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Thephantasypassed，andnowthegoldengatesofthepalaceofBaaltisrolledopenbeforeElissa.Now，too，thepriestessesborehertothegoldenthroneshapedlikeacrescentmoon，andthrewoverherablackveilspangledwithstars，symbolofthenight.Thenhavingshutouttheuninitiated，theyworshippedheraftertheirsecretfashiontillshesankdownuponthethroneovercomewithfearandweariness.Thenatlasttheycarriedhertothatwonderofworkmanshipandallegoricalart，theivorybedofBaaltis，andlaidherdowntosleep.
Atdawnuponthefollowingdayanembassy，headedbySakon，governorofthecity，inwhosetrainwereMetemandAziel，wenttothecampofIthobal.Themissionoftheseenvoyswastogivethekinganswertohissuit，forherefusedtocometoZimboeunlesshewereallowedtobringalargerforcethanitwasthoughtprudenttoadmitintothecitygates.Atsomedistancefromthetentstheyhalted，whilemessengersweresentforwardinvitingIthobaltoaconferenceontheplain，asitseemedscarcelysafetotrustthemselveswithinthestoutthornfencewhichhadbeenbuiltaboutthecamp.Metem，whosaidthathehadnofearoftheking，wentwiththesemen，andonreachingthe/zeriba/wasatoncebiddentothepavilionofIthobal.Hefoundthegreatmanpacingitslengthsullenly.
"Whatseekyouhere，Ph？nician？"heasked，glancingathimoverhisshoulder.
"Myfee，King.ThekingwaspleasedtopromisemeahundredouncesofgoldifIsavedthelifeoftheLadyElissa.Icome，therefore，toassurehimthatmyskillhasprevailedagainstthepoisonedarrowofthattreacherousdogofthedesert，whichpiercedherhandasshespokewiththeprinceAzieltheothernight，andtoclaimmyreward.
Hereisanoteoftheamount，"andheproducedhistablets.
"IfhalfofwhatIhearistrue，rogue，"answeredIthobalsavagely，"thetormentorandtheheadsmanalonecouldsatisfyallmydebttoyou.Say，merchant，whatreturnhaveyoumademeforthatsackfulofgoldwhichyouborehencesomefewdaysgone？"
"Thebestofallreturns，King，"answeredMetemcheerfully，althoughintruthhebegantofeelafraid."Ihavekeptmyword，andfulfilledthecommandoftheking.IhavemadeitimpossiblethattheprinceAzielshouldwedthedaughterofSakon."
"Yes，rogue，youhavemadeitimpossiblebycausinghertobeconsecratedBaaltis，andthusbuildingabarrierwhichevenIshallfindtoohardtoclimb.Itisscarcelytobehopedthatnowshewillchoosemeofherownwill，andtoofferviolencetotheBaaltisisasacrilegefromwhichanyman——yes，evenaking——mayshrink，forsuchdeedsdrawthecurseofHeaven.KnowthatforthisserviceIammindedtosettlemyaccountwithyouinafashionofwhichyouhavenotthought.Haveyouheard，Ph？nician，thatthechiefsofcertainofmytribeslovetodecoratetheirspear—shaftswiththehideofwhitemen，andtobraytheirfleshintoamedicinewhichgivescouragetoitseater？"
WiththispleasingandsuggestivequeryIthobalpaused，andlookedtowardsthedoorofthetentasthoughhewereabouttocallhisguard.
NowMetem’sbloodrancold，forheknewthatthisroyalsavagewasnotonewhoutteredidlethreats.Yetthecoolnessandcunningwhichhadsooftenservedhimwelldidnotfailhiminhisneed.
"Ihaveheardthatyourpeoplehavestrangecustoms，"heansweredwithalaugh，"butIthinkthatevenaspear—shaftwouldscarcelygainbeautyfrommywrinkledhide，andifanything，theeatingofmyfleshwouldmaketradesmenandnotwarriorsofyourchiefs.Well，letthejestpass，andlisten.King，inallmyschemingsonethoughtnevercrossedmymind，namely，thatyouwereamantosufferscruplestostandbetweenyouandthewomanyouwouldwin.Youthinkthatnowsheisagoddess？Well，ifthatbeso——anditisnotformetosay——whocouldbeafittermateforthegreatestkingupontheearththanagoddessfromtheheavens？Takeher，kingIthobal，takeher，andthisI
promiseyou，thatwhenyourarmiesareencampedwithoutthewalls，thepriestsofElwillabsolveyouofthecrimeofaspiringtothefairlipsofBaaltis."
"ThelipsofBaaltis，"brokeinIthobal;"doyouthinkthatIshallfindthemsweetwhenanothermanhasrifledthem？Secretchambersaremanyyonderinthepalaceofthegods，anddoubtlesstheJewwillfindhiswaythere."
"Nay，King，forbetweenthesetwoIhaveindeedbuiltawallwhichcannotbeclimbed.TheworshipperoftheLordofIsraelmaynottrafficwiththehigh—priestessofAshtoreth.Moreover，IshallbringitaboutthaterelongPrinceAziel’sfaceissetseawards."
"Dothat，andIwillbelieveyou，merchant，thoughitwouldbebetterifyoucouldbringitaboutthathisfacewassetearthwards，asI
willifIcan.Well，thistimeIspareyou，thoughbesurethatifaughtmiscarry，youshallpaytheprice，how，Ihavetoldyou.NowI
gototalkwiththesetraders，theseoutlanders，ofZimboe.Whydoyouwait？Youaredismissedand——alive."
Metemlookedsteadilyatthetabletswhichhestillheldinhishand.
"Ihaveheard，"hesaidhumbly，"thatthekingIthobal，thegreatking，alwayspayshisdebts，andasI——anoutlander——shallbeleavingZimboeshortlyunderhissafeconduct，Idesiretoclosethissmallaccount."
Ithobalwenttothedoorofhistentandcommandedthathistreasurershouldattendhim，bringingmoney.Presentlyhecame，andathislord’sbiddingweighedoutonehundredouncesofgold.
"Youareright，Ph？nician，"saidIthobal;"Ialwayspaymydebts，sometimesingoldandsometimesiniron.BecarefulthatIoweyounomore，lestyouwhoto—dayarepaidingold，to—morrowmayreceivetheiron，weighedoutinthefashionofwhichIhavespoken.Now，begone."
Metemgatheredupthetreasure，andhidingitinhisamplerobe，bowedhimselffromtheroyalpresenceandoutofthethorn—hedgedcamp.
"WithoutdoubtIhavebeenindanger，"hesaidtohimself，wipinghisbrow，"sinceatonetimethatblackbrute，disregardingthesanctityofanenvoy，haditinhismindtotortureandtokillme.So，so，kingIthobal，MetemthePh？nicianisalsoanhonestmerchantwho’alwayspayshisdebts，’asyoumaylearninthemarket—placesofJerusalem，ofSidonandofZimboe，andIoweyouaheavybillforthefrightyouhavegivenmeto—day.LittleofElissa’scompanyshallyouhaveifIcanhelpit;sheistoogoodforacross—bredsavage，andifbeforeIgofromthesebarbarianlandsIcansetadropofmedicineinyourwine，oranarrowinyourgizzard，uponthewordofMetemthePh？nician，itshallbedone，kingIthobal."
WhenMetemreachedSakonandtheenvoys，hefoundthatamessagehadalreadybeensenttothemannouncingthatIthobalwouldmeetthempresentlyupontheplainoutsidehiscamp.Butstillthekingdidnotcome;indeed，itwasnotuntilSakonhaddespatchedanothermessenger，sayingthathewasabouttoreturntothecity，thatatlengthIthobalappearedattheheadofabodyguardofblacktroops.Arrangingtheseinlineinfrontofthecamp，hecameforward，attendedbytwelveorfourteencounsellorsandgenerals，allofthemunarmed.Half—waybetweenhisownlineandthatofthePh？nicians，butoutofbowshotofeither，hehalted.
