"Interpreter," said Sargon, "hast Thou repeated badly to the prince my kindly greeting?"
Mentezufis, standing near the elevation, turned toward Ramses.
"Prince," whispered he, "the Lord Sargon is waiting for a gracious answer."
"Then answer him that I do not understand by what right he speaks to me as if he were my equal in dignity."
Mentezufis was confused, which still more angered the prince, whose lips began to tremble; and again his eyes flashed. But the Chaldean, Istubar, understanding Egyptian, said quickly to Sargon,
"Let us fall on our faces."
"Why should I fall on my face?" inquired the indignant Sargon.
"Fall, unless Thou wish to lose the favor of King Assar, and perhaps thy head also."
Thus speaking, Istubar lay on the floor at full length, and Sargon next to him.
"Why should I lie on my belly before that stripling?" muttered Sargon, indignantly.