robes were stained with the dust of travel. Advancing without salute
he drew out a roll, touched his forehead with it, bowing deeply, and
handed it to the prince, saying,

"Kiss the Word. Read the Word. Obey the Word, O servant of our Master,
the King of kings, beneath whose feet we are all but dust."

Peroa took the roll, made a semblance of lifting it to his forehead,
opened and read it. As he did so I saw the veins swell upon his neck
and his eyes flash, but he only said,

"O Messenger, to-night I feast, to-morrow an answer shall be given to
you to convey to the Satrap Idernes. My servants will find you food
and lodging. You are dismissed."

"Let the answer be given early lest you also should be dismissed, O
Peroa," said the man with insolence.

Then he turned his back upon the prince, as one does on an inferior,
and walked away, accompanied by the herald.

When they were gone and the doors had been shut, Peroa spoke in a
voice that was thick with fury, saying,

"Hearken, all of you, to the words of the writing."

Then he read it.


"From the King of kings, the Ruler of all the earth, to Peroa, one