Can only be Balaustion, just her speech!

Ah, but—because speech serves a purpose still!—


He ended with that flourish. I replied:

"Fancy myself your Aristonumos?

Advise me, rather, to remain myself,

Balaustion,—mindful what mere mouse confronts

The forest-monarch Aristophanes!

I who, a woman, claim no quality

Beside the love of all things lovable