You can hinder these sparks from kindling a destroying fire among your loved ones, and this should be your duty.

You alone can dare to admonish the king in the violence of his passion.

He regards you as his equal, and, while despising the opinion of others, feels wounded by his mother's disapproval.

Is it not then your duty to abide patiently as mediator between the king, the kingdom and your loved ones, and so, by your own timely reproofs, to humble the pride of your son, that he may be spared that deeper humiliation which, if not thus averted, the gods will surely inflict." "You are right," answered the blind woman, "but I feel only too well that my influence over him is but small.

He has been so much accustomed to have his own will, that he will follow no advice, even if it come from his mother's lips." "But he must at least hear it," answered Croesus, "and that is much, for even if he refuse to obey, your counsels will, like divine voices, continue to make themselves heard within him, and will keep him back from many a sinful act.