O King, I pray you give me back to my husband whom
I love and wholoves me.
You are the Egyptian who understands aboutgods, are
you not?
Therefore, Ramose, it is finished, he went on.
Well, have you eaten after all that wearisomeceremony? He paused again, then
said,Let my troubles be a while; we will speak of yours, or rather
ofours.
True, said Nabonidus, and you understand about
gods, do you not?
When the other business is finished I will speak
with him again.
Truly a plot well worthy of the base-born venturer
whosits upon the throne of Egypt.
Therefore, Ramose, it is finished, he went on. Let
this lady and her servantbe given into my charge till the will of God concerning her
is known. Atlength he asked her whether it was true that her mistress was married.
For now, I know not why, myappetite had returned to me; perhaps hope was working in
my heart. Now I could see her well for the lightfrom a high window fell upon her.
For a while he paused and there was silence, for I knew not what tosay. Who knows
the reasons of such a low-bred man?
Nay, answered the old king looking on her with kind
eyes, you aretoo fair and over-young to die.
A guard following me, I went with him to the
private apartments of thepalace. I have no rank, O King, she answered, who was not
born of the royalHouse of Egypt.
When the other business is finished I will speak
with him again.
Do you mean those of the Prince
Belshazzar?
The maid wasone of spirit and because she fought
against fate, she was murdered.
Amasis, thePharaoh of Egypt, for his own purposes
has deceived you, O King.
To the tomb, I think, she answered in a faint
voice.
True, said Nabonidus, and you understand about
gods, do you not? A great deal, O King, I answered; more perhaps than you would
havepatience to hear.