6 The Triumphal Chariot of Antimony. 



looked like an iron skin securing him 

 against all the assaults of Vulcan. " Let 

 us proceed," he then said, and straight- 

 way sped across the open field, while I 

 boldly strove to keep up with my guide. 

 Thus we reached his bride, whose virtue 

 and constancy were equal to his own. 

 There I beheld their marvellous conjugal 

 union and nuptial consummation, whence 

 was born the son crowned with the royal 

 diadem. When I was about to salute 

 him as the King of Kings and Lord of 

 Lords, my Genius stood by me, and 

 warned me not to be deceived, since this 

 was only the King's forerunner, but not 

 the King himself whom I sought. When 

 I heard the admonition, I did not know 

 whether to be sad or joyful. " Depart," 

 then said Mercury, " with this bridal 

 gift, and when you come to those dis- 

 ciples who have seen the Lord himself, 

 shew them this sign " and therewith he 

 gave me a gold ring from his son's 

 finger. " They know the golden branch 

 which must be consecrated to Proserpina 

 before you can enter the palace of Pluto. 



