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while at the same time a permanent deliverance from the terrors of the
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Beneath Parts seemed to be insidiously lengthening out into a funereal
unattainableness。 The point of this person's destination； he had been
assured on all hands； was a spot beyond which even the most aggressively
assertive engine could not proceed； so that he had no fears of being
incapably drawn into more remote places； yet when hour after hour passed
and the ill…destined machine never failed in its malicious endeavours to
leave each successive tarrying station； it is not to be denied that my
imagination dwelt regretfully upon the true civilisation of our own
enlightened country； where； by the considerate intervention of an all…wise
government； the possibilities of so distressing an experience are
sympathetically removed from one's path。 Thus the greater part of the day
had faded； and I was conjecturing that by this time we must inevitably be
approaching the barren and inhospitable country which forms the northern
limit of the Island； when the door suddenly opened and the barbarian
stranger whom I had left many hundred li behind entered the carriage。
At this manifestation all uncertainty departed； and I now understood
that to some obscure end witchcraft of a very powerful and high…caste kind
was being employed around me； for in no other way was it credible to
one's intelligence that a person could propel himself through the air with a
speed greater than that of one of these fire…chariots； and overtake it。
Doubtless it was a part of this same scheme which made it seem expedient
to the stranger that he should feign a part； for he at once greeted me as
though the occasion were a matter of everyday happening； exclaiming
genially
〃Well； Mr。 Kong； returning？ And what do you think of the Palace？〃
〃It is fitly observed； 'To the earthworm the rice stalk is as high as the
pagoda；'〃 I replied with adroit evasion； clearly understanding from his
manner that for some reason； not yet revealed to me； a course of
dissimulation was expedient in order to mislead the surrounding demons
concerning my movements； and by a subtle indication of the face
conveying to the stranger an assurance that I had tactfully grasped the
requirement； and would endeavour to walk well upon his heels； 〃and
therefore it would be unseemly for a person of my insignificant
attainments to engage in the doubtful flattery of comparing it with the
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many other residences of the pure and exalted which embellish your
Capital。〃
〃Oh；〃 said the one whom I may now suitably describe by the name of
Sir Philip； 〃that's rather a useful proverb sometimes。 Many people there？〃
At this inquiry I could not disguise from myself an emotion that the
person seated opposite was not diplomatically inspired in so persistently
clinging to the one subject upon which he must assuredly know that I
experienced an all…pervading deficiency。 Nevertheless； being by this more
fully convinced that the disguise was one of critical necessity； and not
deeming that the essential ceremonies of one Palace would differ from
those of another； no matter in what land they stood （while through all I
read a clear design on Sir Philip's part that the opportunity was craftily
arranged so that I might impress upon any vindictively…intentioned spirits
within hearing an assumption of high protection）； I replied that the
gathering had been one of unparalleled splendour； both by reason of the
multitude of exalted nobles present and also owing to the jewelled
magnificence lavished on every detail。 Furthermore； I continued； now
definitely abandoning all the promptings of a wise reserve； and reflecting；
as we say； that one may as well be drowned in the ocean as in a wooden
bucket； not only did the sublime and unapproachable sovereign graciously
permit me to kow…tow respectfully before him； but subsequently calling
me to his side beneath a canopy of golden radiance； he conversed genially
with me and benevolently assured me of his sympathetic favour on all
occasions （this； I conjectured； would certainly overawe any Evil Force not
among the very highest circles）； while the no less magnanimous Prince of
the Imperial Line questioned me with flattering assiduousness concerning
a method of communicating with persons at a distance by means of blows
or stamps upon a post （as far as the outer meaning conveyed itself to me）；
the houses which we build； and whether they contained an adequate
provision of enclosed spaces in the walls。
Doubtless I could have continued in this praiseworthy spirit of delicate
cordiality to an indefinite amount had I not chanced to observe at this
point that the expression of Sir Philip's urbanity had become entangled in
a variety of other emotions； not all propitious to the scheme； so that in
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order to retire imperceptibly within myself I smiled broad…mindedly；
remarking that it was well said that the moon was only bright while the
sun was hid； and that I had lately been dazzled with the sight of so much
brilliance and virtuous condescension that there were occasions when I
questioned inwardly how much I had really witnessed； and how much had
been conveyed to me in the nature of an introspective vision。
It will already have been made plain to you； O my courtly…mannered
father； that these barbarians are totally deficient in the polite art whereby
two persons may carry on a flattering and highly…attuned conversation；
mutually advantageous to the esteem of each； without it being necessary in
any way that their statements should have more than an ornamental
actuality。 So wanting