noon
`` I do not know , for I do not understand the Greek language , but I heard the name of Bartja several times , and it seemed to me that the Egyptian had received sorrowful intelligence . She was looking very sad when I came , after Croesus had left , to inquire if she had any commands for me . '' `` May Ahriman blast thy tongue , '' muttered the king , and then turning his back on the eunuch he followed the torch-bearers and attendants , who were in waiting to disrobe him , to his own private apartments . At noon on the following clay , Bartja , accompanied by his friends and a troop of attendants , started on horseback for the frontier . Croesus went with the young warriors as far as the city gates , and as their last farewells and embraces were being exchanged , Bartja whispered to his old friend : `` If the messenger from Egypt should have a letter for me in his bag , will you send it on ? '' `` Shall you be able to decipher the Greek writing ? '' `` Gyges and love will help me ! ''