After this he asked their counsel, saying that before noon he must send an answer to Idernes, the King's Satrap at Sais.
Then I was called upon to speak and, in answer to questions, answered frankly that I had stolen the ancient White Seal from the King's servant who carried it as a warrant for the King's private vengeance on one who had bested him.

How I did not mention.

I told them also of the state of the Great King's empire and that I had heard that he was about to enter upon a war with the Greeks which would need all its strength, and that therefore if they wished to strike for liberty the time was at hand.
Then the talk began and lasted for two hours, each man giving his judgment according to precedence, some one way and some another.

When all had done and it became clear that there were differences of opinion, some being content to live on in slavery with what remained to them and others desiring to strike for freedom, among whom were the high priests who feared lest the Eastern heretics should utterly destroy their worship, Peroa spoke once more.
"Elders of Egypt," he said briefly, "certain of you think one way, and certain another, but of this be sure, such talk as we have held together cannot be hid.

It will come to the ears of spies and through them to those of the Great King, and then all of us alike are doomed.