About the centre, in a robe of state,
690The matron Vesta of the virgins sate.
These were employed about far nobler things,
For some of sainted hair did bracelets twine;
Others strung beads to stint the knees of kings;
Some trimmed with costly gems the Lady's shrine.
One tuned the music, and a witty other
Footed an Ave to the Virgin-mother.
The grave old matron, crawling from her throne
Of Indian teeth, arched o'er with cloth of gold,