midnight
cried one of the youths . They formed a procession of Bacchanals and Maenads , one in front carrying a filled wineskin . There were flute-players among them , and all carried goblets in their hands . * * * * * Below , in the old Basilica of St. Peter , stood the Pope before the altar , and performed in silence the midnight mass . The church was crowded , and everyone was on his knees . The silence was so deep that the rustle of the white sleeve of the officiant could be heard when he elevated the cup . But another sound was audible , which seemed to be measuring out the last moments of the Millennium .