Plays of Near & Far

by Lord Dunsany

First Priest: Drink of the cup upon the Nubian's left.

King: Ah. My gods defend me.

[He seizes the cup boldly. He looks straight at the Ambassador, whose face remains expressionless, merely watching. He lifts the cup upon the Nubian's left a little up from the tray.

[He glances towards the priests.

[Suddenly he starts. He has seen a strange expression upon the face of the priest. He puts the cup down. He strides a step nearer and looks at his face.

PRIEST!—Priest!—-- What is that look in your eyes?

First Priest: O King, I know not. I have given the message of the gods.

[The King continues to search out his face.

King: I mistrust it.

First Priest: It is the message of the gods.