|
|
Page 95:-
settlement; and the oracle demanded a sacrifice to appease
the divine wrath. The lot fell on a young girl who was
betrothed: and, on an appointed day, she was conveyed, with
all the ceremonies, to the temple. A small hut of
wickerwork, like a large beehive, was found set up on the
western side of the temple. The girl was led into the
circle, and placed in the midst, while the dedication
proceeded. We are even told that she was adorned with an oak
garland, and held mistletoe in her hand. The whole
population was looking on from a distance: but it must have
been within reasonable reach, as every one was required to
contribute a stick to the fire. The wretched lover saw all
from afar; and he daringly resolved,- let the god be as
wrathful as he pleased,- not to contribute so much as a twig
to the burning of his beloved. She was seen to enter the
door, which was next the circle; and then the priest closed
it up, and heaped the dried leaves and sticks that were
brought all round the hut. The arch-druid meantime was
procuring fire from two pieces of wood. He succeeded, and
set the pile in a blaze. In this moment of desperation, the
lover saw every mountain round give forth a great cataract;
and all the floods gushed to the temple as to a centre, and
made an island of the little hut,- returning when they had
extinguished the fire. The victim came forth, with not a
hair singed, and not a leaf of her garland withered. The
arch-druid, skilled to interpret thunder, seems to have
understood in this case the voice of waters; for he
announced that, henceforth, the god would have no more human
sacrifices. Any resident who is sufficiently familiar with
|
Lakes Guides menu.
