iably
some tapestry flower to finish, or some order to give her women, usually
delays a little in joining me; but at last she comes, and slowly takes
off, one by one, as though the effort cost her dearly, and lays upon
that ivory chair, all those draperies and tunics which by day envelop
her like mummy bandages. From your hiding-place you will be able to
follow all her graceful movements, admire her unrivalled charms, and
judge for yourself whether Candaules be a young fool prone to vain
boasting, or whether he does not really possess the richest pearl of
beauty that ever adorned a diadem.'

'O King, I can well believe your words without such a proof as this,'
replied Gyges, stepping forth from his hiding-place. 'When she has
laid aside her garments,' continued Candaules, without heeding the
exclamation of his confidant, 'she will come to lie down with me. You
must take advantage of the moment to steal away, for in passing from the
chair to the bed she turns her back to the door. Step lightly as though
you were treading upon ears of ripe wheat; take heed that no grain
of sand squeaks under your sandals; hold your breath, and retire as
stealthily as possible. The vestibule is all in darkness, and the feeble
rays of the only lamp which remains burning do not penetrate beyond the
threshold of the chamber. It is, therefore, certain that Nyssia cannot
possibly see you; and to-morrow there will be some one in the world who
can comprehend my ecstasies, and will feel no longer astonished at my
bursts of admiration. But see, the day is almost spent; the Sun will
soon water his steeds in the Hesperian waves at the further end of the
world, and beyond the Pillars erected by my ancestors. Return to your
hiding-place, Gyges, and though the hours of waiting may seem long, I
can swear by Eros of the Golden Arrows that you will not regret having
waited.'

After this assurance Candaules left Gyges again hidden behind the door.
'The compulsory quiet which the king's young confidant found himself
obliged to maintain left him ample leisure for thought. His situation
was certainly a most extraordinary one. He had loved Nyssia as one loves
a star. Convinced of the hopelessness of the undertaking, he had made
no effort to approach her. And, nevertheless, by a succession of
extraordinary events he was about to obtain a knowledge of treasures
reserved for lovers and husbands only. Not a word, not a glance had
been exchanged between himself an