At first there was darkness, and a cold flame, and a lingering hum; and the polynomial, long-corded sparks, daughter scorched hooks passed me on, and the metal writhing snakes poked at me with flat stigmas, and each such touch evoked a lightning, sharp and almost sweet tremor. An immensely deep, motionless look, which looked at me through round windows, gradually removed, or maybe it was I who moved on and entered the circle of the next look, which caused the same numbness, reverence and fear...