Angels and Women (1924)

106 ANGELS AND WOMEN
"No doubt thou art still deluded by fantastic
hope. This will soon be dissipated, and
thou wilt acknowledge that God has forsaken
the earth. Thou wilt abandon the fallacy
of prayer, and curse thy fate and the Devas,
as I do at this moment."
THE PR1ESTS OF SATANAS
Astonished by such a history, and shocked
at the impiety of Minerva, I hesitated to
reply. Just then a procession of strange figures,
passing a narrow pathway which led
from the city, diverted our attention. In
advance was a band of men, hideous in
aspect, with scarlet feathers on their heads,
upon their bodies purple tunics, emblazoned
with yellow dragons, and in their hands
sharp scimitars.
"The Priests t" said Minerva with a
shudder.
"Who are the Priests?" I inquired.
"Debased, truth- hating, power-loving