Jfa'*.->^ ./«.■* J iff' A Dream of Realms Beyond Us ADAIR WELCKER A Dream of Realms Beyond Us BY ADAIR WELCKER r ( 331 Fine Street, San Francisco, Cal. Copyright 1885 by Adair Welcker. Copyright 1900 by Adair Welcker. SAN FRANCISCO: CcBERY AND Company, Book and Job Pbintebs, 587 Mission Street 1902. ■-jc THF. i.lBRA.iY OF CC '^■2f(ESS, Two Ccr-iee Rs-CEiveo JAN. U 1902 COF^ WIGHT ENTKY COPY a. .av^ TERMS: No copies of this work will, for the present, be sold by the author, except such as have his signature attached. Signed copies will be sold to such private individuals, and such endowed colleges, as are able to pay that amount for one, for ten dollars (forty shillings English money) a copy. To societies that desire to enter upon the study of the work, where tea, twenty or more copies are ordered by the secretary, special terms will be given. > The price of ten dollars for a single signed copy is fixed upon * because the author, to acquire the knowledge contained in the work, has paid more for it than all of the colleges of his own v^ country combined, making such a use of their endowments as a ■^ work of this character has during long years called for, could tpay him for it. All persons, however, who are unable to pay the price men - tioned, are at liberty to make, or employ others to make for them, i^ typewritten or manuscript copies of the work. ^ The covers upon these books are paper. Should, however, J any reader believe that to do so would help to make him aware of the first step to be taken before he can become a Master of Arts, he is at liberty to place upon it a new cover, having attached to it diamonds worth, in gold, as much as the number of dollars with which it has of late years been the custom to endow colleges out of which are sent those said to be, and those who have conferred upon them the title of, Master in those matters that belong to the Kingdom of Art. Adaiis Welckbr, 331 Pine Street, San Francisco, California PREFATORY NOTE: The undertaking in this work has been to follow a method which has not before been followed; to take a step which comes after those which in religion and philosophy have already been taken; to put into the work that which no method of philos- ophy has yet had in it; that which alone, after the work done in the past, can, with it, because of the manner in which it will create a new vision within earth, cause peace on earth to come. It has been intended to put into it and, through it, into earth, that act of the endless-world art that will so touch the souls of men that into them will be caused gradually to come, from this time on, perception and a knowledge of the meaning and purpose of things. For, over those matters out of which do not come to the souls of men a spirit, and an understanding of them, men must perforce still war; but out of understanding, and from understanding, will alone come that which will turn their battleships into rast and their armies into a nightmare no longer to be dreamed by earth. Then, in place of these childish follies, will highest manhood, in the form of conscience, be caused to come down, and be, and dwell upon earth. Then there will not be done by armies of people that thieve and partition, or be done to women and babes in camps of concentration, work for which a Herod of old, of Judea, or a Jack the Eipper should blush. Then will there be done those high and serious things that will be worthy of men grown up; when, through the discovery — that sense and ability will make for them— that peace is best, there will at last come and be between and among men goodwill. SECOND PREFATORY NOTE: This work — a dream and more than a dream — dealing with matters upon which the minds of men throughout the world are, at the present time, profoundly fixed, is here presented to the reader in an incomplete form. At some future date, should the governors and rulers of institutions of learning who have, in all lands, been made trustees by their people, and given large endow- ments for their institutions, with the belief that, with them, they could be aided to be watchmen, upon their behalf, in her night- time of art — thought, by such methods, to be by them, furnished with all manner of means to keep an outlook for the emergence into the world, not only of art, but of each letter of the law which will otherwise be found, and found there only where things change not — in its unseen place — see here, in behalf of the people who have intrusted them to be for them their watchman, signs of something that might be added to what is here, which would be of the law a part, and of art that part which is art transcendent, then will that which is not now here be added. On the other hand, if they shall not so see, they will have had an opportunity to do — for those for whom they hold a trust than which none higher is ever placed in the hands of men — that which, in connection with it, they shall have deemed to