believe me, when it is too late and the evil has been wrought, you will
discover that you have made a disastrous mistake--or, rather, have been
hideously deceived. Ah, do not shake your head in unbelief, my friend,
for remember that I am speaking from experience. I know that what I say
is true, because it was through the influence which Bimbane gained over
me that she constrained me to become her spouse, although I loved
Siluce. You look incredulous; you doubtless think that I might have
resisted, had I chosen: but I swear to you that so complete was her
power over me that I was absolutely helpless, and although I fully
understood the enormity of the crime which she was committing, and which
she was compelling me to commit, I was powerless to resist, because I
could not escape from her. But afterward, when the foul wrong was done,
when I was irrevocably bound to her, and my poor Siluce had been driven
forth to perish miserably, Bimbane foolishly relaxed her hold upon me,
thinking, I suppose, that, the knot being tied, I should not attempt to
escape, but should accept the ignoble fate which she had designed for
me. Also I think she was indifferent, because the event proved that I
was not the man through whom she believes she is to recover her
long-lost youth and beauty. And I took advantage of this relaxation of
vigilance on her part to escape from the palace and from her influence,
and, despite her entreaties and commands, have steadfastly refused to
return: hence I have been able gradually to shake off her influence
until now I am quite free from it; and I tell you that never again shall
she have an opportunity to recover her power over me, if I can help it.
Now, if you are not so completely bewitched as to be incapable of
distinguishing between truth and falsehood, come with me, for I am
prepared to submit to you ample and convincing proof of the truth of all
my charges against Bimbane."

"Very well," said I, "I will go with you, for although the matter is
really no concern of mine I am anxious to get at the truth, if only in
order that I may be of some assistance in adjusting this most unhappy
misunderstanding between the queen and the nobles. For I am convinced
that it is nothing more serious than a misunderstanding, and that a
little explanation on either side will suffice to clear it up
completely. But I warn you, Anuti, not to indulge in any false hopes of
your ability to persuade me of the queen's guilt