In two thousand years one forgets much, Allan.

Out with your questions and I will answer them, unless they be too long." "Ayesha," I said humbly, reflecting to myself that my questions would, at any rate, be shorter than her varying tale, "even I who am not learned have heard of these goddesses of whom you speak, of the Grecian Aphrodite who rose from the sea upon the shores of Cyprus and dwelt at Paphos and elsewhere----" "Yes, doubtless like most men you have heard of her and perchance also have been struck across the eyes with her hair, like your betters before you," she interrupted with sarcasm.
"-- --Also," I went on, avoiding argument, "I have heard of Isis of the Egyptians, Lady of the Moon, Mother of Mysteries, Spouse of Osiris whose child was Horus the Avenger." "Aye, and I think will hear more of her before you have done, Allan, for now something comes back to me concerning you and her and another.

I am not the only one who has broken the oaths of Isis and received her curse, Allan, as _you_ may find out in the days to come.

But what of these heavenly queens ?" "Only this, Ayesha; I have been taught that they were but phantasms fabled by men with many another false divinity, and could have sworn that this was true.

And yet you talk of them as real and living, which perplexes me." "Being dull of understanding doubtless it perplexes you, Allan.