which I remained till the Concierge came, who was to open the gates
of the town-house, and show me its magnificent hall.

I wished for you exceedingly when, ascending a flight of a hundred
steps, I entered it through a portal, supported by tall pillars and
crowned with a majestic pediment. Upon advancing, I discovered five
more entrances equally grand, with golden figures of guardian genii
leaning over the entablature; and saw, through a range of windows,
each above thirty feet high, and nearly level with the marble
pavement, the whole city, with all its roofs and spires, beneath my
feet. The pillars, cornices, and panels of this striking apartment
are uniformly tinged with brown and gold; and the ceiling, enriched
with emblematical paintings and innumerable canopies of carved work,
casts a very magisterial shade. Upon the whole, I should not be
surprised at a burgomaster assuming a formidable dignity in such a
room.

I must confess it had a somewhat similar effect upon me; and I
descended the flight of steps with as much pomposity as if a
triumphal car waited at my feet, or as if on the point of giving
audience to the Queen of Sheba. It happened to be a Saint's day, and
half the inhabitants of Augsburg were gathered together in the
opening before their hall; the greatest numbers, especially the
women, still exhibiting the very identical dresses which Hollar
engraved. My lofty gait imposed upon this primitive assembly, which
receded to give me passage with as much silent respect as if I had
really been the wise sovereign of Israel. When I got home, an
execrable supper was served up to my majesty; I scolded in an unroyal
style, and soon convinced myself I was no longer Solomon.