The Egyptian continued, without heeding the interruption.
'I placed you, therefore, without preparation, in the temple; I left you suddenly to discover and to be sickened by all those mummeries which dazzle the herd.

I desired that you should perceive how those engines are moved by which the fountain that refreshes the world casts its waters in the air.

It was the trial ordained of old to all our priests.
They who accustom themselves to the impostures of the vulgar, are left to practise them--for those like you, whose higher natures demand higher pursuit, religion opens more god-like secrets.

I am pleased to find in you the character I had expected.

You have taken the vows; you cannot recede.