But the Princess flying wearily because of the sore wound in her heart, came at last to the City under the Sunset, where the Lord of Death rules in the House of Quiet, and was there received with royal honours for in that land are no disguises. And she knelt before the Secret One and in a voice broken with agony entreated him to heal her. And with veiled and pitying eyes he looked upon her, for many and grievous as are the wounds he has healed this was more grievous still. And he said;
“Princess, I cannot, But this I can do—I can give a new heart in a new birth—happy and careless as the heart of a child. Take this escape from the anguish you endure and be at peace.”
But the Princess, white with pain, asked only;
“In this new heart and birth, is there room for the King?”
And the Lord of Peace replied;
“None. He too will be forgotten.”
Then she rose to her feet.
“I will endure and when he comes I will serve him once more. If he will he shall heal me, and if not I will endure for ever.”
And He who is veiled replied;
“In this sacred City no pain may disturb the air, therefore you must wait outside in the chill and the dark. Think better, Princess! Also, he must pass through many rebirths, because he beheld the face of Beauty unveiled and knew her not. And when he comes he will be weary and weak as a new-born child, and no more a great King.” And the Princess smiled;