While dancing, she played with the prince's hair, put her arms around his neck, kissed him on the eyes. At last she sat down wearied at his feet, and, resting her head on his knees, turned her face toward him quickly, panting with parted lips.
"Thou art no longer angry with thy servant Dagon?" whispered she, stroking his face.
Ramses wished to kiss her on the lips, but she sprang away from his knees, crying,
"Oh, that is not possible!"
"Why so?"
"I am a virgin and priestess of the great goddess Astoreth. Thou wouldst have to love my guardian goddess greatly, and honor her before Thou couldst kiss me."
"But is it permitted thee?"
"All things are permitted me, for I am a priestess, and have sworn to preserve my virginity."
"Why hast Thou come hither, then?"
"To drive out thy anger. I have done so, I depart. Be well and kind always," added she, with a piercing glance.