ThereonSakon，accompaniedbyasimilarnumberofpriestsandnobles，amongwhomwereAzielandMetem，allofthemalsounarmed，exceptfortheknivesintheirgirdles，marchedouttomeethim.Theirescorttheyleftdrawnupuponthehillside.
"Letustobusiness，King，"saidSakon，whentheformalwordsofsalutationhadpassed."Wehavewaitedlonguponyourpleasure，andalreadytroopsmoveoutfromthecitytolearnwhathasbefallenus."
"DotheythenfearthatIshouldambushambassadors？"askedIthobalhotly."Fortherest，isitnotrightthatservantsshouldbideatthedooroftheirkingtillitishispleasuretoopen？"
"Iknownotwhattheyfear，"answeredSakon，"butatleastwefearnothing，forwearetoomany，"andheglancedathissoldiers，athousandstrong，uponthehillside."NorarethecitizensofZimboetheservantsofanymanunlesshebethekingofTyre."
"Thatweshallputtoproof，Sakon，"saidIthobal;"butsay，whatdoestheJewwithyou？"andhepointedtoAziel."IshealsoanenvoyfromZimboe？"
"Nay，King，"answeredtheprincelaughing，"butmygrandsire，themightyrulerofIsrael，chargedmealwaystotakenoteofthewaysofsavagesinpeaceandwar，thatImightlearnhowtodealwiththem.
Therefore，IsoughtleavetoaccompanySakonuponthisembassy."
"Peace，peace！"brokeinSakon."Thisisnotimeforgibes.KingIthobal，sinceyoudidnotdaretoventureyourselfagainwithinthewallsofourcity，wehavecometoanswerthedemandsyoumadeuponusintheHallofAudience.Youdemandedthatourfortificationsshouldbethrowndown，andthiswerefuse，sincewedonotcourtdestruction.
Youdemandedthatweshouldceasetoenslavementolabourinthemines，andtothisweanswerthatforeverymanwetakewewillpayataxtohislawfulchief，ortoyouasking.Youdemandedthattheancienttributeshouldbedoubled.Tothis，outofloveandfriendship，andnotfromfear，weassent，ifyouwillenterintoabondoflastingpeace，sinceitispeaceweseek，andnotwar.King，youhaveouranswer."
"Notallofit，Sakon.Howofthatfirstcondition——thatLadyElissathefair，yourdaughter，shouldbegivenmetowife？"
"King，itcannotbe，forthegodsofheavenhavetakenthismatterfromourhands，anointingtheladyElissatheirhigh—priestess."
"ThenasIlive，"answeredIthobalwithfury，"Iwilltakeherfromthehandsofthegodsandanointhermydancing—woman.Doyouthinktomakeamockofme，youpeopleofZimboe，whomIhavehonouredbydesiringoneofyourdaughtersinmarriage？Youseektotrickmewithyourpriests’jugglingthatyoumaykeephertobethetoyofyonderprinceling？Sobeit，butItellyouthatIwilltearyourcitystonefromstone，andanointitsruinswithyourblood.Yes，youryoungmenshalllabourintheminesforme，andyourhigh—bornmaidensshallwaituponmyqueens.Listen，you"——andheturnedtohisgenerals——"Letthemessengerswhoarereadystarteastandwest，andnorthandsouth，tothechiefswhosenamesyouhave，biddingthemtomeetmewiththeirtribesmen，atthetimeandplaceappointed.WhennextIspeakwithyou，EldersofZimboe，itshallbeattheheadofahundredthousandwarriors."
"Then，King，onyourhandsbealltheinnocentlivesthatthesewordsofyourshavedoomed，andmaytheweightoftheirwastedbloodpressyoudowntoruinanddeath."
ThusansweredSakonproudly，butwithpalelips，fordowhattheywouldtohideit，somethingofthefeartheyfeltfortheissueofthiswarwaswrittenonthefacesofallhiscompany.
Ithobalturneduponhisheel，deigningnoreply，butashewenthewhisperedawordintotheearoftwoofhiscaptains，greatmenofwar，whostayedbehindtherestofhispartysearchingforsomethingupontheground.Sakonandhiscounsellorsalsoturned，walkingtowardstheirescort，butAziellingeredalittle，fearingnodanger，andbeingcurioustolearnwhatthemensought.
"Whatdoyouseek，captains？"heaskedcourteously.
"Agoldarmletthatoneofushaslost，"theyanswered.
Aziellethiseyeswanderontheground，andnotfarawayperceivedthearmlethalf—hiddeninatussockofdrygrass，where，indeed，ithadbeenplaced.
"Isthisthering？"heasked，liftingitandholdingittowardsthem.
"Itis，andwethankyou，"theyanswered，advancingtotaketheornament.
Thenextmoment，beforeAzielevenguessedtheirpurpose，thecaptainshadgrippedhimbyeitherarmandweredragginghimatfullspeedtowardstheircamp.Understandingtheirtreacheryandthegreatnessofhisdanger，hecriedaloudforhelp.Thenthrowinghimselfswiftlytotheground，hesethisfeetagainstastonethatchancedtolieintheirpathinsuchfashionthatthesuddenweighttorehisrightarmfromthegroupofthemanthatheldhim.Now，quickasthought，Azieldrewthedaggerfromhisgirdle，and，stilllyinguponhisback，plungeditintotheshoulderofthesecondmansothatheloosedhiminhispain.Nexthesprangtohisfeet，and，leapingtoonesidetoescapetherushofhiscaptors，ranlikeadeertowardsthepartyofSakon，whohadwheeledroundatthesoundofhiscry.
Ithobalandhismenhadturnedalsoandspedtowardsthem，butatalittledistancetheyhalted，thekingshoutingaloud：——
"Idesiredtoholdthisforeigner，whoisthecauseofwarbetweenus，hostageforyourdaughter’ssake，Sakon，butthistimehehasescapedme.Well，itmattersnothing，forsoonmyturnwillcome.Therefore，ifyouandhearewise，youwillsendhimbacktothesea，forthitheraloneIpromisehimsafeconduct."
Thenwithoutmorewordshewalkedtohiscamp，thegatesofwhichwereclosedbehindhim.
"PrinceAziel，"saidSakon，astheywenttowardsthecity，"itisilltospeaksuchwordstoanhonouredguest，butitcannotbedeniedthatyoubringmuchtroubleonmyhead.TwicenowyouhavenearlyperishedatthehandsofIthobal，andshouldthatchance，doubtlessImustearnthewrathofIsrael.Onyourbehalf，also，thecityofZimboeisthisdayplungedintoawarthatwellmaybeherlast，sinceitisbecauseyouhavegrownsuddenlydeartoherthatmydaughterhascontinuedtorefusethesuitofIthobal，andbecauseofhisoutragedprideatthisrefusalthathehasraisedupthenationsagainstus.Prince，whileyouremaininthiscitythereisnohopeofpeace.Donot，therefore，hateme，yourservant，ifIprayofyoutoleaveuswhilethereisyettime."
"Sakon，"answeredAziel，"Ithankyouforyouropenspeech，andwillpayyoubackinwordsashonestasyourown.GladlywouldIgo，forherenothingbutsorrowhasbefallenme，wereitnotforonethingwhichtoyoumayseemlittle，buttome，andperhapstoanother，isallinall.IloveyourdaughterasIhaveneverlovedawomanbefore，andasmymindistohers，soisherstomine.How，then，canIgohencewhenthegoingmeansthatImustpartfromherforever？"
"Howcanyoustayhere，Prince，whenthestayingmeansthatyoumustbringhertoshameanddeath，andyourselfwithher？Saynow，areyouprepared，forthesakeofthismaiden，toabandontheworshipofyourfathersandtobecometheservantofElandBaaltis？"
"YouknowwellthatIamnotsoprepared，Sakon.FornothingthattheworldcouldgivemewouldIdothissin."
