InrecognizedscienceIsawonlydespair。
　　Andatthatthoughtalldreadofthismysteriousvisitorvanished——
　　allanxietytoquestionmoreofhisattributesorhishistory。Hislifeitselfbecametomedearandprecious。Whatifitshouldfailmeinthestepsoftheprocess，whateverthatwas，bywhichthelifeofmyLilianmightbesaved！
　　Theshadesofeveningwerenowclosingin。IrememberedthatIhadleftMargravewithoutevenfoodformanyhours。Istoleroundtothebackofthehouse，filledabasketwithelementsmoregenerousthanthoseoftheformerday；extractedfreshdrugsfrommystores，and，thusladen，hurriedbacktothehut。IfoundMargraveintheroombelow，seatedonhismysteriouscoffer，leaninghisfaceonhishand。WhenIentered，helookedup，andsaid:”Youhaveneglectedme。Mystrengthiswaning。Givememoreofthecordial，forwehaveworkbeforeustonight，andIneedsupport。”
　　Hetookforgrantedmyassenttohiswildexperiment；andhewasright。
　　Iadministeredthecordial。Iplacedfoodbeforehim，andthistimehedidnoteatwithrepugnance。Ipouredoutwine，andhedrankitsparingly，butwithreadycompliance，saying，”Inperfecthealth，Ilookeduponwineaspoison；nowitislikeaforetasteofthegloriouselixir。”
　　Afterhehadthusrecruitedhimself，heseemedtoacquireanenergythatstartlinglycontrastedwithhislanguorthedaybefore；theeffortofbreathingwasscarcelyperceptible；thecolorcamebacktohischeeks；hisbendedframeroseelasticanderect。”IfIunderstoodyourightly，”saidI，”theexperimentyouaskmetoaidcanbeaccomplishedinasinglenight？””Inasinglenight——thisnight。””Commandme。Whynotbeginatonce？Whatapparatusorchemicalagenciesdoyouneed？””Ah！”saidMargrave。”Formerly，howIwasmisled！Formerly，howmyconjecturesblundered！Ithought，whenIaskedyoutogiveamonthtotheexperimentIwishtomake，thatIshouldneedthesubtlestskillofthechemist。Ithenbelieved，withVanHelmont，thattheprincipleoflifeisagas，andthatthesecretwasbutinthemodebywhichthegasmightberightlyadministered。Butnow，allthatIneediscontainedinthiscoffer，saveoneverysimplematerial——fuelsufficientforasteadyfireforsixhours。Iseeeventhatisathand，piledupinyourouthouse。Andnowforthesubstanceitself——tothatyoumustguideme。””Explain。””Nearthisveryspotistherenotgold——inminesyetundiscovered——
　　andgoldofthepurestmetal？””Thereis。Whatthen？Doyou，withthealchemists，blendinonediscovery，goldandlife？””No。Butitisonlywherethechemistryofearthorofmanproducesgold，thatthesubstancefromwhichthegreatpabulumoflifeisextractedbyfermentcanbefound。Possibly，intheattemptsatthattransmutationofmetals，whichIthinkyourowngreatchemist，SirHumphryDavy，allowedmightbepossible，butheldnottobeworththecostoftheprocess——possibly，inthoseattempts，somescantygrainsofthissubstancewerefoundbythealchemists，inthecrucible，withgrainsofthemetalasniggardlyyieldedbypitifulmimicryofNature’sstupendouslaboratory；andfromsuchgrainsenoughoftheessencemight，perhaps，havebeendrawnforth，toaddafewyearsofexistencetosomefeeblegraybeard——granting，whatrestsonnoproofs，thatsomeofthealchemistsreachedanagerarelygiventoman。Butitisnotinthemiserlycrucible，itisinthematrixofNatureherself，thatwemustseekinprolificabundanceNature’sgrandprinciple——life。
　　Astheloadstoneisrifewiththemagneticvirtue，asambercontainstheelectric，sointhissubstance，towhichweyetwantaname，isfoundthebrightlife-givingfluid。IntheoldgoldminesofAsiaandEuropethesubstanceexists，butcanrarelybemetwith。Thesoilforitsnutrimentmaytherebewellnighexhausted。
　　Itishere，whereNatureherselfisallvitalwithyouth，thatthenutrimentofyouthmustbesought。Nearthisspotisgold；guidemetoit。””Youcannotcomewithme。TheplacewhichIknowasauriferousissomemilesdistant，thewayrugged。Youcannotwalktoit。ItistrueIhavehorses，but——””DoyouthinkIhavecomethisdistanceandnotforeseenandforestalledallthatIwantformyobject？TroubleyourselfnotwithconjectureshowIcanarriveattheplace。Ihaveprovidedthemeanstoarriveatandleaveit。Mylitteranditsbearersareinreachofmycall。Givemeyourarmtotherisingground，fiftyyardsfromyourdoor。”
　　Iobeyedmechanically，stiflingallsurprise。Ihadmademyresolve，andadmittednothoughtthatcouldshakeit。
　　Whenwereachedthesummitofthegrassyhillock，whichslopedfromtheroadthatledtotheseaport，Margrave，afterpausingtorecoverbreath，lifteduphisvoice，inakey，notloud，butshrillandslowandprolonged，halfcryandhalfchant，likethenighthawk’s。Throughtheair——solimpidandstill，bringingnearfarobjects，farsounds——thevoicepierceditsway，artfullypausing，tillwaveafterwaveoftheatmosphereboreandtransmittediton。
　　Inafewminutesthecallseemedre-echoed，soexactly，socheerily，thatforthemomentIthoughtthatthenotewasthemimicryoftheshymockinglyrebird，whichmimicssomerrilyallthatithearsinitscoverts，fromthewhirofthelocusttothehowlofthewilddog。”Whatking，”saidthemysticalcharmer，andashespokehecarelesslyrestedhishandonmyshoulder，sothatItrembledtofeelthatthisdreadsonofNature，Godlessandsoulless，whohadbeen——and，myheartwhispered，whostillcouldbe——mybaneandminddarkener，leaneduponmeforsupport，asthespoiledyounger-bornonhisbrother——”whatking，”saidthiscynicalmocker，withhisbeautifulboyishface——”whatkinginyourcivilizedEuropehastheswayofachiefoftheEast？Whatlinkissostrongbetweenmortalandmortalasthatbetweenlordandslave？Itransportyoupoorfoolsfromthelandoftheirbirth；theypreserveheretheiroldhabits——obedienceandawe。Theywouldwaittilltheystarvedinthesolitude——waittohearkenandanswermycall。AndI，whothusrulethem，orcharmthem——Iuseanddespisethem。Theyknowthat，andyetserveme！Betweenyouandme，myphilosopher，thereisbutonethingworthlivingfor——lifeforoneself。”
　　Isitage，isityouth，thatthusshocksallmysense，inmysolemncompletenessofman？Perhaps，ingreatcapitals，youngmenofpleasurewillanswer，”Itisyouth；andwethinkwhathesays！”
　　Youngfriends，Idonotbelieveyou。
　　II
　　AlongthegrasstrackIsawnow，underthemoon，justrisen，astrangeprocession——neverseenbeforeinAustralianpastures。Itmovedon，noiselesslybutquickly。Wedescendedthehillock，andmetitontheway；asablelitter，bornebyfourmen，inunfamiliarEasterngarments；twootherservitors，morebravelydressed，withyataghansandsilver-hiltedpistolsintheirbelts，precededthissomberequipage。PerhapsMargravedivinedthedisdainfulthoughtthatpassedthroughmymind，vaguelyandhalf-unconsciously；forhesaidwithahollow，bitterlaughthathadreplacedthelivelypealofhisoncemelodiousmirth:”Alittleleisureandalittlegold，andyourrawcolonist，too，willhavethetastesofapasha。”
　　Imadenoanswer。Ihadceasedtocarewhoandwhatwasmytempter。Tomehiswholebeingwasresolvedintooneproblem:hadheasecretbywhichdeathcouldbeturnedfromLilian？
　　Butnow，asthelitterhalted，fromthelong，darkshadowwhichitcastupontheturf，thefigureofawomanemergedandstoodbeforeus。Theoutlinesofhershapewerelostintheloosefoldsofablackmantle，andthefeaturesofherfacewerehiddenbyablackveil，exceptonlythedark-bright，solemneyes。Herstaturewaslofty，herbearingmajestic，whetherinmovementorrepose。
