For your sake I abandoned Lousta the Chief, to whom I was betrothed, and this is the end of it, that I am neglected and childless." "Am I the Heavens Above that I can cause you to bear children, woman ?" asked Umslopogaas angrily.

"Would that you had clung to Lousta, my blood-brother and my friend, whom you lament, and left me alone." "That still may chance, if I am not better treated," answered Monazi with a flash of her eyes.

"Will you dismiss yonder new wife of yours and give me back my place, and will you lift the curse of Nada off me, or will you not ?" "As to the first," answered Umslopogaas, "learn, Monazi, that I will not dismiss my new wife, who at least is gentler-tongued and truer-hearted than you are.

As to the second, you ask that which it is not in my power to give, since children are the gift of Heaven, and barrenness is its bane.

Moreover, you have done ill to bring into this matter the name of one who is dead, who of all women was the sweetest and most innocent.
Lastly, I warn you before the people to cease from your plottings or traffic with Lousta, lest ill come of them to you, or him, even though he be my blood-brother, or to both." "Plottings!" cried Monazi in a shrill and furious voice.