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You may copy it, give it away or re-use + it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License <a href= + "#pglicense" class="tei tei-ref">included with this eBook</a> or + online at <a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license" class= + "tei tei-xref">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a>. If you are + not located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws + of the country where you are located before using this ebook.</p> + </div> + <pre class="pre tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 3.00em; margin-bottom: 3.00em"> +Title: The Epicurean + +Author: Thomas Moore + +Release Date: June 29, 2015 [Ebook #49332] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EPICUREAN*** +</pre> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"></div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; text-align: center"></p> + + <div id="coverpage" class="tei tei-figure" style= + "text-align: center"> + <a href="images/cover.jpg"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt= + "Cover image" /></a> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-titlePage" style="text-align: center"> + <div class="tei tei-pb" style="text-align: center"></div><span class= + "tei tei-docTitle" style="text-align: center"><span class= + "tei tei-titlePart" style="text-align: center"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 144%">THE</span></span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 173%">EPICUREAN,</span></span></span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-titlePart" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 120%">A + TALE.</span></span></span></span><br /> + <br /> + + <div class="tei tei-byline" style="text-align: center"> + BY<br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-docAuthor" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 144%">THOMAS + MOORE.</span></span></span> + </div><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-docEdition" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: 700">Second + Edition.</span></span></span><br /> + <br /> + <span class="tei tei-docImprint" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-pubPlace" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%">LONDON:</span></span></span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-publisher" style= + "text-align: center"><span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-size: 90%">PRINTED + FOR</span></span><br /> + LONGMAN, REES, ORME, BROWN, AND GREEN,<br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">PATERNOSTER-ROW.</span></span></span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-docDate" style="text-align: center"><span class= + "tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 120%">1827.</span></span></span></span> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 0.90em"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">The Publishers beg to inform the Composers of Music, + and Music Sellers, that</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-variant: small-caps">Mr. James + Power</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">, of the Strand, + Music Seller, is the only person authorized by them to publish + the</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-variant: small-caps">Songs</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">or</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-variant: small-caps">Verses</span></span> + <span style="font-size: 90%">in this Work connected with + Music.</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 1.00em">TO<br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 144%">LORD JOHN RUSSELL</span></span><br /> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-style: italic">THIS VOLUME</span></span><br /> + IS INSCRIBED<br /> + BY ONE WHO ADMIRES HIS CHARACTER<br /> + AND TALENTS,<br /> + AND IS PROUD OF HIS FRIENDSHIP.</p> + + <div class="tei tei-pb"></div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="pagev">[pg v]</span> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">A</span><br /> + <span style="font-size: 173%">LETTER TO THE TRANSLATOR,</span></h1> + + <div class="tei tei-byline" style="text-align: center"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%">FROM</span></span><br /> + ——, <span class="tei tei-hi" style= + "text-align: center"><span style="font-variant: small-caps">Esq.</span></span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-dateline"> + <span style="font-style: italic">Cairo, June 19. 1800.</span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-salute"> + My dear Sir, + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a visit I + lately paid to the monastery of St. Macarius,—which is situated, as + you know, in the Valley of the Lakes of Natron,—I was lucky enough to + obtain possession of a curious Greek manuscript, which, in the hope + that you may be induced to translate it, I herewith send you. + Observing one of the monks very busily occupied in tearing up, into a + variety of fantastic shapes, some papers <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "pagevi">[pg vi]</span>which had the appearance of being the leaves + of old books, I enquired of him the meaning of his task, and received + the following explanation:—</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Arabs, it + seems, who are as fond of pigeons as the ancient Egyptians, have a + superstitious notion that, if they place in their pigeon-houses small + scraps of paper, written over with learned characters, the birds are + always sure to thrive the better for the charm; and the monks, who + are never slow in profiting by superstition, have, at all times, a + supply of such amulets for purchasers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In general, the + holy fathers have been in the habit of scribbling these mystic + fragments, themselves; but a discovery, which they have lately made, + saves them this trouble. Having dug up (as my informant stated) a + chest of old manuscripts, which, being chiefly on the subject of + alchemy, must have been buried in the time of Dioclesian, + <span class="tei tei-q">“we thought we could not,”</span> added the + monk, <span class="tei tei-q">“employ such <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="pagevii">[pg vii]</span>rubbish more properly, than in tearing it + up, as you see, for the pigeon-houses of the Arabs.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On my expressing a + wish to rescue some part of these treasures from the fate to which + his indolent fraternity had consigned them, he produced the + manuscript which I have now the pleasure of sending you,—the only + one, he said, remaining entire,—and I very readily paid him the price + he demanded for it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">You will find the + story, I think, not altogether uninteresting; and the coincidence, in + many respects, of the curious details in Chap. VI. with the + description of the same ceremonies in the Romance of <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sethos</span></span><a id="noteref_1" name= + "noteref_1" href="#note_1"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">1</span></span></a>, will, I + have no doubt, strike <span class="tei tei-pb" id="pageviii">[pg + viii]</span>you. Hoping that you may be tempted to give a translation + of this Tale to the world,</p> + + <div class="tei tei-signed" style="text-align: right"> + I am, my dear Sir,<br /> + Very truly yours,<br /> + —— + </div> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-body" style= + "margin-top: 6.00em; margin-bottom: 6.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page1">[pg 1]</span><a name="Pg001" id= + "Pg001" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.73em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">THE EPICUREAN.</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <a name="toc1" id="toc1"></a><a name="pdf2" id="pdf2"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAPTER I.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was in the + fourth year of the reign of the late Emperor Valerian, that the + followers of Epicurus, who were at that time numerous in Athens, + proceeded to the election of a person to fill the vacant chair of + their sect;—and, by the unanimous voice of the School, I was the + individual chosen for their Chief. I was just then entering on my + twenty-fourth year, and no instance had ever before occurred, of a + person so young being selected for that office. Youth, however, and + the personal advantages that adorn it, were not, it may be supposed, + among the least valid recommendations, to a sect that included within + its circle all the beauty as well as wit of Athens, and which, though + dignifying its <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page2">[pg + 2]</span><a name="Pg002" id="Pg002" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>pursuits with the name of philosophy, was little + else than a pretext for the more refined cultivation of pleasure.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The character of + the sect had, indeed, much changed, since the time of its wise and + virtuous founder, who, while he asserted that Pleasure is the only + Good, inculcated also that Good is the only source of Pleasure. The + purer part of this doctrine had long evaporated, and the temperate + Epicurus would have as little recognised his own sect in the + assemblage of refined voluptuaries who now usurped its name, as he + would have known his own quiet Garden in the luxurious groves and + bowers among which the meetings of the School were now held.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Many causes, + besides the attractiveness of its doctrines, concurred, at this + period, to render our school the most popular of any that still + survived the glory of Greece. It may generally be observed, that the + prevalence, in one half of a community, of very rigid notions on the + subject of religion, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page3">[pg + 3]</span><a name="Pg003" id="Pg003" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>produces the opposite extreme of laxity and + infidelity in the other; and this kind of re-action it was that now + mainly contributed to render the doctrines of the Garden the most + fashionable philosophy of the day. The rapid progress of the + Christian faith had alarmed all those, who, either from piety or + worldliness, were interested in the continuance of the old + established creed—all who believed in the Deities of Olympus, and all + who lived by them. The consequence was, a considerable increase of + zeal and activity, throughout the constituted authorities and + priesthood of the whole Heathen world. What was wanting in sincerity + of belief was made up in rigour;—the weakest parts of the Mythology + were those, of course, most angrily defended, and any reflections, + tending to bring Saturn, or his wife Ops, into contempt, were + punished with the utmost severity of the law.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In this state of + affairs, between the alarmed bigotry of the declining Faith, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page4">[pg 4]</span><a name="Pg004" id= + "Pg004" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and the simple, sublime austerity + of her rival, it was not wonderful that those lovers of ease and + pleasure, who had no interest, reversionary or otherwise, in the old + religion, and were too indolent to enquire into the sanctions of the + new, should take refuge from the severities of both under the shelter + of a luxurious philosophy, which, leaving to others the task of + disputing about the future, centered all its wisdom in the full + enjoyment of the present.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sectaries of + the Garden had, ever since the death of their founder, been + accustomed to dedicate to his memory the twentieth day of every + month. To these monthly rites had, for some time, been added a grand + annual Festival, in commemoration of his birth. The feasts, given on + this occasion by my predecessors in the Chair, had been invariably + distinguished for their taste and splendour; and it was my ambition, + not merely to imitate this example, but even to render the + anniversary, now celebrated under my auspices, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page5">[pg 5]</span><a name="Pg005" id="Pg005" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>so brilliant, as to efface the + recollection of all that went before it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Seldom, indeed, + had Athens witnessed such a scene. The grounds that formed the + original site of the Garden had, from time to time, received + considerable additions; and the whole extent was laid out with that + perfect taste, which knows how to wed Nature to Art, without + sacrificing her simplicity to the alliance. Walks, leading through + wildernesses of shade and fragrance—glades, opening, as if to afford + a play-ground for the sunshine—temples, rising on the very spots + where imagination herself would have called them up, and fountains + and lakes, in alternate motion and repose, either wantonly courting + the verdure, or calmly sleeping in its embrace,—such was the variety + of feature that diversified these fair gardens; and, animated as they + were on this occasion, by all the living wit and loveliness of + Athens, it afforded a scene such as my own youthful fancy, rich as it + was then in <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page6">[pg 6]</span><a name= + "Pg006" id="Pg006" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>images of luxury and + beauty, could hardly have anticipated.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The ceremonies of + the day began with the very dawn, when, according to the form of + simpler and better times, those among the disciples who had + apartments within the Garden, bore the image of our Founder in + procession from chamber to chamber, chanting verses in praise of—what + had long ceased to be objects of our imitation—his frugality and + temperance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Round a beautiful + lake, in the centre of the garden, stood four white Doric temples, in + one of which was collected a library containing all the flowers of + Grecian literature; while, in the remaining three, Conversation, the + Song, and the Dance, held, uninterrupted by each other, their + respective rites. In the Library stood busts of all the most + illustrious Epicureans, both of Rome and Greece—Horace, Atticus, + Pliny the elder, the poet Lucretius, Lucian, and the biographer of + the Philosophers, lately lost to us, Dio<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page7">[pg 7]</span><a name="Pg007" id="Pg007" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>genes Laertius. There were also the portraits, + in marble, of all the eminent female votaries of the school—Leontium + and her fair daughter Danae, Themista, Philænis, and others.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was here that, + in my capacity of Heresiarch, on the morning of the Festival, I + received the felicitations of the day from some of the fairest lips + of Athens; and, in pronouncing the customary oration to the memory of + our Master (in which it was usual to dwell on the doctrines he + inculcated) endeavoured to attain that art, so useful before such an + audience, of diffusing over the gravest subjects a charm, which + secures them listeners even among the simplest and most volatile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though study, as + may easily be supposed, engrossed but little of the mornings of the + Garden, yet the lighter part of learning,—that portion of its attic + honey, for which the bee is not obliged to go very deep into the + flower—was zealously cultivated. Even here, however, the student + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page8">[pg 8]</span><a name="Pg008" id= + "Pg008" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>had to encounter distractions, + which are, of all others, least favourable to composure of thought; + and, with more than one of my fair disciples, there used to occur + such scenes as the following, which a poet of the Garden, taking his + picture from the life, described:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “As o’er the lake, in evening’s glow, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + That temple threw its lengthening shade, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Upon the marble steps below, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + There sate a fair Corinthian maid, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Gracefully o’er some volume bending; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + While, by her side, the youthful Sage + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Held back her ringlets, lest, descending, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + They should o’er-shadow all the page.” + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But it was for the + evening of that day, that the richest of our luxuries were reserved. + Every part of the Garden was illuminated, with the most skilful + variety of lustre; while over the Lake of the Temples were scattered + wreaths of flowers, through which boats, filled with beautiful + children, floated, as through a liquid parterre.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Between two of + these boats a perpetual combat was maintained;—their respective + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page9">[pg 9]</span><a name="Pg009" id= + "Pg009" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>commanders, two blooming youths, + being habited to represent Eros and Anteros; the former, the + Celestial Love of the Platonists, and the latter, that more earthly + spirit, which usurps the name of Love among the Epicureans. + Throughout the evening their conflict was carried on with various + success; the timid distance at which Eros kept from his more lively + antagonist being his only safeguard against those darts of fire, with + showers of which the other continually assailed him, but which, + luckily falling short of their mark upon the lake, only scorched the + flowers upon which they fell, and were extinguished.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In another part of + the gardens, on a wide verdant glade, lighted only by the moon, an + imitation of the torch-race of the Panathenæa was performed, by young + boys chosen for their fleetness, and arrayed with wings, like Cupids; + while, not far off, a group of seven nymphs, with each a star on her + forehead, represented the movements of the planetary choir, and + embodied the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page10">[pg + 10]</span><a name="Pg010" id="Pg010" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>dream + of Pythagoras into real motion and song.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At every turning + some new enchantment broke upon the ear or eye. Sometimes, from the + depth of a grove, from which a fountain at the same time issued, + there came a strain of music, which, mingling with the murmur of the + water, seemed like the voice of the spirit that presided over its + flow;—while sometimes the strain rose breathing from among flowers; + and, again, would appear to come suddenly from under ground, as if + the foot had just touched some spring that set it in motion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It seems strange + that I should now dwell upon these minute descriptions; but every + thing connected with that memorable night—even its long-repented + follies—must for ever live sacredly in my memory. The festival + concluded with a banquet, at which I, of course, presided; and, + feeling myself to be the ascendant spirit of the whole scene, gave + life to all around me, and saw my own happiness reflected in that of + others.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page11">[pg 11]</span><a name="Pg011" + id="Pg011" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc3" id= + "toc3"></a><a name="pdf4" id="pdf4"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. II.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The festival was + over;—the sounds of the song and dance had ceased, and I was now left + in those luxurious gardens, alone. Though so ardent and active a + votary of pleasure, I had, by nature, a disposition full of + melancholy;—an imagination that presented sad thoughts, even in the + midst of mirth and happiness, and threw the shadow of the future over + the gayest illusions of the present. Melancholy was, indeed, + twin-born in my soul with Passion; and, not even in the fullest + fervour of the latter, were they separated. From the first moment + that I was conscious of thought and feeling, the same dark thread had + run across the web; and images of death and annihilation mingled + themselves with the most smiling scenes through which my career of + enjoyment led me. My very passion for pleasure but deepened these + gloomy <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page12">[pg 12]</span><a name= + "Pg012" id="Pg012" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>fancies. For, shut out, + as I was by my creed, from a future life, and having no hope beyond + the narrow horizon of this, every minute of delight assumed a + mournful preciousness in my eyes, and pleasure, like the flower of + the cemetery, grew but more luxuriant from the neighbourhood of + death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This very night my + triumph, my happiness had seemed complete. I had been the presiding + genius of that voluptuous scene. Both my ambition and my love of + pleasure had drunk deep of the cup for which they thirsted. Looked up + to by the learned, and loved by the beautiful and the young, I had + seen, in every eye that met mine, either the acknowledgment of + triumphs already won, or the promise of others, still brighter, that + awaited me. Yet, even in the midst of all this, the same dark + thoughts had presented themselves;—the perishableness of myself and + all around me every instant recurred to my mind. Those hands I had + prest—those eyes, in <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page13">[pg + 13]</span><a name="Pg013" id="Pg013" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>which + I had seen sparkling, a spirit of light and life that should never + die—those voices, that had talked of eternal love—all, all, I felt, + were but a mockery of the moment, and would leave nothing eternal but + the silence of their dust!</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Oh, were it not for this sad voice, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Stealing amid our mirth to say, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + That all, in which we most rejoice, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Ere night may be the earth-worm’s prey;— + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-style: italic">But</span></span> for this bitter—only this— + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Full as the world is brimm’d with bliss, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And capable as feels my soul + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Of draining to its depth the whole, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + I should turn earth to heaven, and be, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + If bliss made gods, a deity! + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such was the + description I gave of my own feelings, in one of those wild, + passionate songs, to which this ferment of my spirits, between mirth + and melancholy, gave birth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Seldom had my + heart more fully abandoned itself to such vague sadness than at the + present moment, when, as I paced <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page14">[pg 14]</span><a name="Pg014" id="Pg014" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>thoughtfully among the fading lights and flowers + of the banquet, the echo of my own step was all that sounded, where + so many gay forms had lately been revelling. The moon was still up, + the morning had not yet glimmered, and the calm glories of night + still rested on all around. Unconscious whither my pathway led, I + wandered along, till I, at length, found myself before that fair + statue of Venus, with which the chisel of Alcamenes had embellished + our Garden;—that image of deified woman, the only idol to which I had + ever bent the knee. Leaning against the pedestal, I raised my eyes to + heaven, and fixing them sadly and intently on the ever-burning stars, + as if I sought to read the mournful secret in their light, asked, + wherefore was it that Man alone must perish, while they, less + wonderful, less glorious than he, lived on in light unchangeable and + for ever!—<span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, that there were some spell, + some talisman,”</span> I exclaimed, <span class="tei tei-q">“to make + the spirit within us <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page15">[pg + 15]</span><a name="Pg015" id="Pg015" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>deathless as those stars, and open to its + desires a career like theirs, burning and boundless throughout all + time!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While I gave + myself up to this train of thought, that lassitude which earthly + pleasure, however sweet, leaves behind,—as if to show how earthly it + is,—came drowsily over me, and I sunk at the base of the statue to + sleep.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even in sleep, + however, my fancy was still busy; and a dream, so vivid as to leave + behind it the impression of reality, thus passed through my mind. I + thought myself transported to a wide desert plain, where nothing + seemed to breathe, or move, or live. The very sky above it looked + pale and extinct, giving the idea, not of darkness, but of light that + had died; and, had that region been the remains of some older world, + left broken up and sunless, it could not have looked more dead and + desolate. The only thing that bespoke life, in this melancholy waste, + was a small moving spark, that at first glimmered in the + dis<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page16">[pg 16]</span><a name="Pg016" + id="Pg016" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>tance, but, at length, slowly + approached the spot where I stood. As it drew nearer, I could + perceive that its feeble gleam was from a taper in the hand of a pale + venerable man, who now stood, like a messenger from the grave, before + me. After a few moments of awful silence, during which he looked at + me with a sadness that thrilled my very soul, he said,—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thou, who seekest eternal life, go unto the shores of + the dark Nile—go unto the shores of the dark Nile, and thou wilt find + the eternal life thou seekest!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner had he + said these words than the death-like hue of his cheek brightened into + a smile of more than human promise. The small torch that he held sent + forth a radiance, by which suddenly the whole surface of the desert + was illuminated, even to the far horizon’s edge, along whose line + were now seen gardens, palaces, and spires, all bright and golden, + like the architecture of the clouds at sunset. Sweet music, too, was + heard every where, floating <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page17">[pg + 17]</span><a name="Pg017" id="Pg017" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>around, and, from all sides, such varieties of + splendour poured, that, with the excess both of harmony and of light, + I woke.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That infidels + should be superstitious is an anomaly neither unusual nor strange. A + belief in superhuman agency seems natural and necessary to the mind; + and, if not suffered to flow in the obvious channels, it will find a + vent in some other. Hence, many who have doubted the existence of a + God, have yet implicitly placed themselves under the patronage of + Fate or the stars. Much the same inconsistency I was conscious of in + my own feelings. Though rejecting all belief in a Divine Providence, + I had yet a faith in dreams, that all my philosophy could not + conquer. Nor was experience wanting to confirm me in my delusion; + for, by some of those accidental coincidences, which make the fortune + of soothsayers and prophets, dreams, more than once, had been to + me</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Oracles, truer far than oak, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Or dove, or tripod, ever spoke. + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page18">[pg 18]</span><a name= + "Pg018" id="Pg018" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was not + wonderful, therefore, that the vision of that night, touching, as it + did, a chord so ready to vibrate, should have affected me with more + than ordinary power, and sunk deeper into my memory with every effort + I made to forget it. In vain did I mock at my own weakness;—such + self-derision is seldom sincere. In vain did I pursue my accustomed + pleasures. Their zest was, as usual, for ever new; but still came the + saddening consciousness of mortality, and, with it, the recollection + of this visionary promise, to which my fancy, in defiance of my + reason, still clung.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Sometimes + indulging in reveries, that were little else than a continuation of + my dream, I even contemplated the possible existence of some secret, + by which youth might be, if not perpetuated, at least prolonged, and + that dreadful vicinity of death, within whose circle love pines and + pleasure sickens, might be for a while averted. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Who knows,”</span> I would ask, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but that in Egypt, that land of wonders, where Mystery + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page19">[pg 19]</span><a name="Pg019" + id="Pg019" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>hath yet unfolded but half her + treasures,—where so many dark secrets of the antediluvian world still + remain, undeciphered, upon the pillars of Seth—who knows but some + charm, some amulet, may lie hid, whose discovery, as this phantom + hath promised, but waits my coming—some compound of the same pure + atoms, that scintillate in the eternal stars, and whose infusion into + the frame of man might make him, too, fadeless and + immortal!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus did I fondly + speculate, in those rambling moods, when the life of excitement which + I led, acting upon a warm heart and vivid fancy, produced an + intoxication of spirit, during which I was not wholly myself. This + bewilderment, too, was not a little increased by the constant + struggle between my own natural feelings, and the cold, mortal creed + of my sect, in endeavouring to escape from whose deadening bondage I + but broke loose into the realms of romance and fantasy.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even, however, in + my calmest and soberest moments, that strange vision per<span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page20">[pg 20]</span><a name="Pg020" id="Pg020" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>petually haunted me. In vain were all my + efforts to chase it from my mind; and the deliberate conclusion to + which I came at last, was, that without, at least, a visit to Egypt, + I could not rest, nor, till convinced of my folly by disappointment, + be reasonable. I, therefore, announced without delay to my associates + of the Garden, the intention which I had formed to pay a visit to the + land of Pyramids. To none of them did I dare to confess the vague, + visionary impulse that actuated me. Knowledge was the object that I + alleged, while Pleasure was that for which they gave me credit. The + interests of the School, it was apprehended, would suffer by my + absence; and there were some tenderer ties, which had still more to + fear from separation. But for the former inconvenience a temporary + remedy was provided; while the latter a skilful distribution of vows + and sighs alleviated. Being furnished with recommendatory letters to + all parts of Egypt, in the summer of the year 257, A.D. I set sail + for Alexandria.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page21">[pg 21]</span><a name="Pg021" + id="Pg021" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc5" id= + "toc5"></a><a name="pdf6" id="pdf6"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. III.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To one, who + extracted such sweets from every moment on land, a sea-voyage, + however smooth and favourable, appeared the least agreeable mode of + losing time that could be devised. Often did my imagination, in + passing some isle of those seas, people it with fair forms and kind + hearts, to whom most willingly, if I might, would I have paused to + pay homage. But the wind blew direct towards the land of Mystery; + and, still more, I heard a voice within me, whispering for ever + <span class="tei tei-q">“On.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As we approached + the coast of Egypt, our course became less prosperous; and we had a + specimen of the benevolence of the divinities of the Nile, in the + shape of a storm, or rather whirlwind, which had nearly sunk our + vessel, and which, the Egyptians on board said, was the work of their + God, Typhon. After a day and night <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page22">[pg 22]</span><a name="Pg022" id="Pg022" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>of danger, during which we were driven out of + our course to the eastward, some benigner influence prevailed above; + and, at length, as the morning freshly broke, we saw the beautiful + city of Alexandria rising from the sea, with its Palace of Kings, its + portico of four hundred columns, and the fair Pillar of Pillars, + towering up to heaven in the midst.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After passing in + review this splendid vision, we shot rapidly round the Rock of + Pharos, and, in a few minutes, found ourselves in the harbour of + Eunostus. The sun had risen, but the light on the Great Tower of the + Rock was still burning; and there was a languor in the first waking + movements of that voluptuous city—whose houses and temples lay + shining in silence round the harbour—that sufficiently attested the + festivities of the preceding night.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We were soon + landed on the quay; and, as I walked, through a line of palaces and + shrines, up the street which leads from the sea to the Gate of + Canopus, fresh as I was <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page23">[pg + 23]</span><a name="Pg023" id="Pg023" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>from + the contemplation of my own lovely Athens, I felt a glow of + admiration at the scene around me, which its novelty, even more than + its magnificence, inspired. Nor were the luxuries and delights, which + such a city promised, among the least of the considerations on which + my fancy, at that moment, dwelt. On the contrary, every thing around + seemed prophetic of future pleasure. The very forms of the + architecture, to my Epicurean imagination, appeared to call up images + of living grace; and even the dim seclusion of the temples and groves + spoke only of tender mysteries to my mind. As the whole bright scene + grew animated around me, I felt that though Egypt might not enable me + to lengthen life, she could teach the next best art,—that of + multiplying its enjoyments.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The population of + Alexandria, at this period, consisted of the most motley miscellany + of nations, religions, and sects, that had ever been brought together + in one city. Beside the school of the Grecian <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page24">[pg 24]</span><a name="Pg024" id="Pg024" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Platonist was seen the oratory of the + cabalistic Jew; while the church of the Christian stood, undisturbed, + over the crypts of the Egyptian Hierophant. Here, the adorer of Fire, + from the east, laughed at the superstition of the worshipper of cats, + from the west. Here Christianity, too, unluckily, had learned to + emulate the vagaries of Paganism; and while, on one side, her Ophite + professor was seen kneeling down gravely before his serpent, on the + other, a Nicosian was, as gravely, contending that there was no + chance of salvation out of the pale of the Greek alphabet. Still + worse, the uncharitableness of Christian schism was already + distinguishing itself with equal vigour; and I heard of nothing, on + my arrival, but the rancour and hate, with which the Greek and Latin + churchmen persecuted each other, because, forsooth, the one fasted on + the seventh day of the week, and the others fasted upon the fourth + and sixth!</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page25">[pg + 25]</span><a name="Pg025" id="Pg025" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To none of those + religions or sects, however, except for purposes of ridicule, did I + pay much attention. I was now in the most luxurious city of the + universe, and gave way, without reserve, to the seductions that + surrounded me. My reputation, as a philosopher and a man of pleasure, + had preceded me; and Alexandria, the second Athens of the world, + welcomed me as her own. My celebrity, indeed, was as a talisman, that + opened hearts and doors at my approach. The usual noviciate of + acquaintance was dispensed with in my favour, and not only + intimacies, but loves and friendships, ripened in my path, as rapidly + as vegetation springs up where the Nile has flowed. The dark beauty + of the Egyptian women had a novelty in my eyes that enhanced its + other charms; and that hue of the sun on their rounded cheeks was but + an earnest of the ardour he had kindled in their hearts—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Th’ imbrowning of the fruit, that tells + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + How rich within the soul of sweetness dwells. + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page26">[pg 26]</span><a name= + "Pg026" id="Pg026" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Some weeks rolled + on in such perpetual and ever-changing pleasures, that even the + melancholy voice in my heart, though it still spoke, was but seldom + listened to, and soon died away in the sound of the siren songs that + surrounded me. At length, however, as the novelty of these scenes + wore off, the same gloomy bodings began to mingle with all my joys; + and an incident that occurred, during one of my gayest revels, + conduced still more to deepen their gloom.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The celebration of + the annual festival of Serapis took place during my stay, and I was, + more than once, induced to mingle with the gay multitudes, that + crowded to his shrine at Canopus on the occasion. Day and night, + while this festival lasted, the canal, which led from Alexandria to + Canopus, was covered with boats full of pilgrims of both sexes, all + hastening to avail themselves of this pious licence, which lent the + zest of a religious sanction to pleasure, and gave a holiday to the + passions of earth, in honour of heaven.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page27">[pg 27]</span><a name="Pg027" id="Pg027" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I was returning, + one lovely night, to Alexandria. The north wind, that welcome + visitor, freshened the air, while the banks, on either side, sent + forth, from groves of orange and henna, the most delicious odours. As + I had left all the crowd behind me at Canopus, there was not a boat + to be seen on the canal but my own; and I was just yielding to the + thoughts which solitude at such an hour inspires, when my reveries + were broken by the sound of some female voices, coming, mingled with + laughter and screams, from the garden of a pavilion, that stood, + brilliantly illuminated, upon the bank of the canal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On rowing nearer, + I perceived that both the mirth and the alarm had been caused by the + efforts of some playful girls to reach a hedge of jasmin which grew + near the water, and in bending towards which they had nearly fallen + into the stream. Hastening to proffer my assistance, I soon + recognised the voice of one of my fair Alexandrian <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page28">[pg 28]</span><a name="Pg028" id="Pg028" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>friends, and, springing on the bank, was + surrounded by the whole group, who insisted on my joining their party + in the pavilion, and flinging the tendrils of jasmin, which they had + just plucked, around me, led me, no unwilling captive, to the + banquet-room.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I found here an + assemblage of the very flower of Alexandrian society. The + unexpectedness of the meeting gave it an additional zest on both + sides; and seldom had I felt more enlivened myself, or contributed + more successfully to circulate life among others.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Among the company + were some Greek women, who, according to the fashion of their + country, wore veils; but, as usual, rather to set off than conceal + their beauty, some gleams of which were continually escaping from + under the cloud. There was, however, one female, who particularly + attracted my attention, on whose head was a chaplet of dark-coloured + flowers, and who sat veiled and silent during the whole <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page29">[pg 29]</span><a name="Pg029" id="Pg029" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of the banquet. She took no share, I + observed, in what was passing around: the viands and the wine went by + her untouched, nor did a word that was spoken seem addressed to her + ear. This abstraction from a scene so sparkling with gaiety, though + apparently unnoticed by any one but myself, struck me as mysterious + and strange. I inquired of my fair neighbour the cause of it, but she + looked grave and was silent.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the mean time, + the lyre and the cup went round; and a young maid from Athens, as if + inspired by the presence of her countryman, took her lute, and sung + to it some of the songs of Greece, with a feeling that bore me back + to the banks of the Ilissus, and, even in the bosom of present + pleasure, drew a sigh from my heart for that which had passed away. + It was daybreak ere our delighted party rose, and unwillingly + re-embarked to return to the city.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Scarcely were we + afloat, when it was discovered that the lute of the young + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page30">[pg 30]</span><a name="Pg030" + id="Pg030" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Athenian had been left behind; + and, with my heart still full of its sweet sounds, I most readily + sprung on shore to seek it. I hastened to the banquet-room, which was + now dim and solitary, except that—there, to my astonishment, still + sat that silent figure, which had awakened my curiosity so strongly + during the night. A vague feeling of awe came over me, as I now + slowly approached it. There was no motion, no sound of breathing in + that form;—not a leaf of the dark chaplet on its brow stirred. By the + light of a dying lamp which stood before the figure, I raised, with a + hesitating hand, the veil, and saw—what my fancy had already + anticipated—that the shape underneath was lifeless, was a skeleton! + Startled and shocked, I hurried back with the lute to the boat, and + was almost as silent as that shape for the remainder of the + voyage.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This custom among + the Egyptians of placing a mummy, or skeleton, at the banquet-table, + had been for some time disused, except at particular ceremonies; + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page31">[pg 31]</span><a name="Pg031" + id="Pg031" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and, even on such occasions, it + had been the practice of the luxurious Alexandrians to disguise this + memorial of mortality in the manner just described. But to me, who + was wholly unprepared for such a spectacle, it gave a shock from + which my imagination did not speedily recover. This silent and + ghastly witness of mirth seemed to embody, as it were, the shadow in + my own heart. The features of the grave were now stamped on the idea + that haunted me, and this picture of what I <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">was to be</span></span> + mingled itself with the sunniest aspect of what I <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">was</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The memory of the + dream now recurred to me more livelily than ever. The bright assuring + smile of that venerable Spirit, and his words, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Go to the shores of the dark Nile, and thou wilt find + the eternal life thou seekest,”</span> were for ever before my mind. + But as yet, alas, I had done nothing towards realising this splendid + promise. Alexandria was not Egypt;—the very soil on which it stood + was not in existence, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page32">[pg + 32]</span><a name="Pg032" id="Pg032" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>when + Thebes and Memphis <a name="corr032" id="corr032" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">already</span> + counted ages of glory.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is beneath the Pyramids of Memphis,”</span> I + exclaimed, <span class="tei tei-q">“or in the mystic Halls of the + Labyrinth, that I must seek those holy arcana of science, of which + the antediluvian world has made Egypt its heir, and among which—blest + thought!—the key to eternal life may lie.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having formed my + determination, I took leave of my many Alexandrian friends, and + departed for Memphis.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page33">[pg 33]</span><a name="Pg033" + id="Pg033" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc7" id= + "toc7"></a><a name="pdf8" id="pdf8"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. IV.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Egypt was the + country, of all others, from that mixture of the melancholy and the + voluptuous, which marked the character of her people, her religion, + and her scenery, to affect deeply a temperament and fancy like mine, + and keep tremblingly alive the sensibilities of both. Wherever I + turned, I saw the desert and the garden, mingling their bloom and + desolation together. I saw the love-bower and the tomb standing side + by side, and pleasure and death keeping hourly watch upon each other. + In the very luxury of the climate there was the same saddening + influence. The monotonous splendour of the days, the solemn radiance + of the nights—all tended to cherish that ardent melancholy, the + offspring of passion and of thought, which had so long been the + inmate of my soul.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page34">[pg + 34]</span><a name="Pg034" id="Pg034" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When I sailed from + Alexandria, the inundation of the Nile was at its full. The whole + valley of Egypt lay covered by its flood; and, as I saw around me, in + the light of the setting sun, shrines, palaces, and monuments, + encircled by the waters, I could almost fancy that I beheld the + sinking island of Atalantis, on the last evening its temples were + visible above the wave. Such varieties, too, of animation as + presented themselves on every side!—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + While, far as sight can reach, beneath as clear + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And blue a heaven as ever bless’d this sphere, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Gardens, and pillar’d streets, and porphyry domes, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And high-built temples, fit to be the homes + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Of mighty gods, and pyramids, whose hour + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Outlasts all time, above the waters tower! + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Then, too, the scenes of pomp and joy, that make + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + One theatre of this vast, peopled lake, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Where all that Love, Religion, Commerce gives + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Of life and motion, ever moves and lives. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Here, up the steps of temples, from the wave + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Ascending, in procession slow and grave, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Priests, in white garments, go, with sacred wands + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And silver cymbals gleaming in their hands: + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page35">[pg 35]</span><a name= + "Pg035" id="Pg035" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + While, there, rich barks—fresh from those sunny tracts + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Far off, beyond the sounding cataracts— + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Glide with their precious lading to the sea, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Plumes of bright birds, rhinoceros’ ivory, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Gems from the isle of Meröe, and those grains + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Of gold, wash’d down by Abyssinian rains. + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Here, where the waters wind into a bay + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Shadowy and cool, some pilgrims, on their way + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + To Saïs or Bubastus, among beds + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Of lotus-flowers, that close above their heads, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Push their light barks, and hid, as in a bower, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Sing, talk, or sleep away the sultry hour; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + While haply, not far off, beneath a bank + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Of blossoming acacias, many a prank + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Is play’d in the cool current by a train + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Of laughing nymphs, lovely as she, whose chain + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Around two conquerors of the world was cast, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + But, for a third too feeble, broke at last! + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Enchanted with the + whole scene, I lingered on my voyage, visiting all those luxurious + and venerable places, whose names have been consecrated by the wonder + of ages. At Saïs I was present during her Festival of Lamps, and + read, by the blaze of innumerable lights, those sublime words + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page36">[pg 36]</span><a name="Pg036" + id="Pg036" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>on the temple of Neitha: + <span class="tei tei-q">“I am all that has been, that is, and that + will be, and no man hath ever lifted my veil.”</span> I wandered + among the prostrate obelisks of Heliopolis, and saw, not without a + sigh, the sun smiling over her ruins, as if in mockery of the mass of + perishable grandeur, that had once called itself, in its pride, + <span class="tei tei-q">“The City of the Sun.”</span> But to the Isle + of the Golden Venus was my fondest pilgrimage;—and as I explored its + shades, where bowers are the only temples, I felt how far more fit to + form the shrine of a Deity are the ever-living stems of the garden + and the grove, than the most precious columns that the inanimate + quarry can supply.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Every where new + pleasures, new interests awaited me; and though Melancholy, as usual, + stood always near, her shadow fell but half-way over my vagrant path, + and left the rest more welcomely brilliant from the contrast. To + relate my various adventures, during this short voyage, would only + detain me from events, far, far more <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page37">[pg 37]</span><a name="Pg037" id="Pg037" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>worthy of record. Amidst such endless variety of + attractions, the great object of my journey was forgotten;—the + mysteries of this land of the sun were, to me, as much mysteries as + ever, and I had as yet been initiated in nothing but its + pleasures.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was not till + that evening, when I first stood before the Pyramids of Memphis, and + saw them towering aloft, like the watch-towers of Time, from whose + summit, when he expires, he will look his last,—it was not till this + moment that the great secret, of which I had dreamed, again rose, in + all its inscrutable darkness, upon my thoughts. There was a solemnity + in the sunshine that rested upon those monuments—a stillness, as of + reverence, in the air around them, that stole, like the music of past + times, into my heart. I thought what myriads of the wise, the + beautiful, and the brave, had sunk into dust since earth first beheld + those wonders; and, in the sadness of my soul, I + exclaimed,—<span class="tei tei-q">“Must man alone, then, perish? + must <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page38">[pg 38]</span><a name= + "Pg038" id="Pg038" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>minds and hearts be + annihilated, while pyramids endure? Death, Death, even on these + everlasting tablets,—the only approach to immortality that kings + themselves could purchase,—thou hast written our doom, saying, + awfully and intelligibly, <span class="tei tei-q">‘There is, for man, + no eternal mansion, but the tomb!’</span> ”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">My heart sunk at + the thought; and, for the moment, I yielded to that desolate feeling, + which overspreads the soul that hath no light from the future. But + again the buoyancy of my nature prevailed, and again, the willing + dupe of vain dreams, I deluded myself into the belief of all that I + most wished, with that happy facility which makes imagination stand + in place of happiness. <span class="tei tei-q">“Yes,”</span> I cried, + <span class="tei tei-q">“immortality <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">must</span></span> be + within man’s reach; and, as wisdom alone is worthy of such a + blessing, to the wise alone must the secret have been revealed. Deep, + it is said, under yonder pyramid, has for ages lain concealed the + Table of Emerald, on which <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page39">[pg + 39]</span><a name="Pg039" id="Pg039" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + Thrice-Great Hermes engraved, before the flood, the secret of + Alchemy, that gives gold at will. Why may not the mightier, the more + god-like secret, that gives life at will, be recorded there also? It + was by the power of gold, of endless gold, that the kings, who repose + in those massy structures, scooped earth to the centre, and raised + quarries into the air, to provide themselves with tombs that might + outstand the world. Who can tell but that the gift of immortality was + also theirs? who knows but that they themselves, triumphant over + decay, still live—those mansions, which we call tombs, being rich and + everlasting palaces, within whose depths, concealed from this + withering world, they still wander, with the few who are sharers of + their gift, through a sunless, but illuminated, elysium of their own? + Else, wherefore those structures? wherefore that subterraneous realm, + by which the whole valley of Egypt is undermined? Why, else, those + labyrinths, which none <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page40">[pg + 40]</span><a name="Pg040" id="Pg040" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of + earth hath ever beheld—which none of heaven, except that God, with + the finger on his hushed lip, hath trodden!