Be just, O Lord Shabaka." "Say no more.

I will try to be just," I answered.

"But what is justice in the East?
I only know of it in Egypt." Now we reached one of the doors of the palace and I was taken to a chamber where slaves who were waiting, washed and anointed me with scents, after which they clad me in a beautiful robe of silk, setting the girdle of rose-hued pearls about me.
When they had finished, preceded by Houman I was led to a great pillared hall closed in with silk hangings, where many feasted.

Through them I went to a dais at the head of the hall where between half-drawn curtains surrounded by cup-bearers and other officers, the King sat in all his glory upon a cushioned golden throne.

He had a glittering wine-cup in his hand and at a glance I saw that he was drunk, as it is the fashion for these Easterns to be at their great feasts, for he looked happy and human which he did not do when he was sober.