“The arrogant knave now approaching the throne,” said Ligurious, whispering in m
“The arrogant knave now approaching the throne,” said Ligurious, whispering in my ear, “is Miles, an ambassador, and general, from Argentum.” The fellow, approaching, coming up the long aisle toward the great dais, on which my throne reposed, had indeed a bold stride. In the crook of his left arm he carried a helmet, crested with sleen hair. Behind him swirled a huge cape of trimmed, white fur. “Remember that those of Argentum are our enemies, and the enemies, too, of our great ally, the island of Cos.” “I remember,” I said. “The men behind him,” said Ligurious, “carry chests, filled with riches, to sue for your favor.” “He seems not to approach so humbly,” I said. “Brush back your robes a bit, so that he may better see you,” said Ligurious. I did this. “Allow me,” said Ligurious, “as these matters may be sensitive, to conduct this audience.” “Of course,” I said. I was relieved that Ligurious would do this for me. I knew matters were tense between Corcyrus and Argentum. I did not wish to commit any blunders which might reflect adversely on the throne. Ligurious would know what to do. “Let us see,” insisted Ligurious, “what Claudius has sent us.” “Of course,” said Miles of Argentum. He handed his helmet to one of the men about him. With a great key he unlocked the largest chest. The other chests and coffers, too, by others, were then unlocked. Ligurious, and I, and the others, leaned forward, to glimpse the contents of these chests and coffers. “In suit for the favor of Corcyrus, in deference and tribute to Corcyrus, Claudius, Ubar of Argentum,” said Miles of Argentum, “sends this!” He flung open the great chest, and turned it to its side. The other chests and coffers, by his fellows, were similarly treated. “Nothing!” cried Ligurious. “There is nothing in them!” “And that,” said Miles of Argentum, “is what Claudius, Ubar of Argentum, sends to Corcyrus!” “Insolence!” cried Ligurious. “Insolence!” Cries of rage broke out from those about me. Miles put out his hand and his helmet was returned to him. He put it again in the crook of his left arm. His great furred cape, by one of the men behind him, was adjusted on him. “I now leave Corcyrus,” he said. “When I return, I shall have an army at my back.” “You have insulted our Tatrix,” said Ligurious. “Your Tatrix,” said Miles, “belongs in a cage, a golden cage.” -- source link