"What is the eternal mystery?"
"Love."
"With whom does it rest?"
"With Sophia."
The Sphinx bowed herself mournfully, and Fable entered the cave.
"Here I bring you tarantulas," said she to the old sisters, who again had lighted their lamp and were busily employed. They were overwhelmed with fear, and one of them rushed upon her with the shears to murder her. Unwarily she stepped upon a tarantula, which stung her in the foot. She cried piteously; the others came to her assistance, and were likewise stung by the irritated reptiles. They could not now attack Fable, and danced wildly about.
"Spin directly for us," cried they angrily to the little one, "some light dancing dresses. We cannot move in this stiff raiment, and are nearly melted with heat. Thou must soak the thread in spider's juice that it may not break, and interweave flowers, which have grown in fire; otherwise thou shalt die."
"Right willingly," said Fable, and retired to the side-chamber.
"I will get you three fine large flies," said she to the spiders, which had fixed their airy web about the ceiling and the walls; "but you must spin for me immediately three beautiful light dresses. I will bring you directly the flowers which must be worked upon them."
The spiders were ready and began to weave busily. Fable glided up the ladder, and proceeded to Arcturus.