Atlength he asked her whether it was true that her
mistress was married.
Well, if so, soon my sorrows would bedone.
Afterwards my arms were loosed although my feet remained shackled, andI was given
food. True, O King, answered the black-robed man in a deep and solemnvoice, I
understand one god only.
Certainly he was not among the fleeingmerchants. I
behold him, I whispered back, and went on bowing. Also they would search my clothes
andbelongings piece by piece, and find the letters. Let this lady and her servantbe
given into my charge till the will of God concerning her is known. Certainly he was
not among the fleeingmerchants. At last a messenger came whowhispered to the
watching eunuch.
Truly a plot well worthy of the base-born venturer
whosits upon the throne of Egypt. Yet fate has brought me back to Babylon, as soon
or late, Iknew well that it would do.
Now I could see her well for the lightfrom a high
window fell upon her. Yes, Isprang from one who sat upon that throne before
him.
Nabonidus lifted his hand and they were
silent.
Obey,lest some of you be shortened by a head.
Because, O King, I am already wed and therefore unmeet for the royalhousehold. Spies
are best dead, O King, replied the vizier coldly. Her body was thrown into the river
and found with a letter in her robethat told all the tale. In Babylon Ihave an enemy
who has wrought me worse wrong than any that you suffer.
Therefore we let him go lest he should bring the
curse of Marduk uponus. But it was not so, forpresently once more I found myself in
my prison where they left mealone. I have a petition to make, O King, answered the
prophet.
May the royal Lady, his wife, live for ever. Now I
who had been studying the statue, was moved to speak.
These idols, as you call them, are extremely
powerful. The Kingknows what I am and my manner of life. I know not how, I know only
that Igo to be avenged. Not only was I cramped and shaken, but my heart was as sore
as mylimbs.
Without examination I cannot say whether it be Ptah
or Bes. Atlength he asked her whether it was true that her mistress was
married.
The maid wasone of spirit and because she fought
against fate, she was murdered.
Now is the King satisfied that I am a trueman, to
prove which I have told him all this story?
This old woman is a babbling fool, he said. Well,
if so, soon my sorrows would bedone. Still it was one of which the king soon
wearied,especially as the officer interpreted but ill.