e or a Sylph, therefore,
in any way distinguished themselves; if they sang very well, or acted
very well, or if they were at all eminent for any of the other arts of
amusement, ay! indeed if the poor devils could do nothing better than
write a poem or a novel, they were sure to be noticed by the Elysians,
who always bowed to them as they passed by, and sometimes indeed even
admitted them into their circles.

Scarcely had the train of Proserpine rejoined her on the brink of the
precipice, than they heard the flourish of trumpets near at hand, soon
followed by a complete harmony of many instruments. A chorus of sweet
voices was next distinguished, growing each instant more loud and clear;
and in a few minutes, issuing from a neighbouring grove, came forth
a band of heroes and beautiful women, dressed in dazzling raiment,
to greet the Queen. A troop of chariots of light and airy workmanship
followed, and a crowd of Gnomes and Sylphs singing and playing on
various instruments, and dancing with gestures of grace and delicacy.
Congratulating the Queen on her arrival in Elysium, and requesting the
honour of being permitted to attend her to her palace, they ushered
Proserpine and her companions to the chariots, and soon, winding down a
gradual declivity, they entered the plain.

If a bird's-eye view of the capital had enchanted Proserpine, the
agreeable impression was not diminished, as is generally the case, by
her entrance into the city. Never were so much splendour and neatness
before combined. Passing through a magnificent arch, Proserpine entered
a street of vast and beautiful proportions, lined on each side with
palaces of various architecture, painted admirably in fresco, and richly
gilt. The road was formed of pounded marbles of various colours, laid
down in fanciful patterns, and forming an unrivalled mosaic; it was
bounded on each side by a broad causeway of jasper, of a remarkably
bright green, clouded with milk-white streaks. This street led to a
sumptuous square, forming alone the palace destined for Proserpine.
Its several fronts were supported and adorned by ten thousand columns,
imitating the palm and the lotus; nor is it possible to conceive
anything more light and graceful than the general effect of this
stupendous building. Each front was crowned with an immense dome of
alabaster, so transparent, that when the palace was illuminated the rosy
heaven grew pale, and an effect similar to moonlight was diffused o