ill do greater things than these. What a splendid fruit!
Surely it's like was never seen before. I thank you again, Oropastes,
and as the thanks of a king must never consist of empty words alone, I
name you at once vicegerent of my entire kingdom, in case of war. For we
shall not dream away our time much longer in this idle rest, my friends.
A Persian gets low-spirited without the joys of war."

A murmur of applause ran through the ranks of the Achaemenidae and fresh
shouts of "Victory to the king" resounded through the hall. Their anger
on account of the humiliation of a woman was quickly forgotten; thoughts
of coming battles, undying renown and conqueror's laurels to be won by
deeds of arms, and recollections of their former mighty deeds raised the
spirits of the revellers.

The king himself was more moderate than usual to-day, but he encouraged
his guests to drink, enjoying their noisy merriment and overflowing
mirth; taking, however, far more pleasure still in the fascinating
beauty of the Egyptian Princess, who sat at his side, paler than
usual, and thoroughly exhausted by the exertions of the morning and the
unaccustomed weight of the high tiara. He had never felt so happy as on
this day. What indeed could he wish for more than he already possessed?
Had not the gods given him every thing that a man could desire? and,
over and above all this, had not they flung into his lap the precious
gift of love? His usual inflexibility seemed to have changed into
benevolence, and his stern severity into good-nature, as he turned to
his brother Bartja with the words: "Come brother, have you forgotten my
promise? Don't you know that to-day you are sure of gaining the dearest
wish of your heart from me? That's right, drain the goblet, and take
courage! but do not ask anything small, for I am in the mood to give
largely to-day. Ah, it is a secret! come nearer then. I am really
curious to know what the most fortunate youth in my entire kingdom can
long for so much, that he blushes like a girl when his wish is spoken
of."

Bartja, whose cheeks were really glowing from agitation, bent his head
close to his brother's ear, and whispered shortly the story of his love.
Sappho's father had helped to defend his native town Phocaea against the
hosts of Cyrus, and this fact the boy cleverly brought forward, speaking
of the girl he loved as the daughter of a Greek warrior of noble birth.
In so saying he spoke the truth, but at the same time