Part 11 (1/2)
An episode in the Tootmanyoso's life when, alone and unarmed in his study, he was surrounded by a band of armed men, who had bound themselves by oath to murder him unless he complied with their rebellious demands, is here recorded in a picture, in which is portrayed the n.o.ble figure of the Tootmanyoso, unarmed and bareheaded, at the mercy of these furious armed men, who have the expression of wild beasts in their rage. The painter nevertheless has succeeded in giving to the faces of the rebels a cowering expression, as if they were inwardly awed by the undaunted calmness and aspect of the man they had come to destroy.
XIV. THE MOUNTAIN SUPPORTER.
Besides the most remarkable views of this wondrous work, the different interesting incidents attending its construction are recorded. Here, also, is portrayed the unsupported Mountain Arm, threatening many cities with destruction, as it appeared before the construction of the Supporter.
XV. INVENTION OF THE LEAF INSTRUMENT.
The discovery of the properties of leaves, and the invention of the ”Leaf Instrument,” by the aid of which fallen leaves are utilised as a valuable means of enriching the Earth. This was a great boon to my world, greatly increasing the fertility of the land and the excellence of the crops.
XVI. SUN-POWER.
The discovery of Sun-power; its application to manufactures and the arts; to various medicinal purposes, and to invigorating the const.i.tution and brain of man.
XVII. THE ELECTRIC THEATRE.
The opening of the first Electric Theatre, and the exhibition of the wondrous feats accomplished by Electricity.
XVIII. INFANTS' EXERCISING MACHINES.
The Tootmanyoso suggesting to one of his scientific men, Drahna by name, the machines, the use of which prevented many of the accidents and diseases incident to infancy. There are many other pictures ill.u.s.trating the discoveries by which health and beauty are preserved, and man's life is prolonged.[1]
[Footnote 1: See p. 187.]
XIX. INSTALLATION OF CHARACTER-DIVERS.
The Installation of Character-Divers and Preceptors is a ceremony of a very solemn character, and takes place in public, the Twelve Kings presiding. The candidate engages solemnly to fulfil the duties strictly and impartially.
XX. THE VALLEY OF THE ROCKS.
The Tootmanyoso addressing the people in the Valley of the Rocks; an extremely picturesque locality, studded with rocks, which, by his orders were sculptured into groups of gigantic statuary, calculated to impress the people's minds with grandeur and beauty.
XXI. THE CONSUMMATION.
The Tootmanyoso, on the completion of his work, is seen offering up thanks to Heaven.
The princ.i.p.al figure stands out from the picture in a marvellous way. A glory of light s.h.i.+nes on the monarch's brow, and his eyes are illumined with heavenly fire and inspiration. In the background are the people, surrounded by plenty, and guarded by myriads of angels. Our painters have the art of giving to their delineations of angels an incorporeal vapoury appearance, like that of forms sometimes seen in sleep. The Tootmanyoso is in the act of accompanying his hymn of praise with the grand music of the harp. This instrument with us is of gigantic proportions, and, touched by a skilful player, produces lovely effects.
It is not supported by the executant, but revolves easily on a ball and socket, to which, having been placed at the exact inclination required, it is fixed by a small bolt before he intones his hymns.[1]
[Footnote 1: See p. 243.]
It was delightful for me to go down occasionally to the great room, and to meditate on these pictures, and the subjects that had inspired the painters. The light and tone of the place, and the general impression made upon me, seemed to savour more of heaven than of earth.
XIX.