THE VOYAGER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19720, 20 August 1927, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE VOYAGER.

Looking down from the summit of the hill, I saw overything spread out before me; the domes, the slanting roofs, and beautiful gardens with the bright flowers and trees laden with fruits. Over all, the bright sun shone out of a sky of clearest blue, while everything seemed to reflect the sunshine, and to sparkle and glitter 'neath these shining rays. But I could not linger, and gaily set oS down the slope, my heai uli of the brightness of theso things - <»<ui just seen.

On entering this wonderful city, and inquiring where I was, I learned that it was called the " City of Youth." I stepped out briskly, filled with the desire to explore these gay streets and gardens. Sometimes I stopped to frolic with some of the friendly inhabitants, for they were all very care-free and happy; then again I would pass on, full of interest in the doings of the merry throng around me. Soon I found myself at the other side of the city, and approaching the open country agjjn. Although I fain would have turned and retraced my steps to the glad city I had left behind, I found myself forced to go on. Perplexed and disappointed that I mightn't turn back, I continued my way more slowly, for I was climbing now. Indeed, the road seemed very uphill, when I turned a corner, and, looking up a steep slope, I saw far, far above me, a fairer and even more wonderful city. At that sight hope sprang up once again in my heart; while I stepped out with renewed vigour. The splendour increased at every step, until I found myself standing at the entrance. Mv eyes were dazzled by the brilliancy_ of the gates of beaten gold, above which, written in precious stones, was the inscription, " The Mount of Dreams. I entered, and for long I wandered through a brilliant and exquisite city. Everything was bathed in a shimmering cloak of'mist, while the domes and citadels sparkled in the golden sunlight. The inhabitants seemed to roam about aimlessly, yet happily, but I missed, here, the friendliness that I had met with in the " City of Youth." I knew not how long I had wandered there, when I found myself on a busy road, frequented by many pedestrians. Soon I discovered that the sun was becoming obscured by heavy, black clouds; and it became darker and darker as I approached a tall, steel gate, which was the entrance to the " Valley of Disappointment." Within this gate was a sombre, barren land with ominous, black clouds overhanging. A gloom seemed to hang over it, and the people looked sad and depressed. It took me a long time before I got through this dreary valley, and my footsteps lagged as I went slowly on. Next, I came to the "Land of Hope." Passing throilgh these gates, I found myself in a city, less gay but more contented than the "Mount of Dreams." Here everyone looked peaceful, and, though some seemed sad and weary, all seemed to be filled with a great calmness and courage. I felt much refreshed. I left this city behind me, and set out more cheerfully on my way. After some time, 1 slowly drew near " The Land of Memories." This land was'dim, misty, and vague, but sweet and happy, too. The people were simple and contented, and their faces invariably wore expressions of tenderness and regret. Over all seemed to hang a peaceful quiet. Leaving this pleasant country, I very slowly wound my way toward two tall, shining, misty gates, past which one might see nothing, but, after a slight hesitation, I passed through the *' Gates of Peace " into the " Land of Eternal Rest." —Michael Alastair.