Part 2

Vere, kiam la Esperanta movado en Anglujo gxajnis tiom da profesoroj, Doktoroj, kaj eminentuloj, kiom gxi nun havas en Francujo, la lingvo estos venkinta! Gxis nun, bedauxrinde, nur malmulte da instruistoj kaj scienculoj interesigxis je la afero. Sed sendube tiu cxi baldaux venos, kaj tiam ni, kune kun niaj simpatiaj Francaj amikoj, povos vidi la belegan rezultaton de niaj sencxesaj klopodoj--la alprenon de Esperanto tutmonde.

Ju pli oni esploras la Esperantistaron, des pli oni konvinkigxas je la granda estonteco de la lingvo. Cxie Esperantistoj kunpensas pri gxia praktikeco kaj netusxebleco. _Cxie ni estas veraj Samideanoj!_

_Gxis la Revido! Gxis la Revido!_

H. Bolingbroke Mudie.

March 12-15, 1904.

To-day, sitting at the Remington once more, I write a few words about my memorable little holiday with the Esperantists in France. I do so to fulfil the wish of many readers of The Esperantist. It would be easy to do one of two things--either to fill a book on the subject, or to write nothing. For the former, time is wanting, and I must not do the latter, having unfortunately promised to write something.

I must therefore hope that my new friends across the Channel will forgive such a brief outline of so interesting a theme.

Have many people, other than Esperantists, had long friendly correspondence with those whom they have never yet seen? Perhaps. But certain it is that I gave much forethought to this short journey, which was to enable me to see so many Esperantists, with whom I already had such pleasant intercourse.

A smooth crossing and a comfortable train allowed a little sleep before I arrived, at seven in the morning, in the Gay City.

Of the sights and interesting features of Paris it is needless to write. These exist for all, not for the army of Esperantists alone.

But the hearty welcome of M. Gaubert, Secretary of the Parisian Group, was an Esperantist privilege. Having visited the publishers, Messrs. Hachette, I went to the Suez Canal Company's office, which M. Gaubert jokingly calls his _prison_! A truly luxxurious prison. We in England have not, I fancy, such offices. Here I also met his colleague, M. Masse, who is another Secretary of the Paris Group.

The first object which catches the eye is a beautiful model of the world-famed canal. It must have been easier to scoop out the desert sand than to cut through the Panama rocks; nevertheless, the magnitude of the enterprise is very evident. We lunched together here, and the cuisine, like the building itself, was excellent.

Subsequently I called on M. Fruictier, the most busy Editor of _Lingvo Internacia_ and of the new _Internacia Scienca Revuo_. After a pleasant chat, we said _au revoir_, and I left to meet M. Bourlet, President of the Paris Group.

Of him, his devotion and indefatigability, I had of course heard much, and it was therefore a very great pleasure to become personally acquainted with this most kind comrade in our Cause. With him was his cousin, M. Mehrmann, Secretary of the Group in Chateau Thierry. It seems that all M. Bourlet's relatives have become Esperantists, except one, who is still busy studying English. This is very proper; but would it not be better to learn English from an Esperanto textbook?

We walked slowly towards the Palais Royal, chatting the while. Having arrived there, we entered the Restaurant Vefour, where I discovered a great feast had been made ready. There were more than twenty-five friends-in-Esperanto present, whose names I knew, but whom for the most part I had never seen.

I cannot here enumerate all those present: let it suffice to say that General Sebert (Member of the Institute of France), M. de Menil (of Jarlibro fame), M. Rollet de l'Isle (who is occupied with the preparation of a Marine-Esperanto-Vocabulary), and almost every eminent Parisian Esperantist were present, except M. Cart and M. de Breon, who were unfortunately prevented from participating.

During dinner, our friends sent most hearty greetings to all British Esperantists, and trusted that we will ever strive, together with our French brethren, to ensure the universal adoption of our dear Cause.

I, of course, replied to this kind message, and gave a short report of the present state of Esperanto here, and also said that we in England hope soon to reach the exalted station now held by our energetic sister, France.

This was the first occasion on which I had to make an Esperanto speech, and I fear I suffered somewhat from nervousness. I was accordingly glad when I had concluded the address with an expression of thanks for the great kindness of our Parisian fellow-thinkers, having hoped that we in London would soon have the opportunity of showing them some of our sights.

