The next room we entered sent back a glare of splendor that perfectly dazzled us; it was all gold, diamond, ruby, and sapphire.  Every case sent out such a glow and glitter that it seemed like a cage of imprisoned lightnings.  Wherever the eye turned it was met by a blaze of broken rainbows.  They were there by hundreds, and every gem was a fortune—­whole cases of swords with hilts and scabbards of solid gold studded with gems, the great two-handed coronation sword of the German emperors, daggers covered with brilliants and rubies, diamond buttons, chains, and orders, necklaces and bracelets of pearl and emerald, and the order of the Golden Fleece made in gems of every kind.

We were also shown the largest known onyx, nearly seven inches long and four inches broad.  One of the most remarkable works is the throne and court of Aurungzebe, the Indian king, by Dinglinger, a celebrated goldsmith of the last century.  It contains one hundred and thirty-two figures, all of enameled gold and each one most perfectly and elaborately finished.  It was purchased by Prince Augustus for fifty-eight thousand thalers,[B] which was not a high sum, considering that the making of it occupied Dinglinger and thirteen workmen for seven years.

It is almost impossible to estimate the value of the treasures these halls contain.  That of the gold and jewels alone must be many millions of dollars, and the amount of labor expended on these toys of royalty is incredible.  As monuments of patient and untiring toil they are interesting, but it is sad to think how much labor and skill and energy have been wasted in producing things which are useless to the world and only of secondary importance as works of art.  Perhaps, however, if men could be diverted by such playthings from more dangerous games, it would be all the better.

[Footnote A:  From “Views Afoot.”  Published by G.P.  Putnam’s Sons.]

[Footnote B:  A Prussian or Saxon thaler is about seventy cents.  Author’s note—­The thaler went out of use in Germany in 1906.]

WEIMAR IN GOETHE’S DAY[A]

BY MADAME DE STAEL

Of all the German principalities, there is none that makes us feel so much as Weimar the advantages of a small state, of which the sovereign is a man of strong understanding, and who is capable of endeavoring to please all orders of his subjects, without losing anything in their obedience.  Such a state is as a private society, where all the members are connected together by intimate relations.  The Duchess Louisa of Saxe Weimar is the true model of a woman destined by nature to the most illustrious rank; without pretension, as without weakness, she inspires in the same degree confidence and respect; and the heroism of the chivalrous ages has entered her soul without taking from it any thing of her sex’s softness.  The military talents of the duke are universally respected, and