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"Yes，Prince，averysmallthing.Remember，thisofferingofincenseisbutaformtowhichyouareforcedagainstyourwill——youcandopenanceforitafterwardswhenIhavearrangedforbothofyoutoescapethecity.IfyourGodcanbeangrywithyouforburningapinchofdusttosaveawoman，whoattheleasthasdaredmuchforyou，thengivemeBaal，forheislesscruel."
NowAziellookedtowardshimwhoheldthebowlofincense.ButElissawhoallthiswhilehadstoodsilent，steppedforwardandspoke：——
"PrinceAziel，"shesaidinacalmandquietvoice，"Inamedyouhusbandtosaveyourlife，butwithallmystrengthIprayofyou，donotthisthingtosavemine，whichisoflittlevalueandperhapsbestended.Remember，princeAziel，thatbeingwhatyouare，aJew，thisactofoffering，howeversmallitseems，isyetthegreatestofsins，andonewithwhichyoushouldnotdaretostainyoursoulforthesakeofawoman，whohaschancedtoloveyoutoyoursorrow.Beguided，therefore，bythetruewisdomofIssacharandbymyhumbleprayer.
Makeanendofyourdoubtsandletmedie，knowingthatwedobutpartawhile，sinceintheGateofDeathIshallwaitforyou，princeAziel."
BeforeAzielcouldanswer，theShadid，eitherbecausehispatiencewasoutworn，orbecausehewishedtoputhimtoasharpertrial，utteredacommand."Beitdonetoherasshedesires."
ThereonfourpriestsseizedElissabythewristsandankles.Carryinghertotheedgeoftheprecipice，theythrustherbacktillshehungoverit，herlonghairstreamingdownwards，andtheredlightofthesunsetshininguponherupturnedghastlyface.Thentheypaused，waitingforthesignaltolethergo.TheShadidraisedhiswandandsaid：——
"Isityourpleasurethatthiswomanshoulddieorlive，princeAziel？
Decideswiftly，formyarmisweak，andwhenthewandfallsopportunityforchoicewillhavepassedfromyou."
Nowalleyeswerefixeduponthewand，andtheintensesilencewasonlybrokenbySakon’scryofdespair.Metemwrunghishandsingrief;
evenIssacharveiledhiseyeswithhisrobe，toshutoutthesightofdread，andthepriest，whoborethebowlofincense，thrustittowardsAzielimploringly.
Forsomeseconds，threeperhaps，thoughtohimtheyseemedanage，theheartofAzielwasrackedandtorninthisterrificcontest.Thenheglancedattheagonizedfaceofthedoomedwoman，andjustasthewandbegantobend，hishumanloveandpityconquered.
"MayHeWhomIblasphemeforgiveme，"hemurmured，addingaloud，"I
willdosacrifice."Takingtheincenseinhishandnowhecastitintotheflamesuponthealtar，repeatingmechanicallyaftertheShadid：
"Bythissacrificeandhomage，bodyandsoulIgivemyselftoyouandworshipyou，ElandBaaltis，theonlytruegods."
TheechoofAziel’svoicediedaway，andthefumesoftheincenseroseinastraightdensecolumnuponthatquietair.Tohistormentedmind，itseemedasthoughitssmoketooktheformofanavengingangel，holdinginthehandaswordofflame，wherewithtodriveawayhisperjuredsoulfromHeaven，asourfirstforefathersweredrivenfromtheshininggatesofparadise.Yes，andtheywerenothuman，thosespectatorswho，intheintenseglowofthesunset，stoodintheirstillranksandstaredathimwithwideandeagereyes.Surelytheywerefiendsredwiththebloodofmen，fiendsgatheredfromthePittobeareverlastingwitnesstotheunpardonablesinofhisapostasy.
CHAPTERXIV
THEMARTYRDOMOFISSACHAR
Itwasdone，andfromthemouthsofthecircleofpriestsandpriestessesleaptashrillandsuddencryoftriumph.Forhadnottheirgodsconquered？Hadnotthishigh—placedservantofthehatedLordofIsraelbeencaughtbythebaitofapriestessofBaaltis，andseducedbyherdistresstodenyandrejectHim？Wasnoteviloncemoretriumphant，andmustnotthey，itsministers，rejoice？
AgaintheShadidraisedhiswandandtheyweresilent.
