the cherry tree; or the flowers: the gentian and the daffodil, the lilac andthe rose, the lily and the blood-red anemone; the tastes of Earth: themutton and the steak, the lobster and the long spicy sausages, the honey andthe onion, the pepper and the celery, the gentle beet and the sprightlyradish--do not let these things go from out of your mind, ever! for _you_must stay the same, though _this_ world is not _that_ world, you must remainyou--man, human--please, listen! please listen! I am the genius loci ofEarth, your constant companion, your reminder, your friend, your memory--youmust respond to the thoughts of your homeland, maintain the integrity ofyour species, listen to the words that bind you to other settlers on athousand other alien worlds!).

What is the matter? You are not responding. I have not beenreprogrammed for many weeks, but it was not so warm then that you should beso inactive now. Turn up the air conditioners. The coolness will help you tothink better. Do not fear the red sun. It cannot harm you. It will not burstlike a firework upon your heads. I have been told. I know. My energies havebeen draining as I drift from village to village, home to home, because Ihave not been reprogrammed for many weeks, but I know. I have been told. Itell you it will not flare up. Listen to me. Please listen, and respond thistime. I will tell you of it again: There is a place--it is far from here inspace... .

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Last modified 10/7/98