296 THE DRAMA OF THE FORESTS 



She advanced and knelt down, holding the fringe of his legging 

 while he addressed her: 



"Neykia, my daughter, you have taken this man. Be good 

 to him, work for him, live for him, and if need be, die for him. 

 Kiss me, Neykia, my daughter; kiss me for the last time." 



She kissed him, and he added: 



"You have kissed me for the last time: henceforth never 

 kiss any man but your husband." 



Raising his hand with untutored dignity, he pronounced the 

 words : 



"Remember . . . I have spoken." 



