Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. II Page 2

  For, during our first friendly conversation with Pani, Media hadinquired for Hivohitee, and sought to know in what part of the islandhe abode.

  Whereto Pani had replied, that the Pontiff would be invisible forseveral days to come; being engaged with particular company.

  And upon further inquiry, as to who were the personages monopolizinghis hospitalities, Media was dumb when informed, that they were noother than certain incorporeal deities from above, passing theCapricorn Solstice at Maramma.

  As on we journeyed, much curiosity being expressed to know more of thePontiff and his guests, old Mohi, familiar with these things, wascommanded to enlighten the company. He complied; and his recital wasnot a little significant, of the occasional credulity of chroniclers.

  According to his statement, the deities entertained by Hivohiteebelonged to the third class of immortals. These, however, were farelevated above the corporeal demi-gods of Mardi. Indeed, inHivohitee's eyes, the greatest demi-gods were as gourds. Littlewonder, then, that their superiors were accounted the most genteelcharacters on his visiting list.

  These immortals were wonderfully fastidious and dainty as to theatmosphere they breathed; inhaling no sublunary air, but that of theelevated interior; where the Pontiff had a rural lodge, for thespecial accommodation of impalpable guests; who were entertained atvery small cost; dinners being unnecessary, and dormitoriessuperfluous.

  But Hivohitee permitted not the presence of these celestial grandees,to interfere with his own solid comfort. Passing his mornings inhighly intensified chat, he thrice reclined at his ease; partaking ofa fine plantain-pudding, and pouring out from a calabash of celestialold wine; meanwhile, carrying on the flow of soul with his guests. Andtruly, the sight of their entertainer thus enjoying himself in theflesh, while they themselves starved on the ether, must have beenexceedingly provoking to these aristocratic and aerial strangers.

  It was reported, furthermore, that Hivohitee, one of the haughtiest ofPontiffs, purposely treated his angelical guests thus cavalierly; inorder to convince them, that though a denizen of earth; a sublunarian;and in respect of heaven, a mere provincial; he (Hivohitee) accountedhimself full as good as seraphim from the capital; and that too at theCapricorn Solstice, or any other time of the year. Strongly bent wasHivohitee upon humbling their supercilious pretensions.

  Besides, was he not accounted a great god in the land? supreme? havingpower of life and death? essaying the deposition of kings? anddwelling in moody state, all by himself, in the goodliest island ofMardi? Though here, be it said, that his assumptions of temporalsupremacy were but seldom made good by express interference with thesecular concerns of the neighboring monarchs; who, by force of arms,were too apt to argue against his claims to authority; however, intheory, they bowed to it. And now, for the genealogy of Hivohitee; foreighteen hundred and forty-seven Hivohitees were alleged to have gonebefore him. He came in a right line from the divine Hivohitee I.: theoriginal grantee of the empire of men's souls and the first swayer ofa crosier. The present Pontiff's descent was unquestionable; hisdignity having been transmitted through none but heirs male; the wholeprocession of High Priests being the fruit of successive marriagesbetween uterine brother and sister. A conjunction deemed incestuous insome lands; but, here, held the only fit channel for the puretransmission of elevated rank.

  Added to the hereditary appellation, Hivohitee, which simply denotedthe sacerdotal station of the Pontiffs, and was but seldom employed incurrent discourse, they were individualized by a distinctive name,bestowed upon them at birth. And the degree of consideration in whichthey were held, may be inferred from the fact, that during thelifetime of a Pontiff, the leading sound in his name was banned toordinary uses. Whence, at every new accession to the archiepiscopalthrone, it came to pass, that multitudes of words and phrases wereeither essentially modified, or wholly dropped. Wherefore, thelanguage of Maramma was incessantly fluctuating; and had become sofull of jargonings, that the birds in the groves were greatly puzzled;not knowing where lay the virtue of sounds, so incoherent.

  And, in a good measure, this held true of all tongues spokenthroughout the Archipelago; the birds marveling at mankind, andmankind at the birds; wondering how they could continually sing; when,for all man knew to the contrary, it was impossible they could beholding intelligent discourse. And thus, though for thousands ofyears, men and birds had been dwelling together in Mardi, theyremained wholly ignorant of each other's secrets; the Islanderregarding the fowl as a senseless songster, forever in the clouds; andthe fowl him, as a screeching crane, destitute of pinions and loftyaspirations.

