Fashioned of peacock’s plume.

A little lower, on a second stage

On either side, was placed a graceful page,

To raise a fragrant fume—

With costly woods and gums on burning coals

That glowed on tripods, in bright silver bowls;

And at the basement of the marble stair,

Sweet singing choirs and harping minstrels were,

In amber kirtles purple gilt and sashed.

The throbbing strings in silver ripples flashed,