Page Content (OCR)
filled with a reverent stillness. Then, speaking in soft, distinct tones, the great teacher spoke these words: 2We thank the Infinite for present substance. May each and every one within Thy vast kingdom be equally provided. Let this food strengthen our bodies that they may serve the Divine Spirit which dwells within them in ways pleasing to Thee, Creator of all life.? After he had delivered this beautiful prayer, all joined again in a moment of silence. Then, before resuming his seat, the master said, ?We are gathered here tonight to celebrate with great rejoicing the successful fulfillment of the mission on Earth performed by two of our brothers present. Firkon and Ramu have done well. We share their happiness in the reward for their efforts which permits them to return to their home planets. Crystal clear goblets containing pale golden liquid were on the table before each guest. As the master finished speaking, he raised his glass, saying, ?Let us drink in blessing to one another and to our fellow men everywhere.? As | raised the goblet to my lips, | was aware of a most delicate fragrance and sipped the contents very slowly in order to lose none of the bouquet. It did not appear to be of an intoxicating nature but perhaps like many wines could have bad that effect if taken in excess. As we lifted our glasses in honor of Ramu and Firkon, soft music that came from athe 222-222 et a ee et a tee some invisible source filled the room. It was like no music | had ever before heard, seeming to vibrate through all my being; a melody strange and beautiful, with only occasional strains that were similar to Earthly music. Since this was the first time | had been privileged to dine with those of other worlds, | was naturally curious to learn to what extent their food might resemble ours. At each end of the table, and in the center, were beautiful bowls filled with fruit. One variety looked exactly like large rosy apples, each with stem intact. | anticipated the crisp juiciness as | accepted one offered to me. Yet when | bit into it, | found the flesh of this fruit had the consistency of a firm, ripe peach, and the flavor was rather like a cross between a cherry and an apple. The core contained one large seed that looked like an immense apple seed. Another fruit resembled gigantic raspberries, both in appearance and flavor. The smallest of these berries was at least four times the size of our largest. Placed at intervals along the table were large pitcher-like containers holding a variety of fruit juices and other drinks. This explained the several goblets of different sizes in front of each place. The second drink | tried tasted like pure raspberry juice. Food was served to us by the two women who bad seated themselves on either side at the end of the long table. First they brought steaming dishes of vegetables from the service table which stood against the wall close by. One contained what looked like ordinary carrots, but | found the consistency not so firm, and the flavor a kind of sweet-sour. A second vegetable looked like the familiar potato. These, though peeled, were served in their natural shape. They had a slight yellow tinge and, although none of the coarse fiber of a parsnip,