any
distinction of rank or sex, and regardless of all the usual formalities
or the degrees of initiation which each had passed through, the
worshippers of Serapis crowded towards the sacred niche, till a chain,
held up by neokores--[Temple-servants]--at a respectful distance from
the mystical spot, checked their advance. Densely packed and in almost
breathless silence, they filled the nave and the colonnades, watching
for what might befall.

Presently a dull low chant of men's voices was heard. This went on for
a few minutes, and then a loud pean in honor of the god rang through the
temple with an accompaniment of flutes, cymbals, lutes and trumpets.

Karnis had found a place with his wife and son; all three, holding
hands, joined enthusiastically in the stirring hymn; and, with them,
Porphyrius, who by accident was close to them, swelling the song of the
multitude. All now stood with hands uplifted and eyes fixed in anxious
expectancy on the curtain. The figures and emblems on the hanging were
invisible in the gloom--but now-now there was a stir, as of life, in the
ponderous folds,--they moved--they began to ripple like streams, brooks,
water-falls, recovering motion after long stagnation--the curtain slowly
sank, and at length it fell so suddenly that the eye could scarcely note
the instant. From every lip, as but one voice, rose a cry of admiration,
amazement, and delight, for Serapis stood revealed to his people.

The noble manhood of the god sat with dignity on a golden throne that
was covered with a blaze of jewels; his gracious and solemn face
looked down on the crowd of worshippers. The hair that curled upon his
thoughtful brow, and the kalathos that crowned it were of pure gold
At his feet crouched Cerberus, raising his three fierce heads with
glistening ruby eyes. The body of the god--a model of strength in
repose--and the drapery were of gold and ivory. In its perfect harmony
as a whole, and the exquisite beauty of every detail, this statue bore
the stamp of supreme power and divine majesty. When such a divinity as
this should rise from his throne the earth indeed might quake and the
heavens tremble! Before such a Lord the strongest might gladly bow, for
no mortal ever shone in such radiant beauty. This Sovereign must triumph
over every foe, even over death--the monster that lay writhing in
impotent rage at his feet!

Gasping and thrilled with pious awe, enraptured but dumb with reverent
fear, the assemb