[The Complete Historical Romances of Georg Ebers by Georg Ebers]@TWC D-Link bookThe Complete Historical Romances of Georg Ebers CHAPTER XII 3/41
A first impression is often a final one, and this is especially true with regard to Cambyses. If, which I doubt not, you are pleasing in his eyes at first, then you have won his love for ever; but if you should displease him to-day he will never look kindly on you again, for he is rough and harsh.
But take courage, my daughter, and above all, do not forget the advice I have given you." Nitetis dried her tears as she answered: "How can I ever thank you, O Croesus, my second father, my protector and adviser, for all your goodness? Oh, forsake me not in the days to come! and if the path of my life should lead through grief and care, be near to help and guide me as you did on the mountain-passes of this long and dangerous journey.
A thousand times I thank thee, O my father!" And, as she said these words, the young girl threw her arms around the old man's neck and kissed him tenderly. On entering the court-yard, a tall stout man, followed by a train of Asiatic serving-maidens, came forward to meet them.
This was Boges, the chief of the eunuchs, an important official at the Persian court.
His beardless face wore a smile of fulsome sweetness; in his ears hung costly jewelled pendents; his neck, arms, legs and his effeminately long garments glittered all over with gold chains and rings, and his crisp, stiff curls, bound round by a purple fillet, streamed with powerful and penetrating perfumes. Making a low and reverential obeisance before Nitetis, and holding, the while, his fat hands overloaded with rings before his mouth, he thus addressed her: "Cambyses, lord of the world, hath sent me to thee, O Queen, that I may refresh thy heart with the dew of his salutations.
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