thing was omitted that could add to the regal splendor of the
hall. At half-past ten the doors were opened, and the hall was
immediately filled in every part, but the small portion reserved for the
principal actors in the ceremony. There were nine galleries, one above
the other, around this truly immense room; and when it was all packed
full of people from floor to dome, it was a wonderful spectacle indeed.

At ten minutes of twelve, the procession entered the great hall. First
came, along the centre passage, which was covered with cloth of gold, a
number of beautiful boys, who strewed the way with hyacinths, and
jasmines, and the costly blossoms of the century plant. After them were
others, with golden water-pots, who sprinkled attar of roses before the
Princess, who, dressed in the purest white silk, cut bias, and trimmed
with pink fur, was escorted by the Prince. After them came the Prime
Minister (released for the occasion), the nobles, etc., and the
procession was closed by the guards of the palace, all dressed in blue
and covered with diamonds. There was no music, nor scarcely any sound
whatever, as they moved toward the judges, who were already sitting
solemnly in their chairs. When the procession reached them, it halted,
and the Princess was conducted to a chair in front of the music. Then
the youngest judge arose, and uncovered the magical music.

In all that hall, filled with such a multitude, there was breathless
silence. It was so still that the little mice came out of their holes,
thinking there was no one there.

Then the Princess, timidly raising her eyes, ran them over the music,
and began. It commenced softly and somewhat sadly, but soon, becoming
louder and richer, the tones swelled high and clear, until the pure
voice of the Princess thrilled through all the perfumed air. Then it
became more and more glorious, until its beatific beauty caused many of
the older hearers to die, and go straight to paradise. The close was
inconceivably sweet; and when the last notes died away, the people bowed
their heads in tearful peace, and all evil left their hearts, and to
many of them it never returned.

As they raised their heads, they saw the oldest judge arise and point
with his golden wand to the marble tablet. The characters of the music
had disappeared, and the vellum on which they had been written was as
white as snow. There was no need of any further decision. The judges
descended from their chairs in pro