Втрачений континент: історія Атлантиди
10. A Wooing
“OmightyFather,”shecried,“whohastmademeaGodandanequal,hearme!Hearme!”
Outoftheblackcloudoverheadtherecameablindingflashoflight,whichspatdownwardsontothealtar.Thecloven-hoofedhorsegaveoneshrillneigh,andoneconvulsion,andfellbackdead.Flamescrackledoutfromthewoodpile,andtheairbecamerichwiththesmellofburningflesh.Andlo!inanothermomentthecloudabovehadmeltedintonothingness,andtheflamesburntpale,andthesmokewentupinathinbluespiraltowardsthedeeperbluenessofthesky.
Phorenice,theEmpress,stoodtherebeforethegreatstone,andbeforethesnakeandtheoutstretchedhandoflifewhichwereinscribeduponit,flushed,exultant,andoncemoreradiantlylovely;andtheknotofpriestswithinthecircle,andthegreatmobofpeoplewithout,felltothegroundadoring.
“Phorenice,Goddess!”theycried.“Phorenice,GoddessofallAtlantis!”
ButformyselfIdidnotkneel.Iwouldhavenopartinthisapostasy,soIstoodthereawaitingfate.
