You know, Pambasa, that had he lived he would have been Pharaoh in place of my father.

He died too soon, however, which proves to me that there was something in this tale of his wisdom, since no really wise man would ever wish to be Pharaoh of Egypt." Pambasa stared with his mouth open.
"Not wish to be Pharaoh!" he began-- "Now, Pambasa the Wise," went on the Prince as though he had not heard him.

"Listen.

This old book gives a charm 'to empty the heart of its weariness,' that it says is the oldest and most common sickness in the world from which only kittens, some children, and mad people are free.
It appears that the cure for this sickness, so says the book, is to stand on the top of the pyramid of Khufu at midnight at that moment when the moon is largest in the whole year, and drink from the cup of dreams, reciting meanwhile a spell written here at length in language which I cannot read." "There is no virtue in spells, Prince, if anyone can read them." "And no use, it would seem, if they can be read by none." "Moreover, how can any one climb the pyramid of Khufu, which is covered with polished marble, even in the day let alone at midnight, your Highness, and there drink of the cup of dreams ?" "I do not know, Pambasa.

All I know is that I weary of this foolishness, and of the world.