Not far from the gateway , they came to a bridge , which seemed to be built of iron . Pluto stopped the chariot , and bade Proserpina look at the stream which was gliding so lazily beneath it . Never in her life had she beheld so torpid , so black , so muddy-looking a stream ; its waters reflected no images of anything that was on the banks , and it moved as sluggishly as if it had quite forgotten which way it ought to flow , and had rather stagnate than flow either one way or the other . `` This is the River Lethe , '' observed King Pluto . `` Is it not a very pleasant stream ? '' `` I think it a very dismal one , '' answered Proserpina . `` It suits my taste , however , '' answered Pluto , who was apt to be sullen when anybody disagreed with him . `` At all events , its water has one excellent quality ; for a single draught of it makes people forget every care and sorrow that has hitherto tormented them . Only sip a little of it , my dear Proserpina , and you will instantly cease to grieve for your mother , and will have nothing in your memory that can prevent your being perfectly happy in my palace . I will send for some , in a golden goblet , the moment we arrive . '' `` O , no , no , no ! '' cried Proserpina , weeping afresh . `` I had a thousand times rather be miserable with remembering my mother , than be happy in forgetting her . That dear , dear mother ! I never , never will forget her . '' `` We shall see , '' said King Pluto . `` You do not know what fine times we will have in my palace . Here we are just at the portal . These pillars are solid gold , I assure you . '' He alighted from the chariot , and taking Proserpina in his arms , carried her up a lofty flight of steps into the great hall of the palace .
It was splendidly illuminated by means of large precious stones , of various hues , which XXXXX to burn like so many lamps , and glowed with a hundred-fold radiance all through the vast apartment .
Is answered built disagreed flow reflected see seemed sip suits