September 24, 2025 • 23 mins
Praised by io9 as the first lesbian science fiction novel, *An Anglo-American Alliance* is a whimsical exploration of love, transformation, and geopolitics set in the imaginative year of 1960. In this world, the Anglo-American Alliance reigns as a global government, heralding a new era of technological and social progress. Yet, even in this seemingly utopian time, the love that dare not speak its name remains taboo. The narrative centers on the secret romance blossoming between two women, Margaret MacDonald and Aurora Cunningham, at a ladies seminary in Cornwall. As they navigate their hidden desires, they also learn to harness the powers of science and technology to turn their dreams into reality. Please note While the novel offers progressive insights on sexuality and gender identity, it also reflects the prejudices of its era, containing instances of ethnocentrism, antisemitism, and casual racism that may be uncomfortable for some listeners. - Summary by ChuckW
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Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Chapter twelve of An Anglo American Alliance. This is a
LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain.
For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org.
Recording by Chuck Williamson. An Anglo American Alliance by Gregory Kasparian.
(00:23):
Chapter twelve, Adventures of Abu Shimshek, the astronomer of Ispahan.
Up on the kinj Genja's lofty summit, where Earth and
heavens meet wear myriads of crystalline icy temples in their
immaculate and prismatic garbs, here and there, and manywhere abound,
(00:49):
temples in whose solid glacial niches saints perpetually hold communion
with Mahatma's son. I said, I was upon the kinchenjes
I for no other purpose than on a mission sublime,
to climb nearer to Heaven, in search of the Creator's
secrets profound and reveal them to the human race day
(01:14):
after day. Thus, dauntless and resolute, I scaled craggy precipices
through mammoth caverns of desolate solitude. I wended my way
up to reach the goal of my ambition. Lured there
by my faith. Night after night, Thus I gazed and
(01:35):
scanned Heaven's canopy studded with twinkling jewels. But alas it seemed,
farther and more remote, grew the space between me and
the blue heaven, with no mortal kind to cheer my
solitude except the wails of hungry jackals and the wild
(01:55):
groans of the bingle tiger, fierce with mereerds of phantom
spirits darting here and there in weird, fantastic forms. I
could not tell whether they were the creatures of some
world unseen, were the ghosts of Gothama and his saints
keeping vigil over the faithful. But at last, so dire
(02:20):
and awful did grow my solitude, that, overcome by fright
and fatigue, I retreated into a glacial cave beneath a
lofty peak. I laid my head on a chilled stalagmite,
the frozen floor to my back, and my face and
belly against what I thought to be the dome of
(02:41):
my cavern. But by the secret ward that grew on
Ghengier's nose, What reality, What a wonderful sight, A new
world revolving through space, entirely different from ours, as it
had living souls and vegetation in a far more advanced
stage of development than ours, was revealed to my astonished eyes.
(03:07):
The greatest efforts of men are brought to not with
the elements controlled by Allah's command, or are so small
in scale in scope as to be beyond compare with
his wondrous works through the greatest telescope that man's ingenuity
and skill can produce. Astronomers cannot agree whether the canals
(03:29):
of Mars are single or double. Pshah, Away with those
numberless impostors who have deluded mankind with their consummate lies.
Some even claim to have traversed the inter ethereal space
by flying machines whose construction was revealed to them in
(03:52):
a sealed package, or found in boxes buried in tombs
and mummies of days gone by. The marvelous medium through
which I saw the celestial panorama was nothing strange. The
cavern into which I so unconsciously was led was an
(04:12):
observatory by nature made Its dome was a mammoth telescope
composed of linses of great magnitude, various in size and shape,
lenses made of purest water distilled by the thundering clouds,
and filtered through Heaven's ether, Linses congealed by the zephyrs
(04:36):
that gently blow from Mount Everest's snow capped brow, Linses
annealed and polished through centuries by the fiery orb that
governs our Earth from its moorings in wondrous space. Here,
to my eye was a telescope most complete. It brought
(04:56):
that strange planet so near as to make me inhale
its very atmosphere, touch its soil and water with my
outstretched arms, and which, with your kind tolerance, I will
briefly relate. The first element on this marvelous world which
(05:17):
my attention did attract was the wonderful hues of its firmament.
