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 that the women of thy race have been wooed with torture, and that thou thyself in all likelihood hast gone through rites of ingenious cruelty. I cannot believe in a future that rests on such a past."

But Thoth rejoined with passionate eagerness, and with every sign of truth, "Believe me. Daphne, I myself ordained none of these things."

"But," she said, "thou hast permitted these terrible customs to live, and thy fellow-rulers have been guilty."

"Canst thou not," he replied, "separate the past from the future? I, at least, have not offended in this manner."

But Daphne made no response, and Thoth continued—

"Every one who has thus done shall be punished in any way thou mayest choose—if thou wilt, with death."