Unacquainted as yet with its internal splendours, he had no difficulty in comprehending them from what he beheld from without.

The entrance gates were open, and a wide archway beyond leading to the great quadrangle, gave him a view of its beautiful marble fountain in the midst, ornamented with exquisite statues of Venus and Cupid.

Numerous officers of the household, pages, ushers, and serving-men in the royal liveries, with now and then some personage of distinction, were continually passing across the Fountain Court.

Gaily attired courtiers, in doublets of satin and mantles of velvet, were lounging in the balconies of the presence-chamber, staring at Jocelyn and his companions for, want of better occupation.

Other young nobles, accompanied by richly-habited dames--some of them the highest-born and loveliest in the land--were promenading to and fro upon the garden terrace on the right, chattering and laughing loudly.