CHAPTER VII - THE ROYAL
ASTRONOMER
“The Captain of the Guard awaits the
Prince's commands.” Glarces
at once left his sister and joined the officer.
“My good Petronius, instruct the
guard on duty at the Fernery to note and report all persons who enter or
leave from daylight till I shall go there.”
“And also what takes place?”
enquired the officer. “No. I only wish to know who goes there.”
“It is done, O
Prince.”
As the officer retired Glarces
touched a silver chime and asked: “Has Meshrac arrived?”
“He enters with Orasus even now,
great Prince.” “Send him to me at once.”
“May the gods grant a gracious peace
to the mighty Glarces,” saluted Meshrac.
“Peace, Meshrac. And your salutation
sounds almost like the answer of the gods to my enquiry.”
“I hope it will so prove.”
“Let us see whether it is so. What
have the stars to say for my house today?”
“It is long since I had such a
welcome enquiry from the Prince.”
“You have it now,” replied Glarces,
in a tone which at once forbade any digression.
“The stars are silent towards the
Prince.” “And for my mother and sister?” “Also silent.”
“Is it possible for the decrees of
the immortal deities to be known to men without the stars declaring it?”
“Never, O Prince! The stars exist to
voice the will of the gods to men, and form the only true means of
communication between the immortals and ourselves.”
“Always?”
“Invariably. If Chryses the Priest
is about to receive an inspiration, or Zaclas, the prince of all
magicians, commanded their utterance, the stars would proclaim it
beforehand.”
“And you say they are silent?”
“By which they speak of continued
favour from the gods to their great Glarces.”
“I hope it is so, Meshrac, and that
you read them well. I hear strange rumours, which I would prove to be
baseless. Therefore I would have you read them afresh, and if possible,
more carefully than you have yet done.”
“Orasus summoned me from their
consultation even now,” he replied. “May I ask whence and of what nature
are these rumours?”
“No. If they are true the stars will
tell you of their nature and their agent; but if the heavens remain
silent I shall know the rumours are false. Why should I make accusation
until I am assured I have cause against the accused?”
“The peace of my
royal master is ever my first consideration,” replied the astute
astrologer. “By your wise indication I should be able to know where to begin to read and learn my
answer without delay.”
“No, Meshrac; go and
read the whole again, then tell me afterwards if anything can be found. If
aught is necessary to increase your care, find it in that I have been disturbed. I
myself am mortal, and know full well what frailties men are subject to. I have
all confidence in your skill and integrity; I also know how truthful are
the stars. But if I only echo the whisper I have heard, it might be that
your wish, leaning one way or the other, would unconsciously tone the
message and lead me to do an injustice.”
“Then I must ask for your indulgence
towards me until night.”
“You have it, my good friend, at once.
The matter is not of such pressing import.”
“But should I find the stars still
refuse to speak?” he enquired.
The Prince reflected for a moment.
“If so,” he replied,
“then summon Chryses and Zaclas the Egyptian, telling the magician that he must meet me and
speak the words which will open the mouths of the gods, which Chryses will
hear and interpret; for I will know the truth or error of these rumours.
Should the magician doubt his
power over the gods of Sahama, bid him be prepared to summon from the shades such names as I shall
ask to consult.”
“Such is a most hazardous enterprise,
O Prince, for one who, like yourself, has not been prepared therefor.”
“A true and honest
man has nought to fear, my thoughtful Meshrac. An innocent soul is well
armed, and need not shrink to meet either Zeus or Pluto. At all hazards I
will know the right or wrong of these reports; therefore make all necessary
arrangements, and I will be with you.”
“Your commands shall be faithfully
obeyed, O Prince.” With that they parted. |
