human
A Greek woman the lawful wife of a Persian prince of the blood! cried the blind woman.
gpt
Unheard of! What will Cambyses say? How can we gain his consent?
human
On that matter you may be at ease, my mother, answered Bartja,
gpt
I am as certain that my brother will give his consent, as I am that Sappho will prove an ornament and honor to our house.
human
Croesus has already told me much in favor of this maiden, answered Kassandane,
gpt
The gods grant that Sappho may be equal to our Nitetis! answered Kassandane,
human
I love her as if she were my own child, and bless the day which brought her to Persia. The warm light of her eyes has melted your brother's hard heart; her kindness and gentleness bring beauty into the night of my blind old age, and her sweet earnestness and gravity have changed your sister Atossa from an unruly child into a gentle maiden. But now call them, (they are playing in the garden), and we will tell them of the new friend they are to gain through you.
gpt
Pardon me, my mother, answered Bartja,
human
You are right, my son. We must conceal your wish, to save Nitetis and Atossa from a possible disappointment. A bright hope unfulfilled is harder to bear than an unexpected sorrow. So let us wait for your brother's consent, and may the gods give their blessing!