Only one thing did she say to me when there was a little pause while the cup went round, and she pledged me according to custom and passed it on. It was,
“You look well, Shabaka, though somewhat tired, but sadder than you used, I think.”
“Perhaps because I have seen things to sadden me, Amada. But you too look well but somewhat lovelier than you used, I think, if that be possible.”
She smiled and blushed as she replied,
“The Eastern ladies have taught you how to say pretty things. But you should not waste them upon me who have done with women’s vanities and have given myself to learning and—religion.”
“Have learning and religion no vanities of their own?” I began, when suddenly the Prince gave a signal to end the feast.
Thereon all the lower part of the hall went away and the little tables at which we ate were removed by servants, leaving us only wine-cups in our hands which a butler filled from time to time, mixing the wine with water. This reminded me of something, and having asked leave, I beckoned to Bes, who still lingered near the door, and took from him that splendid, golden goblet which the Great King had given me, that by my command he had brought wrapped up in linen and hidden beneath his robe. Having undone the wrappings I bowed and offered it to the Prince Peroa.
“What is this wondrous thing?” asked the Prince, when all had finished admiring its workmanship. “Is it a gift that you bring me from the King of the East, Shabaka?”
“It is a gift from myself, O Prince, if you will be pleased to accept it,” I answered, adding, “Yet it is true that it comes from the King of the East, since it was his own drinking-cup that he gave me in exchange for a certain bow, though not the one he sought, after he had pledged me.”
“You seem to have found much favour in the eyes of this king, Shabaka, which is more than most of us Egyptians do,” he exclaimed, then went on hastily, “Still, I thank you for your splendid gift, and however you came by it, shall value it much.”