Even base natures are averse to witnessing the torture of the defenceless, and when Iras had aimed another poisoned shaft at her, he ventured, at the risk of vexing his ally, to say, under his breath: "Condemned criminals are usually granted, before their end, a favourite dish.

I have no cause to wish Barine anything good; but I would not grudge that.

You, on the contrary, seem to delight in pouring wormwood on her last mouthful." "Certainly," she answered, her eyes sparkling brightly.

"Malice is the purest of pleasures; at least to me, when exercised on this woman." The Syrian, with a strange smile, held out his hand, saying: "Keep your good-will towards me, Iras." "Because," she retorted with a sneer, "evil may follow my enmity.

I think so, too.