There, too, was my baggage already being examined,
thoughnot that of Belus, here known as Azar.
It seemed that no Egyptians went with her for
areason that could be guessed. Yes, he replied with a grave smile, we know that you
go to dealwith the Persians.
Then he washed me carefully and trimmed my nails,
till atlast I asked if I were going to a feast.
And why had he askedme nothing of the work that he
had bidden me carry out upon the templeof Ptah?
Have faith, forthere is no other crutch upon which
to lean.
Deny it if you will, but know that your spies did
not watch her closeenough. Lastly I remembered how my mother hadslipped away up Nile
to meet Pharaoh upon secret business.
Once out of Egypt there are other lands where we
might shelter. Now I who had been studying the statue, was moved to speak. We found
my mother alone in herlarge chamber seated in a throne-like chair and very finely
dressed. In theconfusion Belus and I were separated.
The light came and showed the Arabs, if such they
were, going off withtheir spoil. At first this throne was empty, for Nabonidus had
left it for a while.
Have faiththerefore in my spirit, as I have, lest
you should go mad.
In Babylon Ihave an enemy who has wrought me worse
wrong than any that you suffer.
Perhaps, blinded by a greed for pomp andvanities,
you do not understand, yet one day you will.
Well, if so, soon my sorrows would
bedone.
Also they would search my clothes andbelongings
piece by piece, and find the letters.
Whenas Pharaohs concubine you caused me to be born,
you did me wrongthough mayhap that was decreed. There, too, was my baggage already
being examined, thoughnot that of Belus, here known as Azar.
I bid you obey instantly,and he struck the arm of
the throne with his sceptre. What is the use ofa crowd of magicians who know
nothing? A great deal, O King, I answered; more perhaps than you would havepatience
to hear. Would you not wish to see the lady Chloe alone? We found my mother alone in
herlarge chamber seated in a throne-like chair and very finely dressed.
There, too, was my baggage already being examined,
thoughnot that of Belus, here known as Azar.