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While I indulged + in these dreams, the sun, half sunk beneath the horizon, was taking, + calmly and gloriously, his leave of the Pyramids,—as he had done, + evening after evening, for ages, till they had become familiar to him + as the earth itself. On the side turned to his ray they now presented + a front of dazzling whiteness, while, on the other, their great + shadows, lengthening to the eastward, looked like the first steps of + Night, hastening to envelope the hills of Araby in her shade.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner had the + last gleam of the sun disappeared, than, on every house-top in + Memphis, gay, gilded banners were seen waving aloft, to proclaim his + setting,—while a full burst of harmony pealed from all the temples + along the shores.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Startled from my + musing by these sounds, I at once recollected, that, on that very + evening, the great festival of the Moon <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page41">[pg 41]</span><a name="Pg041" id="Pg041" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>was to be celebrated. On a little island, + half-way over between the gardens of Memphis and the eastern shore, + stood the temple of that goddess,</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 15.00em; text-align: left"> + Whose beams + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Bring the sweet time of night-flowers and dreams. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Not</span></span> the cold Dian of the + North, who chains + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + In vestal ice the current of young veins; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + But she, who haunts the gay, Bubastian grove, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And owns she sees, from her bright heav’n above, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Nothing on earth, to match that heav’n, but love! + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus did I + exclaim, in the words of one of their own Egyptian poets, as, + anticipating the various delights of the festival, I cast away from + my mind all gloomy thoughts, and, hastening to my little bark, in + which I now lived, like a Nile-bird, on the waters, steered my course + to the island-temple of the Moon.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page42">[pg 42]</span><a name="Pg042" + id="Pg042" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc9" id= + "toc9"></a><a name="pdf10" id="pdf10"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. V.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The rising of the + Moon, slow and majestic, as if conscious of the honours that awaited + her upon earth, was welcomed with a loud acclaim from every eminence, + where multitudes stood watching for her first light. And seldom had + she risen upon a scene more beautiful. Memphis,—still grand, though + no longer the unrivalled Memphis, that had borne away from Thebes the + crown of supremacy, and worn it undisputed through so many + centuries,—now, softened by the moonlight that harmonised with her + decline, shone forth among her lakes, her pyramids, and her shrines, + like a dream of glory that was soon to pass away. Ruin, even now, was + but too visible around her. The sands of the Libyan desert gained + upon her like a sea; and, among solitary columns and sphinxes, + already half sunk from sight, Time seemed to stand <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page43">[pg 43]</span><a name="Pg043" id="Pg043" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>waiting, till all, that now flourished + around, should fall beneath his desolating hand, like the rest.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On the waters all + was life and gaiety. As far as eye could reach, the lights of + innumerable boats were seen, studding, like rubies, the surface of + the stream. Vessels of all kinds,—from the light coracle, built for + shooting down the cataracts, to the large yacht that glides to the + sound of flutes,—all were afloat for this sacred festival, filled + with crowds of the young and the gay, not only from Memphis and + Babylon, but from cities still farther removed from the scene.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As I approached + the island, I could see, glittering through the trees on the bank, + the lamps of the pilgrims hastening to the ceremony. Landing in the + direction which those lights pointed out, I soon joined the crowd; + and, passing through a long alley of sphinxes, whose spangling marble + shone out from the dark sycamores around them, in a short time + reached <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page44">[pg 44]</span><a name= + "Pg044" id="Pg044" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the grand vestibule of + the temple, where I found the ceremonies of the evening already + commenced.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In this vast hall, + which was surrounded by a double range of columns, and lay open + over-head to the stars of heaven, I saw a group of young maidens, + moving in a sort of measured step, between walk and dance, round a + small shrine, upon which stood one of those sacred birds, that, on + account of the variegated colour of their wings, are dedicated to the + moon. The vestibule was dimly lighted,—there being but one lamp of + naptha on each of the great pillars that encircled it. But, having + taken my station beside one of those pillars, I had a distinct view + of the young dancers, as in succession they passed me.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Their long, + graceful drapery was as white as snow; and each wore loosely, beneath + the rounded bosom, a dark-blue zone, or bandelet, studded, like the + skies at midnight, with little silver stars. Through their dark locks + was wreathed the white <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page45">[pg + 45]</span><a name="Pg045" id="Pg045" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>lily + of the Nile,—that flower being accounted as welcome to the moon, as + the golden blossoms of the bean-flower are to the sun. As they passed + under the lamp, a gleam of light flashed from their bosoms, which, I + could perceive, was the reflection of a small mirror, that, in the + manner of the women of the East, each wore beneath her left + shoulder.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was no music + to regulate their steps; but, as they gracefully went round the bird + on the shrine, some, by the beat of the castanet, some, by the shrill + ring of the sistrum,—which they held uplifted in the attitude of + their own divine Isis,—harmoniously timed the cadence of their feet; + while others, at every step, shook a small chain of silver, whose + sound, mingling with those of the castanets and sistrums, produced a + wild, but not an unpleasing harmony.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">They seemed all + lovely; but there was one—whose face the light had not yet reached, + so downcast she held it,—who <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page46">[pg + 46]</span><a name="Pg046" id="Pg046" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>attracted, and, at length, riveted all my + attention. I knew not why, but there was a something in those + half-seen features,—a charm in the very shadow, that hung over their + imagined beauty,—which took me more than all the out-shining + loveliness of her companions. So enchained was my fancy by this coy + mystery, that her alone, of all the group, could I either see or + think of—her alone I watched, as, with the same downcast brow, she + glided round the altar, gently and aërially, as if her presence, like + that of a spirit, was something to be felt, not seen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Suddenly, while I + gazed, the loud crash of a thousand cymbals was heard;—the massy + gates of the Temple flew open, as if by magic, and a flood of + radiance from the illuminated aisle filled the whole vestibule; + while, at the same instant, as if the light and the sounds were born + together, a peal of rich harmony came mingling with the radiance.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was then,—by + that light, which shone <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page47">[pg + 47]</span><a name="Pg047" id="Pg047" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>full + upon the young maiden’s features, as, starting at the blaze, she + raised her eyes to the portal, and, as suddenly, let fall their lids + again,—it was then I beheld, what even my own ardent imagination, in + its most vivid dreams of beauty, had never pictured. Not Psyche + herself, when pausing on the threshold of heaven, while its first + glories fell on her dazzled lids, could have looked more beautiful, + or blushed with a more innocent shame. Often as I had felt the power + of looks, none had ever entered into my soul so far. It was a new + feeling—a new sense—coming as suddenly as that radiance into the + vestibule, and, at once, filling my whole being;—and had that vision + but lingered another moment before my eyes, I should have wholly + forgotten who I was and where, and thrown myself, in prostrate + adoration, at her feet.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But scarcely had + that gush of harmony been heard, when the sacred bird, which had, + till now, stood motionless as an image, expanded his wings, and flew + into the Tem<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page48">[pg + 48]</span><a name="Pg048" id="Pg048" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ple; + while his graceful young worshippers, with a fleetness like his own, + followed,—and she, who had left a dream in my heart never to be + forgotten, vanished with the rest. As she went rapidly past the + pillar against which I leaned, the ivy that encircled it caught in + her drapery, and disengaged some ornament which fell to the ground. + It was the small mirror which I had seen shining on her bosom. + Hastily and tremulously I picked it up, and hurried to restore + it;—but she was already lost to my eyes in the crowd.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In vain I tried to + follow;—the aisles were already filled, and numbers of eager pilgrims + pressed towards the portal. But the servants of the Temple prevented + all further entrance, and still, as I presented myself, their white + wands barred the way. Perplexed and irritated amid that crowd of + faces, regarding all as enemies that impeded my progress, I stood on + tiptoe, gazing into the busy aisles, and with a heart beating as I + caught, from <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page49">[pg + 49]</span><a name="Pg049" id="Pg049" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>time + to time, a glimpse of some spangled zone, or lotus wreath, which led + me to fancy that I had discovered the object of my search. But it was + all in vain;—in every direction, files of sacred nymphs were moving, + but nowhere could I see her, whom alone I sought.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In this state of + breathless agitation did I stand for some time,—bewildered with the + confusion of faces and lights, as well as with the clouds of incense + that rolled around me,—till, fevered and impatient, I could endure it + no longer. Forcing my way out of the vestibule into the cool air, I + hurried back through the alley of sphinxes to the shore, and flung + myself into my boat.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There is, to the + north of Memphis, a solitary lake (which, at this season of the year, + mingles with the rest of the waters,) upon whose shores stands the + Necropolis, or City of the Dead—a place of melancholy grandeur, + covered over with shrines and pyramids, where many a kingly head, + proud <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page50">[pg 50]</span><a name= + "Pg050" id="Pg050" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>even in death, has for + ages awaited the resurrection of its glories. Through a range of + sepulchral grots underneath, the humbler denizens of the tomb are + deposited,—looking out on each successive generation that visits + them, with the same face and features they wore centuries ago. Every + plant and tree, that is consecrated to death, from the + asphodel-flower to the mystic plantain, lends its sweetness or shadow + to this place of tombs; and the only noise that disturbs its eternal + calm, is the low humming sound of the priests at prayer, when a new + inhabitant is added to the silent city.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was towards + this place of death that, in a mood of mind, as usual, half bright, + half gloomy, I now, almost unconsciously, directed my bark. The form + of the young Priestess was continually before me. That one bright + look of hers, the very memory of which was worth all the actual + smiles of others, never left my mind. Absorbed in such thoughts, I + rowed on, scarce knowing <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page51">[pg + 51]</span><a name="Pg051" id="Pg051" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>whither I went, till, startled by finding myself + within the shadow of the City of the Dead, I looked up, and saw, + rising in succession before me, pyramid beyond pyramid, each towering + more loftily than the other,—while all were out-topped in grandeur by + one, upon whose summit the moon seemed to rest, as on a pedestal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Drawing near to + the shore, which was sufficiently elevated to raise this city of + monuments above the level of the inundation, I lifted my oar, and let + the boat rock idly on the water, while my thoughts, left equally + without direction, fluctuated as idly. How various and vague were the + dreams that then passed through my mind—that bright vision of the + temple mingling itself with all! Sometimes she stood before me, like + an aërial spirit, as pure as if that element of music and light, into + which I had seen her vanish, was her only dwelling. Sometimes, + animated with passion, and kindling into a creature of earth, she + seemed to lean towards me with looks of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page52">[pg 52]</span><a name="Pg052" id="Pg052" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>tenderness, which it were worth worlds, but for + one instant, to inspire; and again—as the dark fancies, that ever + haunted me, recurred—I saw her cold, parched, and blackening, amid + the gloom of those eternal sepulchres before me!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Turning away, with + a shudder, from the cemetery at this thought, I heard the sound of an + oar plying swiftly through the water, and, in a few moments, saw, + shooting past me towards the shore, a small boat in which sat two + female figures, muffled up and veiled. Having landed them not far + from the spot where I lay,—concealed by the shadow of a monument on + the bank,—the boat again departed, with the same fleetness, over the + flood.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Never had the + prospect of an adventure come more welcome than at this moment, when + my fancy was weaving such chains for my heart, as threatened a + bondage, of all others, the most difficult to break. To become + enamoured thus of a creature of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page53">[pg 53]</span><a name="Pg053" id="Pg053" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>my own imagination, was the worst, because the + most lasting, of follies. Reality alone gives a chance of dissolving + such spells, and the idol I was now creating to myself must for ever + remain ideal. Any pursuit, therefore, that seemed likely to divert me + from such thoughts—to bring back my imagination to earth and reality, + from the vague region in which it was wandering, was a relief too + seasonable not to be welcomed with eagerness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I had watched the + course which the two figures took, and, having hastily fastened my + boat to the bank, stepped gently on shore, and, at a little distance, + followed them. The windings through which they led were intricate; + but, by the bright light of the moon, I was enabled to keep their + forms in view, as, with rapid step, they glided among the monuments. + At length, in the shade of a small pyramid, whose peak barely + surmounted the plane-trees that grew nigh, they vanished from my + sight. I hastened to the spot, but there <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page54">[pg 54]</span><a name="Pg054" id="Pg054" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>was not a sign of life around; and had my creed + extended to another world, I might have fancied that these forms were + spirits, sent from thence to mock me,—so instantaneously they + disappeared. I searched through the neighbouring grove, but all there + was still as death. At length, in examining one of the sides of the + pyramid, which, for a few feet from the ground, was furnished with + steps, I found, midway between peak and base, a part of the surface, + which, though presenting an appearance of smoothness to the eye, gave + to the touch, I thought, indications of a concealed opening.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a variety of + efforts and experiments, I, at last, more by accident than skill, + pressed the spring that commanded this mysterious aperture. In an + instant the portal slid aside, and disclosed a narrow stair-way + within, the two or three first steps of which were discernible by the + moonlight, while the rest were lost in utter darkness. Though it was + difficult to conceive that the persons whom I had followed + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page55">[pg 55]</span><a name="Pg055" + id="Pg055" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>would have ventured to pass + through this gloomy opening, yet to account for their disappearance + otherwise was still more difficult. At all events, my curiosity was + now too eager in the chase to relinquish it;—the spirit of adventure, + once raised, could not be so easily laid. Accordingly, having sent up + a gay prayer to that bliss-loving Queen whose eye alone was upon me, + I passed through the portal and descended into the pyramid.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page56">[pg 56]</span><a name="Pg056" + id="Pg056" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc11" id= + "toc11"></a><a name="pdf12" id="pdf12"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. VI.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the bottom of + the stair-way I found myself in a low, narrow passage, through which, + without stooping almost to earth, it was impossible to proceed. + Though leading through a multiplicity of dark windings, this way + seemed but little to advance my progress,—its course, I perceived, + being chiefly circular, and gathering, at every turn, but a deeper + intensity of darkness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Can this,”</span> I thought, <span class="tei tei-q">“be + the sojourn of any thing human?”</span>—and had scarcely asked myself + the question, when the path opened into a long gallery, at the + farthest end of which a gleam of light was visible. This welcome + glimmer appeared to come from some cell or alcove, in which the + right-hand wall of the gallery terminated, <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page57">[pg 57]</span><a name="Pg057" id="Pg057" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and, breathless with expectation, I stole gently + towards it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Arrived at the end + of the gallery, a scene presented itself to my eyes, for which my + fondest expectations of adventure could not have prepared me. The + place from which the light proceeded was a small chapel, of whose + interior, from the dark recess in which I stood, I had, unseen + myself, a full and distinct view. Over the walls of this oratory were + painted some of those various symbols, by which the mystic wisdom of + the Egyptians loves to shadow out the History of the Soul—the winged + globe with a serpent,—the rays descending from above, like a glory, + and the Theban beetle, as he comes forth, after the waters have + passed away, and the first sunbeam falls on his regenerated + wings.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the middle of + the chapel stood a low altar of granite, on which lay a lifeless + female form, enshrined within a case of crystal,—as they preserve + their dead in Ethiopia,—and looking as freshly beautiful <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page58">[pg 58]</span><a name="Pg058" id="Pg058" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>as if the soul had but a few hours + departed. Among the emblems of death, on the front of the altar, were + a slender lotus-branch, broken in two, and a bird, just winging its + flight from the spray.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To these memorials + of the dead, however, I but little attended; for there was a living + object there upon which my eyes were most intently fixed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The lamp, by which + the whole of the chapel was illuminated, was placed at the head of + the pale image in the shrine; and, between its light and me, stood a + female form, bending over the monument, as if to gaze upon the silent + features within. The position in which this figure was placed, + intercepting a strong light, afforded me, at first, but an imperfect + and shadowy view of it. Yet even at this mere outline my heart beat + high,—and memory, as it proved, had as much share in this feeling as + imagination. For, on the head changing its position, so as to let a + gleam fall on the features, I saw with a transport, which had almost + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page59">[pg 59]</span><a name="Pg059" + id="Pg059" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>led me to betray my + lurking-place, that it was she—the young worshipper of Isis—the same, + the very same, whom I had seen, brightening the holy place where she + stood, and looking like an inhabitant of some purer world.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The movement, by + which she had now given me an opportunity of recognising her, was + made in raising from the shrine a small cross<a id="noteref_2" name= + "noteref_2" href="#note_2"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">2</span></span></a> of + silver, which lay directly over the bosom of the lifeless figure. + Bringing it close to her lips, she kissed it with a religious + fervour; then, turning her eyes mournfully upwards, held them fixed + with an inspired earnestness, as if, at that moment, in direct + communion with heaven, they saw neither roof, nor any other earthly + barrier between them and the skies.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What a power hath + innocence, whose very helplessness is its safeguard—in whose presence + even Passion himself <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page60">[pg + 60]</span><a name="Pg060" id="Pg060" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>stands abashed, and turns worshipper at the + altar which he came to despoil. She, who, but a short hour before, + had presented herself to my imagination, as something I could have + risked immortality to win—she, whom gladly, from the floor of her own + lighted temple, in the very face of its proud ministers, I would have + borne away in triumph, and defied all punishments, both human and + sacred, to make her mine,—she was now before me, thrown, as if by + fate itself, into my power—standing there, beautiful and alone, with + nothing but her innocence for her guard! Yet, no—so touching was the + purity of the whole scene, so calm and august that protection which + the dead seemed to extend over the living, that every earthlier + feeling was forgotten as I gazed, and love itself became exalted into + reverence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Entranced, indeed, + as I felt in witnessing such a scene, thus to enjoy it by stealth, + seemed a wrong, a sacrilege—and, rather <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page61">[pg 61]</span><a name="Pg061" id="Pg061" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>than let her eyes meet the flash of mine, or + disturb, by a whisper, that sacred silence, in which Youth and Death + held communion through Love, I would have let my heart break, without + a murmur, where I stood. Gently, as if life depended upon every + movement, I stole away from that tranquil and holy scene—leaving it + still tranquil and holy as I found it—and, gliding back through the + same passages and windings by which I had entered, regained the + narrow stair-way, and again ascended into light.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sun had just + risen, and, from the summit of the Arabian hills, was pouring down + his beams into that vast valley of waters,—as if proud of the homage + that had been paid to his own Isis, now fading away in the superior + light of her Lord. My first impulse was to fly from this dangerous + spot, and in new loves and pleasures seek forgetfulness of the scene + which I had witnessed. <span class="tei tei-q">“Once out of the + circle of this <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page62">[pg + 62]</span><a name="Pg062" id="Pg062" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>enchantment,”</span> I exclaimed, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I know my own susceptibility to new impressions too + well, to doubt that I shall soon break the spell that is around + me.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But vain were my + efforts and resolves. Even while I swore to fly, my steps were still + lingering round the pyramid—my eyes still turned towards the secret + portal, which severed this enchantress from the world of the living. + Hour after hour did I wander through that City of Silence,—till, + already, it was noon, and, under the sun’s meridian eye, the mighty + pyramid of pyramids stood, like a great spirit, shadowless.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again did those + wild and passionate feelings, which had, for a moment, been subdued + into reverence by her presence, return to kindle up my imagination + and senses. I even reproached myself for the awe, that had held me + spell-bound before her. <span class="tei tei-q">“What would my + companions of the Garden say, did they know that their chief,—he, + whose path Love had strewed <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page63">[pg + 63]</span><a name="Pg063" id="Pg063" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with + trophies—was now pining for a simple Egyptian girl, in whose presence + he had not dared to give utterance to a sigh, and who had vanquished + the victor, without even knowing her triumph!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A blush came over + my cheek at the humiliating thought, and my determination was fixed + to await her coming. That she should be an inmate of those gloomy + caverns seemed inconceivable; nor did there appear to be any issue + from their depths but by the pyramid. Again, therefore, like a + sentinel of the dead, did I pace up and down among these tombs, + contrasting, in many a mournful reflection, the burning fever within + my own veins with the cold quiet of those who slept around.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length the + fierce glow of the sun over my head, and, still more, that ever + restless agitation in my heart, were too much for even strength like + mine to bear. Exhausted, I lay down at the base of the + pyramid—placing myself directly <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page64">[pg 64]</span><a name="Pg064" id="Pg064" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>under the portal, where, even should slumber + surprise me, my heart, if not my ear, might still be on the watch, + and her footstep, light as it was, could not fail to awake me.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After many an + ineffectual struggle against drowsiness, I at length sunk into + sleep—but not into forgetfulness. The same image still haunted me, in + every variety of shape, with which imagination, assisted by memory, + could invest it. Now, like Neïtha, upon her throne at Saïs, she + seemed to sit, with the veil just raised from that brow, which mortal + had never, till then, beheld,—and now, like the beautiful enchantress + Rhodope, I saw her rise out of the pyramid in which she had dwelt for + ages,—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “Fair Rhodope, as story tells, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + The bright, unearthly nymph, who dwells + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Mid sunless gold and jewels hid, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + The Lady of the Pyramid!” + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So long, amid that + unbroken silence, did my sleep continue, that I found the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page65">[pg 65]</span><a name="Pg065" + id="Pg065" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>moon again shining above the + horizon, when I awoke. All around was silent and lifeless as before, + nor did a print upon the herbage betray that any foot had passed it + since my own. Refreshed by rest, and with a fancy still more excited + by the mystic wonders of which I had been dreaming, I now resolved to + revisit the chapel in the pyramid, and put an end, if possible, to + this illusion that haunted me.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having learned + from the experience of the preceding night, the inconvenience of + encountering those labyrinths without a light, I now hastened to + provide myself with a lamp from my boat. Tracking my way back with + some difficulty to the shore, I there found, not only my lamp, but + some dates and dried fruits, with a store of which, for my roving + life upon the waters, I was always supplied,—and which now, after so + many hours of abstinence, were a welcome and necessary relief.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus prepared, I + again ascended the pyramid, and was proceeding to search <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page66">[pg 66]</span><a name="Pg066" id="Pg066" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>out the secret spring, when a loud, dismal + noise was heard at a distance, to which all the echoes of the + cemetery answered. It came, I knew, from the Great Temple on the + shore of the Lake, and was the shriek which its gates—the Gates of + Oblivion, as they were called—sent forth from their hinges, in + opening at night, to receive within their precincts the newly-landed + dead.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I had heard that + sound before, and always with sadness; but, at this moment, it + thrilled through me, like a voice of ill omen, and I almost doubted + whether I should not abandon my enterprise. The hesitation, however, + was but momentary;—even while it passed through my mind, I had + touched the spring of the portal. In a few seconds more, I was again + in the passage beneath the pyramid, and being enabled by my lamp to + follow the windings of the way more rapidly, soon found myself at the + door of the small chapel in the gallery.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page67">[pg 67]</span><a name="Pg067" id="Pg067" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I entered, still + awed, though there was now nothing living within. The young Priestess + had fled—had vanished, like a spirit, into the darkness. All the rest + was as I had left it on the preceding night. The lamp still stood + burning upon the crystal shrine—the cross lay where the hands of the + young mourner had placed it, and the cold image beneath wore the same + tranquil look, as if resigned to the solitude of death—of all lone + things the loneliest. Remembering the lips that I had seen kiss that + cross, and kindling with the recollection, I raised it passionately + to my own;—but, at the same moment, I fancied the dead eyes met mine, + and, saddened in the midst of my ardour, I replaced the cross upon + the shrine.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I had now lost all + clue to the object of my pursuit, and was preparing slowly to retrace + my steps to earth, with that gloomy satisfaction which certainty, + even when unwelcome, brings,—when, as I held forth my lamp, on + leaving the chapel, I <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page68">[pg + 68]</span><a name="Pg068" id="Pg068" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>could + perceive that the gallery, instead of terminating here, took a sudden + bend to the left, which had before eluded my eye, and which gave a + promise of leading still further into those recesses. Re-animated by + this discovery, which opened a new source of hope to my heart, I cast + but one hesitating look at my lamp, as if to ask whether it would be + faithful through the gloom I was about to encounter, and, without + further thought, rushed eagerly forward.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page69">[pg 69]</span><a name="Pg069" + id="Pg069" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc13" id= + "toc13"></a><a name="pdf14" id="pdf14"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. VII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The path led, for + some time, through the same sort of narrow windings as those which I + had encountered in descending the stair-way; and at length opened, in + a similar manner, into a straight and steep gallery, along each side + of which stood, closely ranged and upright, a file of lifeless + bodies, whose glassy eyes threw a preternatural glare upon me as I + passed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Arrived at the end + of this gallery, I found my hopes a second time vanish. The path, I + perceived, extended no further. The only object that I could discern, + by the glimmering of my lamp, which now, every minute, burned fainter + and fainter, was the mouth of a huge well, that lay gaping before + me—a reservoir of darkness, black and unfathomable. It now crossed my + memory that I had heard of such wells, as being used occasionally for + passages <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page70">[pg 70]</span><a name= + "Pg070" id="Pg070" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>by the Priests. Leaning + down, therefore, over the edge, I looked anxiously within, to + discover whether it was possible to descend into the chasm; but the + sides were hard and smooth as glass, being varnished all over with + that dark pitch, which the Dead Sea throws out on its slimy + shore.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a more + attentive scrutiny, however, I observed, at the depth of a few feet, + a sort of iron step, projecting dimly from the side, and, below it, + another, which, though hardly perceptible, was just sufficient to + encourage an adventurous foot to the trial. Though all hope of + tracing the young Priestess was at an end,—it being impossible that + female foot should have dared this descent,—yet, as I had so far + engaged in the adventure, and there was, at least, a mystery to be + unravelled, I determined, at all hazards, to explore the chasm. + Placing my lamp (which was hollowed at the bottom, so as to fit like + a helmet) firmly on my head, and having <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page71">[pg 71]</span><a name="Pg071" id="Pg071" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>thus both hands at liberty for exertion, I set + my foot cautiously on the iron step, and descended into the well.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I found the same + footing, at regular intervals, to a considerable depth; and had + already counted near a hundred of these steps, when the ladder + altogether ceased, and I could descend no farther. In vain did I + stretch down my foot in search of support—the hard, slippery sides + were all that it encountered. At length, stooping my head, so as to + let the light fall below, I observed an opening or window directly + above the step on which I stood, and, taking for granted that the way + must lie in that direction, with some little difficulty clambered + through the aperture.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I now found myself + on a rude and narrow stair-way, the steps of which were cut out of + the living rock, and wound spirally downward in the same direction as + the well. Almost dizzy with the descent, which seemed as if it would + never end, I, at last, reached the bottom, where a pair of massy + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page72">[pg 72]</span><a name="Pg072" + id="Pg072" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>iron gates closed directly + across my path, as if to forbid any further progress. Massy, however, + and gigantic as they were, I found, to my surprise, that the hand of + an infant might have opened them with ease—so readily did their great + folds give way to my touch,</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “Light as a lime-bush, that receives + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Some wandering bird among its leaves.” + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner, + however, had I passed through, than the din, with which the gates + clashed together again, was such as might have awakened death itself. + It seemed as if every echo, throughout that vast, subterranean world, + from the Catacombs of Alexandria to Thebes’s Valley of Kings, had + caught up and repeated the thundering sound.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Startled, however, + as I was, not even this supernatural clangour could divert my + attention from the light that now broke upon me—soft, warm, and + welcome as are the stars of his own South to the mariner <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page73">[pg 73]</span><a name="Pg073" id="Pg073" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>who has been wandering through the seas of + the north. Looking for the source of this splendour, I saw, through + an archway opposite, a long illuminated alley, stretching away as far + as the eye could reach, and fenced, on one side, with thickets of + odoriferous shrubs, while, along the other, extended a line of lofty + arcades, from which the light, that filled the whole area, issued. As + soon, too, as the din of the deep echoes had subsided, there stole + gradually on my ear a strain of choral music, which appeared to come, + mellowed and sweetened in its passage, through many a spacious hall + within those shining arcades. Among the voices I could distinguish + some female tones, towering high and clear over all the rest, and + forming the spire, as it were, into which the harmony tapered, as it + rose.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So excited was my + fancy by this sudden enchantment, that—though never had I caught a + sound from the young Egyptian’s <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page74">[pg 74]</span><a name="Pg074" id="Pg074" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>lips,—I yet persuaded myself that the voice I + now heard was hers, sounding highest and most heavenly of all that + choir, and calling to me, like a distant spirit out of its sphere. + Animated by this thought, I flew forward to the archway, but found, + to my mortification, that it was guarded by a trellis-work, whose + bars, though invisible at a distance, resisted all my efforts to + force them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While occupied in + these ineffectual struggles, I perceived, to the left of the archway, + a dark, cavernous opening, which seemed to lead in a direction + parallel to the lighted arcades. Notwithstanding my impatience, + however, the aspect of this passage, as I looked shudderingly into + it, chilled my very blood. It was not so much darkness, as a sort of + livid and ghastly twilight, from which a damp, like that of + death-vaults, exhaled, and through which, if my eyes did not deceive + me, pale, phantom-like shapes were, at that very moment, + hovering.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page75">[pg + 75]</span><a name="Pg075" id="Pg075" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Looking anxiously + round, to discover some less formidable outlet, I saw, over the vast + folding-gates through which I had just passed, a blue, tremulous + flame, which, after playing for a few seconds over the dark ground of + the pediment, settled gradually into characters of light, and formed + the following words:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + You, who would try + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + Yon terrible track, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + To live, or to die, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + But ne’er to look back— + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + You, who aspire + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + To be purified there, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + By the terrors of Fire, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Of Water, and Air,— + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + If danger, and pain, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + And death you despise, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + On—for again + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Into light you shall rise; + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Rise into light + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + With that Secret Divine, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Now shrouded from sight + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + By the Veils of the Shrine! + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + But if—— + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page76">[pg 76]</span><a name= + "Pg076" id="Pg076" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here the letters + faded away into a dead blank, more awfully intelligible than the most + eloquent words.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A new hope now + flashed across me. The dream of the Garden, which had been for some + time almost forgotten, returned to my mind. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Am I then,”</span> I exclaimed, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“in the path to the promised mystery? and shall the great + secret of Eternal Life <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">indeed</span></span> be mine?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Yes!”</span> seemed to answer, out of the air, that + spirit-voice, which still was heard crowning the choir with its + single sweetness. I hailed the omen with transport. Love and + Immortality, both beckoning me onward—who could give a thought to + fear, with two such bright hopes in view? Having invoked and blessed + that unknown enchantress, whose steps had led me to this abode of + mystery and knowledge, I plunged into the chasm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Instead of that + vague, spectral twilight which had at first met my eye, I now found, + as I entered, a thick darkness, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page77">[pg 77]</span><a name="Pg077" id="Pg077" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>which, though far less horrible, was, at this + moment, still more disconcerting, as my lamp, which had been, for + some time, almost useless, was fast expiring. Resolved, however, to + make the most of its last gleam, I hastened, with rapid step, through + this gloomy region, which seemed wider and more open to the air than + any that I had yet passed. Nor was it long before the appearance of a + bright blaze in the distance announced to me that my first great + Trial was at hand. As I drew nearer, the flames burst high and wide + on all sides;—and the spectacle that now presented itself was such as + might have appalled even hearts more habituated to dangers than + mine.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There lay before + me, extending completely across my path, a thicket, or grove of the + most combustible trees of Egypt—tamarind, pine, and Arabian balm. + Around their stems and branches were coiled serpents of fire, which, + twisting <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page78">[pg 78]</span><a name= + "Pg078" id="Pg078" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>themselves rapidly from + bough to bough, spread their own wild-fire as they went, and involved + tree after tree in one general blaze. It was, indeed, rapid as the + burning of those reed-beds of Ethiopia, whose light brightens, at + night, the distant cataracts of the Nile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Through the middle + of this blazing grove, I perceived, my only pathway lay. There was + not a moment to be lost—the conflagration gained rapidly on either + side, and already the narrowing path between was strewed with fire. + Casting away my now useless lamp, and holding my robe as some + protection over my head, with a tremor, I own, in every limb, I + ventured through the blaze.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Instantly, as if + my presence had given new life to the flames, a fresh outbreak of + combustion arose on all sides. The trees clustered into a bower of + fire above my head, while the serpents, that hung hissing from the + red branches, shot showers of sparkles down upon me, as I passed. + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page79">[pg 79]</span><a name="Pg079" + id="Pg079" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Never were decision and + activity more serviceable;—one minute later, and I must have + perished. The narrow opening, of which I had so promptly availed + myself, closed instantly behind me; and, as I looked back, to + contemplate the ordeal which I had passed, I saw that the whole grove + was already one mass of fire.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Happy at having + escaped this first trial, I plucked from one of the pine-trees a + bough that was but just kindled, and, with this for my only guide, + hastened breathlessly forward. I had gone but a few paces, when the + path turned suddenly off,—leading downwards, as I could see by the + glimmer of my brand, into a more confined space, through which a + chilling air, as if from some neighbouring waters, blew over my brow. + Nor had I proceeded very far, when the sound of torrents fell on my + ear,—mingled, as I thought, from time to time, with shrill wailings, + like the cries of persons in danger or <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page80">[pg 80]</span><a name="Pg080" id="Pg080" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>distress. At every step the noise of the dashing + waters increased, and I now perceived that I had entered an immense + rocky cavern, through the middle of which, headlong as a + winter-torrent, the flood, to whose roar I had been listening, + rushed. Upon its surface, too, there floated strange, spectre-like + shapes, which, as they went by, sent forth those dismal shrieks, as + if in fear of some precipice to whose brink they were hurrying.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I saw too plainly + that my course must be across that torrent. It was fearful; but in + courage lay my only hope. What awaited me on the opposite shore, I + knew not; for all there was wrapped in impenetrable gloom, nor could + the weak light I held reach half so far. Dismissing, however, all + thoughts but that of pressing onward, I sprung from the rock on which + I stood into the flood,—trusting that, with my right hand, I should + be able to buffet the current, while, with the other, I might + contrive to hold my <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page81">[pg + 81]</span><a name="Pg081" id="Pg081" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>brand + aloft, as long as a glimmer of it remained, to guide me to the + shore.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Long and + formidable was the struggle I had to maintain. More than once, + overpowered by the rush of the waters, I had almost given myself up, + as destined to follow those apparitions, that still passed me, + hurrying, with mournful cries, to their doom in some invisible gulf + before them.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length, just as + my strength was nearly exhausted, and the last remains of the + pine-branch were falling from my hand, I saw, outstretching towards + me into the water, a light double balustrade, with a flight of steps + between, ascending, almost perpendicularly, from the wave, till they + seemed lost in a dense mass of clouds above. This glimpse—for it was + no more, as my light expired in giving it—lent new spring to my + courage. Having now both hands at liberty, so desperate were my + efforts, that after a few minutes’ struggle, I felt my brow <a name= + "corr081" id="corr081" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class= + "tei tei-corr">strike</span> <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page82">[pg + 82]</span><a name="Pg082" id="Pg082" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>against the stairway, and, in an instant more, + my feet were on the steps.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Rejoiced at my + rescue from that perilous flood, though I knew not whither the + stairway led, I promptly ascended it. But this feeling of confidence + was of short duration. I had not mounted far, when, to my horror, I + perceived, that each successive step, as my foot left it, broke away + from beneath me,—leaving me in midair, with no other alternative than + that of mounting still by the same momentary footing, and with the + dreadful doubt whether it would even endure my tread.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And thus did I, + for a few seconds, continue to ascend, with nothing beneath me but + that awful river, in which—so tranquil it had become—I could hear the + plash of the falling fragments, as every step in succession gave way + under my feet. It was a trying moment, but still worse remained. I + now found the balustrade, by which I had held during my ascent, and + which had hitherto seemed firm, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page83">[pg 83]</span><a name="Pg083" id="Pg083" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>grow tremulous in my hand,—while the step to + which I was about to trust myself, tottered under my foot. Just then, + a momentary flash, as if of lightning, broke around, and I saw, + hanging out of the clouds, within my reach, a huge brazen ring. + Instinctively I stretched forth my arm to seize it, and, at the same + instant, both balustrade and steps gave way beneath me, and I was + left swinging by my hands in the dark void. As if, too, this massy + ring, which I grasped, was by some magic power linked with all the + winds in heaven, no sooner had I seized it than, like the touching of + a spring, it seemed to give loose to every variety of gusts and + tempests, that ever strewed the sea-shore with wrecks or dead; and, + as I swung about, the sport of this elemental strife, each new burst + of its fury threatened to shiver me, like a storm-sail, to atoms!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nor was even this + the worst;—still holding, I know not how, by the ring, I felt myself + caught up, as if by a thousand <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page84">[pg 84]</span><a name="Pg084" id="Pg084" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>whirlwinds, and round and round, like a + stone-shot in a sling, whirled in the midst of all this deafening + chaos, till my brain grew dizzy, and my recollection confused, and I + almost fancied myself on that wheel of the infernal world, whose + rotations, it is said, Eternity alone can number!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Human strength + could no longer sustain such a trial. I was on the point, at last, of + loosing my hold, when suddenly the violence of the storm + moderated;—my whirl through the air gradually ceased, and I felt the + ring slowly descend with me, till—happy as a shipwrecked mariner at + the first touch of land—I found my feet once more upon firm + ground.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the same + moment, a light of the most delicious softness filled the whole air. + Music, such as is heard in dreams, came floating at a distance; and, + as my eyes gradually recovered their powers of vision, a scene of + glory was revealed to them, almost too bright for imagination, and + yet living and real. As far as the sight <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page85">[pg 85]</span><a name="Pg085" id="Pg085" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>could reach, enchanting gardens were seen, + opening away through long tracts of light and verdure, and sparkling + every where with fountains, that circulated, like streams of life, + among the flowers. Not a charm was here wanting, that the imagination + of poet or prophet, in their pictures of Elysium, ever yet dreamed or + promised. Vistas, opening into scenes of indistinct + grandeur,—streams, shining out at intervals, in their shadowy + course,—and labyrinths of flowers, leading, by mysterious windings, + to green, spacious glades, full of splendour and repose. Over all + this, too, there fell a light, from some unseen source, resembling + nothing that illumines our upper world—a sort of golden moonlight, + mingling the warm radiance of day with the calm and melancholy lustre + of night.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nor were there + wanting inhabitants for this sunless Paradise. Through all the bright + gardens were wandering, with the serene air and step of happy + spirits, groups <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page86">[pg + 86]</span><a name="Pg086" id="Pg086" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>both + of young and old, of venerable and of lovely forms, bearing, most of + them, the Nile’s white flowers on their heads, and branches of the + eternal palm in their hands; while, over the verdant turf, fair + children and maidens went dancing to aërial music, whose source was, + like that of the light, invisible, but which filled the whole air + with its mystic sweetness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Exhausted as I was + by the trials I had undergone, no sooner did I perceive those fair + groups in the distance, than my weariness, both of frame and spirit, + was forgotten. A thought crossed me that she, whom I sought, might be + among them; and, notwithstanding the awe, with which that unearthly + scene inspired me, I was about to fly, on the instant, to ascertain + my hope. But in the act of making the effort, I felt my robe gently + pulled, and turning, beheld an aged man before me, whom, by the + sacred hue of his garb, I knew to be a Hierophant. Placing a branch + of the consecrated palm in my hand, he said, <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page87">[pg 87]</span><a name="Pg087" id="Pg087" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>in a solemn voice, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Aspirant of the Mysteries, welcome!”</span>—then, + regarding me for a few seconds with grave attention, added, in a tone + of courteousness and interest, <span class="tei tei-q">“The victory + over the body hath been gained!—Follow me, young Greek, to thy + resting place.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I obeyed in + silence,—and the Priest, turning away from this scene of splendour, + into a secluded path, where the light faded away, as we advanced, + conducted me to a small pavilion, by the side of a whispering stream, + where the very spirit of slumber seemed to preside, and, pointing to + a bed of dried poppy-leaves within it, left me to repose.