The same night heralds were despatched to bear the intelligence to the remotest districts of Assyria.
After a due interval the wines began to come in; and the examiners assembled to adjudge the prize.

The first vessel was unsealed.

Its odour was such that the judges, without tasting it, pronounced unanimous condemnation.

The next was opened: it had a villainous taste of clay.
The third was sour and vapid.

They proceeded from one cask of execrable liquor to another, till at length, in absolute nausea, they gave up the investigation.
The next morning they all assembled at the gate of the king, with pale faces and aching heads.