edifice. In the rear of this rotunda, extending on either side, appeared
the main building, rising, turret on turret, like a stupendous mountain
of alabaster beaming as with soft moonlight in the clear summer air.

We entered by ascending a staircase composed of twelve broad steps. And
here let me pause, before recounting my interview with the celebrated
statesman, to describe the main hall, whose magnificence I, upon
entering, hastily surveyed, but which I afterward studied more
completely. The floor of this hall was formed of delicate cerulean blue
gems. From its centre sprang, like a fountain, a most wonderful
representation of a flowering plant resembling the lotus, composed of
precious and brilliant stones. The green leaves forming the base were of
transparent emerald, and the white lily which surmounted the stem
blossomed out clearer than any crystal. The yellow centre, corresponding
to the pistils, formed a divan. This beautiful ornament was intended for
the desk of the orator. The dome, which was several hundred feet high,
was open to the summer sky, and arranged in tiers graduated one above the
other. The lower tier was filled with paintings indicating the progress
of the United States of America. Surmounting this was a gallery of small
compartments, each hung with silver and gold gauze drapery, and similar
in construction to the boxes of a theatre; these opened into halls or
alleys leading to private apartments connecting with the main building.
Above these boxes were placed artistically-carved animals, representing
the native beasts of America. Above these again, appeared groups in
marble of the fruits of the country.

No sooner had I entered the building which I have been describing, than a
peculiar rushing sound like distant music reached my ear; on lifting my
eyes in the direction of the sound, I beheld descending through the air
the majestic form of Henry Clay. He approached with extended hand and