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"Friendly as I am to a government truly republican," answered Philaemon, "it is indeed difficult to forgive the man who seduces a democracy to the commission of suicide, for his own advancement. His great abilities would receive my admiration, if they were not employed in the service of ambition. As for this new edict, it will prove a rebounding arrow, striking him who sent it.
Philothea stooped down and caressed the animal, with a slightly reproachful glance at her friend. "He was sleeping on my mantle," said the petulant damsel. "His soft, white fur could not have harmed it," rejoined her companion; "and you know that Hylax himself, as well as the mantle, was a gift from Philaemon."
If at times you are tempted to despond, remember these words were uttered by your friend, when she drew near the confines of another world: you will be united to Philaemon." As she spoke, Milza, who was occupied in the next apartment, sneezed aloud. The sound was at Eudora's right hand, and she received the auspicious omen with a sudden thrill of joy.
When Eudora escaped from the island, she had reluctantly left him in her apartment, in order to avoid the danger that might arise from any untimely noise; but as soon as her own safety was secured, her first thoughts were for the recovery of this favourite animal, the early gift of Philaemon.
"But evil grows weary of wearing a mask in reluctant homage to good," replied Philaemon; "she is ever seeking to push it aside, with the hope that men may become accustomed to her face, and find more beauty therein, than in the disguise she wears. The hidden thought at last struggles forth into expression, and cherished passions assume a form in action.
Paralus greeted her as a brother welcomes a cherished sister; but in the earnest kindness of his glance was expressed something more deep and heart-stirring than his words implied. Philaemon, though more thoughtful than usual, received his own and Eudora's friend, with cheerful cordiality.
You, who have neither wealth nor powerful connections, to serve the purposes of that ambitious man? And think for yourself, Eudora, if Alcibiades means as he says, why does he seek stolen interviews at midnight, in the absence of Phidias?" "It is because he knows that Phidias has an uncommon regard for Philaemon," replied Eudora; "but he thinks he can, in time, persuade him to consult our wishes.
For the first time in her life, Philothea turned away her face, to conceal its expression, while she inquired in a tremulous tone whether these facts had been told to Philaemon, the preceding evening. "Some of the guests were speaking of it when he entered," replied Anaxagoras; "but no one alluded to it in his presence.
When my grandfather asked him where he learned to play so well, he answered; with a look of wondering simplicity, that it 'piped itself. Methinks this would be the reply of a loving woman, to one who inquired how her heart had learned submission. But what has Philaemon required, that you consider so unreasonable?"
"The accusation may be thus worded," said Philaemon; "but your real crime is that you stay away from political assemblies, and are therefore suspected of being unfriendly to democratic institutions. Demos reluctantly admits that the right to hold such opinions is an inherent part of liberty.
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