At last the queen entered, attended by her chief officers and maids of honour. She was most magnificently dressed, and looked herself magnificent from human standpoint, and all her servants looked the same. After that the reception began, and it was one of exceeding brilliancy. Anon great stir was caused by a woman of remarkable beauty entering, dressed so beautifully and to such advantage that quite a murmur of comment arose. The queen, who understood her court well, gazed round, and then she looked towards the king, who was a mere cypher in all this grandeur, except for his crown and the place he occupied. But, try as the poor king would, it was only natural he should look towards this vision that had entered. It was quite enough to set all the courtiers looking at one another, and to make the ladies smile behind their fans. The new-comer, however, received a very gracious welcome, even from the queen, who remained in conversation with her for some moments. “Are they not all very well bred?” remarked Plucritus to me. “Indeed, I am very much astonished. Are these really they who went out some time ago?” “The exact same,” he answered. “Only since then they have put on stays. And stays are a great restraint, especially to the women. Before they put them on they are natural, afterwards they become artificial.” “They have not been long in preparing,” I commented. “It was all ready before. It is simply another full-dress rehearsal.” He closed the note-book, and once more the presence chamber vanished and we were left in darkness. Soon I beheld a very glorious scene arising of vast size and exquisite beauty. In the middle a fountain played, and on either side a tree grew in wild luxuriance, covered with purple fruit which hung in heavy clusters. From the fountain a broad stream of crystal ran either way, spreading out like a sea of glass in the far distance. On either side steps of gold led up to a crystal throne that shone by reflection like the sun itself. Upon the throne sat the figure of a man wearing a golden crown, surrounded by awe and majesty. His face was bright and shining. * * * * * _A passage omitted_ * * * * * His hair, which shone like gold, hung in thick ringlets over his shoulders, and his beard, of the same golden hue, flowed below his girdle like those of the patriarchs of old. In one hand he held the moon, and in the other a reduced facsimile of the sun, whilst underneath his feet lightnings played, and above his head thunder. Ranging down on either side were figures garbed in white and wearing crowns. * * * * * _Passage omitted_ * * * * *