"If I wound, I can also heal.

Tell me the dearest wish of thy heart, it shall be granted thee!" Psamtik's eyes flashed, his sallow cheeks glowed for a moment, and he answered without consideration, though in a voice still trembling from the shock he had just received: "Deliver Phanes, my enemy, into my power!" The king remained a few moments in deep thought, then answered: "I knew what thou wouldst ask, and will fulfil thy desire: but I would rather thou hadst asked the half of my treasures.

A thousand voices within warn me that I am about to do an unworthy deed and a ruinous--ruinous for myself, for thee, the kingdom and our house.

Reflect before acting, and remember, whatever thou mayst meditate against Phanes, not a hair of Rhodopis' head shall be touched.

Also, that the persecution of my poor friend is to remain a secret from the Greeks.