have been their duty for those who have trusted them, both as their agents and regents. Let it not be supposed, however, that there could be here expressed towards any a thought or a word of coercion; for into the last and highest region of art, which is the place where all action is in perfect freedom, coercion and oppression cannot come: in that kingdom of art not an act, and not even an imperialistic or despotic thought can be: for with its kingdom they have no proportion, and into it can not enter. A DREAM OF REALMS BEYOND US By ADAIR WELCKER ACT I. [Scene. — A level space in the evening clouds of heaveu, above the Golden Gate, surrounded by, and having above them — mass back of mass— the purple and gold clouds of heaven; and within them, on the cloud -plain, and composed of their substances, tents A throne, wrought of the hues of the rainbow, upon which rests a spirit, named Elmo. Below, the uplifted heads of the Gate that opens upon the ocean Pacific] Etheria — Beloved commanding spirit, I have obeyed, In all respects, your dear commands. Seizing my silvery staff, and placing therein Sweet thoughts, to be attracted westward Around the world, back to those other thoughts Held by you here, I sped upon my mission. The day I left behind: outran the sun; Entered the towering palace of the dark That, through all time, stands opposite the sun. I then swept through its curious moonlit halls. And there I met those hideous impish sprites That dwell within the pointed tower of night That circles earth as shadow of the sun. 6 I found them mmgling, ever, elements — Making compounds to thwart the course of nature. From them I learned but little of these beings That dwell in contact with the earth below us. But, when I overtook the blue of morning, Found I some beings from a distant sphere Larger than mountains, resting in their ships That ride the seas of space. Through mixing good and evil, in certain proportions- Learned I from them — these beings crawling earth Did seem to have a vague intelligence. Yet, knowing not that low intelligence And strife must co-exist; that vision vast Moves only out from rest; make they their choice: So, through the centuries long, dwell they in doubt; And, through the centuries long, swells up their outcry — Up, through the dark their violence does make — For light; whose narrow outlet can be but through peace. They said they'd noted, oft they moved in masses — (At times in order, and at times without it). At times they'd seen two masses move towards each, Slowly and as determinedly as insects. But, as the blue of dawn changed to that hue Iri which the later day does dress herself, The prospect blurred; the pressure changed; until These beings could no longer stop near earth; Therefore, unmoored their ships; and on an ohm Were swept through space, back to their home again. Elmo — Learned you no more? Etheria — I noted this : they did not See that themselves are makers of themselves; Makers of flowers and fruits, of dearths and famines ; And that the years in which would famines come Were in themselves inscribed and years of plenty. That when they grasping grew and sought without. Where is the place of sand, flow and effects, Prosperity, came after dearth of growths ; But honest deeds of nations would make birds Carol and their earth blossom. 'Twas all I learned. [Enter Etheon.] Here comes a gentle spirit, whose bright face Bespeaks more knowledge. Ethron — To learn if these odd beings of the earth Were real beings, and intelligent. Called I a mighty host of brighter spirits From all the corners of the universe And found, among them, some that saw this earth. They told me that these beings ne'er rose from it, But moved through shade and light upon its face. That all their actions showed fantastic thoughts, Showing these beings As very infants in the grades of life, With zephyr thoughts but granite prejudices. That they were blind and dumb to other worlds. And knew not even that they were themselves. 8 Their eyes are flesh, and through that flesh they look, Yet know they not themselves that have looked through it. They'd seen small rythmic spirits of the light Dancing about them to the throbbing motion Of undulating heat on summer days. Yet men were blind and could not think to them. And then they told me that the genii of caverns Would light odd lights, whose flickering flames Were caused, by trembling, to play melodies Beyond their reach of sound. So seemed they deaf and unaware of them. They said that those who sailed across the deep Seemed not to see those ocean inhabitants Who, rushing through the air, created storms And leave their white tracks seething on the deep. Men seem as fishes dwelling in the ocean Oblivious of those beings up above them, That, by the deeper concentration on The faces of some, thought they that all were deaf. Thus much I learned; no more. Elmo — Is there no other that has studied them? Blanta — This