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52 "Permit me to show thee honour."

He bowed and lightly kissed her fingers. Then he turned to his companions, and choosing out the man whom he had struck in Athens, he said—

"Kneel down and kiss the foot of this maiden."

The man's face showed a strange conflict of emotions. Amazement struggled with obedience, and the strongest efforts at composure failed to suppress his loathing at the indignity put upon him. At length, however, he advanced and knelt down, and did as he was commanded. He rose immediately, with his face pale with displeasure.

Then Thoth turned to another, and pointing to one of the maidens, said, "Ask thou permission to kiss her hand."

Next to Daphne, she was the most beautiful of all the maidens, and the most courageous