　　Margraveaccostedherinsomelanguageunknowntome。Sherepliedinwhatseemedtomethesametongue。Thetonesofhervoiceweresweet，butinexpressiblymournful。Thewordsthattheyutteredappearedintendedtowarn，ordeprecate，ordissuade；buttheycalledtoMargrave’sbrowaloweringfrown，anddrewfromhislipsaburstofunmistakableanger。Thewomanrejoined，inthesamemelancholymusicofvoice。AndMargravethen，leaninghisarmuponhershoulder，ashehadleaneditonmine，drewherawayfromthegroupintoaneighboringcopseofthefloweringeucalypti——mystictrees，neverchangingthehuesoftheirpale-greenleaves，evershiftingthetintsoftheirash-gray，sheddingbark。ForsomemomentsIgazedonthetwohumanforms，dimlyseenbytheglintingmoonlightthroughthegapsinthefoliage。Thenturningawaymyeyes，Isaw，standingcloseatmyside，amanwhomIhadnotnoticedbefore。Hisfootstep，asitstoletome，hadfallenontheswardwithoutsound。Hisdress，thoughOriental，differedfromthatofhiscompanions，bothinshapeandcolor——fittingclosetothebreast，leavingthearmsbaretotheelbow，andofauniformghastlywhite，asarethecerementsofthegrave。HisvisagewasevendarkerthanthoseoftheSyriansorArabsbehindhim，andhisfeatureswerethoseofabirdofprey:thebeakoftheeagle，buttheeyeofthevulture。Hischeekswerehollow；thearms，crossedonhisbreast，werelongandfleshless。Yetinthatskeletonformtherewasasomethingwhichconveyedtheideaofaserpent’ssupplenessandstrength；andasthehungry，watchfuleyesmetmyownstartledgaze，Irecoiledimpulsivelywiththatinwardwarningofdangerwhichisconveyedtoman，astoinferioranimals，intheveryaspectofthecreaturesthatstingordevour。AtmymovementthemaninclinedhisheadinthesubmissiveEasternsalutation，andspokeinhisforeigntongue，softly，humbly，fawningly，tojudgebyhistoneandhisgesture。
　　Imovedyetfartherawayfromhimwithloathing，andnowthehumanthoughtflasheduponme:wasI，intruth，exposedtonodangerintrustingmyselftothemercyoftheweirdandremorselessmasterofthosehirelingsfromtheEast——sevenmeninnumber，twoatleastofthemformidablyarmed，anddocileasbloodhoundstothehunter，whohasonlytoshowthemtheirprey？Butfearofmanlikemyselfisnotmyweakness；wherefearfounditswaytomyheart，itwasthroughthedoubtsorthefanciesinwhichmanlikemyselfdisappearedintheattributes，darkandunknown，whichwegivetoafiendoraspecter。And，perhaps，ifIcouldhavepausedtoanalyzemyownsensations，theverypresenceofthisescort——
　　creaturesoffleshandblood——lessenedthedreadofmyincomprehensibletempter。Rather，ahundredtimes，frontanddefythosesevenEasternslaves——I，haughtysonoftheAnglo-Saxonwhoconquersallracesbecausehefearsnoodds——thanhaveseenagainonthewallsofmythresholdtheluminous，bodilessshadow！
　　Besides:Lilian——Lilian！foronechanceofsavingherlife，howeverwildandchimericalthatchancemightbe，Iwouldhaveshrunknotafootfromthemarchofanarmy。
　　Thusreassuredandthusresolved，Iadvanced，withasmileofdisdain，tomeetMargraveandhisveiledcompanion，astheynowcamefromthemoonlitcopse。”Well，”Isaidtohim，withanironythatunconsciouslymimickedhisown，”haveyoutakenadvicewithyournurse？IassumethatthedarkformbyyoursideisthatofAyesha！”*
　　*Margrave’sformernurseandattendant。
　　Thewomanlookedatmefromhersableveil，withhersteadfast，solemneyes，andsaid，inEnglish，thoughwithaforeignaccent:”ThenurseborninAsiaisbutwisethroughherlove；thepalesonofEuropeiswisethroughhisart。Thenursesays，’Forbear！’Doyousay，’Adventure’？””Peace！”exclaimedMargrave，stampinghisfootontheground。”I
　　takenocounselfromeither；itisformetoresolve，foryoutoobey，andforhimtoaid。Nightiscome，andwewasteit；moveon。”
　　Thewomanmadenoreply，nordidI。Hetookmyarmandwalkedbacktothehut。Thebarbaricescortfollowed。Whenwereachedthedoorofthebuilding，Margravesaidafewwordstothewomanandtothelitterbearers。Theyenteredthehutwithus。Margravepointedouttothewomanhiscoffer，tothementhefuelstowedintheouthouse。Bothwereborneawayandplacedwithinthelitter。
　　MeanwhileItookfromthetable，onwhichitwascarelesslythrown，thelighthatchetthatIhabituallycarriedwithmeinmyrambles。”Doyouthinkthatyouneedthatidleweapon？”saidMargrave。”Doyoufearthegoodfaithofmyswarthyattendants？””Nay，takethehatchetyourself；itsuseistoseverthegoldfromthequartzinwhichwemayfinditimbedded，ortoclear，asthisshovel，whichwillalsobeneeded，fromtheslightsoilaboveit，theorethatthemineinthemountainflingsforth，astheseacastsitswaifsonthesands。””Givemeyourhand，fellowlaborer！”saidMargrave，joyfully。”Ah，thereisnofalteringterrorinthispulse！Iwasnotmistakenintheman。Whatrests，buttheplaceandthehour？——Ishalllive，I
　　shalllive！”
　　III
　　Margravenowenteredthelitter，andtheVeiledWomandrewtheblackcurtainsroundhim。Iwalkedon，astheguide，someyardsinadvance。Theairwasstill，heavy，andparchedwiththebreathoftheAustralasiansirocco。
　　Wepassedthroughthemeadowlands，studdedwithslumberingflocks；
　　wefollowedthebranchofthecreek，whichwaslinkedtoitssourceinthemountainsbymanyatricklingwaterfall；wethreadedthegloomofstunted，misshapentrees，gnarledwiththestringybarkwhichmakesoneofthesignsofthestratathatnourishgold；andatlengththemoon，nowinallherpompoflight，mid-heavenamonghersubjectstars，gleamedthroughthefissuresofthecave，onwhosefloorlaytherelicsofantediluvianraces，andrestedinonefloodofsilverysplendoruponthehollowsoftheextinctvolcano，withtuftsofdankherbage，andwidespacesofpalersward，coveringthegoldbelow——gold，thedumbsymboloforganizedMatter’sgreatmystery，storinginitself，accordingasMind，theinformerofMatter，candistinguishitsuses，evilandgood，baneandblessing。
　　HithertotheVeiledWomanhadremainedintherear，withthewhite-
　　robed，skeletonlikeimagethathadcrepttomysideunawareswithitsnoiselessstep。Thus，ineachwindingturnofthedifficultpathatwhichtheconvoyfollowingbehindmecameintosight，Ihadseen，first，thetwogaylydressed，armedmen，nexttheblack，bierlikelitter，andlasttheBlack-veiledWomanandtheWhite-
　　robedSkeleton。
　　Butnow，asIhaltedonthetableland，backedbythemountainandfrontingthevalley，thewomanlefthercompanion，passedbythelitterandthearmedmen，andpausedbymyside，atthemouthofthemoonlitcavern。
　　Thereforamomentshestood，silent，theprocessionbelowmountingupwardlaboriouslyandslow；thensheturnedtome，andherveilwaswithdrawn。
　　ThefaceonwhichIgazedwaswondrouslybeautiful，andseverelyawful。Therewasneitheryouthnorage，butbeauty，matureandmajesticasthatofamarbleDemeter。”Doyoubelieveinthatwhichyouseek？”sheaskedinherforeign，melodious，melancholyaccents。”Ihavenobelief，”wasmyanswer。”Truesciencehasnone。Truesciencequestionsallthings，takesnothinguponcredit。Itknowsbutthreestatesofthemind——denial，conviction，andthatvastintervalbetweenthetwowhichisnotbeliefbutsuspenseofjudgment。”
　　Thewomanletfallherveil，movedfromme，andseatedherselfonacragabovethatcleftbetweenmountainandcreek，towhich，whenI
　　hadfirstdiscoveredthegoldthatthelandnourished，therainfromthecloudshadgiventherushinglifeofthecataract；butwhichnow，inthedroughtandthehushoftheskies，wasbutadeadpileofstones。
　　Thelitternowascendedtheheight:itsbearershalted；aleanhandtorethecurtainsaside，andMargravedescendedleaning，thistime，notontheBlack-veiledWoman，butontheWhite-robedSkeleton。
　　There，ashestood，themoonshonefullonhiswastedform；onhisface，resolute，cheerful，andproud，despiteitshollowedoutlinesandsickliedhues。Heraisedhishead，spokeinthelanguageunknowntome，andthearmedmenandthelitterbearersgroupedroundhim，bendinglow，theireyesfixedontheground。TheVeiledWomanroseslowlyandcametohisside，motioningaway，withamutesign，theghastlyformonwhichheleaned，andpassingroundhimsilently，instead，herownsustainingarm。Margravespokeagainafewsentences，ofwhichIcouldnotevenguessthemeaning。Whenhehadconcluded，thearmedmenandthelitterbearerscamenearertohisfeet，kneltdown，andkissedhishand。Theythenrose，andtookfromthebierlikevehiclethecofferandthefuel。Thisdone，theyliftedagainthelitter，andagain，precededbythearmedmen，theprocessiondescendeddowntheslopinghillside，downintothevalleybelow。
