Page:The Shaving of Shagpat (1856).djvu/192

178 were the words, "Let him that marketh this tomb beside the cypress come to it by night, and acknowledge the privilege of the dead." So the King went by night to the tomb of the barber, and stood beside the tomb; and a voice as from the hollow of the tomb called to him for the reason of his coming. The King said, "I come hither to learn the privilege of the dead."

And the Voice answered, "It is the privilege of the dead to speak truth when they speak, without fear of kings."

The King said, "Tell me then, am I well served, secure from traitors, beloved by my wives, my courtiers, and my people?"

And the Voice answered, "It is the privilege of the dead to be silent when they please, without fear of kings."

The King reflected, and his heart smote him for his conduct to the barber. He said, "If thou be Rumdrum enclosed in this tomb, listen to my praises of him and my sorrow for his loss; he that was wise, faithful, a reader of planets; whose tongue went much, but whose heart beat true; who has filled with remorse and regret the King's breast, his eyes with tears, his thoughts with bitterness."

And the Voice answered, "It is the privilege of the dead to scorn flatteries, even from the mouths of kings."

Then the King cried aloud, "Oh, how great is the privilege of the dead! There is no privilege like to