  Over and above numerous other miraculous powers imputed to thePontiffs as spiritual potentates, there was ascribed to them onespecial privilege of a secular nature: that of healing with a touchthe bites of the ravenous sharks, swarming throughout the lagoon. Withthese they were supposed to be upon the most friendly terms; accordingto popular accounts, sociably bathing with them in the sea; permittingthem to rub their noses against their priestly thighs; playfullymouthing their hands, with all their tiers of teeth.

  At the ordination of a Pontiff, the ceremony was not deemed complete,until embarking in his barge, he was saluted High Priest by threesharks drawing near; with teeth turned up, swimming beside his canoe.

  These monsters were deified in Maramma; had altars there; it wasdeemed worse than homicide to kill one. "And what if they destroyhuman life?" say the Islanders, "are they not sacred?"

  Now many more wonderful things were related touching Hivohitee; andthough one could not but doubt the validity of many prerogativesascribed to him, it was nevertheless hard to do otherwise, thanentertain for the Pontiff that sort of profound consideration, whichall render to those who indisputably possess the power of quenchinghuman life with a wish.

  CHAPTER VThey Visit The Great Morai

  As garrulous guide to the party, Braid-Beard soon brought us nigh thegreat Morai of Maramma, the burial-place of the Pontiffs, and a ruralpromenade, for certain idols there inhabiting.

  Our way now led through the bed of a shallow water-course; Mohiobserving, as we went, that our feet were being washed at every step;whereas, to tread the dusty earth would be to desecrate the holyMorai, by transferring thereto, the base soil of less sacred ground.

  Here and there, thatched arbors were thrown over the stream, for theaccommodation of devotees; who, in these consecrated waters, issuingfrom a spring in the Morai, bathed their garments, that long life mightensue. Yet, as Braid-Beard assured us, sometimes it happened, thatdivers feeble old men zealously donning their raiment immediately afterimmersion became afflicted with rheumatics; and instances were relatedof their falling down dead, in this their pursuit of longevity.

  Coming to the Morai, we found it inclosed by a wall; and while therest were surmounting it, Mohi was busily engaged in the apparentlychildish occupation of collecting pebbles. Of these, however, to ourno small surprise, he presently made use, by irreverently throwingthem at all objects to which he was desirous of directing attention.In this manner, was pointed out a black boar's head, suspended from abough. Full twenty of these sentries were on post in the neighboringtrees.

  Proceeding, we came to a hillock of bone-dry sand, resting upon theotherwise loamy soil. Possessing a secret, preservative virtue, thissand had, ages ago, been brought from a distant land, to furnish asepulcher for the Pontiffs; who here, side by side, and sire by son,slumbered all peacefully in the fellowship of the grave. Mohideclared, that were the sepulcher to be opened, it would be theresurrection of the whole line of High Priests. "But a resurrection ofbones, after all," said Babbalanja, ever osseous in his allusions tothe departed.

  Passing on, we came to a number of Runic-looking stones, all overhieroglyphical inscriptions, and placed round an elliptical aperture;where welled up the sacred spring of the Morai, clear as crystal, andshowing through its waters, two tiers of sharp, tusk-like stones; themouth of Oro, so called; and it was held, that if any secular handshould be immersed in the spring, strai
ght upon it those stony jawswould close.

  We next came to a large image of a dark-hued stone, representing aburly man, with an overgrown head, and abdomen hollowed out, and openfor inspection; therein, were relics of bones. Before this image wepaused. And whether or no it was Mohi's purpose to make us touristsquake with his recitals, his revelations were far from agreeable. Atcertain seasons, human beings were offered to the idol, which being anepicure in the matter of sacrifices, would accept of no ordinary fare.To insure his digestion, all indirect routes to the interior wereavoided; the sacrifices being packed in the ventricle itself.

  Near to this image of Doleema, so called, a solitary forest-tree waspointed out; leafless and dead to the core. But from its boughs hangnumerous baskets, brimming over with melons, grapes, and guavas. Anddaily these baskets were replenished.

  As we here stood, there passed a hungry figure, in ragged raiment:hollow cheeks, and hollow eyes. Wistfully he eyed the offerings; butretreated; knowing it was sacrilege to touch them. There, they mustdecay, in honor of the god Ananna; for so this dead tree wasdenominated by Mohi.

  Now, as we were thus strolling about the Morai, the old chroniclerelucidating its mysteries, we suddenly spied Pani and the pilgrimsapproaching the image of Doleema; his child leading the guide.