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page88">[pg 88]</span><a name="Pg088" + id="Pg088" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc15" id= + "toc15"></a><a name="pdf16" id="pdf16"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. VIII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though the sight + of that splendid scene which opened upon me, like a momentary glimpse + into another world, had, for an instant, re-animated my strength and + spirit, so completely had fatigue overmastered my whole frame, that, + even had the form of the young Priestess stood before me, my limbs + would have sunk in the effort to reach her. No sooner had I fallen on + my leafy couch, than sleep, like a sudden death, came over me; and I + lay, for hours, in the deep, and motionless rest, which not even a + shadow of life disturbs.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On awaking I saw, + beside me, the same venerable personage, who had welcomed me to this + subterranean world on the preceding night. At the foot of my couch + stood a statue, of Grecian workmanship, representing a boy, with + wings, seated gracefully <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page89">[pg + 89]</span><a name="Pg089" id="Pg089" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>on a + lotus-flower, and having the forefinger of his right hand pressed to + his lips. This action, together with the glory round his brows, + denoted, as I already knew, the God of Silence and Light.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Impatient to know + what further trials awaited me, I was about to speak, when the Priest + exclaimed, anxiously, <span class="tei tei-q">“Hush!”</span>—and + pointing to this statue at the foot of the couch, said—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let the spell of that Spirit be on thy lips, young + stranger, till the wisdom of thy instructors shall think fit to + remove it. Not unaptly doth the same god preside over Silence and + Light; since it is only out of the depth of contemplative silence, + that the great light of the soul, Truth, arises!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Little used to the + language of dictation or instruction, I was now preparing to rise, + when the priest again restrained me; and, at the same moment, two + boys, beautiful as the young Genii of the stars, entered the + pavilion. They were habited in long garments of the purest white, and + bore <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page90">[pg 90]</span><a name= + "Pg090" id="Pg090" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>each a small golden + chalice in his hand. Advancing towards me, they stopped on opposite + sides of the couch, and one of them, presenting to me his chalice of + gold, said, in a tone between singing and speaking,—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “Drink of this cup—Osiris sips + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + The same in his halls below; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And the same he gives, to cool the lips + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Of the Dead, who downward go. + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “Drink of this cup—the water within + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + Is fresh from Lethe’s stream; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + ’Twill make the past with all its sin, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + And all its pain and sorrows, seem + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + Like a long-forgotten dream! + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “The pleasure, whose charms + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + Are steep’d in woe; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + The knowledge, that harms + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + The soul to know; + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “The hope, that, bright + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + As the lake of the waste, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Allures the sight, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + But mocks the taste; + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page91">[pg 91]</span><a name= + "Pg091" id="Pg091" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “The love, that binds + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + Its innocent wreath, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Where the serpent winds, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + In venom, beneath;— + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “All that, of evil or false, by thee + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Hath ever been known or seen, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Shall melt away in this cup, and be + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Forgot, as it never had been!” + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Unwilling to throw + a slight on this strange ceremony, I leaned forward, with all due + gravity, and tasted the cup; which I had no sooner done than the + young cup-bearer, on the other side, invited my attention, and, in + his turn, presenting the chalice which he held, sung, with a voice + still sweeter than that of his companion, the following strain:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “Drink of this cup—when Isis led + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Her boy, of old, to the beaming sky, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + She mingled a draught divine, and said— + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + ‘Drink of this cup, thou’lt never die!’ + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “Thus do I say and sing to thee, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + Heir of that boundless heav’n on high, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Though frail, and fall’n, and lost thou be, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Drink of this cup, thou’lt never die!” + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page92">[pg 92]</span><a name= + "Pg092" id="Pg092" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Much as I had + endeavoured to keep my philosophy on its guard, against the illusions + with which, I knew, this region abounded, the young cup-bearer had + here touched a spring of imagination, over which, as has been seen, + my philosophy had but little controul. No sooner had the words, + <span class="tei tei-q">“thou shalt never die,”</span> struck on my + ear, than the dream of the Garden came fully to my mind, and, + starting half-way from the couch, I stretched forth my hands to the + cup. Recollecting myself, however, and fearful of having betrayed to + others a weakness only fit for my own secret indulgence, with an + affected smile of indifference I sunk back again on my couch,—while + the young minstrel, but little interrupted by my movement, still + continued his strain, of which I heard but the concluding words:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “And Memory, too, with her dreams shall come, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + Dreams of a former, happier day, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + When Heaven was still the Spirit’s home, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + And her wings had not yet fallen away; + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page93">[pg 93]</span><a name= + "Pg093" id="Pg093" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + “Glimpses of glory, ne’er forgot, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + That tell, like gleams on a sunset sea, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + What once hath been, what now is not, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + But, oh, what again shall brightly be!” + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though the + assurances of immortality, contained in these verses, would, at any + other moment,—vain and visionary as I thought them,—have sent my + fancy wandering into reveries of the future, the effort of + self-control I had just made enabled me to hear them with + indifference.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having gone + through the form of tasting this second cup, I again looked anxiously + to the Hierophant, to ascertain whether I might be permitted to rise. + His assent having been given, the young pages brought to my couch a + robe and tunic, which, like their own, were of linen of the purest + white; and having assisted to clothe me in this sacred garb, they + then placed upon my head a chaplet of myrtle, in which the symbol of + Initiation, a golden <a name="corr093" id="corr093" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">grasshopper</span>, + was seen shining out from among the dark leaves.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page94">[pg 94]</span><a name="Pg094" id="Pg094" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though sleep had + done much to refresh my frame, something more was still wanting to + restore its strength; and it was not without a smile at my own + reveries I reflected, how much more welcome than the young page’s cup + of immortality was the unpretending, but real, repast now set before + me,—fresh fruits from the Isle of Gardens in the Nile, the delicate + flesh of the desert antelope, and wine from the Vineyard of the + Queens at Anthylla, fanned by one of the pages with a palm-leaf, to + keep it cool.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having done + justice to these dainties, it was with pleasure I heard the proposal + of the Priest, that we should now walk forth together, and meditate + among the scenes without. I had not forgotten the elysium that + welcomed me last night,—those enchanted gardens, that mysterious + music, and light, and the fair forms I saw wandering about,—as if, in + the very midst of happiness, still seeking it. The hope, which had + then occurred to me, that, perhaps, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page95">[pg 95]</span><a name="Pg095" id="Pg095" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>among those sparkling groups, might be the + maiden I sought, now returned with increased strength. I had little + doubt that my guide was about to lead to the same Elysian scene, and + that the form, so fit to inhabit it, would again appear before my + eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But far different + was the region to which he conducted me; nor could the whole world + produce a scene more gloomy, or more strange. It had the appearance + of a small, solitary valley, inclosed, on every side, by rocks, which + seemed to rise, almost perpendicularly, to the very sky;—for it was, + indeed, the blue sky that I saw shining between their summits, and + whose light, dimmed and half lost, in its descent thus far, formed + the melancholy daylight of this nether world.<a id="noteref_3" name= + "noteref_3" href="#note_3"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">3</span></span></a> Down the + side of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page96">[pg 96]</span><a name= + "Pg096" id="Pg096" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>these rocky walls fell + a cataract, whose source was upon earth, and on whose waters, as they + rolled glassily over the edge above, a gleam of radiance rested, that + showed how brilliant was the sunshine they left. From thence, + gradually darkening, and broken, in its long descent, by alternate + chasms and projections, the stream fell, at last, in a pale and thin + mist—the phantom of what it had been on earth—into a small lake that + lay at the base of the rock to receive it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nothing could be + more bleak and saddening than the appearance of this lake. The usual + ornaments of the waters of Egypt were not wanting: the lotus here + uplifted her silvery flowers, and the crimson flamingo floated over + the tide. But they were, neither of them, the same as in the upper + world;—the flower had exchanged its whiteness for a livid hue, and + the wings of the bird hung heavy and colourless. Every thing wore the + same half-living aspect; and the only sounds that dis<span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page97">[pg 97]</span><a name="Pg097" id="Pg097" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>turbed the mournful stillness were the + wailing cry of a heron among the sedges, and that din of the waters, + in their midway struggle, above.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was an + unearthly sadness in the whole scene, of which no heart, however + light, could resist the influence. Perceiving how I was affected by + it, <span class="tei tei-q">“Such scenes,”</span> said the Priest, + <span class="tei tei-q">“are best suited to that solemn complexion of + mind, which becomes him who approaches the Great Secret of futurity. + Behold,”</span>—and, in saying thus, he pointed to the opening over + our heads, through which I could perceive a star or two twinkling in + the heavens, though the sun had but a short time passed his + meridian,—<span class="tei tei-q">“as from this gloomy depth we can + see those stars, which are now invisible to the dwellers upon the + bright earth, even so, to the sad and self-humbled spirit, doth many + a mystery of heaven reveal itself, of which they, who walk in the + light of the proud world, know not!”</span></p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page98">[pg 98]</span><a name="Pg098" id="Pg098" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He now led me + towards a rustic seat or alcove, beside which stood an image of that + dark Deity, that God without a smile, who presides over the kingdom + of the Dead.<a id="noteref_4" name="noteref_4" href= + "#note_4"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">4</span></span></a> The same + livid and lifeless hue was upon his features, that hung over every + thing in this dim valley; and, with his right hand, he pointed + directly downwards, to denote that his melancholy kingdom lay there. + A plantain—that favourite tree of the genii of Death—stood behind the + statue, and spread its branches over the alcove, in which the Priest + now, seating himself, signified that I should take my place by his + side.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a long + pause, as if of thought and preparation,—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nobly,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“young + Greek, hast thou sustained the first trials of Initiation. What + remains, though of vital import to the soul, brings with it neither + pain nor peril to the body. Having now proved and chastened thy + mortal frame, by the three ordeals of Fire, of <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page99">[pg 99]</span><a name="Pg099" id="Pg099" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Water, and of Air, the next task to which + we are called is the purification of thy spirit,—the cleansing of + that inward and immortal part, so as to render it fit for the + reception of the last luminous revealment, when the Veils of the + Sanctuary shall be thrown aside, and the Great Secret of Secrets + unfolded to thee!—Towards this object, the primary and most essential + step is, instruction. What the three purifying elements, through + which thou hast passed, have done for thy body, instruction will + effect for——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But that lovely maiden!”</span> I exclaimed, bursting + from my silence, having fallen, during his speech, into a deep + revery, in which I had forgotten him, myself, the Great Secret, every + thing—but her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Startled by this + profane interruption, he cast a look of alarm towards the statue, as + if fearful lest the God should have heard my words. Then, turning to + me, in a tone of mild solemnity, <span class="tei tei-q">“It is but + too plain,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“that thoughts of + the upper <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page100">[pg + 100]</span><a name="Pg100" id="Pg100" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>world, and of its vain delights, still engross + thee too much, to let the lessons of Truth sink profitably into thy + heart. A few hours of meditation amid this solemn scenery—of that + wholesome meditation, which purifies, by saddening—may haply dispose + thee to receive, with reverence, the holy and immortal knowledge that + is in store for thee. With this hope, I now leave thee to thy own + thoughts, and to that God, before whose calm and mournful eye the + vanities of the world, from which thou comest, wither!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus saying, he + turned slowly away, and passing behind the statue, towards which he + had pointed during the last sentence, suddenly, and as if by + enchantment, disappeared from my sight.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page101">[pg 101]</span><a name="Pg101" + id="Pg101" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc17" id= + "toc17"></a><a name="pdf18" id="pdf18"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. IX.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Being left to my + own solitary thoughts, I had now leisure to reflect, with coolness, + on the inconveniences, if not dangers, of the situation into which my + love of adventure had hurried me. However ready my imagination was to + kindle, in its own ideal sphere, I have ever found that, when brought + into contact with reality, it as suddenly cooled;—like those meteors, + that seem stars in the air, but, the moment they touch earth, are + extinguished. Such was the disenchantment that now succeeded to the + dreams in which I had been indulging. As long as Fancy had the field + of the future to herself, even immortality did not seem too distant a + race for her. But when human instruments interposed, the illusion + vanished. From mortal lips the promise of immortality <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page102">[pg 102]</span><a name="Pg102" id="Pg102" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>seemed a mockery, and imagination herself + had no wings that could carry beyond the grave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nor was this + disappointment the only feeling that occupied me;—the imprudence of + the step, which I had taken, now appeared in its full extent before + my eyes. I had thrown myself into the power of the most artful + priesthood in the world, without a chance of being able to escape + from their toils, or to resist any machinations with which they might + beset me. It seemed evident, from the state of preparation in which I + had found all that wonderful apparatus, by which the terrors and + splendours of Initiation are produced, that my descent into the + pyramid was not unexpected. Numerous, indeed, and active as were the + spies of the Sacred College of Memphis, there could be but little + doubt that all my movements, since my arrival, had been tracked; and + the many hours I had passed in watching and wandering round the + pyramid, betrayed a curiosity <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page103">[pg 103]</span><a name="Pg103" id="Pg103" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>which might well inspire these wily priests with + the hope of drawing an Epicurean into their superstitious toils.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I well knew their + hatred to the sect of which I was Chief;—that they considered the + Epicureans as, next to the Christians, the most formidable enemies of + their craft and power. <span class="tei tei-q">“How thoughtless, + then,”</span> I exclaimed, <span class="tei tei-q">“to have placed + myself in a situation, where I am equally helpless against their + fraud and violence, and must either seem to be the dupe of their + impostures, or submit to become the victim of their + vengeance.”</span> Of these alternatives, bitter as they were, the + latter appeared by far the more welcome. I blushed even to think of + the mockeries to which I already had yielded; and the prospect of + being put through still further ceremonials, and of being tutored and + preached to by hypocrites I despised, appeared to me, in my present + temper, a trial of patience, to which the flames <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page104">[pg 104]</span><a name="Pg104" id="Pg104" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and the whirlwinds I had already + encountered were pastime.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Often and + impatiently did I look up, between those rocky walls, to the bright + sky that appeared to rest upon their summits, as, round and round, + through every part of the valley, I endeavoured to find an outlet + from its gloomy precincts. But in vain I endeavoured;—that rocky + barrier, which seemed to end but in heaven, interposed itself every + where. Neither did the image of the young maiden, though constantly + in my mind, now bring with it the least consolation or hope. Of what + avail was it that she, perhaps, was an inhabitant of this region, if + I could neither see her smile, nor catch the sound of her voice,—if, + while among preaching priests I wasted away my hours, her presence + diffused its enchantment elsewhere.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length + exhausted, I lay down by the brink of the lake, and gave myself up to + all the melancholy of my fancy. The <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page105">[pg 105]</span><a name="Pg105" id="Pg105" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>pale semblance of daylight, which had hitherto + shone around, grew, every moment, more dim and dismal. Even the rich + gleam, at the summit of the cascade, had faded; and the sunshine, + like the water, exhausted in its descent, had now dwindled into a + ghostly glimmer, far worse than darkness. The birds upon the lake, as + if about to die with the dying light, sunk down their heads; and, as + I looked to the statue, the deepening shadows gave an expression to + its mournful features that chilled my very soul.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The thought of + death, ever ready to present itself to my imagination, now came, with + a disheartening weight, such as I had never before felt. I almost + fancied myself already in the dark vestibule of the grave,—separated, + for ever, from the world above, and with nothing but the blank of an + eternal sleep before me. It had often, I knew, happened that the + visitants of this mysterious realm were, after their descent + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page106">[pg 106]</span><a name="Pg106" + id="Pg106" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>from earth, never seen or heard + of;—being condemned, for some failure in their initiatory trials, to + pine away their lives in the dark dungeons, with which, as well as + with altars, this region abounded. Such, I shuddered to think, might + probably be my destiny; and so appalling was the thought, that even + the spirit of defiance died within me, and I was already giving + myself up to helplessness and despair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length, after + some hours of this gloomy musing, I heard a rustling in the sacred + grove behind the statue; and, soon after, the sound of the Priest’s + voice—more welcome than I had ever thought such voice could + be—brought the assurance that I was not yet, at least, wholly + abandoned. Finding his way to me through the gloom, he now led me to + the same spot, on which we had parted so many hours before; and, in a + voice that retained no trace of displeasure, bespoke my attention, + while he should reveal to me some of those divine truths, by whose + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page107">[pg 107]</span><a name="Pg107" + id="Pg107" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>infusion, he said, into the + soul of man, its purification can alone be effected.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The valley had now + become so wholly dark, that we could no longer discern each other’s + faces, as we sat. There was a melancholy in the voice of my + instructor that well accorded with the gloom around us; and, saddened + and subdued, I now listened with resignation, if not with interest, + to those sublime, but, alas, I thought, vain tenets, which, with the + warmth of a believer, this Hierophant expounded to me.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He spoke of the + pre-existence of the soul,—of its abode, from all eternity, in a + place of bliss, of which all that we have most beautiful in our + conceptions here is but a dim transcript, a clouded remembrance. In + the blue depths of ether, he said, lay that <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Country of the Soul,”</span>—its boundary alone visible + in the line of milky light, that separates it, as by a barrier of + stars, from the dark earth. <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh, realm of + purity! <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page108">[pg 108]</span><a name= + "Pg108" id="Pg108" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Home of the yet + unfallen Spirit!—where, in the days of her primal innocence, she + wandered, ere her beauty was soiled by the touch of earth, or her + resplendent wings had withered away. Methinks,”</span> he cried, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I see, at this moment, those fields of + radiance,—I look back, through the mists of life, into that luminous + world, where the souls that have never lost their high, heavenly + rank, still soar, without a stain, above the shadowless stars, and + dwell together in infinite perfection and bliss!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As he spoke these + words, a burst of pure, brilliant light, like a sudden opening of + heaven, broke through the valley; and, as soon as my eyes were able + to endure the splendour, such a vision of loveliness and glory opened + upon them, as took even my sceptical spirit by surprise, and made it + yield, at once, to the potency of the spell.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Suspended, as I + thought, in air, and occupying the whole of the opposite region of + the valley, there appeared an immense <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page109">[pg 109]</span><a name="Pg109" id="Pg109" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>orb of light, within which, through a haze of + radiance, I could see distinctly groups of young female spirits, who, + in silent, but harmonious movement, like that of the stars, wound + slowly through a variety of fanciful evolutions; and, as they linked + and unlinked each other’s arms, formed a living labyrinth of beauty + and grace. Though their feet seemed to tread along a field of light, + they had also wings, of the richest hue, which, like rainbows over + waterfalls, when played with by the breeze, at every moment reflected + a new variety of glory.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As I stood, gazing + with wonder, the orb, with all its ethereal inmates, gradually + receded into the dark void, lessening, as it went, and growing more + bright, as it lessened;—till, at length, distant, apparently, as a + retiring comet, this little world of Spirits, in one small point of + intense radiance, shone its last and vanished. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Go,”</span> exclaimed the rapt Priest, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“ye happy souls, of whose dwelling a glimpse is thus + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page110">[pg 110]</span><a name="Pg110" + id="Pg110" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>given to our eyes, go, wander, + in your orb, through the boundless heaven, nor ever let a thought of + this perishable world come to mingle its dross with your divine + nature, or tempt you to that earthward fall, by which spirits, as + bright, have been ruined!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A pause ensued, + during which, still under the influence of wonder, I sent my fancy + wandering after the inhabitants of that orb,—almost wishing myself + credulous enough to believe in a heaven, of which creatures, so like + all that I most loved on earth, were inmates.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length, the + Priest, with a sigh at the contrast he was about to draw, between the + happy spirits we had just seen and the fallen ones of earth, resumed + his melancholy History of the Soul. Tracing it, from the first moment + of earthward desire, to its final eclipse in the shadows of this + world, he dwelt upon every stage of its darkening descent, with a + pathos that sent sadness into the very depths of the heart. The first + downward look of the Spirit to<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page111">[pg 111]</span><a name="Pg111" id="Pg111" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>wards earth—the tremble of her wings on the edge + of Heaven—the giddy slide, at length, down that fatal descent, and + the Lethæan cup, midway in the sky, of which when she has once + tasted, Heaven is forgot,—through all these gradations he mournfully + traced her fall, to the last stage of darkness, when, wholly immersed + in this world, her celestial nature is changed, she can no longer + rise above earth, nor remembers her home, but by glimpses so vague, + that, mistaking for hope what is only memory, she believes them to be + a light from the Future, not the Past.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To retrieve this ruin of the once blessed Soul—to clear + away, from around her, the clouds of earth, and, restoring her lost + wings<a id="noteref_5" name="noteref_5" href="#note_5"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">5</span></span></a>, + facilitate their return to Heaven—such,”</span> said the reverend + man, <span class="tei tei-q">“is the great task of our religion, and + such the triumph of those divine Mysteries, in <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page112">[pg 112]</span><a name="Pg112" id="Pg112" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>which the life and essence of our religion + lie. However sunk and changed and clouded may be the Spirit, as long + as a single trace of her original light remains, there is yet hope + that——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here his voice was + interrupted by a strain of mournful music, of which the low, distant + breathings had been, for some minutes, heard, but which now gained + upon the ear too thrillingly to let it listen to any more earthly + sound. A faint light, too, at that instant broke through the + valley,—and I could perceive, not far from the spot where we sat, a + female figure, veiled, and crouching to earth, as if subdued by + sorrow, or under the influence of shame.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The light, by + which I saw her, was from a pale, moon-like meteor, which had formed + itself in the air as the music approached, and shed over the rocks + and the lake a glimmer as cold as that by which the Dead, in their + own realm, gaze on each other. The music, too, which appeared + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page113">[pg 113]</span><a name="Pg113" + id="Pg113" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to rise directly out of the + lake, and to come full of the breath of its dark waters, spoke a + despondency in every note which no language could express;—and, as I + listened to its tones, and looked upon that fallen Spirit, (for such, + the holy man whispered, was the form before us,) so entirely did the + illusion of the scene take possession of me, that, with breathless + anxiety, I waited the result.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Nor had I gazed + long before that form rose slowly from its drooping position;—the air + around it grew bright, and the pale meteor overhead assumed a more + cheerful and living light. The veil, which had before shrouded the + face of the figure, became gradually transparent, and the features, + one by one, disclosed themselves through it. Having tremblingly + watched the progress of the apparition, I now started from my seat, + and half exclaimed, <span class="tei tei-q">“It is she!”</span> In + another minute, this veil had, like a thin mist, melted away, and the + young Priestess of the Moon stood, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page114">[pg 114]</span><a name="Pg114" id="Pg114" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>for the third time, revealed before my eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To rush instantly + towards her was my first impulse—but the arm of the Priest held me + firmly back. The fresh light, which had begun to flow in from all + sides, collected itself in a glory round the spot where she stood. + Instead of melancholy music, strains of the most exalted rapture were + heard; and the young maiden, buoyant as the inhabitants of the fairy + orb, amid a blaze of light like that which fell upon her in the + Temple, ascended into the air.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Stay, beautiful vision, stay!”</span> I exclaimed, as, + breaking from the hold of the Priest, I flung myself prostrate on the + ground,—the only mode by which I could express the admiration, even + to worship, with which I was filled. But the vanishing spirit heard + me not:—receding into the darkness, like that orb, whose track she + seemed to follow, her form lessened away, till she was seen no more. + Gazing, till <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page115">[pg + 115]</span><a name="Pg115" id="Pg115" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + last luminous speck had disappeared, I suffered myself unconsciously + to be led away by my reverend guide, who, placing me once more on my + bed of poppy-leaves, left me to such repose as it was possible, after + such a scene, to enjoy.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page116">[pg 116]</span><a name="Pg116" + id="Pg116" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc19" id= + "toc19"></a><a name="pdf20" id="pdf20"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. X.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The apparition + with which I had been blessed in that Valley of Visions—as the place + where I had witnessed these wonders was called—brought back to my + heart all the hopes and fancies, in which I had indulged during my + descent from earth. I had now seen once more that matchless creature, + who had been my guiding star into this mysterious world; and that she + was, in some way, connected with the further revelations that awaited + me, I saw no reason to doubt. There was a sublimity, too, in the + doctrines of my reverend teacher, and even a hope in the promises of + immortality held out by him, which, in spite of reason, won + insensibly both upon my fancy and my pride.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The Future, + however, was now but of secondary consideration;—the Present, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page117">[pg 117]</span><a name="Pg117" + id="Pg117" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and that deity of the Present, + woman, were the objects that engrossed my whole soul. For the sake, + indeed, of such beings alone did I think immortality desirable, nor, + without them, would eternal life have appeared to me worth a prayer. + To every further trial of my patience and faith, I now made up my + mind to submit without a murmur. Some propitious chance, I fondly + persuaded myself, might yet bring me nearer to the object of my + adoration, and enable me to address, as mortal woman, her who had + hitherto been to me but as a vision, a shade.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The period of my + probation, however, was nearly at an end. Both frame and spirit had + now been tried; and, as the crowning test of the purification of the + latter was that power of seeing into the world of spirits, with + which, in the Valley of Visions, I had proved myself to be endowed, + there remained now, to perfect my Initiation, but this one night + more, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page118">[pg 118]</span><a name= + "Pg118" id="Pg118" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>when, in the Temple of + Isis, and in the presence of her unveiled image, the last grand + revelation of the Secret of Secrets was to open upon me.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I passed the + morning of this day in company with the same venerable personage, who + had, from the first, presided over the ceremonies of my instruction; + and who, to inspire me with due reverence for the power and + magnificence of his religion, now conducted me through the long range + of illuminated galleries and shrines, that extend under the site upon + which Memphis and the Pyramids stand, and form a counterpart under + ground to that mighty city of temples upon earth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He then descended + with me, still lower, into those winding crypts, where lay the Seven + Tables of stone, found by Hermes in the valley of Hebron. + <span class="tei tei-q">“On these tables,”</span> said he, + <span class="tei tei-q">“is written all the knowledge of the + antediluvian race,—the decrees of the stars from the beginning of + time, the annals of a still earlier world, <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page119">[pg 119]</span><a name="Pg119" id="Pg119" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and all the marvellous secrets, both of heaven + and earth, which would have been,</span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 8.00em; text-align: left"> + “<span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: left"><span style= + "font-style: italic">but</span></span> for this key, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Lost in the Universal Sea.” + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Returning to the + region, from which we had descended, we next visited, in succession, + a series of small shrines, representing the various objects of + adoration through Egypt, and thus furnishing to the Priest an + occasion for explaining the mysterious nature of animal worship, and + the refined doctrines of theology that lay veiled under its forms. + Every shrine was consecrated to a particular faith, and contained a + living image of the deity which it adored. Beside the goat of Mendes, + with his refulgent star upon his breast, I saw the crocodile, as + presented to the eyes of its idolaters at Arsinoë, with costly gems + in its loathsome ears, and rich bracelets of gold encircling its + feet. Here, floating through a tank in the centre of a temple, the + sacred carp of Lepidotum exhibited its silvery <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page120">[pg 120]</span><a name="Pg120" id="Pg120" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>scales; while, there, the Isiac serpents + trailed languidly over the altar, with that movement which most + inspires the hopes of their votaries. In one of the small chapels we + found a beautiful child, feeding and watching over those golden + beetles, which are adored for their brightness, as emblems of the + sun; while, in another, stood a sacred ibis upon its pedestal, so + like, in plumage and attitude, to the bird of the young Priestess, + that I could gladly have knelt down and worshipped it for her + sake.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After visiting + these various shrines, and listening to the reflections which they + suggested, I was next led by my guide to the Great Hall of the + Zodiac, on whose ceiling, in bright and undying colours, was + delineated the map of the firmament, as it appeared at the first dawn + of time. Here, in pointing out the track of the sun, among the + spheres, he spoke eloquently of the analogy that exists between moral + and physical darkness—of the sympathy with <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page121">[pg 121]</span><a name="Pg121" id="Pg121" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>which all spiritual creatures regard the sun, so + as to sadden and droop when he sinks into his wintry hemisphere, and + to rejoice when he resumes his own empire of light. Hence, the + festivals and hymns, with which most of the nations of the earth are + wont to welcome the resurrection of his orb in spring, as an emblem + and pledge of the re-ascent of the soul to heaven. Hence, the songs + of sorrow, the mournful ceremonies,—like those Mysteries of the + Night, upon the Lake of Saïs,—in which they brood over his autumnal + descent into the shades, as a type of the Spirit’s fall into this + world of death.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In discourses such + as these the hours passed away; and though there was nothing in the + light of this sunless region to mark to the eye the decline of day, + my own feelings told me that the night drew near;—nor, in spite of my + incredulity, could I refrain from a flutter of hope, as <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page122">[pg 122]</span><a name="Pg122" id="Pg122" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>that promised moment of revelation + approached, when the Mystery of Mysteries was to be made all my own. + This consummation, however, was less near than I expected. My + patience had still further trials to encounter. It was necessary, I + now found, that I should keep watch, during the greater part of the + night, in the Sanctuary of the Temple, alone and in darkness,—and + thus prepare myself, by meditation, for the awful moment, when the + irradiation from behind the sacred Veils was to burst upon me.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the appointed + hour, we left the Hall of the Zodiac, and proceeded through a line of + long marble galleries, where the lamps were more thinly scattered as + we advanced, till, at length, we found ourselves in total darkness. + Here the Priest, taking me by the hand, and leading me down a flight + of steps, into a place where the same deep gloom prevailed, said, + with a voice trembling, as if from excess of awe,—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thou art now in the Sanctuary of our <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page123">[pg 123]</span><a name="Pg123" id="Pg123" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>goddess, Isis, and the dark veils, that + hang over her image, are before thee!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After exhorting me + earnestly to that train of thought, which best accorded with the + spirit of the place where I stood, and, above all, to that full and + unhesitating faith, with which alone, he said, the manifestation of + such mysteries should be approached, the holy man took leave of me, + and re-ascended the steps;—while, so spell-bound did I feel by that + deep darkness, that the last sound of his footsteps died upon my ear, + before I ventured to stir a limb from the position in which he had + left me.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The prospect of + the long watch, now before me, was dreadful. Even danger itself, in + an active form, would have been preferable to this sort of safe, but + dull, probation, by which patience was the only virtue put to the + proof. Having ascertained how far the space around me was free from + obstacles, I endeavoured <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page124">[pg + 124]</span><a name="Pg124" id="Pg124" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>to + beguile the time by pacing up and down within those limits, till I + became tired of the echoes of my own tread. Finding my way, then, to + what I felt to be a massive pillar, and, leaning wearily against it, + I surrendered myself to a train of thoughts and feelings, far + different from those with which the Hierophant had hoped to inspire + me.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Why,”</span> I again asked, <span class="tei tei-q">“if + these priests possess the secret of life, why are they themselves the + victims of death? why sink into the grave with the cup of immortality + in their hands? But no, safe boasters, the eternity they so lavishly + promise is reserved for <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">another</span></span>, a future world—that ready + resource of all priestly promises—that depository of the airy pledges + of all creeds. Another world!—alas, where does it lie? or, what + spirit hath ever come to say that Life is there?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The conclusion, to + which, half sadly, half passionately, I arrived, was that, life being + but a dream of the moment, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page125">[pg + 125]</span><a name="Pg125" id="Pg125" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>never to come again, every bliss that is + promised for hereafter should be secured by the wise man here. And, + as no heaven I had ever heard of from these visionary priests opened + half such certainty of happiness as that smile which I beheld last + night,—<span class="tei tei-q">“Let me,”</span> I exclaimed, + impatiently, striking the massy pillar, till it rung, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“let me but make that beautiful Priestess my own, and I + here willingly exchange for her every chance of immortality, that the + combined wisdom of Egypt’s Twelve Temples can offer me!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">No sooner had I + uttered these words, than a tremendous peal, like that of thunder, + rolled over the Sanctuary, and seemed to shake its walls. On every + side, too, a succession of blue, vivid flashes pierced, like so many + lances of light, through the gloom, revealing to me, at intervals, + the mighty dome in which I stood—its ceiling of azure, studded with + stars, its colossal columns, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page126">[pg 126]</span><a name="Pg126" id="Pg126" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>towering aloft, and those dark, mysterious + veils, which hung, in massy drapery, from the roof to the floor, and + covered the rich glories of the Shrine under their folds.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So weary had I + grown of my tedious watch, that this stormy and fitful illumination, + during which the Sanctuary seemed to rock to its base, was by no + means an unwelcome interruption of the monotony under which my + impatience suffered. After a short interval, however, the flashes + ceased;—the sounds died away, like exhausted thunder, through the + abyss, and darkness and silence, like that of the grave, + succeeded.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Resting my back + once more against the pillar, and fixing my eyes upon that side of + the Sanctuary, from which the promised irradiation was to burst, I + now resolved to await the awful moment in patience. Resigned and + immovable, I had remained thus, for nearly another hour, when, + suddenly, along the edges of the mighty Veils, I perceived a thin rim + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page127">[pg 127]</span><a name="Pg127" + id="Pg127" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of light, as if from some + brilliant object under them;—like that border which encircles a cloud + at sunset, when the radiance, from behind, is escaping at its + edges.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This indication of + concealed glories grew every instant more strong; till, at last, + vividly marked as it was upon the darkness, the narrow fringe of + lustre almost pained the eye, giving promise of a splendour too + bright to be endured. My expectations were now wound to the highest + pitch, and all the scepticism, into which I had been cooling down my + mind, was forgotten. The wonders that had been presented to me since + my descent from earth—that glimpse into Elysium on the first night of + my coming—those visitants from the Land of Spirits in the mysterious + valley,—all led me to expect, in this last and brightest revelation, + such visions of glory and knowledge as might transcend even fancy + itself, nor leave <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page128">[pg + 128]</span><a name="Pg128" id="Pg128" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a + doubt that they belonged less to earth than heaven.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While, with an + imagination thus excited, I stood waiting the result, an increased + gush of light still more awakened my attention; and I saw, with an + intenseness of interest, which made my heart beat aloud, one of the + corners of the mighty Veil slowly raised up. I now felt that the + Great Secret—whatever it might be—was at hand. A vague hope even + crossed my mind—so wholly had imagination resumed her empire—that the + splendid promise of my dream was on the point of being realised!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With surprise, + however, and—for a moment—with disappointment, I perceived, that the + massy corner of the Veil was but raised sufficiently to allow a + female figure to emerge from under it,—and then fell again, over its + mystic splendours, as dark as before. By the strong light, too, that + issued when the drapery was lifted, and illuminated the profile of + the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page129">[pg 129]</span><a name= + "Pg129" id="Pg129" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>emerging figure, I + either saw, or fancied that I saw, the same bright features, that had + already mocked me so often with their momentary charm, and seemed + destined to haunt my heart as unavailingly as the fond, vain dream of + Immortality itself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Dazzled as I had + been by that short gush of splendour, and distrusting even my senses, + when under the influence of a fancy so excited, I had hardly time to + question myself as to the reality of my impression, when I heard the + sounds of light footsteps approaching me through the gloom. In a + second or two more, the figure stopped before me, and, placing the + end of a riband gently in my hand, said, in a tremulous whisper, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Follow, and be silent.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So sudden and + strange was the adventure, that, for a moment, I hesitated,—fearful + lest my eyes should have been deceived as to the object they had + seen. Casting a look towards the Veil, which seemed bursting with its + luminous secret, I was almost <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page130">[pg 130]</span><a name="Pg130" id="Pg130" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>doubting to which of the two chances I should + commit myself, when I felt the riband in my hand pulled softly at the + other extremity. This movement, at once, like a touch of magic, + decided me. Without further deliberation, I yielded to the silent + summons, and following my guide, who was already at some distance + before me, found myself led up the same flight of marble steps, by + which the Priest had conducted me into the Sanctuary. Arrived at + their summit, I felt the pace of my conductress quicken, and, giving + one more look to the Veiled Shrine, whose glories we left burning + ineffectually behind us, hastened into the gloom, full of confidence + in the belief, that she, who now held the other end of that clue, was + one whom I could follow devotedly through the world.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page131">[pg 131]</span><a name="Pg131" + id="Pg131" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc21" id= + "toc21"></a><a name="pdf22" id="pdf22"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. XI.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">So rapidly was I + hurried along by my unseen conductress, full of wonder at the speed + with which she ventured through these labyrinths, that I had but + little time to reflect upon the strangeness of the adventure to which + I had committed myself. My knowledge of the character of the priests, + as well as the fearful rumours that had reached me, of the fate that + often attended unbelievers in their hands, waked a momentary + suspicion of treachery in my mind. But, when I recalled the face of + my guide, as I had seen it in the chapel, with that divine look, the + very memory of which brought purity into the heart, this suspicion + all vanished, and I felt shame at having harboured it but an + instant.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the mean while, + our course continued uninterrupted, through windings more + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page132">[pg 132]</span><a name="Pg132" + id="Pg132" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>capriciously intricate than any + that I had yet passed, and whose darkness seemed never to have been + disturbed by a single glimmer. My conductress still continued at some + distance before me, and the clue, to which I clung as if it were the + thread of Destiny herself, was still kept, by her speed, at full + stretch between us. At length, suddenly stopping, she said, in a + breathless whisper, <span class="tei tei-q">“Seat thyself + here,”</span> and, at the same moment, led me by the hand to a sort + of low car, in which I lost not a moment in placing myself, as + desired, while the maiden, as promptly, took her seat by my side.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A sudden click, + like the touching of a spring, was then heard, and the car,—which, as + I had felt in entering it, leaned half-way over a steep descent,—on + being loosed from its station, shot down, almost perpendicularly, + into the darkness, with a rapidity which, at first, nearly deprived + me of breath. The wheels slid smoothly and noiselessly in grooves, + and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page133">[pg 133]</span><a name= + "Pg133" id="Pg133" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the impetus, which the + car acquired in descending, was sufficient, I perceived, to carry it + up an eminence that succeeded,—from the summit of which it again + rushed down another declivity, even still more long and precipitous + than the former. In this manner we proceeded, by alternate falls and + rises, till, at length, from the last and steepest elevation, the car + descended upon a level of deep sand, where, after running for a few + yards, it by degrees lost its motion and stopped.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here, the maiden + alighting, again placed the riband in my hands,—and again I followed + her, though with more slowness and difficulty than before, as our way + led up a flight of damp and time-worn steps, whose ascent seemed to + the weary and insecure foot interminable. Perceiving with what + languor my guide now advanced, I was on the point of making an effort + to assist her progress, when the creak of an opening door above, and + a faint gleam of light which, at the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page134">[pg 134]</span><a name="Pg134" id="Pg134" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>same moment, shone upon her figure, apprised me + that we were arrived within reach of sunshine.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Joyfully I + followed through this opening, and, by the dim light, could discern, + that we were now in the sanctuary of a vast, ruined temple,—having + entered by a passage under the lofty pedestal, upon which an image of + the idol of the place once stood. The first movement of the maiden, + after replacing the portal under the pedestal, was, without even a + look towards me, to cast herself down on her knees, with her hands + clasped and uplifted, as if for the purpose of thanksgiving or + prayer. But she was unable to sustain herself in this position;—her + strength could hold out no longer. Overcome by agitation and fatigue, + she sunk senseless upon the pavement.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Bewildered as I + was, myself, by the events of the night, I stood for some minutes + looking upon her in a state of helplessness and alarm. But, reminded, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page135">[pg 135]</span><a name="Pg135" + id="Pg135" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>by my own feverish sensations, + of the reviving effects of the air, I raised her gently in my arms, + and crossing the corridor that surrounded the sanctuary, found my way + to the outer vestibule of the temple. Here, shading her eyes from the + sun, I placed her, reclining, upon the steps, where the cool wind, + then blowing freshly from the north, might play, with free draught, + between the pillars over her brow.