There are plenty of boats in the river, Egyptian." "The fairest and most learned woman in the world ?" I said astonished.
"Who can that be, unless he means the lady Amada ?" and I paused, wishing I had bitten out my tongue before I spoke, for I smelt a trap.
"Yes, Master," said Bes in a clear voice.

"That was the name, the lady Amada." "Who is this lady Amada ?" asked the King, seeming to grow suddenly sober.

"And what is she like ?" "I can tell you that, O King," said Bes.

"She is like a willow shaken in the wind for slenderness and grace.

She has eyes like those of a buck at gaze; she has lips like rosebuds; she has hair black as the night and soft as silk, the odour of which floats round her like that of flowers.
She has a voice that whispers like the evening wind, and yet is rich as honey.