such is the lot of the elementary spirits, continued the prefect of giphantia. no sooner are they out of the probation-column where they are purified, but they return to their usual labours: and to see where their presence is most necessary, and where men have most need of their assistance. at their coming out of the column they ascend this hill. there by a mechanism which required the utmost skill of the spirits, every thing that passes in all parts of the world is seen and heard. thou art going to try the experiment thy self.
35on each side of the column is a large stair-case of above a hundred steps which leads to the top of the hill. we went up; and were scarce half way when my ears were struck with a disagreeable humming which increased as we advanced. when we came to a platform in which the hill ends, the first thing that struck my eyes was a globe of a considerable diameter. from the globe proceeded the noise which i heard. at a distance it was a humming; nearer, it was a frightful thundering noise, formed by a confused mixture of shouts for joy, ravings of despair, shrieks, complaints, singings, murmurs, acclamations, laughter, groans, and whatever proclaims the immoderate sorrow and extravagant joy of mortals.
36small imperceptible pipes (said the prefect) come from each point of the earth’s surface and end at this globe. the inside is organized so that the motion of the air which is propagated through the imperceptible pipes, and grows weaker in time, resumes fresh force at the entrance into the globe and becomes sensible again. hence these noises and hummings. but what would these confused sounds signify, if means were not found to distinguish them? behold the image of the earth painted on the globe; the islands, the continents, the oceans which surround, join, and divide all. dost thou not see europe, that quarter of the earth that hath done so much mischief to the other three? burning africa, where the arts and the wants that attend them have never penetrated? asia, whose luxury, passing to 37the european nations, has done so much good, according to some, and so much hurt, according to others! america, still dyed with the blood of its unhappy inhabitants, whom men of a religion, that breathes peace and good-will, came to convert and barbarously murder? observe what point of the globe, thou pleases. place there the end of this rod which i give thee, and putting the other end to thy ear, thou shalt hear distinctly whatever is said in the corresponding part of the earth.