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was, indeed,—I + now saw, with certainty,—the same beautiful and mysterious girl, who + had been the cause of my descent into that subterranean world, and + who now, under such strange and unaccountable circumstances, was my + guide back again to the realms of day. I looked round, to discover + where we were, and beheld such a scene of grandeur, as—could my eyes + have wandered to any other object from the pale form reclining at my + side—might well have won them to dwell on its splendid beauties.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I was now + standing, I found, on the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page136">[pg + 136]</span><a name="Pg136" id="Pg136" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>small island in the centre of Lake Mœris; and + that sanctuary, where we had emerged from darkness, formed part of + the ruins of a temple, which (as I have since learned) was, in the + grander days of Memphis, a place of pilgrimage for worshippers from + all parts of Egypt. The fair Lake, itself, out of whose waters once + rose pavilions, palaces, and even lofty pyramids, was still, though + divested of many of these wonders, a scene of interest and splendour + such as the whole world could not equal. While the shores still + sparkled with mansions and temples, that bore testimony to the luxury + of a living race, the voice of the Past, speaking out of unnumbered + ruins, whose summits, here and there, rose blackly above the wave, + told of times long fled and generations long swept away, before whose + giant remains all the glory of the present stood humbled. Over the + southern bank of the Lake hung the dark relics of the Labyrinth;—its + twelve Royal Palaces, like the mansions of the <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page137">[pg 137]</span><a name="Pg137" id="Pg137" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Zodiac,—its thundering portals and + constellated halls, having left nothing behind but a few frowning + ruins, which, contrasted with the soft groves of olive and acacia + around them, seemed to rebuke the luxuriant smiles of nature, and + threw a melancholy grandeur over the whole scene.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The effects of the + air, in re-animating the young Priestess, were less speedy than I had + expected;—her eyes were still closed, and she remained pale and + insensible. Alarmed, I now rested her head (which had been, for some + time, supported by my arm,) against the base of a column, with my + cloak for its pillow, while I hastened to procure some water from the + Lake. The temple stood high, and the descent to the shore was + precipitous. But, my Epicurean habits having but little impaired my + activity, I soon descended, with the lightness of a desert deer, to + the bottom. Here, plucking from a lofty bean-tree, whose flowers + stood, shining like gold, above the <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page138">[pg 138]</span><a name="Pg138" id="Pg138" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>water, one of those large hollowed leaves that + serve as cups for the Hebes of the Nile, I filled it from the Lake, + and hurried back with the cool draught to the temple. It was not + without some difficulty and delay that I succeeded, in bearing my + rustic chalice steadily up the steep; more than once did an unlucky + slip waste its contents, and as often did I impatiently return to + refill it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">During this time, + the young maiden was fast recovering her animation and consciousness; + and, at the moment when I appeared above the edge of the steep, was + just rising from the steps, with her hand pressed to her forehead, as + if confusedly recalling the recollection of what had occurred. No + sooner did she observe me, than a short cry of alarm broke from her + lips. Looking anxiously round, as though she sought for protection, + and half audibly uttering the words, <span class="tei tei-q">“Where + is he?”</span> she made an effort, as I approached, to retreat into + the temple.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page139">[pg + 139]</span><a name="Pg139" id="Pg139" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Already, however, + I was by her side, and taking her hand gently, as she turned away, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Whom dost thou seek, fair Priestess?”</span> + I asked,—for the first time breaking through the silence she had + enjoined, and in a tone that might have re-assured the most timid + spirit. But my words had no effect in calming her apprehension. + Trembling, and with her eyes still averted towards the Temple, she + continued in a voice of suppressed alarm,—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Where <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">can</span></span> he be?—that venerable + Athenian, that philosopher, who——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here, here,”</span> I exclaimed, anxiously interrupting + her,—<span class="tei tei-q">“behold him still by thy side—the same, + the very same who saw thee steal from under the lighted Veils of the + Sanctuary, whom thou hast guided by a clue through those labyrinths + below, and who now but waits his command from those lips, to devote + himself through life and death to thy service.”</span> As I spoke + these words, she turned <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page140">[pg + 140]</span><a name="Pg140" id="Pg140" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>slowly round, and looking timidly in my face, + while her own burned with blushes, said, in a tone of doubt and + wonder, <span class="tei tei-q">“Thou!”</span> and hid her eyes in + her hands.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I knew not how to + interpret a reception so unexpected. That some mistake or + disappointment had occurred was evident; but so inexplicable did the + whole adventure appear, that it was in vain to think of unravelling + any part of it. Weak and agitated, she now tottered to the steps of + the temple, and there seating herself, with her forehead against the + cold marble, seemed for some moments absorbed in the most anxious + thought,—while silent and watchful I waited her decision, with a + prophetic feeling, however, that my destiny would be henceforth + linked with hers.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The inward + struggle by which she was agitated, though violent, was not of long + continuance. Starting suddenly from her seat, with a look of terror + towards the temple, as if the fear of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page141">[pg 141]</span><a name="Pg141" id="Pg141" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>immediate pursuit had alone decided her, she + pointed eagerly towards the East, and exclaimed, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“To the Nile, without delay!”</span>—clasping her hands, + when she had spoken, with the most suppliant fervour, as if to soften + the abruptness of the mandate she had given, and appealing to me with + a look that would have taught Stoics tenderness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I lost no time in + obeying the welcome command. While a thousand wild hopes and wishes + crowded upon my fancy, at the prospect which a voyage, under such + auspices, presented, I descended rapidly to the shore, and hailing + one of the numerous boats that ply upon the Lake for hire, arranged + speedily for a passage down the canal to the Nile. Having learned, + too, from the boatmen, a more easy path up the rock, I hastened back + to the Temple for my fair charge; and without a word, a look, that + could alarm, even by its kindness, or disturb that innocent + confidence which she now placed in me, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page142">[pg 142]</span><a name="Pg142" id="Pg142" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>led her down by the winding path to the + boat.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Every thing looked + smiling around us as we embarked. The morning was now in its first + freshness, and the path of the breeze might be traced over the Lake, + wakening up its waters from their sleep of the night. The gay, + golden-winged birds that haunt these shores, were, in every + direction, skimming along the lake; while, with a graver + consciousness of beauty, the swan and the pelican were seen dressing + their white plumage in the mirror of its wave. To add to the + animation of the scene, a sweet tinkling of musical instruments came, + at intervals, on the breeze, from boats at a distance, employed thus + early in pursuing the fish of these waters, that suffer themselves to + be decoyed into the nets by music.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The vessel which I + selected for our voyage was one of those small pleasure-boats or + yachts,—so much in use among the luxurious navigators of the + Nile,—<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page143">[pg 143]</span><a name= + "Pg143" id="Pg143" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>in the centre of which + rises a pavilion of cedar or cypress wood, gilded gorgeously, + without, with religious emblems, and fitted up, within, for all the + purposes of feasting and repose. To the door of this pavilion I now + led my companion, and, after a few words of kindness—tempered with as + much respectful reserve as the deep tenderness which I felt would + admit of—left her in solitude to court that restoring rest, which the + agitation of her spirits but too much required.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">For myself, though + repose was hardly less necessary to me, the ferment in which my + thoughts had been kept seemed to render it hopeless. Throwing myself + upon the deck, under an awning which the sailors had raised for me, I + continued, for some hours, in a sort of vague day-dream,—sometimes + passing in review the scenes of that subterranean drama, and + sometimes, with my eyes fixed in drowsy vacancy, receiving passively + the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page144">[pg 144]</span><a name= + "Pg144" id="Pg144" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>impressions of the + bright scenery through which we passed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The banks of the + canal were then luxuriantly wooded. Under the tufts of the light and + towering palm were seen the orange and the citron, interlacing their + boughs; while, here and there, huge tamarisks thickened the shade, + and, at the very edge of the bank, the willow of Babylon stood + bending its graceful branches into the water. Occasionally, out of + the depth of these groves, there shone a small temple or + pleasure-house;—while, now and then, an opening in their line of + foliage allowed the eye to wander over extensive fields, all covered + with beds of those pale, sweet roses, for which this district of + Egypt is so celebrated.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The activity of + the morning hour was visible every where. Flights of doves and + lapwings were fluttering among the leaves, and the white heron, which + had roosted all night in some date-tree, now <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page145">[pg 145]</span><a name="Pg145" id="Pg145" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>stood sunning its wings upon the green bank, or + floated, like living silver, over the flood. The flowers, too, both + of land and water, looked freshly awakened;—and, most of all, the + superb lotus, which had risen with the sun from the wave, and was now + holding up her chalice for a full draught of his light.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such were the + scenes that now passed before my eyes, and mingled with the reveries + that floated through my mind, as our boat, with its high, capacious + sail, swept over the flood. Though the occurrences of the last few + days appeared to me one series of wonders, yet by far the most + miraculous wonder of all was, that she, whose first look had sent + wild-fire into my heart,—whom I had thought of ever since with a + restlessness of passion, that would have dared any thing on earth to + obtain its object,—was now sleeping sacredly in that small pavilion, + while guarding her, even from myself, I lay calmly at its + threshold.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page146">[pg + 146]</span><a name="Pg146" id="Pg146" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile, the sun + had reached his meridian. The busy hum of the morning had died + gradually away, and all around was sleeping in the hot stillness of + noon. The Nile-goose, folding her splendid wings, was lying + motionless on the shadow of the sycamores in the water. Even the + nimble lizards upon the bank seemed to move more languidly, as the + light fell upon their gold and azure hues. Overcome as I was with + watching, and weary with thought, it was not long before I yielded to + the becalming influence of the hour. Looking fixedly at the + pavilion,—as if once more to assure my senses, that I was not already + in a dream, but that the young Egyptian was really there,—I felt my + eyes close as I looked, and in a few minutes sunk into a profound + sleep.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page147">[pg 147]</span><a name="Pg147" + id="Pg147" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc23" id= + "toc23"></a><a name="pdf24" id="pdf24"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. XII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was by the + canal through which we now sailed, that, in the more prosperous days + of Memphis, the commerce of Upper Egypt and Nubia was transported to + her magnificent Lake, and from thence, having paid tribute to the + queen of cities, was poured out again, through the Nile, into the + ocean. The course of this canal to the river was not direct, but + ascending in a south-easterly direction towards the Saïd; and in + calms, or with adverse winds, the passage was tedious. But as the + breeze was now blowing freshly from the north, there was every + prospect of our reaching the river before night-fall. Rapidly, too, + as our galley swept along the flood, its motion was so smooth as to + be hardly felt; and the quiet gurgle of the waters underneath, and + the drowsy song of the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page148">[pg + 148]</span><a name="Pg148" id="Pg148" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>boatman at the prow, alone disturbed the deep + silence that prevailed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sun, indeed, + had nearly sunk behind the Libyan hills, before the sleep, in which + these sounds lulled me, was broken; and the first object, on which my + eyes rested, in waking, was that fair young Priestess,—seated under a + porch by which the door of the pavilion was shaded, and bending + intently over a small volume that lay unrolled on her lap.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her face was but + half turned towards me, and as, once or twice, she raised her eyes to + the warm sky, whose light fell, softened through the trellis, over + her cheek, I found every feeling of reverence, with which she had + inspired me in the chapel, return. There was even a purer and holier + charm around her countenance, thus seen by the natural light of day, + than in those dim and unhallowed regions below. She could now, too, + look direct to the glorious sky, and that heaven and her eyes, so + worthy of each other, met.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page149">[pg 149]</span><a name="Pg149" id="Pg149" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After + contemplating her for a few moments, with little less than adoration, + I rose gently from my resting-place, and approached the pavilion. But + the mere movement had startled her from her devotion, and, blushing + and confused, she covered the volume with the folds of her robe.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the art of + winning upon female confidence, I had long been schooled; and, now + that to the lessons of gallantry the inspiration of love was added, + my ambition to please and to interest could hardly, it may be + supposed, fail of success. I soon found, however, how much less + fluent is the heart than the fancy, and how very distinct are the + operations of making love and feeling it. In the few words of + greeting now exchanged between us, it was evident that the gay, the + enterprising Epicurean was little less embarrassed than the secluded + Priestess;—and, after one or two ineffectual efforts to <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page150">[pg 150]</span><a name="Pg150" id="Pg150" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>bring our voices acquainted with each + other, the eyes of both turned bashfully away, and we relapsed into + silence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From this + situation—the result of timidity on one side, and of a feeling + altogether new, on the other—we were, at length, after an interval of + estrangement, relieved, by the boatmen announcing that the Nile was + in sight. The countenance of the young Egyptian brightened at this + intelligence; and the smile with which I congratulated her on the + speed of our voyage was answered by another, so full of gratitude, + that already an instinctive sympathy seemed established between + us.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We were now on the + point of entering that sacred river, of whose sweet waters the exile + drinks in his dreams,—for a draught of whose flood the daughters of + the Ptolemies, when wedded to foreign kings, sighed in the midst of + their splendour. As our boat, with slackened sail, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page151">[pg 151]</span><a name="Pg151" id="Pg151" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>glided into the current, an enquiry from + the boatmen, whether they should anchor for the night in the Nile, + first reminded me of the ignorance, in which I still remained, with + respect to either the motive or destination of our voyage. + Embarrassed by their question I directed my eyes towards the + Priestess, whom I saw waiting for my answer with a look of anxiety, + which this silent reference to her wishes at once dispelled. Eagerly + unfolding the volume with which I had seen her occupied, she took + from its folds a small leaf of papyrus, on which there appeared to be + some faint lines of drawing, and after thoughtfully looking upon it, + herself, for a moment, placed it, with an agitated hand, in mine.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the mean time, + the boatmen had taken in their sail, and the yacht drove slowly down + the river with the current, while, by a light which had been kindled + at sunset on the deck, I stood examining the leaf that the Priestess + had given me,—her <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page152">[pg + 152]</span><a name="Pg152" id="Pg152" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>dark + eyes fixed anxiously on my countenance all the while. The lines + traced upon the papyrus were so faint as to be almost invisible, and + I was for some time at a loss to divine their import. At length, I + could perceive that they were the outlines, or map—traced slightly + and unsteadily with a Memphian reed—of a part of that mountainous + ridge by which Upper Egypt is bounded to the east, together with the + names, or rather emblems, of the chief towns in the + neighbourhood.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was thither, I + could not doubt, that the young Priestess wished to pursue her + course. Without a moment’s delay, therefore, I gave orders to the + boatmen to set our yacht before the wind and ascend the current. My + command was promptly obeyed: the white sail again rose into the + region of the breeze, and the satisfaction that beamed in every + feature of the fair Egyptian showed that the quickness with which I + had obeyed her wishes was not unfelt by her. The moon had now risen; + and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page153">[pg 153]</span><a name= + "Pg153" id="Pg153" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>though the current was + against us, the Etesian wind of the season blew strongly up the + river, and we were soon floating before it, through the rich plains + and groves of the Saïd.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The love, with + which this simple girl had inspired me, was—possibly from the mystic + scenes and situations in which I had seen her—not unmingled with a + tinge of superstitious awe, under the influence of which I felt the + buoyancy of my spirit checked. The few words that had passed between + us on the subject of our route had somewhat loosened this spell; and + what I wanted of vivacity and confidence was more than made up by the + tone of deep sensibility which love had awakened in their place.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We had not + proceeded far before the glittering of lights at a distance, and the + shooting up of fireworks, at intervals, into the air, apprised us + that we were approaching one of those night-fairs, or marts, which it + is the custom, at this season, to <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page154">[pg 154]</span><a name="Pg154" id="Pg154" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>hold upon the Nile. To me the scene was + familiar; but to my young companion it was evidently a new world; and + the mixture of alarm and delight with which she gazed, from under her + veil, upon the busy scene into which we now sailed, gave an air of + innocence to her beauty, which still more heightened its every + charm.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was one of the + widest parts of the river; and the whole surface, from one bank to + the other, was covered with boats. Along the banks of a green island, + in the middle of the stream, lay anchored the galleys of the + principal traders,—large floating bazaars, bearing each the name of + its owner, emblazoned in letters of flame, upon the stern. Over their + decks were spread out, in gay confusion, the products of the loom and + needle of Egypt,—rich carpets of Memphis, and those variegated veils, + for which the female embroiderers of the Nile are so celebrated, and + to which the name of Cleopatra lends a traditional value. In each of + the other galleys was <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page155">[pg + 155]</span><a name="Pg155" id="Pg155" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>exhibited some branch of Egyptian + workmanship,—vases of the fragrant porcelain of On,—cups of that + frail crystal, whose hues change like those of the pigeon’s + plumage,—enamelled amulets graven with the head of Anubis, and + necklaces and bracelets of the black beans of Abyssinia.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">While Commerce + thus displayed her luxuries in one quarter, in every other direction + Pleasure, multiplied into her thousand shapes, swarmed over the + waters. Nor was the festivity confined to the river only. All along + the banks of the island and on the shores, lighted up mansions were + seen through the trees, from which sounds of music and merriment + came. In some of the boats were bands of minstrels, who, from time to + time, answered each other, like echoes, across the wave; and the + notes of the lyre, the flageolet, and the sweet lotus-wood flute, + were heard, in the pauses of revelry, dying along the waters.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Meanwhile, from + other boats stationed <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page156">[pg + 156]</span><a name="Pg156" id="Pg156" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>in + the least lighted places, the workers of fire sent forth their + wonders into the air. Bursting out from time to time, as if in the + very exuberance of joy, these sallies of flame seemed to reach the + sky, and there breaking into a shower of sparkles, shed such a + splendour round, as brightened even the white Arabian hills,—making + them shine like the brow of Mount Atlas at night, when the fire from + his own bosom is playing around its snows.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The opportunity + which this luxurious mart afforded us, of providing ourselves with + other and less remarkable habiliments than those in which we had + escaped from that nether world, was too seasonable not to be gladly + taken advantage of by both. For myself, the strange mystic garb that + I wore was sufficiently concealed by my Grecian mantle, which I had + luckily thrown round me on the night of my watch. But the thin veil + of my companion was a far less efficient disguise. She had, indeed, + flung away the golden <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page157">[pg + 157]</span><a name="Pg157" id="Pg157" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>beetles from her hair; but the sacred robe of + her order was still too visible, and the stars of the bandelet shone + brightly through her veil.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Most gladly, + therefore, did she avail herself of this opportunity of a change; + and, as she took from a casket—which, with the volume I had seen her + reading, appeared to be her only treasure—a small jewel, to exchange + for the simple garments she had chosen, there fell out, at the same + time, the very cross of silver, which I had seen her kiss, as may be + remembered, in the monumental chapel, and which was afterwards + pressed to my own lips. This link (for such it appeared to my + imagination) between us, now revived in my heart all the burning + feelings of that moment;—and, had I not abruptly turned away, my + agitation would, but too plainly, have betrayed itself.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The object, for + which we had delayed in this gay scene, being accomplished, the sail + was again spread, and we proceeded <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page158">[pg 158]</span><a name="Pg158" id="Pg158" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>on our course up the river. The sounds and the + lights we left behind died gradually away, and we now floated along + in moonlight and silence once more. Sweet dews, worthy of being + called <span class="tei tei-q">“the tears of Isis,”</span> fell + through the air, and every plant and flower sent its fragrance to + meet them. The wind, just strong enough to bear us smoothly against + the current, scarcely stirred the shadow of the tamarisks on the + water. As the inhabitants from all quarters were collected at the + night-fair, the Nile was more than usually still and solitary. Such a + silence, indeed, prevailed, that, as we glided near the shore, we + could hear the rustling of the acacias, as the chameleons ran up + their stems. It was, altogether, a night such as only the clime of + Egypt can boast, when every thing lies lulled in that sort of bright + tranquillity, which, we may imagine, shines over the sleep of those + happy spirits, who are supposed to rest in the Valley of the Moon, on + their way to heaven.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page159">[pg + 159]</span><a name="Pg159" id="Pg159" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By such a light, + and at such an hour, seated, side by side, on the deck of that bark, + did we pursue our course up the lonely Nile—each a mystery to the + other—our thoughts, our objects, our very names a secret;—separated, + too, till now, by destinies so different, the one, a gay voluptuary + of the Garden of Athens, the other, a secluded Priestess of the + Temples of Memphis;—and the only relation yet established between us + being that dangerous one of love, passionate love, on one side, and + the most feminine and confiding dependence on the other.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The passing + adventure of the night-fair had not only dispelled still more our + mutual reserve, but had supplied us with a subject on which we could + converse without embarrassment. From this topic I took care to lead + on, without interruption, to others,—fearful lest our former silence + should return, and the music of her voice again be lost to me. It + was, indeed, only by thus <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page160">[pg + 160]</span><a name="Pg160" id="Pg160" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>indirectly unburdening my heart that I was + enabled to refrain from the full utterance of all I thought and felt; + and the restless rapidity with which I flew from subject to subject + was but an effort to escape from the only one in which my heart was + interested.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“How bright and happy,”</span> said I,—pointing up to + Sothis, the fair Star of the Waters, which was just then sparkling + brilliantly over our heads,—<span class="tei tei-q">“How bright and + happy this world ought to be, if—as your Egyptian sages assert—yon + pure and beautiful luminary was its birth-star!”</span> Then, still + leaning back, and letting my eyes wander over the firmament, as if + seeking to disengage them from the fascination which they + dreaded—<span class="tei tei-q">“To the study (I said), for ages, of + skies like this, may the pensive and mystic character of your nation + be traced. That mixture of pride and melancholy which naturally + arises, at the sight of those eternal lights shining out of + dark<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page161">[pg 161]</span><a name= + "Pg161" id="Pg161" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ness;—that sublime, but + saddened, anticipation of a Future, which comes over the soul in the + silence of such an hour, when, though Death seems to reign in the + repose of earth, there are those beacons of Immortality burning in + the sky—”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Pausing, as I + uttered the word <span class="tei tei-q">“immortality,”</span> with a + sigh to think how little my heart echoed to my lips, I looked in the + face of the maiden, and saw that it had lighted up, as I spoke, into + a glow of holy animation, such as Faith alone gives—such as Hope + herself wears, when she is dreaming of heaven. Touched by the + contrast, and gazing upon her with mournful tenderness, I found my + arms half opened, to clasp her to my heart, while the words died away + inaudibly upon my lips,—<span class="tei tei-q">“thou, too, beautiful + maiden! must thou, too, die for ever?”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">My self-command, I + felt, had nearly deserted me. Rising abruptly from my seat, I walked + to the middle of the deck, and stood, for some moments, + uncon<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page162">[pg 162]</span><a name= + "Pg162" id="Pg162" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>sciously gazing upon + one of those fires, which,—as is the custom of all who travel by + night upon the Nile,—our boatmen had just kindled, to scare away the + crocodiles from the vessel. But it was in vain that I endeavoured to + compose my spirit. Every effort I made but more deeply convinced me, + that, till the mystery which hung round that maiden should be + solved—till the secret, with which my own bosom laboured, should be + disclosed—it was fruitless to attempt even a semblance of + tranquillity.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">My resolution was + therefore taken;—to lay open, at least, my own heart, as far as such + a revelation might be risked, without startling the timid innocence + of my companion. Thus resolved, I returned, with more composure, to + my seat by her side, and taking from my bosom the small mirror which + she had dropped in the Temple, and which I had ever since worn + suspended round my neck, with a trembling hand presented it to her + view. The boatmen had just kindled one of their <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page163">[pg 163]</span><a name="Pg163" id="Pg163" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>night-fires near us, and its light, as she + leaned forward towards the mirror, fell on her face.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The quick blush of + surprise with which she recognised it to be hers, and her look of + bashful, yet eager, inquiry, in raising her eyes to mine, were + appeals to which I was not, of course, slow in answering. Beginning + with the first moment when I saw her in the Temple, and passing + hastily, but with words that burned as they went, over the impression + which she had then left upon my heart and fancy, I proceeded to + describe the particulars of my descent into the pyramid—my surprise + and adoration at the door of the chapel—my encounter with the Trials + of Initiation, so mysteriously prepared for me, and all the various + visionary wonders I had witnessed in that region, till the moment + when I had seen her stealing from under the Veils to approach me.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though, in + detailing these events, I had said but little of the feelings they + had <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page164">[pg 164]</span><a name= + "Pg164" id="Pg164" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>awakened in me,—though + my lips had sent back many a sentence, unuttered, there was still + enough that could neither be subdued or disguised, and which, like + that light from under the veils of her own Isis, glowed through every + word that I spoke. When I told of the scene in the chapel,—of the + silent interview which I had witnessed between the dead and the + living,—the maiden leaned down her head and wept, as from a heart + full of tears. It seemed a pleasure to her, however, to listen; and, + when she looked at me again, there was an earnest and affectionate + cordiality in her eyes, as if the knowledge of my having been present + at that mournful scene had opened a new source of sympathy and + intelligence between us. So neighbouring are the fountains of Love + and of Sorrow, and so imperceptibly do they often mingle their + streams.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Little, indeed, as + I was guided by art or design, in my manner and conduct to + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page165">[pg 165]</span><a name="Pg165" + id="Pg165" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>this innocent girl, not all the + most experienced gallantry of the Garden could have dictated a policy + half so seductive as that which my new master, Love, now taught me. + The ardour which, shown at once, and without reserve, might have + startled a heart so little prepared for it, thus checked and softened + by the timidity of real love, won its way without alarm, and, when + most diffident of success, most triumphed. Like one whose sleep is + gradually broken by music, the maiden’s heart was awakened without + being disturbed. She followed the charm, unconscious whither it led, + nor was aware of the flame she had lighted in another’s bosom, till + she perceived the reflection of it glimmering in her own.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Impatient as I was + to appeal to her generosity and sympathy, for a similar proof of + confidence to that which I had just given, the night was now too far + advanced for me to impose such a task upon her. After exchanging a + few words, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page166">[pg + 166]</span><a name="Pg166" id="Pg166" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>in + which, though little was said, there was a tone and manner that spoke + far more than language, we took a lingering leave of each other for + the night, with every prospect of still being together in our + dreams.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page167">[pg 167]</span><a name="Pg167" + id="Pg167" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc25" id= + "toc25"></a><a name="pdf26" id="pdf26"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. XIII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was so near the + dawn of day when we parted, that we again found the sun sinking + westward when we rejoined each other. The smile with which she met + me,—so frankly cordial,—might have been taken for the greeting of a + long mellowed friendship, did not the blush and the castdown eyelid, + that followed, give symptoms of a feeling newer and less calm. For + myself, lightened as I was, in some degree, by the confession which I + had made, I was yet too conscious of the new aspect thus given to our + intercourse, to feel altogether unembarrassed at the prospect of + returning to the theme. It was, therefore, willingly we both suffered + our attention to be diverted, by the variety of objects that + presented themselves on the way, from a subject that both equally + trembled to approach.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page168">[pg + 168]</span><a name="Pg168" id="Pg168" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The river was now + full of life and motion. Every moment we met with boats descending + the current, so independent of aid from sail or oar, that the sailors + sat idly upon the deck as they shot along, singing or playing upon + their double-reeded pipes. Of these boats, the greater number came + loaded with merchandise from Coptos,—some with those large emeralds, + from the mine in the desert, whose colours, it is said, are brightest + at the full of the moon, and some laden with frankincense from the + acacia-groves near the Red Sea. On the decks of others, that had been + to the Golden Mountains beyond Syene, were heaped blocks and + fragments of that sweet-smelling wood, which the Green Nile of Nubia + washes down in the season of the floods.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Our companions up + the stream were far less numerous. Occasionally a boat, returning + lightened from the fair of last night, with those high sails that + catch every breeze from over the hills, shot past <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page169">[pg 169]</span><a name="Pg169" id="Pg169" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>us;—while, now and then, we overtook one + of those barges full of bees, that at this season of the year, are + sent to colonise the gardens of the south, and take advantage of the + first flowers after the inundation has passed away.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">By these various + objects we were, for a short time, enabled to divert the conversation + from lighting and settling upon the one subject, round which it + continually hovered. But the effort, as might be expected, was not + long successful. As evening advanced, the whole scene became more + solitary. We less frequently ventured to look upon each other, and + our intervals of silence grew more long.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was near + sunset, when, in passing a small temple on the shore, whose porticoes + were now full of the evening light, we saw, issuing from a thicket of + acanthus near it, a train of young maids linked together in the dance + by lotus-stems, held at arms’ length between them. Their tresses were + also wreathed <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page170">[pg + 170]</span><a name="Pg170" id="Pg170" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with + this emblem of the season, and such a profusion of the white flowers + were twisted round their waists and arms, that they might have been + taken, as they gracefully bounded along the bank, for Nymphs of the + Nile, risen freshly from their gardens under the wave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After looking for + a few moments at this sacred dance, the maid turned away her eyes, + with a look of pain, as if the remembrances it recalled were of no + welcome nature. This momentary retrospect, this glimpse into the + past, seemed to offer a sort of clue to the secret for which I + panted;—and, gradually and delicately as my impatience would allow, I + availed myself of it. Her frankness, however, saved me the + embarrassment of much questioning. She even seemed to feel that the + confidence I sought was due to me, and beyond the natural hesitation + of maidenly modesty, not a shade of reserve or evasion appeared.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To attempt to + repeat, in her own <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page171">[pg + 171]</span><a name="Pg171" id="Pg171" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>touching words, the simple story which she now + related to me, would be like endeavouring to note down some strain of + unpremeditated music, with those fugitive graces, those felicities of + the moment, which no art can restore, as they first met the ear. From + a feeling, too, of humility, she had omitted in her narrative some + particulars relating to herself, which I afterwards learned;—while + others, not less important, she but slightly passed over, from a fear + of wounding the prejudices of her heathen hearer.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I shall, + therefore, give her story, as the outline which she, herself, + sketched was afterwards filled up by a pious and venerable hand,—far, + far more worthy than mine of being associated with the memory of such + purity.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page172">[pg 172]</span><a name="Pg172" + id="Pg172" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc27" id= + "toc27"></a><a name="pdf28" id="pdf28"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">STORY OF ALĒTHE.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The mother of this maiden was the beautiful Theora of + Alexandria, who, though a native of that city, was descended from + Grecian parents. When very young, Theora was one of the seven maidens + selected, to note down the discourses of the eloquent Origen, who, at + that period, presided over the School of Alexandria, and was in all + the fulness of his fame, both among Pagans and Christians. Endowed + richly with the learning of both creeds, he brought the natural light + of philosophy to elucidate the mysteries of faith, and was only proud + of his knowledge of the wisdom of this world, inasmuch as it + ministered to the triumph of divine truth.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Though he had courted in vain the crown of martyrdom, it + was held, throughout his life, suspended over his head, and in more + than one persecution, he had evinced his readiness to die for that + faith which he <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page173">[pg + 173]</span><a name="Pg173" id="Pg173" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>lived but to testify and adorn. On one of these + occasions, his tormentors, having habited him like an Egyptian + priest, placed him upon the steps of the Temple of Serapis, and + commanded that he should, in the manner of the Pagan ministers, + present palm-branches to the multitude who went up to the shrine. But + the courageous Christian disappointed their views. Holding forth the + branches with an unshrinking hand, he cried aloud, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Come hither and take the branch, not of an Idol Temple, + but of Christ.’</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“So indefatigable was this learned Father in his studies, + that, while composing his Commentary on the Scriptures, he was + attended by seven scribes or notaries, who relieved each other in + taking down the dictates of his eloquent tongue; while the same + number of young females, selected for the beauty of their penmanship, + were employed in arranging and transcribing the precious + leaves.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Among the scribes so selected, was the <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page174">[pg 174]</span><a name="Pg174" id="Pg174" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>fair young Theora, whose parents, though + attached to the Pagan worship, were not unwilling to profit by the + accomplishments of their daughter, thus devoted to a task which they + considered purely mechanical. To the maid herself, however, her task + brought far other feelings and consequences. She read anxiously as + she wrote, and the divine truths, so eloquently illustrated, found + their way, by degrees, from the page to her heart. Deeply, too, as + the written words affected her, the discourses from the lips of the + great teacher himself, which she had frequent opportunities of + hearing, sunk still more deeply into her mind. There was, at once, a + sublimity and gentleness in his views of religion, which, to the + tender hearts and lively imaginations of women, never failed to + appeal with convincing power. Accordingly, the list of his female + pupils was numerous; and the names of Barbara, Juliana, Heraïs, and + others, bear honourable testimony to his influence over that + sex.</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page175">[pg + 175]</span><a name="Pg175" id="Pg175" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To Theora the feeling, with which his discourses + inspired her, was like a new soul,—a consciousness of spiritual + existence, unfelt before. By the eloquence of the comment she was + awakened into admiration of the text; and when, by the kindness of a + Catechumen of the school, who had been struck by her innocent zeal, + she, for the first time, became possessor of a copy of the + Scriptures, she could not sleep for thinking of her sacred treasure. + With a mixture of pleasure and fear she hid it from all eyes, and was + like one who had received a divine guest under her roof, and felt + fearful of betraying its divinity to the world.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“A heart so awake would have been easily secured to the + faith, had her opportunities of hearing the sacred word continued. + But circumstances arose to deprive her of this advantage. The mild + Origen, long harassed and thwarted in his labours by the tyranny of + the Bishop of Alexandria, Demetrius, was obliged to <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page176">[pg 176]</span><a name="Pg176" id="Pg176" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>relinquish his school and fly from Egypt. + The occupation of the fair scribe was, therefore, at an end: her + intercourse with the followers of the new faith ceased; and the + growing enthusiasm of her heart gave way to more worldly + impressions.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Love, among the rest, had its share in alienating her + thoughts from religion. While still very young, she became the wife + of a Greek adventurer, who had come to Egypt as a purchaser of that + rich tapestry, in which the needles of Persia are rivalled by the + looms of the Nile. Having taken his young bride to Memphis, which was + still the great mart of this merchandise, he there, in the midst of + his speculations, died,—leaving his widow on the point of becoming a + mother, while, as yet, but in her nineteenth year.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“For single and unprotected females, it has been, at all + times, a favourite resource, to seek admission into the service of + some of those great temples, which absorb so much of the wealth and + power of Egypt. In most <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page177">[pg + 177]</span><a name="Pg177" id="Pg177" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of + these institutions there exists an order of Priestesses, which, + though not hereditary, like that of the Priests, is provided for by + ample endowments, and confers that rank and station, with which, in a + government so theocratic, Religion is sure to invest even her + humblest handmaids. From the general policy of the Sacred College of + Memphis, it may be concluded, that an accomplished female, like + Theora, found but little difficulty in being chosen one of the + Priestesses of Isis; and it was in the service of the subterranean + shrines that her ministry chiefly lay.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Here, a month or two after her admission, she gave birth + to Alethe, who first opened her eyes among the unholy pomps and + specious miracles of this mysterious region. Though Theora, as we + have seen, had been diverted by other feelings from her first + enthusiasm for the Christian faith, she had never wholly forgot the + impression then made upon her. The sacred volume, which the pious + Catechu<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page178">[pg 178]</span><a name= + "Pg178" id="Pg178" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>men had given her, was + still treasured with care; and, though she seldom opened its pages, + there was an idea of sanctity associated with it in her memory, and + often would she sit to look upon it with reverential pleasure, + recalling the happiness she felt when it was first made her + own.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The leisure of her new retreat, and the lone melancholy + of widowhood, led her still more frequently to indulge in such + thoughts, and to recur to those consoling truths which she had heard + in the school of Alexandria. She now began to peruse eagerly the + sacred book, drinking deep of the fountain of which she before but + tasted, and feeling—what thousands of mourners, since her, have + felt—that Christianity is the true religion of the + sorrowful.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This study of her secret hours became still more dear to + her, from the peril with which, at that period, it was attended, and + the necessity she was under of concealing from those around her the + precious light <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page179">[pg + 179]</span><a name="Pg179" id="Pg179" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>that + had been kindled in her heart. Too timid to encounter the fierce + persecution, which awaited all who were suspected of a leaning to + Christianity, she continued to officiate in the pomps and ceremonies + of the Temple;—though, often, with such remorse of soul, that she + would pause, in the midst of the rites, and pray inwardly to God, + that he would forgive this profanation of his Spirit.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In the mean time her daughter, the young Alethe, grew up + still lovelier than herself, and added, every hour, to her happiness + and her fears. When arrived at a sufficient age, she was taught, like + the other children of the priestesses, to take a share in the service + and ceremonies of the shrines. The duty of some of these young + servitors was to look after the flowers for the altar;—of others, to + take care that the sacred vases were filled every day with fresh + water from the Nile. The task of some was to preserve, in perfect + polish, those silver images of the moon <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page180">[pg 180]</span><a name="Pg180" id="Pg180" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>which the priests carried in processions; while + others were, as we have seen, employed in feeding the consecrated + animals, and in keeping their plumes and scales bright, for the + admiring eyes of their worshippers.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The office allotted to Alethe—the most honourable of + these minor ministries—was to wait upon the sacred birds of the Moon, + to feed them with those eggs from the Nile which they loved, and + provide for their use that purest water, which alone these delicate + birds will touch. This employment was the delight of her childish + hours; and that ibis, which Alciphron (the Epicurean) saw her dance + round in the Temple, was her favourite, of all the sacred flock, and + had been daily fondled and fed by her from infancy.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Music, as being one of the chief spells of this + enchanted region, was an accomplishment required of all its + ministrants; and the harp, the lyre, and the sacred flute, sounded + nowhere so sweetly as that <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page181">[pg + 181]</span><a name="Pg181" id="Pg181" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>through these subterranean gardens. The chief + object, indeed, in the education of the youth of the Temple, was to + fit them, by every grace of art and nature, to give effect to the + illusion of those shows and phantasms, in which the whole charm and + secret of Initiation lay.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Among the means employed to support the old system of + superstition, against the infidelity and, still more, the new Faith + that menaced it, was an increased display of splendour and marvels in + those Mysteries for which Egypt has so long been celebrated. Of these + ceremonies so many imitations had, under various names, been + multiplied through Europe, that the parent superstition ran a risk of + being eclipsed by its progeny; and, in order still to retain their + rank of the first Priesthood in the world, those of Egypt found it + necessary to continue still the best impostors.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Accordingly, every contrivance that art could devise, or + labour execute—every <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page182">[pg + 182]</span><a name="Pg182" id="Pg182" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>resource that the wonderful knowledge of the + Priests, in pyrotechny, mechanics, and dioptrics, could command, was + brought into action to heighten the effect of their Mysteries, and + give an air of enchantment to every thing connected with + them.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The final scene of beatification—the Elysium, into which + the Initiate was received,—formed, of course, the leading attraction + of these ceremonies; and to render it captivating alike to the senses + of the man of pleasure, and the imagination of the spiritualist, was + the object to which the whole skill and attention of the Sacred + College were devoted. By the influence of the Priests of Memphis over + those of the other Temples they had succeeded in extending their + subterranean frontier, both to the north and south, so as to include, + within their ever-lighted Paradise, some of the gardens excavated for + the use of the other Twelve Shrines.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The beauty of the young Alethe, the touching sweetness + of her voice, and the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page183">[pg + 183]</span><a name="Pg183" id="Pg183" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>sensibility that breathed throughout her every + look and movement, rendered her a powerful auxiliary in such appeals + to the imagination. She was, accordingly, from her childhood, + selected from among her fair companions, as the most worthy + representative of spiritual loveliness, in those pictures of + Elysium—those scenes of another world—by which not only the fancy, + but the reason, of the excited Aspirants was dazzled.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To the innocent child herself these shows were pastime. + But to Theora, who knew too well the imposition to which they were + subservient, this profanation of all that she loved was a perpetual + source of horror and remorse. Often would she—when Alethe stood + smiling before her, arrayed, perhaps, as a spirit of the Elysian + world,—turn away, with a shudder, from the happy child, almost + fancying that she already saw the shadows of sin descending over that + innocent brow, as she gazed on it.</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page184">[pg 184]</span><a name="Pg184" id="Pg184" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“As the intellect of the young maid became more active + and inquiring, the apprehensions and difficulties of the mother + increased. Afraid to communicate her own precious secret, lest she + should involve her child in the dangers that encompassed it, she yet + felt it to be no less a cruelty than a crime to leave her wholly + immersed in the darkness of Paganism. In this dilemma, the only + resource that remained to her was to select, and disengage from the + dross that surrounded them, those pure particles of truth which lie + at the bottom of all religions;—those feelings, rather than + doctrines, which God has never left his creatures without, and which, + in all ages, have furnished, to those who sought it, some clue to his + glory.