It was all very strange, and like tales long familiar, relating to the city of mysteries.

Standing there in the dark and silence, he had some misgivings which gave way when a voice addressed him as follows: "You are now in the council-chamber of the Covenant.

We meet in darkness, so that no shape or form or image may turn our thought from the contemplation of him who is most high and who hath his dwelling in black darkness.

Moreover, those who are not seen shall have neither vanity nor the will to deceive.

Would you share in our deliberations ?" Vergilius answered yes, and one of the council then took his hand and administered the oath of secrecy, and led him to what seemed to be a large divan, where he sat, shoulder to shoulder, between other members of the council.