"But though," continued the prince, "this evil deed has happened, not through my fault, or through that of my attendants, I feel bound to decrease thy dissatisfaction with a city in which Thou wert met so unworthily; hence I have visited thy bedchamber; hence I open to thee thy house at all times, as often as them mayst wish to visit it, and I beg thee to accept this small gift from me."
The prince drew forth from his tunic a chain set with rubies and sapphires.
The gigantic Sargon shed tears; this moved the prince but did not affect the indifference of Istubar. The priest saw that Sargon had tears, joy, or anger, at call, as befitted the ambassador of a king full of wisdom.
The viceroy sat a moment longer, and then took farewell of Sargon. While going out, he thought that the Assyrians, though barbarians, were not evil minded, since they knew how to respond to magnanimity.
Sargon was so touched that he gave order immediately to bring wine, and he drank from midday till evening.
Some time after sunset the priest, Istubar, left Sargon's chamber for a while; he returned soon, but through a concealed doorway. Behind him appeared two men in dark mantles. When they had pushed their cowls aside, Sargon recognized in one the high priest Mefres, in the other Mentezufis the prophet.
"We bring thee, worthy ambassador, good news," said Mefres.
"May I be able to give you the like," cried the ambassador. "Be seated, holy and worthy fathers. And though I have reddened eyes, speak to me as if I were in perfect soberness; for when I am drunk my mind is improved even. Is this not true, Istubar?"
"Speak on," said the Chaldean.
"Today," began Mentezufis, "I have received a letter from the most worthy minister Herhor. He writes that his holiness may he live through eternity! awaits thy embassy at Memphis in his wonderful palace, and that his holiness may he live through eternity! is well disposed to make a treaty with Assyria."