How came this sacred thing that dwells in the East hither into Egypt ?" "The lord Shabaka brought it to me with certain letters from the Great King, O Satrap." "Shabaka for the third time, by the holy Fire!" cried Idernes.

"He brought the cup; he brought the famous pearls; he brought the gold, and he brought the Signet of signets.

What is there then that he did not bring?
Perchance he has the person of the King of kings himself in his keeping!" "Not that, O Satrap, only the commands of the King of kings which are prepared ready to deliver to you under the White Seal that you acknowledge." "And what may they be, Egyptian ?" "This, O Satrap: That you and all the army which you have brought with you retire to Sais and thence out of Egypt as quickly as you may, or pay for disobedience with your lives." Now Idernes and his captains gasped.
"Why this is rebellion!" he said.
"No, O Satrap, only the command of the Great King given under the White Seal," and drawing a roll from his breast, Peroa laid it on his brow and cast it down before Idernes, adding, "Obey the writing and the Signet, or by virtue of my commission, as soon as you are returned to your army and your safe-conduct is expired, I fall upon you and destroy you." Idernes looked about him like a wolf in a trap, then asked, "Do you mean to murder me here ?" "Not so," answered Peroa, "for you have our safe-conduct and Egyptians are honourable men.

But you are dismissed your office and ordered to leave Egypt." Idernes thought a little while, then said, "If I leave Egypt, there is at least one whom I am commanded to take with me under orders and writings that you will not dispute, a maiden named Amada whom the Great King would number among his women.

I am told it is she who sits yonder--a jewel indeed, fair as the pearls upon her breast which thus will return into the King's keeping.