day I seized upon th'returning ray Of the revolving light from sun to earth. I passed the point those rays opposed do cross : And sitting alone upon The foremost promontory of the sun Watched I the silver earth as it revolved. Yet learned but little. But I learned thus much : 9 That earth, whereon they dwell, by their own acts Is built. Then (as a heart is curved) their acts from it Are prompted : That their thoughts descend from them Into their earth, to from it crying come — Therefrom, new-living : The form of it proclaimed — Spoken by dazzling voices; glittered; outspoken, Down from high heaven, and up. And this I saw: The motive power that moves the leaves apart. From bud of rose to bloom — The meditation in a woman's heart. And, looking to see their cause, within the forests The lotus flowers that bloom, that, unseen, fade. Saw I moved from the meditations prime Of those saints hearts whereof the world knows not. The cobras' life move from a man's heart, long On murder bent; the shy lock nature feeding Into the boa constrictor's form its force That gives it life to crush. The skylark's song Is rapture; borne from a new thought, caught To period put to search that did seem endless. Elmo — Since this is, then, a real race indeed, And not — what once we thought — but plants that move, 'Twere well for us to better their condition. Has any other of this company Brought knowledge of this odd, discovered race? Arno — I have, for fifteen circlings of the sun, Dwelt opposite to him in midnight darkness; 10 And not being able to go close to earth, Have caused life-informed force to obey my orders And fetch me information of these creatures. And. first £ind foremost of its news. It told me that these beings, through the night. Seem in a state of death; but come to light Out- wakened by the wave of harmony The sun plays on his rolling lyre of earth. I then learned that they're often much tormented By growths of contest, whose poor lives are measured. And other devilish sprites That, lite the skates and mudfish of the oceau. Dwell at the bottom of the seas of air. Still others too — Jl they oppress — can come to have touch with them. And tempt them from high cliffs; and often lead them To their own ruin; placing in their way Most deadly things of hurt. And then, besides, Hideous small goblius, dwelling in the moon. Distill into her rays things poisonous — That reach them, if they're bent on warring deeds. And madden them, or give them curious dreams. And thus, through their own acts, earth's harassments Stamp haggard looks and marks of care upon them. Thus there begins a life of groans and sighs Wrought by their wracks, their pains and their diseases. Although 'twas hard to learn, have I discovered — Through pictures shown to me of these same mortals — 11 In every one there is the central good; Which goodwill, as a rose, burst into bloom Beneath the glowing light that looks to find it. I saw, with all, that love outlasted death; The strength of mother's love, that's not of earth. I saw an infant, at its mother's breast. Gaze up into her face with laughing eyes. Often that they wept more o'er others sorrows While their own ills they bore with unknown patience. This many knew not: That when, from their bodies Themselves would be withdrawn, in death or sleep. Their thoughts will (in those states) for them become (To all whose lives those same thoughts form) One visible and solid habitation; one, though unseen, Invisible to others having thoughts Less rare than are their own. Those having thoughts unlike : The kind the brutal see; but they, to them, live blind. Methinks 'twould be a pleasant thing, indeed, To help them lift such clouds as hide their light And hold them blind and dead. Elmo — -It shall be done. Now, for the present time. We'll have our workmen, in their shops of air, So to combine and forge the elements That the bright song of twilight shall be formed Ere sinks the sun to his cloud-curtained bed. And, to that end, Let them combine the light that's shot from Venus; 12 The color of the ocean's wave by moonlight, Above the violet and below the red; The light reflected from the ocean's teeth When angrily she gnaws the edge of earth; The dancing atmosphere of summer evenings; The dizzy-moving borealis light; Weird shadows of the ancient gloomy forests; The lulling sound of dripping, unseen waters — Above their treble, or below their bass; Then touch all with the touch of summer air — More delicate than the sense of man can reach — When every flower is decked in glittering dew — Its gaudy dress worn on that grand occasion When's heard the bow of promise, the storm being o'er. These sights and sounds our spread, our feast this night. ACT II. [Scene. — A California forest, high up in the mountains. A small stream comes winding through the woods.] [De Petzy and Blauvelt enter.] Blauvelt — Here let us rest and make tonight our camp. And let our tired limbs and