We then listened to some Esperanto songs. Both M. and Mme. de Menil are Esperantists and musicians, and have composed several very melodious songs. We also sang _La Vojo_, by M. Deshays, who visited London last year.

All present were then photographed by magnesium flash, and if the result be good, it may appear in The Esperantist.

At midnight I went to the Hotel to sleep, and to dream that no longer was I merely H.B.M., but that I had become some eminent person on a pleasure-progress!

Next morning I woke up and gladly saw that my watch only indicated seven o'clock, and that half-an-hour of bed still remained. It is terrible, methinks, to have to jump out into the cold at once on waking up! I was accordingly quietly resting when suddenly I had a fright. The hand _still_ pointed to the seven! Has the eminent man entered a beautiful land where time is not? I listen: no, the watch has stopped! Certainly I must have lost the train. I dress post haste, and go to the station. Joy! It is only eight, and there is still time enough.

The sun was already shining in a cloudless sky when I met M. Bourlet, and went with him into an overheated train. Why are French trains so hot? I could scarcely breathe, and my feet were almost roasted on the iron plate of the warming apparatus.

About eleven o'clock we arrived at Chateau Thierry, and once more met M. Mehrmann, who took us to M. Borson, the President of the new Group there. With him was an Esperantist circle, and we chatted for some minutes. I then found that champagne in champagne-land is much more agreeable to the taste--in my opinion--than that which we have in England. I told those present that I had visited the town last year on a bicycle, and had much admired the Town Hall, where we had to speak later on. And, certainly, had anyone told me that in less than a year I should enter this Town Hall in a frock coat and silk hat to discuss Esperanto, I could not have believed it. Truth is often very, very strange.

As the sun was so bright, we clambered up to the ancient castle, or, more accurately, the castle site, of King Theodoric II., which gives its name to the little town.

The Esperantist Group is called the Group of _Kastelteodoriko_.

At midday we descended from this eyrie, and went to the charming home of Mme. Mehrmann, where we dined. This calls to mind that, before ever entering France, I dreaded the French cuisine; but quite without reason. If only our country inns were as comfortable as our neighbours', we should probably see more Continental tourists.

Throughout this journey I learnt a great deal about French every-day life, which certainly would never have been acquired had I not been an Esperantist, even with a perfect knowledge of French; and I have once again to thank the most kind ladies and gentlemen who so cordially extended me their hospitality.

After dinner, Mme. de Menil played her very melodious Esperanto Waltz.[1]

We then proceeded through the streets to the beautiful white Town Hall, which had attracted so much of my attention the year before.

We entered a very fine painted and ornamented hall, in which was assembled a number of the townsmen.

As the weather was so lovely, we feared that but few would be present, but we were mistaken, and I was glad to see among the audience many young people.

Until now there had hardly been occasion to remember that I understood French, for, naturally, we always conversed in Esperanto. But I now found that I had not wasted my time in the study of this difficult, but beautiful, tongue. I perfectly understood the remarkable lecture which M. Bourlet gave. But all good things come to an end, and I much regretted my ability to understand French when, in the middle of his discourse, my friend wanted me to say something _in French_ to show that it is almost impossible for a foreigner to learn such a difficult and irregular language perfectly! My audience was truly very patient, and did not laugh very much at my pains, but I was exceedingly glad when I could once more be permitted to speak in Esperanto! Did this test gain over any of those present to our Cause?

At five o'clock the meeting ended, and we paid one or two calls before returning to the hospitable Secretary's home.

On my previous visit to Chateau Thierry I had become well acquainted with the natural beauties of the locality, but now, thanks to Esperanto, I know something of the inhabitants and their beautiful homes.

Swiftly, too, too swiftly, came the hour of departure, and the hot train took us back to Paris. Naturally the fellow-travellers were much interested in listening to our Esperanto conversation. Did they imagine that we were not of the same nationality?

At eleven p.m. I had to say good-bye to my most kind friend, and took the tram to the Gare de Lyon, where the station was made gay by soldiers of all kinds.

The train left at one in the morning. My sole companion was an officer going to Tonquin. We talked a little about Esperanto among other subjects, and he said he would probably learn the language in the steamer, instead of always playing cards.

Then, as the compartment was not too hot, I covered myself with a rug, and slept soundly.

At eleven o'clock, on March 14, I arrived at Dijon, and, thanks to the green star in my button-hole, was recognised in the street by M. Jullien, the Secretary of the Group. He took me into the Buffet, where several well-known Esperantists had assembled, and where we had lunch. Mm. Boirac (Rector of the University), Lambert (Professor at the University), Lallemant (Collaborator of Diversajxoj), Mme. Bastoul (Vice-President of the Group), and many others were present.

