Angels and Women (1924)

162 ANGELS AND WOMEN
bosom of this cloud were reflected a thousand
opaline tints, dissolving, blending, as
the mass swayed in the breeze.
An occasional flash of light or a dash of
hail gave intimation of danger, and explained
the terror this Presence inspired. He vanished
like a shadow, and a long time I remained
entranced by the changeful aspects
of his wonderful creation, unmindful of the
passing hours, and unobservant of the assembly
now thronging court and pavilion,
roof and terrace.
The spell was sharply broken by a messenger,
who came in haste to inform me that
my presence was required by the queen.
Thereupon I obeyed the summons, and was
taken through a screened garden into an
inner chamber exceeding all others in splendor
and magnificence. Over the alabaster
walls and vaulted ceiling ran a golden trellis
covered with mimic vines and, flowers
painted in divers colors, perfumed with mist
and sprinkled with gems like star-dust.