t must have been many hours that I lay thus. I have a dim recollection
of my boat going on and on, its speed gradually decreasing, until I was
amazed to perceive that it had ceased its onward motion and was gently
rocking on quiet waters. I opened my eyes. A rosy light, like the first
blush of a new day, permeated the atmosphere. I sat up and looked about
me. A circular wall of pale amber mist rose behind me; the shores of a
new and beautiful country stretched before. Toward them, I guided my
boat with reviving hope and strength.

I entered a broad river, whose current was from the sea, and let myself
drift along its banks in bewildered delight. The sky appeared bluer, and
the air balmier than even that of Italy's favored clime. The turf that
covered the banks was smooth and fine, like a carpet of rich green
velvet. The fragrance of tempting fruit was wafted by the zephyrs from
numerous orchards. Birds of bright plumage flitted among the branches,
anon breaking forth into wild and exultant melody, as if they rejoiced
to be in so favored a clime.

And truly it seemed a land of enchantment. The atmosphere had a peculiar
transparency, seemingly to bring out clearly objects at a great
distance, yet veiling the far horizon in a haze of gold and purple.
Overhead, clouds of the most gorgeous hues, like precious gems converted
into vapor, floated in a sky of the serenest azure. The languorous
atmosphere, the beauty of the heavens, the inviting shores, produced in
me a feeling of contentment not easily described. To add to my senses
another enjoyment, my ears were greeted with sounds of sweet music, in
which I detected the mingling of human voices.

I wondered if I had really drifted into an enchanted country, such as I
had read about in the fairy books of my childhood.

The music grew louder, yet wondrously sweet, and a large pleasure boat,
shaped like a fish, glided into view. Its scales glittered like gems as
it moved gracefully and noiselessly through the water. Its occupants
were all young girls of the highest type of blonde beauty. It was their
soft voices, accompanied by some peculiar stringed instruments they
carried, that had produced the music I had heard. They appeared to
regard me with curiosity, not unmixed with distrust, for their boat
swept aside to give me a wide berth.

I uncovered my head, shook down my long black hair, and falling upon my
knees, lifted my hands in supplication. My plea was apparently
unde