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If thou hearken to us we need never be parted and if thou hearken

not we part for ever; but our hearts tell us that thou wilt not

listen to our words and this is the cause of our tears and

cries." "Tell me how the case standeth?" "Know, O our lord, that

we are the daughters of Kings who have met here and have lived

together for years; and once in every year we are perforce absent

for forty days; and afterwards we return and abide here for the

rest of the twelve month eating and drinking and taking our

pleasure and enjoying delights: we are about to depart according

to our custom; and we fear lest after we be gone thou contraire

our charge and disobey our injunctions.