Did I talk much nonsense just now, Hierax ?" The man thus addressed, the commander-in-chief of the royal troops, and the king's particular friend, cast a hesitating glance at the bystanders; but, Euergetes desiring him to speak without reserve, he replied: "Wine never weakens the mind of such as you are to the point of folly, but you were imprudent.

It would be little short of a miracle if Philometor did not remark--" "Capital!" interrupted the king sitting up on his cushions.

"You, Hierax, and you, Komanus, remain here--you others may go.

But do not go too far off, so as to be close at hand in case I should need you.

In these days as much happens in a few hours as usually takes place in as many years." Those who were thus dismissed withdrew, only the king's dresser, a Macedonian of rank, paused doubtfully at the door, but Euergetes signed to him to retire immediately, calling after him: "I am very merry and shall not go to bed.