But out on me! my good is turned to ill. O, Japhet, well-beloved!" And she rose up, And did restrain herself, saying, "Dost thou heed? Behold, this thing shall be." The damsel sighed, "Lady, I do." Then went Niloiya forth. And Amarant murmured in her deep amaze, "Shall Japhet's little children kiss my mouth? And will he sometimes take them from my arms, And almost care for me for their sweet sake? I have not dared to think I loved him,--now I know it well: but O, the bitterness For him!" And ending thus, the damsel rose, For Japhet entered. And she bowed herself Meekly and made obeisance, but her blood Ran cold about her heart, for all his face Was colored with his passion. Japhet spoke: He said, "My father's slave"; and she replied, Low drooping her fair head, "My master's son." And after that a silence fell on them, With trembling at her heart, and rage at his. And Japhet, mastered of his passion, sat And could not speak. O! cruel seemed his fate,-- So cruel her that told it, so unkind. His breast was full of wounded love and wrath Wrestling together; and his eyes flashed out Indignant lights, as all amazed he took The insult home that she had offered him, Who should have held his honor dear. And, lo, The misery choked him and he cried in pain, "Go, get thee forth"; but she, all white and still, Parted her lips to speak, and yet spake not, Nor moved. And Japhet rose up passionate, With lifted arm as one about to strike; But she cried out and met him, and she held With desperate might his hand, and prayed to him, "Strike not, or else shall men from henceforth say, 'Japhet is like to us.'" And he shook off The damsel, and he said, "I thank thee, slave; For never have I stricken yet or child Or woman. Not for thy sake am I glad, Nay, but for mine. Get hence. Obey my words." Then Japhet lifted up his voice, and wept.