"This is," said the host, standing in the middle of the room, "his grace Prince Hiram, a member of the supreme council of Tyre. This is the worthy Dagon, banker of the heir to the throne, and viceroy of Lower Egypt."
The two dignitaries bowed, each with his hand on his breast, and both sat down on stools in the middle of the chamber. Hiram pushed aside his toga somewhat in order to show the great gold medal on his breast; in answer to this Dagon began to toy with a large gold chain which he had received from Prince Ramses.
"I, Hiram," said the old man, "congratulate thee, Lord Dagon. I wish thee much property, and success in thy business."
"I, Dagon, congratulate thee, Lord Hiram, and I wish thee the same as
Thou wishest me."
"Dost Thou desire to dispute?" interrupted Hiram, irritated.
"How dispute? Rabsun, say if I am disputing."
"Better talk of business, your worthinesses," replied the host.
After a moment of thought Hiram proceeded,
"Thy friends in Tyre congratulate thee greatly through me."
"Is that all they have sent me?" asked Dagon, in reviling accents.