he lofty, many-colored windows of the
palace began to shed abroad their light, and their figures were put in
motion. They moved the more quickly, as the ruddy stream which began to
illumine the streets became stronger. Also by degrees the immense
pillars and walls began to shine. At length they stood in the purest
milk-blue glimmer, and flickered with the softest colors. The whole
region was now visible, and the reflection of the figures, the clashing
of the spears, swords, shields, and helmets, which bowed from all sides
towards crowns appearing here and there, and finally closed round a
simple green garland in a wide circle, as the crowns vanished before
it; all this was reflected from the frozen sea that surrounded the hill
on which the city stood,--and even the far distant mountain range,
which girdled the sea, was half enwrapped with a mildly reflected
splendor. Nothing could be plainly distinguished; yet a strange sound
was heard, as if from an immense workshop in the distance. The city, on
the contrary, was light and clear. Its smooth transparent walls
reflected the beautiful beams; and the perfect symmetry, the noble
style, and fine arrangement of all the buildings were well defined.
Before every window stood earthern pots with ornaments, full of every
variety of ice and snow flowers, which sparkled most brilliantly.

"But fairest of all appeared the garden upon the great square in front
of the palace, consisting of metal plants and crystal trees, hung with
varied jewel-blossoms and fruits. The manifold and delicate shapes, the
lively lights and colors, formed a lordly spectacle, made still more
magnificent by a lofty fountain, frozen in the midst of the garden. The
old hero walked slowly past the palace doors. A voice from within
called his name. He turned towards the door, which opened with a gentle
sound, and stewed into the hall. His shield was held before his eyes.

"'Hast thou yet discovered nothing,' plaintively cried the beautiful
daughter of Arcturus. She lay on silken cushions, upon a throne
artfully fashioned from a huge pyrite-crystal, and some maidens were
assiduously chafing her tender limbs, which seemed a rare union of milk
and purple. On all sides streamed from beneath the hands of the maidens
that charming light, which so wondrously illuminated the palace. A
perfumed breeze was waving through the hall. The hero was silent.

"'Let me touch thy shield,' said she softly.

"He approached the thr