"Brotheryouhave，indeed，donewellandwisely，"hesaid，addressingAziel."Nowtaketowifethedivineladywhohaschosenyou，"andhepointedtoElissa，wholayprostratedontherock."Yes，takeherandbehappyinherlove，sittinginmyseat，whichhenceforthisyours，asrulerofthepriestsofElandmasteroftheirmysteries，forgettingthefolliesofyourformerfaith，andspittingonitsaltars.Hailtoyou，Shadid，LordoftheBaaltisandchosenofEl！
Takehim，youpriests，andwithhimthedivinelady，hiswife，tobearthemintriumphtotheirhighhouse."
"WhatoftheLevite？"askedthewomanMesa.
TheShadidglancedatIssachar，whoallthiswhilehadstoodlikeonestrickentothesoul，woestampeduponhisface，andastareofhorrorinhiseyes."Jew，"hesaid，"Ihadforgottenyou，butyoualsoareonyourtrial，whodaredagainstthelawtoholdsecretmeetingwiththeladyBaaltis.Forthissinthepunishmentisdeath，nor，asIthink，wouldanywomannameyouhusbandtosaveyou.Stillinthishourofjoywewillbemerciful;thereforedoasyourmasterdid，castincenseonthealtar，utteringtheappointedwords，andgoyourway."
"BeforeImakemyofferingonyonderaltaraccordingtoyourcommand，Ihaveindeedsomewordstosay，OpriestofEl，"answeredIssacharquietly，butinavoicethatchilledthebloodofthosewholistened.
"First，Iaddressmyselftoyou，Aziel，andtoyou，woman，"andhepointedtoElissa，whohadrisen，andleaned，trembling，uponherfather."Mydreamisfulfilled.Aziel，youhavesinnedindeed，andmustbeartheappointedpunishmentofyoursin.Yethearamessageofmercyspokenthroughmylips：Becauseyouhavesinnedthroughloveandpity，youroffenceisnotuntodeath.Stillshallyousorrowforitallyourlife’sdays，andindesolationofheartandbitternessofsoulshallcreepbacktothefeetofHimyouhaveforsworn.
"Woman，yourspiritisnobleandyourfeetaresetinthewayofrighteousness，yetthroughyouhasthisoffencecome.Thereforeyourloveshallbearnofruit，norshalltheblasphemyofyourbelovedsaveyourfleshfromdoom.Uponthisearththereisnohopeforyou，daughterofSakon;setyoureyesbeyondit，fortherealoneishope.
"Yondershestandswhosworeourlivesaway？"andhefixedhisburninggazeonMesa."Priestess，youplottedthisthatyoumightsucceedtothethroneofBaaltis;nowhearyourfate：Youshalllivetosweepthehutsandbearthebabesofsavages.You，priest，"andhepointedtotheShadid，"Ireadyourheart;youdesigntomurderthisapostatewhomyougreetasyoursuccessorthatyoumayusurphisplace.Ishowyouyours：itliesinthebelliesofthejackalsofthedesert.
"ForyoupriestsandpriestessesofElandBaaltis，thinkofmywords，andraisetheloudsongoftriumphtoyourgodswhenyouyourselvesaretheiroffering，andtheredflameofthefireburnsyouup，allofyousaveyoursins，whichareimmortal.Ocitizensofanaccursedcity，lookonthehill—topyonderandtellme，whatdoyouseeinthelightofthedyingday？Asheenofspears，isitnot？Theydrawneartoyourhearts，youwhosedayisdoneindeed，citizensofanaccursedcitywhereoftheverynameshallbeforgotten，andthenakedtowersshallbecomebutasourceofwondertomenunborn.
"Andnow，Opriest，havingsaidmysay，asyoubidme，Imakemyofferinguponyouraltar."
Then，whileallstoodfearfulandamazed，IssachartheLevitesprangforward，andseizingtheancientimageofBaaltis，hespatuponitanddashedthepricelessconsecratedthingdownuponthealtar，whereitbrokeintofragments，andwasburnedwiththefire.
"Myofferingismade，"hesaid;"mayHewhomIserveacceptit.Nowaftertheofferingcomesthesacrifice;sonAziel，fareyouwell."
