Bernard—Mother, dear, although this spacious Station and all pertaining to it is new to you and to me, and those people of various races are, in size, dress and other peculiarities, somewhat unlike our earth people, still there is such a strong, general resemblance to them and to this scene that I scarcely can realize that I am on another Planet. Then, look at those Tuzamos, are not they in appearance, very like our Railway Cars?
De L'Ester—Certainly, their construction is similar to that of our railway cars, but if you will observe closely you will perceive that they present several striking differences. For instance, the driving wheels are enormously large, and there are three sets of truck wheels, the middle set running in the groove of the central rail, and the rails are not in sections, all being firmly welded into continuity, which greatly adds to their permanence and to the safety of those connected with the Tuzamo service, or who travel in those elegantly appointed carriages. Genessano, can you inform us as to when Tuzamos first came into use on Ento?
Genessano—I am not quite certain, but Inidora̤ may know. Inidora̤, ino intessa̤ varo mûya̤ Tuzamos inga fosdû?
Inidora—At the time of the Establishment of the National Religion they were known, for in the Sacred Writings they are referred to, and not as though they then were a modern invention. I recall that during my mortal existence I saw pictured representations of those ancient conveyances, which were quite unlike these admirably constructed and artistically finished carriages.
George—I have been looking about the city and if you are through with your observation of the Tuzamos, I can promise Gentola̤ and Bernard a view of something that may interest them.
De L'Ester—Come, friends, and learn what our enterprising Englishman has discovered. Gentola̤, allow me to assist you. Ah, a temple, and how beautiful it is. In form it is perfectly circular, with great flights of steps surrounding about two-thirds of its circumference. It is built of white marble, and from base to dome its walls are so covered with intricate and delicate sculpture that it presents the appearance of beautiful filmy lace. George, this will interest more than Gentola̤ and Bernard, for this is the first time that Inidora̤, Genessano or I have seen this somewhat noted Temple Soya̤von Telissa̤. (Name of Andûmana̤'s cup bearer.) Gentola̤, you will attempt a description of its interior, but as you are not apt at estimating dimensions, I will say that its diameter is about one hundred and twenty feet, and that its height from the floor to the apex of the dome is quite one hundred feet. You now will proceed.
Gentola—Though it is not so spacious or so magnificent as some of the temples of Camarissa̤, to my mind it is the most beautiful temple I ever have seen. The walls are marvels of decoration in tinted woods, paintings and sculpture, which I cannot attempt to describe. The seats are arranged as in an amphitheater, thus affording a full view of the altar, which is in the centre of the temple and directly under the dome. The altar of pure white marble is circular in form, and it rises tier above tier to a height, I should say, of thirty feet, and is surmounted by a wonderfully lovely life-size female figure, whose marble lips are parted by a smile of adorable sweetness. The three tiers are supported by flower-wreathed marble columns and male and female forms, their drapery falling about them in such filmy folds that it seems as though a breath of air might stir it.
Each tier of the altar is sculptured in designs of grains, fruits and flowers, so delicate, so exquisite, that one scarcely can believe it the work of mortals. On the lower tier are great golden bowls filled with grains and fruits, and the air is perfumed with the fragrance of flowers, whose yellow and crimson blooms are in vivid contrast with the snowy altar and its adornments. The floor is a mosaic, realistically representing the azure sky, and radiating from the base of the altar of sun rays in shades of red and yellow. The temple is lighted through the great crystal dome, whose blended sun-rays, falling downward onto the whiteness of the altar, produce an indescribably beautiful and peculiar effect. Over the temple entrances are inscriptions which you, Zenesta̤, will be kind enough to translate into my language.
Zenesta Hao—I shall do so with pleasure. Over the eastern entrance is inscribed, "To Andûmana̤, the Supreme One, Who giveth life and all that is." Over the northern entrance I read, "Divine Messengers of Andûmana̤, we implore you to bear to Him our ceaseless supplications for prolonged life." Over the southern entrance is a prayer which is the keynote of all Ento prayers. "Sorrowfully, but submissively, we yield ourselves to Thy decrees, oh Thou Who at Thy pleasure createst and destroyest."
Gentola̤, you have come to realize that love of life is the dominant desire of my people, and I who remember the desolation which death brought into my own mortal existence can well understand their ever increasing dread of the certain approach of the unseen, relentless God Phra (death).