The twinkling lights served only to disclose the darkness and to indicate the immensity of the cavern.

In the midst there arose two enormous columns, which were lost in the gloom above.
It was only by passing through this that we learned its great extent.
We at length came to the other end, and here we saw numerous passages leading away.

The Kohen led us through one of these, and after passing through several other domes of smaller dimensions we at length reached an apartment where we stopped.

This place was furnished with couches and hangings, and lighted with flaming lamps.

The light was distressing to those who had accompanied us, and many of them left, while the few who remained had to cover their eyes.