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"But Philaemon has no parents to forbid his choice," said Philothea; "and if the court decide against him, he will incur no fine by a marriage with you; for he himself will then be a sojourner in Athens. The loss of his paternal estates will indeed leave him poor; but he has friends to assist his own energies, and in all probability, your union will not be long delayed.
"I will not deny that Paralus has had the largest share of my thoughts," replied the simple-hearted maiden; "but for Philaemon, as your betrothed lover, and the favourite pupil of my grandfather, I feel an interest strong enough to keep me on the watch during a less delightful evening than this.
Philothea, who during this scene had wept like an infant, laid her hand beseechingly on his arm, and added, "Son of Chaerilaues, remember that was the only interview." Philaemon shook his head mournfully, as he replied, "But I cannot forget that it was an appointed one. We can never meet again."
"And what think you of the paternal kindness of this republican decree whereby five thousand citizens have been sold into slavery, because the unjust confiscation of their estates rendered them unable to pay their debts?" said Anaxagoras. "Such an edict was passed because Athens is not a republic," replied Philaemon. "All things are under the control of Pericles; and Aspasia rules him.
"I perceive that no servant follows you with a seat whereon to rest, when you wish to enjoy the prospect, and your garments are girded about you, like one who travels afar." "I seek Mount Hymettus, my father," replied Philaemon: "There I shall stop to-night, to take my last look of Athens.
Lest he should hope that I carry away feelings hostile to Athens, and favourable to her enemies, say to the kind old man, that Philaemon will never forget his country or his friends. I have left a long letter to Paralus, in which my full heart has but feebly expressed its long-cherished friendship. When you return, you will find a trifling token of remembrance for yourself and Philothea.
"You are altogether mysterious to-night," said Philothea: "Has any disagreement arisen between you and Philaemon, during my absence?" "He is proud, and jealous; and wishes me to be influenced by every whim of his," answered the offended beauty.
Philaemon turned eagerly, and a sudden flush mantled his cheeks, when he heard the pure Attic dialect, "with its lovely marriage of sweet sounds." "What does the maiden say?" inquired the king. Artaphernes again paid homage, and answered; "O Light of the World! Look in mercy upon the daughter of thy servant, and grant that her petition may find favour in thy sight.
The handsome maiden received her flowers with evident delight, not unmingled with confusion; for she suspected that they came from a greater flatterer than Philaemon. Philothea returned to her usual avocations, with anxiety somewhat lessened by this trifling incident.
"The artist would not have dared so to represent Plato, or Philaemon, or Paralus," rejoined Philothea; "nor would Alcibiades allow his picture thus to minister to the corruption of the Athenians, if he had any perception of what is really beautiful. I confess, Eudora, it pained me to see you listen to his idle flattery.
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