But the gorgeous display, before which even the fabled wonders of
the "Arabian Nights" were but poor affairs, did not conclude
here. Following the splendors of the marriage ceremony and the
wedding-feast, came the pageant of departure. The Grand Canal was
ablaze with gorgeous colors and decorations. The broad
water-steps of the Piazza of St. Mark was soft with carpets of
tapestry, and at the foot of the stairs floated the most
beautiful boat in the world, the Bucentaur or state gondola, of
Venice. Its high, carved prow and framework were one mass of
golden decorations. White statues of the saints, carved heads of
the lion of St. Mark, the doge's cap, and the emblems of the
Republic adorned it throughout. Silken streamers of blue and
scarlet floated from its standards; and its sides were draped in
velvet hangings of crimson and royal purple. The long oars were
scarlet and gold, and the rowers were resplendent in suits of
blue and silver. A great velvet-covered throne stood on the upper
deck, and at its right was a chair of state, glistening with
gold.
Down the tapestried stairway came the Doge of Venice, and,
resting upon his arm, in a white bridal dress covered with
pearls, walked the girl queen Catarina.
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