Angels and Women (1924)

114 ANGELS AND WOMEN
the court, and we were pressed backward by
the throng to the eastern side, where still remained
the unknown youth. He respectfully
stepped aside as we passed. I seated
myself upon the balcony, and the cool breeze
soon restored my courage.
The wonderful scene I then beheld is impressed
upon my memory, ineffaceable in
outline, color, and shading. The veiled
moon hung low in the sky; in the east could
be seen the faint flush of dawn; the palms
and acacias rustled and whispered secrets
of the night and of coming day. Blending
with their mysterious breath were sounds of
revelry in the Palace, music and the measured
tread of the dancers, the harsh voices
of the giants, the sycophantic tones of men,
light, assured laughter of beautiful women,
musical accents of illustrious Star-spirits,
sighs of tired and panting slaves. The glare
from illuminated hall and dome, shimmering
through panel and archway, shone out upon
obelisk, statue and fountain; it mingled