Ah, ha! my little plan can't possibly fail now.

And to-morrow, my pretty Egyptian kitten, your little velvet paw will be fast in a trap set by the poor despised eunuch, who was not allowed, forsooth, to give you any orders." His eyes gleamed maliciously as he said these words and hurried from the garden.
At the great flight of steps he met another eunuch, named Neriglissar, who held the office of head-gardener, and lived at the hanging-gardens.
"How is the blue lily going on ?" asked Boges.
"It is unfolding magnificently!" cried the gardener, in enthusiasm at the mere mention of his cherished flower.

"To-morrow, as I promised, when the Tistar-star rises, it will be in all its beauty.

My Egyptian mistress will be delighted, for she is very fond of flowers, and may I ask you to tell the king and the Achaemenidae, that under my care this rare plant has at last flowered?
It is to be seen in full beauty only once in every ten years.

Tell the noble Achaemenidae; this, and bring them here." "Your wish shall be granted," said Boges smiling, "but I think you must not reckon on the king, as I do not expect he will visit the hanging-gardens before his marriage with the Egyptian.