The words, which you innocently chanced to hear, I now repeat; you please me well.

Do nothing to alienate my affection.

We will try to make our country agreeable, and, as your friend, I counsel you to treat Boges whom I sent as my forerunner, in a kind and friendly manner.

As head over the house of the women, you will have to conform to his will in many things." "Though he be head over the house of the women," answered Nitetis, "surely your wife is bound to obey no other earthly will than yours.
Your slightest look shall be for me a command; but remember that I am a king's daughter, that in my native land the weaker and the stronger sex have equal rights, and that the same pride reigns in my breast, which I see kindling in your eyes, my lord and king! My obedience to you, my husband and my ruler, shall be that of a slave, but I can never stoop to sue for the favor, or obey the orders of a venal servant, the most unmanly of his kind!" Cambyses' wonder and satisfaction increased.

He had never heard any woman speak in this way before, except his mother; the clever way in which Nitetis acknowledged, and laid stress on, his right to command her every act, was very flattering to his self-love, and her pride found an echo in his own haughty disposition.