Page:The Anglo-Saxon version of the story of Apollonius of Tyre.djvu/73

 Leno. Are you ignorant that with Leno, and the torturer, neither prayers nor tears are available?

He sent for the overseer of the women, and desired him to array Tharsia in the most splendid apparel, and proclaim around the city the price of her dishonour. The overseer did as he was ordered; and on the third day a crowd of people arrived, preceded by Leno with music. But Athanagoras came first in a mask; and Tharsia, looking despairingly upon him, threw herself at his feet. “Pity me, my lord; 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