all the fierceness, and all the pride, passion, and power that can
live along with the rare womanly beauty of those sweetly turned
lips. But then there is a terrible stillness in this breathing
image; it seems like the stillness of a savage that sits intent and
brooding, day by day, upon some one fearful scheme of vengeance,
but yet more like it seems to the stillness of an Immortal, whose
will must be known, and obeyed without sign or speech. Bow down!--
Bow down and adore the young Persephonie, transcendent Queen of
Shades!



CHAPTER VI--GREEK MARINERS



I sailed from Smyrna in the Amphitrite, a Greek brigantine, which
was confidently said to be bound for the coast of Syria; but I knew
that this announcement was not to be relied upon with positive
certainty, for the Greek mariners are practically free from the
stringency of ship's papers, and where they will, there they go.
However, I had the whole of the cabin for myself and my attendant,
Mysseri, subject only to the society of the captain at the hour of
dinner. Being at ease in this respect, being furnished too with
plenty of books, and finding an unfailing source of interest in the
thorough Greekness of my captain and my crew, I felt less anxious
than most people would have been about the probable length of the
cruise. I knew enough of Greek navigation to be sure that our
vessel would cling to earth like a child to its mother's knee, and
that I should touch at many an isle before I set foot upon the