When the physician turned round and saw her calmly and quietly wiping the cold drops from the sick man's brow, he said gloomily: "Of what use is it to shut our eyes like the ostrich.

They are fighting down there for life or death--we had better prepare for the end.

If they venture--and they will--to lay a sacrilegious hand on the god, besiegers and besieged alike--the whole world together, must perish." But Gorgo shook her head.

"No, no," she cried, with zealous confidence.
"No, Apuleius, Serapis is not what you believe him to be; for, if he were, would he suffer his enemies to overthrow his temple and his image?
Why does he not, at this supreme moment, inspire his worshippers with courage?
I have seen the men--mere boys--and the women who have assembled here to fight for him.

They are nothing but drivellers and triflers.