Ever downward we were journeying through the wilderness of ruin, in the
midst of untold and eternal tortures, from cell to cell, from dungeon to
dungeon, the last alway surpassing in monstrous ghastliness, until
finally we came within view of an enormous entrance hall, most unsightly
of all that I had previously seen. It was very spacious and terribly
steep, running in the direction of a gloomy red corner, full of the most
inconceivable abominations and horrors: it was the royal court. At the
upper end of the king's accursed hall, amidst thousands of other dread
sights, by the light my companion shed, I could see in the darkness two
feet of prodigious size, and so enormous as to overcast the whole
infernal firmament. I inquired of my Guide what such immensities might
be. "Thou shalt have a fuller view of this monster when returning," said
he, "but, come now, let us to see the court." As we were going down that
awful entrance hall, we heard behind us the noise as of very many people
advancing; on stepping aside to let them pass I noticed four divers host,
and upon enquiry I learnt that it was the four princesses of the City of
Destruction leading their subjects as an offering to their sire.
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