Allowed to indulge in his distempered fancy, he eschewed human habitations, lived in the open air night and day, fed on herbs, disused clothing, and became covered with a rough coat of hair.

His subjects generally, it is probable, were not allowed to know of his condition, although they could not but be aware that he was suffering from some terrible malady.

The queen most likely held the reins of power, and carried on the government in his name.

The dream had been interpreted to mean that the lycanthropy would not be permanent; and even the date of recovery had been announced, only with a certain ambiguity.

The Babylonians were thereby encouraged to await events, without taking any steps that would have involved them in difficulties if the malady ceased.