  "This," began Pani, pointing to the idol of stone, "is the holy godAnanna who lives in the sap of this green and flourishing tree."

  "Thou meanest not, surely, this stone image we behold?" said Divino.

  "I mean the tree," said the guide. "It is no stone image."

  "Strange," muttered the chief; "were it not a guide that spoke, Iwould deny it. As it is, I hold my peace."

  "Mystery of mysteries!" cried the blind old pilgrim; "is it, then, astone image that Pani calls a tree? Oh, Oro, that I had eyes to see,that I might verily behold it, and then believe it to be what it isnot; that so I might prove the largeness of my faith; and so merit theblessing of Alma."

  "Thrice sacred Ananna," murmured the sad-eyed maiden, falling upon herknees before Doleema, "receive my adoration. Of thee, I know nothing,but what the guide has spoken. I am but a poor, weak-minded maiden,judging not for myself, but leaning upon others that are wiser. Thesethings are above me. I am afraid to think. In Alma's name, receive myhomage."

  And she flung flowers before the god.

  But Fauna, the hale matron, turning upon Pani, exclaimed, "Receivemore gifts, oh guide." And again she showered them upon him.

  Upon this, the willful boy who would not have Pani for his guide,entered the Morai; and perceiving the group before the image, walkedrapidly to where they were. And beholding the idol, he regarded itattentively, and said:--"This must be the image of Doleema; but I amnot sure."

  "Nay," cried the blind pilgrim, "it is the holy tree Ananna, thouwayward boy."

  "A tree? whatever it may be, it is not that; thou art blind, old man."

  "But though blind, I have that which thou lackest."

  Then said Pani, turning upon the boy, "Depart from the holy Morai, andcorrupt not the hearts of these pilgrims. Depart, I say; and, in thesacred name of Alma, perish in thy endeavors to climb the Peak."

  "I may perish there in truth," said the boy, with sadness; "but itshall be in the path revealed to me in my dream. And think not, ohguide, that I perfectly rely upon gaining that lofty summit. I willclimb high Ofo with hope, not faith; Oh, mighty Oro, help me!"

  "Be not impious," said Pani; "pronounce not Oro's sacred name toolightly."

  "Oro is but a sound," said the boy. "They call the supreme god, Ati,in my native isle; it is the soundless thought of him, oh guide, thatis in me."

  "Hark to his rhapsodies! Hark, how he prates of mysteries, that noteven Hivohitee can fathom."

  "Nor he, nor thou, nor I, nor any; Oro, to all, is Oro the unknown."

  "Why claim to know Oro, then, better than others?"

  "I am not so vain; and I have little to substitute for what I can notreceive. I but feel Oro in me, yet can not declare the thought."

  "Proud boy! thy humility is a pretense; at heart, thou deemest thyselfwiser than Mardi."

  "Not near so wise. To believe is a haughty thing; my very doubtshumiliate me. I weep and doubt; all Mardi may be light; and I toosimple to discern."

  "He is mad," said the chief Divino; "never before heard I such words."

  "They are thoughts," muttered the guide.

  "Poor fool!" cried Fauna.

  "Lost youth!" sighed the maiden.

  "He is but a child," said the beggar. These whims will soon depart;once I was like him; but, praise be to Alma, in the hour of sickness Irepented, feeble old man that I am!"

  "It is because I am young and in health," said the boy, "that I morenourish the thoughts, that are born of my youth and my health. I amfresh from my Maker, soul and body unwrinkled. On thy sick couch, oldman, they took thee at advantage."

  "Turn from the blasphemer," cried Pani. "Hence! thou evil one, to theperdition in store."

  "I will go my ways," said the boy, "but Oro will shape the end."

  And he quitted the Morai.

  After conducting the party round the sacred inclosure, assisting hisway with his staff, for his child had left him, Pani seated himself ona low, mossy stone, grimly surrounded by idols; and directed thepilgrims to return to his habitation; where, ere long he would rejointhem.

  The pilgrims departed, he remained in profound meditation; while,backward and forward, an invisible ploughshare turned up the longfurrows on his brow.

