The guests came in chariots with but a single attendant or in litters
accompanied by a gorgeous retinue and much authority. Charioteers
swore full-mouthed oaths and smote slaves; horses reared and plunged
and bearers hurried back through the dark with empty chairs. Meanwhile
the pacing sentries made frank criticism and gazed at each alighting
new-comer with eyes of connoisseurs.
When the portals opened, a broad shaft of light shot into the night, a
multitude of attendants was seen bowing; gusts of reedy music and
babble and the smell of wilting flowers and Puntish incense swept into
the outer air.
Within, the great feast began and proceeded to completeness. The
tables were removed and the stage of the revel was far advanced. The
levels of scented vapor from the aromatic torches undulated midway
between the ceiling and the floor and belted the frescoes upon the
paneled walls. Far up the vaulted hall, the Pharaoh and his queen, in
royal isolation, were growing weary.
The lions chained to their lofty dais slept. The guardian nobles that
stood about the royal pair leaned heavily upon their arms.
Out in the sanded strip across the tessellated floor, tumblers were
glistening with perspiration from their vaguely noticed efforts.
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