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And that this should come upon us now—just when so much depends on a speedy victory.

Oh ruler of the world, I have said that I can lend your army wings.

Speak! Do you know of a shorter way?

If you will promise me that after your victory you will restore the possessions of which I have been robbed, and give me a new wife of noble birth, I will

I promise everything; only speak,—speak!

Strike straight across the plains, and in four days you will be under the walls of Ctesiphon.

Do you forget the mountain chain on the other side of the plains?

Sire, have you never heard of that strange defile among the mountains?