minstrel-vocation,--dost call thyself a Minstrel? or a student of
the art of song?"

Theos looked up, his eyes resting full on the monarch's
countenance, as he replied in low, clear tones:

"Most noble Zephoranim, I am no minstrel! ... nor do I deserve to
be called even a student of that high, sweet music-wisdom in which
Sah-luma alone excels! All I dare hope for is that I may learn of
him in some small degree the lessons he has mastered, that at some
future time I may approach as nearly to his genius as a common
flower on earth can approach to a fixed star in the furthest blue
of heaven!"

Sah-luma smiled and gave him a pleased, appreciative glance,--
Zephoranim regarded him somewhat curiously.

"By my faith, thou'rt a modest and gentle disciple of Poesy!" he
said--"We receive thee gladly to our court as suits Sah-luma's
pleasure and our own! Stand thee near thy friend and master, and
listen to the melody of his matchless voice,--thou shalt hear
therein the mysteries of many things unravelled, and chiefly the
mystery of love, in which all other passions centre and have
power."

Re-ascending the steps of the dais, he flung himself indolently
back in his throne,--whereupon two pages brought a magnificent
chair of inlaid ivory and placed it near the foot of the dais at
his right hand. In this Sah-luma seated himself, the pages
arranging his golden mantle around him in shining, picturesque