132 SOPHENE AND SOPHOCLES. 



eclipsed by that of their mistress. One bore on her head a golden 

 vase full of fragrant water, another carried a large basin of the 

 same metal carved by the divine Alcimedon, whereon napkins art- 

 fully folded up were laid. The third, in an alabaster vessel, brought 

 the most exquisite Arabian perfumes. I was obliged to submit to an 

 honour due to my employment. They washed my feet ; religion 

 justifies whatever it enjoins. Sophene herself wiped them. Let not 

 the gods be offended at it ; then indeed, methought, I was Apollo in 

 his bath amidst the hours. That ceremony performed, Sophene said 

 to me with a charming smile, Messenger of Jupiter, may that bene- 

 volent god afford you sweet repose ! I wished to answer her, but 

 she was gone. I went to bed. Morpheus was not long before he shed 

 his poppies on my heavy eyelids. A light and gentle sleep brought 

 again before me the events of the day. I saw them succeed in order, 

 or indeed I only saw Sophene ; her einbarassrnent, her blushes, her 

 graces made a deeper impression on my fancy than when she was 

 before my eyes. It was not a dream; it was a reality. I spoke, I 

 listened to her with a pleasure and an interest that surprised and 

 flattered me ; I questioned myself about the reason of it, but could 

 not find it. I abandoned all researches, and, without knowing precisely 

 to what I gave myself up, I indulged the " seducing sensations" 

 which my heart embraced, and which became natural and necessary 

 to it. 



Meanwhile night ended her career. Aurora dispelling her shades 

 announced to nature the return of the god who vivifies her. Imlacca 

 entering my chamber waked me ; "Friend," said I to him, u why do 

 you come and disturb the sweetest moments of my life '" *' Can 

 you," answered he, "opening my windows, and showing me it was 

 broad day, can you, Sophocles, sleep on still ? does sloth befit an en- 

 voy from the gods '?" " They will excuse it," replied I in a trans- 

 port. " They do not impute as crimes the favours they bestow on 

 us." Then I laid open to him what Sophene had done for me, but I 

 spoke it in an indifferent manner, and without showing any gratitude 

 for it. He thought my coolness was mere affectation and upbraided 

 me with it; however I was the dupe of my own heart, and did not 

 dissemble with him. My friendship was his surety for it. Surprised 

 to find in me so much simplicity, he smiled and thus explained the 

 meaning of his smile : " Sophene,'' continued he, "loves you Im- 

 perfect happiness ! I find you do not love her." " What is it to 

 love ?" replied I with an ingenuous look. " You will know it one 

 day, and perhaps that day is not far off." "Who will teach it me'?" 

 " He that teaches it to the wide creation, the most powerful of the 

 gods, Love, their lord and yours." " And who will make me know 

 that god *" " Yourself and Sophene." 



Her father came in seasonably to interrupt a conversation that 

 began to be embarrassing to me. I was ashamed of his visit being 

 more early than mine ; it was short, and he carried Imlacca along 

 with him to give me time to dress myself. 



I called for my slaves, and was in a little time able to mix with 

 the company, which was numerous. I had many compliments to 

 answer, and as all allowed, acquitted myself gracefully of the task. 

 Sophene was not there. I longed to see her; nevertheless her absence 



