"Egyptian, you have brought it on your own head.

Prove that you can do what you say and I will give you great honour.

Fail, and to the lions with him who lies of lions.

Still," he added, "it is not right that you should go alone.

Choose therefore one of these lords to keep you company; he who would put you to the test, if you will." Now I looked at the scented noble who turned pale beneath his paint.
Then I looked at the fat eunuch, Houman, who opened his mouth and gasped like a fish, and when I had looked, I shook my head and said as though to myself, "Not so, no woman and no eunuch shall be my companion on this quest," whereat the King and all the rest laughed out loud.