The last hours have been so very, very terrible.

That horrible man, Boges, read me the fearful sentence of death, and it was that which forced the poison into my hand.

Ah, my heart!" And with these words she fell back into the arms of Kassandane.
Nebenchari rushed forward, and gave her some more drops, exclaiming: "I thought so! She has taken poison and her life cannot be saved, though this antidote may possibly prolong it for a few days." Cambyses stood by, pale and rigid, following the physician's slightest movements, and Atossa bathed her friend's forehead with her tears.
"Let some milk be brought," cried Nebenchari, "and my large medicine-chest; and let attendants be called to carry her away, for quiet is necessary, above all things." Atossa hastened into the adjoining room; and Cambyses said to the physician, but without looking into his face: "Is there no hope ?" "The poison which she has taken results in certain death." On hearing this the king pushed Nebenchari away from the sick girl, exclaiming: "She shall live.

It is my will.

Here, eunuch! summon all the physicians in Babylon--assemble the priests and Alobeds! She is not to die; do you hear?
she must live, I am the king, and I command it." Nitetis opened her eyes as if endeavoring to obey her lord.