Angels and Women (1924)

178 ANGELS AND WOMENand informed Satanas that the water in thewells had suddenly sunk and the bed of theriver was dry."’Strike off the head of the liar,’ commandedthe enraged king. ’My lord,’ interposedthe Counselor, ’death on a weddingday is but an evil omen.’ Satanas paused:not so the sword of the executioner. Oneswift blow, and the head of the unfortunatemessenger rolled upon the floor."A strange light now filled the banquethall,and on the ceiling ran letters of firetraced by no mortal hand. The green serpentin the golden tank threw himself violentlyout of the water, his red crest erect,and with horrible hissing and convulsions expired."At this moment Zorabah rushed in---oneof the chiefest of the Devas. His countenancewas distorted by rage, and he roaredlike the roar of a mighty cataract. ’Besottedfools,’ he cried, ’forgetful of our tremendousemprise, you are wantoning away moments