And Daphne had from the first been constrained to admit that his countenance seemed much more noble and kingly than the rest; but she said, “Give me some sign that these are thy servants. Why does that man,” pointing to one of them, “sneer at me and laugh so immoderately?”
Then the leader said, “Here is a sign for thee.”
And going up to the man, he struck him full in the face, and the blood started from his lips, and the man fell as one dead, yet none of his companions said a word.
Then Daphne believed in his authority, but she was alarmed by his violence and turned to go. But he said to her—
“Wilt thou indeed go back to a loathsome death when life and honour and riches are open to thee? Wouldst thou through silly fear become like him?” and he pointed to a man at a little distance writhing in the agony of the plague. “I can save thee if thou wilt. See, the plague has no terror for me.”
Then he went up to the sick man and took him by the hand, and looked steadfastly in his face and said, “Thou art fortunate—thou wilt not die of this disease.”
And another plague-stricken wretch near him begged with parched lips for water, but he said, “Too late!” and turned to Daphne.
“Take care it is not too late for thee! We have already more than enough who are willing to go. Still it vexes me to leave the loveliest to black death, and to save others. What more dost thou desire to know or to make me promise?” and he seemed to speak and look in a more kindly manner than before. And suddenly through Daphne’s mind there flashed the words of the poet, “Rather would I live on earth as the hireling of another with a landless man who had no great livelihood, than bear sway among all the dead that be departed.” Then she said, “Promise me one thing. Swear to me by thy strongest oath, and I will go. Swear to me if, when I reach thy country, I like it not, thou wilt send me back unharmed either to Athens or to some Greek city which has escaped the pestilence.”
And he said, “By the respect I owe to my fathers, who are not dead but sleep, awaiting the day of triumph, I swear to thee. It is an oath that cannot be broken.” And his dark eyes flashed, and no sign of deceit appeared in his face; and Daphne said, “I trust thee. I will go.”
And the other maidens gained confidence by what they had seen and heard, and, according to the word of the Egyptian leader, went by different ways and as secretly as possible to a place appointed for meeting, and they said nothing to any they met.