The wisdom was not your own, but another's, that is all.

Yes, the wisdom of one whose years have borne him beyond the shafts that fly from woman's eyes, the ruinous shafts which bring men down to doom and nothingness.

Tell me, Allan, is this the likeness of him who gave it to you ?" "Yes, Ayesha, the very picture, as I think, carved by himself, though he said that it is ancient, and others tell that it has been known in the land for centuries." "So perchance has he," she answered drily, "since some of our company live long.

Now tell me this wizard's names.

Nay, wait awhile for I would prove that indeed you are his messenger with whom I may talk about the dead, and other things, Allan.