"Then，Prince，itisbestthatyoushouldgo，forthatandnootheristhepriceyoumustpayifyouwouldwinmydaughterElissa.Shouldyouseektodosobyothermeans，Itellyouthatneitheryourhighranknorthepowerofmyruleandfriendship，norpityforyouryouthandhers，cansaveyoubothfromdeath，sincetoforgiveyouthenwouldbetobringdownthewrathofitsoutragedgodsuponZimboe.Oh！Prince，foryourownsakeandforthesakeofherwhombothyouandIlovethusdearly，lingernolongerintemptation，butturnyourbackuponitasabravemanshould，forsoshallmyblessingfollowyoutothegraveandyouryearsbefilledwithhonour."
Azielcoveredhiseyeswithhishand，andthoughtawhile;thenheanswered：——
"Beitasyouwill，friend.Igo，butIgobroken—hearted."
CHAPTERXI
METEMSELLSIMAGES
Uponreachingthepalace，AzielwenttotheapartmentsofIssachar.
Findingnokeeperatthedoor，heentered，todiscovertheoldpriestkneelinginprayeratthewindow，whichfacedtowardsJerusalem.SoabsorbedwasheinhisdevotionsthatitwasnotuntilhehadendedthemandrisenthatIssacharsawAzielstandinginthechamber.
"Behold，ananswertomyprayer，"hesaid."Myson，theytoldmethatsomefreshdangerhadovertakenyou，thoughnoneknewitsissue.
ThereforeitwasthatIprayed，andnowIseeyouunharmed."Andtakinghiminhisarms，heembracedhim.
"ItistruethatIhavebeenindanger，father，"answeredAziel，andhetoldhimthestoryofhisescapefromIthobal.
"DidInotpraytheenottoaccompanythisembassy？"
"Yes，father，yetIhavereturnedinsafety.Listen：Icomewithtidingswhichyouwillthinkgood.NotanhouragoIpromisedSakonthatIwouldleaveZimboe，whereitseemsmypresencebreedsmuchtrouble."
"Goodtidings，indeed！"exclaimedIssachar，"andnevershallIknowapeacefulhouruntilwehaveseenthelastofthetowersofthisdoomedcityanditsaccursedpeopleofdevil—worshippers."
"Yes，goodforyou，father，butformemostill，forhereIshallleavemyyouthandhappiness.Nay，Iknowwhatyouthink;thatthisisbutsomepassingfancybredofthepleasantbeautyofawoman，butitisnotso.IsaythatfromthemomentwhenfirstIsawElissa，shebecamelifeofmylife，andsoulofmysoulandthatIgohencebeggaredofjoyandhope，andcarryingwithmeacankeringmemorywhichshalleatmyheartaway.Youdeemherawitch，onetowhomBaaltishasgivenpowertodragthemindsofmentotheirdestruction，butItellyouthatheronlyspellisthespellofherloveforme，alsothatshewhomyounamedsogrosslyisnolongertheservantofthedemonBaaltis."
"ElissanottheservantofBaaltis？Howcomesshethentobeherhigh—
priestess？Aziel，yourpassionhasmadeyoumad."
’Sheishigh—priestessbecauseMetemandothersbroughtaboutherelectionwithoutherwill，urgedontoitbyIknownotwhom."AndhelookedhardatIssachar，whoturnedaway."Butwhatmattersitwhodidtheilldeed，"hecontinued，"sincethis，atleast，iscertain，thatheremypresencebreedssorrowandbloodshed，andthereforeImustgoasIhavepromised."
"Whendowedepart，Prince？"queriedIssachar.
"Iknownot，itisnaughttome.HerecomesMetem，askofhim."
"Metem，"saidtheLevite，"theprincedesirestoleaveZimboeandmarchtothecoast，theretotakeshiptoTyre.Whencanyourcaravanbeready？"
"SoIhaveheard，Issachar，forSakontellsmethathehascometoanagreementwiththeprinceuponthismatter.Well，Iamgladtolearnit，fortroublesthickenhere，andIthinkthatthewoeyouprophesiedisnotfarfromthiscityofZimboewhereeverymanseekstoservehisownhand，andisreadytosellhisneighbour.Whencanthecaravanbegotready？Well，thenightafternext;atleast，wecanstartthatnight.To—morrowevening，sosoonasthesunisdown，Iwillsendonthecamelsbyonesandtwos，andwiththemthebaggageandtreasure，toasecretplaceIknowofinthemountains，whereweandtheprince’sguardcanfollowuponthemulesandjointhem.Asitchances，IhaveasafeconductfromIthobal.StillIshouldnotwishtoputhistroopsintotemptationbymarchingthroughthemwithtwentyladencamels，ortolosecertainearningsofmyownthatwillbehiddeninthebaggage.Moreover，ifourdeparturebecomesknown，halfthecitywouldwishtojoinus，havingnoloveofsoldiering，andmisdoubtingthemmuchoftheissueofthiswarwithIthobal."
"Asyouwill，"saidIssachar，"youarecaptainofthecaravan，andchargedwiththesafetyoftheprinceuponhisjourneyings.Iamreadywheneveryouappoint，andthequickerthathourcomes，themorepraiseyouwillhavefromme."
"Comewithme，Iwishtospeakwithyou，"saidAzieltothePh？nicianastheyleftthepresenceofIssachar."Listen，"headded，whentheyhadreachedhischamber，"weleavethiscitysoon，andIhavefarewellstomake."
"TotheBaaltis？"suggestedMetem.
"TotheladyElissa.Idesiretosendheraletteroffarewell;canyoudeliveritintoherownhand？"
"Itmaybemanaged，Prince，ataprice——nay，fromyouIasknoprice.
IhavestillsomeimagesthatIwishtosell，andwemerchantsgoeverywhere，evenintothepresenceoftheBaaltisifitpleaseshertoadmitthem.WriteyourscrollandIwilltakeit，though，tobeplain，itisnotataskwhichIshouldhavesought."
SoAzielwroteslowlyandwithcare.ThenhavingsealedthewritinghegaveittoMetem.
"Yourfaceissat，Prince，"hesaid，ashehiditinhisrobe，"but，believeme，youaredoingwhatisrightandwise."
"Itmaybeso，"answeredAziel，"yetIwouldratherdiethandoit，andmaymycurselieheavyupontheheadsofthosewhohavesowroughtthatitmustbedone.Now，Iprayyou，deliverthisscrollintothehandsofheryouknow，andbringmetheansweriftherebeany，betrayingittonone，forIwilldoublewhateversumisofferedforthattreachery."
"Havenofear，Prince，"saidMetemquietly，butwithouttakingoffence，"thiserrandisundertakenforfriendship，notforprofit.
Theriskisminealone;thegain——orloss——isyours."
AnhourlaterthePh？nicianstoodinthepalaceofthegods，demanding，underpermitfromSakon，governorofthecity，tobeadmittedintothepresenceoftheBaaltis，towhomhedesiredtosellcertainsacredimagescunninglyfashionedingold.Presentlyitwasannouncedthathewasallowedtoapproach，andtheofficersofthetempleledhimthroughguardedpassages，totheprivatechambersofthepriestesses.HerehefoundElissainalong，lowhall，sweetwithscentedwoods，richwithgold，andsupportedbypillarsofcedar.
Shewasseatedaloneatthefarendofthishall，beneaththewindow—
plate，cladinherwhiterobesofoffice，richlybroideredwithemblemsofthemoon.Herwomen，mostofwhomwereemployedinneedle—
work，thoughsomewhisperedidlytoeachother，weregatheredatthelowerendofthehallneartoitsdoor.