There were no inter luminous rays of rosy radiance, nor
amber aisles floating over golden seas of sunset, or similar
trash that our poets here below have sung for ages,
gone over and over again, but instead wonderfully colored panels
(05:41):
of exquisite design, the whole changing, as if by dissolving
slide at every atmospheric vibration into still beautiful patterns, a
veritable kaleidoscope. On consulting my astronomical calculations, I found that
this strange phenomenon was caused by the peculiar inclination and
(06:06):
ascension of this planet toward the Sun. As I was
scanning this sublime panorama with rapturous admiration, my attention was
diverted to an expanse of water. Its constantly foaming and
sparkling nature induced to me to examine it more closely,
(06:27):
and to my great surprise, upon analysis, I found it
to be similar to delicious cream soda, with cakes of
ice floating on it and the whole impregnated with phosphates
on account of the immense guano deposits left by extinct
birds along its shores. But my surprise was still increased
(06:51):
when turning my eyes toward land, I beheld numerous geysers
and fountains spouting upstreams and sprays of water of various hues.
I tasted them one by one, and to my delight,
I found some of them to be composed of silt,
sero caffeine, some of bromo cocaine, some others containing an
(07:18):
infusion of cerabrine. But one of the most peculiar fountains
which I discovered was one that had a zigzag motion
and luminous color. On partaking of a sip of it,
I suddenly experienced a strange sensation going through my body,
exhilarating and rejuvenating my whole system, eradicating all the dandriff
(07:43):
from my scalp, purifying my blood, and dispelling at once
that tired feeling. I gave to this fountain the name Electrolaneerus,
on account of the large percentage of electric fluid. It
contained the vegetation that grew on this marvelous planet. Although
(08:04):
analogous to our terrestrial trees and herbs having roots, trunks,
and branches, was entirely of different order. These forms were
a combination of vegetable and animal kingdoms. Because of their
construction and sensitiveness. I noticed, for example, trees whose leaves
(08:26):
changed colors several times a day, some others which emitted
extraordinary sounds, while still others shrank and expanded instantaneously. But
their fruits were still more curious. Of course, to satisfy
my natural curiosity, I picked and tasted many of them.
(08:49):
They were nothing but our manufactured confections. Still, how delicious
they were. Here was a tree, the folds of whose
musical leaves shielded delicious chocolates. There another tree whose branches
dropped ripe and luscious glace bond bonds of various flavors,
(09:10):
while sugar coated violets and jasmines abounded promiscuously on performing bushes.
During my inspection, I came across a palm like plant
full of innumerable shining objects, which, on closer scrutiny, to
my amazement, I found to be miniature incandescent radium lights
(09:32):
of great brilliancy. As I proceeded with my investigations, I
saw another plant whose branches were studded with brilliant, scintillating globules.
I hastened to examine them, and they were nothing more
nor less than veritable crystals of diamonds. Now, it is
(09:52):
well known that the diamond consists of pure carbon in
crystallized form. This plant had simply the power of absorbing
pure carbon by its roots, and passing through its wonderfully
peculiar fibers, exuded and condensed them on its branches like
gum drops, where they hardened by the actions of its
(10:15):
equally strange atmosphere. I have on my person, as you
will observe a few specimens which I picked at random.
And now, in reference to animals, perhaps you will expect
me to describe to you strange megalotherases of immense proportions
(10:36):
were gigantic mammalian quadrupeds, mammoth flying dragons, serpents, and birds.
But herein I must disappoint you. The truth is, although
I searched diligently for such palaeozoic monsters, I came in
contact with none. Surprised as I was myself, it expled
(11:00):
lamed itself on my discovering an amphitheater like enclosure, wherein
were stored in great numbers the lifeless skeletons of unimaginable
beasts which had existed on this planet in centuries past.
And as on our Earth, the large animals are gradually
(11:21):
becoming extinct on account of the advance of civilization, with
the exception of the Tammany tiger, the American eagle, and
the British lion, I came to the conclusion that on
this new sphere, likewise, because of its far advanced stage
of civilization, they were already extinct. I could not, however,
(11:47):
suppress my laughter on seeing in this collection of monstrous
wild beasts two specimens of two legged mammalions or human beings.
