The Dream-God, or, A Singular Evolvement of Thought in SleepCuningham, John
Philosophy
The Dream-God, or, A Singular Evolvement of Thought in Sleep
Cuningham, John
Dreams; Morphine
_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!
PART III.
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.
Now, anon, they are looking down upon the Euphrates and the Tigris,
and the classic slip of land between them. And in another moment a
twilight envelopes them, a contemplative mood ensues; and, then,
steals upon their consciousness the knowledge, inducing a singular awe
or uneasiness, that they are hovering over the Plain of Shinar. The
biblical Babel, the confusion of tongues and the scattering of the
nations crowd upon their reflection, and again immortal thoughts arise.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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