nt over the
place, muttered some indistinct sentences, and immediately a pale
sulphurous flame arose from the ground. It increased by degrees, and
at length spread its waves over the whole surface, the circles alone
excepted in which stood Matilda and the Monk. It then ascended the
huge Columns of unhewn stone, glided along the roof, and formed the
Cavern into an immense chamber totally covered with blue trembling
fire. It emitted no heat: On the contrary, the extreme chillness of
the place seemed to augment with every moment. Matilda continued her
incantations: At intervals She took various articles from the Basket,
the nature and name of most of which were unknown to the Friar: But
among the few which He distinguished, He particularly observed three
human fingers, and an Agnus Dei which She broke in pieces. She threw
them all into the flames which burned before her, and they were
instantly consumed.

The Monk beheld her with anxious curiosity. Suddenly She uttered a
loud and piercing shriek. She appeared to be seized with an access of
delirium; She tore her hair, beat her bosom, used the most frantic
gestures, and drawing the poignard from her girdle plunged it into her
left arm. The blood gushed out plentifully, and as She stood on the
brink of the circle, She took care that it should fall on the outside.
The flames retired from the spot on which the blood was pouring. A
volume of dark clouds rose slowly from the ensanguined earth, and
ascended gradually, till it reached the vault of the Cavern. At the
same time a clap of thunder was heard: The echo pealed fearfully along
the subterraneous passages, and the ground shook beneath the feet of
the Enchantress.

It was now that Ambrosio repented of his rashness. The solemn
singularity of the charm had prepared him for something strange and
horrible. He waited with fear for the Spirit's appearance, whose
coming was announced by thunder and earthquakes. He looked wildly
round him, expecting that some dreadful Apparition would meet his eyes,
the sight of which would drive him mad. A cold shivering seized his
body, and He sank upon one knee, unable to support himself.

'He comes!' exclaimed Matilda in a joyful accent.

Ambrosio started, and expected the Daemon with terror. What was his
surprize, when the Thunder ceasing to roll, a full strain of melodious
Music sounded in the air. At the same time the cloud dispersed, and He
beheld a Figure more beauti