Born Again | Page 7

power to show them to my fellow beings as I saw them. What an
imposing, noble looking lot they were. They were all about the same
size and not one of them could have been less than eight feet in height.
In looking at them closely, I noticed that they possessed most
magnificent physiques. They were neither fat nor lean and their
well-groomed bodies showed plainly that no horse or piece of
machinery ever received better care or attention. While they appeared
to be from thirty to forty years in ages, not one of them wore a
mustache, beard or any other shaggy decoration of the face. Their
foreheads were broad and massive and extended to the center of their
splendidly shaped craniums. Extraordinary intelligence, kindness and
gentleness showed forth from every feature of their handsome
countenances. Judging from their well-proportioned frames, each one
looked powerful enough to battle single handed with an elephant.
Judging from their faces not one of them would have hurt a flea. Each

man appeared to be buried in the depth of thought--serious thought--
notwithstanding every physiognomy plainly showed that the utmost
happiness and contentment existed within each, and good will between
all of them. The skin of their faces, hands and feet was as white as
snow, transparent, and backed by a beautiful pink. At first sight I
thought they were the gods. Uniformly clothed in closely fitting
garments from the ankles to the neck, their superb forms showed
complete symmetrical perfection. The hue of their raiment was
indescribable for I had never seen the like before. In fact the colors
actually appeared to change before my steady gaze. Their feet were
bare, very shapely, and the toes of greater length than ordinarily.
As I stood rooted to the ground and viewed them with intense
admiration, I wondered why they did not speak or take notice of my
presence. But finally in order to attract their attention I shouted, hello.
My voice sounded rather harsh and peculiar on this occasion, and was
more like the bray of an ass than anything else, but they made no
motion as if they heard me, or were aware of my existence. Walking
over to the nearest one, I reached up and touched him on the shoulder.
Then I sprang back in amazement, for instead of giving any sign of
recognition he merely placed his instrument in position, as did all the
others, and with slow, graceful movements began to play. The first
strains of music, although distinct and supernaturally grand, seemed to
be miles away but gradually increased in sound as if coming nearer and
nearer. At the same time I observed that the musicians, who were not
only using both hands in the manipulation of their instruments but with
graceful dexterity their feet as well, were becoming enthusiastic and
appeared to throw their very lives and souls into the work. If at first
while inactive they appeared to be extraordinarily intellectual beings,
now in action they looked divine. Their eyes blazed like miniature suns
shooting forth sparks of a thousand different hues. It seemed as if the
very music itself came from the expression of their faces. And on, on,
on, came the intoxicating strains, increasing in volume and excellence
until I imagined that all heaven had broken loose in one great effort to
charm my feeble senses, and then with a thunderous climax it ceased
instantly, the musicians smiled and bowed pleasantly to one another,
and then resumed their former attitudes.

No mortal's pen could describe my ecstasy while listening to the music
produced by this body of--I must say heavenly creatures. There was
something strange and analogous about it, too, that seemed to recall a
mysterious dream or vision I had once passed through. Whether it was
caused by the music or the kindly expressions of love for one another
on the faces of the players I know not, but nevertheless great tears
spontaneously rolled down my cheeks, the first I ever recollect having
shed, and at the conclusion of the piece I remained transfixed to the
spot for several minutes in deep cogitation.
Once more, however, my inquiring nature aroused me and I walked
over toward the leader. His face was turned slightly in another direction,
so I decided to step up on the platform, get squarely in front of him and
look straight into his eyes. So with a light movement I sprang for the
rostrum. But instead of reaching it my foot and head struck--not the
platform but solid wall, and a second later I found myself in a heap on
the ground. Then I started to think. Next I began to feel and finally a
broad grin overspread my face, for the scene before me was not real
after all, but a