SATNI. Ah! [_Terrified, he leaps forward. A faint light returns slowly, the temple is empty_] I am alone! [_He is terrified, standing erect against a pillar facing the audience_] Alone in the temple, within sight of the goddess almost. I know 'tis but an image--yet am I steeped in terror, even to the marrow of my bones. [_He utters an agonized cry_] Ah!--I thought I beheld in the darkness--No--I know that there is nothing--Oh! coward nature! Because I was cradled amid tales of religion, because I grew up in the fear of the gods, because my father and my father's father, and all those from whom I come, were crushed by this terror even from the blackest night of time, I tremble, and my reason totters. All this is false, I know--the god obeys the priest. Yet, from these towering columns, horror and mystery descend upon me--[_A thunder clap brings him to his knees. The stones that mask the entrance to the sanctuary roll slowly back. He tries to look_] The holy of holies opens--I am afraid--I am afraid--[_He mutters words, wipes the sweat from his brow with his hand. He trembles and falls sobbing to the ground. A long pause_] 'Tis the beast in me that is afraid--Ah! coward flesh! [_Biting his hands_] I shall conquer thee--I would chastise my weakness. I am shamed--I am shamed--In spite of all I will look her in the face. I have the will! but I must fight against so many memories, against all the dead whose spirits stir in mine. I shall conquer the dead. My life, and my will--courage! _With great effort and after many struggles he gains the mastery of himself, goes to the shrine and looks upon the goddess. The High Priest reappears touching him on the shoulder._ HIGH PRIEST. Terror does not move you. Let us see if you be proof against pity. Come--[_He leads him to the side of the shrine, presses a spring and a door opens, revealing in the interior of the shrine the machinery of the miracle, a lever and cordage_] Look! 'Tis by pressing this lever that one of ours, in a little while, will bring about the miracle. I leave you in his place. At my signal the doors of the sacred enclosure will open, and the people draw near the sanctuary. Listen to them. And if you are moved to pity by their prayers, you--_you_ shall give them the consoling lie for which they pray. SATNI. There will be no miracle. HIGH PRIEST. Watch and hear. [_He leaves Satni, who remains visible to the audience. The stones roll back over the shrine. The High Priest makes a sign, other priests appear_] All is ready? A PRIEST. All. HIGH PRIEST [_to another_] Listen. _He whispers to him. The Priest bows and goes out. While the crowd comes in later, this priest is seen to enter the hiding-place right, where he stands watching Satni, dagger in hand._ HIGH PRIEST. Now, let them come in.