Indeed every object gave evidence that our caravan was approaching the metropolis of a carefully governed and civilized state.
Nitetis and her retinue now halted at a long brick house, roofed with asphalte, and surrounded by a grove of plane-trees.
[Asphalte--Nearly all authorities, ancient as well as modern, report that bitumen, which is still plentifully found in the neighborhood of Babylon, was used by the Babylonians as mortar.

See, besides the accounts of ancient writers, W.Vaux, 'Nineveh and Persepolis'.
Burnt bitumen was used by Assyrians for cement in building.] Here Croesus was lifted from his horse, and approaching the carriage, exclaimed: "Here we are at length at the last station! That high tower which you see on the horizon is the celebrated temple of Bel, next to the Pyramids, one of the most gigantic works ever constructed by human hands.

Before sunset we shall have reached the brazen gates of Babylon.
And now I would ask you to alight, and let me send your maidens into the house; for here you must put on Persian apparel, to appear well-pleasing in the eyes of Cambyses.

In a few hours you will stand before your future husband.

But you are pale! Permit your maidens to adorn your cheeks with a color that shall look like the excitement of joy.