of his servants in the Satrapy of Egypt,

"Deliver over to my servant Idernes without delay, the person of
Amada, a lady of the blood of the old Pharaohs of Egypt, who is
your relative and in your guardianship, that she may be numbered
among the women of my house."


Now all present looked at each other, while Amada stood as though she
had been frozen into stone. Before she could speak, Peroa went on,

"See how the King seeks a quarrel against me that he may destroy me
and bray Egypt in his mortar, and tan it like a hide to wrap about his
feet. Nay, hold your peace, Amada. Have no fear. You shall not be sent
to the East; first will I kill you with my own hands. But what answer
shall we give, for the matter is urgent and on it hang all our lives?
Bethink you, Idernes has a great force yonder at Sais, and if I refuse
outright, he will attack us, which indeed is what the King means him
to do before we can make preparation. Say then, shall we fight, or
shall we fly to Upper Egypt, abandoning Memphis, and there make our
stand?"

Now the Councillors present seemed to find no answer, for they did not
know what to say. But Bes whispered in my ear,

"Remember, Master, that you hold the King's seal. Let an answer be
sent to Idernes under the White Seal, bidding him wait on you."

Then I rose and spoke.