.

But how thou look'st! what is the matter?
has aught happened?
speak, speak!" In the first moment Gyges could not answer a word.

To see his beloved father, for whose very life he had been in such anxiety, a safe and happy guest at this rich banquet, seemed to rob him of his speech a second time.

At last, however, he was able to say: "The gods be praised, my father, that I see thee safe once more! Think not I forsook my post thoughtlessly.

Alas! I am forced to appear as a bird of evil omen in this cheerful assembly.