It did not occur to the Regent to punish the witch for her crimes; he thought rather of his older friends' rapture when they talked of the singer Beki's songs and beauty.

He looked at the woman, and a cold shiver ran through all his limbs.
"You may live in peace," he said at last; "and when you die I will see to your being embalmed; but give up your black arts.

You must be rich, and, if you are not, say what you need.

Indeed, I scarcely dare offer you gold--it excites your hatred, as I understand." "I could take thine--but now let me go!" She got up, and went towards the door, but the Regent called to her to stop, and asked: "Is Assa the father of your son, the little Nemu, the dwarf of the lady Katuti ?" The witch laughed loudly.

"Is the little wretch like Assa or like Beki?
I picked him up like many other children." "But he is clever!" said Ani.
"Ay-that he is.