Angels and Women (1924)

CHANGE 71
caught the scornful smile of Satanas as he
retreated with Samoula my mother, and I
cried out--"Help me, God Almighty!"
At that word the clasping arms relaxed,
the magnetic chain was dissolved. With one
bound I was free, and stood confronting
Hesperus. He was robed in trailing garments
of royal purple, a band of gold encircled
his head, where rested a pale star, and,
glowing with emotion, he was as beautiful
as Satanas.
My face flushed with indignation and
fright, yet, though repulsed, the Deva said
with patient earnestness: "Listen, Aloma.
I speak to you in confidence, for you are no
less discreet than fair. Satanas has had
many wives, and to all, as to Samoula, he
promised immortality. But when wearied
of his queen, he subtly persuades her, and
the victim retires at the solicitation of her
sated lord, drinks of the amaranthine cup,
and dies by a petrifying poison l
"Fear nothing," he added, seeing me shud-