Access Online - The European Library

220 ARIADNE."Ican," Hilarion answered;— and he lied."Is it your boast?" said Maryx, and thefierce pangs in him rose to fury, and he barelyheld his hand from the throat of the man whostood there." AVell then, forget if you will,and may Godforget you in recompense! Listen one momentmore, andIhave done. To-dayIcome fromthe presence of men who are great, and whosay that neverhas a womanbeen so near greatnessas she is. You know her — you, as noother can — know her pure and perfect, and withoutsoil save such as you, in your sport, havechosen to cast onher. Youknow her truth andinnocence so entirely that you have confessed howthey shamed you and wearied you by their veryexcellence. She is lovely as the morning; sheis yours in life and in death. AVhat more canyou want ? AViU you not go back toher ? AVillyou not give honour where you have given dishonour? Will you not, when you are dying,be glad to feel one wrong the less was done ?Youhave said she is to forget. She will onlyforget inher grave. Have youno pity ? AAliat