These stories
had been miraculously communicated to Roderic, and were now explained by
the attendants to the wondering Imogen. At the same time a band of
music, that was placed at the lower end of the hall, struck at once
their various instruments, and, without any previous preparation, began
the lofty chorus. At the upper end of the saloon stood a throne of
ivory, hung round with trappings of gold, and placed upon a floor of
marble, of which a numerous flight of steps, also of marble, composed
the ascent. The hangings were of crimson velvet, and the canopy of the
richest purple. With the musicians were intermingled a number of
supernatural beings under the command of Roderic. Their voices were
melodious beyond all example of human power; they were by turns lofty
and majestic, and by turns tender and melting; and the strain was
divine.
"Such are the honours of the tender sex; and who can speak their praise?
The lily is not so fair, the rose is not so attractive, the violet and
the jessamine have not so elegant a simplicity. By their charms, by
their eloquence, and by their merit, they have assumed an empire over
the bolder sex. How auspicious is the empire! They hold them in silken
chains. They govern, not by harsh decrees, and rigorous penalties; but
by smiles and soft compliances, and winning, irresistible persuasion.
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