“King Atlano, we will as thou.”
The other rulers arose.
“Rulers, what will ye?”
“King Atlano, we will as thou.”
Phiro, a noble young and ardent, here arose.
“Phiro, what sayest thou?”
“Gracious King, if it pleaseth thee, let those who are for war bend the knee.”
“It is well. Rulers, Priests, Nobles, Captains, Leaders, People,—ye that are for war bend the knee, and let us beseech the gods.”
Great was the stir in the vast assemblage. Then every soul bent the knee, even to the king, while the feeble tones of the high priest began to be heard, asking for blessing on this so suddenly conceived undertaking. When he had finished, the king arose, the others still remaining on their knees, until he said:
“Ye may arise.”