Page:Thotharomance00nichgoog.djvu/164

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THE DOOM OF THE FIRST THOTH.
159

found a universal tyranny on universal slaughter, and so degraded is thy nature that thou dost not see anything horrible in such monstrous crime. I despise myself for ever having listened to thy love. Kill me, torture me, abuse me, I am in thy power, but never will I share in thy unholy schemes."

Then Thoth said to her—"Take heed; even my passion will not bear such a strain."

"I would thy passion were turned to hatred," she cried, "for thou canst not hate me as I hate thee!"

For a time it seemed as if anger and scorn would altogether destroy his love; but Daphne quailed not, and in her wrath became even more beautiful and majestic.

The struggle in Thoth's mind did not endure long.

"True it is," he said, "that I cannot hate thee; my love is overpowering. But I cannot