The dead cannot be given
in marriage. If your strait is so sore, though it would cut me to
the heart, perchance it is better that you should die and go whither
doubtless he whom you love will soon follow you. Depart now and counsel
with Heaven in your sleep. To-morrow, before Upanqui comes, we will talk
again.'
"So I knelt and kissed the hand of the King, my father, and left him,
wondering at his nobleness who could show such a road to his only child,
though its treading would mean woe to him and mayhap the ruin of his
hopes. Still that road is an old one among the women of my people, and
why should I not walk it, as thousands have done before me?"
"How came you here?" I asked hoarsely.
"Lord, I guessed that you would be walking in this garden which joins on
to that of the palace, and--none were about, and--the door in the
wall was open. Indeed, it was almost as though I were left alone and
unwatched of set purpose. So I came and sought--and found, having a
question to put to you."
"What question, Quilla?"
"This: Shall I live or shall I die? Speak the word and I obey.
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