I am a survivor of that most ancient and immemorial union.

This it was that bound me to thee at the first; this, perhaps, attracted thyself unconsciously, Son of our Brotherhood, to me." "If this be so, I command thee, in the name of the laws thou obeyest, to receive me as thy pupil!" "What do you ask ?" said Zanoni, passionately.

"Learn, first, the conditions.

No neophyte must have, at his initiation, one affection or desire that chains him to the world.

He must be pure from the love of woman, free from avarice and ambition, free from the dreams even of art, or the hope of earthly fame.