phael, I can with equal ease execute your commission."
Mambres put the letter into his mouth.
He next spoke in the same manner to the pigeon, who replied:
"Sir, if I brought back a bough into the ark, I will likewise bring you back an answer."
She took the letter in her bill, and the three messengers were out of sight in a moment. Then Mambres addressed the raven:
"I know that you fed the great prophet Elijah, when he was concealed near the torrent of Cherith, so much celebrated in the world. You brought him every day good bread and fat pullets. I only ask of you to carry this letter to Memphis."
The raven answered in these words:
"It is true, sir, that I carried every day a dinner to the great prophet Elijah, the Tishbite. I saw him mount in a chariot of fire drawn by fiery horses, although this is not the usual method of travelling. But I always took care to eat half the dinner myself. I am very well pleased to carry your letter, provided you make me certain of two good meals every day, and that I am paid money in advance for my commission."
Mambres, angry, replied:
"Gluttonous and malicious creature, I am not astonished that Apollo has made you black as a mole, after being white as a swan, as you were for-
