My heart goes forth to no gold-crested wren but to a really royal maiden .-- Of what use to waste words! Paula, the noble daughter of a glorious father, is my choice.

It came upon me just now like a revelation; I ask your blessing on my union with her!" So far had Neforis allowed her son to speak.

He had frankly and boldly uttered what she had indeed feared to hear.

And so long she had succeeded in keeping silence!--But now her patience gave way.

Trembling with anger she abruptly broke in, exclaiming, as her face grew crimson: "No more, no more! Heaven grant that this which I have been compelled to hear may be no more than a fleeting and foolish whim! Have you quite forgotten who and what we are?
Have you forgotten that those were Melchites who slew your two dear brothers--our two noble sons?
Of what account are we among the orthodox Greeks?
While among the Egyptians and all who confess the saving doctrine of Eutyches, among the Monophysites we are the chief, and we will remain so, and close our ears and hearts against all heretics and their superstitions.