Angels and Women (1924)

98 ANGELS AND WOMEN
der his control. The princes of the earth,"
she added with a sigh, "have yielded to his
might, and now (here her voice sank to
whisper) none are left to oppose his majesty.
So the foolish preacher has built his own
tomb, which Lord Satanas will consume by
lightning some day, after the old prophet and
his family are ensnared within it."
Then said I with increasing interest, "O
my mistress, make known the name of the
preacher I"
She answered: "He is called ’Noah, King
of the Waters.’ Unlike any other man of
these times, he has taken but one wife. Two
of his sons have followed his example. But
the third, who is by far the handsomest man
in Balonia, has never married or even loved.
The fair ones of Balonia would sacrifice
much to see him at their feet, but the toils
are spread in vain."
Musing, she added, "Ah, cruel Japheth,
through love for thee unhappy Semintala
died!"