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The unity and perfect goodness of the Creator; the fall + of the human soul into corruption; its struggles with the darkness of + this world, and its final redemption and re-ascent to the source of + all spirit;—these natural solutions of the problem of <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page185">[pg 185]</span><a name="Pg185" id="Pg185" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>our existence, these elementary grounds of + all religion and virtue, which Theora had heard illustrated by her + Christian teacher, lay also, she knew, veiled under the theology of + Egypt; and to impress them, in all their abstract purity, upon the + mind of her susceptible pupil, was, in default of more heavenly + lights, her sole ambition and care.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“It was their habit, after devoting their mornings to the + service of the Temple, to pass their evenings and nights in one of + those small mansions above ground, allotted to some of the most + favoured Priestesses, in the precincts of the Sacred College. Here, + out of the reach of those gross superstitions, which pursued them, at + every step, below, she endeavoured to inform, as far as she might, + the mind of her beloved girl; and found it lean as naturally and + instinctively to truth, as plants that have been long shut up in + darkness will, when light is let in, incline themselves to its + ray.</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page186">[pg + 186]</span><a name="Pg186" id="Pg186" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Frequently, as they sat together on the terrace at + night, contemplating that assembly of glorious stars, whose beauty + first misled mankind into idolatry, she would explain to the young + listener by what gradations it was that the worship, thus transferred + from the Creator to the creature, sunk lower and lower in the scale + of being, till man, at length, presumed to deify man, and by the most + monstrous of inversions, heaven was made the mirror of earth, + reflecting all its most earthly features.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Even in the Temple itself, the anxious mother would + endeavour to interpose her purer lessons among the idolatrous + ceremonies in which they were engaged. When the favourite ibis of + Alethe took its station on the shrine, and the young maiden was seen + approaching, with all the gravity of worship, the very bird which she + had played with but an hour before,—when the acacia-bough, which she + herself had plucked, seemed to acquire a sudden sacredness in + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page187">[pg 187]</span><a name="Pg187" + id="Pg187" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>her eyes, as soon as the priest + had breathed on it,—on all such occasions Theora, though with fear + and trembling, would venture to suggest to the youthful worshipper + the distinction that should be drawn between the sensible object of + adoration, and that spiritual, unseen Deity, of which it was but the + remembrancer or type.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“With sorrow, however, she soon discovered that, in thus + but partially enlightening a mind too ardent to be satisfied with + such glimmerings, she only bewildered the heart that she meant to + guide, and cut down the hope round which its faith twined, without + substituting any other support in its place. As the beauty, too, of + Alethe began to attract all eyes, new fears crowded upon the mother’s + heart;—fears, in which she was but too much justified by the + characters of some of those around her.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In this sacred abode, as may easily be conceived, + morality did not always <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page188">[pg + 188]</span><a name="Pg188" id="Pg188" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>go + hand in hand with religion. The hypocritical and ambitious Orcus, who + was, at this period, High Priest of Memphis, was a man, in every + respect, qualified to preside over a system of such splendid fraud. + He had reached that effective time of life, when enough of the warmth + of youth remains to give animation to the counsels of age. But, in + his instance, youth had only the baser passions to bequeath, while + age but contributed a more refined maturity of mischief. The + advantages of a faith appealing so wholly to the senses, were well + understood by him; nor was he ignorant that the only way of making + religion subservient to his own interests was by shaping it adroitly + to the passions of others.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“<a name="corr188" id="corr188" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">The</span> state of + misery and remorse in which the mind of Theora was kept by the + scenes, however veiled by hypocrisy, which she witnessed around her, + became at length intolerable. No perils that the cause of truth could + bring with it would <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page189">[pg + 189]</span><a name="Pg189" id="Pg189" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>be + half so dreadful as this endurance of sinfulness and deceit. Her + child was, as yet, pure and innocent;—but, without that sentinel of + the soul, Religion, how long might she continue so?</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“This thought at once decided her;—all other fears + vanished before it. She resolved instantly to lay open to Alethe the + whole secret of her soul; to make her, who was her only hope on + earth, the sharer of all her hopes in heaven, and then fly with her, + as soon as possible, from this unhallowed place, to the desert—to the + mountains—to any place, however desolate, where God and the + consciousness of innocence might be with them.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The promptitude with which her young pupil caught from + her the divine truths, was even beyond what she expected. It was like + the lighting of one torch at another,—so prepared was Alethe’s mind + for the illumination. Amply was the mother now repaid for all her + misery, by this perfect communion of love and faith, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page190">[pg 190]</span><a name="Pg190" id="Pg190" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>and by the delight with which she saw her + beloved child—like the young antelope, when first led by her dam to + the well,—drink thirstily by her side, at the source of all life and + truth.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But such happiness was not long to last. The anxieties + that Theora had suffered preyed upon her health. She felt her + strength daily decline; and the thoughts of leaving, alone and + unguarded in the world, that treasure which she had just devoted to + heaven, gave her a feeling of despair which but hastened the ebb of + life. Had she put in practice her resolution of flying from this + place, her child might have been now beyond the reach of all she + dreaded, and in the solitude of the wilderness would have found at + least safety from wrong. But the very happiness she had felt in her + new task diverted her from this project;—and it was now too late, for + she was already dying.</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page191">[pg 191]</span><a name="Pg191" id="Pg191" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She concealed, however, her state from the tender and + sanguine girl, who, though she saw the traces of disease on her + mother’s cheek, little knew that they were the hastening footsteps of + death, nor thought even of the possibility of losing what was so dear + to her. Too soon, however, the moment of separation arrived; and + while the anguish and dismay of Alethe were in proportion to the + security in which she had indulged, Theora, too, felt, with bitter + regret, that she had sacrificed to her fond consideration much + precious time, and that there now remained but a few brief and + painful moments, for the communication of all those wishes and + instructions, on which the future destiny of the young orphan + depended.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She had, indeed, time for little more than to place the + sacred volume solemnly in her hands, to implore that she would, at + all risks, fly from this unholy place, and, pointing in the direction + of the mountains of the Saïd, to name, with her last <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page192">[pg 192]</span><a name="Pg192" id="Pg192" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>breath, the holy man, to whom, under + heaven, she trusted for the protection and salvation of her + child.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The first violence of feeling to which Alethe gave way + was succeeded by a fixed and tearless grief, which rendered her + insensible, for some time, to the dangers of her situation. Her only + comfort was in visiting that monumental chapel, where the beautiful + remains of Theora lay. There, night after night, in contemplation of + those placid features, and in prayers for the peace of the departed + spirit, did she pass her lonely, and—sad as they were—happiest hours. + Though the mystic emblems that decorated that chapel were but ill + suited to the slumber of a Christian saint, there was one among them, + the Cross, which, by a remarkable coincidence, is an emblem common + alike to the Gentile and the Christian,—being, to the former, a + shadowy type of that immortality, of which, to the latter, it is a + substantial and assuring pledge.</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page193">[pg 193]</span><a name="Pg193" id="Pg193" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nightly, upon this cross, which she had often seen her + lost mother kiss, did she breathe forth a solemn and heartfelt vow, + never to abandon the faith which that departed spirit had bequeathed + to her. To such enthusiasm, indeed, did her heart at such moments + rise, that, but for the last injunctions from those pallid lips, she + would, at once, have avowed her perilous secret, and spoken out the + words, <span class="tei tei-q">‘I am a Christian,’</span> among those + benighted shrines!</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“But the will of her, to whom she owed more than life, + was to be obeyed. To escape from this haunt of superstition must now, + she felt, be her first object; and, in devising the means of + effecting it, her mind, day and night, was employed. It was with a + loathing not to be concealed she now found herself compelled to + resume her idolatrous services at the shrine. To some of the offices + of Theora she succeeded, as is the custom, by inheritance; and in the + performance of these<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page194">[pg + 194]</span><a name="Pg194" id="Pg194" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>—sanctified as they were in her eyes by the pure + spirit she had seen engaged in them—there was a sort of melancholy + pleasure in which her sorrow found relief. But the part she was again + forced to take, in the scenic shows of the Mysteries, brought with it + a sense of wrong and degradation which she could no longer + bear.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“She had already formed, in her own mind, a plan of + escape, in which her knowledge of all the windings of this + subterranean realm gave her confidence, when the reception of + Alciphron, as an Initiate, took place.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“From the first moment of the landing of that philosopher + at Alexandria, he had <a name="corr194" id="corr194" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr">become</span> an + object of suspicion and watchfulness to the inquisitorial Orcus, whom + philosophy, in any shape, naturally alarmed, but to whom the sect + over which the young Athenian presided was particularly obnoxious. + The accomplishments of Alciphron, his popularity, wherever he + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page195">[pg 195]</span><a name="Pg195" + id="Pg195" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>went, and the freedom with + which he indulged his wit at the expense of religion, was all + faithfully reported to the High Priest by his spies, and stirred up + within him no kindly feelings towards the stranger. In dealing with + an infidel, such a personage as Orcus could know no alternative but + that of either converting or destroying him; and though his spite, as + a man, would have been more gratified by the latter proceeding, his + pride, as a priest, led him to prefer the triumph of the + former.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“The first descent of the Epicurean into the pyramid was + speedily known, and the alarm immediately given to the Priests below. + As soon as it was discovered that the young philosopher of Athens was + the intruder, and that he still continued to linger round the + pyramid, looking often and wistfully towards the portal, it was + concluded that his curiosity would impel him to try a second descent; + and Orcus, blessing the good chance which had thus <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page196">[pg 196]</span><a name="Pg196" id="Pg196" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>brought the wild bird to his net, + determined not to allow an opportunity so precious to be + wasted.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Instantly, the whole of that wonderful machinery, by + which the phantasms and illusions of Initiation are produced, were + put in active preparation throughout that subterranean realm; and the + increased stir and watchfulness excited among its inmates, by this + more than ordinary display of all the resources of priestcraft, + rendered the accomplishment of Alethe’s design, at such a moment, + peculiarly difficult. Wholly ignorant of the share which had fallen + to herself in attracting the young philosopher down to this region, + she but heard of him vaguely, as the Chief of a great Grecian sect, + who had been led, by either curiosity or accident, to expose himself + to the first trials of Initiation, and whom the priests, she saw, + were endeavouring to ensnare in their toils, by every art and skill + with which their science of darkness had gifted + them.</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page197">[pg + 197]</span><a name="Pg197" id="Pg197" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To her mind, the image of a philosopher, such as + Alciphron had been represented to her, came associated with ideas of + age and reverence; and, more than once, the possibility of his being + made instrumental to her deliverance flashed a hope across her heart + in which she could not help indulging. Often had she been told by + Theora of the many Gentile sages, who had laid their wisdom down + humbly at the foot of the Cross; and though this Initiate, she + feared, could hardly be among the number, yet the rumours which she + had gathered from the servants of the Temple, of his undisguised + contempt for the errors of heathenism, led her to hope she might find + tolerance, if not sympathy, in her appeal to him.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nor was it solely with a view to her own chance of + deliverance that she thus connected him in her thoughts with the plan + which she meditated. The look of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page198">[pg 198]</span><a name="Pg198" id="Pg198" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>proud and self-gratulating malice, with which + the High Priest had mentioned this <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘infidel,’</span> as he styled him, when instructing her + in the scene she was to enact before the philosopher in the valley, + but too plainly informed her of the destiny that hung over him. She + knew how many were the hapless candidates for Initiation, who had + been doomed to a durance worse than that of the grave, for but a + word, a whisper breathed against the sacred absurdities which they + witnessed; and it was evident to her that the venerable Greek (for + such her fancy represented Alciphron) was no less interested in + escaping from this region than herself.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Her own resolution was, at all events, fixed. That + visionary scene, in which she had appeared before Alciphron,—little + knowing how ardent were the heart and imagination, over which her + beauty, at that moment, shed its whole influence,—was, she solemnly + resolved, the very last un<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page199">[pg + 199]</span><a name="Pg199" id="Pg199" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>holy + service, that superstition or imposture should ever command of + her.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“On the following night the Aspirant was to watch in the + Great Temple of Isis. Such an opportunity of approaching and + addressing him might never come again. Should he, from compassion for + her situation, or a sense of the danger of his own, consent to lend + his aid to her flight, most gladly would she accept it,—assured that + no danger or treachery she might risk could be half so dreadful as + those she left behind. Should he, on the contrary, refuse, her + determination was equally fixed—to trust to that God, who watches + over the innocent, and go forth alone.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“To reach the island in Lake Mœris was her first object, + and there occurred luckily, at this time, a mode of accomplishing it, + by which the difficulty and dangers of the attempt would be, in a + great degree, diminished. The day of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page200">[pg 200]</span><a name="Pg200" id="Pg200" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the annual visitation of the High Priest to the + Place of Weeping—as that island in the centre of the lake is + called—was now fast approaching; and Alethe well knew that the + self-moving car, by which the High Priest and one of the Hierophants + are conveyed to the chambers under the lake, stood waiting in + readiness. By availing herself of this expedient, she would gain the + double advantage both of facilitating her own flight and retarding + the speed of her pursuers.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Having paid a last visit to the tomb of her beloved + mother, and wept there, long and passionately, till her heart almost + failed in the struggle,—having paused, too, to give a kiss to her + favourite ibis, which, though too much a Christian to worship, she + was still child enough to love,—with a trembling step she went early + to the Sanctuary, and hid herself in one of the recesses of the + Shrine. Her intention was to steal out from thence to Alciphron, + while it was yet dark, and be<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page201">[pg 201]</span><a name="Pg201" id="Pg201" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>fore the illumination of the great Statue behind + the Veils had begun. But her fears delayed her till it was almost too + late;—already was the image lighted up, and still she remained + trembling in her hiding place.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In a few minutes more the mighty Veils would have been + withdrawn, and the glories of that scene of enchantment laid + open,—when, at length, summoning up courage, and taking advantage of + a momentary absence of those employed in the preparations of this + splendid mockery, she stole from under the Veil and found her way, + through the gloom, to the Epicurean. There was then no time for + explanation;—she had but to trust to the simple words, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Follow, and be silent;’</span> and the implicit + readiness with which she found them obeyed filled her with no less + surprise than the philosopher himself felt in hearing + them.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“In a second or two they were on their way through the + subterranean windings, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page202">[pg + 202]</span><a name="Pg202" id="Pg202" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>leaving the ministers of Isis to waste their + splendours on vacancy, through a long series of miracles and visions + which they now exhibited,—unconscious that he, whom they took such + pains to dazzle, was already, under the guidance of the young + Christian, removed beyond the reach of their spells.”</span></p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page203">[pg 203]</span><a name="Pg203" + id="Pg203" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc29" id= + "toc29"></a><a name="pdf30" id="pdf30"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. XIV.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such was the + story, of which this innocent girl gave me, in her own touching + language, the outline.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The sun was just + rising as she finished her narrative. Fearful of encountering the + expression of those feelings with which, she could not but observe, I + was affected by her recital, scarcely had she concluded the last + sentence, when, rising abruptly from her seat, she hurried into the + pavilion, leaving me with the words already crowding for utterance to + my lips.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Oppressed by the + various emotions, thus sent back upon my heart, I lay down on the + deck in a state of agitation, that defied even the most distant + approaches of sleep. While every word she had <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page204">[pg 204]</span><a name="Pg204" id="Pg204" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>uttered, every feeling she expressed, but + ministered new fuel to that flame within me, to describe which, + passion is too weak a word, there was also much of her recital that + disheartened, that alarmed me. To find a Christian thus under the + garb of a Memphian Priestess, was a discovery that, had my heart been + less deeply interested, would but have more powerfully stimulated my + imagination and pride. But, when I recollected the austerity of the + faith she had embraced,—the tender and sacred tie, associated with it + in her memory, and the devotion of woman’s heart to objects thus + consecrated,—her very perfections but widened the distance between + us, and all that most kindled my passion at the same time chilled my + hopes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Were we left to + each other, as on this silent river, in this undisturbed communion of + thoughts and feelings, I knew too well, I thought, both her sex’s + nature and my own, to feel a doubt that love would ultimately + triumph. But the severity of <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page205">[pg 205]</span><a name="Pg205" id="Pg205" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the guardianship to which I must resign + her,—some monk of the desert, some stern Solitary,—the influence such + a monitor would gain over her mind, and the horror with which, ere + long, she would be taught to regard the reprobate infidel on whom she + now smiled,—in all this prospect I saw nothing but despair. After a + few short hours, my happiness would be at an end, and such a dark + chasm open between our fates, as must sever them, far as earth is + from heaven, asunder.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was true, she + was now wholly in my power. I feared no witnesses but those of earth, + and the solitude of the desert was at hand. But though I acknowledged + not a heaven, I worshipped her who was, to me, its type and + substitute. If, at any moment, a single thought of wrong or deceit, + towards a creature so sacred, arose in my mind, one look from her + innocent eyes averted the sacrilege. Even passion itself felt a holy + fear in her presence,—<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page206">[pg + 206]</span><a name="Pg206" id="Pg206" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>like + the flame trembling in the breeze of the sanctuary,—and Love, pure + Love, stood in place of Religion.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As long as I knew + not her story, I might indulge, at least, in dreams of the future. + But, now—what hope, what prospect remained? My sole chance of + happiness lay in the feeble hope of beguiling away her thoughts from + the plan which she meditated; of weaning her, by persuasion, from + that austere faith, which I had before hated and now feared, and + of—attaching her, perhaps, alone and unlinked as she was in the + world, to my own fortunes for ever!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the agitation + of these thoughts, I had started from my resting-place, and continued + to pace up and down, under a burning sun, till, exhausted both by + thought and feeling, I sunk down, amid its blaze, into a sleep, + which, to my fevered brain, seemed a sleep of fire.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On awaking, I + found the veil of Alethe <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page207">[pg + 207]</span><a name="Pg207" id="Pg207" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>laid + carefully over my brow, while she, herself, sat near me, under the + shadow of the sail, looking anxiously at that leaf, which her mother + had given her, and apparently employed in comparing its outlines with + the course of the river and the forms of the rocky hills by which we + passed. She looked pale and troubled, and rose eagerly to meet me, as + if she had long and impatiently waited for my waking.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her heart, it was + plain, had been disturbed from its security, and was beginning to + take alarm at its own feelings. But, though vaguely conscious of the + peril to which she was exposed, her reliance, as is usually the case, + increased with her danger, and on me, far more than on herself, did + she depend for saving her from it. To reach, as soon as possible, her + asylum in the desert, was now the urgent object of her entreaties and + wishes; and the self-reproach she expressed at having permitted her + thoughts to be diverted, for a single <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page208">[pg 208]</span><a name="Pg208" id="Pg208" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>moment, from this sacred purpose, not only + revealed the truth, that she had forgotten it, but betrayed even a + glimmering consciousness of the cause.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her sleep, she + said, had been broken by ill-omened dreams. Every moment the shade of + her mother had stood before her, rebuking her, with mournful looks, + for her delay, and pointing, as she had done in death, to the eastern + hills. Bursting into tears at this accusing recollection, she hastily + placed the leaf, which she had been examining, in my hands, and + implored that I would ascertain, without a moment’s delay, what + portion of our voyage was still unperformed, and in what space of + time we might hope to accomplish it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I had, still less + than herself, taken note of either place or distance; and, had we + been left to glide on in this dream of happiness, should never have + thought of pausing to ask where it would end. But such confidence, I + felt, was too sacred to be deceived. Reluctant as I was, naturally, + to <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page209">[pg 209]</span><a name= + "Pg209" id="Pg209" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>enter on an inquiry, + which might so soon dissipate even my last hope, her wish was + sufficient to supersede even the selfishness of love, and on the + instant I proceeded to obey her will.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There is, on the + eastern bank of the Nile, to the north of Antinöe, a high and steep + rock, impending over the flood, which for ages, from a prodigy + connected with it, has borne the name of the Mountain of the Birds. + Yearly, it is said, at a certain season and hour, large flocks of + birds assemble in the ravine, of which this rocky mountain forms one + of the sides, and are there observed to go through the mysterious + ceremony of inserting each its beak into a particular cleft of the + rock, till the cleft closes upon one of their number, when the rest, + taking wing, leave the selected victim to die.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Through the ravine + where this charm—for such the multitude consider it—is worked, there + ran, in ancient times, a canal from the Nile, to some great and + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page210">[pg 210]</span><a name="Pg210" + id="Pg210" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>forgotten city that now lies + buried in the desert. To a short distance from the river this canal + still exists, but, soon after having passed through the defile, its + scanty waters disappear altogether, and are lost under the sands.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was in the + neighbourhood of this place, as I could collect from the delineations + on the leaf,—where a flight of birds represented the name of the + mountain,—that the dwelling of the Solitary, to whom Alethe was + bequeathed, lay. Imperfect as was my knowledge of the geography of + Egypt, it at once struck me, that we had long since left this + mountain behind; and, on inquiring of our boatmen, I found my + conjecture confirmed. We had, indeed, passed it, as appeared, on the + preceding night; and, as the wind had, ever since, blown strongly + from the north, and the sun was already declining towards the + horizon, we must now be, at least, an ordinary day’s sail to the + southward of the spot.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page211">[pg + 211]</span><a name="Pg211" id="Pg211" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At this discovery, + I own, my heart felt a joy which I could with difficulty conceal. It + seemed to me as if fortune was conspiring with love, and, by thus + delaying the moment of our separation, afforded me at least a chance + of happiness. Her look, too, and manner, when informed of our + mistake, rather encouraged than chilled this secret hope. In the + first moment of astonishment, her eyes opened upon me with a + suddenness of splendour, under which I felt my own wink, as if + lightning had crossed them. But she again, as suddenly, let their + lids fall, and, after a quiver of her lip, which showed the conflict + of feeling within, crossed her arms upon her bosom, and looked + silently down upon the deck;—her whole countenance sinking into an + expression, sad, but resigned, as if she felt, with me, that fate was + on the side of wrong, and saw Love already stealing between her soul + and heaven.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I was not slow in + availing myself of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page212">[pg + 212]</span><a name="Pg212" id="Pg212" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>what + I fancied to be the irresolution of her mind. But, fearful of + exciting alarm by any appeal to tenderer feelings, I but addressed + myself to her imagination, and to that love of novelty, which is for + ever fresh in the youthful breast. We were now approaching that + region of wonders, Thebes. <span class="tei tei-q">“In a day or + two,”</span> said I, <span class="tei tei-q">“we shall see, towering + above the waters, the colossal Avenue of Sphinxes, and the bright + Obelisks of the Sun. We shall visit the plain of Memnon, and those + mighty statues, that fling their shadows at sunrise over the Libyan + hills. We shall hear the image of the Son of the Morning answering to + the first touch of light. From thence, in a few hours, a breeze like + this will transport us to those sunny islands near the cataracts; + there, to wander, among the sacred palm-groves of Philæ, or sit, at + noon-tide hour, in those cool alcoves, which the waterfall of Syene + shadows under its arch. Oh, who, with such scenes of loveliness + within <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page213">[pg 213]</span><a name= + "Pg213" id="Pg213" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>reach, would turn + coldly away to the bleak desert, and leave this fair world, with all + its enchantments, shining behind them, unseen and unenjoyed? At + least,”</span>—I added, tenderly taking her by the hand,—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“at least, let a few more days be stolen from the dreary + fate to which thou hast devoted thyself, and then——”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She had heard but + the last few words;—the rest had been lost upon her. Startled by the + tone of tenderness, into which, in spite of all my resolves, my voice + had softened, she looked for an instant in my face, with passionate + earnestness;—then, dropping upon her knees with her clasped hands + upraised, exclaimed—<span class="tei tei-q">“Tempt me not, in the + name of God I implore thee, tempt me not to swerve from my sacred + duty. Oh, take me instantly to that desert mountain, and I will bless + thee for ever.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This appeal, I + felt, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">could + not</span></span> be resisted,—though my heart were to break for it. + Having silently expressed my assent to <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page214">[pg 214]</span><a name="Pg214" id="Pg214" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>her prayer, by a pressure of her hand as I + raised her from the deck, I hastened, as we were still in full career + for the south, to give orders that our sail should be instantly + lowered, and not a moment lost in retracing our course.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In proceeding, + however, to give these directions, it, for the first time, occurred + to me, that, as I had hired this yacht in the neighbourhood of + Memphis, where it was probable that the flight of the young fugitive + would be most vigilantly tracked, we should act imprudently in + betraying to the boatmen the place of her retreat;—and the present + seemed the most favourable opportunity of evading such a danger. + Desiring, therefore, that we should be landed at a small village on + the shore, under pretence of paying a visit to some shrine in the + neighbourhood, I there dismissed our barge, and was relieved from + fear of further observation, by seeing it again set sail, and resume + its course fleetly up the current.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page215">[pg 215]</span><a name="Pg215" id="Pg215" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From the boats of + all descriptions that lay idle beside the bank, I now selected one, + which, in every respect, suited my purpose,—being, in its shape and + accommodations, a miniature of our former vessel, but so small and + light as to be manageable by myself alone, and, with the advantage of + the current, requiring little more than a hand to steer it. This boat + I succeeded, without much difficulty, in purchasing, and, after a + short delay, we were again afloat down the current;—the sun just then + sinking, in conscious glory, over his own golden shrines in the + Libyan waste.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The evening was + more calm and lovely than any that yet had smiled upon our voyage; + and, as we left the bank, there came soothingly over our ears a + strain of sweet, rustic melody from the shore. It was the voice of a + young Nubian girl, whom we saw kneeling on the bank before an acacia, + and singing, while her companions stood round, the wild song + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page216">[pg 216]</span><a name="Pg216" + id="Pg216" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of invocation, which, in her + country, they address to that enchanted tree:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + “Oh! Abyssinian tree, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + We pray, we pray, to thee; + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + By the glow of thy golden fruit, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; text-align: left"> + And the violet hue of thy flower, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 4.00em; text-align: left"> + And the greeting mute + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 4.00em; text-align: left"> + Of thy bough’s salute + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + To the stranger who seeks thy bower.<a id="noteref_6" name= + "noteref_6" href="#note_6"><span class="tei tei-noteref" style= + "text-align: left"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">6</span></span></a> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; text-align: left; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + II. + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + “Oh! Abyssinian tree, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 4.00em; text-align: left"> + How the traveller blesses thee, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + When the night no moon allows, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + And the sun-set hour is near, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 4.00em; text-align: left"> + And thou bend’st thy boughs + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "margin-left: 4.00em; text-align: left"> + To kiss his brows, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 2.00em"> + Saying, ‘Come rest thee here.’ + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + Oh! Abyssinian tree, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + Thus bow thy head to me!” + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page217">[pg 217]</span><a name= + "Pg217" id="Pg217" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the burden of + this song the companions of the young Nubian joined; and we heard the + words, <span class="tei tei-q">“Oh! Abyssinian tree,”</span> dying + away on the breeze, long after the whole group had been lost to our + eyes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Whether, in this + new arrangement which I had made for our voyage, any motive, besides + those which I professed, had a share, I can scarcely, even myself, so + bewildered were my feelings, determine. But no sooner had the current + borne us away from all human dwellings, and we were alone on the + waters, with not a soul near, than I felt how closely such solitude + draws hearts together, and how much more we seemed to belong to each + other, than when there were eyes around.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The same feeling, + but without the same sense of its danger, was manifest in every look + and word of Alethe. The consciousness of the one great effort she had + made appeared to have satisfied her heart on the score of duty,—while + the devotedness with which she saw I <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page218">[pg 218]</span><a name="Pg218" id="Pg218" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>attended to her every wish, was felt with all + that gratitude which, in woman, is the day-spring of love. She was, + therefore, happy, innocently happy; and the confiding, and even + affectionate, unreserve of her manner, while it rendered my trust + more sacred, made it also far more difficult.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was only, + however, on subjects unconnected with our situation or fate, that she + yielded to such interchange of thought, or that her voice ventured to + answer mine. The moment I alluded to the destiny that awaited us, all + her cheerfulness fled, and she became saddened and silent. When I + described to her the beauty of my own native land—its founts of + inspiration and fields of glory—her eyes sparkled with sympathy, and + sometimes even softened into fondness. But when I ventured to + whisper, that, in that glorious country, a life full of love and + liberty awaited her; when I proceeded to contrast the adoration and + bliss she <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page219">[pg + 219]</span><a name="Pg219" id="Pg219" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>might command, with the gloomy austerities of + the life to which she was hastening,—it was like the coming of a + sudden cloud over a summer sky. Her head sunk, as she listened;—I + waited in vain for an answer; and when, half playfully reproaching + her for this silence, I stooped to take her hand, I could feel the + warm tears fast falling over it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But even + this—little hope as it held out—was happiness. Though it foreboded + that I should lose her, it also whispered that I was loved. Like that + lake, in the Land of Roses<a id="noteref_7" name="noteref_7" href= + "#note_7"><span class="tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">7</span></span></a>, whose + waters are half sweet, half bitter, I felt my fate to be a compound + of bliss and pain,—but the very pain well worth all ordinary + bliss.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">And thus did the + hours of that night pass along; while every moment shortened our + happy dream, and the current seemed to flow with a swifter pace than + any that <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page220">[pg + 220]</span><a name="Pg220" id="Pg220" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ever + yet hurried to the sea. Not a feature of the whole scene but is, at + this moment, freshly in my memory;—the broken star-light on the + water;—the rippling sound of the boat, as, without oar or sail, it + went, like a thing of enchantment, down the stream;—the scented fire, + burning beside us on the deck, and, oh, that face, on which its light + fell, still revealing, as it turned, some new charm, some blush or + look, more beautiful than the last.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Often, while I sat + gazing, forgetful of all else in this world, our boat, left wholly to + itself, would drive from its course, and, bearing us to the bank, get + entangled in the water-flowers, or be caught in some eddy, ere I + perceived where we were. Once, too, when the rustling of my oar among + the flowers had startled away from the bank some wild antelopes, that + had stolen, at that still hour, to drink of the Nile, what an emblem + I thought it of the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page221">[pg + 221]</span><a name="Pg221" id="Pg221" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>young heart beside me,—tasting, for the first + time, of hope and love, and so soon, alas, to be scared from their + sweetness for ever!</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page222">[pg 222]</span><a name="Pg222" + id="Pg222" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc31" id= + "toc31"></a><a name="pdf32" id="pdf32"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. XV.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The night was now + far advanced;—the bend of our course towards the left, and the + closing in of the eastern hills upon the river, gave warning of our + approach to the hermit’s dwelling. Every minute now seemed like the + last of existence; and I felt a sinking of despair at my heart, which + would have been intolerable, had not a resolution that suddenly, and + as if by inspiration, occurred to me, presented a glimpse of hope + which, in some degree, calmed my feelings.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Much as I had, all + my life, despised hypocrisy,—the very sect I had embraced being + chiefly recommended to me by the war which they waged on the cant of + all others,—it was, nevertheless, in hypocrisy that I now scrupled + not to take refuge <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page223">[pg + 223]</span><a name="Pg223" id="Pg223" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>from, what I dreaded more than shame or death, + my separation from Alethe. In my despair, I adopted the humiliating + plan—deeply humiliating as I felt it to be, even amid the joy with + which I welcomed it—of offering myself to this hermit, as a convert + to his faith, and thus becoming the fellow-disciple of Alethe under + his care!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From the moment I + resolved upon this plan, my spirit felt lightened. Though having + fully before my eyes the labyrinth of imposture into which it would + lead me, I thought of nothing but the chance of our being still + together;—in this hope, all pride, all philosophy was forgotten, and + every thing seemed tolerable, but the prospect of losing her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Thus resolved, it + was with somewhat less reluctant feelings, that I now undertook, at + the anxious desire of Alethe, to ascertain the site of that + well-known mountain, in the neighbourhood of which the dwelling of + the anchoret lay. We had <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page224">[pg + 224]</span><a name="Pg224" id="Pg224" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>already passed one or two stupendous rocks, + which stood, detached, like fortresses, over the river’s brink, and + which, in some degree, corresponded with the description on the leaf. + So little was there of life now stirring along the shores, that I had + begun almost to despair of any assistance from inquiry, when, on + looking to the western bank, I saw a boatman among the sedges, towing + his small boat, with some difficulty, up the current. Hailing him, as + we passed, I asked, <span class="tei tei-q">“Where stands the + Mountain of the Birds?”</span>—and he had hardly time to answer, + pointing above our heads, <span class="tei tei-q">“There,”</span> + when we perceived that we were just then entering into the shadow, + which this mighty rock flings across the whole of the flood.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a few moments + we had reached the mouth of the ravine, of which the Mountain of the + Birds forms one of the sides, and through which the scanty canal from + the Nile flows. At the sight <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page225">[pg 225]</span><a name="Pg225" id="Pg225" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>of this chasm, in some of whose gloomy + recesses—if we had rightly interpreted the leaf—the dwelling of the + Solitary lay, our voices, at once, sunk into a low whisper, while + Alethe looked round upon me with a superstitious fearfulness, as if + doubtful whether I had not already disappeared from her side. A quick + movement, however, of her hand towards the ravine, told too plainly + that her purpose was still unchanged. With my oars, therefore, + checking the career of our boat, I succeeded, after no small + exertion, in turning it out of the current of the river, and steering + into this bleak and stagnant canal.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Our transition + from life and bloom to the very depth of desolation, was immediate. + While the water and one side of the ravine lay buried in shadow, the + white, skeleton-like crags of the other stood aloft in the pale glare + of moonlight. The sluggish stream through which we moved, yielded + sullenly to the oar, and the shriek of a few water-birds, which we + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page226">[pg 226]</span><a name="Pg226" + id="Pg226" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>had roused from their + fastnesses, was succeeded by a silence, so dead and awful, that our + lips seemed afraid to disturb it by a breath; and half-whispered + exclamations, <span class="tei tei-q">“How + dreary!”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“How dismal!”</span>—were + almost the only words exchanged between us.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We had proceeded + for some time through this gloomy defile, when, at a distance before + us, among the rocks on which the moonlight fell, we perceived, upon a + ledge but little elevated above the canal, a small hut or cave, + which, from a tree or two planted around it, had some appearance of + being the abode of a human being. <span class="tei tei-q">“This, + then,”</span> thought I, <span class="tei tei-q">“is the home to + which Alethe is destined!”</span>—A chill of despair came again over + my heart, and the oars, as I gazed, lay motionless in my hands.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I found Alethe, + too, whose eyes had caught the same object, drawing closer to my side + than she had yet ventured. Laying her hand agitatedly upon mine, + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page227">[pg 227]</span><a name="Pg227" + id="Pg227" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-q">“We + must here,”</span> she said, <span class="tei tei-q">“part for + ever.”</span> I turned to her, as she spoke: there was a tenderness, + a despondency in her countenance, that at once saddened and inflamed + my soul. <span class="tei tei-q">“Part!”</span> I exclaimed + passionately,—<span class="tei tei-q">“No!—the same God shall receive + us both. Thy faith, Alethe, shall, from this hour, be mine, and I + will live and die in this desert with thee!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Her surprise, her + delight, at these words, was like a momentary delirium. The wild, + anxious smile, with which she looked into my face, as if to ascertain + whether she had, indeed, heard my words aright, bespoke a happiness + too much for reason to bear. At length the fulness of her heart found + relief in tears; and, murmuring forth an incoherent blessing on my + name, she let her head fall languidly and powerlessly on my arm. The + light from our boat-fire shone upon her face. I saw her eyes, which + she had closed for a moment, again opening upon me with the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page228">[pg 228]</span><a name="Pg228" + id="Pg228" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>same tenderness, and—merciful + Providence, how I remember that moment!—was on the point of bending + down my lips towards hers, when, suddenly, in the air above our + heads, as if it came from heaven, there burst forth a strain from a + choir of voices, that with its solemn sweetness filled the whole + valley.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Breaking away from + my caress at these supernatural sounds, the maiden threw herself + trembling upon her knees, and, not daring to look up, exclaimed + wildly, <span class="tei tei-q">“My mother, oh my mother!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was the + Christian’s morning hymn that we heard;—the same, as I learned + afterwards, that, on their high terrace at Memphis, Alethe had been + often taught by her mother to sing to the rising sun.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Scarcely less + startled than my companion, I looked up, and, at the very summit of + the rock above us, saw a light, appearing to come from a small + opening or window, through which also the sounds, that had appeared + so supernatural, issued. <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page229">[pg + 229]</span><a name="Pg229" id="Pg229" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>There could be no doubt, that we had now + found—if not the dwelling of the anchoret—at least, the haunt of some + of the Christian brotherhood of these rocks, by whose assistance we + could not fail to find the place of his retreat.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The agitation, + into which Alethe had been thrown by the first burst of that + psalmody, soon yielded to the softening recollections which it + brought back; and a calm came over her brow, such as it had never + before worn, since our meeting. She seemed to feel that she had now + reached her destined haven, and to hail, as the voice of heaven + itself, those sounds by which she was welcomed to it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In her + tranquillity, however, I could not now sympathize. Impatient to know + all that awaited her and myself, I pushed our boat close to the base + of the rock,—directly under that lighted window on the summit, to + find my way up to which was my first object. Having hastily received + my instructions from Alethe, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page230">[pg 230]</span><a name="Pg230" id="Pg230" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and made her repeat again the name of the + Christian whom we sought, I sprang upon the bank, and was not long in + discovering a sort of rude stair-way, cut out of the rock, but + leading, I found, by easy windings, up the steep.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After ascending + for some time, I arrived at a level space or ledge, which the hand of + labour had succeeded in converting into a garden, and which was + planted, here and there, with fig-trees and palms. Around it, too, I + could perceive, through the glimmering light, a number of small caves + or grottos, into some of which, human beings might find entrance, + while others appeared no larger than the tombs of the Sacred Birds + round Lake Mœris.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I was still, I + found, but half-way up the ascent to the summit, nor could perceive + any further means of continuing my course, as the mountain from hence + rose, almost perpendicularly, like a wall. At length, however, on + exploring around, I discovered behind the shade of a syca<span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page231">[pg 231]</span><a name="Pg231" id="Pg231" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>more a large ladder of wood, resting + firmly against the rock, and affording an easy and secure ascent up + the steep.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having ascertained + thus far, I again descended to the boat for Alethe,—whom I found + trembling already at her short solitude,—and having led her up the + steps to this quiet garden, left her safely lodged, amid its holy + silence, while I pursued my way upward to the light on the rock.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the top of the + long ladder I found myself on another ledge or platform, somewhat + smaller than the first, but planted in the same manner, with trees, + and, as I could perceive by the mingled light of morning and the + moon, embellished with flowers. I was now near the summit;—there + remained but another short ascent, and, as a ladder against the rock, + as before, supplied the means of scaling it, I was in a few minutes + at the opening from which the light issued.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I had ascended + gently, as well from <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page232">[pg + 232]</span><a name="Pg232" id="Pg232" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>a + feeling of awe at the whole scene, as from an unwillingness to + disturb too rudely the rites on which I intruded. My approach was, + therefore, unheard, and an opportunity, during some moments, afforded + me of observing the group within, before my appearance at the window + was discovered.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the middle of + the apartment, which seemed once to have been a Pagan oratory, there + was an assembly of seven or eight persons, some male, some female, + kneeling in silence round a small altar;—while, among them, as if + presiding over their ceremony, stood an aged man, who, at the moment + of my arrival, was presenting to one of the female worshippers an + alabaster cup, which she applied, with much reverence, to her lips. + On the countenance of the venerable minister, as he pronounced a + short prayer over her head, there was an expression of profound + feeling that showed how wholly he was absorbed in that rite; and when + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page233">[pg 233]</span><a name="Pg233" + id="Pg233" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>she had drank of the cup,—which + I saw had engraven on its side the image of a head, with a glory + round it,—the holy man bent down and kissed her forehead.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After this parting + salutation, the whole group rose silently from their knees; and it + was then, for the first time, that, by a cry of terror from one of + the women, the appearance of a stranger at the window was discovered. + The whole assembly seemed startled and alarmed, except him, that + superior person, who, advancing from the altar, with an unmoved look, + raised the latch of the door, which was adjoining to the window, and + admitted me.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There was, in this + old man’s features, a mixture of elevation and sweetness, of + simplicity and energy, which commanded at once attachment and homage; + and half hoping, half fearing to find in him the destined guardian of + Alethe, I looked anxiously in his face, as I entered, and pronounced + the name <span class="tei tei-q">“Melanius!”