You told me but now that you were mine, and no other's; but is it so?
I have heard the story of a certain princess of Khem with whom your name was mingled.

Tell me, if you will, what was it that set you journeying to this far city of ours ?" "The desire to find you," he answered smiling; then seeing that she still looked at him with questioning eyes, he added, "Nay, this is the truth, if you seek truth.

Indeed, it is the best that I should tell you, since it seems that already you have heard something of the tale.
A while ago I was sent to the Court of the Pharaoh of Egypt, by the will of my grandsire, the king of Israel, upon an embassy of friendship, and to escort thence a certain beautiful princess, my cousin, who was affianced by treaty to an uncle of mine, a great prince of Israel.

This I did, showing to the lady courtesy, and no more.

But the end of the matter was that when we came to Jerusalem the princess refused to be married to my uncle, to whom she was betrothed----" and he hesitated.
"Nay, be not timid, Prince," said Elissa sharply; "continue, I pray you.
I have heard that the lady added somewhat to her refusal." "That is so, Elissa.