23 days ago A room in Ancient Rome, 200 feet long, 50 wide with a mosaic floor and immense pillars of marble, and statues. The ceiling is painted in fresco, in patterns and colours like those on the mosaic floor. The cornices are silver, and decorated with letters formed by precious stones. In the middle is a fountain with streams of water, surrounded by golden aviaries containing birds of all kinds. Three large windows look out on the Adriatic, covered from the outside, with silk curtains of a delicate green shade, which cast a soft, luxurious light over every object. There are about fifty or sixty persons in the room, mostly women. Their black hair tastefully braided is adorned with flowers or precious stones. Their robes are pure white. Some watch the movements of the birds, others speak with courtiers. The men wear gowns are of the lightest rose, violet, or yellow tints. They are playing on the lute, gaming with dice, or teasing their lapdogs. ERH PRO 0 19