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Melanius is my name, young stranger,”</span> he + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page234">[pg 234]</span><a name="Pg234" + id="Pg234" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>answered; <span class= + "tei tei-q">“and whether in friendship or in enmity thou comest, + Melanius blesses thee.”</span> Thus saying, he made a sign with his + right hand above my head, while, with involuntary respect, I bowed + beneath the benediction.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Let this volume,”</span> I replied, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“answer for the peacefulness of my mission,”</span>—at + the same time, placing in his hands the copy of the Scriptures, which + had been his own gift to the mother of Alethe, and which her child + now brought as the credential of her claims on his protection. At the + sight of this sacred pledge, which he recognized instantly, the + solemnity that had marked his first reception of me softened into + tenderness. Thoughts of other times seemed to pass through his mind, + and as, with a sigh of recollection, he took the book from my hands, + some words on the outer leaf caught his eye. They were few,—but + contained, perhaps, the last wishes of the dying Theora, for as he + eagerly read them over, I saw the tears in his aged eyes. + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page235">[pg 235]</span><a name="Pg235" + id="Pg235" class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-q">“The + trust,”</span> he said, with a faltering voice, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“is sacred, and God will, I hope, enable his servant to + guard it faithfully.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">During this short + dialogue, the other persons of the assembly had departed—being, as I + afterwards learned, brethren from the neighbouring bank of the Nile, + who came thus secretly before day-break, to join in worshipping God. + Fearful lest their descent down the rock might alarm Alethe, I + hurried briefly over the few words of explanation that remained, and, + leaving the venerable Christian to follow at his leisure, hastened + anxiously down to rejoin the maiden.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page236">[pg 236]</span><a name="Pg236" + id="Pg236" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc33" id= + "toc33"></a><a name="pdf34" id="pdf34"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. XVI.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Melanius was among + the first of those Christians of Egypt, who, after the recent example + of the hermit, Paul, renouncing all the comforts of social existence, + betook themselves to a life of contemplation in the desert. Less + selfish, however, in his piety, than most of these ascetics, Melanius + forgot not the world, in leaving it. He knew that man was not born to + live wholly for himself; that his relation to human kind was that of + the link to the chain, and that even his solitude should be turned to + the advantage of others. In flying, therefore, from the din and + disturbance of life, he sought not to place himself beyond the reach + of its sympathies, but selected a retreat, where he could combine the + advantage of soli<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page237">[pg + 237]</span><a name="Pg237" id="Pg237" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>tude + with those opportunities of serving his fellow-men, which a + neighbourhood to their haunts would afford.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">That taste for the + gloom of subterranean recesses, which the race of Misraim inherit + from their Ethiopian ancestors, had, by hollowing out all Egypt into + caverns and crypts, furnished these Christian anchorets with a choice + of retreats. Accordingly, some found a shelter in the grottos of + Elethya;—others, among the royal tombs of the Thebaïd. In the middle + of the Seven Valleys, where the sun rarely shines, a few have fixed + their dim and melancholy retreat, while others have sought the + neighbourhood of the red Lakes of Nitria, and there,—like those Pagan + solitaries of old, who dwelt among the palm-trees near the Dead + Sea,—muse amid the sterility of nature, and seem to find, in her + desolation, peace.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was on one of + the mountains of the Saïd, to the east of the river, that + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page238">[pg 238]</span><a name="Pg238" + id="Pg238" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>Melanius, as we have seen, + chose his place of seclusion,—between the life and fertility of the + Nile on the one side, and the lone, dismal barrenness of the desert + on the other. Half-way down this mountain, where it impends over the + ravine, he found a series of caves or grottos dug out of the rock, + which had, in other times, ministered to some purpose of mystery, but + whose use had been long forgotten, and their recesses abandoned.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To this place, + after the banishment of his great master, Origen, Melanius, with a + few faithful followers, retired, and, by the example of his innocent + life, no less than by his fervid eloquence, succeeded in winning + crowds of converts to his faith. Placed, as he was, in the + neighbourhood of the rich city, Antinoë, though he mingled not with + its multitude, his name and his fame were among them, and, to all who + sought instruction or consolation, the cell of the hermit was ever + open.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Notwithstanding + the rigid abstinence of <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page239">[pg + 239]</span><a name="Pg239" id="Pg239" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>his + own habits, he was yet careful to provide for the comforts of others. + Contented with a rude bed of straw, himself, for the stranger he had + always a less homely resting-place. From his grotto, the wayfaring + and the indigent never went unrefreshed; and, with the assistance of + some of his brethren, he had formed gardens along the ledges of the + mountain, which gave an air of cheerfulness to his rocky dwelling, + and supplied him with the chief necessaries of such a climate, fruit + and shade.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though the + acquaintance which he had formed with the mother of Alethe, during + the short period of her attendance at the school of Origen, was soon + interrupted, and never afterwards renewed, the interest which he had + then taken in her fate was too lively to be forgotten. He had seen + the zeal with which her young heart welcomed instruction; and the + thought that such a candidate for heaven should have relapsed into + idolatry, came often, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page240">[pg + 240]</span><a name="Pg240" id="Pg240" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>with + disquieting apprehension, over his mind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was, therefore, + with true pleasure, that, but a year or two before her death, he had + learned, by a private communication from Theora, transmitted through + a Christian embalmer of Memphis, that <span class="tei tei-q">“not + only her own heart had taken root in the faith, but that a new bud + had flowered with the same divine hope, and that, ere long, he might + see them both transplanted to the desert.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The coming, + therefore, of Alethe was far less a surprise to him, than her coming + thus alone was a shock and a sorrow; and the silence of their meeting + showed how deeply each remembered that the tie which had brought them + together was no longer of this world,—that the hand, which should + have been joined with theirs, was in the tomb. I now saw that not + even religion was proof against the sadness of mortality. For, as the + old man put the ringlets aside from her forehead, and con<span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page241">[pg 241]</span><a name="Pg241" id="Pg241" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>templated in that clear countenance the + reflection of what her mother had been, there was a mournfulness + mingled with his piety, as he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“Heaven + rest her soul!”</span> which showed how little even the certainty of + a heaven for those we love can subdue our regret for having lost them + on earth.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The full light of + day had now risen upon the desert, and our host, reminded, by the + faint looks of Alethe, of the many anxious hours we had passed + without sleep, proposed that we should seek, in the chambers of the + rock, such rest as the dwelling of a hermit could offer. Pointing to + one of the largest openings, as he addressed me,—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thou wilt find,”</span> he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“in that grotto a bed of fresh doum leaves, and may the + consciousness of having protected the orphan sweeten thy + sleep!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I felt how dearly + this praise had been earned, and already almost repented of having + deserved it. There was a sadness in the countenance of Alethe, as I + took <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page242">[pg 242]</span><a name= + "Pg242" id="Pg242" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>leave of her, to which + the forebodings of my own heart but too faithfully responded; nor + could I help fearing, as her hand parted lingeringly from mine, that + I had, by this sacrifice, placed her beyond my reach for ever.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Having lighted me + a lamp, which, in these recesses, even at noon, is necessary, the + holy man led me to the entrance of the grotto;—and here, I blush to + say, my career of hypocrisy began. With the sole view of obtaining + another glance at Alethe, I turned humbly to solicit the benediction + of the Christian, and, having conveyed to her, as I bent reverently + down, as much of the deep feeling of my soul as looks could express, + with a desponding spirit I hurried into the cavern.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A short passage + led me to the chamber within,—the walls of which I found covered, + like those of the grottos of Lycopolis, with paintings, which, though + executed long ages ago, looked fresh as if their colours were but + laid on yesterday. They were, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page243">[pg 243]</span><a name="Pg243" id="Pg243" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>all of them, representations of rural and + domestic scenes; and, in the greater number, the melancholy + imagination of the artist had called Death in, as usual, to throw his + shadow over the picture.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">My attention was + particularly drawn to one series of subjects, throughout the whole of + which the same group—a youth, a maiden, and two aged persons, who + appeared to be the father and mother of the girl,—were represented in + all the details of their daily life. The looks and attitudes of the + young people denoted that they were lovers; and, sometimes, they were + seen sitting under a canopy of flowers, with their eyes fixed on each + other’s faces, as though they could never look away; sometimes, they + appeared walking along the banks of the Nile,</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 4.00em"> + ——on one of those sweet nights + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + When Isis, the pure star of lovers, lights + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Her bridal crescent o’er the holy stream,— + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + When wandering youths and maidens watch her beam, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And number o’er the nights she hath to run, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Ere she again embrace her bridegroom sun. + </div> + </div><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page244">[pg 244]</span><a name= + "Pg244" id="Pg244" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Through all these + scenes of endearment the two elder persons stood by;—their calm + countenances touched with a share of that bliss, in whose perfect + light the young lovers were basking. Thus far, all was happiness,—but + the sad lesson of mortality was to come. In the last picture of the + series, one of the figures was missing. It was that of the young + maiden, who had disappeared from among them. On the brink of a dark + lake stood the three who remained; while a boat, just departing for + the City of the Dead, told too plainly the end of their dream of + happiness.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This memorial of a + sorrow of other times—of a sorrow, ancient as death itself,—was not + wanting to deepen the melancholy of my mind, or to add to the weight + of the many bodings that pressed on it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a night, as + it seemed, of anxious and unsleeping thought, I rose from my bed and + returned to the garden. I found the Christian alone,—seated, under + the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page245">[pg 245]</span><a name= + "Pg245" id="Pg245" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>shade of one of his + trees, at a small table, with a volume unrolled before him, while a + beautiful antelope lay sleeping at his feet. Struck forcibly by the + contrast which he presented to those haughty priests, whom I had seen + surrounded by the pomp and gorgeousness of temples, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Is this, then,”</span> thought I, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the faith, before which the world trembles—its temple + the desert, its treasury a book, and its High Priest the solitary + dweller of the rock!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He had prepared + for me a simple, but hospitable, repast, of which fruits from his own + garden, the white bread of Olyra, and the juice of the honey-cane + were the most costly luxuries. His manner to me was even more cordial + than before; but the absence of Alethe, and, still more, the ominous + reserve, with which he not only, himself, refrained from all mention + of her name, but eluded the few inquiries, by which I sought to lead + to it, seemed to confirm all the fears I had felt in parting from + her.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page246">[pg 246]</span><a name= + "Pg246" id="Pg246" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She had acquainted + him, it was evident, with the whole history of our flight. My + reputation as a philosopher—my desire to become a Christian—all was + already known to the zealous Anchoret, and the subject of my + conversion was the very first on which he entered. O pride of + philosophy, how wert thou then humbled, and with what shame did I + stand, casting down my eyes, before that venerable man, as, with + ingenuous trust in the sincerity of my intention, he welcomed me to a + participation of his holy hope, and imprinted the Kiss of Charity on + my infidel brow!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Embarrassed as I + felt by the consciousness of hypocrisy, I was even still more + perplexed by my total ignorance of the real tenets of the faith to + which I professed myself a convert. Abashed and confused, and with a + heart sick at its own deceit, I heard the animated and eloquent + gratulations of the Christian, as though they were words in a dream, + without link or meaning; nor could disguise but by the <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page247">[pg 247]</span><a name="Pg247" id="Pg247" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>mockery of a reverential bow, at every + pause, the entire want of self-possession, and even of speech, under + which I laboured.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A few minutes more + of such trial, and I must have avowed my imposture. But the holy man + saw my embarrassment;—and, whether mistaking it for awe, or knowing + it to be ignorance, relieved me from my perplexity by, at once, + changing the theme. Having gently awakened his antelope from its + sleep, <span class="tei tei-q">“You have heard,”</span> he said, + <span class="tei tei-q">“I doubt not, of my brother-anchoret, Paul, + who, from his cave in the marble mountains, near the Red Sea, sends + hourly <span class="tei tei-q">‘the sacrifice of thanksgiving’</span> + to heaven. Of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">his</span></span> walks, they tell me, a lion is + the companion; but, for me,”</span> he added, with a playful and + significant smile, <span class="tei tei-q">“who try my powers of + taming but on the gentler animals, this feeble child of the desert is + a far fitter play-mate.”</span> Then, taking his staff, and putting + the time-worn <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page248">[pg + 248]</span><a name="Pg248" id="Pg248" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>volume which he had been reading into a large + goat-skin pouch, that hung by his side, <span class="tei tei-q">“I + will now,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“lead thee over my + rocky kingdom,—that thou mayst see in what drear and barren places, + that <span class="tei tei-q">‘fruit of the spirit,’</span> Peace, may + be gathered.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To speak of peace + to a heart like mine, at that moment, was like talking of some + distant harbour to the mariner sinking at sea. In vain did I look + round for some sign of Alethe;—in vain make an effort even to utter + her name. Consciousness of my own deceit, as well as a fear of + awakening in Melanius any suspicion that might frustrate my only + hope, threw a fetter over my spirit and checked my tongue. In + silence, therefore, I followed, while the cheerful old man, with + slow, but firm, step, ascended the rock, by the same ladders which I + had mounted on the preceding night.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">During the time + when the Decian Persecution was raging, many Christians of + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page249">[pg 249]</span><a name="Pg249" + id="Pg249" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>this neighbourhood, he informed + me, had taken refuge under his protection, in these grottos; and the + chapel on the summit, where I had found them at prayer, was, in those + times of danger, their place of retreat, where, by drawing up these + ladders, they were enabled to secure themselves from pursuit.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From the top of + the rock, the view, on either side, embraced the two extremes of + fertility and desolation; nor could the Epicurean and the Anchoret, + who now gazed from that height, be at any loss to indulge their + respective tastes, between the living luxuriance of the world on one + side, and the dead repose of the desert on the other. When we turned + to the river, what a picture of animation presented itself! Near us, + to the south, were the graceful colonnades of Antinoë, its proud, + populous streets, and triumphal monuments. On the opposite shore, + rich plains, teeming with cultivation to the water’s edge, offered + up, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page250">[pg 250]</span><a name= + "Pg250" id="Pg250" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>as from verdant altars, + their fruits to the sun; while, beneath us, the Nile,</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style= + "text-align: left; margin-left: 10.00em"> + ——the glorious stream, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + That late between its banks was seen to glide,— + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + With shrines and marble cities, on each side, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Glittering, like jewels strung along a chain,— + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Had now sent forth its waters, and o’er plain + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + And valley, like a giant from his bed + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Rising with outstretch’d limbs, superbly spread. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From this scene, + on one side of the mountain, we had but to turn round our eyes, and + it was as if nature herself had become suddenly extinct;—a wide waste + of sands, bleak and interminable, wearying out the sun with its + sameness of desolation;—black, burnt-up rocks, that stood as + barriers, at which life stopped;—while the only signs of animation, + past or present, were the foot-prints, here and there, of an antelope + or ostrich, or the bones of dead camels, as they lay whitening at a + distance, marking out the track of the caravans over the + waste.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page251">[pg + 251]</span><a name="Pg251" id="Pg251" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After listening, + while he contrasted, in a few eloquent words, the two regions of life + and death on whose confines we stood, I again descended with my guide + to the garden we had left. From thence, turning into a path along the + mountain-side, he conducted me to another row of grottos, facing the + desert, which had once, he said, been the abode of those brethren in + Christ, who had fled with him to this solitude from the crowded + world,—but which death had, within a few months, rendered tenantless. + A cross of red stone, and a few faded trees, were the only traces + these solitaries had left behind.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">A silence of some + minutes succeeded, while we descended to the edge of the canal; and I + saw opposite, among the rocks, that solitary cave, which had so + chilled me with its aspect on the preceding night. By the bank we + found one of those rustic boats, which the Egyptians construct of + planks of wild thorn, bound rudely together with bands of + papy<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page252">[pg 252]</span><a name= + "Pg252" id="Pg252" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>rus. Placing ourselves + in this boat, and rather impelling than rowing it across, we made our + way through the foul and shallow flood, and landed directly under the + site of the cave.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This dwelling, as + I have already mentioned, was situated upon a ledge of the rock; and, + being provided with a sort of window or aperture to admit the light + of heaven, was accounted, I found, more cheerful than the grottos on + the other side of the ravine. But there was a dreariness in the whole + region around, to which light only lent more horror. The dead + whiteness of the rocks, as they stood, like ghosts, in the + sunshine;—that melancholy pool, half lost in the sands;—all gave me + the idea of a wasting world. To dwell in such a place seemed to me + like a living death; and when the Christian, as we entered the cave, + said, <span class="tei tei-q">“Here is to be thy home,”</span> + prepared as I was for the worst, my resolution gave way;—every + feeling of disappointed passion <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page253">[pg 253]</span><a name="Pg253" id="Pg253" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>and humbled pride, which had been gathering + round my heart for the last few hours, found a vent at once, and I + burst into tears!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Well accustomed to + human weakness, and perhaps guessing at some of the sources of mine, + the good Hermit, without appearing to notice this emotion, + expatiated, with a cheerful air, on, what he called, the many + comforts of my dwelling. Sheltered, he said, from the dry, burning + wind of the south, my porch would inhale the fresh breeze of the + Dog-star. Fruits from his own mountain-garden should furnish my + repast. The well of the neighbouring rock would supply my beverage; + and, <span class="tei tei-q">“here,”</span> he continued,—lowering + his voice into a more solemn tone, as he placed upon the table the + volume which he had brought,—<span class="tei tei-q">“here, my son, + is that <span class="tei tei-q">‘well of living waters,’</span> in + which alone thou wilt find lasting refreshment or peace!”</span> Thus + saying, he descended <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page254">[pg + 254]</span><a name="Pg254" id="Pg254" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + rock to his boat, and after a few plashes of his oar had died upon my + ear, the solitude and silence around me was complete.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page255">[pg 255]</span><a name="Pg255" + id="Pg255" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc35" id= + "toc35"></a><a name="pdf36" id="pdf36"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. XVII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What a fate was + mine!—but a few weeks since, presiding over that splendid Festival of + the Garden, with all the luxuries of existence tributary in my train; + and now,—self-humbled into a solitary outcast,—the hypocritical pupil + of a Christian anchoret,—without even the excuse of fanaticism, or of + any other madness, but that of love, wild love, to extenuate my fall! + Were there a hope that, by this humiliating waste of existence, I + might purchase but a glimpse, now and then, of Alethe, even the + depths of the desert, with such a chance, would be welcome. But to + live—and live thus—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">without</span></span> her, was a misery which I + neither foresaw nor could endure.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hating even to + look upon the den to which I was doomed, I hurried out into + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page256">[pg 256]</span><a name="Pg256" + id="Pg256" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the air, and found my way, + along the rocks, to the desert. The sun was going down, with that + blood-red hue, which he so frequently wears, in this clime, at his + setting. I saw the sands, stretching out, like a sea, to the horizon, + as if their waste extended to the very verge of the world,—and, in + the bitterness of my feelings, rejoiced to see so much of creation + rescued, even by this barren liberty, from the grasp of man. The + thought seemed to relieve my wounded pride, and, as I wandered over + the dim and boundless solitude, to be thus free, even amid blight and + desolation, appeared a blessing.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The only living + thing I saw was a restless swallow, whose wings were of the hue of + the grey sands over which he fluttered. <span class="tei tei-q">“Why + may not the mind, like this bird, take the colour of the desert, and + sympathise in its austerity, its freedom, and its calm?”</span>—thus, + between despondence and defiance, did I ask myself, endeavouring to + face with fortitude what yet my heart <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page257">[pg 257]</span><a name="Pg257" id="Pg257" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>sickened to contemplate. But the effort was + unavailing. Overcome by that vast solitude, whose repose was not the + slumber of peace, but the sullen and burning silence of hate, I felt + my spirit give way, and even love itself yield to despair.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Seating myself on + a fragment of a rock, and covering my eyes with my hands, I made an + effort to shut out the overwhelming prospect. But in vain—it was + still before me, deepened by all that fancy could add; and when, + again looking up, I saw the last red ray of the sun, shooting across + that melancholy and lifeless waste, it seemed to me like the light of + the comet that once desolated this world, shining out luridly over + the ruin that it had made!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Appalled by my own + gloomy imaginations, I turned towards the ravine; and, + notwithstanding the disgust with which I had left my dwelling, was + not ill pleased to find my way, over the rocks, to it again. On + approaching the cave, to my astonish<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page258">[pg 258]</span><a name="Pg258" id="Pg258" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>ment, I saw a light within. At such a moment, + any vestige of life was welcome, and I hailed the unexpected + appearance with pleasure. On entering, however, I found the chamber + as lonely as I had left it. The light came from a lamp that burned + brightly on the table; beside it was unfolded the volume which + Melanius had brought, and upon the leaves—oh, joy and surprise—lay + the well-known cross of Alethe!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">What hand, but her + own, could have prepared this reception for me?—The very thought sent + a hope into my heart, before which all despondency fled. Even the + gloom of the desert was forgotten, and my cave at once brightened + into a bower. She had here reminded me, herself, by this sacred + memorial, of the vow which I had pledged to her under the Hermit’s + rock; and I now scrupled not to reiterate the same daring promise, + though conscious that through hypocrisy alone I could fulfil + it.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page259">[pg 259]</span><a name= + "Pg259" id="Pg259" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Eager to prepare + myself for my task of imposture, I sat down to the volume, which I + now found to be the Hebrew Scriptures; and the first sentence, on + which my eyes fell, was—<span class="tei tei-q">“The Lord hath + commanded the blessing, even Life for evermore!”</span> Startled by + these words, in which the Spirit of my dream seemed again to + pronounce his assuring prediction, I raised my eyes from the page, + and repeated the sentence over and over, as if to try whether the + sounds had any charm or spell, to reawaken that faded illusion in my + soul. But, no—the rank frauds of the Memphian priesthood had + dispelled all my trust in the promises of religion. My heart had + again relapsed into its gloom of scepticism, and, to the word of + <span class="tei tei-q">“Life,”</span> the only answer it sent back + was, <span class="tei tei-q">“Death!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Impatient, + however, to possess myself of the elements of a faith, on + which,—whatever it might promise for hereafter,—I felt that my + happiness here depended, I turned over the pages with an earnestness + and <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page260">[pg 260]</span><a name= + "Pg260" id="Pg260" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>avidity, such as never + even the most favourite of my studies had awakened in me. Though, + like all, who seek but the surface of learning, I flew desultorily + over the leaves, lighting only on the more prominent and shining + points, I yet found myself, even in this undisciplined career, + arrested, at every page, by the awful, the supernatural sublimity, + the alternate melancholy and grandeur of the images that crowded upon + me.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I had, till now, + known the Hebrew theology but through the platonising refinements of + Philo;—as, in like manner, for my knowledge of the Christian doctrine + I was indebted to my brother Epicureans, Lucian and Celsus. Little, + therefore, was I prepared for the simple majesty, the high tone of + inspiration,—the poetry, in short, of heaven that breathed throughout + these oracles. Could admiration have kindled faith, I should, that + night, have been a believer; so elevated, so awed was my imagination + by <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page261">[pg 261]</span><a name= + "Pg261" id="Pg261" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>that wonderful + book,—its warnings of woe, its announcements of glory, and its + unrivalled strains of adoration and sorrow.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Hour after hour, + with the same eager and desultory curiosity, did I turn over the + leaves;—and when, at length, I lay down to rest, my fancy was still + haunted by the impressions it had received. I went again through the + various scenes of which I had read; again called up, in sleep, the + bright images that had charmed me, and, when wakened at day-break by + the Hymn from the chapel, fancied myself still listening to the sound + of the winds, sighing mournfully through the harps of Israel on the + willows.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Starting from my + bed, I hurried out upon the rock, with a hope that, among the tones + of that morning choir, I might be able to distinguish the sweet voice + of Alethe. But the strain had ceased;—I caught only the last notes of + the Hymn, as, echoing up that lonely valley, they died away into the + silence of the desert.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page262">[pg + 262]</span><a name="Pg262" id="Pg262" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With the first + glimpse of light I was again at my study, and, notwithstanding the + distraction both of my thoughts and looks towards the half-seen + grottos of the Anchoret, pursued it perseveringly through the day. + Still alive, however, but to the eloquence, the poetry of what I + read, of its connection or authenticity, as a history, I never paused + to consider. My fancy being alone interested by it, to fancy I + referred all it contained; and, passing rapidly from annals to + prophecy, from narration to song, regarded the whole but as a tissue + of splendid allegories, in which the melancholy of Egyptian + associations was interwoven with the rich imagery of the East.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Towards sunset I + saw the boat of Melanius on its way, across the canal, to my cave. + Though he had no other companion than his graceful antelope, that + stood snuffing the wild air of the desert, as if scenting its home, I + felt his visit, even thus, to be a most welcome relief. It was the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page263">[pg 263]</span><a name="Pg263" + id="Pg263" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>hour, he said, of his evening + ramble up the mountain,—of his accustomed visit to those cisterns of + the rock, from which he nightly drew his most precious beverage. + While he spoke, I observed in his hand one of those earthen cups, in + which the inhabitants of the wilderness are accustomed to collect the + fresh dew among the rocks. Having proposed that I should accompany + him in his walk, he led me, in the direction of the desert, up the + side of the mountain that rose above my dwelling, and which formed + the southern wall or screen of the defile.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Near the summit we + found a seat, where the old man paused to rest. It commanded a full + view over the desert, and was by the side of one of those hollows in + the rock, those natural reservoirs, in which the dews of night are + treasured up for the refreshment of the dwellers in the wilderness. + Having learned from me how far I had proceeded in my study, + <span class="tei tei-q">“In that light,”</span> said he, pointing to + a small cloud in the east, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page264">[pg + 264]</span><a name="Pg264" id="Pg264" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>which had been formed on the horizon by the haze + of the desert, and was now faintly reflecting the splendours of + sunset,—<span class="tei tei-q">“in that light stands Mount Sinai, of + whose glory thou hast read; on whose summit was the scene of one of + those awful revelations, in which the Almighty has, from time to + time, renewed his communication with Man, and kept alive the + remembrance of his own Providence in this world.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After a pause, as + if absorbed in the immensity of the subject, the holy man continued + his sublime theme. Looking back to the earliest annals of time, he + showed how constantly every relapse of the human race into idolatry + has been followed by some manifestation of divine power, chastening + the proud by punishment, and winning back the humble by love. It was + to preserve, he said, unextinguished upon earth, that vital + truth,—the Creation of the world by one Supreme Being,—that God + chose, from among the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page265">[pg + 265]</span><a name="Pg265" id="Pg265" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>nations, an humble and enslaved race;—that he + brought them out of their captivity <span class="tei tei-q">“on + eagles’ wings,”</span> and, surrounding every step of their course + with miracles, placed them before the eyes of all succeeding + generations, as the depositaries of his will, and the ever-during + memorials of his power.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Passing, then, in + review the long train of inspired interpreters, whose pens and whose + tongues were made the echoes of the Divine voice, he traced<a id= + "noteref_8" name="noteref_8" href="#note_8"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">8</span></span></a>, through + the events of successive ages, the gradual unfolding of the dark + scheme of Providence—darkness without, but all light and glory + within. The glimpses of a coming redemption, visible even through the + wrath of heaven;—the long series of prophecy, through which this hope + runs, burning and alive, like a spark through a chain;—the merciful + preparation of the hearts of mankind for the great trial of their + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page266">[pg 266]</span><a name="Pg266" + id="Pg266" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>faith and obedience that was at + hand, not only by miracles that appealed to the living, but by + predictions launched into futurity to carry conviction to the yet + unborn;—<span class="tei tei-q">“through all these glorious and + beneficent gradations we may track,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the manifest footsteps of a Creator, advancing to his + grand, ultimate end, the salvation of his creatures.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After some hours + devoted to these holy instructions, we returned to the ravine, and + Melanius left me at my cave; praying, as he parted from me,—with a + benevolence I but ill, alas! deserved,—that my soul, under these + lessons, might be <span class="tei tei-q">“as a watered + garden,”</span> and, ere long, bear <span class="tei tei-q">“fruit + unto life eternal.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Next morning, I + was again at my study, and even more eager in the task than before. + With the commentary of the Hermit freshly in my memory, I again read + through, with attention, the Book of the Law. But in vain did I seek + the promise of immortality in its pages. <span class="tei tei-q">“It + tells me,”</span> said <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page267">[pg + 267]</span><a name="Pg267" id="Pg267" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>I, + <span class="tei tei-q">“of a God coming down to earth, but of the + ascent of Man to heaven it speaks not. The rewards, the punishments + it announces, lie all on this side of the grave; nor did even the + Omnipotent offer to his own chosen servants a hope beyond the + impassable limits of this world. Where, then, is the salvation of + which the Christian spoke? or, if Death be at the root of the faith, + can Life spring out of it!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Again, in the + bitterness of disappointment, did I mock at my own willing + self-delusion,—again rail at the arts of that traitress, Fancy, ever + ready, like the Delilah of this book, to steal upon the slumbers of + Reason, and deliver him up, shorn and powerless, to his foes. If + deception—thought I, with a sigh—be necessary, at least let me not + practise it on myself;—in the desperate alternative before me, let me + rather be even hypocrite than dupe.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">These + self-accusing reflections, cheer<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page268">[pg 268]</span><a name="Pg268" id="Pg268" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>less as they rendered my task, did not abate, + for a single moment, my industry in pursuing it. I read on and on, + with a sort of sullen apathy, neither charmed by style, nor + transported by imagery,—that fatal blight in my heart having + communicated itself to my fancy and taste. The curses and the + blessings, the glory and the ruin, which the historian recorded and + the prophet predicted, seemed all of this world,—all, temporal and + earthly. That mortality, of which the fountain-head had tasted, + tinged the whole stream; and when I read the words, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again,”</span> + a feeling, like the wind of the desert, came witheringly over me. + Love, Beauty, Glory, every thing most bright upon earth, appeared + sinking before my eyes, under this dreadful doom, into one general + mass of corruption and silence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Possessed by the + image of desolation I had called up, I laid my head on the book, in a + paroxysm of despair. Death, in all <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page269">[pg 269]</span><a name="Pg269" id="Pg269" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>his most ghastly varieties, passed before me; + and I had continued thus for some time, as under the influence of a + fearful vision, when the touch of a hand upon my shoulder roused me. + Looking up, I saw the Anchoret standing by my side;—his countenance + beaming with that sublime tranquillity, which a hope, beyond this + earth, alone can bestow. How I envied him!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We again took our + way to the seat upon the mountain,—the gloom in my own mind making + every thing around me more gloomy. Forgetting my hypocrisy in my + feelings, I, at once, avowed to him all the doubts and fears which my + study of the morning had awakened.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Thou art yet, my son,”</span> he answered, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“but on the threshold of our faith. Thou hast seen but + the first rudiments of the Divine plan;—its full and consummate + perfection hath not yet opened upon thee. However glorious that + manifestation of Divinity on Mount Sinai, it was but the <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page270">[pg 270]</span><a name="Pg270" id="Pg270" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>forerunner of another, still more + glorious, that, in the fulness of time, was to burst upon the world; + when all, that had seemed dim and incomplete, was to be perfected, + and the promises, shadowed out by the <span class="tei tei-q">‘spirit + of prophecy,’</span> realized;—when the silence, that lay, as a seal, + on the future, was to be broken, and the glad tidings of life and + immortality proclaimed to the world!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Observing my + features brighten at these words, the pious man continued. + Anticipating some of the holy knowledge that was in store for me, he + traced, through all its wonders and mercies, the great work of + Redemption, dwelling on every miraculous circumstance connected with + it;—the exalted nature of the Being, by whose ministry it was + accomplished, the noblest and first created of the Sons of God, + inferior only to the one, self-existent Father;—the mysterious + incarnation of this heavenly messenger;—the miracles that + authenticated his divine mission;—<span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page271">[pg 271]</span><a name="Pg271" id="Pg271" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>the example of obedience to God and love to man, + which he set, as a shining light, before the world for ever;—and, + lastly and chiefly, his death and resurrection, by which the covenant + of mercy was sealed, and <span class="tei tei-q">“life and + immortality brought to light.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Such,”</span> continued the Hermit, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“was the Mediator, promised through all time, to + <span class="tei tei-q">‘make reconciliation for iniquity,’</span> to + change death into life, and bring <span class="tei tei-q">‘healing on + his wings’</span> to a darkened world. Such was the last crowning + dispensation of that God of benevolence, in whose hands sin and death + are but instruments of everlasting good, and who, through apparent + evil and temporary retribution, bringing all things <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘out of darkness into his marvellous light,’</span> + proceeds watchfully and unchangingly to the great, final object of + his providence,—the restoration of the whole human race to purity and + happiness!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With a mind + astonished, if not touched, <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page272">[pg + 272]</span><a name="Pg272" id="Pg272" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>by + these discourses, I returned to my cave; and found the lamp, as + before, ready lighted to receive me. The volume which I had been + reading was replaced by another, which lay open upon the table, with + a branch of fresh palm between its leaves. Though I could not have a + doubt to whose gentle hand I was indebted for this invisible + superintendence over my studies, there was yet a something in it, so + like spiritual interposition, that it awed me;—and never more than at + this moment, when, on approaching the volume, I saw, as the light + glistened over its silver letters, that it was the very Book of Life + of which the Hermit had spoken!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The orison of the + Christians had sounded through the valley, before I raised my eyes + from that sacred volume; and the second hour of the sun found me + again over its pages.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page273">[pg 273]</span><a name="Pg273" + id="Pg273" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc37" id= + "toc37"></a><a name="pdf38" id="pdf38"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. XVIII.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In this mode of + existence did I pass some days;—my mornings devoted to reading, my + nights to listening, under the canopy of heaven, to the holy + eloquence of Melanius. The perseverance with which I enquired, and + the quickness with which I learned, soon succeeded in deceiving my + benevolent instructor, who mistook curiosity for zeal and knowledge + for belief. Alas! cold, and barren, and earthly was that + knowledge,—the word, without the spirit, the shape, without the life. + Even when, as a relief from hypocrisy, I persuaded myself that I + believed, it was but a brief delusion, a faith, whose hope crumbled + at the touch,—like the fruit of the desert-shrub, shining and + empty!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But, though my + soul was still dark, the <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page274">[pg + 274]</span><a name="Pg274" id="Pg274" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>good + Hermit saw not into its depths. The very facility of my belief, which + might have suggested some doubt of its sincerity, was but regarded by + his innocent zeal, as a more signal triumph of the truth. His own + ingenuousness led him to a ready trust in others; and the examples of + such conversion as that of the philosopher, Justin, who received the + light into his soul during a walk by the sea-shore, had prepared him + for illuminations of the spirit, even more rapid than mine.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">During this time, + I neither saw nor heard of Alethe;—nor could my patience have endured + so long a privation, had not those mute vestiges of her presence, + that welcomed me every night on my return, made me feel that I was + still living under her gentle influence, and that her sympathy hung + round every step of my progress. Once, too, when I ventured to speak + her name to Melanius, though he answered not my enquiry, there was a + smile, I thought, of promise upon his countenance, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page275">[pg 275]</span><a name="Pg275" id="Pg275" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>which love, more alive than faith, + interpreted as it wished.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length,—it was + on the sixth or seventh evening of my solitude, when I lay resting at + the door of my cave, alter the study of the day,—I was startled by + hearing my name called loudly from the opposite rocks, and looking + up, saw, on the cliff near the deserted grottos, Melanius and—oh, I + could not doubt—my Alethe by his side!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though I had never + ceased, since the first night of my return from the desert, to + flatter myself with the fancy that I was still living in her + presence, the actual sight of her again made me feel what an age we + had been separated. She was clothed all in white, and, as she stood + in the last remains of the sunshine, appeared to my too prophetic + fancy like a parting spirit, whose last footsteps on earth that glory + encircled.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With a delight + only to be imagined, I saw them descend the rocks, and placing + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page276">[pg 276]</span><a name="Pg276" + id="Pg276" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>themselves in the boat, proceed + towards my cave. To disguise from Melanius the feelings with which we + met was impossible;—nor did Alethe even attempt to make a secret of + her innocent joy. Though blushing at her own happiness, she could as + little conceal it, as the clear waters of Ethiopia can hide their + gold. Every look, too, every word, spoke a fulness of affection, to + which, doubtful as I was of our tenure of happiness, I knew not how + to answer.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I was not long, + however, left ignorant of the bright fate that awaited me; but, as we + wandered or rested among the rocks, learned every thing that had been + arranged since our parting. She had made the Hermit, I found, + acquainted with all that had passed between us; had told him, without + reserve, every incident of our voyage,—the avowals, the + demonstrations of affection on one side, and the deep sentiment that + gratitude had awakened on the other. Too wise to re<span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page277">[pg 277]</span><a name="Pg277" id="Pg277" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>gard feelings, so natural, with + severity,—knowing that they were of heaven, and but made evil by + man,—the good Hermit had heard of our attachment with pleasure; and, + proved as he thought the purity of my views had been, by the fidelity + with which I had delivered up my trust into his hands, saw, in my + affection for the young orphan, but a providential resource against + that friendless solitude in which his death must soon leave her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">As I collected + these particulars from their discourse, I could hardly trust my ears. + It seemed too much happiness to be real; nor can words give an idea + of the joy—the shame—the wonder with which I listened, while the holy + man himself declared, that he awaited but the moment, when he should + find me worthy of becoming a member of the Christian Church, to give + me also the hand of Alethe in that sacred union, which alone + sanctifies love, and makes the faith, which it pledges, heavenly. It + was but yesterday, he added, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page278">[pg 278]</span><a name="Pg278" id="Pg278" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>that his young charge, herself, after a + preparation of prayer and repentance, such as even her pure spirit + required, had been admitted, by the sacred ordinance of baptism, into + the bosom of the faith;—and the white garment she wore, and the ring + of gold on her finger, <span class="tei tei-q">“were symbols,”</span> + he said, <span class="tei tei-q">“of that New Life into which she had + been initiated.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I raised my eyes + to her as he spoke, but withdrew them again, dazzled and confused. + Even her beauty, to my imagination, seemed to have undergone some + brightening change; and the contrast between that open and happy + countenance, and the unblest brow of the infidel that stood before + her, abashed me into a sense of unworthiness, and almost checked my + rapture.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To that night, + however, I look back, as an epoch in my existence. It proved that + sorrow is not the only awakener of devotion, but that joy may + sometimes call the holy spark into life. Returning to <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page279">[pg 279]</span><a name="Pg279" id="Pg279" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>my cave, with a heart full, even to + oppression, of its happiness, I knew no other relief to my + overcharged feelings than that of throwing myself on my knees, and, + for the first time in my life, uttering a prayer, that if, indeed, + there were a Being who watched over mankind, he would send down one + ray of his truth into my soul, and make it worthy of the blessings, + both here and hereafter, proffered to me!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">My days now rolled + on in a perfect dream of happiness. Every hour of the morning was + welcomed as bringing nearer and nearer the blest time of sunset, when + the Hermit and Alethe never failed to pay their visit to my now + charmed cave, where her smile left a light, at each parting, that + lasted till her return. Then, our rambles, by star-light, over the + mountain;—our pauses, on the way, to contemplate the bright wonders + of that heaven above us;—our repose by the cistern of the rock, and + our silent listening, through hours <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page280">[pg 280]</span><a name="Pg280" id="Pg280" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>that seemed minutes, to the holy eloquence of + our teacher;—all, all was happiness of the most heartfelt kind, and + such as even the doubts, the cold, lingering doubts, that still hung, + like a mist, around my heart, could neither cloud nor chill.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">When the moonlight + nights returned, we used to venture into the desert; and those sands, + which but lately had appeared to me so desolate, now wore even a + cheerful and smiling aspect. To the light, innocent heart of Alethe + every thing was a source of enjoyment. For her, even the desert had + its jewels and flowers; and, sometimes, her delight was to search + among the sands for those beautiful pebbles of jasper that abound in + them;—sometimes, her eyes sparkled on finding, perhaps, a stunted + marigold, or one of those bitter, scarlet flowers, that lend their + mockery of ornament to the desert. In all these pursuits and + pleasures the good Hermit took a share,—mingling with them + occasionally the reflections of a benevolent <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page281">[pg 281]</span><a name="Pg281" id="Pg281" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>piety, that lent its own cheerful hue to all the + works of creation, and saw the consoling truth <span class= + "tei tei-q">“God is Love,”</span> written legibly every where.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Such was, for a + few weeks, my blissful life. Oh mornings of hope, oh nights of + happiness, with what mournful pleasure do I retrace your flight, and + how reluctantly pass to the sad events that followed!