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 he suppressed the
facts that this very father had acquired great riches by mercantile
undertakings.