Vietnam or Thailand ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
Updated: May 6, 2025
Philothea observed her emotion with a gentle smile, and added: "When we were at Elis, I wrote an epistle to Philaemon, in which I spoke of you as my heart dictated; and Artaphernes found opportunity to send it directly into Persia."
But next to the royal chariot there now appeared a young man on a noble steed, with a golden chain about his neck, and two heralds by his side, who ever and anon blew their trumpets, and proclaimed, "This is Philaemon of Athens, whom the king delighteth to honour?" Eudora understood the proclamation imperfectly; but afar off, she recognized the person of her lover.
"The secret has already been whispered to the ground," answered Philaemon, smiling: "If it were not so, the comic writers would not be able to give with impunity such grotesque and disgusting representations of the gods."
The last was the transparent medium of innocence, through which thoughts and affections continually showed their changing forms of life. In answer to her eager questions, Philothea soon learned that her fears had prophesied aright concerning the decision of the court. Philaemon had been unsuccessful; but the buoyant energy of his character did not yield even to temporary despondency.
Philaemon averted his face for a moment, and struggled hard with his feelings. Then turning abruptly, he pressed the old man's hand, and said, "Bid Philothea, guide and cherish her deluded friend, for my sake. And now, farewell, Anaxagoras! Farewell, forever! my kind, my good old master. May the gods bless the wise counsels and virtuous example you have given me."
"The Eleans have given her the yearly revenues of a farm, in consideration of the affectionate care bestowed on her illustrious benefactor. Report says that Phidias wished to see her united to his nephew Pandaenus; but I have never heard of the marriage. Philaemon is supposed to be in Persia, instructing the sons of the wealthy satrap Megabyzus."
When her father returned, he informed her that the life of Artaxerxes had been saved by the promptitude and boldness of Philaemon, who happened to perceive the tiger sooner than any other person at the festival. He added, "I saw Philaemon after the rescue, but we had brief opportunity to discourse together.
But alas for Athens, when every man boasts of his own freedom, and no man respects the freedom of his neighbour. Peaceful, she seems, in her glorious beauty; but the volcano is heaving within, and already begins to throw forth its showers of smoke and stones." "Would that the gods had permitted me to share her dangers to die and mingle with her beloved soil!" exclaimed Philaemon.
Her heart was too full for utterance; and her eyes so blinded with tears, that, as she turned to leave the apartment, she frequently stumbled over the scattered fragments of marble. It was a day of severe trials for the poor maiden. They had remained but a short time waiting for Dione, when Philaemon entered, conducted by Phidias, who immediately left the apartment.
Glad to assist in the work of reconciliation, she separated the wreath from the string, and carried it to her for whom it was intended. "Behold the offering of Philaemon!" she exclaimed, joyfully: "Dearest Eudora, beware how you estrange so true a heart."
Word Of The Day
Others Looking