'Even as Jove prized Danaë above the Queen of Heaven, even as Narcissus prized his shadow above all the nymphs, even as Hercules placed Omphale above his strength, or even as David the King of the Jews Bathsheba above....'
She murmured 'Oh, oh,' and placed her arms around his shoulders.
'How I love thy brave words!'
'And being Chancellor,' he swore, 'I will come back to thee, oh woman of the sweet smiles, honey of Hymettus, Cypriote wine....'
She moved herself a little from him in the darkness.
'And if you do not wed with Margot Poins....'
'I pray a plague may fall upon her, but I must wed with her,' he answered. 'Come now; come now!'
'Else the Lady Katharine shall be displeased with your magistership?'
He sought to draw her to him, but she stiffened herself a little.
'And this Lady Katharine is mistress to the King of England's realm?'