aching bones Be patients, for a time, to such attendants As nature sends in shape of cooling winds Which, to the patients placed beneath their care, Bring balmy odors from the ferns and mosses And many an herb, till we are healed again. De Petzy — I think we could not better our condition By going further on. Besides, the night — Blauvelt — Drop then your gun and rest upon this bank. How sweet the air, the gurgling of this stream . There's something soothing and refreshing to me To find myself afar from human cares: Far off, beyond the sounding of an echo Of giant mills, and cities soot-begrimmed : Our sole companions these dumb trees that stand Holding behind ther grim and solemn aspects The secrets of a thousand passing years Known to themselves alone; the antlered deer; 14 Owls whose wise looks tell of their secret knowledge; And other beasts, spellbound — made dumb by nature To hold the wondrous things that they have seen. Why, here's a country to be new-discovered; One of earth's many realms but brushed by dreams. De Petzy — Ofttimes, my mind being in a curious mood, When, knowing that I've been never out of it. But all I've seen and read within myself, Earth seems more like a dream than any — a fancy That strides the stage of sleep. Is it not odd That we are held here on this piece of earth That floats a bubble on the seas of space? Such being our lot seems a disordered dream — A state of odd enchantment, that of earth. While real things are unknown all to us. Blauvet — I've often thought that something more worthy men Must back this feeble, childish race for wealth — As children mud-pies making; Their mad, absurd expending of life's moment. That, in earth's forest, was something beyond the wolf; The lion, whose red jaws have torn the weak; The eagle, that highwayman that holds up The little osprey, and thieves from him fish; The panther, stepping with his cautious tread O'er crackling twigs in this grim forest; The grizzly, striding with his massive tread — 15 Wonders astonishing and unimaginable Being not yet known. De Petzy— There's surely pleasant contrast in these woods, For, being alone, we have no enemies; Being far away— off from the race of men — But, having none to hate us, we have not A place for gentle thoughts to reach their mark. Therefore, a life apart from all mankind Is one not natural — one with parts left out. Blauvelt — List to the cooing of the unseen dove. I wonder if they, too, have woes of love — Heave mighty sighs; then, with disturbed visage, And eyes grow mournfully large, gaze they upon Those whom they love, with passionate, pleading looks? And, are they jealous, like men? And have they friends, or foes, or foolish customs To break sweet nature's course, and leave love hopeless ? De Petzy — Throughout the universe is this — one law : Sorrow's the prophet to each stage of life: Out-born from pain, its cry proclaims peace added. Why, sure it is they have their share of woes. Wrought chiefly by fear : Living a life of false alarms wrought out: Mourn for their friends; and in their sweetest songs Cast out their griefs into the wide world's ear. But now I'll leave you to more lonely musings And wander off t' explore the woods around us. 16 [Exit De Petzy. Blauvelt lies down and goes to sleep. Then enter Wavea and Ellock, two spirits of the woods.] Wavka — He lies asleep. Upon his face I'll breathe, And, through my breath, infuse my nature in him. As lovers do, when breathing each on each, Creating such fancies and such odd conclusions — Harmless, as in him is there naught of hate — As never yet were lodged in mortal mind. Then shall he sweep the universe with thought And stand amazed indeed to see the things Caught in his net of reason. Ellock — Is't not against Etheria's commands, Who, for the part she takes in that great work That is now brewing in the higher heavens To help the world on — would bring these two together? Wavea — Not if such thoughts are placed within his brain T'attract him out of earth. Yet were it pleasant, if we had our way. To make his mind grow drunk with hideous fancies. But, as we are commanded otherwise, I'll let him, in his dreams, tread upward, And, being the hero of his deeds of sleep. Go onward; upwards, through those many realms — That have high words, of which they are upbuilt, That make them to the low invisible — Where waking mortals could not be and live. 17 I'll show a thousand varied scenes in hell "Where, there, the laughter of a woman's eyes Would end his peace forever. I'll show the green and monstrous angular sprites That, in the chilly southern seas of ice Where shines the southern cross, control the waters And make the choppy seas dash icy waves Against the mighty domes and towers of ice Full many feet in air; That drag the howling winds from point to point, Shrieking as if in pain; That lead the deadly winds against the ships. Icing the rigging; freezing the sailor' thumbs; And then — white fogs unfold upon the waters. And, all the while, so various are the sounds — The loud reports; the rattling of floating ice — That hell itself seems there to have an echo. I'll show those fourteen stars, west of the cross, Where dwell the dreaded mutineers from Yenus. We'll show where was the pyramid first made. We'll show the cloud-bound caves of distant realms Where roam forever spirits of wild beasts. And then we'll show the wild north-central heaven Where come the poisonous winds from every point Named on the compass; mingling their poisonous breaths , 18 [Here is left out a portion of the matter, referred to in the Prefatory Note, in order that the institutions of learning of the world toay determine the question as to whether or not it is prob- able, from so much of the work as has been placed before them, that the portion not placed before them is of such a character that it should be permitted — at the same time that they erect and idolize and endow buildings of stone and wood — as they stand and look on, to perish; not needed to be put into expression; not needed to be taught in their colleges and schools. As it is into their hands that the people have placed on trust large endowments to be used for the encouragement of, and as a means of giving recognition to, the work of those who give their own, in order that they may work in the art kingdom; and as teachers and rulers over the schools have, many of them, given to one another the title of Master in these matters that belong to the kingdom of art, it will be for them, sitting in the character of Masters in the art kingdom, to determine whether or not it is for them to pass upon the question here presented — which is of it. Much better would it be if these charity funds, now used to aid youth, are not well used, that they should be used to improve and add to the comforts of those nobler charitable homes, almshouses, that are established for those less able to help and care for themselves than the young; those who have expended more of their energies in the work of the world than the young — the old.] • ACT III. [/Scene.— Same as Scene 1, Act I.] Elmo — Since it has been resolved by us to each Help on some other being of this race, Let such as have observed them give the news. Ethron — Beloved spirit, it being against our natures To come in closer contact with the earth, Since deadly vapors rise from murderous deeds, And worse than acids fly from cruel acts. And brutal words, or selfish vanity. By which some mount upon the woes of others; Therefore, I've sought out beings that have power To walk upon the surface of that earth. Out of their multitudes, with various natures, Chose I the laughing sprites called from the woods To serve my ends. Elmo — How learned you from them? Ethron — These things saw I through them : That kind thoughts, thoughts of others, can expand them, Giving new strength, and power of life to both. Ill thoughts take with them from the soul that throws them — Or, people thinking less of other people By that made measure — Part of its store of strength : That he, as well, who sees another suffer. 20 Having stored up what could be his relief, And does not use it, thus deprives himseK In exact measure by those his possessions That he used not. The air below is filled with finest dust — From this they modeled forth a beauteous maiden: Thereafter, casting sunlight on this form Seemed it to live; and, by this form of hers, Knew how outward nature, acting on it. Would fill her inward mind; and saw that she Was one it would repay us well to serve. Elmo — How would you, could you, serve her ? Etheon — Why, I have seen one cruel thing on earth : That natures that are fitted each to each Oft lead a life that's all unsatisfied, Because they feel, and yet they do not know, The other lives for them; yet die, and never meet. Therefore, I've brought the one that's fitted for her And they have met, and in a moment felt What they have known since Neptune touched, last, earth. To consummate my plans I've had her flee her home within the woods; And, to prevent her guardian following her. Have given to its obedient sprites the power To play such tricks as pleased them most upon them. They lead them now up steeps; through briars and thorns, And by the many mansions of that route; 21 O'er angular rocks that mincing feet will wound And jar out lies, like toads, from mouths that hold them; Through swamps; through wild grapevines; Make each one think the other Sylvia, And set each beating each. Now will I lead her on through trouble and woe To drag her dead world from her. Elmo — Has she no earthly friend to help her? Ethron — My ministering spirit showed an aged man Thinking the daughter that he one time had Was dead in infancy. They told me then, That this was Sylvia's father. Studied I then his brain, and of the spirits (Which men call thoughts) attracted to his soul Saw I, 'mongst