“What is on the next level below?” I inquired.
“Greater proceedings than on this one. It is devoted to the government of counties, cities, boroughs, and villages, and their political work.”
“Pass it by and take me to the lowest level.”
“You do not know what you ask. The lowest level is very, very deep, and takes us where things have no weight. It is the lowest haunt outside of Hell, inhabited by the vilest imps. How can you live or move in such a realm?”
“Not by the futile force of human power, but by the strength of Him who bids me go. I fear not, O Blackana; conduct me thither.”
What an awful experience followed! I was taken down at an amazing speed, held under the great hand of Blackana. We passed region after region of infernal lights, each one existing for the purpose of carrying out its part of Satan’s fiendish plan.
At length we stopped in the red glare of an awful burning amidst a company of hobgoblins out of harmony with all human shape or symmetry.
“This must be the bed of Hell, indeed,” I said, after I had conquered my rising fears. “Far from it, far from it!” answered Blackana. “We are now in the lowest legislative center _where foul fiends invent the horrible laws of personal pollution in the mortal body, and political bribery in the civil body._”
Blackana held me by the hand. I seemed not to walk but rather to move along without effort, seeing the pictures of lowest life and ill-shaped spirits, some of monster size.
Into an immense auditorium I was wafted, a building without foundations or floor. Here, amidst uncanny noises, hovered a vast throng of Satan’s lowest legislators.