the roof, where they were
employed--under the scorching sun, reflected from the copper-plated
covering and the radiating surface of the dome--in loosening blocks of
stone from the balustrade to be hurled down to-morrow on the besieging
force.

Herse devoted herself to the sick and wounded, for a few who had
ventured forth too boldly to aid in barricading the entrance, had
been hurt by arrows and lances flung by the idle soldiery; and a still
greater number were suffering from sun-stroke in consequence of toiling
on the top of the building.

Inside the vast, thick-walled halls it was much cooler than in the
streets even, and the hours glided fast to the besieged heathen. Many of
them were fully occupied, or placed on guard; others were discussing the
situation, and disputing or guessing at what the outcome might, or must
be. Numbers, panic-stricken or absorbed in pious awe, sat huddled on
the ground, praying, muttering magical formulas, or wailing aloud. The
Magians and astrologers had retired with knots of followers into
the adjoining studies, where they were comparing registers, making
calculations, reading signs, devising new formulas and defending them
against their opponents.

An incessant bustle went on, to and fro between these rooms and the
great library, and the tables were covered with rolls and tablets
containing ancient prophecies, horoscopes and potent exorcisms.
Messengers, one after another, were sent out from thence to command
silence in the great halls, where the assembled youths and girls were
kissing, singing, shouting and dancing to the shrill pipe of flutes and
twang of lutes, clapping their hands, rattling tambourines--in short,
enjoying to the utmost the few hours that might yet be theirs before
they must make the fatal leap into nothingness, or at least into the dim
shades of death.

The sun was sinking when suddenly the great brazen gong was loudly
struck, and the hard, blatant clatter rent the air of the temple-hall.
The mighty waves of sound reverberated from the walls of the sanctuary
like the surge of a clangorous sea, and sent their metallic vibration
ringing through every room and cell, from the topmost observatory-turret
to the deepest vault beneath, calling all who were within the precincts
to assemble. The holy places filled at once; the throng poured in
through the vestibule, and in a few minutes even the hypostyle, the
sanctum of the veiled statue, was full to overflowing. Without