Atla : a story of the lost island

Introduction

" Where now are seen aerial gardens, height on height, Eising like Media's mountains crowned with wood ? Where the fane of Belus now ? "

However the modern mind may exalt in the discoveries and inventions of the present age, it must concede that little has been added to the civilisation of the past, while much has certainly been lost. The men sometimes called primitive were not savages. The oldest written characters of which we have the key prove themselves not only richest in power of expression, but reveal startling facts connected with prehistoric society. In massive architecture, in naval structures, in tremendous mechanical appliances, in agriculture and peaceful commerce, and in the domestication of the lower animals, no less than in language as

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a vehicle for thought, the nations of antiquity attained a marvellous perfection. It would seem that almost as many arts have been lost as have been preserved.

Who now can manufacture transparent gold, malleable glass, and quenchless lamps ; construct garden ships, and self- directing magnetic chariots, build hanging gardens, or elevated viaducts and aqueducts of Cyclopean proportion, such as are found in the ruins of Central and South America ? A recent explorer remarks : " The Incas tempered copper to an edge keen as steel ; they cut jewels with an art that modern lapidaries cannot imitate ; their colours are as lasting as their architecture ; under their political economy millions of people lived as one family."

Who now will hew temples and cities of night under the rocky ribs of mountains ? What modern chisel can restore the flinty statues of Elephanta Ellora, and Ajunta, whose sculptors u built like giants and finished like jewellers ? ** Where is the artist who can carve and colour marble to rival living flesh, and finish statues whose diamond eyes seem to follow the beholder ? Where the scholar who can write a page of history with one dash of the pen ?

INTRODUCTION. 3

Were not the metaphysics and cosmogonies of Hindu philosophers more profound and far-reaching than our own?. Where are our astronomical and geological calculations that stretch backward and forward through a kalpa, a period of time expressed by a unit and sixty cyphers? In the ancient esoteric doctrine is contained all that mere man can know of the origin of the universe, the laws of force, and the mystery of human existence. The Gommerean mind may be more clear and methodical in detail, but the rootthought will ever be found with the Hindu mystic and dreamer.

Did not the priests of Egypt use the telephone and audiphone, or their equivalent, and penetrate the mysteries of magnetism as moderns have never done ?

What monarch now will yoke the lion to his car, or tame the savage ounce, or use a serpent for a walking-stick? And what theatrical transformation scene at the present day equals the celebration of the Egyptian and Greek mysteries ?

It may be asked, What was the source of this perfected civilisation ? There is much evidence to prove that the impress was from the West to

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4 ATLA.

the East, from America to Asia; that the grand canals of Atlantis, no longer a fabled island, were the gateways through which issued the arts, sciences, and whatever else contributes to that material prosperity which is at once the blessing, or the bane, of national existence.

The author of the following story has been for many years collecting materials for a study of this wonderful country, the Merope of Theopompus, called by the Greeks The Garden of the Hesperides, and by the Argonauts the Island of Flowers ; and has, under the guise of fiction, endeavoured to embody an idea of its stupendous civilisation, also to describe the awful cataclysm by which, according to Hindu geology, it was destroyed eleven thousand four hundred years ago.

I. Atlantis.'

" In that fair land All days were golden, all the months were strings, On which the master-harper of the world, The Sun, was ever making harvest songs."

Midway between the continents of Europe, Africa, and America, where now the ocean rolls its unbroken surges, many thousand years ago there lay a vast island, or continent, called Atlantis. Its shores were high and heavily wooded, and inland was a group of lofty mountains on which the sky seemed to rest ; these were volcanoes ; and while fire often blazed from their craters, the everlasting snow upon the summits made them the home of refreshing breezes.

In this ancient land were lakes, rivers, meadows, and forests; also populous cities, the grandest of which was imperial Atlan, the home of five hundred

6 ATLA.

thousand inhabitants, the magnetic gem which at once attracted and dispersed a nation's glory.