Forafewmomentsasilenceofhorroranddismayfellupontheassemblyastheygazedattheshatteredandburningfragmentsoftheirholyimage.Thenmovedbyacommonimpulse，withcursesandyellsoffury，thepriestsandpriestessessprangfromtheirseatsandhurledthemselvesuponIssachar，whostoodawaitingthemwithfoldedarms.
Theysmotehimwiththeirivoryrods，theyrentandtorehimwiththeirhandsandteeth，worryinghimasdogsworryafoxofthehills，tillatlengththelifewasbeatenandtrampledoutofhimandhelaydead.
Thusterribly，butyetbysuchadeathofmartyrdomashewouldhavechosen，perishedIssachartheLevite.
Unarmedthoughhewas，Azielhadsprungtohisaid，butMetemandSakon，knowingthathewouldbutbringabouthisowndestruction，flungthemselvesuponhimandheldhimback.Whilsthewasstillstrugglingwiththemtheendcame，andIssachargrewstillforever.
Then，asthesunsankandthedarknessfell，Aziel’sstrengthlefthim，andpresentlyheslippedtothegroundsenseless.
ThereafteritseemedtoAzielthathewasplungedinanendlessanddreadfuldream，andthatthroughitsturmoilandshiftingvisions，hecouldseecontinuallythedreadfuldeathofIssachar，andhearhissternaccentsprophesyingwoetohimwhorenouncestheGodofhisforefatherstobowthekneetoBaal.
Atlengthheawokefromthathorror—hauntedsleeptofindhimselflyinginastrangechamber.Itwasnight，andlampsburnedinthechamber，andbytheirlighthesawamanwhosefaceheknewmixingadraughtinaglassphial.Soweakwashethatatfirsthecouldnotremembertheman’sname，thenbyslowdegreesitcametohim.
"Metem，"hesaid，"whereamI？"
ThePh？nicianlookedupfromhistask，smiled，andanswered：——
"Whereyoushouldbe，Prince，inyourownhouse，thepalaceoftheShadid.Butyoumustnotspeak，foryouhavebeenill;drinkthisandsleep."
Azielswallowedthedraughtandwasinstantlyovercomebyslumber.
Whenheawokethesunwasshiningbrightlythroughthewindowplace，anditsraysfellupontheshrewd，kindlyfaceofMetem，who，seatedonastool，watchedhim，hischinrestinginhishand.
"Tellmeallthathasbefallen，friend，"saidAzielpresently，"since————"andheshuddered.
"Sinceyouweremarriedafteranewfashionandthatbigotedbutmosthonourablefool，Issachar，wenttohisreward.Well，Iwillwhenyouhaveeaten，"answeredMetemashegavehimfood."First，"hesaid，afterawhile，"youhavelainhereforthreedaysravinginafever，nursedbymyselfandvisitedbyyourwifetheladyBaaltis，whenevershecouldescapefromherreligiousduties————"
"Elissa！Hasshebeenhere？"askedAziel.
"Calmyourself，Prince，certainlyshehas，and，whatismore，shewillbebacksoon.Secondly：Ithobalhasbeenasgoodashisword，andinveststhecitywithavastarmy，cuttingoffallsuppliesandpossibilitiesofescape.Itisbelievedthathewilltryanassaultwithinthenextweek，whichmanythinkmaybesuccessful.Thirdly：toavoidthisriskitisrumouredthatthepriestsandpriestesses，attheinstanceofthecouncil，arediscussingthewisdomofgivingovertothekingthepersonofthedaughterofSakon.This，itissaid，couldbedoneonthepleathatherelectionastheladyBaaltiswasbroughtaboutwithbribery，andis，therefore，void，asshewasnotchosenbythepureandunassistedwillofthegoddess."
"But，"saidAziel，"sheismywifeaccordingtotheirreligiouslaw;
howthencanshebegiveninmarriagetoanother？"
"Nay，Prince，ifsheisnottheladyBaaltisyourhusbandshipfallstothegroundwiththerest，foryouarenottheShadid，anofficewithwhichperchanceyoucandispense.Butallthispriestlyjugglingmeanslittle，thetruthbeingthatthecityinitsterrorisreadytothrowher——orforthematterofthat，Baaltisherselfiftheycouldlayhandsonher——asasoptoIthobal，hopingtherebytoappeasehisrage.
