--hundreds will drain it gladly still for the mere privilege of
living some brief days in the presence of such peerless beauty!
... But,--speaking of the river--didst thou remark it on thy way
hither?"

"Aye!" responded Theos dreamily--"'Twas red as blood"!"

"Strange!" and Sah-luma looked thoughtful for an instant, then
rousing himself, said lightly, "'Tis from some simple cause, no
doubt--yet 'twill create a silly panic in the city--and all the
fanatics for Khosrul's new creed will creep forth, shouting afresh
their prognostications of death and doom. By my faith, 'twill be a
most desperate howling! ... and I'll not walk abroad till the
terror hath abated. Moreover, I have work to do,--some lately
budded thoughts of mine have ripened into glorious conclusion,--
and Zabastes hath orders presently to attend me that he may take
my lines down from mine own dictation. Thou shalt hear a most
choice legend of love an thou wilt listen--" here he laid his hand
affectionately on Theos's shoulder--"a legend set about, methinks,
with wondrous jewels of poetic splendor! ... 'tis a rare privilege
I offer thee, my friend, for as a rule Zabastes is my only
auditor,--but I would swear thou art no plagiarist, and wouldst
not dishonor thine own intelligence so far as to filch pearls of
fancy from another minstrel! As well steal my garments as my
thoughts!--for verily the thoughts are the garments of the poet's
soul,--and the common thief of things petty and material is no
whit more contemptible than he who robs an author of ideas wherein
to deck the bareness of his own poor wit! Come, place thyself at
ease upon this cushioned couch, and give me thy attention, ... I
feel the fervor rising within me, ... I will summon Zabastes, ...