In the centre there was a
big black stone, of semispherical shape like a tabourine; flames were
burning upon it; an ebony cone, bearing a head and two arms, rose
behind.
But beyond it seemed as though there were a cloud wherein were twinkling
stars; faces appeared in the depths of its folds--Eschmoun with the
Kabiri, some of the monsters that had already been seen, the sacred
beasts of the Babylonians, and others with which they were not
acquainted. It passed beneath the idol's face like a mantle, and spread
fully out was drawn up on the wall to which it was fastened by the
corners, appearing at once bluish as the night, yellow as the dawn,
purple as the sun, multitudinous, diaphanous, sparkling light. It was
the mantle of the goddess, the holy zaimph which might not be seen.
Both turned pale.
"Take it!" said Matho at last.
Spendius did not hesitate, and leaning upon the idol he unfastened the
veil, which sank to the ground. Matho laid his hand upon it; then he put
his head through the opening, then he wrapped it about his body, and he
spread out his arms the better to view it.
"Let us go!" said Spendius.
Matho stood panting with his eyes fixed upon the pavement. Suddenly he
exclaimed:
"But what if I went to her? I fear her beauty no longer! What could she
do to me? I am now more than a man.
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