Mardi, and a voyage thither, Vol. 1 (of 2)Melville, Herman
PhilosophyPhilosophy
Mardi, and a voyage thither, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Melville, Herman
Adventure stories; Polynesia -- Description and travel -- Fiction
A wonderful recital; but none of us voyagers durst flout it. Did they
not show us the identical spot where the idol fell? We descended into
the hollow, now verdant. Questionless, Keevi himself would have vouched
for the truth of the miracle, had he not been unfortunately dumb. But
by far the most cogent, and pointed argument advanced in support of
this story, is a spear which the priests of Keevi brought forth, for
Babbalanja to view.
“Let me look at it closer,” said Babbalanja.
And turning it over and over and curiously inspecting it, “Wonderful
spear,” he cried. “Doubtless, my reverends, this self-same spear must
have persuaded many recusants!”
“Nay, the most stubborn,” they answered.
“And all afterward quoted as additional authority for the truth of the
legend?”
“Assuredly.”
From the sea to the shrine of this god, the fine valley of Monlova
ascends with a gentle gradation, hardly perceptible; but upon turning
round toward the water, one is surprised to find himself high elevated
above its surface. Pass on, and the same silent ascent deceives you;
and the valley contracts; and on both sides the cliffs advance; till at
last you come to a narrow space, shouldered by buttresses of rock.
Beyond, through this cleft, all is blue sky. If the Trades blow high,
and you came unawares upon the spot, you would think Keevi himself
pushing you forward with all his hands; so powerful is the current of
air rushing through this elevated defile. But expostulate not with the
tornado that blows you along; sail on; but soft; look down; the land
breaks off in one sheer descent of a thousand feet, right down to the
wide plain below. So sudden and profound this precipice, that you seem
to look off from one world to another. In a dreamy, sunny day, the
spangled plain beneath assumes an uncertain fleeting aspect. Had you a
deep-sea-lead you would almost be tempted to sound the ocean-haze at
your feet.
This, mortal! is the precipice of Mondo.
From this brink, spear in hand, sprang fifty rebel warriors, driven
back into the vale by a superior force. Finding no spot to stand at
bay, with a fierce shout they took the fatal leap.
Said Mohi, “Their souls ascended, ere their bodies touched.”
This tragical event took place many generations gone by, and now a
dizzy, devious way conducts one, firm of foot, from the verge to the
plain. But none ever ascended. So perilous, indeed, is the descent
itself, that the islanders venture not the feat, without invoking
supernatural aid. Flanking the precipice beneath beetling rocks, stand
the guardian deities of Mondo; and on altars before them, are placed
the propitiatory offerings of the traveler.
To the right of the brink of the precipice, and far over it, projects a
narrow ledge. The test of legitimacy in the Ohonoo monarchs is to stand
hereon, arms folded, and javelins darting by.
And there in his youth Uhia stood.
“How felt you, cousin?” asked Media.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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