I speedily came to the conclusion that they were either
some of those blatant fools who had ventured on journeys
to remote planets in their flying machines, or some of
(12:10):
our ultra civilized English and American pioneers gone on missions
of grab and benevolent assimilation. Anon I came to the
most interesting stage of my adventure, that of seeing the
most intelligent animals of this new planet, which it seemed
(12:32):
had full control over it, so that there remained no
doubt in my mind of there being the human race
of this strange world. Consequently, I watched them closely and
verily I found them to be far more advanced in
civilization and bodily construction than we mankind. They were so
(12:55):
constructed that they had all the advantages which we are
obliged to apply ourself by artificial means and devices. As
I described them, you will, to a certain degree form
an idea of how they looked. They had only one
eye on top of their heads, a large globular organ. However,
(13:19):
having like the dragonfly, a multiform lens, this eye was
shielded by an umbrella like substance of a hard bony nature.
Thus protected, they could see all round them at the
same time, or whatever side they wanted, without inconveniencing themselves
by craning their necks. I thought it would have been
(13:43):
a great blessing if we mortals here possessed such optics.
Think of the advantage while going about in a crowded
thoroughfare in a great city, to see where you are stepping,
to read the various newspaper bulletins, to watch the c
on the spire, to recognize your friends in the surging throng,
(14:05):
and besides all these, to be able to dodge adroitly
the numerous trolley cars and automobiles at the same time.
In place of the eyes, there were two large circles
covered by a delicate membrane of great sensitiveness, which, instead
of sight, was used for speech. Because they did not
(14:27):
speak with their mouths and inaudible sounds. But with these
two curious circles they carried on a conversation in silent eloquence,
instantaneously transmitting their thoughts to each other, a veritable telepathic medium.
As it were. Their noses and mouths were likewise equally
(14:50):
strange and entirely different, from ours in construction, although to
all appearances they had the same form and occupied some
smilar places. For instance, they could extend their nostrils at pleasure,
shut air tight, or open at will, so that at
the mere suspicion of a bad odor, they could instantly
(15:14):
elongate their proboscis to some point at which pure air
and perfume abounded. The mouth was so constructed that they
could expand and contract it like chameleons, but after three
or four yards, and in such inconceivable velocity that its
rapidity of action was beyond calculation. Its usefulness was manifold,
(15:39):
because they not only took nutrition by it, but it
was a very formidable weapon of attack and defense. They
wore absolutely no clothing, consequently were annoyed by no tailor
made suits, no bloomers, no furbelows, but nature itself had
provided with all that was desirable. Their skins were covered
(16:03):
from the neck to the shoulder with white swans down,
and from the shoulders to the waist with a fine
silky fur, resembling in color and texture the best quality
of seal skins, while from the waist sprouted all around
the loveliest crop of hanging Ostrich feathers. There was no
(16:26):
difference in male and female attire. As women nowadays are
speaking of equal rights and are adopting masculine tendencies, I
believe we are in the right line of advancement to
reach the same destination. Their manner of locomotion was another
surprise to me, as I watched them darting deaftly here
(16:49):
and there. Upon examination of their lower extremities, I found
it to be simply loco motion by electricity. Under their
feet were several wheels of natural formation. In whichever direction
they wanted to go. They set the locomotive current to
any degree of celerity. Think of it, each person having
(17:12):
his own automatic rapid transit. As I became intensely interested
in these strange beings, I felt curious to know and
study their social manners and discover whether they experienced any emotions,
sorrows or mirth. Consequently, I changed my observations to these particulars.
(17:37):
In searching through the gardens and flowery bowers that abounded
in a certain locality, it was not necessary for me
to wait very long. My eyes rested upon a comical
spectacle which left no doubt in my mind that it
was a case of a morphous deprivation. It was simply,
(17:57):
as I judged, an act of ste kisses, oh the rascal.
Here was a maiden, sweet and fair, overcome perhaps by fatigue,
lying on a velvety grass of cobalt blue, her head
resting on a natural eider down topped toadstool. And there
(18:19):
a precocious youth perched on a branch of a tree above,
his elastic mouth in close contact to that maiden, busily
gathering like a hummingbird the nectars of osculatory bliss, while
his globular eye kept watch round about for any unceremonious
(18:40):
or hostile intruder invade I tried to imitate. I still
feel the thrill. In fact, I would not object to
have a mouth so formed, even in this vain world
of ours. I believe there are flowers here also, ever
in bloom, like the fairy maiden above. In reference to
(19:04):
the pleasures and enjoyments of these marvelous beings, I was
somewhat nonplusifying that there were no theaters or places of amusement.
