And this is a matter of complaint among the rich and powerful, that they cannot be sacrificed." "Well, why couldn't I be made an Athon or a Kohen, and be exempted in that way ?" "Oh, that would be too great a dishonor; it would be impossible.
On the contrary, the whole people are anxious to honor you to the very uttermost, and to bestow upon you the greatest privileges and blessings which can possibly be given.

Oh no, it would be impossible for them to allow you to become an Athon or a Kohen.

As for me, I am Malca, and therefore the lowest in the land--pitied and commiserated by the haughty pauper class, who shake their heads at the thought of one like me.

All the people shower upon me incessantly new gifts and new offices.

If my present love of light and life were generally known, they would punish me by giving me new contributions of wealth and new offices and powers, which I do not want." "But you love riches, do you not?
and you must want them still ?" "No," said Layelah, "I do not want them now." "Why, what do you want ?" I asked.
"You!" said she, with a sweet smile.
I said nothing, but tried desperately to think of something that might divert the conversation.
Layelah was silent for a few moments, and then went on in a musing tone: "As I was saying, I love you, Atam-or, and I hate Almah because you love her.