The man was as stiff as wood. Then the old man made motions above him with his hands, and drew out the spear supporting his feet. After a while he removed the spear on which his loins were resting, and finally that on which his head was fixed.
This took place in the clear day, before some thousands of spectators. The sleeping Chaldean rested in the air horizontally, without support, a couple of ells above the earth. At last the old man pushed him down and roused him.
The audience was astounded; no one dared to applaud or to shout, but flowers were thrown from some boxes.
Ramses too was astonished. He bent towards Hiram's box, and asked the old prince in a low voice,
"Could they perform that secret in the temple of Astaroth?"
"I am not conversant with all the secrets of our priests," answered
Hiram, confused. "I know, though, that Chaldeans are very clever."
"But we all saw that that young man rested in the air."
"If they did not put a spell on us," said Hiram, reluctantly; and he grew serious.
After a short interval, during which servitors took to the boxes of dignitaries fresh flowers, cool wine and cakes, the most important part of the spectacle began, the bull fight.
To the sound of trumpets, drums, and flutes they led a strong bull into the arena, with a cloth over his head so that he should not see. Then a number of naked men ran around with darts, and one with a short sword.