lence had ever reigned in this worthy
home of the deity, fragrant with the scarcely visible fumes of kyphi; and
the worshipers gathered without a sound round the foot of his statue, and
before the numerous altars and the smaller images of the divinities
allied to him or the votive tablets recording the gifts and services
instituted in honor of Serapis by pious kings or citizens. On feast-days,
and during daily worship, the chant of priestly choirs might be heard, or
the murmur of prayer; and the eye might watch the stolists who crowned
the statues with flowers and ribbons, as required by the ritual, or the
processions of priests in their various rank. Carrying sacred relics and
figures of the gods on trays or boats, with emblematic standards,
scepters, and cymbals, they moved about the sacred precinct in prescribed
order, and most of them fulfilled their duties with devotion and
edification.

But Caesar's presence seemed to have banished these solemn feelings. From
morning till night the great temple swarmed with visitors, but their
appearance and demeanor were more befitting the market-place or public
bath than the sanctuary. It was now no more than the anteroom to Caesar's
audience-chamber, and thronged with Roman senators, legates, tribunes,
and other men of rank, and the clients and "friends" of Caesar, mingled
with soldiers of inferior grades, scribes, freedmen, and slaves, who had
followed in Caracalla's train. There were, too, many Alexandrians who
expected to gain some benefit, promotion, or distinction through the
emperor's favorites. Most of these kept close to his friends and
intimates, to make what profit they could out of them. Some were corn and
wine dealers, or armorers, who wished to obtain contracts for supplying
the army; others were usurers, who had money to lend on the costly
objects which warriors often acquired as booty; and here, as everywhere,
bedizened and painted women were crowding round the free-handed
strangers. There were Magians, astrologers, and magicians by the dozen,
who considered this sacred spot the most suitable place in which to offer
their services to the Romans, always inquisitive for signs and charms.
They knew how highly Egyptian magic was esteemed throughout the empire;
though their arts were in fact prohibited, each outdid the other in
urgency, and not less in a style of dress which should excite curiosity
and expectancy.

Serapion held aloof. Excepting that he wore a beard