Now hath Ladurlad reach’d the Court

Of the great Palace of the King; its floor

Was of the marble rock; and there before

The imperial door,

A mighty Image on the steps was seen,

Of stature huge, of countenance serene.

A crown and sceptre at his feet were laid;

One hand a scroll display’d,

The other pointed there, that all might see;

My name is Death, it said,

In mercy have the Gods appointed me.

Two brazen gates beneath him, night and day

Stood open; and within them you behold

Descending steps, which in the living stone

Were hewn, a spacious way

Down to the Chambers of the Kings of old.