blow in the face. No one at Rhodes--and this
is just what I prize in you--hated imitation more, yet what would using
the Arachne on the pedestal for a model be except showing the world not
how Hermon, but how Althea imagines the hapless transformed mortal? Even
if Ledscha withdraws from you, hold fast to her image. It will live on
in your soul. Recall it there, free it from whatever is superfluous,
supply whatever it lacks, animate it with the idea of the tireless
artist, the mocking, defiant mortal woman who ended her life as the
weaver of weavers in the insect world, as you have so often vividly
described her to me. Then, my dear fellow, you will remain loyal to
yourself, and therefore also to the higher truth, toward which every one
of us who labours earnestly strives, and, myself included, there is no
one who wields hammer and chisel in Greece who could contest the prize
with you."

CHAPTER XV.

When the sun was approaching the western horizon the travellers started.

Light mists veiled the radiant right eye of the goddess of heaven. The
blood of the contending spirits of light and darkness, which usually
dyed the west of Egypt crimson at the departure of the great sun god,
to-day vanished from sight.

The sultry air was damp and oppressive, and experienced old Philippus,
who had commanded a fleet of considerable size under the first
Ptolemies, agreed with the captain of the vessel, who pointed to several
small dark clouds under the silvery stratus, and expressed the fear that
Selene would hardly illumine the ship's course during the coming night.

But before the departure the travellers had offered sacrifices to
the foam-born Cyprian Aphrodite and the Dioscuri, the protectors of
mariners, and the conversation took the gayest turn.

In the harbour of the neighbouring seaport Tanis they went aboard of the
commandant's state galley, one of the largest and finest in the royal
fleet, where a banquet awaited them.

Cushions were arranged on the high poop, and the sea was as smooth as
the silver dishes in which viands were offered to the guests.

True, not a breath stirred the still, sultry air, but the three long
double ranks of rowers in the hold of the ship provided for her swift
progress, and if no contrary wind sprang up she would run into the
harbour of Pelusium before the last goblet was emptied.

Soon after the departure it seemed as if the captain of the little
vessel had erred in his prediction,