This I think you knew before, since your messenger of a while ago was whipped for trying to steal them, which under the rods he said he did by command, O Satrap." To this bold speech Idernes made no answer.

Only his captains frowned and many of the Egyptians murmured approval.
After this the feast went on without further incident for a while, the Easterns always drinking more wine, till at length the tables were cleared and all of the meaner sort departed from the hall, save the butlers and the personal servants such as Bes, who stood behind the seats of their masters.

There came a silence such as precedes the bursting of a storm, and in the midst of it Idernes spoke, somewhat thickly.
"I did not come here, O Peroa," he said, "from the seat of government at Sais to eat your meats and drink your wine.

I came to speak of high matters with you." "It is so, O Satrap," answered Peroa.

"And now what may be your will?
Would you retire to discuss them with me and my Councillors ?" "Where is the need, O Peroa, seeing that I have naught to say which may not be heard by all ?" "As it pleases you.