others, these his last conclusions. Which showed me odd things of this race of men . Men knew but little, and seemed not to this : That when the sun, new-born, goes on its course, Its number altering with each day it makes, Meets it and greets it in all germs their number; Then leap they at its music, known, to life. Men, loving earth above all other things, To them 'tis clearest made. But when, loved less, And other things loved more, they come to life. That, to that which things cease to hate To strongest love— they go. That, when man seems held fast, and bound by fate. Yet, even then, relief will surely come 22 And, by some path that will seem plain enough — When has the fullness of his task been worked — But which he had completely overlooked And lost all memory of. Elmo — This is a good commencement, for an end To round out royally. What other spirit Will further speak of what has been discovered? Here comes one, having bright, mischievous eyes That an odd humor might find ev'n in death. VoNRA — I've seen their life is just an odd conceit Wrought from more odd conceits — Seeing the future is but night to them. Queer that, worshiping tenderness to all, Peace grows their battlecry: Thieving, with some. Their spreading; with some, their greed, their god. Those that start war and, through war, seek their will, Yet talk of heaven to be; Not knowing that a mind, to grow to that. Must, by desire, fast to no part be drawn; Must rise up over all this realm of strife; Whose hands must hold no more, nor cling to earth; To go in there must leave itself without; His mantle of earth released — let go to earth. Elidah — Whose eye, that so long doubled was, and kept obscured. Be merged, be single made, and knowing — and known to light. Upholding they the things of earth as high, LofC. 23 Fall they down later with them. Saw I, this: Who slowly kills, by words, or cruel looks, Or thoughts unfair, or thoughts by hate projected. Is as much murderer as is the one Who does so with a bludgeon. AiDAEL — Whose thoughts are drawn — forced down to central earth. But there are thoughts, of which are thoughts of art, Reversing gravity, and they hold life. VoNRA — This, too, saw I of them: They're never all good; not one entirely bad. The worst of any will, at times, be saints; The best, their opposite. Elmo — What knowledge have they Of all the radiant hosts of worlds about them ? VoNEA — They scarce conceive that all the things of earth Are things in miniature of worlds full-grown. That, as their nations think and act like men, At times being sane, at times being mad as they. So is their race a unit for vast worlds. That, as their seas have puny storms upon them. So are there other storms that sweep through space, Creating vast currents, whirlpools and tides; Setting world's dancing on their rushing billows Like corks upon the ocean; Or, carrying systems o'er that mighty deep By billows hurrying, rushing, raging onward, 24 That move upon the beacon lights of night And surge beyond. They dream not of those fleets That, sails all set, move o'er a darker ocean. Into those systems where are lights grown dark — Not earths; not suns. They laugh at forces fast in fading halls — The universe fast in the soul of man. At beings crouching on the star-storm clouds; At cities dead that we see living yet. Looking within, they seem to see these things; But, looking without, upon the world again. They call them fancies, and they vanish from them. Ah, if they only knew the laws of change — Or knew the half we know — How would it shake their minds, and make them mad. Ethron — The only cause of all is ignorance. From which springs prejudice and every folly. This shadow of death is now most heavy on them. But, with our aid, the world begins to move. This century has promised mighty times That will outleap the tedious course of nature, Leaving behind their savagery days of war; Of right by blood to be the manger dog; Rights called divine, and many another right That has been always wrong. The time will come when to this human race The only king will be the king of hearts — When each man will refuse such goods on earth As all men may not have. 25 For men -will learn that day that, true it is : That only one thing all- where assured — Heart of a gentle man. VoNEA — There's this as their excuse: How much their life from infancy to age Is the world's dead world working outward through them. Elmo — Know they the poorest have as much to give as any? That each time ever a truth is told: that is an act To all men a donation more than gifts ? With each truth told (Though far off as the west is from the east) Some fetter dropping off; Some one, till then enslaved, by that made free? VoNRA — Nor know they beings wiser than themselves, Sometimes stir up their anger, each 'gainst each, To wear away defects that are within them, Playing those forces downward, and upon them. Whereof they're unaware. Elmo — Can they know this : Man's lack of heart makes earth yield lack of bread: That: Whenever nations have bound on their brows Phylacteries; themselves then, better holding Than others; then (those others robbed). Speaks earth in famines? Know they the heavenly character of music 26 That tells the way by which buds turn to flowers, Inscribed in which are secrets of all worlds Throughout the heavens; which our beings splendid As their law read? Ethron — 'Tis sweet to them; but that it is a key Made to unbolt their gateway into heaven Know not they all of them. Elmo — Odd, odd indeed ! Comes now our time to move Upon our westward journey with the sun. ACT IV. [Scene.