ing deity. The procession moved along regularly. Some
carried the holy utensils, others torches, others, again, baskets of
flowers which were strewn in the way. Perfumes were scattered amongst
the people until the air was redolent with sweet odours. Next followed
the horses, hounds, and hunting accoutrements, as well for attack as
defence; after this came a train of virgins led by a lovely girl dressed
in a purple robe. The skin of a fawn girded it round, on which hung a
quiver and arrows. She symbolized Diana the Huntress, and was followed
by her faithful hounds.

Then came choirs of youths and maidens singing the sacred chants, one
choir answering the other, and then unitedly sending forth a peal in
unison.

After them a multitude of Ephesian children. Then, with flying feet and
swinging, voluptuous forms, the dancing-girls of Ionia.

Now rose on the perfumed air the sound of instruments, from the sweet,
low tones of the flute and golden notes of the magadis, to the
resounding clang of the cymbals and the beat of the timbrels, playing
the 'March of Hell.' Whoever has heard such notes may never forget
them--music set to the shrieks of the lost in Tartarus--the wild
imploring of the forsaken pleading for forgiveness, as the songs from
the dwellers in the Elysian fields break on their sinking souls like a
ray of golden hope, too soon to be drowned by the cries of the Furies.

And thus did the Ephesians play the 'March of the Goddess Hecate,' and
the sound of the queenly tread of the Infernal Goddess seemed to follow
the ranks of her devotees, ranks of priests and priestesses dressed in
black raiment bestud with stars of gold, a crescent moon on every brow.
They held their hands towards the earth. Now came banners waving in the
air, and standards of silver and gold bestud with precious stones. The
Temple way blazed out with gorgeous colouring and glittering sheen.

Then rose to view the golden statue of the goddess, with many symbols of
earth and sky and sea, supported by bars of gold and borne on the
shoulders of stalwart men, all priests of the Temple, followed by a
train of virgin priestesses with heads erect, wearing fillets of gold
and myrtle-blossoms, each carrying the insignia of her office. These
were followed by priests and choirs of singers, and others carrying
smaller images of the goddess and silver shrines set with diamonds and
emeralds. A company of lovely girls played music like the Dawn of Love.

Men