At least you two were wiseto take that oath of me
upon the instant.
Had you perchance drunk too much ofthat strong
Syrian wine?
Now, Belus, went on Amasis, tell me, you who are
wise in counsel,what shall I do? Be plain, Belus, but tell me first, who is this
with you who listensto our most secret thoughts? Therefore I pray you stay a minute
until the officer and hisguard pass upon their round. You can kill me if you will,
but that would befoolish, for I have not told you all the horoscope. Aye, the throne
and a certain general wearing Pharaohs crown.
Or would you prefer that I should choose some older
man to fillthis office?
I asked idly, for this sight of the grief ofanother
seemed to dull my own. The womanis dead; by her lies the sword of
Ninari.
A great terror took hold of me, a shadow of woe to
comefell upon me. Then Pharaoh lifted his sceptre and there was silence. For a
little while we sat silent staring at the lotus blooms.
You, the young and ardent, must play the part ofthe
aged and the cold. Obey your oath, and see that star shine out above allstorms,
royally and alone. I listened like to one in a dream, but Belus answered
quietly,Which you will, Amasis.
Now I grew afraid and that I might find time to
think, bade him speakon.
To-morrow also I leave Sais to journey back to
myown country.
All was clean, all was garnished, everywhere
flowers were set. As for the talk between Atyra and Pharaoh, it need not be set
out.
At least Pharaoh will kill you because she was
inyour charge.
That is why he sends an armyagainst
Egypt.
Be pleased, therefore, dear Belus, to grant it to
me. Presently I will return with his commands.
Yet, why do you turn from Pharaohwho has sheltered
you ever since you escaped from Babylon?
Be plain, Belus, but tell me first, who is this
with you who listensto our most secret thoughts?
All goes awry and I would that Iwere dead. With it
send Belus the Babylonian, that the truth of all this matter may be wrung from
him.
I think not, answered Amasis with his great laugh.
But if you fail, why then,farewell to you. For a little while we sat silent staring
at the lotus blooms. I think not, answered Amasis with his great laugh. Then without
more words I threw myself down upon my bed and soonforgot all things, even
Atyra.
Now tell me on what businessPharaoh sends
you?
I advanced, followed by Belus my tutor, and
prostrated myself beforethe throne. Tell us,may we sleep in peace, or must we seek
it elsewhere? Then I hurled him through the window-place.
I have none to give you atthe moment, young
chamberlain.