I had always occupied one of the foremost places, and laughingly escaped, assuring him that there was no danger.
"But I soon learned that this warning was not groundless.

You will think that the old fool's heart has played him a trick, and in the magic garden of childish memories the gifted young girl was transformed into a goddess.

That she certainly was not; for the immortals are free from the faults and weaknesses of humanity." "And what robbed Cleopatra of the renown of resembling the gods ?" asked Barine eagerly.
A subtle smile, not wholly free from reproach, accompanied Archibius's reply: "Had I spoken of her virtues, you would hardly have thought of asking further details.

But why should I try to conceal what she has displayed to the world openly enough throughout her whole life?
Falsehood and hypocrisy were as unfamiliar to her as fishing is to the sons of the desert.

The fundamental principles which have dominated this rare creature's life and character to the present day are two ceaseless desires: first, to surpass every one, even in the most difficult achievements; and, secondly, to love and to be loved in return.