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">During this time, + in compliance with the wishes of Melanius, who seemed unwilling that + I should become wholly estranged from the world, I occasionally paid + a visit to the neighbouring city, Antinoë, which, as the capital of + the Thebaid, is the centre of all the luxury of Upper Egypt. Here,—so + changed was my every feeling by the all-transforming passion that + possessed me,—I wandered, unamused and uninterested by either the + scenes or the people that surrounded me, and, sighing for that rocky + solitude where Alethe breathed, felt <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">this</span></span> to + be the wilderness, and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">that</span></span>, the world.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even the thoughts + of my own native <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page282">[pg + 282]</span><a name="Pg282" id="Pg282" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>Athens, that were called up, at every step, by + the light, Grecian architecture of this imperial city, did not awaken + one single regret in my heart—one wish to exchange even an hour of my + desert for the best luxuries and honours that awaited me in the + Garden. I saw the arches of triumph;—I walked under the superb + portico, which encircles the whole city with its marble shade;—I + stood in the Circus of the Sun, by whose rose-coloured pillars the + mysterious movements of the Nile are measured;—all these bright + ornaments of glory and art, as well as the gay multitude that + enlivened them, I saw with an unheeding eye. If they awakened in me + any thought, it was the mournful idea, that, one day, like Thebes and + Heliopolis, this pageant would pass away, leaving nothing behind but + a few mouldering ruins,—like the sea-shells found where the ocean has + been,—to tell that the great tide of Life was once there!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But, though + indifferent thus to all that had formerly attracted me, there were + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page283">[pg 283]</span><a name="Pg283" + id="Pg283" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>subjects, once alien to my + heart, on which it was now most tremblingly alive; and some rumours + which had reached me, in one of my visits to the city, of an expected + change in the policy of the Emperor towards the Christians, filled me + with apprehensions as new as they were dreadful to me.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The peace and even + favour which the Christians enjoyed, during the first four years of + the reign of Valerian, had removed from them all fear of a renewal of + those horrors, which they had experienced under the rule of his + predecessor, Decius. Of late, however, some less friendly + dispositions had manifested themselves. The bigots of the court, + taking alarm at the spread of the new faith, had succeeded in filling + the mind of the monarch with that religious jealousy, which is the + ever-ready parent of cruelty and injustice. Among these counsellors + of evil was Macrianus, the Prætorian Prefect, who was, by birth, an + Egyptian, and—so akin is superstition to <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page284">[pg 284]</span><a name="Pg284" id="Pg284" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>intolerance—had long made himself notorious by + his addiction to the dark practices of demon-worship and magic.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">From this + minister, who was now high in the favour of Valerian, the expected + measures of severity against the Christians, it was supposed, would + emanate. All tongues, in all quarters, were busy with the news. In + the streets, in the public gardens, on the steps of the temples, I + saw, every where, groups of enquirers collected, and heard the name + of Macrianus upon every tongue. It was dreadful, too, to observe, in + the countenances of those who spoke, the variety of feeling with + which the rumour was discussed, according as they desired or dreaded + its truth,—according as they were likely to be among the torturers or + the victims.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Alarmed, though + still ignorant of the whole extent of the danger, I hurried back to + the ravine, and, going at once to the grotto of Melanius, detailed to + him every particular of the intelligence I had col<span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page285">[pg 285]</span><a name="Pg285" id="Pg285" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>lected. He heard me with a composure, + which I mistook, alas, for confidence in his security; and, naming + the hour for our evening walk, retired into his grotto.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At the accustomed + time Alethe and he were at my cave. It was evident that he had not + communicated to her the intelligence which I had brought, for never + did brow wear such a happiness as that which now played round + hers;—it was, alas, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></span> of this earth! Melanius, + himself, though composed, was thoughtful; and the solemnity, almost + approaching to melancholy, with which he placed the hand of Alethe in + mine—in the performance, too, of a ceremony that <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">ought</span></span> to + have filled my heart with joy—saddened and alarmed me. This ceremony + was our betrothment,—the plighting of our faith to each other,—which + we now solemnized on the rock before the door of my cave, in the face + of that sunset heaven, with its one star standing as witness. After a + blessing from the Hermit on our spousal pledge, I placed the + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page286">[pg 286]</span><a name="Pg286" + id="Pg286" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>ring,—the earnest of our future + union—on her finger, and, in the blush, with which she surrendered + her whole heart to me at that instant, forgot every thing but my + happiness, and felt secure, even against fate!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We took our + accustomed walk over the rocks and on the desert. The moon was so + bright,—like the daylight, indeed, of other climes—that we could see + plainly the tracks of the wild antelopes in the sand; and it was not + without a slight tremble of feeling in his voice, as if some + melancholy analogy occurred to him as he spoke, that the good Hermit + said, <span class="tei tei-q">“I have observed in my walks, that + where-ever the track of that gentle animal is seen, there is, almost + always, the foot-print of a beast of prey near it.”</span> He + regained, however, his usual cheerfulness before we parted, and fixed + the following evening for an excursion, on the other side of the + ravine, to a point, looking, he said, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“towards that northern region of the desert, <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page287">[pg 287]</span><a name="Pg287" id="Pg287" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>where the hosts of the Lord encamped in + their departure out of bondage.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though, in the + presence of Alethe, my fears, even for herself, were forgotten in + that perpetual element of happiness, which encircled her like the air + that she breathed, no sooner was I alone than vague terrors and + bodings crowded upon me. In vain did I try to reason myself out of my + fears by dwelling on the most cheering circumstances,—the reverence + with which Melanius was regarded, even by the Pagans, and the + inviolate security with which he had lived through the most perilous + periods, not only safe himself, but affording sanctuary in his + grottos to others. When, somewhat calmed by these considerations, I + sunk off to sleep, dark, horrible dreams took possession of my mind. + Scenes of death and of torment passed confusedly before me, and, when + I awoke, it was with the fearful impression that all these horrors + were real.</p> + </div> + <hr class="page" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page288">[pg 288]</span><a name="Pg288" + id="Pg288" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc39" id= + "toc39"></a><a name="pdf40" id="pdf40"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">CHAP. XIX.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">At length, the day + dawned,—that dreadful day. Impatient to be relieved from my suspense, + I threw myself into my boat,—the same in which we had performed our + happy voyage,—and, as fast as oars could speed me, hurried away to + the city. I found the suburbs silent and solitary, but, as I + approached the Forum, loud yells, like those of barbarians in combat, + struck on my ear, and, when I entered it,—great God, what a spectacle + presented itself! The imperial edict against the Christians had + arrived during the night, and already the wild fury of bigotry was + let loose.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Under a canopy, in + the middle of the Forum, was the tribunal of the Governor. Two + statues, one of Apollo, the other of Osiris, stood at the bottom of + the steps that led up to his judgment-seat. Before <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page289">[pg 289]</span><a name="Pg289" id="Pg289" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>these idols were shrines, to which the + devoted Christians were dragged from all quarters by the soldiers and + mob, and there compelled to recant, by throwing incense into the + flame, or, on their refusal, hurried away to torture and death. It + was an appalling scene;—the consternation, the cries of some of the + victims,—the pale, silent resolution of others;—the fierce shouts of + laughter that broke from the multitude, when the frankincense, + dropped on the altar, proclaimed some denier of Christ; and the + fiend-like triumph with which the courageous Confessors, who avowed + their faith, were led away to the flames;—never could I have + conceived such an assemblage of horrors!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Though I gazed but + for a few minutes, in those minutes I felt enough for years. Already + did the form of Alethe flit before me through that tumult;—I heard + them shout her name;—her shriek fell on my ear; and the very thought + so <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page290">[pg 290]</span><a name= + "Pg290" id="Pg290" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>palsied me with terror, + that I stood fixed and statue-like on the spot.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Recollecting, + however, the fearful preciousness of every moment, and that—perhaps, + at this very instant—some emissaries of blood might be on their way + to the grottos, I rushed wildly out of the Forum, and made my way to + the quay.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The streets were + now crowded; but I ran headlong through the multitude, and was + already under the portico leading down to the river,—already saw the + boat that was to bear me to Alethe,—when a Centurion stood sternly in + my path, and I was surrounded and arrested by soldiers! It was in + vain that I implored, that I struggled with them as for life, + assuring them that I was a stranger,—that I was an Athenian,—that I + was—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">not</span></span> a Christian. The precipitation + of my flight was sufficient evidence against me, and unrelentingly, + and by force, they bore me away to the quarters of their + Chief.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page291">[pg + 291]</span><a name="Pg291" id="Pg291" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It was enough to + drive me to madness! Two hours, two frightful hours, was I kept + waiting the arrival of the Tribune of their Legion<a id="noteref_9" + name="noteref_9" href="#note_9"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">9</span></span></a>,—my brain + burning with a thousand fears and imaginations, which every passing + minute made more likely to be realised. Every thing, too, that I + could collect from the conversations around me but added to the + agonising apprehensions with which I was racked. Troops, it was said, + had been sent in all directions through the neighbourhood, to bring + in the rebellious Christians, and make them bow before the Gods of + the Empire. With horror, too, I heard of Orcus,—Orcus, the High + Priest of Memphis,—as one of the principal instigators of this + sanguinary edict, and as here present in Antinoë, animating and + directing its execution.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In this state of + torture I remained till <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page292">[pg + 292]</span><a name="Pg292" id="Pg292" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>the + arrival of the Tribune. Absorbed in my own thoughts, I had not + perceived his entrance;—till, hearing a voice, in a tone of friendly + surprise, exclaim, <span class="tei tei-q">“Alciphron!”</span> I + looked up, and in this legionary Chief recognised a young Roman of + rank, who had held a military command, the year before, at Athens, + and was one of the most distinguished visitors of the Garden. It was + no time, however, for courtesies;—he was proceeding with cordiality + to greet me, but, having heard him order my instant release, I could + wait for no more. Acknowledging his kindness but by a grasp of the + hand, I flew off, like one frantic, through the streets, and, in a + few minutes, was on the river.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">My sole hope had + been to reach the grottos before any of the detached parties should + arrive, and, by a timely flight across the desert, rescue, at least, + Alethe from their fury. The ill-fated delay that had occurred + rendered this hope almost de<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page293">[pg + 293]</span><a name="Pg293" id="Pg293" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>sperate; but the tranquillity I found every + where as I proceeded down the river, and the fond confidence I still + cherished in the sacredness of the Hermit’s retreat, kept my heart + from giving way altogether under its terrors.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Between the + current and my oars, the boat flew, like wind, along the waters; and + I was already near the rocks of the ravine, when I saw, turning out + of the canal into the river, a barge crowded with people, and + glittering with arms! How did I ever survive the shock of that sight? + The oars dropped, as if struck out of my hands, into the water, and I + sat, helplessly gazing, as that terrific vision approached. In a few + minutes, the current brought us together;—and I saw, on the deck of + the barge, Alethe and the Hermit surrounded by soldiers!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">We were already + passing each other when, with a desperate effort, I sprang from my + boat and lighted upon the edge of their vessel. I knew not what I + did, for <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page294">[pg + 294]</span><a name="Pg294" id="Pg294" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>despair was my only prompter. Snatching at the + sword of one of the soldiers, as I stood tottering on the edge, I had + succeeded in wresting it out of his hands, when, at the same moment, + I received a thrust of a lance from one of his comrades, and fell + backward into the river. I can just remember rising again and making + a grasp at the side of the vessel;—but the shock, the faintness from + my wound, deprived me of all consciousness, and a shriek from Alethe, + as I sunk, is all I can recollect of what followed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Would I had then + died!—Yet, no, Almighty Being,—I should have died in darkness, and I + have lived to know Thee!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">On returning to my + senses, I found myself reclined on a couch, in a splendid apartment, + the whole appearance of which being Grecian, I, for a moment, forgot + all that had passed, and imagined myself in my own home at Athens. + But too soon the whole dreadful certainty flashed upon me; and, + starting wildly—disa<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page295">[pg + 295]</span><a name="Pg295" id="Pg295" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>bled + as I was—from my couch, I called loudly, and with the shriek of a + maniac, on Alethe.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">I was in the + house, I found, of my friend and disciple, the young Tribune, who had + made the Governor acquainted with my name and condition, and had + received me under his roof, when brought, bleeding and insensible, to + Antinoë. From him I now learned at once,—for I could not wait for + details,—the sum of all that had happened in that dreadful interval. + Melanius was no more,—Alethe, still alive, but in prison!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Take me to her”</span>—I had but time to + say—<span class="tei tei-q">“take me to her instantly, and let me die + by her side,”</span>—when, nature again failing under such shocks, I + relapsed into insensibility. In this state I continued for near an + hour, and, on recovering, found the Tribune by my side. The horrors, + he said, of the Forum were, for that day, over,—but what the morrow + might bring, he shuddered to contemplate. His nature, it was + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page296">[pg 296]</span><a name="Pg296" + id="Pg296" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>plain, revolted from the + inhuman duties in which he was engaged. Touched by the agonies he saw + me suffer, he, in some degree, relieved them, by promising that I + should, at night-fall, be conveyed to the prison, and, if possible, + through his influence, gain access to Alethe. She might yet, he + added, be saved, could I succeed in persuading her to comply with the + terms of the edict, and make sacrifice to the Gods.—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Otherwise,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“there is no hope;—the vindictive Orcus, who has resisted + even this short respite of mercy, will, to-morrow, inexorably demand + his prey.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He then related to + me, at my own request,—though every word was torture,—all the + harrowing details of the proceeding before the Tribunal. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“I have seen courage,”</span> said he, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“in its noblest forms, in the field; but the calm + intrepidity with which that aged Hermit endured torments—which it was + hardly less torment to witness—surpassed all <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page297">[pg 297]</span><a name="Pg297" id="Pg297" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>that I could have conceived of human + fortitude!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">My poor Alethe, + too,—in describing to me her conduct, the brave man wept like a + child. Overwhelmed, he said, at first by her apprehensions for my + safety, she had given way to a full burst of womanly weakness. But no + sooner was she brought before the Tribunal, and the declaration of + her faith was demanded of her, than a spirit almost supernatural + seemed to animate her whole form. <span class="tei tei-q">“She raised + her eyes,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“calmly, but with + fervour, to heaven, while a blush was the only sign of mortal feeling + on her features;—and the clear, sweet, and untrembling voice, with + which she pronounced her dooming words, <span class="tei tei-q">‘I am + a Christian!’</span> sent a thrill of admiration and pity throughout + the multitude. Her youth, her loveliness, affected all hearts, and a + cry of <span class="tei tei-q">‘Save the young maiden!’</span> was + heard in all directions.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The implacable + Orcus, however, would <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page298">[pg + 298]</span><a name="Pg298" id="Pg298" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>not + hear of mercy. Resenting, as it appeared, with all his deadliest + rancour, not only her own escape from his toils, but the aid with + which, so fatally to his views, she had assisted mine, he demanded + loudly, and in the name of the insulted sanctuary of Isis, her + instant death. It was but by the firm intervention of the Governor, + who shared the general sympathy in her fate, that the delay of + another day was accorded, to give a chance to the young maiden of yet + recalling her confession, and thus affording some pretext for saving + her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Even in yielding + reluctantly to this brief respite, the inhuman Priest would accompany + it with some mark of his vengeance. Whether for the pleasure + (observed the Tribune) of mingling mockery with his cruelty, or as a + warning to her of the doom she must ultimately expect, he gave orders + that there should be tied round her brow one of those chaplets of + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page299">[pg 299]</span><a name="Pg299" + id="Pg299" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>coral<a id="noteref_10" name= + "noteref_10" href="#note_10"><span class= + "tei tei-noteref"><span style= + "font-size: 60%; vertical-align: super">10</span></span></a>, with + which it is the custom of young Christian maidens to array themselves + on the day of their martyrdom;—<span class="tei tei-q">“and, thus + fearfully adorned,”</span> said he, <span class="tei tei-q">“she was + led away, amid the gaze of the pitying multitude, to + prison.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">With these details + the short interval till night-fall,—every minute of which seemed an + age,—was occupied. As soon as it grew dark, I was placed upon a + litter,—my wound, though not dangerous, requiring such a + conveyance,—and conducted, under the guidance of my friend, to the + prison. Through his interest with the guard, we were without + difficulty admitted, and I was borne into the chamber where the + maiden lay immured. Even the veteran guardian of the place seemed + touched with compassion for his prisoner, and supposing her to be + asleep, had the litter placed gently near her.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page300">[pg 300]</span><a name="Pg300" id="Pg300" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She was half + reclining, with her face hid in her hands, upon a couch,—at the foot + of which stood an idol, over whose hideous features a lamp of naptha, + hanging from the ceiling, shed a wild and ghastly glare. On a table + before the image stood a censer, with a small vessel of incense + beside it,—one grain of which, thrown voluntarily into the flame, + would, even now, save that precious life. So strange, so fearful was + the whole scene, that I almost doubted its reality. Alethe! my own, + happy Alethe! <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">can</span></span> it, I thought, be thou that I + look upon?</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She now, slowly + and with difficulty, raised her head from the couch; on observing + which, the kind Tribune withdrew, and we were left alone. There was a + paleness, as of death, over her features; and those eyes, which when + last I saw them, were but too bright, too happy for this world, + looked dim and sunken. In raising herself up, she put her hand, as if + from pain, to her forehead, whose <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page301">[pg 301]</span><a name="Pg301" id="Pg301" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>marble hue but appeared more death-like from + those red bands that lay so awfully across it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">After wandering + vaguely for a minute, her eyes rested upon me,—and, with a shriek, + half terror, half joy, she sprung from the couch, and sunk upon her + knees by my side. She had believed me dead; and, even now, scarcely + trusted her senses. <span class="tei tei-q">“My husband! my + love!”</span> she exclaimed; <span class="tei tei-q">“oh, if thou + comest to call me from this world, behold I am ready!”</span> In + saying thus, she pointed wildly to that ominous wreath, and then + dropped her head down upon my knee, as if an arrow had pierced + it.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Alethe!”</span>—I cried, terrified to the very soul by + that mysterious pang,—and the sound of my voice seemed to reanimate + her;—she looked up, with a faint smile, in my face. Her thoughts, + which had evidently been wandering, became collected; and in her joy + at my safety, her sorrow at my suffering, she <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page302">[pg 302]</span><a name="Pg302" id="Pg302" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>forgot wholly the fate that impended over + herself. Love, innocent love, alone occupied all her thoughts; and + the tenderness with which she spoke,—oh, at any other moment, how I + would have listened, have lingered upon, have blessed every word!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">But the time flew + fast—the dreadful morrow was approaching. Already I saw her writhing + in the hands of the torturer,—the flames, the racks, the wheels were + before my eyes! Half frantic with the fear that her resolution was + fixed, I flung myself from the litter, in an agony of weeping, and + supplicated her, by the love she bore me, by the happiness that + awaited us, by her own merciful God, who was too good to require such + a sacrifice,—by all that the most passionate anxiety could dictate, I + implored that she would avert from us the doom that was coming, + and—but for once—comply with the vain ceremony demanded of her.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Shrinking from me, + as I spoke,—but with a look more of sorrow than reproach,<span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page303">[pg 303]</span><a name="Pg303" id="Pg303" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“What, thou, + too!”</span> she said mournfully,—<span class="tei tei-q">“thou, into + whose spirit I had fondly hoped the same heavenly truth had descended + as into my own! Oh, be not thou leagued with those who would tempt me + to <span class="tei tei-q">‘make shipwreck of my faith!’</span> Thou, + who couldst alone bind me to life, use not thy power; but let me die, + as He I serve hath commanded,—die for the Truth. Remember the holy + lessons we heard on those nights, those happy nights, when both the + Present and Future smiled upon us,—when even the gift of eternal life + came more welcome to my soul, from the blessed conviction that thou + wert to be a sharer in it;—shall I forfeit now that divine privilege? + shall I deny the true God, whom we then learned to love?</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“No, my own betrothed,”</span> she continued,—pointing to + the two rings on her finger,—<span class="tei tei-q">“behold these + pledges,—they are both sacred. I should have been as true to thee as + I am now to heaven,—<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page304">[pg + 304]</span><a name="Pg304" id="Pg304" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>nor + in that life to which I am hastening shall our love be forgotten. + Should the baptism of fire, through which I shall pass to-morrow, + make me worthy to be heard before the Throne of Grace, I will + intercede for thy soul—I will pray that it may yet share with mine + that <span class="tei tei-q">‘inheritance, immortal and + undefiled,’</span> which Mercy offers, and that thou,—my dear + mother,—and I—”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">She here dropped + her voice; the momentary animation, with which devotion and affection + had inspired her, vanished;—and a darkness overspread all her + features, a livid darkness,—like the coming of death—that made me + shudder through every limb. Seizing my hand convulsively, and looking + at me with a fearful eagerness, as if anxious to hear some consoling + assurance from my own lips,—<span class="tei tei-q">“Believe + me,”</span> she continued, <span class="tei tei-q">“not all the + torments they are preparing for me,—not even this deep, burning pain + in my brow, which they will hardly equal,—could be half so + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page305">[pg 305]</span><a name="Pg305" + id="Pg305" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>dreadful to me, as the thought + that I leave thee—”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Here, her voice + again failed; her head sunk upon my arm, and—merciful God, let me + forget what I then felt,—I saw that she was dying! Whether I uttered + any cry, I know not;—but the Tribune came rushing into the chamber, + and, looking on the maiden, said, with a face full of horror, + <span class="tei tei-q">“It is but too true!”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">He then told me in + a low voice, what he had just learned from the guardian of the + prison, that the band round the young Christian’s brow was—oh + horrible cruelty!—a compound of the most deadly poison,—the hellish + invention of Orcus, to satiate his vengeance, and make the fate of + his poor victim secure. My first movement was to untie that fatal + wreath,—but it would not come away—it would not come away!</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Roused by the + pain, she again looked in my face; but, unable to speak, took hastily + from her bosom the small silver cross <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page306">[pg 306]</span><a name="Pg306" id="Pg306" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>which she had brought with her from my cave. + Having prest it to her own lips, she held it anxiously to mine, and + seeing me kiss the holy symbol with fervour, looked happy, and + smiled. The agony of death seemed to have passed away;—there came + suddenly over her features a heavenly light, some share of which I + felt descending into my own soul, and, in a few minutes more, she + expired in my arms.</p> + + <div class="tei tei-tb"> + <hr style="width: 50%" /> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Here ends the + Manuscript; but, on the outer cover there is, in the hand-writing of + a much later period, the following Notice, extracted, as it appears, + from some Egyptian martyrology:—</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“Alciphron,—an Epicurean philosopher, converted to + Christianity <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-size: 75%">A. D.</span></span> 257, by a young Egyptian + maiden, who suffered martyrdom in that year. Immediately upon her + death he betook himself to the desert, and lived a life, it is said, + of much <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page307">[pg 307]</span><a name= + "Pg307" id="Pg307" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>holiness and penitence. + During the persecution under Dioclesian, his sufferings for the faith + were most exemplary; and, being at length, at an advanced age, + condemned to hard labour, for refusing to comply with an Imperial + edict, he died at the brass mines of Palestine, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-size: 75%">A. D.</span></span> + 297.—</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><span class= + "tei tei-q">“As Alciphron held the opinions maintained since by + Arius, his memory has not been spared by Athanasian writers, who, + among other charges, accuse him of having been addicted to the + superstitions of Egypt. For this calumny, however, there appears to + be no better foundation than a circumstance, recorded by one of his + brother monks, that there was found, after his death, a small metal + mirror, like those used in the ceremonies of Isis, suspended round + his neck.”</span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page308">[pg + 308]</span><a name="Pg308" id="Pg308" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-back" style= + "margin-bottom: 2.00em; margin-top: 6.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 5.00em; margin-top: 5.00em"> + <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page309">[pg 309]</span><a name="Pg309" + id="Pg309" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> <a name="toc41" id= + "toc41"></a><a name="pdf42" id="pdf42"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-top: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">NOTES.</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg017" + class="tei tei-ref">Page 17</a>.—For the importance attached to + dreams by the ancients, see <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Jortin</span></span>, Remarks on Ecclesiastical + History, vol. 1. p. 90.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg022" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 22</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Pillar of + Pillars</span></span>”</span>—more properly, perhaps, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“the column of the pillars.”</span> v. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Abdallatif</span></span>, Relation de l’Egypte, + and the notes of <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">M. de Sacy</span></span>. The great portico + round this column (formerly designated Pompey’s, but now known to + have been erected in honour of Dioclesian) was still standing, M. de + Sacy says, in the time of Saladin. v. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lord Valentia’s + Travels</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg023" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 23</a>.—Ammianus thus speaks of the state of + Alexandria in his time, which was, I believe, as late as the end of + the fourth century:—<span class="tei tei-q">“Ne nunc quidem in eadem + urbe Doctrinæ variæ silent, non apud nos exaruit Musica nec Harmonia + conticuit.”</span> Lib. 22.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg025" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 25</a>.—From the character of the features of the + Sphinx, and a passage in Herodotus, describing the Egyptians as + <span lang="grc" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="grc"><span style= + "font-style: normal">μελαγχροες και ουλοτρικες</span></span>, Volney, + Bruce, and a few others, have concluded that the ancient inhabitants + of Egypt were negroes. But this opinion is contradicted by a host of + authorities. See <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Castera</span></span>’s notes upon <span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page310">[pg 310]</span><a name="Pg310" id="Pg310" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Browne’s Travels</span></span>, for the result + of Blumenbach’s dissection of a variety of mummies. Denon, speaking + of the character of the heads represented in the ancient sculpture + and painting of Egypt, says, <span class="tei tei-q">“Celle des + femmes ressemble encore à la figure des jolies femmes d’aujourd’hui: + de la rondeur, de la volupté, le nez petit, les yeux longs, peu + ouverts,”</span> &c. &c. He could judge, too, he says, from + the female mummies, <span class="tei tei-q">“que leurs cheveux + étoient longs et lisses, que le caractère de tête de la plupart + tenoit du beau style”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Je + raportai,”</span> he adds, <span class="tei tei-q">“une tête de + vieille femme qui étoit aussi belle que celles de Michel Ange, et + leur ressembloit beaucoup.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In a <span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Description générale de + Thèbes</span></span>”</span> by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Messrs. Jollois et Desvilliers</span></span>, + they say, <span class="tei tei-q">“Toutes les sculptures Egyptiennes, + depuis les plus grands colosses de Thèbes jusqu’aux plus petites + idoles, ne rappellent en aucune manière les traits de la figure des + nègres; outre que les têtes des momies des catacombs de Thèbes + presentent des profils droits.”</span> See also <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">M. + Jomard</span></span>’s <span class="tei tei-q">“Description of Syene + and the Cataracts,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Baron Larrey</span></span>, on the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“conformation physique”</span> of the Egyptians, + &c.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">De Pauw, the great + depreciator of every thing Egyptian, has, on the authority of a + passage in Ælian, presumed to affix to the countrywomen of Cleopatra + the stigma of complete and unredeemed ugliness. The following line of + Euripides, however, is an answer to such charges:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span lang="grc" class="tei tei-foreign" style="text-align: left" + xml:lang="grc"><span style="font-style: normal">Νειλου μεν αἱδε + καλλιπαρθενοι ροαι.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In addition to the + celebrated instances of Cleopatra, Rhodope, &c. we are told, on + the authority of Manetho (as given by Zoega from Georgius Syncellus), + of a beautiful queen of Memphis, Nitocris, of the sixth dynasty, who, + in addition to other charms and perfections, was (rather + inconsistently with the negro hypothesis) <span lang="grc" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="grc"><span style= + "font-style: normal">ξανθη την χροιαν</span></span>.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page311">[pg 311]</span><a name="Pg311" id="Pg311" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">See, for a tribute + to the beauty of the Egyptian women, Montesquieu’s Temple de + Gnide.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg035" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 35</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Among beds of lotus + flowers.</span></span>”</span>—v. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Strabo</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg036" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 36</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Isle of the golden + Venus.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“On trouve une + île appelée Venus-Dorée, ou le champ d’or, avant de remonter jusqu’à + Memphis.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Voyages de Pythagore.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg039" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 39</a>.—For an account of the Table of Emerald, v. + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Lettres sur + l’Origine des Dieux d’Egypte</span></span>. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">De Pauw</span></span> + supposes it to be a modern fiction of the Arabs. Many writers have + fancied that the art of making gold was the great secret that lay hid + under the forms of Egyptian theology. <span class="tei tei-q">“La + science Hermétique,”</span> says the Benedictine, Pernetz, + <span class="tei tei-q">“l’art sacerdotal étoit la source de toutes + les richesses des Rois d’Egypte, et l’objet de ces mystères si cachés + sous le voile du leur pretendu Religion.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fables + Egyptiennes.</span></span> The hieroglyphs, that formerly covered the + Pyramids, are supposed by some of these writers to relate to the same + art. See <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Mutus liber, Rupellæ</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg040" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 40</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“By reflecting the + sun’s rays,”</span> says <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Clarke</span></span>, speaking of the Pyramids, + <span class="tei tei-q">“they appeared white as snow.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg041" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 41</a>.—For Bubastis, the Diana of the Egyptians, + v. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Jablonski</span></span>, lib. 3. c. 4.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg043" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 43</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The light + coracle</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—v. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Amuilhon</span></span>, + <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Histoire de la Navigation et du Commerce des + Egyptiens sous les Ptolemées</span></span>.”</span> See also, for a + description of the various kinds of boats used on the Nile, + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Maillet</span></span>, tom. i. p. 98.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg044" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 44</a>.—v. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Maurice</span></span>, Appendix to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Ruins of Ba<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page312">[pg + 312]</span><a name="Pg312" id="Pg312" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>bylon.”</span> Another reason, he says, for + their worship of the Ibis, <span class="tei tei-q">“founded on their + love of geometry, was (according to Plutarch) that the space between + its legs, when parted asunder, as it walks, together with its beak, + forms a complete equilateral triangle.”</span> From the examination + of the embalmed birds, found in the Catacombs of Saccara, there seems + to be no doubt that the Ibis was the same kind of bird as that + described by Bruce, under the Arabian name of Abou Hannes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg044" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The + sistrum</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Isis est genius,”</span> says <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Servius</span></span>, + <span class="tei tei-q">“Ægypti, qui per sistri motum, quod gerit in + dextra, Nili accessus recessusque significat.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg048" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 48</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The ivy encircled + it</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—The ivy was consecrated to + Osiris. v. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Diodor. Sic.</span></span> 1. 10.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg048" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The small + mirror.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Quelques + unes,”</span> says <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Dupuis</span></span>, describing the processions + of Isis, <span class="tei tei-q">“portoient des miroirs attachés à + leurs épaules, afin de multiplier et de porter dans tous les sens les + images de la Déesse.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Origine des Cultes</span></span>, tom. 8. p. + 847. A mirror, it appears, was also one of the emblems in the + mysteries of Bacchus.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg049" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 49</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><a name="corr312" id="corr312" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a><span class="tei tei-corr"><span style= + "font-style: italic">There</span></span> <span style= + "font-style: italic">is, to the north of + Memphis</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Tout prouve que la territoire de Sakkarah étoit la + Necropolis au sud de Memphis, et le faubourg opposé à celui-ci, où + sont les pyramides de Gizeh, une autre Ville des Morts, qui terminoit + Memphis au nord.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Denon.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">There is nothing + known with certainty as to the site of Memphis, but it will be + perceived that the description of its position given by the Epicurean + corresponds, in almost every particular, with that which M. Maillet + (the French consul, for many years, at Cairo) has left us. It must be + always borne in mind, too, that of the dis<span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page313">[pg 313]</span><a name="Pg313" id="Pg313" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>tances between the respective places here + mentioned, we have no longer any accurate means of judging.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg051" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 49</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pyramid beyond + pyramid.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Multas olim + pyramidas fuisse e ruinis arguitur.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Zoega.</span></span>—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Vansleb</span></span>, + who visited more than ten of the small pyramids, is of opinion that + there must have originally been a hundred in this place.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">See, for the lake + to the northward of Memphis, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Shaw’s Travels</span></span>, p. 302.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg057" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 57</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Theban + beetle.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“On voit en + Egypte, après la retraite du Nil et la fécondation des terres, le + limon couvert d’une multitude de scarabées. Un pareil phénomène a dû + sembler aux Egyptiens le plus propre à peindre une nouvelle + existence.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">M. Jomard.</span></span>—Partly for the same + reason, and partly for another, still more fanciful, the early + Christians used to apply this emblem to Christ. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Bonus ille scarabæus meus,”</span> says St. Augustine + <span class="tei tei-q">“non eâ tantum de causâ quod unigenitus, quod + ipsemet sui auctor mortalium speciem induerit, sed quod in hac nostrâ + fæce sese volutaverit et ex hac ipsa nasci voluerit.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg057" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Enshrined within a case + of crystal.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Les + Egyptiens ont fait aussi, pour conserver leurs morts, des caisses de + verre.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">De Pauw.</span></span>—He mentions, in another + place, a sort of transparent substance, which the Ethiopians used for + the same purpose, and which was frequently mistaken by the Greeks for + glass.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg058" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 58</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Among the emblems of + death.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Un prêtre, qui + brise la tige d’une fleur, des oiseaux qui <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page314">[pg 314]</span><a name="Pg314" id="Pg314" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>s’envolent sont les emblemes de la morte et de + l’âme qui se sépare du corps.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Denon.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Theseus employs + the same image in the Phædra:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span lang="grc" class="tei tei-foreign" style="text-align: left" + xml:lang="grc"><span style="font-style: normal">Ορνις γαρ ὡς τις + εκ χερων αφαντος ει</span></span> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + <span lang="grc" class="tei tei-foreign" style="text-align: left" + xml:lang="grc"><span style="font-style: normal">Πηδημ’ ες ἁδου + πικρον ὁρμησασα μοι.</span></span> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg059" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 59</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“The singular + appearance of a Cross so frequently recurring among the hieroglyphics + of Egypt, had excited the curiosity of the Christians at a very early + period of ecclesiastical history; and as some of the Priests, who + were acquainted with the meaning of the hieroglyphics, became + converted to Christianity the secret transpired. <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘The converted heathens,’</span> says Socrates + Scholasticus, <span class="tei tei-q">‘explained the symbol, and + declared that it signified Life to Come.’</span> ”</span> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Clarke.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Lipsius, + therefore, erroneously supposes the Cross to have been an emblem + peculiar to the Christians. See, on this subject, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">L’Histoire des + Juifs</span></span>, liv. 9. c. 16.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">It is singular + enough that while the Cross was held sacred among the Egyptians, not + only the custom of marking the forehead with the sign of the Cross, + but Baptism and the consecration of the bread in the Eucharist were + imitated in the mysterious ceremonies of Mithra. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tertull. de + Proscriptione Hereticorum.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Zoega is of + opinion that the Cross found (for the first time, it is said) on the + destruction of the temple of Serapis, by the Christians, could have + not been the crux ansata; as nothing is more common than this emblem + on all the Egyptian monuments.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg062" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 62</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stood + shadowless.</span></span>”</span>—It was an idea entertained among + the ancients that the Pyramids were so constructed (<span class= + "tei tei-q">“mecanicâ constructione,”</span> says <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ammianus + Marcellinus</span></span>) as never to cast any + shadow.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page315">[pg + 315]</span><a name="Pg315" id="Pg315" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg064" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 64</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Rhodope.</span></span>”</span>—From the story of + Rhodope, Zoega thinks, <span class="tei tei-q">“videntur Arabes ansam + arripuisse ut in una ex pyramidibus, genii loco, habitare dicerent + mulierem nudam insignis pulchritudinis quæ aspectu suo homines + insanire faciat.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">De Usu Obeliscorum.</span></span> See also + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">L’Egypte de + Murtadi par Vattier</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg066" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 66</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Gates of + Oblivion.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Apud Memphim + æneas quasdam portas, quæ Lethes et Cocyti (hoc est oblivionis et + lamentationis) appellenter aperiri, gravem asperumque edentes + sonum.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Zoega.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg069" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 69</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A pile of lifeless + bodies.</span></span>”</span>—See, for the custom of burying the dead + upright (<span class="tei tei-q">“post funus stantia busto + corpora,”</span> as Statius describes it), Dr. Clarke’s preface to + the 2d section of his fifth volume. They used to insert precious + stones in the place of the eyes. <span class="tei tei-q">“Les yeux + étoient formés d’émeraudes, de turquoises,”</span> &c.—v. + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Masoudy</span></span>, quoted by <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Quatremere</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg072" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 72</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">It seemed as if every + echo.</span></span>”</span>—See, for the echoes in the pyramids, + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Plutarch, + de Placitis Philosoph.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg074" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 74</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pale phantom-like + shapes.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Ce moment + heureux (de l’Autopsie) étoit preparé par des scènes effrayantes, par + des alternatives de crainte et de joie, de lumière et des ténèbres, + par la lueur des éclairs, par le bruit terrible de la foudre, qu’on + imitoit, et par des apparitions de spectres, des illusions magiques, + qui frappoient les yeux et les oreilles tout ensemble.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Dupuis.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg077" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 77</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Serpents of + fire.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Ces + considérations me portent à penser que, dans les mystères, ces + phéno<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page316">[pg 316]</span><a name= + "Pg316" id="Pg316" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>mènes étoient beaucoup + mieux exécutées et sans comparison plus terribles à l’aide de quelque + composition pyrique, qui est restée cachée, comme celle du feu + Grégeois.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">De Pauw.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg078" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 78</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The burning of the + reed-beds of Ethiopia.</span></span>”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Il n’y a point d’autre moyen que de porter le feu dans + ces forêts de roseaux, qui répandent alors dans tout le païs une + lumière aussi considérable que celle du jour même.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Maillet</span></span>, tom. 1. p. 63.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg079" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 79</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The sound of + torrents.</span></span>”</span>—The Nile, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pliny</span></span> + tells us, was admitted into the Pyramid.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg081" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 81</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">I had almost given + myself up.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“On + exerçoit,”</span> says <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Dupuis</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“les recipiendaires, pendant plusieurs jours, à + traverser, à la nage, une grande étendue d’eau. On les y jettoit et + ce n’étoit que avec peine qu’ ils s’en retiroient. On appliquoit le + fer et le feu sur leurs membres. On les faisoit passer à travers les + flammes.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">The aspirants were + often in considerable danger, and Pythagoras, we are told, nearly + lost his life in the trials. v. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Recherches sur les Initiations, par + Robin</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg090" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 90</a>.—For the two cups used in the mysteries, + see <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">L’Histoire des Juifs</span></span>, liv. 9. c. + 16.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg090" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Osiris.</span></span>”</span>—Osiris, under the + name of Serapis, was supposed to rule over the subterranean world; + and performed the office of Pluto, in the mythology of the Egyptians. + <span class="tei tei-q">“They believed,”</span> says Dr. Pritchard, + <span class="tei tei-q">“that Serapis presided over the region of + departed souls, during the period of their absence, when languishing + without bodies, and that the dead were deposited in his + palace.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Analysis of the Egyptian + Mythology.</span></span></p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page317">[pg + 317]</span><a name="Pg317" id="Pg317" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg090" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">To cool the lips of the + dead.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Frigidam illam + aquam post mortem, tanquam Hebes poculum, expetitam.