Our road ran by the river which we must cross in barges lower down, so that in a few minutes we came to that quay whither I had been led on the previous night to die.

Yes, there were the watching guards, and there floated the hateful double boat, at the prow of which appeared the tortured face of the eunuch Houman, who rolled his head from side to side to rid himself of the torment of the flies.

He caught sight of us and began to scream for pity and forgiveness, whereat Bes smiled.

The officers halted our cavalcade and one of them approaching me said, "It is the King's command, O Lord Shabaka, that you should look upon this villain who traduced you to the King and afterwards dared to strike you.

If you will, enter the water and blind him, that your face may be the last thing he sees before he passes into darkness." I shook my head, but Bes into whose mind some thought had come, whispered to me, "I wish to speak with yonder eunuch, so give me leave and fear nothing.
I will do him no hurt, only good, if I find the chance." Then I said to the officer, "It is not for great lords to avenge themselves upon the fallen.