noon before
Fausta lingered long in the embraces of Julia , who , to part with her , seemed as if about to lose as much more as she had just lost in Zenobia . ` These our friends being now gone , let us , ' said the Princess , ` who remain , ascend together the walls of the city , and from the towers of the gate observe the progress of the army so long as it shall remain in sight . ' Saying this , we returned to the city , and from the highest part of the walls watched the departing glories of the most magnificent military array I had ever beheld . It was long after noon before the last of the train of loaded elephants sank below the horizon . I have seen larger armies upon the Danube , and in Gaul : but never have I seen one that in all its appointments presented so imposing a spectacle . This was partly owing to the greater proportion of cavalry , and to the admixture of the long lines of elephants with their burdens , their towers and litters ; but more perhaps to the perfectness with which each individual , be he on horse or foot , be he servant , slave or master , is furnished , respecting both arms , armor , and apparel . Julia beheld it , if with sorrow , with pride also .