Midnight
`` Our faith tells us of a hell , lady , '' answered Leo , `` and I think that yonder cauldron looks like its mouth . '' `` Nay , '' she answered , `` there is no hell , save that which from life to life we fashion for ourselves within the circle of this little star . Leo Vincey , I tell thee that hell is here , aye , _ here _ , '' and she struck her hand upon her breast , while once more her head drooped forward as though bowed down beneath some load of secret misery . Thus she stayed awhile , then lifted it and spoke again , saying -- `` Midnight is past , and much must be done and suffered before the dawn . Aye , the darkness must be turned to light , or perchance the light to eternal darkness . '' `` Royal woman , '' she went on , addressing Atene , `` as is his right , thou hast brought thy dead lord hither for burial in this consecrated place , where the ashes of all who went before him have become fuel for the holy fires . Oros , my priest , summon thou the Accuser and him who makes defence , and let the books be opened that I may pass my judgment on the dead , and call his soul to live again , or pray that from it the breath of life may be withheld .