“Zurdusht taught that, at the last day, Ormuzd would triumph.”
_American._--“I see. Zoroaster compared the _two principles_ to Light and Darkness, and to each attributed _creative_ power. And now that I reflect, I note that dual-elements of some kind, material or spiritual, and associated with the idea of _good_ and _evil_, are averred in most religious creeds. It is the great mystery!”
_Zoroaster._--“Death further opened my finite eyes. There are not _two discordant essences_ nor TWO CREATIVE POWERS. The One God is the One Creator. He alone can solve the inscrutability of Evil.”
The lights die out. Sounds cease. The temple disappears. Utter darkness ensues. A sudden murmured exclamation of wonder arises from countless beings, enshrouded in the night. The Heavens above have opened; an amazing glory of radiance shines through them, amid which “the great White Throne” and “He who sitteth thereon” are seen, and His resounding voice utters to the Universe: I AM THE LIGHT!
This dream had one feature in common with ordinary dreams; parts of it were confused and fitful. But its unusual length and coherence were remarkable. It consisted of a series of vivid scenes and singular events in conformity with its general character and design. These were announced (a notable fact) in its outset, and sustained throughout (still more strange) in their appropriate relations.
The aerial _voyageurs_ took a general view of the Ganges and its deltas. They paused to observe a Hindoo maiden, of the better _caste_, launch upon its waters, in her amative superstition, one of those small lights, votive to love and imagination, which floating down the stream would by its course, accidents and fate, indicate what might be the chequered destiny of her affections, or the fortunes of an absent lover. And they noticed her as a specimen of the delicate symmetry of form and sentient beauty of face, characteristic of southern Asiatic females. The dreamy expression of soul on her countenance enthralled the American. For a time he was human.
Geographical details but seldom attracted their attention. Their general consciousness was that of travelling at night; yet there was ever light enough when and where it was desired. The American conceived the mortal wish to view a scene from the highest mountains in the world. They were near the Himmalayas, and flew to their most commanding peak. It appeared to be a bright day, and all the sensations of sublime awe and admiration which a man could feel under such circumstances were realized. This experience was entirely distinct from any impressions produced during their usual aerial observations. The landscape seemed to comprise every variety of object, from the grandest and most startling, to the softest and most serene, and a delicious mellowing sublimated the enchantment.