Metemsalutedthemasheentered，andtheydetainedhim，answeringhisgreetingbyrequestsfornewsandwithjests，nottoorefined，orbydemandsforpresentsofjewels，inreturnforwhichtheypromisedhimtheblessingsofthegoddess.Toeachhemadesomeaptreply，foreventhepriestessesofBaaltiscouldnotabashMetem.Butwhilehebandiedwords，hisquickeyesnotedoneoftheirnumberwhodidnotjoininthisplay.Shewasaspare，thin—lippedwomanwhomheknewforMesa，thedaughterofthedeadBaaltis，whohadbeenarivalcandidateforthethroneofthehigh—priestesswhenElissawaschoseninherplace.
WhenheenteredthehallMesawasseateduponacanvasstool，alittleapartfromtheothers，herchinrestinguponherhand，staringwithanevillooktowardstheplacewhereElissawasenthroned.Nordidherfacegrowmoregentleatthesightofthecunningmerchant，forsheknewwellitwasthroughhisplotsandbriberythatshehadbeenoustedfromhermother’splace.
"Awomantobefeared，"thoughtMetemtohimselfas，shakingoffthepriestesses，hepassedheruponhiswayupthelongchamber.Presentlyhehadreachedtheendofit，andwassalutingthepresenceoftheBaaltisbykneelingandtouchingthecarpetwithhisbrow.
"Rise，Metem，"saidElissa，"andsetoutyourbusiness，forthehourofthesunsetprayerisathand，andIcannottalklongwithyou."
Soherose，and，lookingatherwhilehelaidouthisstoreofimages，sawthatherfacewassad，andthathereyeswerefullofastrangefear.
"Lady，"hesaid，"onthesecondnightfromnowIdepartfromthiscityofyours，andgladshallIbetoleaveitliving.ThereforeIhavebroughtyouthesefourpricelessimagesofthemostsplendidworkmanshipofTyre，thinkingthatitmightpleaseyoutopurchasethemfortheserviceofthegoddess."
"Youdepart，"shewhispered;"alone？"
"Nolady，notalone;theholyIssachargoeswithme，alsotheescortoftheprinceAziel——andtheprincehimself，whosepresenceisnolongerdesiredinZimboe."Herehestopped，forhesawthatElissawasabouttobetrayheragitation，andwhispered，"Benotfoolish，foryouarewatched;Ihavealetterforyou.Lady，"hecontinuedinaloudervoice，"ifitwillpleaseyoutoexaminethispreciousimageinthelight，youwillnolongerhesitateorthinkthepricetoohigh，"andbowinglowheledthewaybehindthethrone，whitherElissafollowedhim.
Nowtheywerestandingbeneaththewindow—place，whichtheyfaced，andhiddenfromthegazeofthewomenbythegildedbackofthehighseat.
"Here，"hesaid，thrustingtheparchmentintoherhand，"readquickly，andreturnittome."
Shesnatchedtherollfromhim，andashereyesdevouredthelines，herfacefellin，andherlipsgrewpalewithanguish.
"Bebrave，"murmuredMetem，forhisheartwasstirredtopity;"itisbestforallthatheshouldgo."
"Forhim，perchanceitisbest，"sheanswered;aswithanunwillinghandshegavehimbacktheletterwhichshedarednotkeep，"butwhatofme？Oh！Metem，whatofme？"
"Lady，"hesaidsadly，"Ihavenowordstosootheyoursorrowsavethatthegodshavewilleditthus."
"Whatgods？"sheaskedfiercely;"notthosetheybidmeworship."Sheshuddered，thenwenton，"Metem，bepitiful！Oh！ifeveryouhavelovedawoman，orhavebeenlovedofone，forhersakebepitiful.I
mustseehimforthelasttimeinfarewell，andyoucanhelpmetoit."
"I！InthenameofBaal，how？"
"Whendoyouhavetoleavethecity，Metem？"
"Atmoonriseonthenightafternext."
"ThenanhourbeforemoonriseIwillbeinthetemple，whitherIcancomebythesecretwaythatleadsthitherfromthispalace，andhecanenterthere，forthelittlegateshallbeleftunbarred.Prayhimtomeetme，then——forthelasttime."
"Lady，"heurged，"thisisbutmadness，andIrefuse.Youmustfindanothermessenger."
"Madnessornotitismywill，andbewarehowyouthwartmeinit，Metem，foratleastIamtheLadyBaaltis，andhavepowertokillwithoutquestion.IsweartoyouthatifIdonotseehim，youshallneverleavethiscityliving."
"Ashrewdargument，andtothepoint，"saidMetemreflectively."Well，Ihavepreparedmyselfarock—hewntombatTyre，anddonotwishthatmygravensarcophagusofbestEgyptianalabastershouldbewasted，orsoldtosomeupstartforasong."
"Asassuredlyitwillbe，ifyoudonotobeymeinthismatter，Metem.
Remember——anhourbeforemoonrise，atthefootofthepillarofElintheinnercourtofthetemple."
AsshespokeMetemstarted，forhisquickearshadcaughtasound.
"OQueendivine，"hesaidinaloudvoice，asheledthewaytothefrontofthethrone，"youareahardbargainer！Weretheremanysuch，apoortradercouldnotmakealiving.Ah！hereisonewhoknowsthevalueofsuchpricelessworksofart，"andhepointedtoMesa，who，withfoldedarmsanddowncasteyes，stoodwithinfivepacesofthethrone，asnear，indeed，ascustomallowedhertoapproach."Lady，"hewentonaddressingyou，"youwillhaveheardthepriceIasked;say，now，isittoomuch？"
"Ihaveheardnothing，sir.Istandhere，waitingthereturnofmyholymistressthatImayremindherthatthehourofsunsetprayerisathand."
"WouldthatIhadsofairamentor，"exclaimedMetem，"forthenI
shouldloselesstime."Buttohimselfhesaid，"She/has/heardsomething，thoughIthinkbutlittle，"thenaddedaloud："Welljudgebetweenus，lady.IsfiftygoldenshekelstoomuchfortheseimageswhichhavebeenblessedandsprinkledwiththebloodofchildrenbythehighpriestofBaalatSidon？"
Mesaliftedhercoldeyesandlookedatthem."Ithinkittoomuch，"
shesaid，"butitisfortheladyBaaltistojudge.WhoamIthatI
shouldopenmylipsinthepresenceoftheladyBaaltis？"
"Ihaveappealedtotheoracle，andithasspokenagainstme，"saidMetem，wringinghishandsinaffecteddismay."Well，Iabidetheresult.Queen，youofferedmefortyshekelsandforfortyyoushalltakethem，forthehonouroftheholygods，thoughintruthIlosetenshekelsbythebargain.Giveyourordertothetreasurer，andhewillpaymeto—morrow.Sonowfarewell，"andbowingtillhisforeheadtouchedtheground，hekissedthehemofherrobe.
Elissabentherheadinacknowledgmentofthesalute，andasherosehereyesmethis.Inthemwaswrittenawarningwhichhecouldnotfailtounderstand，andalthoughshedidnotspeak，herlipsseemedtoshapetheword，"Remember."
TenminuteslaterMetemstoodinthechamberofAziel.
"Hassheseentheletter，andwhatdidsheanswer？"askedtheprince，springingupalmostashepassedthethreshold.
"InthenameofallthegodsofallthenationsIprayyounottospeaksoloud，"answeredMetemwhenhehadclosedthedoorandlookedsuspiciouslyabouthim."Oh！ifeverIfindmyselfsafeinTyreagain，Ivowagift，andnomeanone，toeachofthemthathasatemplethere，andtheyaremany;fornosinglegodisstrongenoughtobringmesafeoutofthistrouble.HaveIseentheladyElissa？Oh，yes，I
haveseenher.Andwhatthinkyouthatthisinnocentlamb，thisundefileddoveofyours，threatensmewithnow？Death！nothinglessthandeath，ifIwillnotcarryoutherfoolishwishes.More，shemeansthethreat，andhasthestrengthtofulfilit，fortotheladyBaaltisisgivenpoweroverthelivesofmen，orattheleast，ifshetakeslifenonequestiontheauthorityofthegoddess.UnlessIdoherwillIamadeadman，andthatistherewardIgetformixingmyselfupinyourmadloveaffairs."
