You must find another messenger." "Madness or not it is my will, and beware how you thwart me in it, Metem, for at least I am the Lady Baaltis, and have power to kill without question.

I swear to you that if I do not see him, you shall never leave this city living." "A shrewd argument, and to the point," said Metem reflectively.

"Well, I have prepared myself a rock-hewn tomb at Tyre, and do not wish that my graven sarcophagus of best Egyptian alabaster should be wasted, or sold to some upstart for a song." "As assuredly it will be, if you do not obey me in this matter, Metem.
Remember--an hour before moonrise, at the foot of the pillar of El in the inner court of the temple." As she spoke Metem started, for his quick ears had caught a sound.
"O Queen divine," he said in a loud voice, as he led the way to the front of the throne, "you are a hard bargainer! Were there many such, a poor trader could not make a living.

Ah! here is one who knows the value of such priceless works of art," and he pointed to Mesa, who, with folded arms and downcast eyes, stood within five paces of the throne, as near, indeed, as custom allowed her to approach.

"Lady," he went on addressing you, "you will have heard the price I asked; say, now, is it too much ?" "I have heard nothing, sir.