grave. The mask which concealed the visage was made so nearly to

resemble the countenance of a stiffened corpse that the closest

scrutiny must have had difficulty in detecting the cheat. And yet all

this might have been endured, if not approved, by the mad revellers

around. But the mummer had gone so far as to assume the type of the

Red Death. His vesture was dabbled in blood--and his broad brow, with

all the features of the face, was besprinkled with the scarlet horror.

When the eyes of the Prince Prospero fell upon this spectral image

(which, with a slow and solemn movement, as if more fully to sustain

its role, stalked to and fro among the waltzers) he was seen to be

convulsed, in the first moment with a strong shudder either of terror

or distaste; but, in the next, his brow reddened with rage.

Who dares,"--he demanded hoarsely of the courtiers who stood near

him--"who dares insult us with this blasphemous mockery? Seize him and

unmask him--that we may know whom we have to hang, at sunrise, from the

battlements!"

It was in the eastern or blue chamber in which stood the Prince

Prospero as he uttered these words. They rang throughout the seven

rooms loudly and clearly, for the prince was a bold and robust man, and

the music had become hushed at the waving of his hand.

It was in the blue room where stood the prince, with a group of pale

courtiers by his side. At first, as he spoke, there was a slight

The Masque of the Red Death