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Rh self, "I will be advised by the first king and all the vice-regents. In this manner obedience and the rule of reason will even be strengthened. This is the first precaution.

"The second safeguard," he said, looking on Daphne as an archer looks at an arrow intended for a fateful purpose, "is of more interest to thee.

"At first I had intended at the same time to compel all the men of the royal race to take for themselves honoured consorts of pure Grecian blood, but chance or nature willed otherwise, and thy companions have all perished—chance or nature," he repeated, "not treachery—not disobedience,"—and again for a moment he seemed to doubt.

"Thy companions have perished, and perchance it is better so for my purpose. For, after much consideration, I have decided that the best plan is to make at first a single