The curtain on the right is drawn aside. Two servants in eastern costume bring in a tall, veiled object, which they place in the corner, behind the table. Shortly after, Maximus the Mystic enters by the same door. He is a lean man of middle height, with a bronzed, hawk-like face; his hair and beard are much grizzled, but his thick eyebrows and moustache still retain their pitch-black colour. He wears a pointed cap and a long black robe; in his hand he carries a white wand.
Maximus goes, without heeding Julian, up to the veiled object, stops, and makes a sign to the servants; they retire noiselessly.
Julian.
[Softly.] At last!
[Maximus draws the veil away, revealing a bronze lamp on a high tripod; then he takes out a little silver pitcher, and pours oil into the lamp-bowl. The lamp lights of itself, and burns with a strong reddish glare.
Julian.
[In eager expectancy.] Is the time come?
Maximus.
[Without looking at him.] Art thou pure in soul and body?
Julian.