Were it otherwise, O Abi, I could tell
you things that would turn your grey hair white, and to Kaku and Merytra
the spy, promise rewards that would make the torture-chamber seem a bed
of down. But it is not lawful, nor would they sound pleasant in this
bridal hour."
Now while Kaku between his chattering teeth muttered the words of
Protection in the shadow, Abi and his courtiers stared at this terrible
queen as boys seeking wild fowls' eggs in the reeds, and stumbling on
a lion, stare ere they fly. Twice, indeed, the Prince turned looking
towards the door and the pleasant light without, for it seemed to him
that he was entering on a dark and doubtful road. Then he said:
"Your words, O Queen, cut like a two-edged sword, and methinks they
leave a poison in the wound. Say now, if you are human, how it comes
about that after seven days of want your flesh is not minished nor has
your beauty waned. Say also who brought to you those glorious robes you
wear here in this empty temple, and where is your foster-mother, Asti?"
"The gods fed me," answered the Queen gently, "and brought me these
robes that I might seem the more worthy of you, O Prince.
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