Golden pillars sustained the roof, arched most curiously in cedar-wood and ivory.

The walls were hidden under wrought silver:--all tame and woodland creatures leaping forward to the visitor's gaze.

Wonderful indeed was the craftsman, divine or half-divine, who by the subtlety of his art had breathed so wild a soul into the silver! The very pavement was distinct with pictures in goodly stones.

In the glow of its precious metal the house is its own daylight, having no need of the sun.

Well might it seem a place fashioned for the conversation of gods with men! Psyche, drawn forward by the delight of it, came near, and, her courage growing, stood within the doorway.