　　Margravenowwhispered，forsomemoments，intotheearofthehideouscreaturewhohadmadewayfortheVeiledWoman。Thegrimskeletonbowedhisheadsubmissively，andstrodenoiselesslyawaythroughthelonggrasses——theslenderstems，trampledunderhisstealthyfeet，reliftingthemselvesasafterapassingwind。Andthushe，too，sankoutofsightdownintothevalleybelow。Onthetablelandofthehillremainedonlywethree——Margrave，myself，andtheVeiledWoman。
　　Shehadreseatedherselfapart，onthegraycragabovethedriedtorrent。Hestoodattheentranceofthecavern，roundthesidesofwhichclusteredparasitalplants，withflowersofallcolors，someamongthemopeningtheirpetalsandexhalingtheirfragranceonlyinthehoursofnight；sothat，ashisformfilledupthejawsofthedullarch，obscuringthemoonbeamthatstrovetopiercetheshadowsthatsleptwithin，itstoodnow——wanandblighted——asIhadseenitfirst，radiantandjoyous，literally”framedinblooms。”
　　IV”So，”saidMargrave，turningtome，”underthesoilthatspreadsaroundusliesthegoldwhichtoyouandtomeisatthismomentofnovalue，exceptasaguidetoitstwin-born——theregeneratoroflife！””Youhavenotyetdescribedtomethenatureofthesubstancewhichwearetoexplore，northeprocessbywhichthevirtuesyouimputetoitaretobeextracted。””Letusfirstfindthegold，andinsteadofdescribingthelife-
　　amber，soletmecallit，Iwillpointitouttoyourowneyes。Astotheprocess，yourshareinitissosimplethatyouwillaskmewhyIseekaidfromachemist。Thelife-amber，whenfound，hasbuttobesubjectedtoheatandfermentationforsixhours；itwillbeplacedinasmallcaldronwhichthatcoffercontains，overthefirewhichthatfuelwillfeed。Togiveeffecttotheprocess，certainalkaliesandotheringredientsarerequired；buttheseareprepared，andmineisthetasktocomminglethem。FromyourscienceaschemistIneedandasknaught。InyouIhavesoughtonlytheaidofaman。””Ifthatbeso，why，indeed，seekmeatall？Whynotconfideinthoseswarthyattendants，whodoubtlessareslavestoyourorders？””Confideinslaves，whenthefirsttaskenjoinedtothemwouldbetodiscover，andrefrainfrompurloininggold！Sevensuchunscrupulousknaves，orevenonesuch，andI，thusdefenselessandfeeble！Suchisnottheworkthatwisemastersconfidetofierceslaves。Butthatistheleastofthereasonswhichexcludethemfrommychoice，andfixmychoiceofassistantonyou。DoyouforgetwhatItoldyouofthedangerwhichtheDervishdeclarednobribeIcouldoffercouldtempthimasecondtimetobrave？””Iremembernow；thosewordshadpassedawayfrommymind。””Andbecausetheyhadpassedawayfromyourmind，Ichoseyouformycomrade。Ineedamanbywhomdangerisscorned。””ButintheprocessofwhichyoutellmeIseenopossibledangerunlesstheingredientsyoumixinyourcaldronhavepoisonousfumes。””Itisnotthat。TheingredientsIusearenotpoisons。””Whatotherdanger，exceptyoudreadyourownEasternslaves？But，ifso，whyleadthemtothesesolitudes；and，ifso，whynotbidmebearmed？””TheEasternslaves，fulfillingmycommands，waitformysummons，wheretheireyescannotseewhatwedo。ThedangerisofakindinwhichtheboldestsonoftheEastwouldbemorecraven，perhaps，thatthedaintiestSybariteofEurope，whowouldshrinkfromapantherandlaughataghost。InthecreedoftheDervish，andofallwhoadventureintothatrealmofNaturewhichisclosedtophilosophyandopentomagic，thereareracesinthemagnitudeofspaceunseenasanimalculesintheworldofadrop。Forthetribesofthedropsciencehasitsmicroscope。OfthehostofyonazureInfinitemagicgainssight，andthroughthemgainscommandoverfluidconductorsthatlinkallthepartsofcreation。Oftheseraces，somearewhollyindifferenttoman，somebenigntohim，andsomedeadlyhostile。Inalltheregularandprescribedconditionsofmortalbeing，thismagicrealmseemsasblankandtenantlessasyonvacantair。Butwhenaseekerofpowersbeyondtherudefunctionsbywhichmanpliestheclockworkthatmeasureshishours，andstopswhenitschainreachestheendofitscoil，strivestopassoverthoseboundariesatwhichphilosophysays，’Knowledgeends’——then，heislikeallothertravelersinregionsunknown；hemustpropitiateorbravethetribesthatarehostile——mustdependforhislifeonthetribesthatarefriendly。Thoughyoursciencediscreditsthealchemist’sdogmas，yourlearninginformsyouthatallalchemistswerenotignorantimpostors；yetthosewhosediscoveriesprovethemtohavebeenthenearestalliestoyourpracticalknowledge，everhintintheirmysticalworksattherealityofthatrealmwhichisopentomagic——everhintthatsomemeanslessfamiliarthanfurnaceandbellowsareessentialtohimwhoexplorestheelixiroflife。Hewhooncequaffsthatelixir，obtainsinhisveryveinsthebrightfluidbywhichhetransmitstheforceofhiswilltoagenciesdormantinNature，togiantsunseeninthespace。Andhere，ashepassestheboundarywhichdivideshisallottedandnormalmortalityfromtheregionsandracesthatmagicalonecanexplore，so，here，hebreaksdownthesafeguardbetweenhimselfandthetribesthatarehostile。Isitnoteverthusbetweenmanandman？Letaracethemostgentleandtimidandcivilizeddwellononesideariverormountain，andanotherhavehomeintheregionbeyond，each，ifitpassnottheinterveningbarrier，maywitheachliveinpeace。Butifambitiousadventurersscalethemountain，orcrosstheriver，withdesigntosubdueandenslavethepopulationtheyboldlyinvade，thenalltheinvadedariseinwrathanddefiance——theneighborsarechangedintofoes。Andthereforethisprocess——bywhichasimplethoughrarematerialofNatureismadetoyieldtoamortaltheboonofalifewhichbrings，withitsgloriousresistancetoTime，desiresandfacultiestosubjecttoitsservicebeingsthatdwellintheearthandtheairandthedeep——haseverbeenoneofthesameperilwhichaninvadermustbravewhenhecrossestheboundsofhisnation。Bythiskeyaloneyouunlockallthecellsofthealchemist’slore；bythisaloneunderstandhowalabor，whichachemist’scrudestapprenticecouldperform，hasbaffledthegiantfathersofallyourdwarfedchildrenofscience。Nature，thatstoresthispricelessboon，seemstoshrinkfromconcedingittoman——theinvisibletribesthatabhorhimopposethemselvestothegainthatmightgivethemamaster。Thedullerofthosewhowerethelife-seekersofoldwouldhavetoldyouhowsomechance，trivial，unlooked-for，foiledtheirgrandhopeattheverypointoffruition；somedoltishmistake，someimprovidentoversight，adefectinthesulphur，awildoverflowinthequicksilver，oraflawinthebellows，orapupilwhofailedtoreplenishthefuel，byfallingasleepbythefurnace。Theinvisiblefoesseldomvouchsafetomakethemselvesvisiblewheretheycanfrustratethebunglerastheymockathistoilsfromtheirambush。Butthemightieradventurers，equallyfoiledindespiteoftheirpatienceandskill，wouldhavesaid，’Notwithusreststhefault；weneglectednocaution，wefailedfromnooversight。Butoutfromthecaldrondreadfacesarose，andthespectersordemonsdismayedandbaffledus。’Such，then，isthedangerwhichseemssoappallingtoasonoftheEast，asitseemedtoaseerinthedarkageofEurope。Butwecanderideallitsthreats，youandI。Formyself，IownfranklyItakeallthesafetythatthecharmsandresourcesofmagicbestow。You，foryoursafety，havetheculturedanddisciplinedreasonwhichreducesallfantasiestonervousimpressions；andIrelyonthecourageofonewhohasquestioned，unquailing，theLuminousShadow，andwrestedfromthehandofthemagicianhimselfthewandwhichconcenteredthewondersofwill！”
