ctor, until I at length
perceived, that in the midst of the circle of beds and flowers, stood
another large circle of cypresses, or trees of the poplar kind, through
which it was impossible to see, as the lowest boughs seemed to be
shooting up from the earth. My conductor, without forcing me straight
into the nearest way, nevertheless led me immediately towards that
centre; and how was I surprised, when entering the circle of the tall
trees, I saw before me the portico of a magnificent summer-house, which
seemed to have similar openings and entrances on every side! A
heavenly music, which issued from the building, charmed me even more
than this perfect specimen of architecture. Now I thought I heard a
lute, now a harp, now a guitar, and now a tinkling sound, which was not
like that of any of the three instruments. The door which we
approached opened at a light touch from the old man, and my amazement
was great, when the female porter, who came out, appeared exactly like
the little maiden who had danced upon my fingers in my dream. She
greeted me as if we were old acquaintances, and asked me to walk in.
The old man remained behind, and I went with her along a short passage,
which was arched over and beautifully ornamented, till I came to the
central hall; the majestic and cathedral-seeming height of which
arrested my sight and surprised me, immediately on my entrance.
However, my eye could not long remain fixed upwards, as it was soon
lured down by a most charming spectacle. On the carpet, immediately
beneath the centre of the cupola, sat three ladies, each one forming
the corner of a triangle, and each dressed in a different colour. One
was in red, another in yellow, the third in green. Their seats were
gilded, and the carpet was a perfect bed of flowers. In their arms lay
the three instruments, the sounds of which I had distinguished from
without, for they had left off playing, being disturbed by my entrance.
"Welcome!" said the middle one, who sat with her face towards the door,
was dressed in red, and had the harp. "Sit down by Alerte, and listen,
if you are fond of music." I now saw, for the first time, that a
tolerably long bench, placed across, with a mandoline upon it, lay
before me. The pretty little girl took up the mandoline, seated
herself, and drew me to her side. Now I looked at the second lady, who
was on my right. She wore the yellow dress, and had a guitar in her
hand; and if the harp-player