Such ties between an Egyptian and an Israelite are not lawful." "Some in this city and elsewhere seem to find them so." "And I am married, I mean perhaps I am married--at least in name." "And I too am married, I mean----" "That is different.

Also there is another reason, the greatest of all, I am under a curse, and should bring you, not joy as Ki said, but sorrow, or, at the least, sorrow with the joy." He looked at her searchingly.
"Has Ana----" he began, then continued, "if so what lives have you known that are not compounded of mingled joy and sorrow ?" "None.

But the woe I should bring would outweigh the joy--to you.

The curse of my God rests upon me and I cannot learn to worship yours.

The curse of my people rests upon me, the law of my people divides me from you as with a sword, and should I draw close to you these will be increased upon my head, which matters not, but also upon yours," and she began to sob.
"Tell me," he said, taking her by the hand, "but one thing, and if the answer is No, I will trouble you no more.