The sentinel (grounding his javelin). Draw near, 0 bearer of evil tidings. Belzanor (pocketing the dice and picking up his spear). Let us receive this man with honor. He bears evil tidings. The guardsmen seize their spears and gather about the gate, leaving a way through for the new comer. Persian (rising from his knee). Are evil tidings, then, so honorable? Belzanor. O barbarous Persian, hear my instruction. In Egypt the bearer of good tidings is sacrificed to the gods as a thank offering; but no god will accept the blood of the mes senger of evil. When we have good tidings, we are careful to send them in the mouth of the cheapest slave we can find. Evil tidings are borne by young noblemen who desire to bring themselves into notice. (they join the rest at the gate.) the sentinel. Pass, 0 young captain; and bow the head in the House of the Queen. Voice. Go anoint thy javelin with fat of swine, 0 Black amoor; for before morning the Romans will make thee eat it to the very butt.