And since it has ceased, it seems not to me that man and man's life have
been either as great or as beautiful as heretofore. What you have said
assures me that it is well that you have come hither. But when you speak
of Arabia, of what God is it you speak?'
'I speak of the only God, the Creator of all things, the God who spoke
on the Arabian Mount Sinai, and expiated our sins upon the Syrian Mount
Calvary.'
'There is also Mount Olympus,' said the Queen, 'which is in Anatolia.
Once the gods dwelt there.'--'The gods of poets,' said Tancred. 'No; the
gods of the people; who loved the people, and whom the people loved.'
There was a pause, broken by the Queen, who, looking at her minister,
said, 'Noble Keferinis, the thoughts of these princes are divine, and in
every respect becoming celestial things. Is it not well that the gates
of the beautiful and the sacred should not be closed?'
'In every sense, irresistible Queen, it is well that the gates of the
beautiful and the sacred should not be closed.'
'Then let them bring garlands. Princes,' the Queen continued, 'what the
eye of no stranger has looked upon, you shall now behold. This also is
Asian and divine.'
Immediately the chamber again filled. The Queen, looking at the two
princes and bowing, rose from her seat.
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