The Equinox (Volume I, Number IV)

THE DAUGHTER OF THE HORSELEECH “Sir,” he cried strongly, “this is a task for Kamael the mighty and all his host of Seraphim !” “T will employ them on it,” said the Great White Spirit. Then the skies flamed with wrath ; for Kamael the mighty and his legions flew from the South, and saluted their Creator. Behold the mighty one, behold Kamael the strong! His crownless head was like a whirling wheel of amethyst, and all the forces of the earth and heaven revolved therein. His body was the mighty Sea itself, and it bore the scars of crucifixion that had made it two score times stronger than it was before. He too bore the wings and weapons of Space and of Justice ; and in himself he was that great Amen that is the beginning and the end of all. Behind him were the Seraphim, the fiery Serpents. On their heads the triple tongue of fire; their glory like unto the Sun, their scales like burning plates of steel ; they danced like virgins before their lord, and upon the storm and roar of the sea did they ride in their glory. “ Sir,” cried the Archangel, “ sir,” cried Kamael the mighty one, and his legions echoed the roar of his voice, “ hast Thou called us forth to perform so trivial a task? Well, let it be so!” “Your scorn,” the Great White Spirit replied mildly, “ is perhaps not altogether justified. Though the hole be indeed but a bare inch—yet Graphiel owns himself beaten.” “T never thought much of Graphiel!” sneered the archangel, and his serpents echoed him till the world was filled with mocking laughter. But when he had left, he charged them straitly that the work must be regarded seriously. It would never do to fail! 205