She has meekly borne many wrongs, being driven through water and fire, and compelled to ascend and descend times without number--yet has she been carried through it all by the hope of entering with me the bridal chamber, wherein we expect to beget a son adorned from his birth with the royal crown which he may not share with others.

Yet may he bring his friends to the palace, where sits enthroned the King of Kings, who communicates his dignity readily and liberally to all that approach him.' "I brought him the garment, and it fitted him so closely, that it looked like an iron skin securing him against all the assaults of Vulcan.

'Let us proceed,' he then said, and straightway sped across the open field, while I boldly strove to keep up with my guide.
"Thus we reached his bride, whose virtue and constancy were equal to his own.

There I beheld their marvellous conjugal union and nuptial consummation, whence was born the son crowned with the royal diadem.

When I was about to salute him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, my Genius stood by me and warned me not to be deceived, since this was only the King's forerunner, but not the King himself whom I sought.
"When I heard the admonition, I did not know whether to be sad or joyful.