perfumes wherewith to anoint Ramses.
Then he oversaw the barber who arranged the viceroy's hair; next he
kneeled down on the pavement and implored the prince to accept new
robes from him.

These were a newly woven tunic covered with embroidery, a skirt worked
with pearls, and a mantle interwoven with gold very thickly, but so
delicate that it could be held between a man's ten fingers.

The heir accepted this graciously, declaring that he had never received
a gift of such beauty.

The sun set, and the nomarch conducted the prince to the hall of
entertainment.

It was a large court surrounded by columns and paved with mosaic. All
the walls were covered with paintings representing scenes in the lives
of the ancestors of Sofra; hence expeditions by sea, hunts, and
battles. Over the space, instead of a roof, was a giant butterfly with
many-colored wings which were moved by hidden slaves to freshen the
atmosphere. In bronze holders fastened to the columns blazed bright
tapers which gave out smoke with fragrance.

The hall was divided into two parts: one was empty, the other filled
with chairs and small tables for guests. Aside in the second part rose
a platform on which, under a costly tent with raised sides, was a table
and a couch for Ramses.

At each small table were great vases with palms, acacias, and fig-
trees. The table of the heir was surrounded with plants having needle-
like leaves; these filled the space round about with the odor of
balsam.

The assembled guests greeted the prince with a joyful shout, and when
Ramses occupied his place beneath a baldachin whence there was a view
of the court, his retinue sat down at the tables.

Harps sounded, and ladies entered in rich muslin robes with open
bosoms; precious stones were glittering upon their persons. Four of the
most beautiful surrounded Ramses; the others sat near the dignitaries
of his retinue.

In the air was the fragrance of roses, lilies of the valley, and
violets; the prince felt the throbbing of his temples.

Slaves, male and female, in white, rose-colored, and blue tunics,
brought in cakes, roasted birds, and game, fish, wine, fruits, also
garlands of flowers with which the guests crowned themselves. The
immense butterfly moved its wings more and more quickly, and in the
unoccupied part of the court was a spectacle. In turn appeared dancers,
gymnasts, buffoons, performers of tricks, swordsmen; when any one gave
an unusual proof of dexterity,