Gyges and Aldo entered. “What means thy visit at this hour?” asked Nana, excitedly. “Ah, Nana, prepare to hear sad and terrible news.” “Has any one died?” she asked excitedly. “This boy has told me that the soldiers are seeking me,” he cried, evading her question. “What hast thou done?” she ejaculated. “Nothing,” answered Gyges. “At the camp they probably believe that I know a secret. Oh, may the gods give thee strength to hear the other horrible things that have happened this day!” The voice of Gyges trembled as he spoke. In a frightened tone Nana said: “When thy mother died, my Gyges, Nana became thy comforter. Tell me all.” “Ay, Nana; but this news is terrifying,” said Gyges, shuddering. “Gannon is dead.” “Gannon dead!” exclaimed Nana. “May the gods comfort his family!” “His parents have been arrested,” continued Gyges, in a louder tone. “Nay, ’tis not possible!” she exclaimed. “Psyche is a prisoner and I am pursued,” cried Gyges, in a voice broken with anguish. So overwhelmed by this sudden and horrible news was Nana that she remained silent for some time. Finally she softly moaned, “O Mother of God, celestial Cybele, comfort us!” “Ay, Nana,” groaned Gyges. “I feel as if a crushing hand were thrust into my bosom and were compressing my heart. But this poor lad suffers. I pray thee go bathe and anoint his back! Leave me alone with my burden of woe!” She kissed his forehead, saying: “Words cannot comfort thee. Thy spirit must wrestle alone with this grievous affliction.” She paused a moment and asked, “Wouldst thou have me light a lamp?” “Nay; the darkness of this room is brighter than that which fills my heart,” he sadly replied. As a feather drops from the wing of a soaring bird and is driven aimlessly by the winds, so were the thoughts of Gyges controlled by the currents of his imagination. Alone in the room that was to have been Psyche’s nuptial chamber, he stood and deeply deliberated. Grave and ponderous questions burdened him. Should he try to escape? Should he leave Psyche defenceless? How could he save her? What should he do with his horses? He felt that he must act quickly; but how? The darkness of night is sometimes mocked by the lightning. The feeble glitter that at first revealed hopes of safety in flight now became a flash, and Gyges decided to attempt escape. He immediately went to the room where Aldo, greatly refreshed, awaited his commands. “How dost thou feel?” asked Gyges. “I feel no more pain, only stiffness,” replied the lad. “Curses rest upon the man who beat me!” “The blows were cruelly dealt,” said Nana. “But come, we must act quickly! Aldo, return thou to the stables!” “O my master, can I not go with thee?” pleaded the slave. “Nay, boy; thou must care for the horses,” replied Gyges. “But Alvarus cares for them better than I do,” cried Aldo. “Take me with thee, O my master! Go not alone!” “Nay, I must go alone,” replied Gyges, firmly.