They instantly followed her
example. One came forward, offering to the Queen, and then to each of
them, a garland. Garlands were also taken by Keferinis and a few others.
Cypros and her companions walked first, then Keferinis and one who had
stood near the royal divan; the Queen, between her two guests, followed,
and after her a small and ordered band.
They stopped before a lofty portal of bronze, evidently of ancient art.'
This opened into a covered and excavated way, in some respects similar
to that which had led them directly to the castle of Gin-darics; but,
although obscure, not requiring artificial light, yet it was of no
inconsiderable length. It emerged upon a platform cut out of the natural
rock; on all sides were steep cliffs, above them the bright blue sky.
The ravine appeared to be closed on every side.
The opposite cliff, at the distance of several hundred yards, reached by
a winding path, presented, at first, the appearance of the front of an
ancient temple; and Tancred, as he approached it, perceived that the
hand of art had assisted the development of an imitation of nature: a
pediment, a deep portico, supported by Ionic columns, and a flight of
steps, were carved out of the cliff, and led into vast caverns, which
art also had converted into lofty and magnificent chambers.
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