And indeed many a king of Persia has had a mother of far lower parentage than my Sappho.

I feel persuaded that when my relations see the precious jewel I have won on the Nile, not one of them will chide me." "The gods grant that Sappho may be equal to our Nitetis!" answered Kassandane, "I love her as if she were my own child, and bless the day which brought her to Persia.

The warm light of her eyes has melted your brother's hard heart; her kindness and gentleness bring beauty into the night of my blind old age, and her sweet earnestness and gravity have changed your sister Atossa from an unruly child into a gentle maiden.
But now call them, (they are playing in the garden), and we will tell them of the new friend they are to gain through you." "Pardon me, my mother," answered Bartja, "but I must beg you not to tell my sister until we are sure of the king's consent." "You are right, my son.

We must conceal your wish, to save Nitetis and Atossa from a possible disappointment.

A bright hope unfulfilled is harder to bear than an unexpected sorrow.