It was built in the centre of the island, upon a high plain at the foot of Noraghi, the loftiest volcano, and was surrounded by a wall, broad and high, upon which hung ever- verdant gardens. At the base of the wall was a zone of water deep enough to support the heaviest sea-going vessel; from this canal radiated seven ship-roads leading directly to the ocean. Between the canal that surrounded the high plain of Atlan and the open sea were other circumvallations and zones of water passing through other cities, all of which were provided with quays, docks, and every accommodation for an immense home and foreign commerce.

At each intersection of the canals, as also on the rock-bound shore, were massive gates of brass that could be closed in time of storm or invasion, making Atlantis one vast impregnable fortress, while across the streams were bridges of such proportions that an army could march over, or a ship pass under in safety. These encircling water-ways were so admirably arranged that at the pleasure of the gate-keepers vessels of the largest burthen could sweep majestically into the very centre of

ATLANTIS. 7

the island, or lie on its confines powerless to effect a landing ; these were the coiled dragon of fable, that guarded the golden apples of the Hesperides ; the gates were its hundred mouths. At one place only the sea deeply indented the shore. This was the Bay of Pirhua, a harbour on whose tranquil waters a whole fleet might ride at anchor.

The most wonderful natural feature of Atlantis was a lake, or inland sea, called Ziclan, lying at the foot of the imperial city, embosomed in green and purple hills. The waters of this lake were salt, and subject to the ebb and flow of the tide ; it was therefore supposed to have a subterranean connection with the sea.

Upon this Land of the Blessed a semitropical sun for ever shone ; there reigned perpetual spring ; seed-time and harvest were one ; breezes cool from mountain snows, or warm from ocean currents that laved the shore, with springs both hot and cold, produced a climate favourable to health, longevity, and the perfection of animal and vegetable life. In the rich soil grew grain, fruit, flowers, and trees, such as have never since been seen. Elephants, horses, droves of cattle and sheep, wild beasts, birds of gayest plumage and sweetest note swarmed in

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meadow, forest, and hill ; there also were seen fish of every kind that sport in stream and fountain, or prowl in ocean deeps. Upon an opal sea the nautilus launched its rainbow keel and spread its silver sail, while beneath the wave the coral built fairy groves, teeming with life in strange and beautiful forms. Humming-birds flashed through the gardens like spirits of flowers, and in the dark forests the nightingale wooed his mate, the glowworm and firefly each evening lighted the lantern of love.

In the mountains were quarries of wonderful stone and mines of gems and precious metals, gold, silver, orichaleum, and nephyte — these last unknown save in that favoured land.

In such conditions the human race attains its greatest physical perfection, unbroken health develops nervous and muscular energy, while longevity increases the sum of individual power. At the period of which we write a dense population, increasing through ages of prosperity, thronged this nidus of life.

The beautiful city of Atlan, a coronet upon the brow of the island, was the residence of the king and his eldest brother, who filled the place of

ATLANTIS. 9

high-priest, while ten princes of royal blood were subordinate rulers in other cities.

The public edifices in the great metropolis, product of generations of mighty toilers, surpassed anything since reared by human art. In its centre was a grand plateau surrounded by a brazen wall, and within a still loftier terrace, upon which stood a magnificent temple and tower used for astronomical and religious purposes ; also an observatory overlooking the island. Upon the verge of the inner terrace, enclosing all, was the Palace of Hesper, Star of the West, an immense hexagonal building of red and white nephyte, overlaid, as were tower and temple, with silver and gold. The spacious inner court was planted with rare trees, flowering shrubs and trailers, ornamented by arbours, arches, fountains, and statues, and enlivened by the presence of gentle animals and birds. Within the adytum of the temple was a colossal statue of the sea-god, who, it was believed, raised this island from the depths of ocean and founded upon it a kingdom for his ten sons, children of Kleita, a mortal woman. This golden statue was seated in a chariot drawn by six winged horses, and around it were ranged images of the

10 ATLA.

ten demi-gods. Before this group stood a pillar of orichaleum, on which were engraved the laws of the land, and an altar of sacrifice, from which oracles were delivered.

The banks of Lake Ziclan were gorgeous with cool colonnades, vast amphitheatres, racecourses, boat-houses, and airy villas, whither the people were wont to resort for public recreation.

