And, lady, what am I?
Of what account is my life if I lose my father, and my brothers, who are both on the high-road to greatness ?" "But you are betrothed," Berenike eagerly put in.

"And your lover, you told me, is dear to you.

What of him?
He no doubt loves you, and, if you come to harm, sorrow will mar his young life." At this Melissa clasped her hands over her face and sobbed aloud.

"Show me, then, any other way--any! I will face the worst.

But there is none; and if Diodoros were here he would not stop me; for what my heart prompts me to do is right, is my duty.