"The Eastern ladies have taught you how to say pretty things. But you
should not waste them upon me who have done with women's vanities and
have given myself to learning and--religion."

"Have learning and religion no vanities of their own?" I began, when
suddenly the Prince gave a signal to end the feast.

Thereon all the lower part of the hall went away and the little tables
at which we ate were removed by servants, leaving us only wine-cups in
our hands which a butler filled from time to time, mixing the wine
with water. This reminded me of something, and having asked leave, I
beckoned to Bes, who still lingered near the door, and took from him
that splendid, golden goblet which the Great King had given me, that
by my command he had brought wrapped up in linen and hidden beneath
his robe. Having undone the wrappings I bowed and offered it to the
Prince Peroa.

"What is this wondrous thing?" asked the Prince, when all had finished
admiring its workmanship. "Is it a gift that you bring me from the
King of the East, Shabaka?"

"It is a gift from myself, O Prince, if you will be pleased to accept
it," I answered, adding, "Yet it is true that it comes from the King
of the East, since it was his own drinking-cup that he gave me in
exchange for a certain bow, though not the one he sought, after he had
pledged me."

"You seem to have found much favour in the eyes of this king, Shabaka,
which is more than most of us Egyptians do," he exclaimed, then went