And the sound faded away into the distance, so that there came at last but an imperceptible whisper: "Why, why, persecutest thou me?"
When Julian awoke and raised his prostrate face he saw one of the initiating priests lighting a lamp. He felt giddy, but remembered exactly everything that had taken place. His eyes were blindfolded and, strengthened with spiced wine, he was enabled to climb the staircase, his hand gripped this time by the strong hand of Maximus. He felt as if an invisible force was lifting him on wings. The teacher of rites said to the lad—
"Now ask what you will!"
"Did you summon Him?" inquired Julian.
"No. But when one chord of the lyre vibrates, another chord responds. Opposite answers opposite."
"Why is there such potency in His words if His words are only lies?"
"His words are truth."
"What do you mean? Then it is the Titan and the Angel who lied?"
"They also are the truth."
"Do you mean that there are two truths?"