　　TothisstrangeandlongdiscourseIlistenedwithoutinterruption，andnowquietlyanswered:”Idonotmeritthetrustyouaffectinmycourage；butIamnowonmyguardagainstthecheatsofthefancy，andthefumesofavaporcanscarcelybewilderthebrainintheopenairofthismountainland。Ibelieveinnoraceslikethosewhichyoutellmelieviewlessinspace，asdogases。Ibelievenotinmagic；Iasknotitsaids，andIdreadnotitsterrors。Fortherest，Iamconfidentofonemournfulcourage——thecouragethatcomesfromdespair。Isubmittoyourguidance，whateveritbe，asasuffererwhomcollegesdoomtothegravesubmitstothequackwhosays，’Takemyspecificandlive！’Mylifeisnaughtinitself；mylifelivesinanother。YouandIarebothbravefromdespair；youwouldturndeathfromyourself——IwouldturndeathfromoneIlovemorethanmyself。Bothknowhowlittleaidwecanwinfromthecolleges，andboth，therefore，turntothepromisesmostaudaciouslycheering。Dervishormagician，alchemistorphantom，whatcareyouandI？Andiftheyfailus，whatthen？Theycannotfailusmorethanthecollegesdo！”
　　V
　　Thegoldhasbeengainedwithaneasylabor。Iknewwheretoseekforit，whetherundertheturforinthebedofthecreek。ButMargrave’seyes，hungrilygazingroundeveryspotfromwhichtheorewasdisburied，couldnotdetectthesubstanceofwhichhealoneknewtheoutwardappearance。Ihadbeguntobelievethat，eveninthedescriptiongiventohimofthismaterial，hehadbeencredulouslyduped，andthatnosuchmaterialexisted，when，comingbackfromthebedofthewatercourse，Isawafaint，yellowgleamamidsttherootsofagiantparasiteplant，theleavesandblossomsofwhichclimbedupthesidesofthecavewithitsantediluvianrelics。Thegleamwasthegleamofgold，andonremovingthelooseearthroundtherootsoftheplant，wecameon——No，Iwillnot，I
　　darenot，describeit。Thegolddiggerwouldcastitaside；thenaturalistwouldpausenottoheedit；anddidIdescribeit，andchemistrydeigntosubjectittoanalysis，couldchemistryalonedetachordiscoveritsboastedvirtues？
　　Itsparticles，indeed，areveryminute，notseemingreadilytocrystallizewitheachother；eachinitselfofuniformshapeandsize，sphericalastheeggwhichcontainsthegermoflife，andsmallastheeggfromwhichthelifeofaninsectmayquicken。
　　ButMargrave’skeeneyecaughtsightoftheatomsupcastbythelightofthemoon。Heexclaimedtome，”Found！Ishalllive！”
　　Andthen，ashegatheredupthegrainswithtremuloushands，hecalledouttotheVeiledWoman，hithertostillseatedmotionlessonthecrag。Athiswordsheroseandwenttotheplacehardby，wherethefuelwaspiled，busyingherselfthere。Ihadnoleisuretoheedher。Icontinuedmysearchinthesoftandyieldingsoilthattimeandthedecayofvegetablelifehadaccumulatedoverthepre-Adamitestrataonwhichthearchofthecaveresteditsmightykeystone。
　　Whenwehadcollectedoftheseparticlesaboutthriceasmuchasamanmightholdinhishand，weseemedtohaveexhaustedtheirbed。
　　Wecontinuedstilltofindgold，butnomoreofthedelicatesubstancetowhich，inoursight，goldwasasdross。”Enough，”thensaidMargrave，reluctantlydesisting。”WhatwehavegainedalreadywillsufficeforalifethriceaslongaslegendattributestoHaroun。Ishalllive——Ishalllivethroughthecenturies。””ForgetnotthatIclaimmyshare。””Yourshare——yours！True——yourhalfofmylife！Itistrue。”Hepausedwithalow，ironical，malignantlaugh，andthenadded，asheroseandturnedaway，”Buttheworkisyettobedone。”
　　VI
　　Whilewehadthuslaboredandfound，Ayeshahadplacedthefuelwherethemoonlightfellfullestontheswardofthetableland——apartofitalreadypiledasforafire，therestofitheapedconfusedlycloseathand；andbythepileshehadplacedthecoffer。And，thereshestood，herarmsfoldedunderhermantle，herdarkimageseemingdarkerstillasthemoonlightwhitenedallthegroundfromwhichtheimagerosemotionless。Margraveopenedhiscoffer，theVeiledWomandidnotaidhim，andIwatchedinsilence，whileheassilentlymadehisweirdandwizard-likepreparations。
　　VII
　　Onthegroundawidecirclewastracedbyasmallrod，tippedapparentlywithspongesaturatedwithsomecombustiblenaphtha-likefluid，sothatapale，lambentflamefollowedthecourseoftherodasMargraveguidedit，burninguptheherbageoverwhichitplayed，andleavingadistinctring，likethatwhich，inourlovelynativefabletalk，wecallthe”Fairy’sring，”butyetmorevisiblebecausemarkedinphosphorescentlight。Ontheringthusformedwereplacedtwelvesmalllamps，fedwiththefluidfromthesamevessel，andlightedbythesamerod。Thelightemittedbythelampswasmorevividandbrilliantthanthatwhichcircledroundthering。
　　Withinthecircumference，andimmediatelyroundthewoodpile，Margravetracedcertaingeometricalfigures，inwhich——notwithoutashudder，thatIovercameatoncebyastrongeffortofwillinmurmuringtomyselfthenameof”Lilian”——Irecognizedtheinterlacedtriangleswhichmyownhand，inthespellenforcedonasleepwalker，haddescribedonthefloorofthewizard’spavilion。
　　Thefiguresweretracedlikethecircle，inflame，andatthepointofeachtrianglefourinnumberwasplacedalamp，brilliantasthoseonthering。Thistaskperformed，thecaldron，basedonanirontripod，wasplacedonthewoodpile。Andthenthewoman，beforeinactiveandunheeding，slowlyadvanced，kneltbythepileandlightedit。Thedrywoodcrackledandtheflameburstforth，lickingtherimsofthecaldronwithtonguesoffire。
　　Margraveflungintothecaldrontheparticleswehadcollected，pouredoverthemfirstaliquid，colorlessaswater，fromthelargestofthevesselsdrawnfromhiscoffer，andthen，moresparingly，dropsfromsmallcrystalphials，likethephialsIhadseeninthehandofPhilipDerval。
　　Havingsurmountedmyfirstimpulseofawe，Iwatchedtheseproceedings，curiousyetdisdainful，asonewhowatchesthemummeriesofanenchanteronthestage。”If，”thoughtI，”thesearebutartfuldevicestoinebriateandfoolmyownimagination，myimaginationisonitsguard，andreasonshallnot，thistime，sleepatherpost！””Andnow，”saidMargrave，”Iconsigntoyoutheeasytaskbywhichyouaretomerityourshareoftheelixir。Itismytasktofeedandreplenishthecaldron；itisAyesha’stofeedthefire，whichmustnotforamomentrelaxinitsmeasuredandsteadyheat。Yourtaskisthelightestofall:itisbuttorenewfromthisvesselthefluidthatburnsinthelamps，andonthering。Observe，thecontentsofthevesselmustbethriftilyhusbanded；thereisenough，butnotmorethanenough，tosustainthelightinthelamps，onthelinestracedroundthecaldron，andonthefartherring，forsixhours。Thecompoundsdissolvedinthisfluidarescarce——onlyobtainableintheEast，andevenintheEastmonthsmighthavepassedbeforeIcouldhaveincreasedmysupply。Ihadnomonthstowaste。Replenish，then，thelightonlywhenitbeginstoflickerorfade。Takeheed，aboveall，thatnopartoftheouterring——no，notaninch——andnolampofthetwelve，thataretoitszodiaclikestars，fadeforonemomentindarkness。”
　　Itookthecrystalvesselfromhishand。”Thevesselissmall，”saidI，”andwhatisyetleftofitscontentsisbutscanty；whetheritsdropssufficetoreplenishthelightsIcannotguess——Icanbutobeyyourinstructions。But，moreimportantbyfarthanthelighttothelampsandthecircle，whichinAsiaorAfricamightscareawaythewildbeastsunknowntothisland——moreimportantthanlighttoalampisthestrengthtoyourframe，weakmagician！Whatwillsupportyouthroughsixwearyhoursofnightwatch？””Hope，”answeredMargrave，witharayofhisolddazzlingstyle。”Hope！Ishalllive——Ishalllivethroughthecenturies！”
　　VIII
　　Onehourpassedaway；thefagotsunderthecaldronburnedclearinthesullen，sultryair。Thematerialswithinbegantoseethe，andtheircolor，atfirstdullandturbid，changedintoapale-rosehue；fromtimetotimetheVeiledWomanreplenishedthefire，aftershehaddonesoreseatingherselfclosebythepyre，withherheadbowedoverherknees，andherfacehidunderherveil。
