See Delphi and Die

IX

We all paused to accustom our eyes to the lamplit gloom, after the noonday glare outside. Then we simply gasped with awe It seemed only fair. The great Phidias had intended that we should

There were other statues; the temple interior was an art gallery They were wasted. All we could do was to stare up at Zeus, utterly smitten. From fourteen yards high, his head skimming the rafters, he seemed to be gazing down on us. At the steps of his throne stretched a glimmering pool, a rectangle of olive oil in which the Father of the Gods was cleanly reflected. Its moisture helped preserve the ivory of the chryselephantine colossus, though temple priests also burnished it with more oil daily. We were aware of their presence. Moving about discreetly, they tended their charge, supposedly all descendants in an unbroken line from the craftsmen who had worked for Phidias.

I had heard about this statue all my life. I could not now remember how and where I first read of it or was told of it I had known what it would look like, the massive seated god, bearded and crowned with olive branches, his robe of gold adorned with creatures and flowers, his sceptre topped with the gold eagle, the winged figure of Victory in his right hand, the ebony and ivory throne adorned with precious stones and vibrant painting

So many things in life are disappointing But sometimes life confounds you. a promised Wonder of the World lives up to your hopes.

Helene and I stood for a long time, hand in hand I felt the warmth of her bare arm alongside mine, the faint tickle on the top of my foot from the hem of her long gown. Helene was as cynical as me, but she knew how to give herself up fully to the enjoyment of great things Her thrill became part of my own.

Eventually she dropped her head briefly against my shoulder, then told the excited youngsters that they could climb up to the higher

level. Left alone, Helene and I turned a little towards each other and remained there together for a few more moments.

At length we walked quietly outside to the dazzling sunlight in the sanctuary, still hand in hand.