"Quick--slave--quick! that I may drink and regain my youth!"

"Nay, listen, O king! farther said the star to me:

"'It is only at night, when the stars have power, that this
their gift will avail; wherefore, the king must wait till the
hush of the midnight, when the moon is high, and then may he
mingle the liquid with his wine.

"'And he must reveal to none that he hath received the gift from
the hand of the servant of the stars. For THEY do their work in
secret, and when men sleep; therefore they love not the babble
of mouths, and he who reveals their benefits shall surely die.'"

"Fear not," said the king, grasping the vessel; "none shall
know: and, behold, I will rise on the morrow; and my two
sons--wrangling for my crown--verily, I shall be younger than
they!"

Then the king laughed loud; and he scarcely thanked the servant
of the stars, neither did he promise him reward: for the kings
in those days had little thought--save for themselves.

And Morven said to him, "Shall I not attend my lord? for without
me, perchance, the drug might fail of its effect."

"Aye," said the king, "rest here."

"Nay," replied Morven; "thy servants will marvel and talk much,