　　Thelightsinthelampsandalongtheringandthetrianglesnowbegantopale。Iresuppliedtheirnutrimentfromthecrystalvessel。Asyetnothingstrangestartledmyeyeormyearbeyondtherimofthecircle——nothingaudible，save，atadistance，themusicalwheel-likeclickofthelocusts，and，fartherstill，intheforest，thehowlofthewilddogsthatneverbark；nothingvisible，butthetreesandthemountainrangegirdingtheplainssilveredbythemoon，andthearchofthecavern，theflushofwildbloomsonitssides，andthegleamofdrybonesonitsfloor，wherethemoonlightshotintothegloom。
　　Thesecondhourpassedlikethefirst。IhadtakenmystandbythesideofMargrave，watchingwithhimtheprocessatworkinthecaldron，whenIfeltthegroundslightlyvibratebeneathmyfeet，andlookingup，itseemedasifalltheplainsbeyondthecirclewereheavingliketheswellofthesea，andasifintheairitselftherewasaperceptibletremor。
　　IplacedmyhandonMargrave’sshoulderandwhispered，”Tomeearthandairseemtovibrate。Dotheyseemtovibratetoyou？””Iknownot，Icarenot，”heansweredimpetuously。”Theessenceisburstingtheshellthatconfinedit。Herearemyairandmyearth！
　　Troublemenot。Looktothecircle——feedthelampsiftheyfail！”
　　IpassedbytheVeiledWomanasIwalkedtowardaplaceintheringinwhichtheflamewaswaningdim；andIwhisperedtoherthesamequestionwhichIhadwhisperedtoMargrave。Shelookedslowlyaroundandanswered，”SoisitbeforetheInvisiblemakethemselvesvisible！DidInotbidhimforbear？”Herheadagaindroopedonherbreast，andherwatchwasagainfixedonthefire。
　　Iadvancedtothecircleandstoopedtoreplenishthelightwhereitwaned。AsIdidso，onmyarm，whichstretchedsomewhatbeyondthelineofthering，Ifeltashocklikethatofelectricity。Thearmfelltomysidenumbedandnerveless，andfrommyhanddropped，butwithinthering，thevesselthatcontainedthefluid。
　　Recoveringmysurpriseormystun，hastilywiththeotherhandI
　　caughtupthevessel，butsomeofthescantyliquidwasalreadyspilledonthesward；andIsawwithathrillofdismay，thatcontrastedindeedthetranquilindifferencewithwhichIhadfirstundertakenmycharge，howsmallasupplywasnowleft。
　　IwentbacktoMargrave，andtoldhimoftheshock，andofitsconsequenceinthewasteoftheliquid。”Beware，”saidhe，thatnotamotionofthearm，notaninchofthefoot，passthevergeofthering；andifthefluidbethusunhappilystinted，reserveallthatisleftfortheprotectingcircleandthetwelveouterlamps！SeehowtheGrandWorkadvances，howthehuesinthecaldronareglowingblood-redthroughthefilmonthesurface！
　　Andnowfourhoursofthesixweregone；myarmhadgraduallyrecovereditsstrength。Neithertheringnorthelampshadagainrequiredreplenishing；perhapstheirlightwasexhaustedlessquickly，asitwasnolongertobeexposedtotheraysoftheintenseAustralianmoon。Cloudshadgatheredoverthesky，andthoughthemoongleamedattimesinthegapsthattheyleftinblueair，herbeamwasmorehazyanddulled。Thelocustsnolongerwereheardinthegrass，northehowlofthedogsintheforest。Outofthecircle，thestillnesswasprofound。
　　AndaboutthistimeIsawdistinctlyinthedistanceavastEye。
　　Itdrewnearerandnearer，seemingtomovefromthegroundattheheightofsomeloftygiant。Itsgazerivetedmine；mybloodcurdledintheblazefromitsangryball；andnowasitadvancedlargerandlarger，otherEyes，asifofgiantsinitstrain，grewoutfromthespaceinitsrear——numbersonnumbers，likethespearheadsofsomeEasternarmy，seenafarbypalewardersofbattlementsdoomedtothedust。Myvoicelongrefusedanutterancetomyawe；atlengthitburstforthshrillandloud:”Look，look！ThoseterribleEyes！Legionsonlegions。Andhark！
　　thattrampofnumberlessfeet；THEYarenotseen，butthehollowsofearthechothesoundoftheirmarch！”
　　Margrave，morethaneverintentonthecaldron，inwhich，fromtimetotime，hekeptdroppingpowdersoressencesdrawnforthfromhiscoffer，lookedup，defyingly，fiercely:”Yecome，”hesaidinalowmutter，hisoncemightyvoicesoundinghollowandlaboring，butfearlessandfirm——”yecome——nottoconquer，vainrebels！——yewhosedarkchiefIstruckdownatmyfeetinthetombwheremyspellhadraiseduptheghostofyourfirsthumanmaster，theChaldee！Earthandairhavetheirarmiesstillfaithfultome，andstillIrememberthewarsongthatsummonsthemuptoconfrontyou！Ayesha，Ayesha！recallthewildtroththatwepledgedamongtheroses；recallthedreadbondbywhichweunitedourswayoverhoststhatyetowntheeasqueen，thoughmyscepterisbroken，mydiademreftfrommybrows！”
　　TheVeiledWomanroseatthisadjuration。Herveilnowwaswithdrawn，andtheblazeofthefirebetweenMargraveandherselfflushed，aswiththerosybloomofyouth，thegrandbeautyofhersoftenedface。Itwasseen，detached，asitwere，fromherdark-
　　mantledform；seenthroughthemistofthevaporswhichrosefromthecaldron，framingitroundlikethecloudsthatareyieldinglypiercedbythelightoftheeveningstar。
　　Throughthehazeofthevaporcamehervoice，moremusical，moreplaintivethanIhadhearditbefore，butfarsofter，moretender:
　　stillinherforeigntongue；thewordsunknowntome，andyettheirsense，perhaps，madeintelligiblebythelove，whichhasonecommonlanguageandonecommonlooktoallwhohaveloved——theloveunmistakablyheardinthelovingtone，unmistakablyseeninthelovingface。
　　Amomentorsomoreandshehadcomeroundfromtheoppositesideofthefirepile，andbendingoverMargrave’supturnedbrow，kisseditquietly，solemnly；andthenhercountenancegrewfierce，hercrestroseerect:itwasthelionessprotectingheryoung。Shestretchedforthherarmfromtheblackmantle，athwartthepalefrontthatnowagainbentoverthecaldron——stretchedittowardthehauntedandhollow-soundingspacebeyond，inthegestureofonewhoserighthandhastheswayofthescepter。Andthenhervoicestoleontheairinthemusicofachant，notloudyetfar-
　　reaching；sothrilling，sosweetandyetsosolemnthatIcouldatoncecomprehendhowlegendunitedofoldthespellofenchantmentwiththepowerofsong。AllthatIrecalledoftheeffectswhich，intheformertime，Margrave’sstrangechantshadproducedontheearthattheyravishedandthethoughtstheyconfused，wasbutasthewildbird’simitativecarol，comparedtothedepthandtheartandthesoulofthesinger，whosevoiceseemedendowedwithacharmtointhrallallthetribesofcreation，thoughthelanguageitusedforthatcharmmighttothem，astome，beunknown。Asthesongceased，IheardfrombehindsoundslikethoseIhadheardinthespacesbeforeme——thetrampofinvisiblefeet，thewhirofinvisiblewings，asifarmiesweremarchingtoaidagainstarmiesinmarchtodestroy。”Looknotinfrontnoraround，”saidAyesha。”Look，likehim，onthecaldronbelow。Thecircleandthelampsareyetbright；Iwilltellyouwhenthelightagainfails。”
　　Idroppedmyeyesonthecaldron。”See，”whisperedMargrave，”thesparklesatlastbegintoarise，andtherosehuestodeepen——signsthatwenearthelastprocess。”
　　IX
　　Thefifthhourhadpassedaway，whenAyeshasaidtome，”Lo！thecircleisfading；thelampsgrowdim。Looknowwithoutfearonthespacebeyond；theeyesthatappalledtheeareagainlostinair，aslightningsthatfleetbackintocloud。”
　　Ilookedup，andthespectershadvanished。Theskywastingedwithsulphuroushues，theredandtheblackintermixed。I
　　replenishedthelampsandtheringinfront，thriftily，heedfully；
　　butwhenIcametothesixthlamp，notadropinthevesselthatfedthemwasleft。Inavaguedismay，Inowlookedroundthehalfofthewidecircleinrearofthetwobendedfiguresintentonthecaldron。Allalongthatdiskthelightwasalreadybroken，hereandthereflickeringup，hereandtheredyingdown；thesixlampsinthathalfofthecirclestilltwinkled，butfaintly，asstarsshrinkingfastfromthedawnofday。Butitwasnotthefadingshineinthathalfofthemagicalringwhichdauntedmyeyeandquickenedwithterrorthepulseofmyheart；theBush-landbeyondwasonfire。Fromthebackgroundoftheforestrosetheflameandthesmoke——thesmoke，there，stillhalfsmotheringtheflame。Butalongthewidthofthegrassesandherbage，betweenthevergeoftheforestandthebedofthewatercreekjustbelowtheraisedplatformfromwhichIbeheldthedreadconflagration，thefirewasadvancing——waveuponwave，clearandredagainstthecolumnsofrockbehind；astherushofafloodthroughthemistsofsomeAlpcrownedwithlightnings。
