In ancient times, our Lord, the Horned One, was (and still is) the Consoler, the Comforter. But men know him as the dread Lord of Shadows, lonely, stern, and just.
But our Lady the Goddess would solve all mysteries, even the mystery of death; and so she journeyed to the Underworld.
The Guardian of the Portals challenged her: “Strip off thy garments, lay aside thy jewels; for naught mayest thou bring with thee into this our land�? So she laid down garments and jewels, and was bound, as all living must be who seek to enter the realms of Death, the Mighty One.
Such was her beauty that Death himself knelt, and laid his sword and crown at her feet, and kissed her feet, saying: “Blessed Be thy feet that have brought thee in these ways. Abide with me; but let me place my cold hands on thy heart.�?nbsp;
And she replied: “I love thee not. Why dost thou cause all things that I love, and take delight in, to fade and die?�?nbsp;
“Lady,�?replied Death, “it is age and fate, against which I am helpless. Age causes all things to wither; but when men die at the end of time, I give them rest and peace and strength, so that they may return. But you, you are lovely. Return not, abide with me.
But she answered: “I love thee not.�?nbsp;
Then said Death: “An you receive not my hand on your heart, you must kneel to Death’s scourge.�?nbsp;
“It is fate, better so,�?she said, and she knelt.
And Death scourged her tenderly. And she cried: “I know the pangs of love.�?nbsp;
And Death raised her, and said: “Blessed be.�?SPAN> And gave her the fivefold salute, saying: “Thus only may you attain to joy, and knowledge.�?nbsp;