From floor to ceiling it was hung
with arras of purple brocade alternating with cloth of gold; thus on three
sides. On the fourth there was an opening for the embayed window which
glowed like a gigantic sapphire in the deepening twilight.
The floor was spread with a carpet of the ruddy purple of porphyry, very
soft and silent to the feet. From the frescoed ceiling, where a joyous
Phoebus drove a team of spirited white stallions, hung a chain that was
carved in the semblance of interlocked Titans to support a great
candelabrum, each branch of which was in the image of a Titan holding a
stout candle of scented wax. It was all in gilded bronze and the
workmanship--as I was presently to learn--of that great artist and rogue
Benvenuto Cellini. From this candelabrum there fell upon the board a soft
golden radiance that struck bright gleams from crystals and plate of gold
and silver.
By a buffet laden with meats stood the master of the household in black
velvet, his chain of office richly carved, his badge a horse's head in
silver, and he was flanked on either hand by a nimble-looking page.
Of all this my first glance gathered but the most fleeting of impressions.
For my eyes were instantly arrested by her who stood between Cavalcanti and
Galeotto, awaiting my arrival.
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