INGUR. I will not tear thee to pieces, but thou shalt come away with me.
(_She timidly strokes him_). Thou hast not the habit of this stroking.
HAGGITH. My mistress commanded me, when I encountered any noble
Assyrian, to use him thus. It is true that I have not the habit.
Nevertheless I do what I can.
INGUR (_startled at the mention of a mistress_). Thy--thy mistress? Ye
are two? Where then is thy mistress? Tell me upon the instant--is she
fairer than thou?
HAGGITH. Seven times more fair.
INGUR. Fetch her!
HAGGITH. My mistress is washing herself in a fountain of water by the
cave. She sent me forward in peace and friendliness to announce her
coming.
INGUR. Fetch her! (_Suddenly perceiving_ Bagoas _in the distance, he
changes his manner_.) Stay! Bagoas is approaching, and he may have seen
thee. His eyes are sharp. Stand off. (Haggith _moves away a little_.)
But when I tell thee, fall down on thy face.
HAGGITH. Is he a great captain?
INGUR. His mightiness is the chief eunuch of the Prince, and there is
none greater than he save only the Prince himself, for Bagoas has charge
over all the women of the Prince's tents.
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