The fact was that in every respect they were very,
very practical. When they wanted to laugh, they simply went
to certain valleys of their locality, where on, inhaling its atmosphere,
(19:29):
they became almost hysterical in their ecstasy of joy, giggling hahi,
and continuing in such hilarious laughter without stop until they
were thoroughly satisfied. I became curious to know the nature
of this atmospheric element which produced such merriment, and on
(19:50):
careful analysis, found the air to be strongly impregnated with
pure nitrous oxide or laughing gas, and in fury, quality
of which was formerly used by our dentists. Likewise, when
they felt a desire to cry, they went to another neighborhood,
(20:11):
where certain bushes abounded, bearing on their drooping branches a
profusion of Job's tears, the sight of which so affected
the visitors that they were at once transformed into veritable niobes.
All tears. They wept, sighed, and wailed until their longing
(20:31):
had subsided. Their solution of the habitation problem was, I
think that which wise men on this Earth have been
trying to solve from the beginning of creation. This utopian
planet contained no dwelling built by mankind. Consequently, there were
no taxes, no new land theories, no internal revenue, or
(20:56):
protection embargoes. The planet itself produced everything without the aid
of its people, and they enjoyed the fruit of the
soil equally. Whenever these creatures desired to rest, they retired
to certain localities where millions of velvety couches grew like toadstools,
(21:17):
on which they reclined, while the vegetation around, with its
narcotic perfumes, lulled them quietly to sleep. The duration of
their day, which was continual twilight of variegated designs, was
according to my chronometer, fifty hours long, and they divided
(21:40):
it into two equal parts, twenty five hours of which
they slept in balmy dream lands, while the other twenty
five they indulged in all kinds of recreations and no
work at all. As the working hours of our laboring
classes are decreasing day by day by the glorious medium
(22:02):
of unionism, I am happy to predict that we are
on the right path of some day reaching the millennium
of doing nothing, so that we shall at last have
twelve hours of sleep and twelve hours of recreation. When
I saw all these wonderful things, I confess I forgot
my mission sublime and determined that and there to transport
(22:26):
myself to that celestial sphere. Consequently, I approached one of
them and appealed for admission to that land of rest
and perpetual bliss. Scarcely had I spoken when I felt
the atmosphere about me become suffocating. There was thunder and lightning,
(22:48):
and a sepulchral voice was heard to say, no earthly
dominion here. This dread injunction rendered me insensible, and when
consciousness returned earned I found myself at the foot of
the kinjuin Genjes amidst the ruins of that wonderful telescope
by nature made end of Chapter twelve,
Chapter twelve of An Anglo American Alliance. This is a
LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain.
For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org.
Recording by Chuck Williamson. An Anglo American Alliance by Gregory Kasparian.
(00:23):
Chapter twelve, Adventures of Abu Shimshek, the astronomer of Ispahan.
Up on the kinj Genja's lofty summit, where Earth and
heavens meet wear myriads of crystalline icy temples in their
immaculate and prismatic garbs, here and there, and manywhere abound,
(00:49):
temples in whose solid glacial niches saints perpetually hold communion
with Mahatma's son. I said, I was upon the kinchenjes
I for no other purpose than on a mission sublime,
to climb nearer to Heaven, in search of the Creator's
secrets profound and reveal them to the human race day
(01:14):
after day. Thus, dauntless and resolute, I scaled craggy precipices
through mammoth caverns of desolate solitude. I wended my way
up to reach the goal of my ambition. Lured there
by my faith. Night after night, Thus I gazed and
(01:35):
scanned Heaven's canopy studded with twinkling jewels. But alas it seemed,
farther and more remote, grew the space between me and
the blue heaven, with no mortal kind to cheer my
solitude except the wails of hungry jackals and the wild
(01:55):
groans of the bingle tiger, fierce with mereerds of phantom
spirits darting here and there in weird, fantastic forms. I
could not tell whether they were the creatures of some
world unseen, were the ghosts of Gothama and his saints
keeping vigil over the faithful. But at last, so dire
(02:20):
and awful did grow my solitude, that, overcome by fright
and fatigue, I retreated into a glacial cave beneath a
lofty peak. I laid my head on a chilled stalagmite,
the frozen floor to my back, and my face and
belly against what I thought to be the dome of
(02:41):
my cavern. But by the secret ward that grew on
Ghengier's nose, What reality, What a wonderful sight, A new
world revolving through space, entirely different from ours, as it
had living souls and vegetation in a far more advanced
stage of development than ours, was revealed to my astonished eyes.
