Greek Fiction: Callirhoe, Daphnis and Chloe, Letters of Chion (Penguin Classics) by Longus & Chariton

Author:Longus & Chariton
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780141969138
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Published: 2011-08-25T00:00:00+00:00

‘… He will make you his wife because he is naturally chivalrous where women are concerned.’ When she heard this, Callirhoe gave a great wail and tore at her hair, saying, ‘Now I truly am a prisoner of war! Kill me rather than order me to do this! I will not endure a marriage. I pray for death. Let them torture me and burn me. I will not move a step from here. This spot is good enough for a tomb for me. But if, as you say, your general is a humane man, let him grant me this favour: let him kill me here!’

He pleaded with her again, but she would not move; instead she fell to the floor and lay there with her head covered. This left the Egyptian with the problem of what he should do, because he did not dare use force and persuasion had again been unsuccessful. Accordingly he turned round and went back to Chaereas looking downcast. When he saw him, Chaereas said, ‘What is it now? Has someone stolen the best bits of the spoils? They’ll be sorry if they did!’ The Egyptian answered as follows, ‘Nothing bad has happened, Master. But the woman whom I found in such distress refuses to come here; instead she has thrown herself on the ground, asking for a sword and saying she wants to die.’

With a laugh, Chaereas said, ‘Oh, you are the most naive man I’ve ever met! Don’t you know how a woman can be manipulated with entreaties, flatteries, promises, especially if she thinks she is loved? You were probably rough and violent with her.’ ‘I wasn’t, Master,’ he replied. ‘I did all the things you said to do – twice! I even pretended that you would marry her! She was especially upset at that bit.’ Then Chaereas said, ‘I must be a really charming and attractive prospect if she rejects me with every sign of loathing before she’s even seen me! But this woman seems to have a resolution which is not without a sort of nobility. No one be violent towards her; allow her to get on with things as she chooses. It is only right for me to respect such chastity. Perhaps she too is grieving for her husband.’

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