May Isis preserve them long to thee!" "Ah, father, a deaf man could have heard every word in the ante-chamber to-day, for Amasis bellowed like an ox." "The great Neith has smitten him with the lack of prudence, yet I command thee to speak of the Pharaoh with more reverence.

But now return, keep thine eyes open and inform me at once if Amasis, as is possible, should attempt to thwart the conspiracy against Phanes.

Thou wilt certainly find me here.

Charge the attendants to admit no one, and to say I am at my devotions in the Holy of holies.

May the ineffable One protect thy footsteps!" [Isis, the wife or sister of Osiris, is the phenomena of nature, by means of which the god is able to reveal himself to human contemplation.] ..................................
While Psamtik was making every preparation for the capture of Phanes, Croesus, accompanied by his followers, had embarked on board a royal bark, and was on his way down the Nile to spend the evening with Rhodopis.
His son Gyges and the three young Persians remained in Sais, passing the time in a manner most agreeable to them.
Amasis loaded them with civilities, allowed them, according to Egyptian custom, the society of his queen and of the twin-sisters, as they were called, taught Gyges the game of draughts, and looking on while the strong, dexterous, young heroes joined his daughters in the game of throwing balls and hoops, so popular among Egyptian maidens, enlivened their amusements with an inexhaustible flow of wit and humor.
[The Pharaohs themselves, as well as their subjects, were in the habit of playing at draughts and other similar games.