Then the King called Bes to him, and taking the gold chain he wore about his neck, threw it over his head, thereby, though I knew nothing of it at the time, conferring upon him some noble rank.

Next he called to me and said, "It would seem that you are skilled in the use of the bow and in the hunting of lions, Egyptian.

Therefore I will honour you, for this afternoon your chariot shall drive with my chariot, and we will hunt side by side.

Moreover, I will lay you a wager as to which of us will kill the most lions, for know, Shabaka, that I also am skilled in the use of the bow, more skilled than any among the millions of my subjects." "Then, O King, it is of little use for me to match myself against you, seeing that I have met men who can shoot better than I do, or, since in the East all must speak nothing but the truth, not being liars as the dead prince said we Egyptians are, one man." "Who was that man, Shabaka ?" "The Prince Peroa, O King." The King frowned as though the name displeased him, then answered, "Am I not greater than this Peroa and cannot I therefore shoot better ?" "Doubtless, O King of kings, and therefore how can I who shoot worse than Peroa, match myself against you ?" "For which reason I will give you odds, Shabaka.

Behold this rope of rose-hued pearls I wear.