They bore him luscious wines in jewelled vases, kneeling as he
took the cup. He marvelled, and at first scorned the homage, but again I
saw him look proudly round him, and assume an air of command.
In a recess of the most exquisite beauty, veiled by groves of perfumed
flowers, he meets resplendent groups of married women, blooming clusters
of budding maidens. They surround him as he enters, greeting him with
lovely smiles; and scattering rose leaves o'er him. His cheeks flame as
with fever; his blood boils in his veins; he grows giddy, faint:--alas,
he feels at last that he might find happiness in the Palace of the
mortal enemy of his Mother! This feeling falls upon him like a
thunderbolt, and scathes his heart. He turns to fly, but they pursue,
the perfumed wind bearing onward and wafting around him the full drapery
of their floating trains of luxury. Their long ringlets kiss his cheeks,
and weave their nets around him.
Through two long hours of this fitful night I watched him with the
keenest interest. I saw him struggle, confused, bewildered, reeling,
giddy, dazzled, sometimes almost yielding to temptation, sometimes
earnestly imploring the Heavenly Father for strength to resist delusion.
As if in despair, I saw him hurrying through the long suite of
apartments in search of a sword to pierce his weak, vacillating heart,
but no arms were here to be found. Sometimes I saw him rush to meet the
alluring Circes of the Palace, as if seeking their fascinations; then,
suddenly turning upon them, he would curse and insult the seductive
Sirens.
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