He beat his breast and tore his hair. He consulted the wise men and the stars; looked for this sign and for that; prayed long and fervently, and propitiated the gods in many ways, but all to no purpose.
He took no food or rest; he dared not think of what awaited him in the near future.
So a week went by, and he was no nearer finding a loophole through which to escape.
On the seventh day he sought the King, and craved humbly to know if he had understood him aright, or had he been but jesting with him.
He lingered but a short while in doubt.
His Majesty was deeply incensed at being questioned, and let the full torrent of his displeasure fall upon the head of his luckless servitor.
Swearing many oaths by the sacred hairs of Buddha that his will should be obeyed, he had him thrust ignominiously from his presence.
Then Nicomar went from out the palace and the city far into the lonely country, seeking he knew not what. For days he wandered wearily through thick jungle and silent forest ways, stepping but slowly in the long, dank grass.
He suffered greatly, and suffered without hope.
On the fifth day he came to where a broad river flowed and sparkled between high green banks.