224 like a queen in the heavens. The marble courts and richly furnished halls of the palace were, nย่twithtanding the clearness of the night, richý lighted up with lamps of gold and silver; fountains were playing and sparkling, and numerous musicians tuning their various instruments. The lords and ladies were flocking together from different parts of the city towards the place of assembly. In one of the marble courts of the palace, or in some splendid hall hung with purple tapestry and supported by pillars," long tables were arranged for the guests; these were loaded with a variety of fruits and delica cies, and rich wines sparkled in silver goblets and crystal flagons. Around these tables thể company reclined on soft couches, listening perhaps to songs in praise of Belshazzar, or of some of his idols, accompanied by instrumental music. Belshazzar himself, probably, sat on a throne of ivory or gold, at the head of the apartment, clothed in the richest garments, covered with jewels, with a royal crown on his head, and a sceptre in his hand.