"Hold！"brokeinAziel，"andtellme，man，whatisherwill？"
"Herwillis——whatdoyouthink？Tomeetyouinfarewellanhourbeforeyouleavethiscity.Well，asmythroatisatstake，byBaal！
itshallbegratifiedifIcanfindthemeans，thoughItellyouthatitismadnessandnothingelse.Butlistentothestory————"andherepeatedallthathadpassed."Now，"headded，"areyoureadytotaketherisk，Prince？"
"IshouldbeacowardindeedifIdidnot，"answeredAziel，"whenshe，awoman，daresaheavier."
"AndIamacoward，thatiswhyItakeit，forotherwiseIalsomustdareaheavier.ButwhatofIssachar？Thismeetingcanscarcelybekeptasecretfromhim."
Azielthoughtawhileandsaid：——
"Gofetchhimhere."SoMetemwent，toreturnpresentlywiththeLevite，towhom，withoutfurtherado，theprincetoldall，hidingnothing.
Issacharlistenedinsilence.WhenbothAzielandMetemhaddonespeaking，hesaid：——
"Atleast，Ithankyou，Prince，forbeingopenwithme;andnowwithoutmorewordsIprayyoutoabandonthisrashplan，whichcanendonlyinpain，andperhapsindeath."
"Abandonitnot，Prince，"interruptedMetem，"seeingthatifyoudoitwillcertainlyendinmydeath，forthegirlismad，andwillhaveherway.Orifshedoesnot，thenImustpaytheprice."
"Havenofear，"answeredAzielsmiling."Issachar，thismustbedoneor————"
"Orwhat，Prince？"
"Iwillnotleavethecity.ItistruethatSakonmaythrustmefromit，butitshallbeasadeadman.Nay，wastenowords，sinceshedesiresit;ImustandwillmeettheLadyElissaforthelasttime，notaslovermeetslover，butasthosemeetwhopartforeverintheworld."
"Yousayso，Prince;thenhaveIyourpermissiontoaccompanyyou？"
"Yes，ifyouwishit，Issachar;butthereisdanger."
"Danger！WhatcareIfordanger？ThewillofHeavenbedonetome.Sobeit，wewillgotogether，buttheendofitisnotwithus."
CHAPTERXII
THETRYST
Twodayshadgoneby，andattheappointedhourthreefigures，wrappedindarkcloaks，mighthavebeenseenwalkingswiftlytowardsthelittleentranceofthetemplefortress.Althoughitwasneartomidnightthecitywasstillastirwithmen，forthisveryeveningnewshadreacheditthatIthobalwasadvancingattheheadoftensofthousandsofthewarriorsoftheTribes.More，itwasrumouredfreelythatwithinthenextfewdaysthesiegeofZimboewouldbegin.Lateasitwas，thecouncilhadbeenjustsummonedtothepalaceofSakontoconsidertheconductofthedefence，whileineverystreetstoodknotsofmenengagedinanxiousdiscussion，andfrommanyasmithyrosethesoundofarmourersattheirwork.Heremarchedpartiesofsoldiersofvariousraces，therecamelongstringsofmulesladenwithdriedfleshandgrain;yonderawomanbeatherbreast，andweptloudlybecauseherthreesonshadbeenimpressedbyorderofthecouncil，twoofthemtoserveasarchersandthethirdtocarryblocksofstoneforthefortifications.
Passingunnoticedthroughallthiscrowdandtumult，Aziel，IssacharandMetementeredawindingpassageinthetemplewall，andcametothelittlegate.Metemtriedit，andwhispered：——
"Shehaskeptherword;itisunlocked.Nowentertoyourlove—tryst，holyIssachar."
"Doyounotcomewithus？"askedtheLevite.
"No，Iamtoooldforsuchadventures.Listen，Igotomakeready.
Withinanhourthemuleswiththeprince’sbodyguardwillstandinthearchwaynearthesmallgateofthepalace，forbynowthebaggageanditsescortawaitusaday’smarchfromthisaccursedcity.Willyoumeetmethere？No;IthinkitisbestthatIshouldcometoyourchamberstofetchyou，and，Iprayyou，lettherebenodelay，foritisdangerousinmanyways.Whenoncetheprincehasdonewithhistenderinterview，andwipedawayhistears，thereshouldbenothingtostayhim，sincethefarewellcupwithSakonhasbeenalreadydrunk.
Enternowswiftlybeforesomeprowlingpriesthappensuponyou，andpraythatyoumaycomeoutassoundasyougoin.Oh！whatasight！A
princeofIsraelandanagedLeviteofestablishedreputationgoingtokeepatrystatmidnightwiththehigh—priestessofBaaltisinthesanctuaryofhergod！Nay，answernot;thereisnotime"——andhewasgone.
Havingpassedthegate，AzielandIssacharcreptdownthewindingpassagesofstone，gropingtheirpathbysuchlightasfellfromthenarrowlineofskyabovethem，tillatlengththeyreachedthecourtofthesanctuary.Heretheplacewasassilentasdeath，forthenoisefromthecitywithoutcouldnotpierceitstoweringwallsofmassivegranite.
"ItistheverypitofTophet，"murmuredIssachar，peeringthroughthedenseshadows，"thehouseofBeelzebub，wherehispresencedwells.
Whithernow，Aziel？"
Theprincepointedtotwoobjectsthatwerevisibleinthestarlight，andanswered：——
"Thither，atthefootofthepillarofEl."
"Ah！Iremember，"saidIssachar，"wheretheaccursedwomanwouldhaveofferedsacrifice，andthepriestsstruckmedownbecauseIprophesiedtothemofthewrathtocome，andthatisnowathand.Anill—omenedspot，indeed，andanill—omenedtrystwiththefiendsforwitnesses.
Well，leadon，andIprayyoutobebriefasmaybe，forthisplaceweighsdownmysoul，andIfeeldangerinit——dangertothebodyandthespirit."
Sotheywentforward."Becareful，"whisperedAzielpresently."Thepitofsacrificeisatyourfeet."
"Yes，yes，"heanswered，"wewalkupontheedgeofthepit，and，intruth，Igrowfearful，foratthethresholdofsuchplacestheangeloftheLorddesertsus."
"Thereisnothingtofear，"saidAziel.Butevenashespoke，althoughhecouldnotseeit，awhitefaceroseabovetheedgeofthepit，likethatofsomeghoststrugglingfromthetomb，watchedthemamomentwithcoldeyes，thendisappearedagain.
Nowtheywerenearthegreaterpillar，andnowfromitsshadowglidedablack—veiledshape.
"Elissa？"murmuredAziel.
"ItisI，"whisperedasoftvoice;"butwhocomeswithyou？"
"I，Issachar，"saidtheLevite，"whowouldnotsufferthatheofwhomIamgivenchargeshouldseeksuchcompanyalone.Now，priestess，sayyoursaywiththeprinceyonderandletusbegoneswiftlyfromthisblood—stainedplace."
"Youspeakharshwordstome，Issachar，"shesaidgently，"yetIammostgladthatyouhavecome，for，believeme，Isoughtnolovers’
meetingwiththeprinceAziel.Listen，bothofyou：youknowthattheyhaveconsecratedmehigh—priestessofBaaltisagainstmywill.Now，I
tellyou，Issachar，whatIhavealreadytoldtheprinceAziel——thatI
amnolongeraworshipperofBaaltis.Yes，hereinherverytempleI
renounceher，eventhoughshetakesmylifeinvengeance.Oh！sincetheymademepriestessIhavebeenforcedtolearnallherworship，whichbeforeIneverevenguessed，andtoseesightsthatwouldchillyourbloodtohearofthem.NowItellyou，princeAzielandIssachar，thatIwillbearnomore.FromElandBaaltisIturntoHimyouworship，though，alas！littletimeislefttomeinwhichtopleadforpardon."