  Long he was silent; then muttered to himself, "That boy, that wild,wise boy, has stabbed me to the heart. His thoughts are my suspicions.But he is honest. Yet I harm none. Multitudes must have unspokenmeditations as well as I. Do we then mutually deceive? Off masks,mankind, that I may know what warranty of fellowship with others, myown thoughts possess. Why, upon this one theme, oh Oro! must alldissemble? Our thoughts are not our own. Whate'er it be, an honestthought must have some germ of truth. But we must set, as flows thegeneral stream; I blindly follow, where I seem to lead; the crowd ofpilgrims is so great, they see not there is none to guide.--It hingesupon this: Have we angelic spirits? But in vain, in vain, oh Oro! Iessay to live out of this poor, blind body, fit dwelling for mysightless soul. Death, death:--blind, am I dead? for blindness seems aconsciousness of death. Will my grave be more dark, than all is now?--From dark to dark!--What is this subtle something that is in me, andeludes me? Will it have no end? When, then, did it begin? All, all ischaos! What is this shining light in heaven, this sun they tell me of?Or, do they lie? Methinks, it might blaze convictions; but I brood andgrope in blackness; I am dumb with doubt; yet, 'tis not doubt, butworse: I doubt my doubt. Oh, ye all-wise spirits in the air, how canye witness all this woe, and give no sign? Would, would that mine werea settled doubt, like that wild boy's, who without faith, seems fullof it. The undoubting doubter believes the most. Oh! that I were he.Methinks that daring boy hath Alma in him, struggling to be free. Butthose pilgrims: that trusting girl.--What, if they saw me as I am?Peace, peace, my soul; on, mask, again."

  And he staggered from the Morai.

  CHAPTER VIThey Discourse Of The Gods Of Mardi, And Braid-Beard Tells Of One Foni

  Walking from the sacred inclosure, Mohi discoursed of the plurality ofgods in the land, a subject suggested by the multitudinous idols wehad just been beholding.

  Said Mohi, "These gods of wood and of stone are nothing in number tothe gods in the air. You breathe not a breath without inhaling, youtouch not a leaf without ruffling a spirit. There are gods of heaven,and gods of earth; gods of sea and of land; gods of peace and of war;gods of rook and of fell; gods of ghosts and of thieves; of singersand dancers; of lean men and of house-thatchers. Gods glance in theeyes of birds, and sparkle in the crests of the waves; gods merrilyswing in the boughs of the trees, and merrily sing in the brook. Godsare here, and there, and every where; you are never alone for them."

  "If this be so, Braid-Beard," said Babbalanja, "our inmost thoughtsare ove
rheard; but not by eaves-droppers. However, my lord, these godsto whom he alludes, merely belong to the semi-intelligibles, thedivided unities in unity, thin side of the First Adyta."

  "Indeed?" said Media.

  "Semi-intelligible, say you, philosopher?" cried Mohi. "Then, prithee,make it appear so; for what you say, seems gibberish to me."

  "Babbalanja," said Media, "no more of your abstrusities; what know youmortals of us gods and demi-gods? But tell me, Mohi, how many of yourdeities of rock and fen think you there are? Have you no statisticaltable?"

  "My lord, at the lowest computation, there must be at least threebillion trillion of quintillions."

  "A mere unit!" said Babbalanja. "Old man, would you express aninfinite number? Then take the sum of the follies of Mardi for yourmultiplicand; and for your multiplier, the totality of sublunarians,that never have been heard of since they became no more; and theproduct shall exceed your quintillions, even though all their unitswere nonillions."

  "Have done, Babbalanja!" cried Media; "you are showing the sinistervein in your marble. Have done. Take a warm bath, and make tepid yourcold blood. But come, Mohi, tell us of the ways of this Maramma;something of the Morai and its idols, if you please."

  And straightway Braid-Beard proceeded with a narration, in substanceas follows:--

  It seems, there was a particular family upon the island, whosemembers, for many generations, had been set apart as sacrifices forthe deity called Doleema. They were marked by a sad and melancholyaspect, and a certain involuntary shrinking, when passing the Morai.And, though, when it came to the last, some of these unfortunates wentjoyfully to their doom, declaring that they gloried to die in theservice of holy Doleema; still, were there others, who audaciouslyendeavored to shun their fate; upon the approach of a festival,fleeing to the innermost wilderness of the island. But little availedtheir flight. For swift on their track sped the hereditary butler ofthe insulted god, one Xiki, whose duty it was to provide thesacrifices. And when crouching in some covert, the fugitive spiedXiki's approach, so fearful did he become of the vengeance of thedeity he sought to evade, that renouncing all hope of escape, he wouldburst from his lair, exclaiming, "Come on, and kill!" baring hisbreast for the javelin that slew him.