The name of the man who thus answered was Darvan, and his words
were pleasing to the elders.

But Morven spoke out:

"Of a truth, O councilors of kings! I look not to be an equal
with yourselves. Enough if I tend the gates of your palace, and
serve you as the son of Osslah may serve;" and he bowed his head
humbly as he spoke.

Then said the chief of the elders, for he was wiser than the
others, "But how wilt thou deliver us from the evil that is to
come? Doubtless the star hath informed thee of the service thou
canst render to us if we take thee into our palace, as well as
the ill that will fall on us if we refuse."

Morven answered meekly: "Surely, if thou acceptest thy servant,
the star will teach him that which may requite thee; but as yet
he knows only what he has uttered."

Then the sages bade him withdraw, and they communed with
themselves and they differed much; but though fierce men and
bold at the war cry of a human foe, they shuddered at the
prophecy of a star. So they resolved to take the son of Osslah,
and suffer him to keep the gate of the council-hall.

He heard their decree and towed his head, and went to the gate,
and sat down by it in silence.