not from Verdanna? Hence, when King Bello's men fling gibes and
insults, every missile hits; but those of Verdanna are blown back in
its teeth: her enemies jeering her again and again."

"King Bello's men are dastards for that," cried Yoomy. "It shows
neither sense, nor spirit, nor humanity," said Babbalanja.

"All wide of the mark," cried Media. "What is to be done for
Verdanna?"

"What will she do for herself?" said Babbalanja.

"Philosopher, you are an extraordinary sage; and since sages should be
seers, reveal Verdanna's future."

"My lord, you will ever find true prophets, prudent; nor will any
prophet risk his reputation upon predicting aught concerning this
land. The isles are Oro's. Nevertheless, he who doctors Verdanna
aright, will first medicine King Bello; who in some things is, himself
a patient, though he would fain be a physician. However, my lord,
there is a demon of a doctor in Mardi, who at last deals with these
desperate cases. He employs only pills, picked off the Conroupta
Quiancensis tree."

"And what sort of a vegetable is that?" asked Mohi. "Consult the
botanists," said Babbalanja.



CHAPTER XLIX