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3.
51
But it is impossible to describe the real impression which these works of art produced upon the mind when they were finished.
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3.
52
For, when these vessels had been completed and placed side by side, first a silver bowl and then a golden, then another silver, and then another golden, the appearance they presented is altogether indescribable, and those who came to see them were not able to tear themselves from the brilliant sight and entrancing spectacle.
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3.
53
The impressions produced by the spectacle were various in kind.
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3.
54
When men looked at the golden vessels, and their minds made a complete survey of each detail of workmanship, their souls were thrilled with wonder.
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3.
55
Again when a man wished to direct his gaze to the silver vessels, as they stood before him, everything seemed to flash with light round about the place where he was standing, and afforded a still greater delight to the onlookers.
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3.
56
So that it is really impossible to describe the artistic beauty of the works.
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3.
57
The golden vials they engraved in the centre with vine wreaths.
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3.
58
And about the rims they wove a wreath of ivy and myrtle and olive in relief work and inserted precious stones in it.
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3.
59
The other parts of the relief work they wrought in different patterns, since they made it a point of honour to complete everything in a way worthy of the majesty of the king.
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3.
60
In a word it may be said that neither in the king's treasury nor in any other, were there any works which equalled these in costliness or in artistic skill.
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3.
61
For the king spent no little thought upon them, for he loved to gain glory for the excellence of his designs.
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3.
62
For oftentimes he would neglect his official business, and spend his time with the artists in his anxiety that they should complete everything in a manner worthy of the place to which the gifts were to be sent.
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3.
63
So everything was carried out on a grand scale, in a manner worthy of the king who sent the gifts and of the high priest who was the ruler of the land.
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3.
64
There was no stint of precious stones, for not less than five thousand were used and they were all of large size.
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3.
65
The most exceptional artistic skill was employed, so that the cost of the stones and the workmanship was five times as much as that of the gold.
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3.
Footnotes ^148:1 A cubit is 18 inches.
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