You shall not be sent to the East; first will I kill you with my own hands.

But what answer shall we give, for the matter is urgent and on it hang all our lives?
Bethink you, Idernes has a great force yonder at Sais, and if I refuse outright, he will attack us, which indeed is what the King means him to do before we can make preparation.

Say then, shall we fight, or shall we fly to Upper Egypt, abandoning Memphis, and there make our stand ?" Now the Councillors present seemed to find no answer, for they did not know what to say.

But Bes whispered in my ear, "Remember, Master, that you hold the King's seal.

Let an answer be sent to Idernes under the White Seal, bidding him wait on you." Then I rose and spoke.
"O Peroa," I said, "as it chances I am the bearer of the private signet of the Great King, which all men must obey in the north and in the south, in the east and in the west, wherever the sun shines over the dominions of the King.