The suspicion had entered his mind, that Bartja loved Nitetis.

Why had he, contrary to all custom, so decidedly refused to marry a noble and beautiful girl, when his brother's childlessness rendered marriage an evident and urgent duty for him?
Why had he wished to see the Egyptian princess again before leaving Babylon?
and blushed as he expressed that wish?
and why had she, almost without being asked, praised him so warmly?
It is well that he is going, thought the king; at least he shall not rob me of her love.

If he were not my brother I would send him to a place from whence none can return.
After midnight he broke up the banquet.

Boges appeared to conduct him to the Harem, which he was accustomed to visit at this hour, when sufficiently sober.
"Phaedime awaits you with impatience," said the eunuch.
"Let her wait!" was the king's answer.

"Have you given orders that the palace on the hanging-gardens shall be set in order ?" "It will be ready for occupation to-morrow." "What apartments have been assigned to the Egyptian Princess ?" "Those formerly occupied by the second wife of your father Cyrus, the deceased Amytis." "That is well.