For should such an one gain her favour, Rassen thinks that it would mean his death." "Also he may be attached to his wife," I suggested, speaking in a whisper.
"Perhaps so," answered Simbri; "but if so, she loves not him, nor any of these men," and he glanced round the hall.
Certainly they did not look lovable, for by this time most of them were half drunk, while even the women seemed to have taken as much as was good for them.

The Khan himself presented a sorry spectacle, for he was leaning back in his chair, shouting something about his hunting, in a thick voice.

The arm of one of his pretty companions was round his neck, while the other gave him to drink from a gold cup; some of the contents of which had been spilt down his white robe.
Just then Atene looked round and saw him and an expression of hatred and contempt gathered on her beautiful face.
"See," I heard her say to Leo, "see the companion of my days, and learn what it is to be Khania of Kaloon." "Then why do you not cleanse your court ?" he asked.
"Because, lord, if I did so there would be no court left.

Swine will to their mire and these men and women, who live in idleness upon the toil of the humble folk, will to their liquor and vile luxury.

Well, the end is near, for it is killing them, and their children are but few; weakly also, for the ancient blood grows thin and stale.