I thought he surely was about to make some demand, but a single glance satisfied me that he was not in a position to exact anything by force; not only were Hanno, Chamai, Bichri and Jonah still on shore, but Hannibal, too, was close at hand, supported by forty of his men, while the King was attended only by about a score and a half of lancers. I made no reply, but waited for him to proceed.
"Ruler of the Phœnicians," he said, "I want you to sell me your pilegech Chryseis: you have only to name your own price for the Ionian, and that price is yours."
Hanno made a start forward, but I held him back.
"King of the Dorians!" I said, "Chryseis is not designed for sale. However, she is free to answer for herself. To us your kindness and courtesy have been great; and I am ready to consent, in return, to give the maiden up to you. But this one condition must be fixed; she must become yours by her own free choice."
Hanno glanced eagerly at Chryseis, and imploringly at me.
The King advanced to where the girl was standing, and proffering his hand, said:
"Daughter of the Helli! kinswoman of our tribe! come and be the Queen of the Dorians of Hellotis!"
She stood with her eyes fastened on the ground, but made no reply.
"Zeus and Apollo guide your choice!" continued the King, "and inspire your answer! Listen and consent. No Dorian maid has ever yet made good her hold upon my heart, although there is not one who would not be proud to be the object of my choice. Honours and luxury await my bride. She shall have slaves to surround her, and do her weaving, and obey her slightest wish; her table shall be spread with the choicest diet, the produce of three hundred goats and fifty cows; and her home shall be full of all the comforts that wealth can buy."
He waited for her to speak, but still she made no sign.