For many ages the government of this wonderful empire was just and beneficent, the religion simple and pure, the people happy, but innovation and corruption had changed the conditions of society ; arbitrary rule and abuse of privilege had snpplanted earlier law, ruler and people loved power and pleasure more than justice. The policy of the government had become aggressive; war was not only a pursuit, but a pastime; the Sun- Serpent was worshipped by cruel and obscene rites ; the smoke of abominable sacrifices dimmed the serenity of heaven ; moral obligation was ignored; and the inevitable consequence of such deterioration became apparent to the thoughtful patriot. A discriminating historian remarks : " The lowering of the moral standard in any community or nation is a sure precursor of convulsion."

ATLANTIS. 11

Political paralysis and national death were imminent in Atlantis, and yet material prosperity was unabated, still patient nature seemed to smile.

Kron, the king, was in the prime of manhood ; he represented a dynasty that had ruled for thousands of years ; none dared dispute his sway. By successful conquest, many colonies had been formed, which now offered homage and tribute to the central power. Ships laden with the wealth of distant lands waited humbly at the sea-gates ; the riches, prestige, and power of the nation exceeded that of any other, and Atlantis exultingly sang :

" I sifc on my throne in the sea, I open the gates of sunset, I know not fear nor sorrow.

I am Queen of Hesperos, Garden of the Gods."

II. Natal

ASTERA, DAUGHTER OF THE STARS.

On the night of the vernal equinox, the city of Atlan was wild with excitement; the birth of a princess had been announced, the first heir of Kron the Magnificent. The infant was named Astera, Star of the West, and in her honour constellations of fire illuminated every building in the city. Atlan blazed in a glory that might have outshone the lights of heaven and the fiery volcanoes ; but neither moon nor star rivalled the artificial glare, for a panoply of storm-clouds filled the sky.

In a gorgeous inner chamber of the palace, Ishma of the Bast, the Court physician, and the midwives watched by the bedside of the queen, while Thalok, the high-priest, performed the customary natal rites in the temple. Throughout

NATAL. 13

the palace all sounds were muffled and all lights subdued, perfume of flowers and burning incense mingled like love whispers in the soft airs that were permitted to stray through the luxurious chamber which welcomed to wealth and homage the royal maiden.

III. Atla

GIFT OP THE SEA.'

" Oh, night and storm and darkness !

Ye are wondrous strong."

On this eventful night, while the newly-born princess lay upon a curtained pillow, wrapped in soft slumber, another infant opened its eyes for the first time, under far different auspices.

At Pirhua, the harbour nearest Atlan, the fury of the equinoctial storm was appalling. The wind howled, the rain came down in torrents, and great waves broke heavily against the mole that protected the harbour.

In the watch-tower of the gate stood Karmet and Occuna, warders of the port. The building was constructed upon acoustic principles, so that

ATLA. 15

those within it could catch every sound coming from the sea. As midnight approached the violence of the storm increased ; the noise inside the tower became intolerable.

1 c Good Occuna," said Karmet, raising his voice to the utmost, "let us go forth, or we shall lose our senses."

Occuna paused, placing his hand behind his ear.

" Listen ! " he exclaimed ; " sounds other than the roar of the tempest meet my ear. I hear the shriek of human voices. I hear the pounding of a vessel as it dashes against the rocks — the sound is off the bar. A ship has struck ! ,J

The two men rushed to the cliff, straining their eyes in vain endeavour to penetrate the darkness.

At that moment the guard in the lighthouse, perceiving something unusual in the harbour, turned upon it a powerful reflector, and lo ! a vessel of foreign construction lay breaking upon the mole.

Occuna and Karmet were skilled sailors ; they speedily procured a lifeboat, manned it with their subordinates, and launched forth. Inside the mole the water was comparatively calm, and the oarsmen were making rapid headway, when they

16 ATLA.

suddenly ran across a small boat that had left the sinking ship unperceived in the rush and roar of the mighty surges. The shock was so severe and unexpected that the men in the foreign craft had barely time to lift a female figure into the arms of their dangerous rescuers, when the boat swamped to rise no more.

