Ah! child, the words of Asclepiodorus have a sinister meaning.

The calmness and pride, with which you look at me make me fear for you, and yet, as you know, I am not one of the timid and tremulous.

Certainly what they propose to you is repulsive enough, but submit to it; it is to be hoped it will not be for long.

Do it for my sake and for that of poor Irene, for though you might know how to assert your dignity and take care of yourself outside these walls in the rough and greedy world, little Irene never could.

And besides, Klea, my sweetheart, we have now found some one, who makes your concerns his, and who is great and powerful--but oh! what are three clays?
To think of seeing you turned out--and then that you may be driven with a dissolute herd in a filthy boat down to the burning south, and dragged to work which kills first the soul and then the body! No, it is not possible! You will never let this happen to me--and to yourself and Irene; no, my darling, no, my pet, my sweetheart, you cannot, you will not do so.