Then the moment of sacrifice not being come, the priests made us fast with cords which they knotted to copper rings in the pavement, and turned to watch the progress of the fray.
For some minutes we lay thus side by side, and as we lay a great wonder and gratitude grew in my heart, wonder that a woman could be so brave, gratitude for the love she gave me, sealing it with her life-blood.
Because Otomie loved me she had chosen this fearful death, because she loved me so well that she desired to die thus at my side rather than to live on in greatness and honour without me.

Of a sudden, in a moment while I thought of this marvel, a new light shone upon my heart and it was changed towards her.

I felt that no woman could ever be so dear to me as this glorious woman, no, not even my betrothed.

I felt--nay, who can say what I did feel?
But I know this, that the tears rushed to my eyes and ran down my painted face, and I turned my head to look at her.
She was lying as much upon her left side as her hands would allow, her long hair fell from the stone to the paving where it lay in masses, and her face was towards me.

So close was it indeed that there was not an inch between our lips.
'Otomie,' I whispered, 'listen to me.