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Zoega.</span></span>—The Lethe of the Egyptians + was called Ameles. See <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Dupuis</span></span>, tom. 8. p. 651.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg091" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 90</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A draught + divine.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Diodor. Sicul.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg093" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 93</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Grasshopper, symbol of + initiation.</span></span>”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hor. + Apoll.</span></span>—The grasshopper was also consecrated to the sun + as being musical.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg094" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 94</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Isle of + gardens.</span></span>”</span>—The isle Antirrhodus near Alexandria. + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Maillet.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg094" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Vineyard at + Anthylla.</span></span>”</span>—See <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Athen. + Deipnos.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg097" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 97</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">We can see those + stars.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“On voyoit en + plein jour par ces ouvertures les étoiles, et même quelques planètes + en leur plus grande latitude septentrionale; et les prêtres avoient + bientôt profité de ce phénomène pour observer à diverses heures la + passage des étoiles.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Séthos.</span></span>—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Strabo</span></span> + mentions certain caves or pits, constructed for the purpose of + astronomical observations, which lay in the Zelopolitan prefecture, + beyond Heliopolis.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg098" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 98</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A + plantain.</span></span>”</span>—This tree was dedicated to the Genii + of the Shades, from its being an emblem of repose and cooling airs. + <span class="tei tei-q">“Cui imminet musæ folium, quod ab Iside + infera geniisque ei addictis manu geri solitum, umbram requiemque et + auras frigidas subindigitare videtur.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Zoega.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg107" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 107</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">He spoke of the + preexistence of the soul</span></span>,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—For a full account of the + doctrines which are here represented as having been taught to the + initiated <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page318">[pg + 318]</span><a name="Pg318" id="Pg318" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>in + the Egyptian mysteries, the reader may consult <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Dupuis</span></span>, + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pritchard’s + Analysis of the Egyptian Mythology</span></span>, &c. &c. + <span class="tei tei-q">“L’on découvroit l’origine de l’ame, sa chute + sur la terre, à travers les sphères et les élémens, et son retour au + lieu de sa origine ... c’étoit ici la partie la plus métaphysique, et + que ne pourroit guère entendre le commun des Initiés, mais dont on + lui donnoit le spectacle par des figures et des spectres + allégoriques.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Dupuis.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg108" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 108</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Those fields of + radiance.</span></span>”</span>—See <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Beausobre</span></span>, liv. 3. c. 4. for the + <span class="tei tei-q">“terre bienheureuse et lumineuse”</span> + which the Manicheans supposed God to inhabit. Plato, too, speaks (in + Phæd.) of a <span class="tei tei-q">“pure land lying in the pure sky + (<span lang="grc" class="tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="grc"><span style= + "font-style: normal">την γην καθαραν εν καθαρω κεισθαι + ουρανω</span></span>), the abode of divinity, of innocence, and of + life.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg110" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 110</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tracing it from the + first moment of earthward desire.</span></span>”</span>—In the + original construction of this work, there was an episode introduced + here, (which I have since published in another form,) illustrating + the doctrine of the fall of the soul by the Oriental fable of the + Loves of the Angels.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg111" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 111</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Restoring her lost + wings.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Damascius</span></span> in his Life of Isidorus, + says, <span class="tei tei-q">“Ex antiquissimis Philosophis + Pythagoram et Platonem Isidorus ut Deos coluit, et <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">eorum animas alatas + esse</span></span> dixit quas in locum supercœlestem inque campum + veritatis et pratum elevatas, divinis putavit ideis pasci.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Apud Phot. + Bibliothec.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg112" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 112</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A pale, moonlike + meteor.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Apuleius</span></span>, in describing the + miraculous appearances exhibited in the mysteries, says, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nocte mediâ vidi solem candido coruscantem + lumine.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Metamorphos.</span></span> lib. + 11.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page319">[pg 319]</span><a name= + "Pg319" id="Pg319" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg113" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 113</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">So entirely did the + illusion of the scene</span></span>,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—In tracing the early + connection of spectacles with the ceremonies of religion, Voltaire + says, <span class="tei tei-q">“Il y a bien plus; les véritables + grandes tragédies, les representations imposantes et terribles, + étoient les mystères sacrés, qu’on célébroit dans les plus vastes + temples du monde, en présence des seuls Initiés; c’étoit là que les + habits, les décorations, les machines étoient propres au sujet; et le + sujet étoit la vie présente et la vie future.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Des divers changemens + arrivés à l’art tragique.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">To these scenic + representations in the Egyptian mysteries, there is evidently an + allusion in the vision of Ezekiel, where the spirit shows him the + abominations which the Israelites learned in Egypt:—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Then said he unto me, <span class="tei tei-q">‘Son of + man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in + the dark, every man in <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">the chambers of his + imagery</span></span>.’</span> ”</span> Chap. 8.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg118" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 118</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The seven tables of + stone.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Bernard, Comte + de la Marche Trévisane, instruit par la lecture des livres anciens, + dit qu’ Hermes trouva sept tables dans la vallée d’Hebron, sur + lesquelles étoient gravés les principes des arts liberaux.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fables + Egyptiennes.</span></span> See <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Jablonski de stelis Herm.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg119" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 119</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Beside the goat of + Mendes.</span></span>”</span>—For an account of the animal worship of + the Egyptians, see <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">De Pauw</span></span>, tom. 2.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg119" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Isiac + serpents.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“On auguroit + bien des serpens Isiaques, lorsqu’ils goutoient l’offrande et se + trainoient lentement autour de l’autel.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">De + Pauw.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg121" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 121</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Hence the festivals and + hymns</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—For an account of the + various festivals at the different periods <span class="tei tei-pb" + id="page320">[pg 320]</span><a name="Pg320" id="Pg320" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>of the sun’s progress, in the spring, and in the + autumn, see <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Dupuis</span></span> and <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Pritchard</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg121" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The mysteries of the + night.</span></span>”</span>—v. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Athenag. Leg. pro Christ.</span></span> p. + 133.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg125" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 125</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A peal like that of + thunder.</span></span>”</span>—See, for some curious remarks on the + mode of imitating thunder and lightning in the ancient mysteries, + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">De + Pauw</span></span>, tom. 1. p. 323. The machine with which these + effects were produced on the stage was called a ceraunoscope.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg131" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 131</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Windings, capriciously + intricate.</span></span>”</span>—In addition to the accounts which + the ancients have left us of the prodigious excavations in all parts + of Egypt,—the fifteen hundred chambers under the Labyrinth—the + subterranean stables of the Thebaïd, containing a thousand horses—the + crypts of Upper Egypt passing under the bed of the Nile, &c. + &c.—the stories and traditions current among the Arabs still + preserve the memory of those wonderful substructions. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Un Arabe,”</span> says Paul Lucas, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“qui étoit avec nous, m’assura qu’étant entré autrefois + dans le Labyrinthe, il avoit marché dans les chambres souterraines + jusqu’en un lieu où il y avoit une grande place environnée de + plusieurs niches qui ressembloit à de petites boutiques, d’où l’on + entroit dans d’autres allées et dans des chambres, sans pouvoir en + trouver la fin.”</span> In speaking, too, of the arcades along the + Nile, near Cosseir, <span class="tei tei-q">“Ils me dirent même que + ces souterrains étoient si profondes qu’il y en avoient qui alloient + à trois journées de là, et qu’ils conduisoient dans un pays où l’on + voyoit de beaux jardins, qu’on y trouvoit de belles maisons,”</span> + &c. &c.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">See also in + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">M. + Quatremere’s Memoires sur l’Egypte</span></span>, tom. 1. p. 142., an + account of a subterranean reservoir, <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page321">[pg 321]</span><a name="Pg321" id="Pg321" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>said to have been discovered at Kaïs, and of the + expedition undertaken by a party of persons, in a long narrow boat, + for the purpose of exploring it. <span class="tei tei-q">“Leur voyage + avoit été de six jours, dont les quatre premiers furent employés à + pénétrer les bords; les deux autres à revenir au lieu d’où ils + étoient partis: Pendant tout cet intervalle ils ne purent atteindre + l’extrémité du bassin. L’émir Ala-eddin-Tamboga, gouverneur de + Behnesa, écrivit ces détails au sultan, qui en fut extrêmement + surpris.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg136" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 136</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A small island in the + centre of Lake Mœris.</span></span>”</span>—The position here given + to Lake Mœris, in making it the immediate boundary of the city of + Memphis to the south, corresponds exactly with the site assigned to + it by Maillet:—<span class="tei tei-q">“Memphis avoit encore à son + midi un vaste reservoir, par où tout ce qui peut servir à la + commodité et à l’agrément de la vie lui étoit voituré abondamment de + toutes les parties de l’Egypte. Ce lac qui la terminoit de ce + côté-là,”</span> &c. &c. Tom. 2. p. 7.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg136" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ruins rising blackly + above the wave.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“On + voit sur la rive orientale des antiquités qui sont presque + entièrement sous les eaux.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Belzoni.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg137" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 137</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Its thundering + portals.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Quorundam + autem domorum (in Labyrintho) talis est situs, ut adaperientibus + foris tonitru intus terribile existat.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Pliny.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg138" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 138</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Leaves that serve as + cups.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Strabo.</span></span> According to the French + translator of Strabo, it was the fruit of the <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">faba + Ægyptiaca</span></span>, not the leaf, that was used for this + purpose. <span class="tei tei-q">“Le <span lang="grc" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="grc"><span style= + "font-style: normal">κιβωριον</span></span>,”</span> he says, + <span class="tei tei-q">“devoit s’entendre de la capsule ou fruit de + cette plante, dont les Egyptiens <span class="tei tei-pb" id= + "page322">[pg 322]</span><a name="Pg322" id="Pg322" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>se servoient comme d’un vase, imaginant que + l’eau du Nil y devenoit delicieuse.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg142" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 142</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The fish of these + waters</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ælian</span></span>, + lib. 6. 32.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg142" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pleasure boats or + yachts.</span></span>”</span>—Called Thalamages, from the pavilion on + the deck. v. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Strabo</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg144" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 144</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Covered with beds of + those pale, sweet roses.</span></span>”</span>—As April is the season + for gathering these roses (See <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Malte-brun’s Economical Calendar</span></span>), + the Epicurean could not, of course, mean to say that he saw them + actually in flower.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg146" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 146</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The lizards upon the + bank.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“L’or et l’azur + brillent en bandes longitudinales sur leur corps entier, et leur + queue est du plus beau bleu celeste.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sonnini.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg147" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 147</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The canal through which + we now sailed.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Un + canal,”</span> says <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Maillet</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“très profond et très large y voituroit les eaux du + Nil.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg150" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 150</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">For a draught of whose + flood</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Anciennement on portoit les eaux du Nil jusqu’au des + contrées fort éloignées, et surtout chez les princesses du sang des + Ptolomées, mariées dans des families étrangères.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">De + Pauw.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg154" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 154</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bearing each the name + of its owner.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Le nom + du maître y étoit écrit, pendant la nuit en lettres de feu.”</span> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Maillet.</span></span></p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page323">[pg 323]</span><a name="Pg323" id="Pg323" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg155" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 155</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Cups of that frail + crystal</span></span>”</span>—called Alassontes. For their + brittleness <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Martial</span></span> is an authority:—</p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-top: 1.00em; margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Tolle, puer, calices, tepidique toreumata Nili, + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Et mihi securâ pocula trade manu. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg155" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Bracelets of the black + beans of Abyssinia.</span></span>”</span>—The bean of the Glycyne, + which is so beautiful as to be strung into necklaces and bracelets, + is generally known by the name of the black bean of Abyssinia. + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Niebhur.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg155" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sweet lotus-wood + flute.</span></span>”</span>—See <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">M. Villoteau on the + musical instruments of the Egyptians</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg156" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 156</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Shine like the brow of + Mount Atlas at night.</span></span>”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Solinus</span></span> + speaks of the snowy summit of Mount Atlas glittering with flames at + night. In the account of the Periplus of Hanno, as well as in that of + Eudoxus, we read that as those navigators were coasting this part of + Africa, torrents of light were seen to fall on the sea.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg158" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 158</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The tears of + Isis.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Per lacrymas, + vero, Isidis intelligo effluvia quædam Lunæ, quibus tantam vim + videntur tribuisse Ægypti.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Jablonski.</span></span>—He is of opinion that + the superstition of the <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Nucta</span></span>, or miraculous drop, is of a + relic of the veneration paid to the dews, as the tears of Isis.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg158" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 158</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The rustling of the + acacias</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Travels of Captain + Mangles.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg158" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Supposed to rest in the + valley of the moon.</span></span>”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Plutarch.</span></span> + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Dupuis</span></span>, tom. 10. The Manicheans + held the same belief. See <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Beausobre</span></span>, p. 565.</p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page324">[pg 324]</span><a name="Pg324" id="Pg324" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg160" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 160</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sothis, the fair star + of the waters.</span></span>”</span>—<span lang="grc" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="grc"><span style= + "font-style: normal">ὑδραγωγον</span></span> is the epithet applied + to this star by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Plutarch</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">de + Isid.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg160" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Was its + birth-star.</span></span>”</span>—<span lang="grc" class= + "tei tei-foreign" xml:lang="grc"><span style="font-style: normal">Ἡ + Σωθεως ανατολη γενεσεως καταρχουσα της εις τον κοσμον</span></span>. + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Porphyr. de + Antro Nymph.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg168" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 168</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Golden + Mountains.</span></span>”</span>—v. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wilford on Egypt and + the Nile</span></span>, Asiatic Researches.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg168" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Sweet-smelling + wood.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“’A l’époque de + la crue le Nil Vert charie les planches d’un bois qui a une odeur + semblable à celle de l’encens.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Quatremere.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg169" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 169</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Barges full of + bees.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Maillet.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg170" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 170</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Such a profusion of the + white flowers</span></span>,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“On les voit comme jadis cueillir dans les champs des + tiges du lotus, signes du débordement et présages de l’abondance; ils + s’enveloppent les bras et le corps avec les longues tiges fleuries, + et parcourent les rues,”</span> &c. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Description des + Tombeaux des Rois, par M. Costaz.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg173" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 173</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">While composing his + commentary on the scriptures.</span></span>”</span>—It was during the + composition of his great critical work, the Hexapla, that Origen + employed these female scribes.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg176" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 176</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">That rich + tapestry</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span></p> + + <div class="tei tei-lg" style= + "margin-left: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Non ego prætulerim Babylonica picta superbè + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-l" style="text-align: left"> + Texta, Semiramiâ quæ variantur acu. + </div> + </div> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; text-align: right"><span class="tei tei-hi" + style="text-align: right"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Martial.</span></span></p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page325">[pg 325]</span><a name="Pg325" id="Pg325" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg200" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 200</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Place of + Weeping.</span></span>”</span>—v. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Wilford</span></span>, + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Asiatic + Researches</span></span>, vol. 3. p. 340.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg210" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 210</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">We had long since left + this mountain behind.</span></span>”</span>—The voyages on the Nile + are, under favourable circumstances, performed with considerable + rapidity. <span class="tei tei-q">“En cinq ou six jours,”</span> says + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Maillet</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“on pourroit aisément remonter de l’embouchure du Nil à + ses cataractes, ou descendre des cataractes jusqu’à la mer.”</span> + The great uncertainty of the navigation is proved by what + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Belzoni</span></span> tells us:—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Nous ne mîmes cette fois que deux jours et demi pour + faire le trajet du Caire à Melawi, auquel, dans notre second voyage, + nous avions employés dix-huit jours.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg212" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 212</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Those mighty statues, + that fling their shadows.</span></span>”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Elles out près de vingt mètres (61 pieds) d’élévation; + et au lever du soleil, leurs ombres immenses s’étendent au loin sur + la chaine Libyen.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Description générale de Thèbes, par Messrs. + Jollois et Desvilliers.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg212" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Those cool + alcoves.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Paul Lucas.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg219" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 219</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Whose waters are half + sweet, half bitter.</span></span>”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Paul + Lucas.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg224" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 224</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The Mountain of the + Birds.</span></span>”</span>—There has been much controversy among + the Arabian writers, with respect to the site of this mountain, for + which see <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Quatremere</span></span>, tom. 1. art. + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Amoun</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg230" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 230</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The hand of labour had + succeeded</span></span>,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—The + monks of Mount Sinai (<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Shaw</span></span> says) have covered over near + four acres of the naked rocks with fruitful gardens and + orchards.</p><span class="tei tei-pb" id="page326">[pg + 326]</span><a name="Pg326" id="Pg326" class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg233" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 233</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The image of a + head.</span></span>”</span>—There was usually, Tertullian tells us, + the image of Christ on the communion-cups.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg233" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Kissed her + forehead.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“We are + rather disposed to infer,”</span> says the present Bishop of Lincoln, + in his very sensible work on Tertullian, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“that, at the conclusion of all their meetings for the + purpose of devotion, the early Christians were accustomed to give the + kiss of peace, in token of the brotherly love subsisting between + them.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg237" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 237</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">In the middle of the + seven valleys.</span></span>”</span>—See Macrizy’s account of these + valleys, given by Quatremere, tom. 1. p. 450.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg237" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Red lakes of + Nitria.</span></span>”</span>—For a striking description of this + region, see <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Rameses</span></span>,”</span>—a work which, + though, in general, too technical and elaborate, shows, in many + passages, to what picturesque effects the scenery and mythology of + Egypt may be made subservient.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg238" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 238</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">In the neighbourhood of + Antinoë.</span></span>”</span>—From the position assigned to Antinoë + in this work, we should conclude that it extended much farther to the + north, than these few ruins of it that remain would seem to indicate; + so as to render the distance between the city and the Mountain of the + Birds considerably less than what it appears to be at present.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg243" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 243</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">When Isis, the pure + star of lovers.</span></span>”</span>—v. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Plutarch de + Isid.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg243" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Ere she again embrace + her bridegroom sun.</span></span>”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Conjunctio solis cum luna, quod est veluti utriusque + connubium.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Jablonski.</span></span></p><span class= + "tei tei-pb" id="page327">[pg 327]</span><a name="Pg327" id="Pg327" + class="tei tei-anchor"></a> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg247" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 247</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Of his walks a lion is + the companion.</span></span>”</span>—M. Chateaubriand has introduced + Paul and his lion into the <span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Martyrs</span></span>,”</span> liv. 11.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg235" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 235</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Come thus secretly + before day-break.</span></span>”</span>—It was among the accusations + of Celsus against the Christians, that they held their assemblies + privately and contrary to law; and one of the speakers in the curious + work of Minucius Felix calls the Christians <span class= + "tei tei-q">“latebrosa et lucifugax natio.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg256" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 256</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">A + swallow</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Je vis dans le desert des hirondelles d’un gris clair + comme le sable sur lequel elles volent.”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Denon.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg257" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 257</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The comet that once + desolated this world.</span></span>”</span>—In alluding to Whiston’s + idea of a comet having caused the deluge, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">M. + Girard</span></span>, having remarked that the word Typhon means a + deluge, adds, <span class="tei tei-q">“On ne peut entendre par le + tems du règne de Typhon que celui pendant lequel le déluge inonda la + terre, tems pendant lequel on dût observer la comète qui + l’occasionna, et dont l’apparition fut, non seulement pour les + peuples de l’Egypte, et de l’Ethiopie, mais encore pour tous les + peuples le présage funeste de leur destruction presque + totale.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Description de la Vallée de + l’E’garement.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg259" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 259</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">In which the spirit of + my dream</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Many people,”</span> said <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Origen</span></span>, + <span class="tei tei-q">“have been brought over to Christianity by + the Spirit of God giving a sudden turn to their minds, and offering + visions to them either by day or night.”</span> On this <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Jortin</span></span> + remarks:—<span class="tei tei-q">“Why should it be thought improbable + that Pagans of good dispositions, but not free from prejudices, + should have been <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page328">[pg + 328]</span><a name="Pg328" id="Pg328" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>called by divine admonitions, by dreams or + visions, which might be a support to Christianity in those days of + distress.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg263" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 263</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">One of those earthen + cups.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Palladius</span></span>, who lived some time in + Egypt, describes the monk Ptolemæus, who inhabited the desert of + Scete, as collecting in earthen cups the abundant dew from the + rocks.—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Bibliothec. Pat.</span></span> tom. 13.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg264" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 264</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">It was to preserve, he + said</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—The brief sketch here + given of the Jewish dispensation agrees very much with the view taken + of it by Dr. Sumner, the present Bishop of Llandaff, in the first + chapters of his eloquent and luminous work, the <span class= + "tei tei-q">“Records of the Creation.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg266" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 266</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">In vain did I seek the + promise of immortality.</span></span>”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“It is impossible to deny,”</span> says the Bishop of + Llandaff, <span class="tei tei-q">“that the sanctions of the Mosaic + Law are altogether temporal.... It is, indeed, one of the facts that + can only be explained by acknowledging that he really acted under a + divine commission, promulgating a temporary law for a peculiar + purpose,”</span>—a much more candid and sensible way of treating this + very difficult point, than by either endeavouring, like Warburton, to + escape from it into a paradox, or still worse, contriving, like Dr. + Graves, to increase its difficulty by explanation. v. <span class= + "tei tei-q">“<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">On the Pentateuch</span></span>.”</span> See + also <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Horne’s Introduction</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">&c.</span></span> + vol. I. p. 226.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg268" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 268</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">All are of the + dust</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—While Voltaire, Volney, + &c. refer to the Ecclesiastes, as abounding with tenets of + materialism and Epicurism, Mr. Des Voeux and others find in it strong + proofs of belief in a future state. The chief difficulty lies in the + chapter from <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page329">[pg + 329]</span><a name="Pg329" id="Pg329" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>which this text is quoted; and the mode of + construction by which some writers attempt to get rid of it,—namely, + by putting these texts into the mouth of a foolish reasoner,—appears + forced and gratuitous. v. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Dr. Hales’s Analysis</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg270" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 270</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The noblest and + first-created</span></span>,”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—This opinion of the Hermit + may be supposed to have been derived from his master, Origen; but it + is not easy to ascertain the exact doctrine of Origen on this + subject. In the Treatise on Prayer attributed to him, he asserts that + God the Father alone should be invoked,—which, says Bayle, is + <span class="tei tei-q">“encherir sur les Hérésies des + Sociniens.”</span> Notwithstanding this, however, and some other + indications of, what was afterwards called, Arianism, (such as the + opinion of the divinity being received by <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">communication</span></span>, which <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Milner</span></span> + asserts to have been held by this Father,) Origen was one of the + authorities quoted by Athanasius in support of his high doctrines of + co-eternity and co-essentiality. What Priestley says is, perhaps, the + best solution of these inconsistencies;—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Origen, as well as Clemens Alexandrinus, has been + thought to favour the Arian principle; but he did it only in words + and not in ideas.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Early Opinions</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">&c.</span></span> + Whatever uncertainty, however, there may exist with respect to the + opinion of Origen himself on this subject, there is no doubt that the + doctrines of his immediate followers were, at least, Anti-Athanasian. + <span class="tei tei-q">“So many Bishops of Africa,”</span> says + Priestley, <span class="tei tei-q">“were, at this period (between the + years 255 and 258), Unitarians, that Athanasius says, <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘The Son of God,’</span>—meaning his + divinity,—<span class="tei tei-q">‘was scarcely any longer preached + in the churches.’</span> ”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg271" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 271</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The restoration of the + whole human race to purity and happiness.</span></span>”</span>—This + benevolent doc<span class="tei tei-pb" id="page330">[pg + 330]</span><a name="Pg330" id="Pg330" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>trine,—which not only goes far to solve the + great problem of moral and physical evil, but which would, if + received more generally, tend to soften the spirit of + uncharitableness, so fatally prevalent among Christian sects,—was + maintained by that great light of the early Church, Origen, and has + not wanted supporters among more modern Theologians. That Tillotson + was inclined to the opinion appears from his sermon preached before + the queen. Paley is supposed to have held the same amiable doctrine; + and Newton (the author of the work on the Prophecies) is also among + the supporters of it. For a full account of the arguments in favour + of this opinion, derived both from reason and the express language of + Scripture, see Dr. Southwood Smith’s very interesting work, + <span class="tei tei-q">“On the Divine Government.”</span> See also + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Magee on + the Atonement</span></span>, where the doctrine of the advocates of + Universal Restoration is thus briefly and fairly + explained:—<span class="tei tei-q">“Beginning with the existence of + an infinitely powerful, wise, and good Being, as the first and + fundamental principle of rational religion, they pronounce the + essence of this Being to be <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">love</span></span>, and from this infer, as a + demonstrable consequence, that none of the creatures formed by such a + Being will ever be made eternally miserable.... Since God (they say) + would act unjustly in inflicting eternal misery for temporary crimes, + the sufferings of the wicked can be but remedial, and will terminate + in a complete purification from moral disorder, and in their ultimate + restoration to virtue and happiness.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg273" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 273</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Fruit of the desert + shrub.</span></span>”</span>—v. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Hamilton’s Ægyptiaca</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg278" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 278</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The white garment she + wore, and the ring of gold on her finger.</span></span>”</span>—See, + for the custom among the early Christians of wearing white for a few + days after <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page331">[pg + 331]</span><a name="Pg331" id="Pg331" class= + "tei tei-anchor"></a>baptism, <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Ambros. de Myst.</span></span>—With respect to + the ring, the Bishop of Lincoln says, in his work on Tertullian, + <span class="tei tei-q">“The natural inference from these words + (<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Tertull. + de Pudicitiâ</span></span>) appears to be that a ring used to be + given in baptism; but I have found no other trace of such a + custom.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg280" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 280</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Pebbles of + jasper.</span></span>”</span>—v. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Clarke</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg280" class= + "tei tei-ref">Ib.</a>—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Stunted + marigold</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“Les <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum</span></span> et + <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Zygophyllum + coccineum</span></span>, plantes grasses des déserts, rejetées à + cause de leur âcreté par les chameaux, les chèvres, et les + gazelles.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">M. Delile upon the plants of + Egypt.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg281" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 281</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Antinoë.</span></span>”</span>—v. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Savary</span></span> + and <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Quatremere</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg286" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 286</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">I have observed in my + walks.</span></span>”</span>—<span class="tei tei-q">“Je remarquai + avec une réflexion triste, qu’un animal de proie accompagne presque + toujours les pas de ce joli et frêle individu.”</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 2.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"><a href="#Pg272" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 272</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Glistened over its + silver letters.</span></span>”</span>—The Codex Cottonianus of the + New Testament is written in silver letters on a purple ground. The + Codex Cottonianus of the Septuagint version of the Old Testament is + supposed to be the identical copy that belonged to Origen.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg289" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 289</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Some denier of + Christ.</span></span>”</span>—Those Christians who sacrificed to + idols to save themselves were called by various names, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Thurificati</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sacrificati</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Mittentes</span></span>, <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Negatores</span></span>, &c. Baronius + mentions a bishop of this period (253), Marcellinus, who, yielding to + the threats <span class="tei tei-pb" id="page332">[pg + 332]</span><a name="Pg332" id="Pg332" class="tei tei-anchor"></a>of + the Gentiles, threw incense upon the altar. v. <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Arnob. contra + Gent.</span></span> lib. 7.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg297" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 297</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The clear voice with + which</span></span>,”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">&c.</span></span>—The merit of the + confession <span class="tei tei-q">“Christianus sum,”</span> or + <span class="tei tei-q">“Christiana sum,”</span> was considerably + enhanced by the clearness and distinctness with which it was + pronounced. <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Eusebius</span></span> mentions the martyr + Vetius as making it <span lang="grc" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="grc"><span style="font-style: normal">λαμπροτατη + φωνη</span></span>.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 2.00em"><a href="#Pg304" class= + "tei tei-ref">Page 304</a>.—<span class="tei tei-q">“<span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">The band round the + young Christian’s brow.</span></span>”</span>—We find poisonous + crowns mentioned by <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Pliny</span></span>, under the designation of + <span class="tei tei-q">“coronæ ferales.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Paschalius</span></span>, too, gives the + following account of these <span class="tei tei-q">“deadly + garlands,”</span> as he calls them:—<span class="tei tei-q">“Sed + mirum est tam salutare inventum humanam nequitiam reperisse, quomodo + ad nefarios usus traducent. Nempe, repertæ sunt nefandæ coronæ harum, + quas dixi, tam salubrium per nomen quidem et speciem imitatrices, at + re et effectu ferales, atque adeo capitis, cui imponuntur, + interfectrices.”</span> <span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">De Coronis.</span></span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "margin-top: 4.50em; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em"> + <span style="font-size: 90%">THE END.</span></p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style= + "text-align: center; margin-bottom: 0.90em; margin-top: 4.50em"> + <span class="tei tei-hi" style="text-align: center"><span style= + "font-size: 90%; font-variant: small-caps">London</span></span><span style="font-size: 90%">:</span><br /> + + <span style="font-size: 90%">Printed by A. & R. + Spottiswoode,</span><br /> + <span style="font-size: 90%">New-Street-Square.</span></p> + </div> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div id="footnotes" class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <a name="toc43" id="toc43"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Footnotes</span></h1> + + <dl class="tei tei-list-footnotes"> + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_1" name="note_1" href= + "#noteref_1">1.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The description, here alluded to, + may also be found, copied <span lang="la" class="tei tei-foreign" + xml:lang="la"><span style= + "font-style: italic">verbatim</span></span> from Sethos, in the + <span class="tei tei-q">“Voyages d’Anténor.”</span>—<span class= + "tei tei-q">“In that philosophical romance, called <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘La Vie de Séthos,’</span> ”</span> says Warburton, + <span class="tei tei-q">“we find a much juster account of old + Egyptian wisdom, than in all the pretended <span class= + "tei tei-q">‘Histoire du Ciel.’</span> ”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Div. + Leg.</span></span> book 4. sect. 14.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_2" name="note_2" href= + "#noteref_2">2.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A cross was, among the Egyptians, + the emblem of a future life.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_3" name="note_3" href= + "#noteref_3">3.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“On s’étoit + même avisé, depuis la première construction de ces demeures, de + percer en plusieurs endroits jusq’au haut les terres qui les + couvroient; non pas, à la vérité, pour tirer un jour qui n’auroit + jamais été suffisant, mais pour recevoir un air salutaire, + &c.”</span>—<span class="tei tei-hi"><span style= + "font-style: italic">Sethos.</span></span></dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_4" name="note_4" href= + "#noteref_4">4.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">Osiris.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_5" name="note_5" href= + "#noteref_5">5.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">In the language of Plato, Hierocles, + &c. to <span class="tei tei-q">“restore to the soul its + wings,”</span> is the main object both of religion and + philosophy.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_6" name="note_6" href= + "#noteref_6">6.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">See an account of this sensitive + tree, which bends down its branches to those who approach it, in + M. Jomard’s Description of Syene and the Cataracts.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_7" name="note_7" href= + "#noteref_7">7.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">The province of Arsinoë, now + Fioum.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_8" name="note_8" href= + "#noteref_8">8.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">In the original the discourses of + the Hermit are given much more at length.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_9" name="note_9" href= + "#noteref_9">9.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext">A rank, resembling that of + Colonel.</dd> + + <dt class="tei tei-notelabel"><a id="note_10" name="note_10" + href="#noteref_10">10.</a></dt> + + <dd class="tei tei-notetext"><span class="tei tei-q">“Une de ces + couronnes de grain de corail, dont les vierges martyres ornoient + leurs cheveaux en allant à la mort.”</span> <span class= + "tei tei-hi"><span style="font-style: italic">Les + Martyrs.</span></span></dd> + </dl> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="boxed tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <a name="pdf44" id="pdf44"></a><a name="toc45" id="toc45"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Transcriber’s Note</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Variations in + hyphenation (e.g. <span class="tei tei-q">“daybreak”</span>, + <span class="tei tei-q">“day-break”</span>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“overhead”</span>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“over-head”</span>) have not been changed.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">In the notes, some + references are to the wrong pages or out of sequence.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">Other changes, + which have been made to the text:</p> + + <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr032" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 32</a>, <span class="tei tei-q">“alrea + d”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“already”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr081" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 81</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“stirke”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“strike”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr093" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 93</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“grashopper”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“grasshopper”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr188" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 188</a>, quote mark added before + <span class="tei tei-q">“The state of misery”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr194" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 194</a>, <span class= + "tei tei-q">“decome”</span> changed to <span class= + "tei tei-q">“become”</span></td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><a href="#corr312" class= + "tei tei-ref">page 312</a>, quote mark added before + <span class="tei tei-q">“There is, to the north of + Memphis”</span></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 5.00em; margin-bottom: 5.00em"> + <div id="pgfooter" class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 4.00em; margin-top: 4.00em"> + <pre class="pre tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EPICUREAN*** +</pre> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.00em; margin-top: 3.00em"> + <a name="rightpageheader46" id="rightpageheader46"></a><a name= + "pgtoc47" id="pgtoc47"></a><a name="pdf48" id="pdf48"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">Credits</span></h1> + + <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" style= + "margin-bottom: 1.00em; margin-top: 1.00em"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <th class="tei tei-label tei-label-gloss">June 29, + 2015 </th> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td class="tei tei-item tei-item-gloss"> + <table summary="This is a list." class="tei tei-list" + style="margin-top: 1.00em; margin-bottom: 1.00em"> + <tbody> + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item">Project Gutenberg TEI + edition 1</td> + </tr> + + <tr class="tei tei-labelitem"> + <th class="tei tei-label"></th> + + <td class="tei tei-item"><span class= + "tei tei-respStmt"><span class= + "tei tei-resp">Produced by Shaun Pinder, Stefan + Cramme and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from + images generously made available by The Internet + Archive)</span></span></td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + </div> + <hr class="doublepage" /> + + <div class="tei tei-div" style= + "margin-top: 3.00em; margin-bottom: 3.00em"> + <a name="rightpageheader49" id="rightpageheader49"></a><a name= + "pgtoc50" id="pgtoc50"></a><a name="pdf51" id="pdf51"></a> + + <h1 class="tei tei-head" style= + "margin-bottom: 3.46em; text-align: center; margin-top: 3.46em"> + <span style="font-size: 173%">A Word from Project + Gutenberg</span></h1> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This file + should be named 49332-h.html or 49332-h.zip.</p> + + <p class="tei tei-p" style="margin-bottom: 1.00em">This and all + associated files of various formats will be found in: <a href= + "http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/9/3/3/49332/" class= + "block tei tei-xref" style= + "margin-left: 3.60em; 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