Her task of work, some sighing
lover every day makes it his petition to perform for her; which she
accepts blushing, and with reluctancy, for fear he will ask her a look
for a recompense, which he dares not presume to hope; so great an
awe she strikes into the hearts of her admirers. "I do not wonder,"
replied the prince, "that Clemene should refuse slaves, being, as
you say, so beautiful; but wonder how she escapes those that can
entertain her as you can do: or why, being your slave, you do not
oblige her to yield." "I confess," said Trefry, "when I have,
against her will, entertained her with love so long as to be
transported with my passion even above decency, I have been ready to
make use of those advantages of strength and force nature has given
me: but oh! she disarms me with that modesty and weeping, so tender
and so moving that I retire, and thank my stars she overcame me."
The company laughed at his civility to a slave, and Caesar only
applauded the nobleness of his passion and nature, since that slave
might be noble, or, what was better, have true notions of honor and
virtue in her. Thus passed they this night. after having received from
the slaves all imaginable respect and obedience.
The next day, Trefry asked Caesar to walk when the heat was allayed,
and designedly carried him by the cottage of the fair slave; and
told him, she whom he spoke of last night lived there retired.
"But," says he, "I would not wish you to approach; for I am sure you
will be in love as soon as you behold her.
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