“About thee, about myself, and about thy prisoner.”
“Look at him there,” said the barbarian, pointing across the court, which his door commanded. “You would not think that he is going to be shot to-morrow. See how soundly he sleeps. He could not do so better, if he were going to be married instead.”
“As thou and I, Hyphax, intend to be the next day.”
“Come, not quite so fast; there are certain conditions to be fulfilled first.”
“Well, what are they?”
“First, thy manumission. I cannot marry a slave.”
“Secondly, a dowry, a good dowry, mind; for I never wanted money more than now.”
“That is safe too. How much dost thou expect?”
“Certainly not less than three hundred pounds.”[185]