　　RousedfrommystunatthefirstsightofadangernotforeseenbythemindIhadsteeledagainstfarrarerportentsofNature，I
　　carednomoreforthelampsandthecircle。HurryinghacktoAyeshaIexclaimed:”Thephantomshavegonefromthespacesinfront；butwhatincantationorspellcanarresttheredmarchofthefoespeedingonintherear！Whilewegazedonthecaldronoflife，behindus，unheeded，beholdtheDestroyer！”
　　Ayeshalookedandmadenoreply，but，asbyinvoluntaryinstinct，bowedhermajestichead，thenrearingiterect，placedherselfyetmoreimmediatelybeforethewastedformoftheyoungmagicianhestill，bendingoverthecaldron，andhearingmenotintheabsorptionandhopeofhiswatch——placedherselfbeforehim，asthebirdwhosefirstcareisherfledgling。
　　Aswetwotherestood，frontingthedelugeoffire，weheardMargravebehindus，murmuringlow，”Seethebubblesoflight，howtheysparkleanddance——Ishalllive，Ishalllive！”Andhiswordsscarcelydiedinourearsbefore，crashuponcrash，camethefalloftheage-longtreesintheforest，andnearer，allnearus，throughtheblazinggrasses，thehissoftheserpents，thescreamofthebirds，andthebellowandtrampoftheherdsplungingwildthroughthebillowyredoftheirpastures。
　　AyeshanowwoundherarmsaroundMargrave，andwrenchedhim，reluctantandstruggling，fromhiswatchovertheseethingcaldron。
　　Inrebukeofhisangryexclamations，shepointedtothemarchofthefire，spokeinsorrowfultonesafewwordsinherownlanguage，andthen，appealingtomeinEnglish，said:”Itellhimthat，here，theSpiritswhoopposeushavesummonedafoethatisdeaftomyvoice，and——””And，”exclaimedMargrave，nolongerwithgaspandeffort，butwiththeswellofavoicewhichdrownedallthediscordsofterrorandofagonysentforthfromthePhlegethonburningbelow——”andthiswitch，whomItrusted，isavileslaveandimpostor，moredesiringmydeaththanmylife。ShethinksthatinlifeIshouldscornandforsakeher，thatindeathIshoulddieinherarms！Sorceress，avaunt！ArtthouuselessandpowerlessnowwhenIneedtheemost？
　　Go！Lettheworldbeonefuneralpyre！WhattoMEistheworld？
　　Myworldismylife！Thouknowestthatmylasthopeishere——thatallthestrengthleftmethisnightwilldiedown，likethelampsinthecircle，unlesstheelixirrestoreit。Boldfriend，spurnthatsorceressaway。Hoursyeterethoseflamescanassailus！A
　　fewminutesmore，andlifetoyourLilianandme！”
　　Thushavingsaid，Margraveturnedfromus，andcastintothecaldronthelastessenceyetleftinhisemptycoffer。
　　Ayeshasilentlydrewherblackveiloverherface，andturned，withthebeingsheloved，fromtheterrorhescorned，toshareinthehopethathecherished。
　　Thusleftalone，withmyreasondisinthralled，disenchanted，I
　　surveyedmorecalmlytheextentoftheactualperilwithwhichwewerethreatened，andtheperilseemedless，sosurveyed。
　　ItistruealltheBush-landbehind，almostuptothebedofthecreek，wasonfire；butthegrasses，throughwhichtheflamespreadsorapidly，ceasedattheoppositemargeofthecreek。Waterypoolswerestill，atintervals，leftinthebedofthecreek，shiningtremulous，likewavesoffire，intheglarereflectedfromtheburningland；andevenwherethewaterfailed，thestonycourseoftheexhaustedrivuletwasabarrieragainstthemarchoftheconflagration。Thus，unlessthewind，nowstill，shouldrise，andwaftsomesparkstotheparchedcombustibleherbageimmediatelyaroundus，weweresavedfromthefire，andourworkmightyetbeachieved。
　　IwhisperedtoAyeshatheconclusiontowhichIcame。”Thinkestthou，”sheansweredwithoutraisinghermournfulhead，”thattheAgenciesofNaturearethemovementsofchance？TheSpiritsIinvokedtohisaidareleaguedwiththehoststhatassail。AmightierthanIamhasdoomedhim！”
　　ScarcelyhadsheutteredthesewordsbeforeMargraveexclaimed，”BeholdhowtheRoseofthealchemist’sdreamenlargesitsbloomsfromthefoldsofitspetals！Ishalllive，Ishalllive！”
　　Ilooked，andtheliquidwhichglowedinthecaldronhadnowtakenasplendorthatmockedallcomparisonsborrowedfromthelusterofgems。Initsprevalentcolorithad，indeed，thedazzleandflashoftheruby；butoutfromthemassofthemoltenred，brokecoruscationsofallprismalhues，shooting，shifting，inaplaythatmadethewaveletsthemselvesseemlivingthings，sensibleoftheirjoy。Nolongerwastherescumorfilmuponthesurface；onlyeverandanonalight，rosyvaporfloatingup，andquicklostinthehaggard，heavy，sulphurousair，hotwiththeconflagrationrushingtowardusfrombehind。Andthesecoruscationsformed，onthesurfaceofthemoltenruby，literallytheshapeofarose，itsleavesmadedistinctintheiroutlinesbysparksofemeraldanddiamondandsapphire。
　　Evenwhilegazingonthisanimatedliquidluster，abuoyantdelightseemedinfusedintomysenses；allterrorsconceivedbeforewereannulled；thephantoms，whosearmieshadfilledthewidespacesinfront，wereforgotten；thecrashoftheforestbehindwasunheard。
　　Inthereflectionofthatglory，Margrave’swancheekseemedalreadyrestoredtotheradianceitworewhenIsawitfirstintheframeworkofblooms。
　　AsIgazed，thusenchanted，acoldhandtouchedmyown。”Hush！”whisperedAyesha，fromtheblackveil，againstwhichtheraysofthecaldronfellblunt，andabsorbedintoDark。”Behindus，thelightofthecircleisextinct；butthere，weareguardedfromallsavethebrutalandsoullessdestroyers。But，before！——
　　but，before！——see，twoofthelampshavediedout！——seetheblankofthegapinthering！Guardthatbreach——therethedemonswillenter。””Notadropisthereleftinthisvesselbywhichtoreplenishthelampsonthering。””Advance，then；thouhaststillthelightofthesoul，andthedemonsmayrecoilbeforeasoulthatisdauntlessandguiltless。
　　Ifnot，Threearelost！——asitis，Oneisdoomed。”
　　Thusadjured，silently，involuntarily，IpassedfromtheVeiledWoman’sside，overthesearlinesontheturfwhichhadbeentracedbythetrianglesoflightlongsinceextinguished，andtowardthevergeofthecircle。AsIadvanced，overheadrushedadarkcloudofwings——birdsdislodgedfromtheforestonfire，andscreaming，indissonantterror，astheyflewtowardthefarthermostmountains；
　　closebymyfeethissedandglidedthesnakes，drivenforthfromtheirblazingcoverts，andglancingthroughthering，unscaredbyitswaninglamps；allundulatingbyme，bright-eyed，andhissing，allmadeinnocuousbyfear——eventheterribleDeath-adder，whichI
　　trampledonasIhaltedatthevergeofthecircle，didnotturntobite，butcreptharmlessaway。Ihaltedatthegapbetweenthetwodeadlamps，andbowedmyheadtolookagainintothecrystalvessel。Werethere，indeed，nolingeringdropsyetleft，ifbuttorecruitthelampsforsomepricelessminutesmore？AsIthusstood，rightintothegapbetweenthetwodeadlampsstrodeagiganticFoot。Alltherestoftheformwasunseen；only，asvolumeaftervolumeofsmokepouredonfromtheburninglandbehind，itseemedasifonegreatcolumnofvapor，eddyinground，settleditselfaloftfromthecircle，andthatoutfromthatcolumnstrodethegiantFoot。And，asstrodetheFoot，sowithitcame，likethesoundofitstread，arollofmutteredthunder。
　　Irecoiled，withacrythatrangloudthroughtheluridair。”Courage！”saidthevoiceofAyesha。”Tremblingsoul，yieldnotaninchtothedemon！”
　　Atthecharm，thewonderfulcharm，inthetoneoftheVeiledWoman’svoice，mywillseemedtotakeaforcemoresublimethanitsown。Ifoldedmyarmsonmybreast，andstoodasifrootedtothespot，confrontingthecolumnofsmokeandthestrideofthegiantFoot。AndtheFoothalted，mute。
