Dano—Lēta̤, your narrative fills me with dismay. Surely you are not jesting. Your serious face assures me that you are not. May Andûmana̤ forgive if unwittingly I have spoken lightly of sacred matters. Lately I have been subjected to what Doctor Vyonda̤ terms self-induced hallucinations. But I am not conscious of inducing them, and certainly I do not desire to indulge in such folly. I would not err, I would not sin, yet during these seizures I give utterance to expressions which are not in accord with our Sacred Writings. I pray the pitiful gods that I may not be held accountable for these unconscious utterances.
De L'Ester—Two Professors and a Physician are hastening this way.
Professor—My dear Dano, we have been quite alarmed to learn that again you have been attacked with faintness, and rejoice that you are recovering. Here is our good Doctor Vyonda̤, who speedily will restore you.
Dr. Vyonda—Certainly, certainly. It is nothing serious. Really there is no occasion for alarm. Such attacks are quite common. The high temperature of the season, and too close application to study superinduces such seizures. Dano, you must relax a little of your ardent pursuit of knowledge. You must indulge in lighter veins of thought. Youth is the age for enjoyment, innocent enjoyment of course, and for acquiring knowledge, but with, moderation, my dear Dano, with due moderation.
Your eyes are yet a trifle heavy. Allow me to administer this agreeable potion, which will dispel this sensation of lassitude. On retiring, you will take this palatable powder, which will insure quiet sleep. No visions, no hallucinations will disturb your repose, and in the morning we will counsel together as to the best course to be pursued. But no more study to-day, Dano, you understand, no more——
De L'Ester—Quickly, quickly, Gentola̤. He is not fully aroused from his entrancement, and his spiritual perception is very exalted. Follow my dictation.
Dr. Vyonda—He again is relapsing into unconsciousness. Order a litter at once, and have him conveyed to his apartment. Really this seizure is inexplicable, but I doubt not will yield to——
Dano—Doctor Vyonda̤, I am told to request you to quietly remain where you are.
Dr. Vyonda—This is most perplexing, most perplexing. Apparently he is unconscious, yet he bids me to quietly remain where I am. No. No. Not just now. We will wait a little. Put the litter further away. Give him more air.
Gentola—Dano, I am Gentola̤. This name has been given me by some persons who understand your language. I have told you that I come from a world named Earth, which is so far away in space that to Entoans it appears as a brightly shining point in the night sky. Try to understand that the vital, animating principle controlling all the activities of your physical body, is the immortal Self, the real Dano. Aside from certain of your Priests, but few Entoans are so highly sensitive as are you, who soon readily will perceive wholly freed Spirits. Because that I still am connected with my physical body you see, hear, and feel the touch of my real Self, the Spirit woman. For the reason that your Spirit consciousness, which is self perception, is highly evolved, you are thus favored.