Then the golden Snake crept from its heart once more, and, like a living diadem, twined itself about the cloudy brows.
Now suddenly a Voice called aloud the awful Word, then the vapours burst and melted, and with my eyes I saw that Glory, at the very thought of which my spirit faints.

But what I saw it is not lawful to utter.

For, though I have been bidden to write what I have written of this matter, perchance that a record may remain, thereon I have been warned--ay, even now, after these many years.

I saw, and what I saw cannot be imagined; for there are Glories and there are Shapes which are beyond the reach of man's imagination.

I saw--then, with the echo of that Word, and the memory of that sight stamped for ever on my heart, my spirit failed me, and I sank down before the Glory.
And, as I fell, it seemed that the great hall burst open and crumbled into flakes of fire round me.