They had in vain struggled to extinguish the flame, and had not escaped unhurt. They vented their pain and anxiety in fearful curses and wailings. But more terrified were they, when Fable entered the chamber, and rushed upon them with a furious cry, letting her anger loose upon them. She stepped behind the cradle, and her pursuers rushed madly into the web of the tarantulas, which revenged themselves by a thousand wounds. The whole crowd commenced a frantic dance, to which Fable played a merry tune. With much laughter at their ludicrous performances, she approached the fragments of the altar, and cleared them away, in order to find the hidden staircase, which she descended with her train of tarantulas. The Sphinx asked, "what comes more suddenly than the lightning?" "Revenge," said Fable. "What is most transient?" "Wrongful possession." "Who knows the world?" "He who knows himself." "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. "Monarch," said she, "the wicked dance, the good rest. Has the flame arrived?" "It has come," said the King. "Night is passed and the ice melts. My spouse appears in the distance. My enemy is overwhelmed. All things begin to exist. As yet I do not dare to show myself, for I am not alone King. Ask what thou wilt." "I need," said Fable, "some flowers that have grown in fire. I know thou hast a skilful gardener, who understands rearing them." "Zinc," cried the King, "give us flowers."