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- # CHAPTER LXXX. Donjalolo In The Bosom Of His Family
## Overview
This chapter, titled "Donjalolo In The Bosom Of His Family," is part of the novel [Mardi: And a Voyage Thither](arke:01KG8AJA6157W2830190N652KA). It was extracted from the file [mardi_vol1.txt](arke:01KG89J1HYC04JWXEK48P07WPK) and is part of the [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW) collection. The chapter details a natural grotto and its surroundings, emphasizing the refreshing breezes and waters that emanate from it.
## Context
The chapter describes a subterranean dome with a waterfall, a "lofty subterraneous dome, lit from above by a cleft in the mountain." This grotto is presented as a significant feature of the glen of Willamilla, providing a vital source of cool air and water. The text highlights the sensory experience of the grotto, mentioning the sound of the waterfall, the sight of vines, and the feel of the breezes. The narrative also touches upon the local reverence for the deity Demi and the importance of the grotto to the inhabitants of Willamilla, particularly in relation to Donjalolo.
## Contents
The chapter vividly describes a grotto that serves as a natural palace, referred to as the "House of the Afternoon." It details the entrance, a dome lit by a mountain cleft, and a waterfall cascading into a pool. The grotto is adorned with vines, creating a decorative effect. The text also mentions a stone image of a deity named Demi, the tutelar deity of Willamina. A significant portion of the chapter is dedicated to the "breezes of Omi" that flow from the grotto, described as invigorating and essential for the well-being of the glen's inhabitants. The chapter concludes by noting the strength of these breezes, especially during high sea seasons.
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- CHAPTER LXXX. Donjalolo In The Bosom Of His Family
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- sideways disposed, to avoid the spray of the rejoicing cataract.
Mounting these, and pursuing the edge of the flume, the grotto
gradually expands and heightens; your way lighted by rays in the inner
distance. At last you come to a lofty subterraneous dome, lit from
above by a cleft in the mountain; while full before you, in the
opposite wall, from a low, black arch, midway up, and inaccessible, the
stream, with a hollow ring and a dash, falls in a long, snowy column
into a bottomless pool, whence, after many an eddy and whirl, it
entered the flume, and away with a rush. Half hidden from view by an
overhanging brow of the rock, the white fall looked like the sheeted
ghost of the grotto.
Yet gallantly bedecked was the cave, as any old armorial hall hung
round with banners and arras. Streaming from the cleft, vines swung in
the air; or crawled along the rocks, wherever a tendril could be fixed.
High up, their leaves were green; but lower down, they were shriveled;
and dyed of many colors; and tattered and torn with much rustling; as
old banners again; sore raveled with much triumphing.
In the middle of this hall in the hill was incarcerated the stone image
of one Demi, the tutelar deity of Willamina. All green and oozy like a
stone under water, poor Demi looked as if sore harassed with sciatics
and lumbagos.
But he was cheered from aloft, by the promise of receiving a garland
all blooming on his crown; the Dryads sporting in the woodlands above,
forever peeping down the cleft, and essaying to drop him a coronal.
Now, the still, panting glen of Willamilla, nested so close by the
mountains, and a goodly green mark for the archer in the sun, would
have been almost untenable were it not for the grotto. Hereby, it
breathed the blessed breezes of Omi; a mountain promontory buttressing
the island to the east, receiving the cool stream of the upland Trades;
much pleasanter than the currents beneath.
At all times, even in the brooding noon-day, a gush of cool air came
hand-in-hand with the cool waters, that burst with a shout into the
palace of Donjalolo. And as, after first refreshing the king, as in
loyalty bound, the stream flowed at large through the glen, and bathed
its verdure; so, the blessed breezes of Omi, not only made pleasant the
House of the Afternoon; but finding ample outlet in its wide, open
front, blew forth upon the bosom of all Willamilla.
“Come let us take the air of Omi,” was a very common saying in the
glen. And the speaker would hie with his comrade toward the grotto; and
flinging himself on the turf, pass his hand through his locks, and
recline; making a joy and a business of breathing; for truly the
breezes of Omi were as air-wine to the lungs.
Yet was not this breeze over-cool; though at times the zephyrs grew
boisterous. Especially at the season of high sea, when the strong
Trades drawn down the cleft in the mountain, rushed forth from the
grotto with wonderful force. Crossing it then, you had much ado to keep
your robe on your back.
Thus much for the House of the Afternoon. Whither—after spending the
- title
- CHAPTER LXXX. Donjalolo In The Bosom Of His Family