First, in darkness and in secret, let us speak of the mystery of the
gods and of its meanings. Next, in darkness and in secret, let us speak
of the mystery of our lives, of whence they come, of where they tarry by
the road, and whither they go at last. And afterwards, let us speak of
other matters face to face in light and openness, as we were wont to do
when we were men. Then hence to Thebes, there to celebrate our yearly
festival. Is such your will?"
"Such is our will," they answered.
It seemed to Smith that dense darkness fell upon the place, and with
it a silence that was awful. For a time that he could not reckon, that
might have been years or might have been moments, he sat there in the
utter darkness and the utter silence.
At length the light came again, first as a blue spark, then in upward
pouring rays, and lastly pervading all. There stood Menes on the steps,
and there in front of him was gathered the same royal throng.
"The mysteries are finished," said the old king. "Now, if any have aught
to say, let it be said openly."
A young man dressed in the robes and ornaments of an early dynasty came
forward and stood upon the steps between the Pharaoh Menes and all those
who had reigned after him.
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