In the Hall of the New Moons, at eight o’clock precisely, the crowd
gathered.
Cocles sat on the left; Damocles on the right; and the rest of the
public in the middle.
A thunder of applause greeted the entry of Prometheus; he mounted the
steps of the platform, placed his eagle at the side of him, and pulled
himself together.
In the hall there was a palpitating silence....