This Galarēsa̤, having been built nearly four Ento centuries ago, its architecture is unlike that of the more modern style of some of the structures to the north and south, but to my taste it compares more than favorably with either of them. The rotunda, which we now are entering, De L'Ester will be good enough to describe.
De L'Ester—From foundation to apex its height is quite two hundred feet, its diameter little less than half its height. Looking upward we perceive that the upper portion, including the domed roof, is filled in with glass of a soft opalescent tint, through which the sun's rays fall with a pleasing radiance. As we cannot avail ourselves of the lifting apparatus we will, like mortals, try the experience of ascending the staircase, which winds and climbs upward around the walls to the landings, opening into balconies, until this topmost one is reached, and as it encircles the dome it affords a comprehensive view of the landscape. Yes, the view is really fine. Far westward and southward extends the waters of yonder inland sea, which is but little less than the largest salt sea of Ento. So tranquil are its waters that scarcely a ripple disturbs its sparkling surface. What a number of small boats are gliding hither and thither. Some of the occupants appear to be on pleasure bent, and the western breeze bears to us musical notes of stringed instruments.
The great vessels coming, going or lying by the piers, extending far outward from the eastern shore, are of the same class as those traversing the waterways and large bodies of water with which they connect. They are most scientifically and stanchly built, and as on Ento's waters dangerous gales seldom occur, and their motive power is electric, they rarely are exposed to the destructive forces of storms, or of fire. Then, too, Ento's ethereal signal system is so perfect that collisions never occur. Indeed, by the Entoans accidents are regarded as little less than crimes. Life is considered so sacred, and death so deplorable that all possible precautions are taken to preserve the one, and ward off the other. Inidora̤, you will kindly resume.
Inidora—Genessano and I remember seeing the same kind of vessels plying between this and other ports. At that time Indoloisa̤'s eastern shore was further away, and with surprise we note how its waters have encroached upon the land. I am informed that in your tongue Indoloisa̤ would be quiet or tranquil water. Compared with other large bodies of water it is tranquil, yet I have seen it very tempestuous indeed. Yonder massive sea wall is being constructed for the purpose of arresting its aggressive waters, which have bitten deeply into its eastern and northern shores. De L'Ester says that some of your astronomers have decided that the surface of Ento is about equally divided between land and water. In a sense, this is true, but its natural divisions of water fall far short of occupying one-half of its surface. Considered as a whole, the made areas fully equal one-third of the natural water areas of our planet. At other times we may call your attention to this matter, so for the present we will pass it by.
Indoloisa̤ is a very salt body of water, but during the season of floods its volume being enormously increased, it, of course, is less so. Were it a fresh water sea long ago the plateau would have been pierced to form a connection between it and the Central Waterway. As it is, it is included in the System, interchange of transportation being as you perceive, effected by means of both air transportation and soitzēna̤ (tramways). We now will descend, but before proceeding further De L'Ester has something to say to you.
De L'Ester—I indeed have something to say to you, and am somewhat at a loss how to word it. From time to time we have intimated to you that our purpose in bringing you to Ento, is that we may use you as an instrument through whom we hope to accomplish a certain mission, trusting that its gradual unfoldment might induce in you a willing acquiescence with our desires until now we have deferred acquainting you with our entire purposes. Be assured, Gentola̤, that your personal safety and welfare is to us as sacred as is our mission, and we pray you to trust yourself unreservedly to our care and guidance.
Gentola—I confess that you startle me, but as I already have said, it is my nature to trust all, or not at all, and I hope that the success of this mission may be as unbounded as is my faith in you all.
De L'Ester—Then understand that in the lecture hall we now are entering an important step is to be taken, and now we will attempt it. On yonder slightly raised platform are several scholarly, dignified, fine looking professors, one of whom has just ceased addressing the youths and maidens about the hall. With their spiritual and mental states we have made ourselves acquainted, and we know that three of those youths are highly sensitive. As a subject for our first experiment we have chosen the handsome, grave looking youth, clothed in dark blue. Remain where you are, we will approach and address him. You perceive that he is not aware of our presence. Now you, who are not so etherealized as ourselves, will stand by his side, repeating to him what I shall say to you.
Gentola—Commista̤ estandû, Ento lisson?
De L'Ester—He starts, looks about him in great surprise, and involuntarily replies, "Rēvol antissa̤, Ento ēmana̤." Professors and students stare at him inquiringly.