Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 16.djvu/313

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No such thing, I assure you: for having never wished to please, I have no fear of displeasing you.

You dread then perhaps the displeasure of the gods, at seeing you prefer a profane wretch, like Sophronimus, to a high-priest?

Not in the least. I am persuaded it is matter of very little concern to the supreme being, whether I marry you, or not.

The supreme being! my dear child, you should not talk in this manner; you should say the gods and goddesses: take care, for I see you entertain some very dangerous opinions; but I know too well from whom they came. Learn then that Ceres, whose priest I am, may punish you for thus despising her worship, and her minister.

I despise neither the one nor the other. I have been told that Ceres presides over the harvest, and I believe it; but she has nothing to do with my marriage.

She has to do with everything; you know it; but I hope I shall be able to convert you. Are you indeed resolved not to marry Sophronimus?

Yes; I am resolved, and am very sorry for it.