As he did so I saw the veins swell upon his neck and his eyes flash, but he only said, "O Messenger, to-night I feast, to-morrow an answer shall be given to you to convey to the Satrap Idernes.

My servants will find you food and lodging.

You are dismissed." "Let the answer be given early lest you also should be dismissed, O Peroa," said the man with insolence.
Then he turned his back upon the prince, as one does on an inferior, and walked away, accompanied by the herald.
When they were gone and the doors had been shut, Peroa spoke in a voice that was thick with fury, saying, "Hearken, all of you, to the words of the writing." Then he read it.
"From the King of kings, the Ruler of all the earth, to Peroa, one of his servants in the Satrapy of Egypt, "Deliver over to my servant Idernes without delay, the person of Amada, a lady of the blood of the old Pharaohs of Egypt, who is your relative and in your guardianship, that she may be numbered among the women of my house." Now all present looked at each other, while Amada stood as though she had been frozen into stone.

Before she could speak, Peroa went on, "See how the King seeks a quarrel against me that he may destroy me and bray Egypt in his mortar, and tan it like a hide to wrap about his feet.
Nay, hold your peace, Amada.

Have no fear.