While I have the chance, therefore, I must do homage....

You will always be the fixed star for my worship.

But your rays are too bright; I shall worship from afar.

From your seventh Heaven, therefore, look down on me with kindly eyes, and do not quite forget me:" Under that speech, so strangely compounded of irony and fervour, Barbara sat very still, with glowing cheeks.
"Yes," said Courtier, "only an immortal must embrace a goddess.

Outside the purlieus of Authority I shall sit cross-legged, and prostrate myself three times a day." But Barbara answered nothing.
"In the early morning," went on Courtier, "leaving the dark and dismal homes of Freedom I shall look towards the Temples of the Great; there with the eye of faith I shall see you." He stopped, for Barbara's lips were moving.
"Don't hurt me, please." Courtier leaned over, took her hand, and put it to his lips.