Then I felt the boat being drawn in by the cord with which it was
attached to the quay. Next the other boat that lay over me was lifted
off, the ropes that bound we were undone and I was set upon my feet,
for already I was so stiff that I could scarcely stand. A voice which
I recognised as that of the eunuch Houman, addressed me in respectful
tones, which made me think I must be dreaming.

"Noble Shabaka," said the voice, "the Great King commands your
presence at his feast."

"Is it so?" I answered in my dream. "Then my absence from their feast
will vex the gnats of the river," a saying at which Houman and others
with him laughed obsequiously.

Next I heard the bags of gold being removed from the boat, after which
we walked away, guards supporting me by either elbow until I found my
strength again, and Houman following just behind, perhaps because he
feared my foot if he went in front.

"What has chanced, Eunuch," I asked presently, "that I am disturbed
from the bed where I was sleeping so well?"

"I do not know, Lord," he answered. "I only know that the King of
kings has suddenly commanded that you should be brought before him as
a guest clothed in a robe of honour, even if to do so, you must be
awakened from your rest, yes, to his own royal table, for he holds a
feast this night. Lord," he went on in a whining voice, "if perchance
fortune should have changed her face to you, I pray you bear no malice
to those who, when she frowned, were forced, yes, under the private
Seal of Seals, against their will to carry out the commands of the