ful cavaliers rushed in,
eager to gratify their curiosity, or to signalise themselves in this
redoubtable enterprise. They had scarcely advanced a few paces, however,
when they recoiled, overcome by the baleful air, or by some fearful
vision. Upon this, the king ordered that fires should be kindled to dispel
the darkness, and to correct the noxious and long imprisoned air: he then
led the way into the interior; but, though stout of heart, he advanced
with awe and hesitation.

After proceeding a short distance, he entered a hall, or antechamber, on
the opposite side of which was a door; and before it, on a pedestal, stood
a gigantic figure, of the color of bronze, and of a terrible aspect. It
held a huge mace, which it whirled incessantly, giving such cruel and
resounding blows upon the earth as to prevent all further entrance.

The king paused at sight of this appalling figure; for whether it were a
living being, or a statue of magic artifice, he could not tell. On its
breast was a scroll, whereon was inscribed in large letters, 'I do my
duty.' After a little while Roderick plucked up heart, and addressed it
with great solemnity: 'Whatever thou be,' said he, 'know that I come not
to violate this sanctuary, but to inquire into the mystery it contains; I
conjure thee, therefore, to let me pass in safety.'

Upon this the figure paused with uplifted mace, and the king and his train
passed unmolested through the door.

They now entered a vast chamber, of a rare and sumptuous architecture,
difficult to be described. The walls were incrusted with the most precious
gems, so joined together as to form one smooth and perfect surface. The
lofty dome appeared to be self-supported, and was studded with gems,
lustrous as the stars of the firmament. There was neither wood, nor any
other common or base material to be seen throughout the edifice. There
were no windows or rather openings to admit the day, yet a radiant light
was spread throughout the place, which seemed to shine from the walls, and
to render every object distinctly visible.

In the centre of this hall stood a table of alabaster, of the rarest
workmanship, on which was inscribed in Greek characters, that Hercules
Alcides, the Theban Greek, had founded this tower in the year of the world
three thousand and six. Upon the table stood a golden casket, richly set
round with precious stones, and closed with a lock of mother-of-pearl; and
on the lid were inscribed the follow