nd charged them faithfully to consult the
mirror, which reflected everything, in its real shape, destroyed every
delusion, and ever retained the primeval type of things. She now took
the urn, and shook the ashes into a bowl upon the altar. A soft
bubbling announced the dissolution, and a gentle wind waved the
garments and locks of the bystanders. Sophia handed the bowl to Eros,
who proffered it to the others. All tasted the divine draught, and
received with unspeakable joy the Mother's friendly greeting in their
soul of souls. She appeared to each one of them, and her mysterious
presence seemed to transfigure all.

Their expectations were fulfilled and surpassed. All perceived what
they had wanted, and the chamber became an abode of the blessed.

Sophia said, "the great secret is revealed to all, and remains forever
unfathomable. Out of pain is the new world born, and the ashes are
dissolved into tears for a draught of eternal life. The heavenly mother
dwells in all, that every child may be born immortal. Do you not feel
the sweet birth in the beating of your heart?"

She poured from the bowl the remainder upon the altar. The earth
trembled to its centre. Sophia said, "Eros, hasten with thy sister to
thy beloved. Soon shall ye see me again."

Fable and Eros quickly departed with their train. Then was scattered
over, the earth a mighty spring. Everything arose and stirred with
life. The earth floated farther beneath the veil. The moon and the
clouds were trailing with joyous tumult towards the North. The king's
castle beamed with a lordly splendor over the sea, and upon its
battlements stood the king in full majesty with all his suite. On every
side they saw dust-whirls, in which familiar shapes seemed represented.
Numerous bands of young men and maidens appeared hastening to the
castle, whom they welcomed with exaltation. Upon many a hill sat happy
couples but just awakened, in long-lost embraces; and they thought the
new world was a dream, nor could they cease assuring themselves of its
reality.

Flowers and trees sprang up in verdant vigor. All things seemed
inspired. All spoke and sang. Fable saluted on all sides her old
acquaintances. With friendly greeting animals approached awakened men.
The plants welcomed them with fruits and odor, and arrayed themselves
most tastefully. No weight lay longer on any human bosom, and all
burdens became the solid ground on which men trod. They came to the
sea. A ship of polis