"Oh! just heaven; oh, powerful Oromasdes!" cried the beautiful princess of Babylon, bathed in tears. "By whom, and for whom am I thus betrayed? He that could reject for my sake so many princesses, to abandon me for the company of a strolling Gaul! No! I can never survive this affront."
"This is the disposition of all young people," said Irla to her, "from one end of the world to the other. Were they enamoured with a beauty descended from heaven, they would at certain moments forget her entirely."
"It is done," said the princess, "I will never see him again whilst I live. Let us depart this instant, and let the unicorns be harnessed."
The phœnix conjured her to stay at least till Amazan awoke, that he might speak with him.
"He does not deserve it," said the princess. "You would cruelly offend me. He would think that I had desired you to reproach him, and that I am willing to be reconciled to him. If you love me, do not add this injury to the insult he has offered me."
The phœnix, who after all owed his life to the daughter of the king of Babylon, could not disobey her. She set out with all her attendants.
"Whither are you going?" said Irla to her.
"I do not know," replied the princess; "we will take the first road we find. Provided I fly from Amazan for ever, I am satisfied."
