Angels and Women (1924)

114 ANGELS AND WOMENthe court, and we were pressed backward bythe throng to the eastern side, where still remainedthe unknown youth. He respectfullystepped aside as we passed. I seatedmyself upon the balcony, and the cool breezesoon restored my courage.The wonderful scene I then beheld is impressedupon my memory, ineffaceable inoutline, color, and shading. The veiledmoon hung low in the sky; in the east couldbe seen the faint flush of dawn; the palmsand acacias rustled and whispered secretsof the night and of coming day. Blendingwith their mysterious breath were sounds ofrevelry in the Palace, music and the measuredtread of the dancers, the harsh voicesof 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 glarefrom illuminated hall and dome, shimmeringthrough panel and archway, shone out uponobelisk, statue and fountain; it mingled