Let her be handed over, for she rides with me at once." Now in the midst of an intense silence Peroa answered, "Amada, the Royal Lady of Egypt, cannot be sent to dwell in the House of Women of the Great King without the consent of the lord Shabaka, whose she is." "Shabaka for the fourth time!" said Idernes, glaring at me.

"Then let Shabaka come too.

Or his head in a basket will suffice, since that will save trouble afterwards, also some pain to Shabaka.

Why, now I remember.
It was this very Shabaka whom the Great King condemned to death by the boat for a crime against his Majesty, and who bought his life by promising to deliver to him the fairest and most learned woman in the world--the lady Amada of Egypt.

And thus does the knave keep his oath!" Now I leapt to my feet, as did most of those present.