　　Again，inthemomentaryhushofthatsuspense，Iheardavoice——itwasMargrave’s。”Thelasthourexpires——theworkisaccomplished！Come！come！Aidmetotakethecaldronfromthefire；and，quick！——oradropmaybewastedinvapor——theElixirofLifefromthecaldron！”
　　AtthatcryIreceded，andtheFootadvanced。
　　Andatthatmoment，suddenly，unawares，frombehind，Iwasstrickendown。Overme，asIlay，sweptawhirlwindoftramplinghoofsandglancinghorns。Theherds，intheirflightfromtheburningpastures，hadrushedoverthebedofthewatercourse，scaledtheslopesofthebanks。Snortingandbellowing，theyplungedtheirblindwaytothemountains。Onecryalone，morewildthantheirownsavageblare，piercedthereekthroughwhichtheBruteHurricaneswept。AtthatcryofwrathanddespairIstruggledtorise，againdashedtoearthbythehoofsandthehorns。Butwasitthedreamlikedeceitofmyreelingsenses，ordidIseethatgiantFootstridepastthroughtheclose-serriedranksofthemaddeningherds？DidIhear，distinctthroughallthehugeuproarofanimalterror，therolloflowthunderwhichfollowedthestrideofthatFoot？
　　X
　　Whenmysensehadrecovereditsshock，andmyeyeslookeddizzilyround，thechargeofthebeastshadsweptby；andofallthewildtribeswhichhadinvadedthemagicalcircle，theonlylingererwasthebrownDeath-adder，coiledclosebythespotwheremyheadhadrested。Besidetheextinguishedlampswhichthehoofshadconfusedlyscattered，thefire，arrestedbythewatercourse，hadconsumedthegrassesthatfedit，andtheretheplainsstretchedblackanddesertasthePhlegraeanFieldofthePoet’sHell。Butthefirestillragedintheforestbeyond——whiteflames，soaringupfromthetrunksofthetallesttrees，andforming，throughthesullendarkofthesmokereck，innumerablepillarsoffire，likethehallsinthecityoffiends。
　　Gatheringmyselfup，Iturnedmyeyesfromtheterriblepompoftheluridforest，andlookedfearfullydownonthehoof-trampledswardformytwocompanions。
　　IsawthedarkimageofAyeshastillseated，stillbending，asI
　　hadseenitlast。Isawapalehandfeeblygraspingtherimofthemagicalcaldron，whichlay，hurleddownfromitstripodbytherushofthebeasts，yardsawayfromthedim，fadingembersofthescatteredwoodpyre。Isawthefaintwrithingsofafrail，wastedframe，overwhichtheVeiledWomanwasbending。Isaw，asImovedwithbruisedlimbstotheplace，closebythelipsofthedyingmagician，theflashoftherubylikeessencespilledonthesward，and，meteor-like，sparklingupfromthetorntuftsofherbage。
　　InowreachedMargrave’sside。BendingoverhimastheVeiledWomanbent，andasIsoughtgentlytoraisehim，heturnedhisface，fiercelyfalteringout，”Touchmenot，robmenot！YOUsharewithme！Never，never！Thesegloriousdropsareallmine！Dieallelse！Iwilllive，Iwilllive！”Writhinghimselffrommypityingarms，heplungedhisfaceamidstthebeautiful，playfulflameoftheessence，asiftolaptheelixirwithlipsscorchedawayfromitsintolerableburning。Suddenly，withalowshriek，hefellback，hisfaceupturnedtomine，andonthatfaceunmistakablyreignedDeath。
　　ThenAyeshatenderly，silently，drewtheyoungheadtoherlap，anditvanishedfrommysightbehindherblackveil。
　　Ikneltbesideher，murmuringsometritewordsofcomfort；butsheheededmenot，rockingherselftoandfroasthemotherwhocradlesachildtosleep。Soonthefast-flickeringsparklesofthelostelixirdiedoutonthegrass；andwiththeirlastsportivediamond-
　　liketrembleoflight，up，inallthesuddennessofAustralianday，rosethesun，liftinghimselfroyallyabovethemountaintops，andfrontingthemeanerblazeoftheforestasayoungkingfrontshisrebels。Andasthere，wherethebushfireshadravaged，allwasadesert，sothere，wheretheirfuryhadnotspread，allwasagarden。Afar，atthefootofthemountains，thefugitiveherdsweregrazing；thecranes，flockingbacktothepools，renewedthestrangegraceoftheirgambols；andthegreatkingfisher，whoselaugh，halfinmirth，halfinmockery，leadsthechoirthatwelcomethemorn——whichinEuropeisnight——alightedboldontheroofofthecavern，whosefloorswerestillwhitewiththebonesofraces，extinctbefore——sohelplessthroughinstincts，soroyalthroughSoul——roseMAN！
　　Butthere，onthegroundwherethedazzlingelixirhadwasteditsvirtues——theretheherbagealreadyhadafreshnessofverdurewhich，amidthedullerswardroundit，waslikeanoasisofgreeninadesert。And，there，wildflowers，whosechillhuestheeyewouldhavescarcelydistinguishedthedaybefore，nowglitteredforthinbloomsofunfamiliarbeauty。Towardthatspotwereattractedmyriadsofhappyinsects，whosehumofintensejoywasmusicallyloud。Buttheformofthelife-seekingsorcererlayrigidandstark；blindtothebloomofthewildflowers，deaftothegleeoftheinsects——onehandstillrestingheavilyontherimoftheemptiedcaldron，andthefacestillhidbehindtheBlackVeil。What！thewondrouselixir，soughtwithsuchhopeandwell-
　　nighachievedthroughsuchdread，fleetingbacktotheearthfromwhichitsmaterialwasdrawntogivebloom，indeed——buttoherbs；
　　joyindeed——buttoinsects！
　　Andnow，intheflashofthesun，slowlywounduptheslopesthatledtothecircle，thesamebarbaricprocessionwhichhadsunkintothevalleyundertherayofthemoon。Thearmedmencamefirst，stalwartandtall，theirvestsbravewithcrimsonandgoldenlace，theirweaponsgaylygleamingwithholidaysilver。Afterthem，theBlackLitter。Astheycametotheplace，Ayesha，notraisingherhead，spoketotheminherownEasterntongue。Awailwasheranswer。Thearmedmenboundedforward，andthebearersleftthelitter。
　　AllgatheredroundthedeadformwiththefaceconcealedundertheBlackVeil；allknelt，andallwept。Farinthedistance，atthefootofthebluemountains，acrowdofthesavagenativeshadrisenupasiffromtheearth；theystoodmotionlessleaningontheirclubsandspears，andlookingtowardthespotonwhichwewere——
　　strangelythusbroughtintothelandscape，asiftheytoo，thewilddwellersonthevergewhichHumanityguardsfromtheBrute，wereamongthemournersforthemysteriousChildofmysteriousNature！
　　Andstill，intheherbage，hummedthesmallinsects，andstill，fromthecavern，laughedthegreatkingfisher。IsaidtoAyesha，”Farewell！yourlovemournsthedead，minecallsmetotheliving。
　　Youarenowwithyourownpeople，theymayconsoleyou——sayifI
　　canassist。””Thereisnoconsolationforme！Whatmournercanbeconsoledifthedeaddieforever？Nothingforhimisleftbutagrave；thatgraveshallbeinthelandwherethesongofAyeshafirstlulledhimtosleep。ThouassistME——thou，thewisemanofEurope！Frommeaskassistance。Whatroadwiltthoutaketothyhome？””Thereisbutoneroadknowntomethroughthemazeofthesolitude——thatwhichwetooktothisupland。””OnthatroadDeathlurks，andawaitsthee！Blinddupe，couldstthouthinkthatifthegrandsecretoflifehadbeenwon，hewhoseheadrestsonmylapwouldhaveyieldedtheeonepettydropoftheessencewhichhadfilchedfromhisstoreoflifebutamoment？Me，whosolovedandsocherishedhim——mehewouldhavedoomedtothepitilesscordofmyservant，theStrangler，ifmydeathcouldhavelengthenedahairbreadththespanofhisbeing。Butwhatmatterstomehiscrimeorhismadness？Ilovedhim，Ilovedhim！”
　　Shebowedherveiledheadlowerandlower；perhapsundertheveilherlipskissedthelipsofthedead。Thenshesaidwhisperingly:”JumatheStrangler，whosewordneverfailedtohismaster，whosepreyneverslippedfromhissnare，waitsthystepontheroadtothyhome！Butthydeathcannotnowprofitthedead，thebeloved。
　　Andthouhasthadpityforhimwhotookbutthineaidtodesignthydestruction。Hislifeislost，thineissaved！”
　　ShespokenomoreinthetonguethatIcouldinterpret。Shespoke，inthelanguageunknown，afewmurmuredwordstoherswarthyattendants；thenthearmedmen，stillweeping，rose，andmadeadumbsigntometogowiththem。IunderstoodbythesignthatAyeshahadtoldthemtoguardmeonmyway；butshegavenoreplytomypartingthanks。
　　XI