While the warders held their breath in astonishment at this strange event, a great sea rolled in, making a clean sweep of the bar, carrying away the wreck, and tossing the lifeboat back to the very landing of the quay. Carefully raising their helpless burden, the sailors conveyed it to a shelter, and there beheld in amazement a woman very fair, with features of almost unearthly beauty. Her golden tresses were banded with a coronet of gems ; the drenched garments were of finest wool embroidered in silver. Her high rank was evident, and as she lay with closed eyes, those around were strangely impressed, for she seemed of more than mortal mould.

By means of signals, intelligence of this remarkable adventure was immediately transmitted to the king in Atlan, and early next morning came the flying ship Nagil, with orders to bring

ATLA. 17

the beautiful stranger to the palace, the Court physician being in attendance if his services were required. Vain precaution ; the fair-haired queen expired during the night, after giving birth to a daughter.

Oh, blind and cruel fate, that so unequally metes out the lot of helpless mortals ! Waited for and welcomed by a proud nation, in the perfumed hush of a palace chamber, Astera, Daughter of the Stars, was ushered into life, while on the same night, driven by a black tempest out of the raging sea, amid the horrors of shipwreck and death, another infant, unnamed and unknown, struggled into existence.

But one solution of this extraordinary event was possible. A ship from some far-off, undiscovered . country, disabled and driven south by stress of weather, was wrecked on the Atlantean coast, and all had perished save one fruil atom of humanity. The fittest perish, the feeblest survive, when the will of the Lawmaker moves upon the face of the waters.

The islanders regarded the whole affair as little less than a miracle, and looked upon the helpless waif with superstitious awe; but Ishma,

o

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the Court physician, who had been cast upon the island in a similar manner, moved by pity for the homeless stranger, besought permission to adopt her. The king cheerfully assented, named the child Atla, Gift of the Sea, bestowed upon her the title of princess, and decreed that she should be brought up at Court as the companion of his own daughter.

Thus Atla, received into a royal home, became a child to the lonely Ishma, and the recipient of his long - smothered affection. He taught her infant lips to fashion the language of the Bast, and heard with ever fresh delight the sweetness of once familiar words repeated by a Northern tongue, for Atla's snowy complexion and delicate flush revealed unmistakably the heritage of wintry skies and cold seas.

The fair exotic, in the bland air of a semitropical climate, grew in strength and loveliness. She became tall and graceful ; her eyes were violet, her hair was golden, a beauty marvellous and exceptional in this Land of the Sun.

In disposition the princesses were as diverse as in their style of beauty. Astera was impulsive, ardent, passionate ; Atla dignified, spiritual, tran-

ATLA. 19

quil, by innate authority controlling those around her without designing, or appearing to do so. Both were motherless, for Queen Nyah died during the infancy of her daughter, and both, no doubt, would have been spoiled by admiration and flattery, but for the gentle discipline each exerted upon the other.

As they grew to maturity Atla intuitively chose robes. of delicate tint and texture, while Astera's dark bloom, black eyes and hair, were intensified by rich fabrics of crimson and gold.

Nothing could be more attractive than the contrasting charms and sisterly fondness of these incomparable maidens, and passers-by would involuntarily linger to gaze upon the harmonies of Astera and Atla, the Euby and the Pearl.

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IV. The Floating Garden

" On an ethereal lake whose waters lie Blue and transpicuous like another sky."

In tins Eden of the West, nothing that the genius of man could invent to please the sense, or gratify national pride, seemed wanting. Architectural monuments, sculptured pillars, triumphal arches, temples, towers, and palaces abounded. Landscape gardens, orchards, fountains, and vast theatres for open-air amusements, had long since exhausted the ingenuity of architects. Yet the king demanded that some grand and novel memorial should be built to commemorate the birth of his daughter and heir ; for, in failure of male issue, the royal prerogative was transmitted directly through the female line.

As months passed away and no satisfactory sug-

THE FLOATING GARDEN 21

gestions were made by the skilled designers, King Kron became impatient, and Ishma, the physician, ventured to address him upon the subject.

