As we barrel toward the August 29 premiere of Rayguns Over Texas at LoneStarCon 3 (aka the 71st Annual World Science Fiction Convention) in San Antonio, I am presenting book excerpts, one contributor per day.
Today’s selection comes from Aurelia Hadley Mohl‘s “An Afternoon’s Nap, or; Five Hundred Years Ahead.”
In this 19th century tale, John Langschlaf falls asleep, only to awaken 500 years later in a strange utopia. Originally published in 1865, Aurelia Hadley Mohl’s rarely reprinted work is one of the earliest science fiction tales written by a Texan.
The pretty iron gate turned easily and smoothly on its hinges, and Mr. Langschlaf stepped off his own premises — not into the dusty road that but that morning had led to town — but on to the marble pavement of a broad and apparently endless street, which was adorned on either side with stately places of exquisite beauty. These palaces were surrounded by beautiful grounds, ornamented with clusters of trees, groups of flowers, and vine-covered nooks from which gleamed statuary in white and polished beauty The street itself was inlaid with various colored marbles in pretty fanciful arabesque. Tall trees interlaced their delicate foliage over head, and on each side was a foot path adorned with flowers and pretty fountains, which sent their translucent spires high into the air.
“I am dreaming,” murmured Mr. Langschlaf, “and this I suppose is Paradise. I wish I could come across some of the angels — hallo! there’s one now!” and off he started at full speed towards a man somewhat strangely but becomingly attired, who had a fine commanding presence, and walked slowly along with an open book in his hand.
“Sir,” said our friend, when he had recovered his breath, “Sir, will you be kind enough to tweak my nose?”
The stranger turned around and regarded the author of this rather unusual request with astonishment, which, however, soon gave place to rapturous delight, and he exclaimed without heeding the aforesaid request — “Good heavens! can it be possible? What have I done to be so blessed? An old man, positively an old man! With the gray hair and beard so accurately described in my book! I am the happiest man in the world!”
“Umph,” muttered Langschlaf, “he speaks English anyway; but this man is a lunatic. I am not old enough to be an object of curiosity, I should think;” and then aloud to the stranger, who continued to regard him with increasing interest and delight, he said — “I made a polite request of you sir, but as it is, I confess, rather a singular one, I will explain why I made it. I laid down to day about 1 o’clock, P.M., to take a nap, leaving my own place surrounded by beautiful meadows and streams, I awake at 6 P.M., meadows, woods, and streams have disappeared, and a city has arisen in their place — a city so beautiful that I must think I still dream, for naught like it exists on earth. I was reading some absurd nonsense about progress and future perfection just before I sent to sleep, and I suppose I am dreaming of it now. Now sir will you be kind enough to pull my nose?”
“After you have answered me a few questions,” replied the stranger, “but first let us be seated where we can talk quietly,” and he led the amazed and somewhat indignant Langschlaf into one of the many lovely gardens — found some charming seats under a myrtle tree and requesting Langschlaf to take one he appropriated the other.
“I think it would be more polite of you to comply with my request without any conditions, but I presume from the rude manner in which you alluded to my age that politeness is at a discount here, however, proceed with your questions,” and Mr. Langschlaf settled himself comfortably in his place.
“I beg pardon if I have offended,” said the stranger earnestly, “I assure you it was unintentional.”
“Go on please,” interrupted Langschlaf — “I am in a hurry, and most outrageously hungry.”
“In a hurry,” repeated the stranger meditatively, “in a hurry — and old — upon my word it is extraordinary! But,” he added, aloud, “your hunger can be easily satisfied.”
So saying, he took from a pocket a singular looking little instrument somewhat like a watch, which he placed upon the ground. “Your dinner will be here directly,” he remarked to Langschlaf; and presently a white object like a large bird appeared in the air above their heads, descended swiftly, and lit on the ground before them. It proved on inspection to be something like a balloon — but beautiful and delicate in its construction. From this singular vehicle a pretty boy came forth with a slender cane in his hand. This he unfolded and formed a table which he placed before the two gentlemen and soon this novel table was covered with a charming repast.
“Wonderful!” exclaimed Langschlaf “this looks like witchcraft — I am almost afraid to eat a dinner so mysteriously provided — but I’ll risk it.” And he immediately fell to with an eagerness that made the two spectators stare.