Of each pair one bore clasped to breast a globe of that milky crystal in the sapphire shrine-room; the other a harp, small, shaped somewhat like the ancient clarsach of the Druids.
Two by two they stepped upon the raised platform, placed gently upon it each their globe; and two by two crouched behind them.

They formed now a star of six points about the petalled dais, and, simultaneously, they drew from their faces the covering cowls.
I half-rose--youths and maidens these of the fair-haired; and youths and maids more beautiful than any of those I had yet seen--for upon their faces was little of that disturbing mockery to which I have been forced so often, because of the deep impression it made upon me, to refer.

The ashen-gold of the maiden priestesses' hair was wound about their brows in shining coronals.

The pale locks of the youths were clustered within circlets of translucent, glimmering gems like moonstones.

And then, crystal globe alternately before and harp alternately held by youth and maid, they began to sing.
What was that song, I do not know--nor ever shall.