Reflect--your hairs are grey, and seditious words are like sparks, which are borne by the wind, but which, if they fall, may set our home in a blaze.

Continue your feasting, my lords; but I would request you to speak no more this evening of the king and his new decree.

You, Pentaur, fulfil my orders to-morrow morning with energy and prudence." The high-priest bowed and left the feast.
As soon as the door was shut behind him, the old priest from Chennu spoke.
"What we have learned concerning the pioneer of the king, a man who holds so high an office, surprises me.

Does he distinguish himself by a special acuteness ?" "He was a steady learner, but of moderate ability." "Is the rank of Mohar then as high as that of a prince of the empire ?" "By no means." "How then is it-- ?" "It is, as it is," interrupted Gagabu.

"The son of the vine-dresser has his mouth full of grapes, and the child of the door-keeper opens the lock with words." "Never mind," said an old priest who had hitherto kept silence.