Even as she pray'd a cloud spread through the cell, And 'mid the wreathings of the vapour dim The goddess grew in glory visible, Like some barbaric queen in festal trim; Such the attire and ornaments she wore, When o'er the forgèd threshold of the floor Of Zeus's house she stept to visit him. 24 From either ear, ring'd to its piercèd lobe A triple jewel hung, with gold enchas't; And o'er her breasts her wide ambrosial robe With many a shining golden clasp was brac't; The flowering on its smooth embroider'd lawn Gather'd to colour where the zone was drawn In fringe of golden tassels at her waist. 25 Her curling hair with plaited braid and brail, Pendant or loop'd about her head divine, Lay hidden half beneath a golden veil, Bright as the rippling ocean in sunshine: And on the ground, flashing whene'er she stept, Beneath her feet the dazzling lightnings lept From the gold network of her sandals fine. 26 Thus Hera stood in royal guise bedeckt Before poor Psyche on the stair that knelt, Whose new-nursed hope at that display was checkt And all her happier thoughts gan fade and melt. She saw no kindness in such haughty mien, And venturing not to look upon the queen, Bow'd down in woe to hear her sentence dealt. 27 And thus the goddess spake, 'In vain thou suest, Most miserable Psyche; though my heart Be full of hate for her whose hate thou ruest, And pride and pity move me to thy part: Yet not till Zeus make known his will, coud I, Least of the blameless gods that dwell on high, Assist thee, wert thou worthier than thou art. 28 'But know if Eros love thee, that thy hopes Should rest on him; and I would bid thee go Where in his mother's house apart he mopes Grieving for loss of thee in secret woe: For should he take thee back, there is no power In earth or heaven will hurt thee from that hour, Nay, not if Zeus himself should prove thy foe.' 29 Thus saying she was gone, and Psyche now Surprised by comfort rose and went her way, Resolved in heart, and only wondering how 'Twas possible to come where Eros lay; Since that her feet, however she might roam, Coud never travel to the heavenly home Of Love, beyond the bounds of mortal day: 30 Yet must she come to him. And now 'twas proved How that to Lovers, as is told in song, Seeking the way no place is far removed; Nor is there any obstacle so strong, Nor bar so fix'd that it can hinder them: And how to reach heaven's gate by stratagem Vex'd not the venturous heart of Psyche long. 31