Even if it could endure, as the old demigod, or demidevil, Oro, had pointed out, very shortly, by comparison with Time's unmeasured vastness, the whole solar system will also fade.

So of what use is this feeble love of fame and this vain attempt to be remembered that animates us so strongly?
Moreover, the idea of enjoying mere temporal as opposed to intellectual power, appealed to me not at all.
I am a student of history and I know what has been the lot of kings and the evil that, often enough, they work in their little day.
Also if I needed any further example, there was that of Oro himself.

He had outlived the greatness of his House, as a royal family is called, and after some gigantic murder, if his own story was to be believed, indulged in a prolonged sleep.

Now he awoke to find himself quite alone in the world, save for a daughter with whom he did not agree or sympathise.

In short, he was but a kind of animated mummy inspired by one idea which I felt quite sure would be disappointed, namely, to renew his former greatness.