Page:Artabanzanus (Ferrar, 1896).djvu/82

74 alas! there was no splendid light of day stealing softly on, with the modest pace of a lovely bride adorned for the husband of her choice. The palaces and houses looked like mere buildings of variegated cards, as we rapidly passed them by. There was a ghastly irregularity about them which I find it difficult to describe; every moment I expected them to vanish out of sight, like the fragile structures one sees in dreams. In a moment, as in a tropical transition from night to day, the city became alive with bustle and activity. The lamps burst forth more brilliantly than ever; and the people issued from their houses in crowds. Vehicles of all descriptions came forth from arched gateways, and rolled through the streets. The larrikins began to assemble at the corners, all preparing for an enterprising rush somewhere—I conjectured to the review ground.

'Is this a larrikin's carriage, sir?' I asked of my royal companion with humility.

'No,' he thundered; 'death and fury! do you think a larrikin would dare to play a trick on me? As for Astoragus, rogue and a rebel; he shall be drummed out of my army to the tune of the "Rogue's March," and you may play the drum, if you like. Fear nothing more; I will take care of you; my negroes are safe and sure: they obey me like little dogs, and dote on me in their hearts.'

'As the sweet Bellagranda does,' I said to myself. It is a wonder he did not read my thoughts; I was actually afraid to think.

The negroes flew along with surprising rapidity. They did not pause or hesitate, but rushed among the crowd, knocking down by dozens when they would not get out of the way. When they tore forth into the primordial abyss their master ordered them to go on like lightning, and while the flying chariot was rolling from side to side in mad excitement, he, regardless of the number of other carriages