He did not wish to flatter the queen; and besides he knew her too well to do so if he wished to please her.

She was one of those women who are not accustomed to doubt their own superiority over the rest of their sex.
"Then you admire this Hebrew princess ?" said she, and paused for an answer.

But her companion was as cold and calm as she.

Seeing himself directly pressed by a suspicion, he changed his tactics and flattered Atossa for the sake of putting a stop to her questions.
"Height is not of itself beauty," he answered with a courteous smile.
"There is a kind of beauty which no height can improve,--a perfection which needs not to be set high for all men to acknowledge it." The queen simply took no notice of the compliment, but it had its desired effect, for she changed the tone of her talk a little, speaking more seriously.
"Where is she?
I will go and see her," she said.
"She rested last night in the upper chambers in the southern part of the palace.

Thy servant will bid her come if it be thy desire." "Presently, presently," answered the queen.