As a feather drops from the wing of a soaring bird and is driven aimlessly by the winds, so were the thoughts of Gyges controlled by the currents of his imagination. Alone in the room that was to have been Psyche’s nuptial chamber, he stood and deeply deliberated. Grave and ponderous questions burdened him. Should he try to escape? Should he leave Psyche defenceless? How could he save her? What should he do with his horses? He felt that he must act quickly; but how? The darkness of night is sometimes mocked by the lightning. The feeble glitter that at first revealed hopes of safety in flight now became a flash, and Gyges decided to attempt escape. He immediately went to the room where Aldo, greatly refreshed, awaited his commands.
“How dost thou feel?” asked Gyges.
“I feel no more pain, only stiffness,” replied the lad. “Curses rest upon the man who beat me!”
“The blows were cruelly dealt,” said Nana.
“But come, we must act quickly! Aldo, return thou to the stables!”
“O my master, can I not go with thee?” pleaded the slave.
“Nay, boy; thou must care for the horses,” replied Gyges.
“But Alvarus cares for them better than I do,” cried Aldo. “Take me with thee, O my master! Go not alone!”
“Nay, I must go alone,” replied Gyges, firmly.
Tears flowed down the lad’s cheeks as he threw himself on his knees before Gyges, crying, “At the stables without thy protection they will kill me.”