you spoke of me. But for my dear husband, forget none of what might bring him glory<hr>
and all that was truly in him. Speak of his formidable fervor towards his enemies, of<hr>
his love for his subjects, and of the respect he inspired in all the neighboring princes. Speak of the <hr>
great qualities of his soul and the graces he had received from nature. Praise his courage <hr>
in war, his gentleness in times of peace, his fairness, and his mercy towards all. Ultimately, envision- <hr>
ing an accomplished prince, and you will have the true portrait of Mausolus. But after <hr>
having said all these things about this illustrious husband, ardently speak of the love he had <hr>
for me and the one I have always had for him. Express this passion as strong, pure, and <hr>
faithful as it was. Disabuse those who believe that crime fuels love and <hr>
think that a legitimate passion can not be as fervent, enduring, and pleasant. Teach them <hr>
that Mausolus and I provide an example that shatters all their experiences and all their <hr>
reasonings, for even if our love was touched by innocence, it was no less <hr>
burning, enduring until death, and infinitely pleasant to us. Therefore, speak admirably of <hr>
this bond that compels two illustrious persons to love forever. But if <hr>
possible, hurry to satisfy me. Use your eloquence to persuade <hr>
all those who work on the tomb of Mausolus to accelerate their work, for mine is <hr>
soon coming to an end. The mere ashes that remain of my beloved Mausolus will soon be <hr>
consumed, and once this is done, I will have nothing more to do in this world. All that is on <hr>
earth can no longer arouse my spirit. I am insensitive to everything except pain. <hr>
The only desire inhabiting my soul is to join my dear Mausolus and to assure that you <hr>
will take care of his glory. Your own gratitude should encourage you, the <hr>
compassion should push you, and if other rewards are permissible to give <hr>
to philosophers besides the mere pleasure of doing good, consider the expenses I incur for the <hr>
construction of this magnificent tomb, and judge that the one who spends so much treasure on silent <hr>
marbles will not be stingy when you speak in the glory of her dear Mausolus. However, <hr>
no matter how eager you are to satisfy me, neither the architects nor you will have finished your <hr>
works as fast as I will finish mine. And if I'm not mistaken, I will die soon enough <hr>
to allow you to illuminate Mausolus' praise with the death of his Artemisia. <hr>
<hr>
<hr>
                                Effect of this discourse <hr>
<hr>
    This virtuous queen obtained what she desired: Isocrates and Theopompe spoke of her <hr>
beloved Mausolus so laudably that some accused them of interested flattery. As for <hr>
her, it was appropriate that she pressed the architects, because this lavish tomb was not< hr>
complete when she was laid to rest in it. Those who had undertaken this miraculous work <hr>
did not fail to complete it. For a long time, it was one of the wonders of the world, and <hr>
<hr>
<hr>
<hr>
                                                    11<hr>