This marvelous journey proved to be almost the last occasion on which I was to see the swami. Shortly afterward he announced that he was to return to his own country. He felt that his end was approaching and he wished to go back to the community of which he was director and where he had spent his youth. . . ,

In blue sky floats a multitude of clouds--_x000d_ White, black, of many shades and thicknesses;_x000d_ An orange sun, about to say farewell,_x000d_ Touches the massed cloud-shapes with streaks of red._x000d_ _x000d_ The wind blows as it lists, a hurricane_x000d_ Now carving shapes, now breaking them apart:_x000d_ Fancies, colours, forms, inert creations--_x000d_ A myriad scenes, though real, yet fantastic._x000d_ _x000d_ There light clouds spread, heaping up spun cotton;_x000d_ See next a huge snake, then a strong lion;_x000d_ Again, behold a couple locked in love._x000d_ All vanish, at last, in the vapoury sky._x000d_ _x000d_ Below, the sea sings a varied music,_x000d_ But not grand, O India, nor ennobling:_x000d_ Thy waters, widely praised, murmur serene_x000d_ In soothing cadence, without a harsh roar.

Port Tewfick_x000d_ 26th November, 1900_x000d_ Dear Joe {MacCleod},_x000d_ The steamer was late; so I am waiting. Thank goodness, it entered the Canal this morning at Port Said. That means it will arrive some time in the evening if everything goes right._x000d_ Of course it is like solitary imprisonment these two days, and I am holding my soul in patience._x000d_ But they say the change is thrice dear. Mr. Gaze's agent gave me all wrong directions. In the first place, there was nobody here to tell me a thing, not to speak of receiving me. Secondly, I was not told that I had to change my Gaze's ticket for a steamer one at the agent's office, and that was at Suez, not here. It was good one way, therefore, that the steamer was late; so I went to see the agent of the steamer and he told me to exchange Gaze's pass for a regular ticket._x000d_ I hope to board the steamer some time tonight. I am well and happy and am enjoying the fun immensely._x000d_ How is Mademoiselle? Where is Bois? Give my everlasting gratitude and good wishes to Mme. Calve. She is a good lady._x000d_ Hoping you will enjoy your trip._x000d_ Ever affectionately yours,_x000d_ Vivekananda