lamps without number, and the ruddy glare of a blaze; for all round the
basin, from which the playing waters danced skyward, stood marble genii,
carrying in their hands or on their heads silver dishes, in which the
leaping flames consumed cedar chips and aromatic resins.

At the back of this court, where it was as light as day, at the top of
three steps, stood the statues of Alexander the Great and Caracalla.
They were of equal size; and the artist, who had wrought the second in
great haste out of the slightest materials, had been enjoined to make
Caesar as like as possible in every respect to the hero he most revered.
Thus they looked like brothers. The figures were lighted up by the fires
which burned on two altars of ivory and gold. Beautiful boys, dressed as
armed Erotes, fed the flames.

The whole effect was magical and bewildering; but, as she followed her
guide, Melissa only felt that she was in the midst of a new world, such
as she might perhaps have seen in a dream; till, as they passed the
fountain, the cool drops sprinkled her face.

Then she suddenly remembered what had brought her hither. In a minute
she must appear as a supplicant in the presence of Korinna's mother--
perhaps even in that of Caesar himself--and the fate of all dear to her
depended on her demeanor. The sense of fulfilling a serious duty was
uppermost in her mind. She drew herself up, and replaced a stray lock of
hair; and her heart beat almost to bursting as she saw a number of, men
standing on the platform at the top of the steps, round a lady who had
just risen from her ivory seat. Giving her hand to a Roman senator,
distinguished by the purple edge to his toga, she descended the steps,
and advanced to meet Melissa.