Presently the shout of the high priest rang like a trumpet-peal above
the roofs of the city. Then Jerusalem was all begirt and overflooded
with song. Maidens, white robed, were singing in distant vineyards;
people were singing in the streets; trained devotees were whirling and
dancing and chanting psalms in the court of the Temple, while priest
and Levite followed, blowing, with all their power of lung, upon the
sacred horns.
In the midst of this outbreak a stranger approached Vergilius at the
well, saying, "What seek you?" The young Roman gave his answer, but
was unable to see the face of him who questioned. The stranger turned
away and bade him follow. Without more ceremony Vergilius walked
behind him through narrow streets, wholly unfamiliar, and presently
descending a stairway, came into a dark passage. They halted, after a
few paces, whereupon a loud rap startled the new-comer. Soon he could
hear a door open. The stranger, taking his hand, led him into some
dark place. It was all very strange, and like tales long familiar,
relating to the city of mysteries.
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