It was almost one o'clock before I again saw
the young man, and the traces of the oaths he had taken were cunningly
hidden under smiles. Groups of servants stood around him; he carelessly
threw them his cloak, and climbed with the rest the brazen stairs. He
was richly dressed; the magnificent guest was worthy of the splendor of
the wedding feast. He entered gracefully, and gazed curiously on the
thousands who were dancing around him. His eyes fell upon the rich and
varied spoils overhanging the Hall; broken swords were wrought into the
walls like mosaics; the flags of the conquered nations were draped in
their varied hues across the vaulted ceiling; but as he looked on all
these trophies of power, I saw him suddenly turn pale with rage, and
bite his lips until the blood followed the pressure of his teeth; but
then the whirling crowds caught him in their midst--violins, harps,
flutes and horns poured the reeling air into his dizzied brain--clouds
of incense intoxicated his senses--piled and mossy carpets luxuriously
yielded to the pressure of his feet--rainbow hues shifted gayly before
his dazzled eyes--until giddy, fascinated, stimulated, he sank upon a
pile of cushions, resting his hot temples in his burning palms, dreaming
of snowy hands and taper fingers, of azure eyes and cheeks like rose
leaves.
As he thus rested, I heard the bell heavily toll one; I felt that this
long night was in its darkest hour!
When he raised his eyes, he saw, through the long vista of the
illuminated apartments, the Throne of the Splendor of the Sun.
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