— Same as Scene of Act II.] De Petzy — Cheer up. This is no time for gloominess. Go join the dance. Blauvelt — I'm worn and weary, and am sick at heart, Seeing I've searched to find her that I love These many days, but have not heard of her. But, over the world I'll search. Moving the table round, 'till I win all. From icy lands, within the bitter North, Beneath cold skies that are as blue as steel, To scorching wastes, where burn the sands as fire. And hot winds dry the tongue and parch the throat — Aye, till this frame falls helpless at the last. Still will I seek her. De Petzy — You say you've found her father, too, Who now assists in searching for her? Jesse — Go join the dance. I take't no compliment You will not join. Why, what a long-drawn visage! Cheer up. 'Twill all end well. The one who makes your face so melancholy Will be kind yet. Blauvelt — No act unkind has given to me my sadness. De Petzy — Where was it that you last lost track of her? 28 Blauvelt — Why, first she wandered through the gloomy woods; Then crossed the fields, and over dusty roads, Till, reaching that city, entered she into it. The sounds of city life to her were strange, And many a time they filled her mind with dread (So have I learned from those who did observe her). Day in, day out, she wandered through the streets. But found not what she sought. At last, 'tis said, she wearied of this life. And pined for streams, the wild flowers, and the woods. And often was she now seen by the ocean. Listening to hear each message that the waves Had brought from distant ports; or, in the fields, That nearest stood beside the city's edge. Would she pluck flowers to gaze upon their faces And get what women get (though knowing not what) Who love them; And from them read, as from a mirrored image Of distant streams, of mountains blue, and woods. At last, those who'd observed lost sight of her — From that point, learned I nothing. [Enter Sylvia.] But who comes here? Now, if my eyes deceive me — Sylvia — At last! Blauvelt — Tell me — where have you been? What land has been so lighted by your eyes No sun was needed? 29 Sylvia — Three weary days, and nights as weary, too, I've seen the stars creating light by night. The mightier sun relieving them by day. But found you not. Then grew most weary I. At last rose up a light forth from the ground Which moved before, and following after it, Came I, till here. Blauvelt — Was it an angel that led Sylvia ? Seeing so soft and gentle are her thoughts That in them might one come ? And now the day of parting is o'erpast, And part will we no more. Sylvia — Not on this earth; and when death comes to one, Then will we lie each in the others arms. And, as one dies, the other die as well. And both, thus joined, pass to the realms of sleep. A Book Relating to the Art Work of the Fire, and to the Methods by Which the City that Needs No Sun May Be Built Up. By ADAIR WEIiCItKK. What is written in the twenty pages of this work might be in vohimes as many as were in the library of Alexandria. The writings of commentators upon it will, in time, grow into as many as were there gathered. The price of a copy of the work is 50 cents, and it will be sent for that amount to any address in America, or mailed to any address abroad upon the receipt by him of two shillings, sent to the author, at 331 Pine street, San Francisco, California. Copies of this work have been sent to seventy of the Univer- sities and Colleges that are among the best known in the United States. Letters were at the same time sent to them, stating that, if the work was desired for their libraries, they could be retained, and the price (50 cents) sent to the author; that if they were not desired, postage (which was inclosed) was inclosed for their return to the author. Of all the institutions endowed with funds and gifts for the encouragement of art to which they were sent, but one— Brown University of Providence, R. I.— sent to the author 50 cents in payment for the copy which had been sent to it. Others kept both the postage and the copies that had been sent to them. Some returned the copies in a mutilated condition. Others re- turned them in the condition in which they had received them. ADAIR WELCKER, 331 Pine Street, San Francisco, Cal. tifjB MK 14 1902 w