At that moment, the chanting suddenly ceased. The organ went on, as though musically meditating to itself in minor cords, through which soft upper notes, like touches of light on a dark landscape, flickered ripplingly,--one monk separated himself from the clustered group, and stepping slowly up to the altar, confronted the rest of his brethren. The fiery Cross shone radiantly behind him, its beams seeming to gather in a lustrous halo round his tall, majestic figure,--his countenance, fully illumined and clearly visible, was one never to be forgotten for the striking force, sweetness, and dignity expressed in its every feature. The veriest scoffer that ever made mock of fine beliefs and fair virtues must have been momentarily awed and silenced in the presence of such a man as this,--a man upon whom the grace of a perfect life seemed to have fallen like a royal robe, investing even his outward appearance with spiritual authority and grandeur. At sight of him, the stranger's indifferent air rapidly changed to one of eager interest,--leaning forward, he regarded him intently with a look of mingled astonishment and unwilling admiration,--the monk meanwhile extended his hands as though in blessing and spoke aloud, his Latin words echoing through the rocky temple with the measured utterance of poetical rhythm. Translated they ran thus: "Glory to God, the Most High, the Supreme and Eternal!" And with one harmonious murmur of accord the brethren responded: "GLORY FOR EVER AND EVER! AMEN!" "Glory to God, the Ruler of Spirits and Master of Angels!" "GLORY FOR EVER AND EVER! AMEN!" "Glory to God who in love never wearies of loving!" "GLORY FOR EVER AND EVER! AMEN!" "Glory to God in the Name of His Christ our Redeemer!" "GLORY FOR EVER AND EVER! AMEN!" "Glory to God for the joys of the Past, the Present and Future!" "GLORY FOR EVER AND EVER! AMEN!" "Glory to God for the Power of Will and the working of Wisdom!" "GLORY FOR EVER AND EVER! AMEN!" "Glory to God for the briefness of life, the gladness of death, and the promised Immortal Hereafter!" "GLORY FOR EVER AND EVER! AMEN!"