Let them succeed in their monstrous scheme! if the Temple of temples, the House of Serapis, were to be in ashes and the image of the mighty god to be dashed to pieces, what then....

I say what then?
Then indeed everything will be at an end--we, everybody; but they too, they, too, will perish." She clenched her fist with hatred and revenge and went on: "I know what I know--there are legible and infallible signs, and it is given to me to interpret them, and I tell you: It is true, unerringly true, as every Alexandrian child has learnt from its nurse: When Serapis falls the earth will collapse like a dry puff-ball under a horse's hoof.

A hundred oracles have announced it, it is written in the prophecies of the heavenly bodies, and in the scroll of Fate.

Let them be! Let it come! The end is sweet to those who, in the hour of death, can see the enemy thrust the sword into his own breast." The old woman sank back panting and gasping for breath, but Gorgo hastened to support her in her arms and she soon recovered.

Hardly had she opened her eyes again than, seeing her son still in the room, she went on angrily: "You--here still?
Do you think there is any time to spare?
They will be waiting, waiting for you! You have the key and they need weapons." "I know what I am about," replied Porphyrius calmly.