During the meal M. Boirac explained the proposal _re_ the coming Dijon University Holiday Course, of which I will treat elsewhere. Obviously this must greatly help our Cause, if Esperantists from various countries can meet there.

Then M. Jullien kindly took me over the ancient palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, and into the museum, where are the renowned Flemish sculptures. But these also exist for all, and I must at once take my readers to Mme. Bastoul's home, where they will hear me speaking in a phonograph, recording my hearty thanks for their kind welcome, and expressing the hope for a similar meeting in London.

I also was taken over the great biscuit factory Pernot, and was much interested. Truly the cleanliness and practicality there are most remarkable.

Having gone to the Hotel de la Cloche, where the Group and the English Club hold meetings, I dined, and had a little minute in which to write a short report home, and then I hastened off to the University, to be present at the Meeting of the Group. My arrival had been announced in the local papers, and the Hall was quite full to hear an English Esperantist.

M. Lambert gave the customary explanation of some Grammatical points, and I then addressed the audience in Esperanto, saying that we in London remark with great interest the go-ahead characteristics of Dijon, and I also read a note from our busy Maltese supporter, Dr. Busuttil, which proved that England was not the only land to observe their progress.

The meeting over, we went together to a cafe before returning to the Hotel, to pass the night--if one can call night the time from midnight to 5.30, when the train leaves for Lyons.

The Group in Beaune had kindly asked me to be present at its gathering on the following day, but I had to refuse, being expected in Lyons at mid-day. I however promised to visit Beaune on the return journey, March 25.

Assuredly Dijon boasts of many Esperantists, one of whom recognised me at the station in the morning, and travelled with me.

March 15 was also a lovely day, sunshine and blue sky everywhere. Having reached the vast and beautiful Lyons, I followed the directions of the kind M. Offret, and we met for lunch with Dr. Dor and some other Committee Members of the Group.

Readers will recollect that it is M. Offret who has just published the report on the _Present State of Esperanto in the World_, and I had the privilege of seeing the replies which he received. Truly the Lyons Group is fortunate in possessing such a Secretary; and when I saw the very neat ordering of all the Group's affairs, I at once wished to resign the Secretaryship of the London Club, so that someone with more time and ability could pay more energetic attention to the matter.

Lyons is a very vast and beautiful city, and friends would not let me depart before seeing its principal sights, for which I owe them hearty thanks. But here also the Silk Museum, Collections of Paintings, the wonderful view of the Snowy Alps, the fine Park, the confluence of the two mighty rivers, Saone and Rhone, are for all visitors, not for Esperantists alone; so I will only mention the agreeable evening meeting, after we had dined together. Here I spoke in Esperanto of the whole trip. And, really, I had seen so many interesting and memorable things that days seemed weeks!

But now, unfortunately, this Esperanto-holiday had almost come to an end. I was about to seek quiet and health in the lovely Maritime Alps of Italy. I therefore left Lyons at midnight, and woke up near St. Raphael, where one first catches sight of the beautiful, intensely blue, Mediterranean.

_March 16-27, 1904._

It really is a fairyland, this wonderful region. Palm trees, oranges, good cycling roads, flowers of all kinds and colours, and thousands of similar lovelinesses. And over all the ever-burning sun, the air most clear. Finding such a landscape in March, one cannot help thinking of London. Nevertheless, I love London, even with its blackish, and frequently somewhat dreary, aspect!

I cannot write of the wonders of this fairyland, but I can never adequately thank Esperanto and the Esperantists for making such a journey possible. Mr. Bicknell, whose guest I was, and whose name is so well known to the readers of The Esperantist, is as kind as his writings are interesting. I greatly enjoyed frequent excursions, either on foot or bicycle, with him into the mountains.

Always, when one is very happy, time seemingly flies on the wings of the wind, and it was very doleful when the end of the visit approached, and I had once more to go into the stuffy trains.

I visited the palmy and golden Monte Carlo, where one need not be an alchemist to convert silver into gold (or gold into nothing). This spot seemed the most lovely of all. Yet on my arrival there the hail and snow fell heavily, and all the lovely flowers in the parks were protected by coverings. This was the only day that was overcast.

I also paid a short visit to Nice, and saw M. de Villemain, the Secretary of the Group.

In Nice, also, I lost my pocket-book, containing a beautiful poem and many notes for this Gazette!

On March 25, before mid-day, I reached Beaune (Cote d'Or, not Algeria, whither the porters tried to send me). On the station platform the green star was in evidence, and I made the acquaintance of M. Cyrot, the Secretary of the Group. We went out together, and lunched with the Committee; once again I enjoyed the hospitality of Esperantists.

Later we visited the remarkable _Hostel Dieu_ and its wonderful painting of the Last Judgment, we scrambled up into the Belfry, and went into the Park, and learned something of _trout which eat swans_!

At dinner a very amusing occurrence caused much laughter. In the Hotel we always spoke Esperanto, but suddenly someone said a phrase I could not understand. Even the second time it was incomprehensible. Finally, I learned that the unrecognised words had been said in English! Here is an interesting fact for those who think that the difficult English language must be used for a key language.

After dinner we went off together to the Lycee, where M. Mathouillet holds an Esperanto course, and I met yet a further group of Esperantists. Beaune is a centre of the wine trade in France, and M. Deschamps, a committee member of the Group, has thought out a new way of illustrating the Esperanto participles with the help of the bottle. On a large sheet of paper are depicted three men, the first holding in his hand a bottle of Beaune wine. He is _about to drink_, and the wine is _about to be drunk_. The second individual has raised the bottle to his mouth. He is _drinking_, and the liquor _is being drunk_. But the third man, with very gay physiognomy, is dancing with an empty bottle in his hand. He _has drunk_, and the wine _has been drunk_!

But the Group also possesses a worthy poet, and it is to be hoped that readers of The Esperantist will be able to learn by heart some _bonaj_ poems, doubtless inspired by the _bona_ wine.

At midnight I said good-bye, went into the train, and arrived in Paris early in the morning of the 26th. No longer Esperanting, I spent the day at the Louvre and the Jardin des Plantes. Then, very very tired, I got an English paper to see if it were yet printed in Esperanto; and, seeing not even an Esperanto _column_ there, I hastened to London to ask the reason.

In the train I made one convert; in the steamer another.

Arrived in London, I find the weather is still cold. One shivers, and thinks of the warmth of Italy, where one is almost desirous of following the example of our first parents as regards the clothing problem.

_And Afterwards._

Assuredly, when the Esperanto movement in England has gained as many professors, doctors and eminent men as it now has in France, the language will have won the day. Up to the present, unfortunately, but few teachers and scientific men here have become interested. But, without doubt, this will soon come, and we, with our cordial French friends, shall be able to see the grand result of our ceaseless labours--the adoption of Esperanto universally.

The more one sees of the Esperantists, the more one is convinced of the language's great future. Everywhere Esperantists are agreed as to its practicality and unalterableness. _Everywhere we are true fellow-thinkers!_

_Au Revoir! Au Revoir!_

Literal Translation.

FOOTNOTE:

[1] _This can now be obtained from the Librarian, price 6d., post free._

A PROGRESSIVE LIMERICK.

Clarence Bicknell.

Frauxlin' ridetanta de Nigro, Sursaltis por rajdi sur tigro. La rajdo finigxis, sed sxi internigxis, Pro kiu ridetis la tigro.

Deziris ridanta frauxlino Rajdadon sur dors' de tigrino; Sed sxi revenante interne rajdante Ne plu ridis, sed la tigrino.

Per salto sidigxis sur tigro Ridanta frauxlino de Nigro. Internen li metis sxin, kiun ne petis sxi-- Tiam ridetis la tigro.

Frauxlin', kiu logxis en Nigro, Ridante ekrajdis sur tigro La rajd' ne plu estis, interne sxi restis Kiam ridegis la tigro.

Frauxlino eliris de Nigro Ridete rajdante sur tigro. Ho, kia vidajxo! Sxi tuj internajxo Ridetis ne plu, nur la tigro.

Frauxlin' iafoje de Nigro, Ridetis saltante sur tigro; La rajdo finigxis cxar sxi internigxis Sed gaje ridetis la tigro.

Etc., Etc., Etc.

[_Tradukis Esp. 6266._]

LA VENTEGO (Dauxrigo).

(_Vidu la ses antauxajn Nrojn._)

AKTO I.

Sceno 2 (_dauxrigo_).

