Zoroaster remained on one side, holding the replenished goblet in his hand, in case the king's thirst were not assuaged by a single draught.
"Thou art fair, daughter of Jerusalem," said the king presently.

"I remember thy beauty, for I saw thee in Ecbatana.

I sent for thee and thy kinsfolk that I might do thee honour; and I will also fulfil my words.

I will take thee to be my wife." Darius spoke quietly, in his usual tone of absolute determination.

But if the concentrated fury of a thousand storms had suddenly broken loose in the very midst of the tent, the effect could not have been more terrible on his hearers.
Nehushta's face flushed suddenly, and for a moment she trembled in every joint; then she fell on her knees, prostrate before the king's feet, all the wealth of her splendid hair falling loose about her.