time reached the grand vestibule of the temple, where I found the ceremonies of the evening already commenced.

In this vast hall, which was surrounded by a double range of columns, and lay open over-head to the stars of heaven, I saw a group of young maidens, moving in a sort of measured step, between walk and dance, round a small shrine, upon which stood one of those sacred birds, that, on account of the variegated color of their wings, are dedicated to the moon. The vestibule was dimly lighted,-there being but one lamp of naphtha on each of the great pillars that encircled it. But, having taken my station beside one of those pillars, I had a distinct view of the young dancers, as in succession they passed me.

Their long graceful drapery was as white as snow; and each wore loosely, beneath the rounded bosom, a dark-blue zone, or bandlet, studded, like the skies at midnight, with little silver stars. Through their dark locks was wreathed the white lily of the Nile,-that flower being accounted as welcome to the moon, as the golden blossoms of the beanflower are to the sun. As they passed under the lamp, a gleam of light flashed from their bosoms, which, I could perceive, was the reflection of a small mirror, that, in the manner of the women of the East, each wore beneath her left shoulder.

There was no music to regulate their steps; but, as they gracefully went round the bird on the shrine, some, by the beat of the castanet, some by the shrill ring of the sistrum,which they held uplifted in the attitude of their own divine Isis-harmoniously timed the cadence of their feet; while others, at every step, shook a small chain of silver, whose sound, mingling with those of the castanets and sistrums, produced a wild, but not unpleasing harmony.

They seemed all lovely; but there was one-whose face the light had not yet reached, so downcast she held it-who attracted, and, at length, riveted all my attention. I knew not why, but there was a something in those half-seen features—a charm in the very shadow, that hung over their imagined beauty, -which took me more than all the out-shining loveliness of her companions. So enchained was my fancy by this coy mys