Drink on, all of you, as long as the night lasts.

To-morrow, at the last crow of the sacred bird Parodar, I shall expect you to meet me for the chase, at the gate of the temple of Bel." So saying, the king left the hall, followed by a thundering "Victory to the king!" Boges had slipped out quietly before him.

In the forecourt he found one of the gardener's boys from the hanging-gardens.
"What do you want here ?" asked Boges.

"I have something for the prince Bartja." "For Bartja?
Has he asked your master to send him some seeds or slips ?" The boy shook his sunburnt head and smiled roguishly.
"Some one else sent you then ?" said Boges becoming more attentive.
"Yes, some one else." "Ah! the Egyptian has sent a message to her brother-in-law ?" "Who told you that ?" "Nitetis spoke to me about it.

Here, give me what you have; I will give it to Bartja at once." "I was not to give it to any one but the prince himself." "Give it to me; it will be safer in my hands than in yours." "I dare not." "Obey me at once, or--" At this moment the king came up.