" Oh, mighty Kron," said Ishma, w the God of my fathers giveth wisdom to his worshippers through visions of the night. Even when I was wrapt in deep slumber, the thought of the king's perplexity troubled my dreams. Then suddenly my soul was thrilled with wonder and delight, for a marvellous vision appeared before the eyes of my spirit. I saw upon the lake named Ziclan, which lies to the westward of this city, a sight of ravishing beauty, the like of which, I verily believe, has never yet existed. It was an island, in shape circular. Upon it grew all manner of trees and flowering plants, and in the centre thereof rose a fair tower, inlaid with gold and painted tablets glittering in the sun, and from the windows and balconies were silken banners suspended by cords.

"Directly above the island, for night seemed suddenly to have fallen, in the soft twilight heaven hung the crescent moon, and in her arms a brilliant star. The island was round, like the full moon ; above it was a star, and in my sleep I murmured

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' Astera V As I gazed, wondering what the vision might mean, a breeze came in from the sea, the waters of the lake were tossed into small waves, the trees upon the island bent low, the banners swelled out like the sails of a ship, and then, 0 king ! a miracle appeared. The island rocked like a vessel in harbour, it moved forward and floated over the bosom of the lake, till it touched the farther shore."

At this relation the king was mute with astonishment ; but when he recovered speech, he said :

" Ishma, this is indeed [a wonder. Canst thou interpret the dream?"

And Ishma answered : " Thus are the wise men and master-builders instructed. Shall not that miracle of beauty, till now unknown even in Atlantis, become a memorial of the Princess Astera's birth, a floating garden on Lake Ziclan, as yet seen only in visions of the night ? u

" And the moon with the star in her arms ? "

" 0 king ! of this I know not the meaning, it is for the present hidden ; but I am well assured that the fate of the king's daughter is involved in the building of this island."

" Ishma," said the king, " I give thee my com-

THE FLOATING GARDEN. 23

mand with full power for its construction ; if thou verify the dream, wealth and honour shall be thy reward. The heart of Kron is at rest."

The royal decree went forth that an nnlimited supply of material, machinery, and skilled workmen should be placed at Ishma's disposal, and labour upon the novel structure was begun immediately.

An immense network of woven sea-rods, pliable and strong as steel, formed a living, growing foundation for the superincumbent mass. Upon this huge wattle, now anchored to the shore, earth was carefully spread and filled with fibrous roots of aquatic plants. After they had become thoroughly impacted, the soil was made deep enough for shrubs and trees. These were left undisturbed for several years, and when the foundation was pronounced by the architects safe and firm, a tower of dream-like beauty, built of cork and painted to resemble stone, was erected among groves and gardens of supernal luxuriance.

Finally stays of timber were placed beneath the island to strengthen it, and when all was perfect, silken sails were suspended from roof and balcony, and on the pinnacle of the tower glittered

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a silver moon with a star in its arms. The Atlantean world thronged to behold the trial of its sailing qualities, which proved to be perfect : and thus was the dream of Ishma made a reality.

Before this marvel of architecture was completed many years had passed ; Astera and her companion had attained maturity, and notable events had transpired. The king was still without a consort, and it was more than suspected that the beautiful Atla was destined to fill the vacancy on the throne. An arrow from the bright eyes of Astera had pierced the heart of her cousin Zemar, son of the high-priest, while deadly passions and desperate plans were secretly cherished in the breast of Thalok, his father. This unscrupulous man had long since discovered whither the eyes of the king and Zemar turned, and his schemes were vaguely forming. Kron, the reigning monarch, Astera, his immediate successor, and Zemar, her lover, were bars in the pathway of his ambition. If these obstacles were removed, Thalok would be king of Atlantis, and Atla, of whom he was deeply enamoured, could grace his throne.

The seasons came and went, and made no sign ;

THE FLOATING GARDEN 25

youth and maiden increased in years and beauty ; the king planned measures for the aggrandisement of national glory, and particularly busied himself in perfecting a colony founded on the coast of a great continent lying to the west. The high-priest schemed and plotted, yet during all these years, though "the heavens maintained their terrible composure," nature was secretly marshalling her mighty forces, and in a far-off country there was preparing a new factor in coming events; a network of fate was weaving, undreamed of by sage or prophet.

V. Tyrhena

THE SONS OF NIMROD, THE MIGHTY.

