"Make me in thine image!"
"Revolt also! I will give thee the thews for rebellion."
"Teach me!"
"Violate the law, love thyself, curse Him, and be as I am!"
The Angel disappeared; the wind in circling gusts rekindled the flame on the tripod. The flame blew over the brim of the vessel and ran along the ground. The tripod itself was overset, and the flame went out. In the darkness came a rushing noise of numberless steps, with cries and groanings, as if an invisible army, fleeing before an enemy, were in passage through the cave. Julian, in terror, fell face downward to the earth, while the long black robe of the hierophant, stretched over him, struggled with the wind.
"Flee, flee!" groaned indistinct voices. "The gates of Hell are opening; it is He, He, the Conqueror!"
The wind hissed in Julian's ears; legions upon legions seemed passing over him; suddenly there fell a dead calm; a heavenly breath filled the vast cavern and a voice murmured—
"Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"
It seemed to Julian that he had heard that voice before, in some far time of childhood. Gently it came again—
"Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"