Nabonidus shook his head with a faint, stubborn smile, and, a moment later, he was alone. For some time after his general's departure the king sat looking vaguely into space, his lips straightening more and more and the lines round his mouth growing stern. Presently the eunuch glided quietly into the room and took up his position by the door, standing there as he was trained to do when the king was alone. Nabu-Nahid regarded him reflectively for a moment and then said:
"Kudashû, Ludar and Nânâ are gone into the city. I also will go. Bring to me my mantle, and come thou behind me. I will behold Sippar by night."
Kudashû obeyed promptly, but a few seconds later, as the king was donning his white coronet and cloak, he ventured to say: "O king, live forever! Let me summon for thee some of the soldiers of thy guard, that they may follow thee on thy way."
"Is thy body weary, Kudashû?"
"Nay, lord my king; but my arms are weak to strike for thee."
"By Ninip! is the whole world waiting to slay me? Stay thou here, then, with thy arm, weak one! I will go alone."
"Nay, nay, father of Babylon! I go gladly. Yet, fearing for thy safety, I—"
"Be silent, foolish one. I go alone. Behold, I have spoken. It is my will."
And in the face of plea, protest, and remonstrance, go forth alone Nabonidus did, into the city of Sippar.