Page:Thaïs - English translation.djvu/148

136 Callicrates, raising his cup, cried —

"If we drink like desperate men, we die unavenged!"

Old Cotta was asleep, and his bald head nodded slowly above his broad shoulders. For some time past Dorion had seemed to be greatly excited under his philosophic cloak. He reeled up to the couch of Thaïs.

"Thaïs, I love you, although it is unseemly in me to love a woman."

. Why did you not love me before?

. Because I had not supped. . But I, my poor friend, have drunk nothing but water; therefore you must excuse me if I do not love you.

Dorion did not wait to hear more, but made towards Drosea, who had made a sign to him in order to get him away from her friend. Zenothemis took the place he had left, and gave Thaïs a kiss on the mouth. . I thought you more virtuous.

. I am perfect, and the perfect are subject to no laws.

. But are you not afraid of sullying your soul in a woman's arms?

. The body may yield to lust without the soul being concerned. . Go away! I wish to be loved with