There was something more than vanity in this self-conscious calm;
this visible contempt for all and everything. He kept his side-face
turned to the guests, and only his Minister could catch his eye.
When the panegyric was at an end, Attila raised his goblet, and,
without drinking to anyone, sipped it. That was, however, the signal
for a drinking orgy, and the wine was poured into gold and silver
goblets, which had to be emptied at a draught, for Attila liked to
see those around him intoxicated, while he remained sober.
After they had drunk for a while, the negro Hamilcar came forward
and performed feats of jugglery. Then the great King rose, turned
his back to the assembly, and laid down on the sofa. But in each of
his movements there was majesty, and as he lay there thinking, his
knees drawn up, his hands under his neck, and his eyes directed
towards the ceiling, he was still imposing.
"But what about the bride and the marriage?" Orestes asked one of
the Huns.
"We do not even mention our wives," he answered, "how, then, should
we show them?"
The drinking continued, but no food was placed before the guests. At
intervals the whole assembly sang, and beat upon the tables.
While the noise and excitement were at their height, the hall
suddenly filled with smoke, and the building was in flames.
Pages:
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172