of
a triangular figure, every angle had the same disposition of its
sculptures, that when you turned them about, the very same form of them
was turned about without any variation. Now that part of the crown-work
that was enclosed under the table had its sculptures very beautiful; but
that part which went round on the outside was more elaborately adorned
with most beautiful ornaments, because it was exposed to sight, and
to the view of the spectators; for which reason it was that both those
sides which were extant above the rest were acute, and none of the
angles, which we before told you were three, appeared less than another,
when the table was turned about. Now into the cordwork thus turned were
precious stones inserted, in rows parallel one to the other, enclosed
in golden buttons, which had ouches in them; but the parts which were on
the side of the crown, and were exposed to the sight, were adorned with
a row of oval figures obliquely placed, of the most excellent sort of
precious stones, which imitated rods laid close, and encompassed the
table round about. But under these oval figures, thus engraven, the
workmen had put a crown all round it, where the nature of all sorts of
fruit was represented, insomuch that the bunches of grapes hung up. And
when they had made the stones to represent all the kinds of fruit before
mentioned, and that each in its proper color, they made them fast with
gold round the whole table. The like disposition of the oval figures,
and of the engraved rods, was framed under the crown, that the table
might on each side show the same appearance of variety and elegancy of
its ornaments; so that neither the position of the wave-work nor of the
crown might be different, although the table were turned on the other
side, but that the prospect of the same artificial contrivances might
be extended as far as the feet; for there was made a plate of gold four
fingers broad, through the entire breadth of the table, into which they
inserted the feet, and then fastened them to the table by buttons and
button-holes, at the place where the crown was situate, that so on what
side soever of the table one should stand, it might exhibit the very
same view of the exquisite workmanship, and of the vast expenses bestowed
upon it: but upon the table itself they engraved a meander, inserting
into it very valuable stones in the middle like stars, of various
colors; the carbuncle and the emerald, each of which sent out