"I am only Sophia's god-daughter," said the little one. "Permit Turmaline, the flower gardener, and Gold to accompany me. I must gather up the ashes of my foster-mother; the old Bearer must again arise, that the earth may not lie in chaos, but renew her motion."
The king called all three, and commanded them to accompany the little Fable. The city was light, and in the streets was the bustle of business. The sea broke roaring upon the high cliff, and Fable went over in the king's chariot with her companions. Turmaline carefully gathered the dispersing ashes. They traversed the earth till they came to the old giant, upon whose shoulders they descended. He seemed lamed by the touch, and could not move a limb. Gold placed a coin in his mouth, and the flower-gardener pushed a dish under his loins. Fable touched his eyes and poured out her vessel upon his forehead. Soon as the water flowed from his eyes into his mouth, and over his body into the dish, a flash of life made all his muscles quiver. He opened his eyes and rose vigorously. Fable jumped up to her companion on the swelling ground, and kindly bade him good morning.
"Art thou again here, dear child?" said the old man, "thou of whom I have so continually dreamed? I always thought that thou wouldst appear before the earth and my eyes became too heavy. I have indeed been sleeping long."
"The earth is again light, as it always was for the good," said Fable. "Old times are returning. Shortly thou wilt again be among thine old acquaintances. I will spin out for thee joyous days, nor shalt thou want an help-meet. Where are our old guests, the Hesperides?"
"With Sophia. Their garden will soon bloom again, its golden fruits send forth their odor. They are now busy gathering together the fading plants."
Fable departed, and hastened to the house. It was entirely in ruins. Ivy was winding round the walls. Tall bushes shaded the ancient court, and the soft moss enwrapt the old steps. She entered the chamber. Sophia stood by the altar which had been rebuilt. Eros was lying at her feet in full armor, more grave and noble than ever. A splendid lustre hung from the ceiling. The floor was paved with variegated stones, describing a great circle around the altar, which was graced with noble and significant figures. Ginnistan bent weeping over a couch, on which the father appeared lying in deep slumber. Her blooming grace was infinitely enhanced by an expression of devotion and love. Fable handed to the holy Sophia, who tenderly embraced her, the urn in which the ashes were gathered.
"Lovely child," said she, "thy faithfulness and assiduity have earned for thee a place among the stars. Thou hast elected the immortal within thee. Phœnix is thine. Thou wilt be the soul of our life. Now arouse the bridegroom. The herald calls, and Eros shall seek and awaken Freya."
Fable rejoiced unspeakably at these words. She called her companions Gold and Zinc, and approached the couch. Ginnistan awaited full of expectation the issue of her enterprise. Gold melted coin, and filled with a glittering flood the space in which the father was lying. Zinc wound a chain around Ginnistan's bosom. The body floated upon the trembling waves. "Bow thyself, dear mother," said Fable, "and lay thy hand upon the heart of thy beloved."
Ginnistan bowed. She saw her image many times reflected. The chain touched the flood, her hand his heart; he awoke and drew the enraptured bride to his bosom. The metal became a clear and liquid mirror. The father arose; his eyes flashed lightning; and though his shape was speakingly beautiful, yet his whole frame appeared a highly susceptible fluid, which betrayed every affection in manifold and enchanting undulations.
The happy pair approached Sophia, who pronounced the words of consecration upon them, and charged them faithfully to consult the mirror, which reflected everything, in its real shape, destroyed every delusion, and ever retained the primeval type of things. She now took the urn, and shook the ashes into a bowl upon the altar. A soft bubbling announced the dissolution, and a gentle wind waved the garments and locks of the bystanders. Sophia handed the bowl to Eros, who proffered it to the others. All tasted the divine draught, and received with unspeakable joy the Mother's friendly greeting in their soul of souls. She appeared to each one of them, and her mysterious presence seemed to transfigure all.