"Don't be sentimental," the favorite answered. "When did you become a poet?"
"Not until this minute," Clitus replied.
Alexander himself was not free from embarrassment when he greeted Artemisia, for he knew nothing of women, not yet having met Roxana; but he took her hand and praised the bravery of Clearchus, at which she blushed and smiled.
Thais looked the young king frankly in the face. "We bid you welcome to Tyre," she said.
There was something in the unconquerable vitality of her gaze that reminded him of his mother, although Olympias' eyes were dark and the eyes of this girl were yellow, if any color could be assigned to them that seemed a blend of all.
"It was worth fighting for," he said, returning her look with unconcealed admiration. "But sometimes I wish I were not Alexander," he added, turning to Chares with a smile.
"And I thank the Gods that thou art indeed Alexander," the Theban replied, drawing Thais closer to him.
The young king seemed to fall into a momentary revery, but it passed quickly.
"You four shall be my guests to-night," he exclaimed. "Azemilcus will provide the feast."
"Do not trust him," Chares said, in a low voice. "He tried to poison us."