(03:07):
The greatest efforts of men are brought to not with
the elements controlled by Allah's command, or are so small
in scale in scope as to be beyond compare with
his wondrous works through the greatest telescope that man's ingenuity
and skill can produce. Astronomers cannot agree whether the canals
(03:29):
of Mars are single or double. Pshah, Away with those
numberless impostors who have deluded mankind with their consummate lies.
Some even claim to have traversed the inter ethereal space
by flying machines whose construction was revealed to them in
(03:52):
a sealed package, or found in boxes buried in tombs
and mummies of days gone by. The marvelous medium through
which I saw the celestial panorama was nothing strange. The
cavern into which I so unconsciously was led was an
(04:12):
observatory by nature made Its dome was a mammoth telescope
composed of linses of great magnitude, various in size and shape,
lenses made of purest water distilled by the thundering clouds,
and filtered through Heaven's ether, Linses congealed by the zephyrs
(04:36):
that gently blow from Mount Everest's snow capped brow, Linses
annealed and polished through centuries by the fiery orb that
governs our Earth from its moorings in wondrous space. Here,
to my eye was a telescope most complete. It brought
(04:56):
that strange planet so near as to make me inhale
its very atmosphere, touch its soil and water with my
outstretched arms, and which, with your kind tolerance, I will
briefly relate. The first element on this marvelous world which
(05:17):
my attention did attract was the wonderful hues of its firmament.
There were no inter luminous rays of rosy radiance, nor
amber aisles floating over golden seas of sunset, or similar
trash that our poets here below have sung for ages,
gone over and over again, but instead wonderfully colored panels
(05:41):
of exquisite design, the whole changing, as if by dissolving
slide at every atmospheric vibration into still beautiful patterns, a
veritable kaleidoscope. On consulting my astronomical calculations, I found that
this strange phenomenon was caused by the peculiar inclination and
(06:06):
ascension of this planet toward the Sun. As I was
scanning this sublime panorama with rapturous admiration, my attention was
diverted to an expanse of water. Its constantly foaming and
sparkling nature induced to me to examine it more closely,
(06:27):
and to my great surprise, upon analysis, I found it
to be similar to delicious cream soda, with cakes of
ice floating on it and the whole impregnated with phosphates
on account of the immense guano deposits left by extinct
birds along its shores. But my surprise was still increased
(06:51):
when turning my eyes toward land, I beheld numerous geysers
and fountains spouting upstreams and sprays of water of various hues.
I tasted them one by one, and to my delight,
I found some of them to be composed of silt,
sero caffeine, some of bromo cocaine, some others containing an
(07:18):
infusion of cerabrine. But one of the most peculiar fountains
which I discovered was one that had a zigzag motion
and luminous color. On partaking of a sip of it,
I suddenly experienced a strange sensation going through my body,
exhilarating and rejuvenating my whole system, eradicating all the dandriff
(07:43):
from my scalp, purifying my blood, and dispelling at once
that tired feeling. I gave to this fountain the name Electrolaneerus,
on account of the large percentage of electric fluid. It
contained the vegetation that grew on this marvelous planet. Although
(08:04):
analogous to our terrestrial trees and herbs having roots, trunks,
and branches, was entirely of different order. These forms were
a combination of vegetable and animal kingdoms. Because of their
construction and sensitiveness. I noticed, for example, trees whose leaves
(08:26):
changed colors several times a day, some others which emitted
extraordinary sounds, while still others shrank and expanded instantaneously. But
their fruits were still more curious. Of course, to satisfy
my natural curiosity, I picked and tasted many of them.
(08:49):
They were nothing but our manufactured confections. Still, how delicious
they were. Here was a tree, the folds of whose
musical leaves shielded delicious chocolates. There another tree whose branches
dropped ripe and luscious glace bond bonds of various flavors,
(09:10):
while sugar coated violets and jasmines abounded promiscuously on performing bushes.
During my inspection, I came across a palm like plant
full of innumerable shining objects, which, on closer scrutiny, to
my amazement, I found to be miniature incandescent radium lights
(09:32):
of great brilliancy. As I proceeded with my investigations, I
saw another plant whose branches were studded with brilliant, scintillating globules.
