Indeed, had it not been for reasons of State connected with your prisoners I think she would have done so." "Ah!" I said, "now I think I begin to feel another sting in the honey." "Another sting in the honey! Nay, nay, you mean a divine perfume, an essence of added sweetness, a flavour of the flowers on Mount Ida.

Why, Olaf, if I were your enemy, as I dare say I shall be some day, for often we learn to hate those whom we have--rather liked, your head and your shoulders might bid good-bye to each other for such words as those." "Perhaps, Martina; and if they did I do not know that it would greatly matter--now." "Not greatly matter, when you are driving at full gallop along Fortune's road to Fame's temple with an Empress for your charioteer! Are you blind or mad, Olaf, or both?
And what do you mean by your 'now'?
Olaf, something has happened to you since last we met.

Have you fallen in love with some fair prisoner in this hateful place and been repulsed?
Such a fool as you are might take refusal even from a captive in his own hands.
At least you are different." "Yes, Martina, something has happened to me.

I have become a Christian." "Oh! Olaf, now I see that you are not a fool, as I thought, but very clever.

Why, only yesterday the Augusta said to me--it was after she had read that report of yours--that if you were but a Christian she would be minded to lift you high indeed.