THE REQUITAL
On the third day after his arrival in Jerusalem, Herod the king was in his privy cabinet arranging, with his own hands, the graven gems and articles of virtu, prizes brought from his trip to Antioch. The door was dubiously opened, and Agrippa, without turning his head, knew who stood there, for only one in the palace had been commanded to enter the king's presence without announcement.
"Well, Silas?" Agrippa said, contemplating the elusive tints of a jade goblet.
The old man pulled at the gorgeous uniform of master of horse, that hung from the peasant shoulders and answered:
"A friend of thy unfortunate days is without."
Agrippa's brows lifted and drew toward each other in a manner half-amused, half-vexed.
"The friends of my unfortunate days are the friends of my fortunate days; wherefore, they would liefer be known as friends of Agrippa the king, than of Agrippa the bankrupt. Give them their due and call them the king's companions. And Silas?"
"Yes, lord."
"The king would as lief forget that he ever had a misfortune."
Silas looked perplexed and rubbed his forehead.