The morning call., 1893-06-14
ANOTHER WORLD

From the distance advanced undulations
of sound. How far, now near, beguiled
they the aural memory.
What glorious harmonies are those ?''
rapturously inquired l, my clasped hands
and wondering eyes attesting my delight.
They proceed from sphere to which
we travel" my guides explained; "to a
sphere where the souls of Music. Poesy
and Art abide. The character of that
population will attract thee beyond assur-
ance; will satisfy thine inward cravings" !"
The words added fleetness to my PIN
ions; the sound-waves bucyed my listen
ing spirit.
Before my vision garden Of loyeliness
stretched. Numerous pavilions. vine
wreathed and exquisitey architectured,
peeped through the glossy forest foliage,
and cheered the distant acres. Stately
forms pass to and fro. clothed in soft
white raiment, palm branches in their
hands; others fingered golden harpS in
ravishing measures.
6SThrough the element waited songs 0f
praise, so adoring, so triumphant, that L
fell upon my knees in ecstasy, while a
crystal stream of joy moistened mine eye
lids.
allSe, true HBaIt Bieebeu ouc-a
mighty spirit with brow of broad, white
beauty, an eye large and luminous with
genius. Come with me. and thine ear
shall be quicEened to vibrated melody"
| glanced at the stranger. A robe Of
trailing classicness arrayed his erect and
dominant form. Where had l viewed that
wnndrous cOuntenance?
Earthly memories absorbed. for time,
the spiritual; and a keen puZzling with
drew me from the celestial cline. My
companion maintained a coDsiderate
silence. / felt that he knew the uppermost
thought in my mind and only awaited my
Inclination TO speech.
We paused near n band of spirits. who
bent the knee and bead before my guide.
Male and female we're there; youths ana
maidens, men and women in their prime.
| felt thrill OF tenderness as gaZed upOn
them-a sympathy and jov stronger than
many previous transition. Mobility
stamped itself upon ca brow; character
and energy made strong each mOath and
chin
il whispered word or two from my guide,
q majestic wave Of his arm-aud a chorus
of song sweled on the famshed air.
Now single voice legatoed a passage in
greeting tone, then another replied, and
another, until the may measures wound
in and out, softly swelling, gradually di-
miuishing.
a pause ensued-a pause so breathless,
so solemn, that the wondrous chord OF
strength that followed shook me- rs q reed.
| laughed, shouted, cried in ecstacy. l
knew the Monarch of Song Ihen-the great
compt ser whose melodies had been worded
10 heavenly themes-w hose sarredness
had lifted many a storm-tossed heart as
the strains arose and trembled from chan
eel, nave and cloister.
wilt thou join my band. and lift in
unison thy voice?" earnestly invited he.
{
soul could scarcely withhold its rapture.
Again the master waved his hand, ag in
the soul-thoughts flashed to theirs melody
was renewed.
With a strength l had not known, an
inclination and desire beyond an earthly
one, my voice uprose.
again, again" demanded he, ms
paused at the reality of my singleness OF
tone.
And the inspiration OF his accents lent
warming enthusiasm 10 mine, an utter lack
of self-consciousness. / knew myself only
in an element that voiced my dreams-on
a plane outstepped from earthliness.
As my song ceased l found myself sur
founded and mbraced by the listening
tbrnng.
Remain with u.s." they cried. "and
dwell in a cline to which the heart re-
spondsl"
My inmost thought clamored for assent;
yet an attraction more powerful than cOu q
be expressed drew ME onward, upwarG
and TO their supplication | gave no imme-
diaie answer.
M In s!entness | remained. The vibrating
wavas of melody still con rolled my men,
ory i; still throbbed. surged. and held me
by their strength. The air seemed Quiv-
ering with minor chords of pathetic in
port, which as suddenly glided into
even, triumphant peals OF melody. Each
note lived in my sense; the memory was
all-peTvadng.
Toward me trio advanced. felt their
subtle potency before had fully scanned
their features, or realized their proximity.
They enveloped me in their mighty person.
ahty, and / silently rendered with bowed
head my homage.
Thou hast only trod this sacred SOIL"
uttered they, saluting me with kindness
and interest. Come where our baunts
lie, and be cne OF u.s.
"Oh. mastersl" struggled ], in startled
speech, 'deemest me worthy ?"
And my extremes of feeling alternated
with waiting doubt
1--WE have learned and delighted" was
their reply. "at thy advent into our midst.
Each soul finds character similar to It's
own in this cline beyond the skies. loo
gladly are they welcomed"
1 Looked aSkance toward my previous
guide TO say farewell.
The distant shrubbery rewarded me
with the faint white trailing of his robe.
Behind him wound his tuneful followers.
/ kissed my hands in rapturouS earnes'
ness to the dimming outlines and uplIfted
an eager assent 10 my new-fonnd friends:
II will tread, oh spirits, wherever thy
accents nameW
Away then" outbreathed they, ITO the
heights afar!
"Markest thou" indicated they with
moving hands, ''ynn upward fleeing
,hrongP They breathe the draughis OF
heavens air. they catch the winged
thoughts OF a power rabOve-rhythmically
voice them to Tyre and Lutte. Spontane-
ously singing, heart-echoing. they, living,
adore; adoring. live"
rs II meet for me to sue for recognition
there?" queried |, my trembling lids
fringlng my abaShed cheeks.
Elevation is meet for all, answered
one, ''lf 1t be attended by inward prompt
ing and outward needing. Hast thou not
felt when on earth the soil loosen from thy
feet. the development of ~ form about
thine own, and removal from the ways
and thoughts of earth? Hath not thy
duickenrd tongue discourspd OF inner
forms and midway scenes beheld by thy
spirits eye?"
"Thy words unfathom nv minds deeps.
yet thou has not known mel"
still, we know ourselves; and thy
aspirations we're then akin to ours; for
whence would this attraction proceed,
save from kindred souls"