once, yet all bowing to the mud-stained person of the King, like ears
of wheat to a tree in a storm. Not wishing to urge my claims further,
for my part I returned to the chariot and the hunting being done, as I
supposed, unstrung my bow which I prized above all things, and set it
in its case.

While I was thus employed the eunuch Houman approached me with a
sickly smile, saying,

"The King commands your presence, Egyptian, that you may receive your
reward."

I nodded, saying that I would come, and he returned.

"Bes," I said when he was out of hearing, "my heart sinks. I do not
trust that King who I think means mischief."

"So do I, Master. Oh! we have been great fools. When a god and a man
climb a tree together, the man should allow the god to come first to
the top, and thence tell the world that he is a god."

"Yes," I answered, "but who ever sees Wisdom until she is flying away?
Now perhaps, the god being the stronger, will cast down the man."

Then both together we advanced towards the King, leaving the chariot
in charge of soldiers. He was seated on a gilded chair which served
him as a throne, and behind him were his officers, eunuchs and
attendants, though not all of them, since at a little distance some of
them were engaged in beating the lord who had served as his charioteer
upon the feet with rods. We prostrated ourselves before him and waited