A Monarch is in the palace, and all the subjects are partly in the country, and partly abroad. Of the former, some have their backs turned towards the Monarch’s palace, and their faces in another direction; and some are desirous and zealous to go to the palace, seeking “to inquire in the temple,” and to minister before the Monarch, but have not yet seen even the face of the wall of the house. Of those that desire to go to the palace, some reach it, and go round about in search of the entrance gate; others have passed through the gate and walk about in the antechamber; and others have succeeded in entering into the inner part of the palace and being in the same room with the Monarch in the royal palace. But even the latter do not immediately on entering the palace see the Monarch, or speak; for, after having entered the inner part of the palace, another effort is required before they can stand before the Monarch—at a distance, or close by—hear the words, or speak to the Sovereign.   

Rambam, Guide for the Perplexed, 3:51