Three hours before noon
The centre of attraction to all eyes was a wooden platform or pontoon , built far out into the stream ; from thence the bride was to be flung into the watery embrace of the expectant bridegroom . Here the masters of the ceremonies had put forth their best efforts , and it was magnificently decorated with hangings and handkerchiefs , palm-leaves and flags ; with heavy garlands of tamarisk and willow , mingled with bright blossoms of the lotos and mallow , lilies and roses ; with devices emblematic of the province , and other gilt ornaments . Only the furthest end of it was unadorned and without even a railing , that there might be nothing to intercept the view of the `` marriage . '' Three hours before noon none were absent but those whose places were secured , and ere long curiosity brought them also to the spot . The town - watch found it required all their efforts to keep the front ranks of the people from being pushed into the river by those behind ; indeed , this accident could not be everywhere guarded against ; but , thanks to the shallow state of the water , no one was the worse . But the cries of those who were in danger nevertheless drowned the music of the bands performing on raised platforms and the shouts of applause which rose on all sides to hail Horapollo -- who was here , there , everywhere on his white ass as brisk as a lad -- or to greet some leading official . And now and again loud cries of anguish were heard , or the closely-packed throng parted with exclamations of horror .