AT nine in the evening the whole vast river-front of the palace was blazing

With light. The river itself, as far as the eye could reach cityward, was so

thickly covered with watermen's boats and with pleasure barges, all fringed

With colored lanterns, and gently agitated by the waves, that it resembled a

Glowing and limitless garden of flowers stirred to soft motion by summer

Winds. The grand terrace of stone steps leading down to the water, spacious

Enough to mass the army of a German principality upon, was a picture to see,

With its ranks of royal halberdiers in polished armor, and its troops of

Brilliantly costumed servitors flitting up and down, and to and fro, in the

Hurry of preparation.

Presently a command was given, and immediately all living creatures

Vanished from the steps. Now the air was heavy with the hush of suspense and

expectancy. As far as one's vision could carry, he might see the myriads of

People in the boats rise up, and shade their eyes from the glare of lanterns and

Torches, and gaze toward the palace.

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A file of forty or fifty state barges drew up to the steps. They were richly gilt,

And their lofty prows and sterns were elaborately carved. Some of them were

Decorated with banners and streamers; some with cloth-of-gold and arras