of the city. The prince was conducted to the chair of honour—a kind of throne, and he motioned me to occupy the vacant seat on his right hand. Presently the prince asked the governor of the city if peace, good-will, and concord reigned there?
“Tranquillity and brotherly love still continue,” replied the governor.
“Ever so live,” said the prince, “for peace is one of the cardinal virtues of all good citizens. I wish to know, sir governor, if your city is free from sickness, disease, and fevers; and if not, why not?”
“The bloom of health, your excellency,” replied the governor, “is on the cheeks of all. And why? Our people drink only the pure waters of the crystal fountain. They inhale the constant current of vital air, which flows here like a tidal wave, and it imparts life, energy, power, and joy to all.”
The governor then retired and left the hall. When the door was closed, the prince asked the citizens if they had any charge to make or any complaint to bring against the governor. They all rejoined that they had not any complaint, but that, on the contrary, his conduct met with the hearty approval of all. Presently the council came to an end, and soon afterwards we returned home.
On the following morning I was awakened by a gentle knock at my chamber door. Presently the door was opened, whereupon my waiting attendant walked in. He informed me that the Princess Mervyna had already called, and that she and the royal party were ready to proceed to their place of rendezvous, having arranged to have a grand day in honour of my visit. I felt very much annoyed at having overslept myself, and still more vexed at keeping the little lady and her friends waiting me. I only took a few minutes to dress, and having taken a basin of warm milk, proceeded in search of the royal party, who had already taken their seats in the king’s carriage. The princess and her little brother and sisters gave me a cordial greeting. I soon found that we had left the earth and were travelling due south of my previous day’s voyage, and before I fully realized my position we had descended on the identical sea of ice where I had seen the games being carried on on the preceding morning.
On leaving the carriage the party broke up into sections, some joining parties who had already arrived from other cities of the kingdom; others joining other parties who appeared of a different race from the natives. The princess acted as my cicerone during the day, and she laughed heartily on seeing me now and then unable to retain my balance on the slippery ice. Had it not been for her presence of mind, I certainly should have fallen on several occasions. Towards the evening I joined in the games, though I found myself but an indifferent player. We wound up the day’s fête by a dance on the ice to the music of the harp. Never shall I forget the scenes of that day. The hopping and skipping, the dancing and romping of the little people, who tried to excel each other in mirth and fun: the scene produced an impression on my mind which the iron hand of time will never deface or remove. On our return to the palace, we were all ushered into the banqueting hall, where a grand feast awaited us. After dinner, Mervyna related to the king, her father, the principal incidents of the day; and the good monarch was highly amused at her stories of my difficulties and mishaps. When the banquet was over I retired to my apartment, where I was soon joined by Prince Tippin.
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