"Whyislittletimeleft？"brokeinAziel.
"Becausemydeathisverynearme，Prince，forifIlive，seewhatafateismine.EitherImustremainhigh—priestessofBaaltisandtoherdaybydaybowtheknee，andmonthbymonthmakesacrifice——ofwhatthinkyou？Well，tobeplain，ofthebloodofmaidsandchildren.
Or，perhaps，shouldtheirfearsovercometheirscruples，Ishallbegivenbythecouncilasapeace—offeringtoIthobal.
"IsaythatIwillbearneitheroftheseburdensofbloodorshame;
theyaretooheavyforme.Prince，sosoonasyouaregoneItooshallleavethiscity，notinthebody，butinthespirit，searchingforpeaceorsleep.ItwasforthisreasonthatIsoughttospeakwithyouinfarewell，sinceinmyweaknessIdesiredthatyoushouldlearnthetruthofthecauseandmannerofmyend.
"Nowyouknowall，andasformethereisnoescape，farewellforever，princeAziel，whomIhaveloved，andwhomIcanscarcelyhopetomeetagain，evenbeyondthegrave."Thenwithalittledespairingmotionofherhandsheturnedtogo.
"Stay，"saidAzielhoarsely，"wecannotbepartedthus;sincebyyourownactyoucandaretoleavetheworld，willyounotdaretoflythisplacewithme？"
"Perhaps，Prince，"sheansweredwithalittlelaugh，"butwouldyoudaretotakeme，andifso，wouldIssacharheresufferit？No，no;goyourownpathinlife，andleavemedeath——itistheeasierway."
"InthismatterIammasterandnotIssachar，"saidAziel，"thoughitbetruethatshoulditpleasehim，hecanwarnthepriestsofEl.
Listen，Elissa：eitheryouleavethiscitywithme，orIstayinitwithyou.Youhearme，Issachar？"
"Ihearyou，"saidtheLevite，"butperchancebeforeyouthrowmoresharpwordsatmyhead，youwillsuffermetospeak.Self—murderisacrime，yetIhonourthiswomanwhowouldshedherownblood，ratherthanthebloodoftheinnocentinsacrificetoBaal，andwhorefusestobegiveninmarriagetooneshehates;who，moreover，hasfoundstrengthandgracetotrampleonherdevil—worship，ifsointruthshehas.Ifthereforeshewillcomewithusandwecanescapewithher，why，lethercome.Onlysweartome，Aziel，thatyouwillmakenowifeofhertilltheking，yourgrandsire，hasheardthistaleandgivenjudgmentonit."
"ThatIwillswearforhim，"exclaimedElissa;"isitnotso，Aziel？"
"Asyouwill，lady，"heanswered."Issachar，youhavemywordthatuntilthensheshallbeasmysister，andnomore."
"IhearandIbelieveyou，"saidIssachar，adding："Andnow，lady，wegoatonce，soifyoudesiretoaccompanyus，come."
"Iamready，"shereplied，"andthehouriswellchosenforIshallnotbemissedtilldawn."
Sotheyturnedandleftthetemple.Nonestayedorhinderedthem，yetalthoughtheyreachedthechambersofAzielinsafety，theirhearts，whichshouldhavebeenlight，werestillheavywiththepresageofnewsorrowtocome.
Scarcelycouldtheyhavebeenheavier，indeed，hadtheyseenawhite—
facedwomancreepfromthepitofdeathandfollowthemstealthilytilltheyhadpassedfromthetempleintothepalacedoors，thenturnandrunatfullspeedtowardsthecollegeofthepriestsofEl.
InthechamberofAzieltheyfoundMetem.
"Irejoicetoseeyoubackagaininsafety，sinceitismorethanI
thoughttodo，"hesaid，whiletheyentered，adding，astheblack—
veiledshapeofElissafollowedthemintotheroom，"butwhoisthethird？Ah！Isee，theladyElissa.DoestheBaaltisaccompanyusuponourjourney？"
"Yes，"answeredAzielshortly.
"ThenwithherhighGraceontheonesideandtheholyIssacharontheotheritshouldnotlackforblessings.Surelythatevilmustbegreatfromwhich，separatelyortogether，theyareunabletodefendus.But，lady，ifImayaskit，haveyoubidfarewelltoyourmosthonouredfather？"
"Tormentmenot，"murmuredElissa.
"Indeed，Ididnotwishto，thoughyoumayrememberthatnotsolongagoyouthreatenedtosilencemeforever.Well，doubtlessyourdepartureistoohurriedforfarewells，and，fortunately，foreseeingit，Ihaveprovidedsparemules.Somydeedsarekinderthanmywords.
Igotoseethatallisprepared.Noweatbeforeyoustart;presentlyIwillreturnforyou，"andheleftthechamber.
Whenhehadgonetheygatheredroundthetableonwhichstoodfood，butcouldtouchlittleofit;fortheheartsofallthreeofthemwerefilledwithsadforebodings.Soontheyheardanoiseasofpeopletalkingexcitedlyoutsidethepalacegates.
"ItisMetemwiththemules，"saidAziel.
"Ihopeso，"answeredElissa.
Againtherewassilence，which，afterawhile，wasbrokenbyaloudknockingatthedoor.
"Rise，"saidAziel，"Metemcomesforus."
"No，no，"criedElissa，"itisDoomthatknocks，notMetem."
Asthewordspassedherlipsthedoorwasburstopen，andthroughitpouredamobofarmedpriests，attheheadofwhommarchedtheShadid.
ByhissidewashisdaughterMesa，inwhosepalefacetheeyesburnedliketorchesinawind.
"DidInottellyouso？"shesaidinashrillvoice，pointingatthethree."BeholdtheLadyBaaltisandherlover，andwiththemthatpriestofafalsefaithwhocalleddowncursesuponourcity."
"Youtoldusindeed，daughter，"answeredtheShadid;"pardonusifwewerelothtobelievethatsuchathingcouldbe."Thenwithacryofrageheadded，"Takethem."
NowAzieldrewhissword，andspranginfrontofElissatoprotecther，butbeforehecouldstrikeablowitwasseizedfrombehind，andhewasgrippedbymanyhands，gagged，boundandblindfolded.Thenlikeamaninadreamhefelthimselfcarriedawaythroughlongpassages，tillatlengthhereachedanairlessplace，wherethegagandbandageswereremoved.
"WhereamI？"Azielasked.
"Inthevaultsofthetemple，"answeredthepriestsastheylefttheprison，barringitsgreatdoorbehindthem.
CHAPTERXIII
THESACRILEGEOFAZIEL
Howlonghelayinhisdungeon，lostinbitterthoughtandtormentedbyfearsforElissa，Azielcouldnottell，fornolightcametheretomarkthepassageofthehours.Inthetumultofhismind，oneterriblethoughtgrewclearandeverclearer;heandElissahadbeentakenred—
handed，andmustpaythepriceoftheirsinagainstthereligiouscustomsofthecity.FortheBaaltistobefoundwithanymanwhowasnotherhusbandmeantdeathtohimandher，adoomfromwhichtherewaslittlechanceofescape.
Well，tohisownfatehewasalmostindifferent，butforElissaandIssacharhemournedbitterly.TrulytheLeviteandMetemhadbeenwisewhentheycautionedhim，forhersakeandhisown，tohavenothingtodowithapriestessofBaal.Buthehadnotlistened;hisheartwouldnotlethimlisten——andnow，unlesstheyweresavedbyamiracle——orMetem——inthefulnessoftheiryouthandlove，thelivesofbothofthemwereforfeited.
