THEAssyrianKing，Esarhaddon，hadconqueredthekingdomofKingLailie，haddestroyedandburntthetowns，takenalltheinhabitantscaptivetohisowncountry，slaughteredthewarriors，beheadedsomechieftainsandimpaledorflayedothers，andhadconfinedKingLailiehimselfinacage。
Ashelayonhisbedonenight，KingEsarhaddonwasthinkinghowheshouldexecuteLailie，whensuddenlyheheardarustlingnearhisbed，andopeninghiseyessawanoldmanwithalonggreybeadandmildeyes。
’YouwishtoexecuteLailie？’askedtheoldman。
’Yes，’answeredtheKing。’ButIcannotmakeupmymindhowtodoit。’
’ButyouareLailie，’saidtheoldman。