'White marble statues stood among the dark-leaved trees;
fountains sent up jets of perfumed spray; among the shrubberies one
saw ladies with their gallants; here a singer was accompanying
himself on the lute; there a poet was reading his verses.
In the midst of the park stood the villa which resembled that of
Maecenas in the Sabine Hills or Cicero's Tusculum, and was adorned
with statues' of heathen gods. The doors stood open, and there was a
sound of music within. "People are not introduced to the host here,"
said the Prior, "for he does not like ceremony; therefore I leave
you alone now, and you must find acquaintances for yourself;
surprises are always pleasant."
Luther found himself alone, and turned irresolutely to the right,
where he saw a row of illuminated rooms. They were full of guests
drinking and chatting, but no one noticed the poor monk, who could
listen undisturbed to their conversation. In the first room a group
had formed round a man who was distributing specimens of a printed
book, the leaves of which people were eagerly turning.
"Hylacompus? is that a pseudonym?" asked one of them.
"He is a--printer called Waldseemuller in Saint-Die."
"_Cosmographies Introductio_--a description of the New World."
"We shall at last get information about these fables of Columbus.
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