CHAPTER VIII.
They Meet The Pilgrims At The Temple Of Oro Deep, deep, in deep groves, we found the great temple of Oro, Spreader-of-the-Sky, and deity supreme.
While here we silently stood eyeing this Mardi-renowned image, there entered the fane a great multitude of its attendants, holding pearl- shells on their heads, filled with a burning incense.

And ranging themselves in a crowd round Oro, they began a long-rolling chant, a sea of sounds; and the thick smoke of their incense went up to the roof.
And now approached Pani and the pilgrims; followed, at a distance, by the willful boy.
"Behold great Oro," said the guide.
"We see naught but a cloud," said the chief Divino.
"My ears are stunned by the chanting," said the blind pilgrim.
"Receive more gifts, oh guide!" cried Fauna the matron.

"Oh Oro! invisible Oro! I kneel," slow murmured the sad-eyed maid.
But now, a current of air swept aside the eddying incense; and the willful boy, all eagerness to behold the image, went hither and thither; but the gathering of attendants was great; and at last he exclaimed, "Oh Oro! I can not see thee, for the crowd that stands between thee and me." "Who is this babbler ?" cried they with the censers, one and all turning upon the pilgrims; "let him speak no more; but bow down, and grind the dust where he stands; and declare himself the vilest creature that crawls.

So Oro and Alma command." "I feel nothing in me so utterly vile," said the boy, "and I cringe to none.

But I would as lief _adore_ your image, as that in my heart, for both mean the same; but more, how can I?
I love great Oro, though I comprehend him not.