Yet, my task accomplished, of it all I grew weary, as men will surely do of the heavens that they preach, should they chance to find them." I wondered what this "task" might be, but only asked, "Why ?" "Because in their pictured heaven all things lie to their hands and man, being man, cannot be happy without struggle, and woman, being woman, without victory over others.

What is cheaply bought, or given, has no value, Allan; to be enjoyed, it must first be won.

But I bade you not to break my thought." I asked pardon and she went on, "Then it was that the shadow of the curse of Aphrodite fell upon me, yes, and of the curse of Isis also, so that these twin maledictions have made me what I am, a lost soul dwelling in the wilderness waiting the fulfilment of a fate whereof I know not the end.

For though I have all wisdom, all knowledge of the Past and much power together with the gift of life and beauty, the future is as dark to me as night without its moon and stars.
"Hearken, this chanced to me.

Though it be to my shame I tell it you that all may be clear.