Falkener, Edward: Ephesus and the temple of Diana (London, 1862)

ASYLUM OP THE TEMPLE, ETC. 335

Diana of Rome, to whom this hymn was sung con-
jointly with Apollo, was the same as Diana Ephesia.
On these annual occasions of the feasts, youths in the
flower of their age, and virgins of noble bearing,
were wont to proceed to the Temple of Diana
Ephesia, and severally espouse each other. Xeno-
phon the Ephesian gives us the following account
of one of these annual ceremonies: —

" The yearly festival in honour of Diana was held
at Ephesus ; her temple being scarce seven furlongs
distant from the city. The virgins of that place, in
their richest attire, assisted at the celebration, as
also the young men of the age of Abrocamas, who
was in his sixteenth year .... A mighty con-
course of people, as well strangers as citizens, were
present; and then the virgins were wont to look
out for spouses, and the young men for wives.
The procession moved regularly along: the holy
utensils, torches, baskets-, and perfumes, led the
van; and were followed by the horses, hounds, and
hunting accoutrements, as well for attack as for
defence. Each of the virgin train behaved as in the
presence of her lover. They were led by Anthia
(the bride and heroine) . . . Her attire was a
purple dress hanging down from her waist to her
knees, the skin of a fawn girded it round, on which
hung her quiver and arrows. She bore her hunting
arrows and javelins, and her hounds followed her.
The Ephesians beholding her in the grove, have
often adored her as their goddess, .... affirming