Two fierce-looking fencers led the way, followed by hundreds of children, who scattered roses along the pathway, or accepted some of the nuts and small cakes given out by the bride’s orders on all the thoroughfares. A delegation of priests barred the entrance and stopped Orondo on the threshold. As soon as Ildiko joined him, he purchased an ear of corn of Setos, handing him an eagle-quill of gold. Turning to Ildiko he asked: “Dost thou wish to be mother of my household?” “Yes,” she answered, and proceeded to buy a similar ear of corn from Yermah, paying the same price for it. Then she turned to Orondo and asked: “Hast thou the wish to be father of my household?” “Yes,” he asseverated, solemnly. Taking the ear of corn he had purchased, he handed it to her, saying: “Where love and harmony dwell, I am master.” Ildiko gave Orondo her purchase as she replied: “Where thou art master, I am mistress.” They both began to twist roses and myrtle and olive branches into a garland wrapped with gold and silver wires, as a symbol of their blending lives. Still weaving, they advanced slowly down the aisle, and paused before the canopy, while harps and voices blended in a bridal hymn. Setos stood beside Orondo, while Yermah supported Ildiko. When the music ceased the priests and vestals chanted in unison: “We give thee myriads of years. Like the moon advancing to the full; like the sun ascending to the heavens; like the everlasting southern hills; like the luxuriance of the fir and cypress—never waning, never failing!—may such be thy succeeding lines.” “Om—ah! Om—ah! Om—ah!” murmured the four at the altar. “Orondo, servant of the Most High,” said Imos impressively, “art thou in any way related to this maiden by ties of blood, intimate or remote?” “The silken cords of affection are all that bind me here.” “Dost thou swear this by the sacred fire on the altar before thee?” “I do.” Orondo spoke firmly. When the high-priest had asked the same questions and received the same responses from Ildiko, he continued: “Orondo, on thy honor as a man, is the solemn covenant thou art about to make voluntary on thy part?” “It is.” Ildiko gave the same assurance. Imos handed Orondo the marriage-band, which was so large he could slip it over his right hand and then clasp Ildiko’s easily. It was a broad circlet of silver set with turquoise, lapis lazuli, and beryl. “In the name of the Trinity, I command thee, Orondo, and thee, Ildiko, to join right hands and seal thy promise of fidelity with a kiss.” As they obeyed, Yermah, Setos, and Imos covered them with the gauze veil, murmuring blessings in the name of the three divine attributes. Yermah knelt before the twain and said: “Orondo, my beloved, I give unto thee this damsel adorned with jewels and protected by the Lord of Creatures.” “So be it.” Setos knelt beside Yermah and said in a tremulous voice: