nger, when I
am out of sight. I thought she was over-anxious, and besides, it
would disappoint me not to take part in the expedition against the
Ethiopians."

"But I entreat you," interrupted Rhodopis, "to follow her advice. The
gods only know what pain it will give me to lose you both, and yet I
repeat a thousand times: Go back to Persia, and remember that none
but fools stake life and happiness to no purpose. As to the war
with Ethiopia, it is mere madness; instead of subduing those black
inhabitants of the south, you yourselves will be conquered by heat,
thirst and all the horrors of the desert. In saying this I refer to the
campaigns in general; as to your own share in them, I can only say that
if no fame is to be won there, you will be putting your own life and the
happiness of your family in jeopardy literally for nothing, and that if,
on the other hand, you should distinguish yourself again, it would only
be giving fresh cause of jealousy and anger to your brother. No, go to
Persia, as soon as you can."

Bartja was just beginning to make various objections to these arguments,
when he caught sight of Prexaspes coming up to them, looking very pale.

After the usual greeting, the envoy whispered to Bartja, that he should
like to speak with him alone. Rhodopis left them at once, and he began,
playing with the rings on his right hand as he spoke, in a constrained,
embarrassed way. "I come from the king. Your display of strength
irritated him yesterday, and he does not wish to see you again for some
time. His orders are, that you set out for Arabia to buy up all the
camels that are to be had.

[Camels are never represented on the Egyptian monuments, whereas
they were in great use among the Arabians and Persians, and are now
a necessity on the Nile. They must have existed in Egypt, however.
Hekekyan-Bey discovered the bones of a dromedary in a deep bore.
Representations of these creatures were probably forbid We know this
was the case with the cock, of which bird there were large numbers
in Egypt: It is remarkable, that camels were not introduced into
Barbary until after the birth of Christ.]

"As these animals can bear thirst very long, they are to be used in
conveying food and water for our army on the Ethiopian campaign. There
must be no delay. Take leave of your wife, and (I speak by the king's
command) be ready to start before dark. You will be absent at least a
month. I am to accompan