"It was my ill-temper, everything has gone cross to-day.

Well, a gold cup, my own, shall pay the price of it.

Bear me no ill-will, I pray you, learned scribe, and above all tell me no falsehood as the message of the stars you serve.

It is the truth I seek, the truth.

If only she may be seen, and clasped, I care not how ill-favoured is her face." Rejoicing at the turn which things had taken, and especially at the promise of the priceless cup which he had long coveted, Kaku bowed obsequiously.