TheladyElissaknowsherdanger——buthereshecomestospeakforherself."
Ashespokethecurtainsattheendofthechamberweredrawn，andthroughthemcameElissa，cladinhersplendidrobesofofficeandwearinguponherbrowthegoldencrescentofthemoon.
"Howgoesitwiththeprince，Metem？"sheaskedinhersoftvoice，glancinganxiouslytowardsthecouchwhichwashalf—hiddenintheshadowofthewall.
"Lookforyourself，lady，"answeredthePh？nicianbowingbeforeher.
"Elissa，Elissa！"criedAziel，raisinghimselfandopeninghisarms.
Shesawandheard，then，withalowcry，sheranswiftlytohimandwaswrappedinhisembrace.Thustheystayedawhile，murmuringwordsofloveandgreeting.
"IsityourpleasurethatIshouldleaveyou？"askedMetempresently.
"No？Then，Prince，Iwouldhaveyourememberthatyouarestillveryweakandshouldnotgivewaytoviolentemotions."
"Listen，Aziel，"saidElissa，untwininghisarmsfromaboutherneck，"thereisnotimefortenderness;moreover，youshouldshownonetoonewho，innameatleast，isstillthehigh—priestessofBaaltis，thoughintruthsheworshipshernolonger.ItwasnobleofyouindeedtoofferincenseuponthealtarofElthatmylifemightbesaved.ButwhenIprayedyounot，Ispokefromtheheart，andbitterly，bitterlydoIgrievethatformysakeyoushouldhavestainedyourhandswithsuchasin.Moreover，itwillavailnothing，forthedoomoftheprophetIssacharliesuponus，andIcannotescapefromdeath，neithercanyouescaperemorse，andasIthink，thatworstofalldesires——thedesireforthedead."
"Canwenotstillfleethecity？"askedAziel.
"Metemwilltellyouthatitisimpossible;dayandnightIamwatchedandguarded，yes，Mesadogsmefromdoortodoor.AlsoIthobalholdsZimboesofirmlyinhisnetthatnosparrowcouldflyoutofitandhenotknow.Andthereisworsetotell：Beloved，theypurposetogivemeupasapeace—offeringtoIthobal.Yes，evenmyfatherisoftheplot，forinhisdespairhethinksithisdutytosacrificehisdaughtertosavethetown，if，indeed，thatwillsufficetosaveus."
"ButyouaretheBaaltisandinviolate."
"InsuchatimethegoddessherselfwouldnotbeheldinviolateinZimboe，muchlessherpriestess，Aziel.Ihavediscoveredthatthisverynighttheyhavelaidtheirplanstoseizeme.Mesaandothershavebeenchosenforthedeed，andafterwardstheythinktooffermeasabribetoIthobal，whowilltakenootherprice."
Azielgroanedaloud："Itwerebetterthatweshoulddie，"hesaid.
Shenoddedandanswered："Itwerebetterthat/I/shoulddie.Buthearme，forIalsohaveaplan，andthereisstillhope，thoughverylittle.Perhaps，asyoudrewneartoZimboebythecoastroad，youmayhavenotedthreemilesormorefromthegatesofthecity，andalmostoverhangingthepathonwhichyoutravelled，ashoulderofthemountainwheretherockiscutaway，showingthenarrowentrancetoacaveclosedwithagateofbronze？"
"Isawit，"answeredAziel，"andwastoldthattherewasthemostsacredburying—placeofthecity."
"Itisthetombofthehigh—priestessesofBaaltis，"wentonElissa，"andthisdayatsunsetImustvisitittolayanofferingupontheshrineofherwhowastheBaaltisbeforeme，enteringalone，andclosingthegate，foritisnotlawfulthatanyoneshouldpassintherewithme.Now，theplanistolayhandsonmeasIgobackfromthetombtothepalace——butIshallnotgoback.Aziel，Ishallstayinthetomb——nay，donotfear——notdead.Ihavehiddenfoodandwaterthere，enoughformanydays，andtherewiththedepartedIshalllive——tillIamoftheirnumber."