Thousands of miles to the east of Atlantis, on the shores of the Sea Cham, now called Mediterranean, lay the walled city Cacara, a place of great commercial importance, in that far-off, forgotten time. An unceasing tide of human activity streamed through its paved streets ; caravans laden with merchandise stretched away into the desert ; the port was alive with water-craft of every description; the quays were crowded with men busily employed among the wares of commerce.

Along the shore rose tall chimneys, from which black smoke drifted like plumes. Here were the largest manufactories and metallurgic works in the world, where were produced molten images, orna-

TYBKENA. 27

ments, implements of peace and war, rich dyes and fabrics.

But beyond all this, Cacara was celebrated for the manufacture of glass amphora and lustre drops, or beads, lozenge-shaped and polished like sapphires; the secret of their manufacture was confined to the Phoenicians, who used these gems as coin in mercantile transactions.

Upon the walls of the city were watch-towers and astronomical observatories, and, according to the custom of Sabeans or star-worshippers, in a grove upon a high place east of the city, stood a temple dedicated to Ashteroth, Queen of Heaven. Near by were the Magian towers and the royal residence, built of massive stone and roofed with cedar.

Kirgath Melek, reigning monarch at the time of which we write, was a wise ruler and a man of affairs, who gathered into his service the learned and skilful of all nations.

But the pride of Court and people was his son and heir, the young Prince Herekla, now eighteen years of age, already tall and grand, for he inherited the physical traits of his primogenitors, the famous Annakim. His features and form

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of matchless perfection were transfused by a wonderful sweetness of expression, never seen at the present day save in old Phoenician statuary.

Beneath this peculiar charm and dignity, unusual at any age, the face of Herekla wore a look of profound thought and self-repression, while his changeful colour and dark glowing eyes flashed denial to the intellectual repose of his countenance. His presence was of the rare type that imposes respect, almost awe, even in childhood.

His mother, Queen Nansyka, a woman of many virtues, had greatly influenced his character. She taught him to shun the women's apartments, where the handsome boy would have been spoiled by flattery, but encouraged him to cultivate the acquaintance and friendship of the elders and wise men, among whom were two persons especially entitled to confidence — Madai, a Persian Magus, and Kadmon, a Hindu Arhat, deeply imbued with the philosophy of his native land, and of great repute among Chaldean priests as an astrologer.

At his mother's suggestion Herekla chose these wise men for his instructors, and at night would repair with them to the observatories, there to study the sacred cypher, read the stars, and watch

TYBEENA. 29

the combinations of the planets. Thus he acquired the lore of sages and even supplemented their wisdom by his quick insight. From these adepts in Oriental philosophy he learned the profound virtues of self-repression and self-abnegation, and in their practice obtained control of those with whom he was associated, no less than of his own spirit.

His days were spent in the laboratory inspecting the charts of sailors and models of ships ; himself planned and projected sea-going vessels and voyages ; assisted by skilled artisans he also experimented in fusing metals and earths, and in perfecting fabrics and dyes.

During leisure hours he practised with sword and lance, managed all kinds of water-craft, was a powerful swimmer and successful hunter, but most of all athletic pursuits he delighted in the subjection and management of spirited horses.

To gratify this predominant taste, his father procured from the deserts of Joktan two wonderful steeds, Zuzin and Zummin. Black in colour they were, dappled like the dawn and fleet as the wind, the admiration of all who beheld them. These fiery animals brooked ^not the restraint of

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bit and bridle, neither could they be persuaded to draw the heavy chariots of the king. Being declared utterly unmanageable, Melek was about to return them to their desert home, when Marchar, a merchant from the land of the Tsinim, begged an audience.

" Most noble Melek/' he said, prostrating himself, "although the children of Tsin are as the dust of the balance before thee, bear with me patiently while I declare that there are, in the land of my fathers, chariots of the sun, before which even the intractable Zuzin and Zummin will be meek as the oxen that tread out the corn ; neither will charioteer nor groom be required, for the chariot is enchanted, and guideth both itself and the steeds."

" Son of Yu," answered Melek, * ' if it be as thou sayest, go to thy country, purchase for me at any price a Chariot of the Sun, bring it to Tyrhena, and great shall be thy recompense. But if thou deceive the king, thou knowest the law."

u Upon my life be it," said the merchant, and departed.