‘Why, Lord Corax, what do you want with me?’
‘I have come to receive your Majesty’s orders,’ said the man in a singularly hoarse voice.
The King looked still more astonished.
‘My orders! What do you mean?’
‘I mean your Majesty’s orders for the management of affairs,’ said the man, with a still deeper obeisance.
A light broke on the King’s face.
‘Oh! that’s what you mean, is it?’ he said.
‘It is, your Majesty,’ answered the courtier, bowing once more.
‘It strikes me you’re rather late in the day coming here, aren’t you?’ asked his Majesty.
The courtier pulled out a large watch.