This great audience chamber seemed full of dazzling jewels and gorgeous raiment.

One could scarce see the faces and figures in the shifting throng for the wonder of this blaze of colour.
But there was no dais on which the King was seated in state, as I had expected.

No figure stood out conspicuous in the throng as that of royalty.

I gazed at one and another, as we stood in the doorway, our eyes still half dazzled by the glare of light and by the brilliance of the assembled company, but I could by no means distinguish the King from any of the rest.

Many men, by their gorgeous raiment, might well be the greatest one present; but how to tell?
All were quiet now.