The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-05-29
Translated by Sismund hrausz. Author o.
Towards the Rising Sun"
Copyright. 1901

MAY the gods prevent thee from that"
stammered Agamede.
They cannot prevent me from it. The
longing for a kiss from thee has made me
insane. and, therefore, | will throw my life
hundred times at thy feet ii thou givesr
me freedom a hundredfold. DO not liber-
ate me. therefore, but let me be killed in
my chains, since for kiss from thee will
ever be ready TO sacrifice my life.
Agamede saw the handsome youth at her
feet. She asked herself why such a nero,
such a man, should die for the sake OF an
unsatisfed longing, and with this she
bowed down to him. and. winding her arms
around his neck, kissed his quivering lips
Now thou hast attained thine object
Col"
Why should she not have saved such a
noble life by kiss?
Aristomenes at this moment felt such
strength in him that had the whole popula-
ton of Sparta crowded its streets he would
have fought his way TO liberty. But no.
body out. The sentinels had left their
posts, the gates of the city stood a1ar. and.
unframed, he reached his camp in safety.
from 1ng tb stef benY8 The Sers who
forgetful of their duties had thrown theis
arms away searched for them and hur-
the usual order in Sparta, but the dungeon
of Aristomenes was empty.
How he had escaped through the crowded
streets in spite of soldiers and sentinels;
could not be discovered. Those who had
seen him kept silent, for never would a
Spartan confess TO having been cowards
TO have seen an enemy pass without Oar
ing TO stop him.
Kleanthos alone suspected the truth He
knew the effect of his wife's philter ana
conjectured that Agamede had liberated
the hostile leader.
After he had given this suspicion room in
his breast, a second one Immediately took
hold of him. Why had she liberated him.
Had the confession which Aristomenes had
made in his stupor touched her heart? Jeal-
ousy is venomous reptile. that bears one
suspicion after another
One day Kleanthos requested Agameds
again TO prepare the draught for a sus-
pected Ephor whom he had invited TO din
ner. But this Ephor was a confidant OF
the King and initiated in his plan.
When Agamede had filled the cup of the
Ephor, Kleanthos dropped his ring and
asked Agamede TO pick IL up for him.
While the Queen complied with his wish
the Ephor quickly changed the goblets.
placing his own before Agamede. The next
moment both had emptied them TO the
health of the King.
After few minutes Agamede began to
feel the enervating effect OF the draught-
Her heart began TO beat with anguish. Ike
that OF the criminal who sees the execu-
toner before him. and yet she did not know
what had happened TO her.
But now she looked at the Ephor who
smiled sarcastically at her: then she turned
her eyes TO klsanthos. whose face was
burning with uncomfortable rage. and in
this moment everything was clear 20 her
mind-she had drunk the Achaemenidion-
On the table before him lay the knife.
had been stupefied by the philter. and N
she put her hand on the iron her nerves
began TO twitch with terror. In spite OF
this, she clutched the handle of the knife
and looked at IL, though this seemed like
torture OF hell TO her.
And now she heard the voices of her
husband. Like the blood-thirsty roar OF q
wild beast IL sounded In her heart
woman. answer me three questions.
What happened eight days ago 90 the peo-
pie OF Sparta? Who gave Aristomenes
liberty * he
magic draught2'
Agamede felt irresstibly compelled 10 an
swer these questions. Her tongue would
not obey her Will. and I'm her heart she had
only a small particle of strength left But
this particle resisted, reVolted In her breast
Quickly she jumped up and drove the sharp
knife with trembling hand 10 the hilt into
her heart.
Kleanthos did not receive ar answer 10
his questions.
The last strength OF her failing conscious
ness Agamede had used TO advantage. The
bloody knife had broken the charm OF cow
ardice and the dead do not betray the secret
OF a magic draught.
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