Angels and Women (1924)

GREATER CHANGE 95I ventured into the halls of the Palace ofLight. From the dome over the great colonnadea thousand lustres hung. I noted theexquisite finish and decoration of the architecture,the colored mosaic of the floor, thebrilliant paintings upon the walls and sculpturedreliefs of the ceiling, where are portrayedlove-scenes of the incarnate spiritsand beautiful women, battles betweendragons and angels, triumphal processions,bands of strange captives, and representationsof festivals and pageants, all the carvingstinted with the colors of life.I saw many slaves and workmen employedas I passed a long marble gallery till Ireached the eastern tower. Here, finding acurtained balcony, I went forth to enjoy theview of the city and valley which lay in thatdirection. The mountain slope was beautifiedby walks and carriage-ways, groves, arbors,and fantastic structures. The shadedavenues converged toward the palace, andwere at this hour filled with gay figures and