WornoutwithsorefearsandvainregretsAzielfellatlengthintoaheavysleep.Hewasawakenedbytheopeningofthedoorofhisdungeon，andtheentryofpriests——grim，silentmenwhoseizedandblindfoldedhim.Thentheyledhimawayupmanystairs，andalongpathssosteepthatfromtimetotimetheypausedtorest，tillatlengthheknew，bythesoundofvoices，thathehadreachedsomeplacewherepeoplewereassembled.Herethebandagewasremovedfromhiseyes.Hesteppedbackwards，recoilinginvoluntarilyattheglareoflightthatpoureduponhimfromthesettingsun，whereon，utteringanexclamation，thosewhostoodnearseizedandheldhim.Presentlyhesawthereason.Hewasstandingonthebrinkofaprecipiceatthebackofanddominatingthedimandshadow—cladcity，whilefarbeneathhimlayagloomyriftalongwhichranthetraderoadtothecoast.
Hereinthisdizzyspotwasawidespaceofrock，walledinuponthreesides.Theprecipiceformedthefourthsideofitssquare，inwhich，seateduponstonesthatseemedtohavebeensetthereinsemi—circlestoserveasjudgmentchairs，weregatheredtheheadpriestsandpriestessesofElandBaaltis，cladintheirsacerdotalrobes.Totherightandleftofthesestoodknotsoffavouredspectators，amongwhomAzielrecognisedMetemandSakon，whileathisside，butseparatedfromhimbyarmedpriests，wereElissaherself，wrappedinadarkveil，andIssachar.Lastly，infrontofhim，afireflickereduponalittlealtar，andbehindthealtarstoodashrinecontainingasymbolicaleffigyofBaaltisfashionedofgold，ivoryandwoodtotheshapeofawomanwithahundredbreasts.
Seeingallthis，Azielunderstoodthattheythreehadbeenbroughtherefortrial，andthatthepriestsandpriestessesbeforehimweretheirjudges.Indeed，herememberedthattheplacehadbeenpointedouttohimasonewherethosewhohadoffendedagainstthegodswerecarriedforjudgment.Thence，iffoundguilty，suchunfortunateswerehurleddownthefaceoftheprecipiceandleft，ashapelessmassofbrokenbone，tocrumbleontheroadwayatitsfoot.
Afteralongandsolemnpause，atasignfromtheShadid，hewhohadbeenthehusbandofthedeadBaaltis，theveilwasremovedfromElissa.Atoncesheturned，lookedatAziel，andsmiledsadly.
"Doyouknowthefatethatwaitsus？"theprinceaskedofIssacharinHebrew.
"Iknow，andIamready，"answeredtheoldLevite，"forsincemysoulissafeIcarelittlewhatthesedogsmaydotomybody.But，oh！myson，Iweepforyou，andcursedbethehourwhenfirstyousawthatwoman’sface."
"Sparetoreproachmeinmymisfortune，"murmuredElissa;"haveInotenoughtobear，knowingthatIhavebroughtdeathuponhimIlove？Oh！
cursemenot，butpraythatmysinsmaybeforgivenme."
"ThatIwilldogladly，daughter，"repliedIssacharmoregently，"themoresothat，althoughyouseemtobethecauseofthem，thesethingscanhavehappenedonlybythewillofHeaven.ThereforeIwaswrongtorevileyou，andIaskyourpardon."
BeforeshecouldanswertheShadidcommandedsilence.AtthesamemomentthewomanMesasteppedfrombehindtheeffigyofthegoddessontheshrine.
"Whoareyouandwhatdoyouhere？"askedtheShadid，asthoughhedidnotknowher.
"IamMesa，thedaughterofherwhowastheladyBaaltis，"sheanswered，"andmyrankisthatofMotherofthepriestessesofBaaltis.Iappeartogivetrueevidenceagainsther，whoistheanointedBaaltis，againsttheIsraelitishstrangernamedAziel，andthepriestoftheLordoftheJews."
"Layyourhanduponthealtarandspeak，butbewarewhatyouspeak，"
saidtheShadid.
Mesabowedherhead，tooktheoathoftruthbytouchingthealtarwithherfingers，andbegan：——
"FromthetimethatshewasappointedIhavebeensuspiciousoftheladyBaaltis."
"Whywereyoususpicious？"askedtheShadid.
ThewitnesslethereyeswandertowardsMetem，thenhesitated.
Evidentlyforsomereasonofherownshedidnotwishtoimplicatehim.
"Iwassuspicious，"sheanswered，"becauseofcertainwordsthatcamefromthelipsoftheBaaltis，whenshehadbeenthrownintotheholytrancebeforethefireofsacrifice.Asismyaccustomedpart，Ibentoverhertohearandtoannouncethemessageofthegods，butinplaceofthehallowedwordsthereissuedbabblingsaboutthisHebrewstrangerandofameetingtobeheldwithhimatonehourbeforemoonrisebythepillarofElinthecourtyardofthetemple.
ThereafterforseveralnightsaswasmydutyIhidmyselfinthepitofofferingsinthecourtyardandwatched.LastnightatanhourbeforethemoonrisetheLadyBaaltiscamedisguisedbythesecretwayandwaitedatthepillar，wherepresentlyshewasjoinedbytheJewAzielandtheLevite，whospokewithher.
"WhattheysaidIcouldnothear，becausetheyweretoofarfromme，butatlengththeyleftthetempleandItracedthemtothechambersoftheJewAziel，inthepalaceofSakon.Then，Shadid，Iwarnedyou，andthepriestsandyouaccompaniedmeandtookthem.Now，asMotherofthepriestesses，Idemandthatjusticebedoneuponthesewickedones，accordingtotheancientcustom，lestthecurseofBaaltisshouldfalluponthiscity."
Whenshehadfinishedherevidence，withacoldstareoftriumphanthateatherrival，Mesasteppedtooneside.
"Youhaveheard，"saidtheShadidaddressinghisfellow—judges.Doyouneedfurthertestimony？Ifso，itmustbebrief，forthesunsinks."
"Nay，"answeredthespokesman，"forwithyouwetookthethreeofthemtogetherinthechamberoftheprinceAziel.Setoutthelawofthismatter，OJudge，andletjusticebedoneaccordingtothestrictletterofthelaw——justicewithoutfearorfavour."
"Hearken，"saidtheShadid."LastnightthiswomanElissa，thedaughterofSakon，beingtheladyBaaltisdulyelected，metmensecretlyinthecourtsofthetempleandaccompaniedthem，oroneofthem，tothechamberofAziel，aprinceofIsrael，theguestofSakon.
Whetherornoshewasabouttoflywithhimfromthecitywhichheshouldhaveleftlastnight，wecannottell，anditisneedlesstoinquire，atleastshewaswithhim.This，however，issure，thattheydidnotsininignoranceofourlaw，sincewithmyownmouthIwarnedthemboththatiftheladyBaaltisconsortswithanymannotherhusbanddulynamedbyheraccordingtoherright，shemustdieandheraccomplicewithher.Therefore，AzieltheIsraelite，wegiveyoutodeath，doomingyoupresentlytobehurledfromtheedgeofyonderprecipice."
"Iaminyourpower，"saidtheprinceproudly，"andyoucanmurderifyouwill，because，forsooth，IhaveoffendedagainstsomelawofBaal，butItellyou，priest，thattherearekingsinJerusalemandEgyptwhowilldemandmybloodatyourhands.IhavenothingmoretosayexcepttobeseechyoutosparethelifeoftheladyElissa，sincethefaultofthemeetingwasnothers，butmine."
