"Every one beneath the moon must submit to a higher power; the gods bow to destiny, we mortals to the sovereign.

You are a sage; I, merely mindful of the behests of duty, administer my office.

But I know life, and if I may offer my counsel, you will accept what cannot be averted, and I will wager ten to one that you will have the best of it; that the Queen will place in your hands means--" "Sufficient to build a palace on the site of the little house of which I was robbed," Didymus interrupted bitterly.

Then rage burst forth afresh "What do I care for your money?
I want my rights, my good, guaranteed rights.

I insist upon them, and whoever assails the ground which my grandfather and father bequeathed to me--" He hesitated, for the throng outside had burst into a loud shout of joy; and when it died away, and the old man began once more defiantly to claim his rights, he was interrupted by a woman's clear tones, addressing him with the Greek greeting, "Rejoice!"-- a voice so gay and musical that it seemed to dispel the depression which rested like a grey fog on the whole company.
While Didymus was listening to the excited populace, and the new-comer was gazing at the old man whose rigid obstinacy could scarcely be conquered by kindness, the younger men were looking at the beautiful woman who joined them.