If you would obtain from her some light,
Place your hand very gently on her pale forehead
And pronounce very softly the sweet name of Esenale!”
[16] Allusion to the seance of November 25, 1894, at M. Lemaître’s. See [p. 1146.]
[17] That is to say, he died on Mars, where he had been reincarnated.
[18] Allusion to seance of February 2, 1896. See [p. 154.]
[19] These are texts 16-20, 26, 28, 31, 34, 37-39. They are further distinguished by an asterisk.
[20] A literal English translation of each text will be found immediately beneath the French equivalents of the Martian words.
[21] If it is objected that the Martian lacks the essential character of a language—that is to say, a practical sanction by use; by the fact of its serving as a means of communication between living beings—I will not answer, like Mlle. Smith, that after all we know nothing about that, but will simply say that the social side of the question does not concern us here. Even if Volapük and Esperanto are not used, they are none the less languages, and the Martian has, in regard to its artificial construction, the psychological superiority of being a natural language, spontaneously created, without the conscious participation, reflective or willing, of a normal personality.
[22] De Marlès’ General History of India, Ancient and Modern, from the Year 2000 B. C. to our Own Times. Pp. 268-269. Paris, 1828.