I hastened to examine them, and they were nothing more
nor less than veritable crystals of diamonds. Now, it is
(09:52):
well known that the diamond consists of pure carbon in
crystallized form. This plant had simply the power of absorbing
pure carbon by its roots, and passing through its wonderfully
peculiar fibers, exuded and condensed them on its branches like
gum drops, where they hardened by the actions of its
(10:15):
equally strange atmosphere. I have on my person, as you
will observe a few specimens which I picked at random.
And now, in reference to animals, perhaps you will expect
me to describe to you strange megalotherases of immense proportions
(10:36):
were gigantic mammalian quadrupeds, mammoth flying dragons, serpents, and birds.
But herein I must disappoint you. The truth is, although
I searched diligently for such palaeozoic monsters, I came in
contact with none. Surprised as I was myself, it expled
(11:00):
lamed itself on my discovering an amphitheater like enclosure, wherein
were stored in great numbers the lifeless skeletons of unimaginable
beasts which had existed on this planet in centuries past.
And as on our Earth, the large animals are gradually
(11:21):
becoming extinct on account of the advance of civilization, with
the exception of the Tammany tiger, the American eagle, and
the British lion, I came to the conclusion that on
this new sphere, likewise, because of its far advanced stage
of civilization, they were already extinct. I could not, however,
(11:47):
suppress my laughter on seeing in this collection of monstrous
wild beasts two specimens of two legged mammalions or human beings.
I speedily came to the conclusion that they were either
some of those blatant fools who had ventured on journeys
to remote planets in their flying machines, or some of
(12:10):
our ultra civilized English and American pioneers gone on missions
of grab and benevolent assimilation. Anon I came to the
most interesting stage of my adventure, that of seeing the
most intelligent animals of this new planet, which it seemed
(12:32):
had full control over it, so that there remained no
doubt in my mind of there being the human race
of this strange world. Consequently, I watched them closely and
verily I found them to be far more advanced in
civilization and bodily construction than we mankind. They were so
(12:55):
constructed that they had all the advantages which we are
obliged to apply ourself by artificial means and devices. As
I described them, you will, to a certain degree form
an idea of how they looked. They had only one
eye on top of their heads, a large globular organ. However,
(13:19):
having like the dragonfly, a multiform lens, this eye was
shielded by an umbrella like substance of a hard bony nature.
Thus protected, they could see all round them at the
same time, or whatever side they wanted, without inconveniencing themselves
by craning their necks. I thought it would have been
(13:43):
a great blessing if we mortals here possessed such optics.
Think of the advantage while going about in a crowded
thoroughfare in a great city, to see where you are stepping,
to read the various newspaper bulletins, to watch the c
on the spire, to recognize your friends in the surging throng,
(14:05):
and besides all these, to be able to dodge adroitly
the numerous trolley cars and automobiles at the same time.
In place of the eyes, there were two large circles
covered by a delicate membrane of great sensitiveness, which, instead
of sight, was used for speech. Because they did not
(14:27):
speak with their mouths and inaudible sounds. But with these
two curious circles they carried on a conversation in silent eloquence,
instantaneously transmitting their thoughts to each other, a veritable telepathic medium.
As it were. Their noses and mouths were likewise equally
(14:50):
strange and entirely different, from ours in construction, although to
all appearances they had the same form and occupied some
smilar places. For instance, they could extend their nostrils at pleasure,
shut air tight, or open at will, so that at
the mere suspicion of a bad odor, they could instantly
(15:14):
elongate their proboscis to some point at which pure air
and perfume abounded. The mouth was so constructed that they
could expand and contract it like chameleons, but after three
or four yards, and in such inconceivable velocity that its
rapidity of action was beyond calculation. Its usefulness was manifold,
(15:39):
because they not only took nutrition by it, but it
was a very formidable weapon of attack and defense. They
wore absolutely no clothing, consequently were annoyed by no tailor
made suits, no bloomers, no furbelows, but nature itself had
provided with all that was desirable. Their skins were covered
(16:03):
from the neck to the shoulder with white swans down,
and from the shoulders to the waist with a fine
silky fur, resembling in color and texture the best quality
of seal skins, while from the waist sprouted all around
the loveliest crop of hanging Ostrich feathers. There was no
(16:26):
difference in male and female attire. As women nowadays are
speaking of equal rights and are adopting masculine tendencies, I
believe we are in the right line of advancement to
reach the same destination. Their manner of locomotion was another
surprise to me, as I watched them darting deaftly here
(16:49):
and there. Upon examination of their lower extremities, I found
it to be simply loco motion by electricity. Under their
feet were several wheels of natural formation. In whichever direction
they wanted to go. They set the locomotive current to
any degree of celerity. Think of it, each person having
(17:12):
his own automatic rapid transit. As I became intensely interested
in these strange beings, I felt curious to know and
study their social manners and discover whether they experienced any emotions,
sorrows or mirth. Consequently, I changed my observations to these particulars.