Mi cxion montris!... Ke la sorcxartiloj De Sikorakso, buf', skarab', vesperto ... Sur vin tuj falu!--Estas mi subulo! Mi tiam sola mia propra regxo! Min porke nun vi tenas en sxtonego, Dum la ceterajn partojn vi posedas!

Prospero.--Mensoga sklavo, kiun bonaj agoj Neniam povis tusxi, sed nur skurgxo! Sxlimido, mi unue kun vi agis Zorgeme, home, ecx mi vin lokadis En groto mia ... gxis vi idon mian Atencis malvirgigi....

Kalibano.-- Vi malhelpis. Se rajte estus gxi de mi farita, L'insulo estus Kalibanigita!

Prospero.--Ho, sklavo abomena, ne ameco Kortusxos vian malbonecon bestan; Nur povas vi plenumi bestan rolon. Kompate, mi paroli vin instruis, Novajxon tauxgan montris tage, hore; Bestulon, kiu tiam sole blekis Simile al la bruto, mi instruis Paroli home, kaj objektojn nomi. Sed, parolante, via bruta raso Enhavas tion, kio ne permesas Honeste agi: tial en sxtonego Malliberulo vi de tiam restas, Anstataux pli malbona sorto.

Kalibano.-- Vere Paroli vi min faris: la profito Jen estas: mi nun povas vin malbeni. Erizipelo ambaux vin mortigu! Mi lernis tion el la lingvo via.

Prospero.--Sorcxido! for de tie cxi! rapidu! Hejtajxon tuj alportu, mi konsilas; Plimulte poste, sed nun tion faru! Cxu sxanceligxos vi, cxu malobeos, Mi tiam strecxos la muskolojn viajn, Kaj ostojn dolorigos: vi blekegos ... La bestojn timigante.

Kalibano.-- Ne, mi petas. (_Flanken_) Obei li magie min devigas. Potenco tia ke l'patrina dio Setebos estus gxia sklavo!

Prospero.-- Iru! (_Foriras Kalibano_)

_Revenas_ Arielo _nevidebla, ludante kaj kantante; sekvas_ Ferdinando.

Kanto de Arielo.

_Sur la flavan sablon venu,_ _Manojn interprenu;_ _Salutintaj, ecx kisintaj,--_ _(Paca mar' sin tenu!)--_ _Tie cxi kaj tie saltu,_ _Koboldeme: nun, ni haltu._ _Auxskultu!_

Rekantajxo (malproksime): _Boju, hundoj, boju!_ _Hundoj, boju, boju!_ Rekantajxo: _Boju, hundoj, boju!_

_Auxdu nun la kokan krion;_ _Cxantikliro[2] kantas tion:_ _"Kokorauxko!" krias koko._

Ferdinando.--El kie venis tia stranga kanto? El aer' aux el tero?... Plu ne sonas ... Cxu estas io de insula dio?-- Mi sidis ploreganta pri la sorto De mia patro kiu jxus pereis ... Dolcxegaj sonoj venis super l'ondo, Gxin kvietigis,--ecx doloron mian;-- Altiris min cxi tien l'harmonio, Sed jxus forcxesis.... Ne! gxi rekomencas....

Arielo Kantas:

_Sub tridek futoj da marakvo_ _Profunde patro restas;_ _Farigxas ostoj nun koralo;_ _Okuloj perloj estas:_ _Aliformigxas li marame,_ _Tre ricxe kaj orname._ _Hore mortsonoro tintas,_ _Maraj nimfoj kantas:_

Sonorila ehxo: _Bum! bom! bam! bum!_

_Ilin auxdas mi, ... Auxskultu!_

Hxora ehxo: _Bum! bam! bom! bum!_

Ferdinando.--Gxi diris pri droninta patro mia! Ne estas terdevena homa kanto Auxdita de mi supre!

Prospero.-- Ho, Mirando, Palpebroj viaj malfermigxu: kion Ekvidas vi antauxe?

Mirando.-- Kio estas? Spirit'? Cxielo! Kiel gxi rigardas! Sinjoro, certe sxajnas gxi belforma; Spirito tamen estas.

(_Dauxrigota_).

FOOTNOTE:

[2] Angle, _chanticleer_.

LA SIMIO.

Fablo 18 el Fenelon, Tradukita de Maurice Mehrmann.

De maljuna ruza simio, la ombro malsupreniris post morto, en la malhelan logxejon de Plutono, kie gxi petis por reveni inter la vivantoj.