That I married her and sinned yet more deeply to give her the greatness she desired; and at last, of my own will, I loosed the bonds by which I held her, although I could not thrust her memory from my heart.

Yet I have earned it all, for I made her the tool of my witchcraft, and therefore it is just that she should turn and rend me.

Well, if you like it, take her counsel, Prince, and let mine go, for I care nothing which you take; only, forgive me if I prophesy once more and for the last time--I am sure that Nodwengo yonder spoke truth when he bade your herald tell me that he who causes my blood to flow shall surely die and for it be called to a strict account.

Prince, I am a Christian now, and believe me, whatever you may do, I seek no revenge upon you; having been myself forgiven so much, in my turn I have learned to forgive.

Yet it may be ill for that man who causes my blood to flow." "Let him be strangled," said a captain who stood near by, "and then there will be no blood in the matter." "Friend," answered Hokosa, "you should have been not a soldier but a pleader of causes.