The man who spoke to them was doomed, even though
hewere a brother; they were dead to the world.
So bound I was and lay there among my captors,
thankful that my lifehad been spared.
So bound I was and lay there among my captors,
thankful that my lifehad been spared. Also if he did, I am not certain that I should
besorry. If he kills me, you cankill him afterwards, and we will continue our
discussion elsewhere. When the other business is finished I will speak with him
again.
Spare me, O King, and she sank to her knees,
stretchingout her arms in supplication. Amasis, thePharaoh of Egypt, for his own
purposes has deceived you, O King.
If the King would see that letter, I have
ithere.
Yet how couldshe speak who did not know or
understand?
Yet fate has brought me back to Babylon, as soon or
late, Iknew well that it would do. Nextappeared a litter surrounded by a guard of
soldiers. I bid you obey instantly,and he struck the arm of the throne with his
sceptre.
Now through the open doors came a number of fair
women singing anddancing.
Thus we advanced up the greathall till we came to
that part where the court was gathered. This I said hoping to discover what had
chanced to Belus. So it wenton till darkness fell, through which we were guided by
men withtorches.
ThereforeI must suffer whatever befell me in
silence and had no refuge save totrust in God.
I have no rank, O King, she answered, who was not
born of the royalHouse of Egypt. Nabonidus thought a while; then he said wearily,I
tire of this business.
May the royal Lady, his wife, live for
ever.
What is the use ofa crowd of magicians who know
nothing?
I am still King of Babylon, the first Servant of
Heavenwith power of life and death.
Then he nodded to the soldiers who began to
removemy garments. Nextappeared a litter surrounded by a guard of soldiers. A guard
following me, I went with him to the private apartments of thepalace.
Now I could see her well for the lightfrom a high
window fell upon her.
I was married but had not lost my wifewho left me
with a daughter.
As it chanced there was much worthy of note. So the
eunuch and the guard went, unwillingly enough, staring first atNabonidus and then at
me. We passed through many that were gorgeous to a large plainchamber, well lit from
the roof. Yes, Isprang from one who sat upon that throne before him. Well, have you
eaten after all that wearisomeceremony? Now through the open doors came a number of
fair women singing anddancing.
When the other business is finished I will speak
with him again.
The scribe advanced, bent the knee and whispered in
the kings ear. So it wenton till darkness fell, through which we were guided by men
withtorches.