The earth is again light, as it always was for the good," said Fable.
"Old times are returning. Shortly thou wilt again be among thine old
acquaintances. I will spin out for thee joyous days, nor shalt thou
want an help-meet. Where are our old guests, the Hesperides?"

"With Sophia. Their garden will soon bloom again, its golden fruits
send forth their odor. They are now busy gathering together the fading
plants."

Fable departed, and hastened to the house. It was entirely in ruins.
Ivy was winding round the walls. Tall bushes shaded the ancient court,
and the soft moss enwrapt the old steps. She entered the chamber.
Sophia stood by the altar which had been rebuilt. Eros was lying at her
feet in full armor, more grave and noble than ever. A splendid lustre
hung from the ceiling. The floor was paved with variegated stones,
describing a great circle around the altar, which was graced with noble
and significant figures. Ginnistan bent weeping over a couch, on which
the father appeared lying in deep slumber. Her blooming grace was
infinitely enhanced by an expression of devotion and love. Fable handed
to the holy Sophia, who tenderly embraced her, the urn in which the
ashes were gathered.

"Lovely child," said she, "thy faithfulness and assiduity have earned
for thee a place among the stars. Thou hast elected the immortal within
thee. Ph[oe]nix is thine. Thou wilt be the soul of our life. Now arouse
the bridegroom. The herald calls, and Eros shall seek and awaken
Freya."

Fable rejoiced unspeakably at these words. She called her companions
Gold and Zinc, and approached the couch. Ginnistan awaited full of
expectation the issue of her enterprise. Gold melted coin, and filled
with a glittering flood the space in which the father was lying. Zinc
wound a chain around Ginnistan's bosom. The body floated upon the
trembling waves. "Bow thyself, dear mother," said Fable, "and lay thy
hand upon the heart of thy beloved."

Ginnistan bowed. She saw her image many times reflected. The chain
touched the flood, her hand his heart; he awoke and drew the enraptured
bride to his bosom. The metal became a clear and liquid mirror. The
father arose; his eyes flashed lightning; and though his shape was
speakingly beautiful, yet his whole frame appeared a highly susceptible
fluid, which betrayed every affection in manifold and enchanting
undulations.

The happy pair approached Sophia, who pronounced the words of
consecration upon them, a