Why are their voices suppressed? As a natural result of their perilous position.
Why do they keep their torches burning? To find their way through the enemy's country amid the dangers by which they are surrounded.
What do the lamps look like? A "constellation" of stars moving on in the same relative position.
Does the author still refer to the storm? Yes, in "derisive laughter", "rude wrath of the tempest", and "plumes streaming on the wind". The author wishes to picture continuously the fitting surroundings for this adventure, and so emphasizes these details.
Why does he speak of the "derisive laughter of the storm"? He compares it to a fiend who mocks the attempts of man to battle against his power.
Who is described in the third paragraph of this vision? The Emperor himself.
Why is he not described before, as he is more important than either the storm or his comrades? The story runs in a natural order. First are seen the figures surrounding the litter, and, as it approaches, the Emperor's face is distinguishable.
What is first mentioned in connection with him? His firmly set teeth.
What does this indicate? His great physical pain, and his determination of character.
What is mentioned next? His age; he is but fifty-three, but his wrinkles are deep and his hair turning gray.