Great troupes of people traueild thitherward iii Both day and night, of each degree and place, But few returned, hauing scaped hard, With balefull beggerie, or foule disgrace, Which euer after in most wretched case[134], Like loathsome lazars, by the hedges lay. Thither _Duessa_ bad him bend his pace: For she is wearie of the toilesome way, And also nigh consumed is the lingring day. A stately Pallace built of squared bricke, iv Which cunningly was without morter laid, Whose wals were high, but nothing strong, nor thick, And golden foile all ouer them displaid, That purest skye with brightnesse they dismaid: High lifted vp were many loftie towres, And goodly galleries farre ouer laid, Full of faire windowes, and delightfull bowres; And on the top a Diall told the timely howres. It was a goodly heape for to behould, v And spake the praises of the workmans wit; But full great pittie, that so faire a mould Did on so weake foundation euer sit: For on a sandie hill, that still did flit, And fall away, it mounted was full hie, That euery breath of heauen shaked it: And all the hinder parts, that few could spie, Were ruinous and old, but painted cunningly. Arriued there they passed in forth right; vi For still to all the gates stood open wide, Yet charge of them was to a Porter hight Cald _Maluenù_, who entrance none denide: Thence to the hall, which was on euery side With rich array and costly arras dight: Infinite sorts of people did abide There waiting long, to win the wished sight Of her, that was the Lady of that Pallace bright. By them they passe, all gazing on them round, vii And to the Presence mount; whose glorious vew Their frayle amazed senses did confound: In liuing Princes court none euer knew Such endlesse richesse, and so sumptuous[135] shew; Ne _Persia_ selfe, the nourse of pompous pride Like euer saw. And there a noble crew Of Lordes and Ladies stood on euery side, Which with their presence faire, the place much beautifide. High aboue all a cloth of State was spred, viii And a rich throne, as bright as sunny day, On which there sate most braue embellished With royall robes and gorgeous array, A mayden Queene, that shone as _Titans_ ray, In glistring gold, and peerelesse pretious stone: Yet her bright blazing beautie did assay To dim the brightnesse of her glorious throne, As enuying her selfe, that too exceeding shone.