Tell me of something that will lighten my heart, for it is heavy." "There are jugglers without, Prince, one of whom says he can throw a rope into the air and climb up it until he vanishes into heaven." "When he has done it in your sight, Pambasa, bring him to me, but not before.

Death is the only rope by which we climb to heaven--or be lowered into hell.

For remember there is a god called Set, after whom, like my great-grandfather, I am named by the way--the priests alone know why--as well as one called Osiris." "Then there are the dancers, Prince, and among them some very finely made girls, for I saw them bathing in the palace lake, such as would have delighted the heart of your grandfather, the great Rameses." "They do not delight my heart who want no naked women prancing here.

Try again, Pambasa." "I can think of nothing else, Prince.

Yet, stay.