Letter of Aristeas

1917 printed page 42 / §§91–95

Printed page 42 Original marginal section labels beginning on this page: §91, §92, §93, §94, §95. The opening continues §90 from the preceding page. blood is swept away in the twinkling of an eye. Such is my belief as to the nature of the reservoirs, and I will explain how it was confirmed. They led me more than four furlongs out of the city, and at a certain place bade me stoop down and listen to the rushing noise of the meeting of the waters; thus was the magnitude of the receptacles made evident to me, as I have described them. _(c)_ THE PRIESTS AND THE PUBLIC SERVICES The priests' ministration in its exhibition of physical strength and in its orderly and silent performance could in no way be surpassed. For they all of their own free will undergo labours requiring much endurance, and each has his appointed task. Their service is without intermission, some _providing_ the wood, others oil, others fine wheat flour, others the spices; while others again bring the pieces of flesh for the burnt-offering, displaying extraordinary strength. For they grip with both hands the legs of the calves, most of which weigh over two talents, and then with both hands and with wonderful dexterity fling the beast to a considerable height, and never fail to plant it on the altar. The portions of the sheep and goats are, likewise, remarkable for their weight and fat. For those whose duty it is always select such beasts as are without blemish and of exceeding fatness, and then the _service_ already described is performed. There is a place set apart for them to rest, where those who are relieved from duty take their seats. And thereupon, some of those who have had an interval of relaxation rise up willingly, without any order for their ministration being given. The deepest silence prevails, so that one would suppose that there was not a single person in the place, although the ministers in attendance