"I am."
"And are the laws so severe that they do not permit thee to love? Ei, those are threats! For me Thou wilt make exception."
"All Phoenicia would curse me; the gods would take vengeance," replied she, with a smile.
Ramses drew her again toward him; again she tore herself free.
"Have a care, prince," said she, with a challenging look. "Phoenicia is mighty, and her gods."
"What care I for thy gods or Phoenicia? Were a hair to fall from thy head, I would trample Phoenicia as I might a foul reptile."
"Kama! Kama!" called a voice from the statue.
She was frightened.
"Thou seest they call me. They may have heard thy blaspheming."
"They may have heard my anger."