"Prince，"answeredtheShadidgravely，"weknowyourrankandweknowalsothatyourbloodwillberequiredatourhands，butwewhoserveourgods，whosevengeanceissoswiftandterrible，cannotbetraytheirlawforthefearofanyearthlykings.Yet，thussaysthissamelaw，itisnotneedfulthatyoushoulddiesinceforyouthereisawayofescapethatleadstosafetyandgreathonour，andshewhowasthecauseofyoursinisthemistressofitsgate.Elissa，holderofthespiritofBaaltisuponearth，ifitbeyourpleasuretonamethismanhusbandbeforeusall，thenasthespouseofBaaltishegoesfree，forhewhomtheBaaltischoosescannotrefusehergiftoflove，butforsolongassheshalllivemustrulewithherasShadidofEl.Butifyounamehimnot，thenasIhavesaid，hemustdie，andnow.
Speak."
"Itseemsthatmychoiceissmall，"saidElissawithafaintsmile.
"Prayingyoutopardonmeforthedeed，tosaveyourlife，princeAziel，accordingtotheancientcustomandprivilegeoftheBaaltis，I
nameyouconsortandhusband."
NowAzielwasabouttoanswerherwhentheShadidbrokeinhurriedly，"Sobeit，"hesaid."Lady，wehearyourchoice，andweacceptitaswemust，butnotyet，princeAziel，canyoutakeyourwifeandwithhermyplaceandpower.Yourlifeissafeindeed，forsincetheBaaltis，beingunwed，namesyouashermate，youhavedonenosin.Yetshehassinnedanddoomawaitsher，foragainstthelawshehaschosenashusbandonewhoworshipsastrangegod，andofallcrimesthatisthegreatest.Therefore，eitheryoumusttakeincenseandbeforeusallmakeofferingtoElandBaaltisuponyonderaltar，thusrenouncingyourfaithandenteringintoours，orshemustdieandyou，yourrankhavingpassedfromyouwithherbreath，willbeexpelledfromthecity."
NowAzielunderstoodthetrapthathadbeenlaidforhim，andsawinitthehandiworkofSakonandMetem.Elissahavingflagrantlyviolatedthereligiouslaw，andhe，beingthecauseofhercrime，eventheauthorityofthegovernorofthecitycouldnotpreventhisdaughterandhisguestfrombeingputupontheirtrial.Therefore，theyhadarrangedthisfarce，forsoitwouldseemtothem，wherebyboththeoffendersmightescapethelegalconsequencesoftheiroffence，trusting，doubtless，toaccidentandthefuturetounravelthiswebofforcedmarriage，andtofreeAzielfromapriestlyrankwhichhehadnotsought.ItwasonlynecessarythatElissashouldformallychoosehimasherhusband，andthatAzielshouldgothroughriteofthrowingafewgrainsofincenseuponanaltar，and，thelawsatisfied，theywouldbebothfreeandsafe.WhatMetem，andthosewhoworkedwithhim，hadforgottenwas，thatthisofferingofincensetoBaalwouldbethemostdeadlyofcrimesintheeyesofanyfaithfulJew——one，indeed，which，werehealoneconcerned，hewoulddieratherthancommit.
Whentheprinceheardthisdecree，andthefullterrorofthechoicecamehometohismind，hisbloodturnedcold，andforawhilehissenseswerebewildered.Therewasnoescapeforhim;eitherhemustabjurehisfaithatthepriceofhisownsoul，or，becauseofit，thewomanwhomheloved，now，beforehiseyes，mustsufferamosthorribleandsuddendeath.Itwashideoustothinkof，andyethowcouldhedothissininthefaceofheavenandoftheseministersofSatan？
Themomentwasathand;apriestheldouttohimabowlofincense，agoldenbowl，henoticedidly，withhandlesofgreenstonefashionedinthelikenessofBaaltis，whoseservanthewasaskedtodeclarehimself.He，AzieloftheroyalhouseofIsrael，aservantofBaalandBaaltis，nay，ahigh—priestoftheirworship！Itwasmonstrous，itmightnotbe.ButElissa？Well，shemustdie——ifthiswasnotafarce，andintruththeymeanttomurderher;herlifecouldnotbeboughtatsuchaprice.
"Icannotdoit，"hegaspedwithdrylips，thrustingasidethebowl.
Nowalllookedastonished，forhisrefusalhadnotbeenforeseen.
Therewasapause，andoncemorethewomanMesa，inhercharacterofprosecutrixonbehalfoftheoutragedgods，appearedbeforethealtar，andsaidinhercoldvoice：
"TheJewwhomtheladyBaaltishaschosenashusbandwillnotdohomagetohergods.Therefore，asMotherofthepriestessesandAdvocateofBaaltis，IdemandthatElissa，daughterofSakon，beputtodeath，andthethroneofBaaltisbepurgedofonewhohasdefiledit，lesttheswiftandterriblevengeanceofthegoddessshouldfalluponthiscity."
TheShadidmotionedtohertobesilent，andaddressedAziel：——
"Weprayyoutothinkawhile，"hesaid，"beforeyougiveonetodeathwhoseonlysinisthat，beingthehigh—priestessofourworship，shehasnamedanunbelievertofillthethroneofElandbeherhusband.
Outofpityforherfatewegiveyoutimetothink."
NowSakon，takingadvantageofthepause，rushedforward，andthrowinghisarmsaboutAziel’sknees，imploredhiminheart—breakingaccentstopreservehisonlychildfromsohorribleadoom.Hesaidthatdidherefusetosaveherbecauseofhisreligiousscruples，hewouldbeadogandacoward，andthescornofallhonestmenforever.Itwasforloveofhimthatshehadbrokenthepriestlylaw，toviolatewhichwasdeath，andalthoughhehadbeenwarnedofherdanger，yetinhiswickednessandfollyhehadbroughthertothispass.Wouldhethendeserthernow？
ButIssacharthrusthimaside，andbrokeinwithfierywords：——
"Hearkennottothisman，Aziel，"hesaid，"whostrivestoworkuponyourweaknesstotheruinofyoursoul.What！Tosavethelifeofonewoman，whosefairfacehasbroughtsomuchtroubleuponusall，wouldyoudenyyourLordandbecomethethrallofBaalandAshtoreth？Letherdiesincedieshemust，andkeepyourownheartpure，forbeassured，shouldyoudootherwise，Jehovah，whomyourenounce，willswiftlybeavengedonyouandher.AtthebeginningIwarnedyou，andyouwouldnotlisten.Now，Aziel，Iwarnyouagain，andwoe！woe！woe！
toyoushouldyoushutyourearstomymessage."Thenliftinghishandstowardstheskies，hebegantoprayaloudthatAzielmightbeconstantinhistrial.
Meanwhile，Metem，whohaddrawnnear，spokeinalowvoice：——
"Prince，"hesaid，"Iamnotchicken—hearted，andtherearesomanyyoungwomenintheworldthatonemoreorlesscanscarcelymatter;
still，althoughshethreatenedtomurdermethreedaysago，Icannotbeartoseethisonecometosodreadfuladeath.Prince，donotheedthehowlingsofthatoldfanatic，butrememberthatafterallyouarethecauseofthislady’splight，andplaythepartofaman.Canyouforthesakeofyourownscruples，howeverworthy，orofyourownsouleven，howevervaluabletoyourself，doomthefairbodyofawomanwhoriskedallforyoutosuchanendasthat？"Andshudderinghenoddedtowardsthegloomyprecipice.
"Istherenootherway？"Azielaskedhim.
"None，Iswearit.Theydidnotwishtokillher，exceptthatwild—catMesawhoseeksherplace，buthavingputheronherpublictrial，ifyoupersist——theymust.
"Thisisoneofthefewlawswhichcannotbebrokenforfavourorforgold，sincethepeople，whoarealreadyhalf—madwithfearofIthobal，believethattobreakitwouldbringthecursesofheavenupontheircity.Perhapswemighthavefoundsomeotherplan，butnoneofusevendreamedthatyouwouldrefusesosmallathingforthesakeofawomanwhomyousworeyouloved."
"Asmallthing！"brokeinAziel.
