walls and ceilings were made of cedar and ivory, there were
golden columns holding up the roof, the floors were laid with
precious stones, so put together as to make pictures, and on the
walls were carvings in gold and silver of birds, and beasts, and
flowers, and all kinds of strange and beautiful things. And
there were also great treasure places full of gold, and silver,
and gems, in such great measure that it seemed as if all the
riches of the world were gathered there. But nowhere was there
any living creature to be seen; all the palace was empty, and
Psyche was there alone. And while she went trembling and fearing
through the rooms, and wondering whose all this might be, she
heard voices, as of invisible maidens, which told her that the
palace was for her, and that they who spoke, but whom she might
not see, were her servants. And the voices bade her go first to
the bath, and then to a royal banquet which was prepared for
her. So Psyche, still wondering, went to the bath, and then to a
great and noble room, where there was a royal seat, and upon
this she placed herself, and then unseen attendants put before
her all kinds of delicate food and wine; and while she ate and
drank there was a sound as of a great number of people singing
the most charming music, and of one playing upon the lyre; but
none of them could she see. Then night came on, and all the
beautiful palace grew dark, and Psyche laid herself down upon a
couch to sleep. Then a great terror fell upon her, for she heard
footsteps, which came nearer and nearer, and she thought it was
the monster whose bride the oracle of Phoebus had destined her
to be. And the footsteps drew closer to her, and then an unseen
being came to her couch and lay down beside her, and made her
his wife; and he lay there until just before the break of day,
and then he departed, and it was still so dark that Psyche could