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Federico Castillon
Masque of the Red Death, 1968
1975.39.13
When the eyes of 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 group that stood around him, “who dares thus to make mockery of our woes? Uncase the varlet that we may know whom we have to hang to-morrow at sunrise, from the battlements. Will no one stir at my bidding? -stop him and strip him, I say, of those reddened vestures of sacrilege!”
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.
Upcoming Big Read Events:
April 5th – Poe’s Gothic Psyche: How Poe’s Dreams Became Reader’s Nightmares
ISU Library Events Area, 6:00 p.m. Join Dr. Matt Brennan as he uses passages from Poe’s works to illustrate how Gothic writers adapt their dreams to create a nightmare experience.
April 19th – ISU Ghost Walk
ISU Campus, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Hear the legends about famous ghosts on the ISU campus. Assemble at the HMSU at 7:00 p.m. For more information or to register, call 232-1113, ext 2281 or 2282. You must be able to walk and climb stairs. Limited to 40 participants – call early.