When he had finished, Zeus was silent a while, and then said:
"Radiant, is it true?"
"It is true, father Chronid," answered Apollo, "but if after the shame you will order me to pay the bet, I shall descend to Hades and light the shades."
Zeus became silent and thoughtful.
"Then this woman," said he finally, "remained deaf to your music, to your songs, and she repudiated you with disdain?"
"She poured on my head a pot of dough, O Thunderer!"
Zeus frowned, and at his frown Ida trembled, pieces of rock began to roll with a great noise toward the sea, and the trees bent like ears of wheat.
Both G.o.ds awaited with beating hearts his decision.
"Hermes," said Zeus, "you may cheat the people as much as you like--the people like to be cheated. But leave the G.o.ds alone, for if I become angry I will throw you into the ether, then you will sink so deep into the depths of the ocean that even my brother Poseidon will not be able to dig you out with his trident."
Divine fear seized Hermes by his smooth knees; Zeus spoke further, with stronger voice:
"A virtuous woman, especially if she loves another man, can resist Apollo. But surely and always a stupid woman will resist him.
"Eryfile is stupid, not virtuous; that"s the reason she resisted.
Therefore you cheated the Radiant, and you shall not have Lampecja.
Now go in peace."
The G.o.ds departed.
Zeus remained in his joyful glory. For a while he looked after Apollo, muttering:
"Oh, yes! A stupid woman is able to resist him."
After that, as he had not slept well the previous night, he called Sleep, who, sitting on a tree in the form of a hawk, was awaiting the orders of the Father of G.o.ds and people.
PART FIFTH
WIN OR LOSE.
_A Drama in Five Acts_.
CHARACTERS:
Prince Starogrodzki.
Stella, his daughter.
George Pretwic, Stella"s fiance.
Karol Count Drahomir, Pretwic"s friend.
Countess Miliszewska.
Jan Count Miliszewski.
Anton Zuk, secretary of the county.
Dr. Jozwowicz.
Mrs. Czeska.
Mr. Podczaski.
Servants.
ACT I.
The stage represents a drawing-room with the princ.i.p.al door leading to the garden. There are also side doors to the other rooms.
SCENE I.
Princess Stella. Mrs. Czeska.
Czeska.--Why do you tell me this only now? Really, my dear Stella, I should be angry with you. I live only a mile from here; I was your teacher before you were put into the hands of English and French governesses. I see you almost every day. I love my darling with all my soul, and still you did not tell me that for several weeks you have been engaged. At least do not torture me any longer, but tell me, who is he?
Stella.--You must guess, my dear mother.
Czeska.--As long as you call me mother, you must not make me wait.
Stella.--But I wish you to guess and tell me. Naturally it is he and not another. Believe me, it will flatter and please me.
Czeska.--Count Drahomir, then.
Stella.--Ah!
Czeska.--You are blushing. It is true. He has not been here for a long time, but how sympathetic, how gay he is. Well, my old eyes would be gladdened by seeing you both together. I should at once think what a splendid couple. Perhaps there will be something in it.
Stella.--There will be nothing in it, because Count Drahomir, although very sympathetic, is not my fiance. I am betrothed to Mr. Pretwic.
Czeska.--Mr. George Pretwic?
Stella.--Yes. Are you surprised?
Czeska.--No, my dear child. May G.o.d bless you. Why should I be surprised? But I am so fond of Count Drahomir, so I thought it was he.
Mr. George Pretwic!--Oh, I am not surprised at all that he should love you. But it came a little too soon. How long have you known each other? Living at my Berwinek I do not know anything that goes on in the neighborhood.
Stella.--Since three months. My fiance has inherited an estate in this neighborhood from the Jazlowieckis, and came, as you know, from far off. He was a near relation of the Jazlowieckis, and he himself comes of a very good family. Dear madam, have you not heard of the Pretwics?
Czeska.--Nothing at all, my dear Stella. What do I care for heraldry!
Stella.--In former times, centuries ago, the Pretwics were related to our family. It is a very good family. Otherwise papa would not have consented. Well then, Mr. Pretwic came here, took possession of the Jazlowieckis estate, became acquainted with us, and--