A woman with a face like hers loves revenge." "Then she will deserve pity no longer," said Zoroaster, with a slight laugh.
"I hate her!" said the princess, between her teeth.
"Hate her?
How can you hate a woman you have never more than seen, and she has done you no evil in the world ?" "I am sure I shall hate her," answered Nehushta.

"She is not at all beautiful--only cold and white and cruel.

How could the Great King be so foolish as to marry her ?" "May he live for ever! He marries whom he pleases.

But I pray you, do not begin by hating the queen overmuch." "Why not?
What have I to gain from the queen ?" asked the princess.

"Am I not of royal blood as well as she ?" "That is true," returned Zoroaster.