On their knees sank the leaders, and there remained until ordered by the chamberlain to arise. Then their spokesman answered:
“O most gracious of kings, Atlano, thy leaders, as thou hast said, know well their duty. They will to it this day.”
Then, with faces to the king, they moved to their places.
The king addressed the rulers.
“Ye, kin rulers, will speed on the morrow to your cities, and then give orders to your leaders. Ere the coming moon is old, gather your vessels within this harbor. Then on to lay Pelasgia low!”
The assemblage, as one, echoed:
“Yea—on—to lay Pelasgia low!”
The exultant king continued:
“This further will I say: Daily, at the noon hour, let every noble come to this state chamber, that plans may be made, and given out. Let every captain make well ready his vessel for the men, food, and weapons of war. Let the people be of one mind through it all.”
A murmur of acclamation arose and swelled, the smiling king permitting it, until it became a mighty shout. This the people without heard, and answered—forgetting reverence—until the hangings of the palace moved. And still the king stood smiling.