Strona 437 z 1391

The spindle turned on the knees of Necessity, and a Siren stood

hymning upon each circle, while Lachesis, Clotho, and Atropos,

the daughters of Necessity, sat on thrones at equal intervals,

singing of past, present, and future, responsive to the music of

the Sirens; Clotho from time to time guiding the outer circle

with a touch of her right hand; Atropos with her left hand

touching and guiding the inner circles; Lachesis in turn putting

forth her hand from time to time to guide both of them. On their

arrival the pilgrims went to Lachesis, and there was an

interpreter who arranged them, and taking from her knees lots,

and samples of lives, got up into a pulpit and said: 'Mortal

souls, hear the words of Lachesis, the daughter of Necessity. A

new period of mortal life has begun, and you may choose what

divinity you please; the responsibility of choosing is with

you-God is blameless.' After speaking thus, he cast the lots

among them and each one took up the lot which fell near him.