(17:37):
In searching through the gardens and flowery bowers that abounded
in a certain locality, it was not necessary for me
to wait very long. My eyes rested upon a comical
spectacle which left no doubt in my mind that it
was a case of a morphous deprivation. It was simply,
(17:57):
as I judged, an act of ste kisses, oh the rascal.
Here was a maiden, sweet and fair, overcome perhaps by fatigue,
lying on a velvety grass of cobalt blue, her head
resting on a natural eider down topped toadstool. And there
(18:19):
a precocious youth perched on a branch of a tree above,
his elastic mouth in close contact to that maiden, busily
gathering like a hummingbird the nectars of osculatory bliss, while
his globular eye kept watch round about for any unceremonious
(18:40):
or hostile intruder invade I tried to imitate. I still
feel the thrill. In fact, I would not object to
have a mouth so formed, even in this vain world
of ours. I believe there are flowers here also, ever
in bloom, like the fairy maiden above. In reference to
(19:04):
the pleasures and enjoyments of these marvelous beings, I was
somewhat nonplusifying that there were no theaters or places of amusement.
The fact was that in every respect they were very,
very practical. When they wanted to laugh, they simply went
to certain valleys of their locality, where on, inhaling its atmosphere,
(19:29):
they became almost hysterical in their ecstasy of joy, giggling hahi,
and continuing in such hilarious laughter without stop until they
were thoroughly satisfied. I became curious to know the nature
of this atmospheric element which produced such merriment, and on
(19:50):
careful analysis, found the air to be strongly impregnated with
pure nitrous oxide or laughing gas, and in fury, quality
of which was formerly used by our dentists. Likewise, when
they felt a desire to cry, they went to another neighborhood,
(20:11):
where certain bushes abounded, bearing on their drooping branches a
profusion of Job's tears, the sight of which so affected
the visitors that they were at once transformed into veritable niobes.
All tears. They wept, sighed, and wailed until their longing
(20:31):
had subsided. Their solution of the habitation problem was, I
think that which wise men on this Earth have been
trying to solve from the beginning of creation. This utopian
planet contained no dwelling built by mankind. Consequently, there were
no taxes, no new land theories, no internal revenue, or
(20:56):
protection embargoes. The planet itself produced everything without the aid
of its people, and they enjoyed the fruit of the
soil equally. Whenever these creatures desired to rest, they retired
to certain localities where millions of velvety couches grew like toadstools,
(21:17):
on which they reclined, while the vegetation around, with its
narcotic perfumes, lulled them quietly to sleep. The duration of
their day, which was continual twilight of variegated designs, was
according to my chronometer, fifty hours long, and they divided
(21:40):
it into two equal parts, twenty five hours of which
they slept in balmy dream lands, while the other twenty
five they indulged in all kinds of recreations and no
work at all. As the working hours of our laboring
classes are decreasing day by day by the glorious medium
(22:02):
of unionism, I am happy to predict that we are
on the right path of some day reaching the millennium
of doing nothing, so that we shall at last have
twelve hours of sleep and twelve hours of recreation. When
I saw all these wonderful things, I confess I forgot
my mission sublime and determined that and there to transport
(22:26):
myself to that celestial sphere. Consequently, I approached one of
them and appealed for admission to that land of rest
and perpetual bliss. Scarcely had I spoken when I felt
the atmosphere about me become suffocating. There was thunder and lightning,
(22:48):
and a sepulchral voice was heard to say, no earthly
dominion here. This dread injunction rendered me insensible, and when
consciousness returned earned I found myself at the foot of
the kinjuin Genjes amidst the ruins of that wonderful telescope
by nature made end of Chapter twelve,
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