　　Idescendedintothevalley；thearmedmenfollowed。Thepath，onthatsideofthewatercoursenotreachedbytheflames，woundthroughmeadowsstillgreen，oramidstgrovesstillunscathed。AsaturninginthewaybroughtinfrontofmysighttheplaceIhadleftbehind，Ibeheldtheblacklittercreepingdownthedescent，withitscurtainsclosed，andtheVeiledWomanwalkingbyitsside。
　　Butsoonthefuneralprocessionwaslosttomyeyes，andthethoughtsthatitrousedwereerased。Thewavesinman’sbrainarelikethoseofthesea，rushingon，rushingoverthewrecksofthevesselsthatrodeontheirsurface，tosink，afterstorm，intheirdeeps。Onethoughtcastforthintothefuturenowmasteredallinthepast:”WasLilianlivingstill？”Absorbedinthegloomofthatthought，hurriedonbythegoadthatmyheart，initstorturedimpatience，gavetomyfootstep，Ioutstrippedtheslowstrideofthearmedmen，and，midwaybetweentheplaceIhadleftandthehomewhichIspedto，came，farinadvanceofmyguards，intothethicketinwhichtheBushmenhadstartedupinmypathonthenightthatLilianhadwatchedformycoming。Theearthatmyfeetwasrifewithcreepingplantsandmany-coloredflowers，theskyoverheadwashalfhidbymotionlesspines。Suddenly，whethercrawlingoutfromtheherbageordroppingdownfromthetrees，bymysidestoodthewhite-robedandskeletonform——Ayesha’sattendanttheStrangler。
　　Isprangfromhimshuddering，thenhaltedandfacedhim。Thehideouscreaturecrepttowardme，cringingandfawning，makingsignsofhumblegoodwillandservileobeisance。AgainIrecoiled——
　　wrathfully，loathingly，turnedmyfacehomeward，andfledon。I
　　thoughtIhadbaffledhischase，when，justatthemouthofthethicket，hedroppedfromaboughinmypathclosebehindme。
　　BeforeIcouldturn，somedarkmufflingsubstancefellbetweenmysightandthesun，andIfeltafiercestrainatmythroat。ButthewordsofAyeshahadwarnedme；withonerapidhandIseizedthenoosebeforeitcouldtightentooclosely，withtheotherItorethebandageawayfrommyeyes，and，wheelingroundonthedastardlyfoe，struckhimdownwithonespurnofmyfoot。Hishand，ashefell，relaxeditsholdonthenoose；Ifreedmythroatfromtheknot，andsprangfromthecopseintothebroadsunlitplain。IsawnomoreofthearmedmenortheStrangler。Pantingandbreathless，Ipausedatlastbeforethefence，fragrantwithblossoms，thatdividedmyhomefromthesolitude。
　　ThewindowsofLilian’sroomweredarkened；allwithinthehouseseemedstill。
　　Darkenedandsilencedhome，withthelightandsoundsofthejocunddayallaroundit。WasthereyethopeintheUniverseforme？AlltowhichIhadtrustedHopehadbrokendown；theanchorsIhadforgedforherholdinthebedsoftheocean，herstayfromthedriftsofthestorm，hadsnappedlikethereedswhichpiercethesidethatleansonthebarboftheirpoints，andconfidesinthestrengthoftheirstems。Nohopeinthebaffledresourcesofrecognizedknowledge！NohopeinthedaringadventuresofMindintoregionsunknown；vainalikethecalmloreofthepracticedphysician，andthemagicalartsofthefatedEnchanter！IhadfledfromthecommonplaceteachingsofNature，toexploreinherShadowlandmarvelsatvariancewithreason。Madebravebythegrandeuroflove，IhadopposedwithoutquailingthestrideoftheDemon，andmyhope，whenfruitionseemednearest，hadbeentroddenintodustbythehoofsofthebeast！Andyet，allthewhile，Ihadscorned，asadream，morewildthanthewordofasorcerer，thehopethattheoldmanandthechild，thewiseandtheignorant，tookfromtheirsoulsasinborn。Manandfiendhadalikefailedamind，notignoble，notskill-less，notabjectlycraven；alikefailedaheartnotfeebleandselfish，notdeadtothehero’sdevotion，willingtoshedeverydropofitsbloodforasomethingmoredearthanananimal’slifeforitself！Whatremained——whatremainedforman’shope？——man’smindandman’sheartthusexhaustingtheirallwithnootherresultbutdespair！Whatremainedbutthemysteryofmysteries，socleartothesunriseofchildhood，thesunsetofage，onlydimmedbythecloudswhichcollectroundthenoonofourmanhood？WhereyetwasHopefound？
　　Inthesoul；initsevery-dayimpulsetosupplicatecomfortandlight，fromtheGiverofsoul，wherevertheheartisafflicted，themindisobscured。
　　ThenthewordsofAyesharushedoverme:”Whatmournercanbeconsoled，ifthedeaddieforever？”Througheverypulseofmyframethrobbedthatdreadquestion；allNaturearoundseemedtomurmurit。Andsuddenly，asbyaflashfromheaven，thegrandtruthinFaber’sgrandreasoningshoneonme，andlightedupall，withinandwithout。Manalone，ofallearthlycreatures，asks，”Canthedeaddieforever？”andtheinstinctthaturgesthequestionisGod’sanswertoman。Noinstinctisgiveninvain。
　　Andbornwiththeinstinctofsoulistheinstinctthatleadsthesoulfromtheseentotheunseen，fromtimetoeternity，fromthetorrentthatfoamstowardtheOceanofDeath，tothesourceofitsstream，faraloftfromtheOcean。”Knowthyself，”saidthePythianofold。”ThatpreceptdescendedfromHeaven。”Knowthyself！Isthatmaximwise？Ifso，knowthysoul。Butneveryetdidmancometothethoroughconvictionofsoulbutwhatheacknowledgedthesovereignnecessityofprayer。
　　Inmyawe，inmyrapture，allmythoughtsseemedenlargedandillumedandexalted。Iprayed——allmysoulseemedoneprayer。Allmypast，withitsprideandpresumptionandfolly，grewdistinctastheformofapenitent，kneelingforpardonbeforesettingforthonthepilgrimagevowedtoashrine。And，surenow，inthedeepsofasoulfirstrevealedtomyself，thattheDeaddonotdieforever，myhumanlovesoaredbeyonditsbrieftrialofterrorandsorrow。
　　DaringnottoaskfromHeaven’swisdomthatLilian，formysake，mightnotyetpassawayfromtheearth，IprayedthatmysoulmightbefittedtobearwithsubmissionwhatevermyMakermightordain。
　　Andifsurvivingher——withoutwhomnobeamfromyonmaterialsuncouldeverwarmintojoyamorrowinhumanlife——sotoguidemystepsthattheymightrejoinheratlast，andinrejoining，regainforever！
　　Howtrivialnowbecametheweirdriddle，that，alittlewhilebefore，hadbeenclothedinsosolemnanawe！WhatmatteredittothevastinterestsinvolvedintheclearrecognitionofSoulandHereafter，whetherornotmybodilysense，foramoment，obscuredthefaceoftheNatureIshouldonedaybeholdasaspirit？
　　Doubtlessthesightsandthesoundswhichhadhauntedthelastgloomynight，thecalmreasonofFaberwouldstripoftheirmagicalseemings；theEyesinthespaceandtheFootinthecirclemightbethoseofnoterribleDemons，butofthewild’ssavagechildrenwhomIhadseen，halting，curiousandmute，inthelightofthemorning。
　　Thetremorofthegroundifnot，asheretofore，explicablebytheillusoryimpressionofmyowntreacheroussensesmightbebutthenaturaleffectofelementsstrugglingyetunderasoilunmistakablycharredbyvolcanoes。Theluminousatomsdissolvedinthecaldronmightaslittlebefraughtwithavitalelixirasarethesplendorsofnaphthaorphosphor。Asitwas，theweirdritehadnomagicresult。Themagicianwasnotrentlimbfromlimbbythefiends。
　　Bycausesasnaturalaseverextinguishedlife’ssparkinthefraillampofclay，hehaddiedoutofsight——undertheblackveil。
　　WhatmatteredhenceforthtoFaith，initsfargranderquestionsandanswers，whetherReason，inFaber，orFancy，inme，suppliedthemoreprobableguessatahieroglyphwhich，ifconstruedaright，wasbutawordofsmallmarkinthemysticallanguageofNature？IfalltheartsofenchantmentrecordedbyFablewereattestedbyfactswhichSageswereforcedtoacknowledge，Sageswouldsoonerorlaterfindsomecauseforsuchportents——notsupernatural。ButwhatSage，withoutcausesupernatural，bothwithoutandwithinhim，canguessatthewondersheviewsinthegrowthofabladeofgrass，orthetintsonaninsect’swing？WhateverartMancanachieveinhisprogressthroughtime，Man’sreason，intime，cansufficetoexplain。ButthewondersofGod？ThesebelongtotheInfinite；andthese，OImmortal！willbutdevelopnewwonderonwonder，thoughthysightbeaspirit’s，andthyleisuretotrackandtosolveaneternity。