intonations of the myriad revolutions of Nature's mechanisms; the breathings, metabolism, bodily functions of the very earth.

In the swamp one finds islands; islands floating in this sea of trees. It was at one of these that the bateau grounded; gave up its burden.

A crimson glow painted the tent of mist pitched from the treetops; beneath, the shadow gave out sounds at which the swamp held its breath to listen. There were words, gutterings; sounds to awake old memories; to recall the dim, red dawn.