Part Two In Al-Kyris Chapter 22 Wasted Passion

Scarcely had this reflection entered his mind than he became bitterly angry with himself for having indulged in it. How recreant, how base an idea! ... how incompatible with the adoring homage he felt for his friend! What!--Sah-luma,--a Poet, whose songs of Love were so perfect, so wildly sweet and soul- entrancing--HE, to be ignorant of Love's true meaning? ... Oh, impossible!--and a burning flush of shame rose to Theos's brow,-- shame that he could have entertained such a blasphemy against his Idol for a moment! Then that curious, vague, soft contrition he had before experienced stole over him once again--a sudden moisture filled his eyes,--and turning abruptly toward his host he held out his own just filled goblet: "Drink we the loving-cup together, Sah-luma!" he said, and his voice trembled a little with its own deep tenderness, . . "Pledge me thy faith as I do pledge thee mine! And for to-day at least let me enjoy thy boon companionship, . . who knows how soon we may be forced to part ... forever!" And he breathed the last word softly with a faint sigh.

Sah-luma looked at him with an expressive glance of bright surprise.

"Part?" he exclaimed joyously--"Nay, not we, my friend! ... Not till we find each other tiresome, . . not till we prove that our spirits, like over-mettlesome steeds, do chafe and fret one another too rudely in the harness of custom, . . wherefore then, and then only, 'twill be time to break loose at a gallop, and seek each one a wider pasture-land! Meanwhile, here's to thee!"--and bending his handsome head he readily drank a deep draught of the proffered wine.. "May all the gods hold fast our bond of friendship!"