“In wisdom, yes. But fair youth, you should judge all men, not by their stature, but by their wise words, weighty sayings, and just decrees. The mind is the standard of man, for mind is the man. But don’t let us tarry longer. Awake! awake! oh sleeper; arise from your couch of sand; let us away, for my hour of departure has come.”
When I awoke, I found myself being carried through a dimly-lighted tunnel on the wings of the wind; I say on the wings of the wind for I was not conscious that any palpable substance touched my body. The further we receded from the earth, the wider and loftier became the subterranean passage; and by means of the dim light, I discerned rocks of gold and precious stones. When we arrived at the end of the passage, there appeared in the distance a scene which filled my bosom with wonder and admiration; never had I previously beheld such a combination of beauty. How shall I describe it! This I cannot do, for it passes description; far grander, infinitely grander, was the scene than anything I had ever witnessed.
In the distance were high hills and Alpine heights, plains and meads, and dells, which were covered with grass of emerald green. I could see neither sun, nor moon, nor stars; but the country was illumined by a beautiful blue soft light which was delightful, and most agreeable to the eye. Between day and night, there appeared no perceptible difference; while in those regions, summer and winter, spring and autumn, were unknown. Their year was distinguished by no seasons; they enjoyed a perpetual spring. Beautiful was their clime, exquisitely lovely was their country, singular and mysterious were the people.
As regards the climate, it had no variation. There was always there a soft, gentle, and warm breeze; which produced the most delectable sensation. This breeze appeared to possess life-giving and life-sustaining properties. When it came, as it sometimes did, in stronger currents than was generally the case, the old would repair to the mountain tops or bwllchs, and after two or three hours’ stay would return to the plain strong, blooming, and hale. But more of this anon.
Immediately after our arrival in the open country, the prince conducted me in silence to a building, the walls of which were formed of the finest marble. Its entrance was guarded by two little men, even less in stature than my conductor, who made obeisance as we passed. The prince conducted me up a flight of stairs, and then through several rooms, containing rich and costly furniture; at last we came to a door on which was printed in letters of gold “The King’s Chamber.” This chamber we entered. Having placed a chair beside me for my use, he then walked to the other side of the chamber, where there was a curious instrument fastened to a silver slab, and touched a small spring. There was attached to the instrument a thread or wire of the most delicate workmanship, which quivered at the touch; presently I heard the sound of a bell, which was followed by several ticks, and when the ticks ceased, the prince remarked that the royal carriage from Dinas Aur would arrive there in half an hour, in order to take us to the golden city.
“And how far is it to your city?” I asked.
“The actual distance is one hundred and twenty miles.”
“But your carriage travels more swiftly than the flight of the bird?”
“Certainly.”
“Well, is it safe to go so fast?”