Page:History of the seven wise masters, of Rome (1).pdf/4

 conducted him to the palace and seated him next the throne; interrogating many things but he answered to none. While the Emperor's thoughts were taken up in wondering at his son's silence, the Empress came in- dorned with costly robes, and understanding which was her son-in-law, received him with becoming kindness, and taking him aside by the Emperor's consent she undertook to make him speak.

The Empress, fired with the beauty of the young Prince, sought many means entice him to a rich alcove, telling him that she would die and leave her royalty if he denied her love. This he refused, in silence; whereupon she brought him pen, ink, and paper,, desiring him to write a reply, which he did to this effect; Great Madam the laws of my Creator forbid so great  wickedness, as to defile my father's bed; fatal, Madam, would be the consequence, both from avenging heaven, and my  Wrath, therefore on my knees, I  you would proceed no farther; hereupon