Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/290

278 pity me, for the love of heaven. By that heaven I adjure you to save me from dishonour. Hear my story; and knowing from whom I sprung respect my descent and defend my innocence." She then detailed the whole fortunes of her life; and Athanagoras, confused and penitent, exclaimed, "Alas! and I too have a daughter, whom fate may in like manner afflict. In your misfortunes I may apprehend hers. Here are twenty gold pieces; it is more than your barbarous master exacts from you. Relate your narrative to the next comers, and it will ensure your freedom." Full of gratitude for the generous treatment she experienced, Tharsia returned him thanks; but entreated that her story might not be communicated to others. "To none but my own daughter," said he, "for it will be replete with moral advantage." So saying, and shedding some tears over her fallen estate, he departed. As he went out he met a friend, who stopped him, and asked how the girl had behaved. "None better," returned the prince; "but she is very sorrowful." The youth entered, and she closed the door as on the former