*Lysergus of Sparta_

I ask this question of myself. They do not see me standing in the corner of the old inn. He is the Prince of Athens. Everyone here knows who he is. An old woman attendant comes over and hands me an amphora of Chian wine.

"It is on the house. She is a Princess of Crete. You can have the wine. You can not have her. She is not for you. She is not for him. He is lucky, he knows this. You do not know this, she is married to a god." Married or not married she only has eyes for the Prince of Athens. "Wait until she meets the Prince of Sparta." I tell the old woman. I do not listen to old wives tales. I have never met any woman who could resist me. The old woman seems to be able to read my mind.

"Then you are doomed Prince of Sparta. No one here will remember your name or even know that you ever existed.

"She will remember me old woman. She will never forget me. That is all that matters."

You have been warned. She is not like other women... She belongs to the god. She will devour you. She will spit you up and cast you aside. Oh the arrogance of men! The god even now as we speak has her. She will never get away from him.

The wine the old woman gave me is delicious. I have never tasted better. It is the color of her lips. I set the amphora down. I must save myself for the games. I am determined to make a long lasting impression.