At each small table were great vases with palms, acacias, and fig- trees. The table of the heir was surrounded with plants having needle- like leaves; these filled the space round about with the odor of balsam.
The assembled guests greeted the prince with a joyful shout, and when Ramses occupied his place beneath a baldachin whence there was a view of the court, his retinue sat down at the tables.
Harps sounded, and ladies entered in rich muslin robes with open bosoms; precious stones were glittering upon their persons. Four of the most beautiful surrounded Ramses; the others sat near the dignitaries of his retinue.
In the air was the fragrance of roses, lilies of the valley, and violets; the prince felt the throbbing of his temples.
Slaves, male and female, in white, rose-colored, and blue tunics, brought in cakes, roasted birds, and game, fish, wine, fruits, also garlands of flowers with which the guests crowned themselves. The immense butterfly moved its wings more and more quickly, and in the unoccupied part of the court was a spectacle. In turn appeared dancers, gymnasts, buffoons, performers of tricks, swordsmen; when any one gave an unusual proof of dexterity, the spectators threw to him gold rings or flowers from their garlands.
The feast lasted some hours, interspersedwith shouts of guests wishing happiness to the prince, and to the nomarch and his family.
Ramses, who was in a reclining position on a couch covered with a lion's skin which had golden claws, was served by four ladies. One fanned him; another changed the garland on his head; the other two offered food to him. Toward the end of the feast the one with whom the prince talked with most willingness brought a goblet of wine. Ramses drank half, and gave the remainder to the woman; when she had drunk that half, he kissed her lips.
Slaves quenched the torches then quickly, the butterfly ceased to move its wings, there was night in the court, and silence interrupted by the nervous laughter of women.
All on a sudden the quick tramping of people was heard and a terrible shouting.
"Let me in!" cried a hoarse voice. "Where is the heir? Where is the viceroy?"