Page:Selections from the Writings of Lord Dunsany.djvu/74

 KING ARGIMĒNĒS If I had a sword would they follow me? A beautiful huge sword of bronze.

ZARB I wish I could think of things like that. It is because you were once a king that you can think of a sword of bronze. I tried to hope once that I should some day fight the guards, but I couldn't picture a sword, I couldn't imagine it; I could only picture whips.

KING ARGIMĒNĒS Dig a little nearer, Zarb. (They both edge closer.) I have found a very old sword in the earth. It is not a sword such as common soldiers wear. A king must have worn it, and an angry king. It must have done fearful things; there are little dints in it. Perhaps there was a battle here long ago where all were slain, and perhaps that king died last and buried his sword, but the great birds swallowed him.

ZARB You have been thinking too much of the King's dog, Argimēnēs, and that has made you hungry, and hunger has driven you mad.

KING ARGIMĒNĒS I have found such a sword. (A pause.)

ZARB Why — then you will wear a purple cloak again, and sit on a great throne, and ride a prancing horse, and we shall call you Majesty.

KING ARGIMĒNĒS I shall break a long fast first and drink much water, and sleep. But will the slaves follow me?