“The blind forces of Nature were our servants—I have shown you how. Pure intellect and inanimate material produced by it mixed together, devoid of feeling and the higher life. Then because experiment and movement are a part of our being we designed the worlds. Some gave one thing, some another, and at last the mighty cast was ready. Then came the great convocation, and the question, whom to put upon these spheres. Those ours previously we retained, but those thrown off from us were a prize for the highest intellect to settle.
“I remember well the great assembly seated on thrones which were no thrones of preparation, but the outcome of that dazzling light which draws round all of us.
“Then Vestasian rose—you know him—Fairest of the Fair—Lightest of Light—the best-beloved of all. He was more beautiful than the sun, and stronger, with what seemed to be all the soft graces that combine in woman, all the clear intellect and strength of man. I doubt that this soft grace was but the flimsy covering that hid the great difference betwixt such as he and me. Till then he had been my best-beloved brother next to Plucritus, who, once having sprung into birth with me, was like myself.
“But to return.
“In the clear silence that accompanied his rising Vestasian spoke,—
“‘It is our nature to be kind and courteous. Nature, our humble servant, needs some reward for all these ages of untiring work. We can but repay her labours with a crown made in our own image, built on our lines, endued with all our intellect and reason, called by the simple name of Man.’
“You know his voice, as sweet as any woman’s, yet with the deep note ringing in it that compels a hearing, even from those who would not hear.
“Ringing applause followed these words, for his simplicity and courtesy were wonderful; he had given voice to the thoughts of all, yet with such sweet humility that never had my love for him before reached such limits.
“Then from near at hand Plucritus spoke, leaning back half indolently, a faint smile hovering on his lips.
“‘Are we to raise gods from soil?’ he asked. ‘Nature will groan beneath the burden and cast it on to us.’