“For one year Ne-ne-hofra and Barbec the gardener floated as the winds blew on the island of Chemmis, which became one of the wonders of the world; never a home of love more beautiful; one year, seeing no one and existing for no one but themselves. Then she returned in state to the palace in Memphis.
“‘Now whom lovest thou best?’ asked the king.
“She kissed his cheek and said, ‘Take me back, O good king, for I am cured.’
“Oraetes laughed, none the worse, that moment, of his hundred and fourteen years.
“‘Then it is true, as Menopha said: ha, ha, ha! it is true, the cure of love is love.’
“‘Even so,’ she replied.
“Suddenly his manner changed, and his look became terrible.
“‘I did not find it so,’ he said.
“She shrank affrighted.
“‘Thou guilty!’ he continued. ‘Thy offense to Oraetes the man he forgives; but thy offence to Oraetes the king remains to be punished.’