These were magnificently furnished, the walls being covered with rich velvet hangings.

Thick carpets brought from the East covered the floors.
Indeed, in point of luxury and magnificence, Wallenstein kept up a state far surpassing that of his Imperial master.
There were several clocks standing on tables and on brackets, for Wallenstein, although in most respects of a clear and commanding intellect, was a slave to superstition.

He was always accompanied by an astrologer, who read for him the course of events from the movements of the stars, who indicated the lucky and unlucky days, and the hours at which it was not propitious to transact important business.

Hence it was that he placed so great an importance on the exact observance of the hour by his numerous time pieces.
"Here are some of the clocks," the steward said, indicating them.

"Of course you cannot work here, and they are too heavy to be removed, besides being too costly to intrust out of my charge, I will have a room prepared in the castle where you can work.