Poetry · Chapter
LXV explained
The fairy escort is clearly seen, resembling the old pageant of Aurora's train, hovering near a pearl-built minster.
What happens
The fairy escort is clearly seen, resembling the old pageant of Aurora's train, hovering near a pearl-built minster. First comes wily Crafticant, the chamberlain, balanced on his gray-grown pinions with his slender wand officially revealed. Then black gnomes scatter sixpences like rain, followed by pages three and three, and next, slave-held, the bright Imaian 'scutcheon with one mouse in an argent field.
Characters to notice
- Crafticant
The wily chamberlain leads the fairy escort, balanced on his gray-grown pinions with his slender wand revealed.
Key passages
“And now the fairy escort was seen clear, Like the old pageant of Aurora’s train, Above a pearl-built minster, hovering near;”
The fairy procession became clearly visible, resembling the ancient parade of the dawn goddess, hovering near a church built of pearl.
Describes the appearance of the fairy escort with a classical reference to Aurora.
“First wily Crafticant, the chamberlain, Balanced upon his gray-grown pinions twain, His slender wand officially reveal’d;”
First came the cunning chamberlain Crafticant, balancing on his two gray wings, with his thin wand shown in an official manner.
Introduces Crafticant as the leader of the escort, emphasizing his sly nature and official role.
“Then black gnomes scattering sixpences like rain; Then pages three and three; and next, slave-held The Imaian ’scutcheon bright,—one mouse in argent field.”
Then black gnomes threw sixpences as if it were raining; then pages in groups of three; and next, a slave carried the bright Imaian shield, which displayed one mouse on a silver background.
Describes the sequence of the procession: gnomes scattering coins, pages, and the heraldic shield.