"Butifso，howcanithelpyou，Elissa，fortheywillbreakinthegatesoftheplace，anddragyouaway？"
"Then，Aziel，theywilldragawayacorpse，andthattheywillscarcelycaretopresenttoIthobal.See，Ihavehiddenpoisoninmybreast，andhereatmygirdlehangsadagger;arenotthetwoofthemenoughtomakeanendofonefraillife？Shouldtheydaretotouchme，IshalltellthemthroughthebarsthatmostcertainlyIshalldrinkthebane，orusetheknife;andwhentheyknowit，theywillleavemeunharmed，hopingtostarvemeout，ortrustingtochancetosnaremeliving."
"Youarebold，"murmuredAzielinadmiration，"butself—murderisasin."
"ItisasinthatIwilldare，beloved，asinpastdaysIwouldhavedareditforlesscause，ratherthanbegivenaliveintothehandsofIthobal;fortowhoeverelseImaybefalse，toyouthroughlifeanddeathIwillbetrue."
NowAzielgroanedinhisdoubtandbitternessofheart;thenturningtoMetem，heasked：——
"Haveyouanythingtosay，Metem？"
"Yes，Prince，twothings，"answeredthePh？nician."First，thattheladyElissaisrash，indeed，tospeaksoopenlybeforemewhomightcarryherwordstothecouncilorthepriests."
"Nay，Metem，Iamnotrash，forIknowthat，althoughyoulovemoney，youwillnotbetrayme."
"Youareright，lady，Ishallnot，formoneywouldbeoflittleservicetomeinacitythatisabouttobetakenbystorm.AlsoI
hateIthobal，whothreatenedmylife——asyoudidalso，bytheway——andwilldomybesttokeepyoufromhisclutches.Nowformysecondpoint：itisthatIcanseelittleuseinallthisbecauseIthobal，beingdefraudedofyou，willattack，andthen————"
"Andthenhemaybebeaten，Metem，forthecitizenswillatanyratefightfortheirlives，andthePrinceAzielhere，whoisageneralskilledinwar，willfightalsoifhehasrecoveredstrength————"
"Donotfear，Elissa;givemetwodays，andIwillfighttothedeath，"saidAziel.
"Attheleast，"shewenton，"thisschemegivesusbreathingtime，andwhoknowsbutthatfortunewillturn.Orifitdoesnot，sinceitisimpossibleformetoescapefromthecity，Ihavenobetter."
"NomorehaveI，"saidMetem，"foratlengththeoldestfoxcomestohislastdouble.Icouldescapefromthiscity，ortheprincemightescape，ortheladyElissaevenmightpossiblyescapedisguised，butI
amsurethatallthreeofuscouldnotescape，seeingthatwithinthewallswearewatchedandwithoutthemthearmiesofIthobalawaitus.
Oh！princeAziel，Ishouldhavedonewelltogo，asImighthavegonewhenyouandIssacharweretakenafterthatmadmeetinginthetemple，fromwhichIneverlookedforanythingbutill;butIgrowfoolishinmyoldage，andthoughtthatIshouldliketoseethelastofyou.
Well，sofarweareallalive，exceptIssachar，who，althoughbigoted，wasstillthemostworthyofus，buthowlongweshallremainaliveI
cannotsay.
"NowourbestchanceistodefeatIthobalifwecan，andafterwardsintheconfusiontoflyfromZimboeandjoinourservants，towhomIhavesentwordtoawaitusinasecretplacebeyondthefirstrangeofhills.Ifwecannot——whythenwemustgoalittlesoonerthanweexpectedtofindoutwhoitisthatreallyshapesthedestiniesofmen，andwhetherornothesunandmoonarethechariotsofElandBaaltis.But，Prince，youturnpale."
"Itisnothing，"saidAziel，"bringmesomewater，thefeverstillburnsinme."
Metemwenttoseekforwater，whileElissakneltbythecouchandpressedherlover’shand.
"Idarestaynolonger，"shewhispered，"andAziel，Iknownothoworwhenweshallmeetagain，butmyheartisheavy，for，alas！Ithinkthatdoomdrawsnearme.Ihavebroughtmuchsorrowuponyou，Aziel，andyetmoreuponmyself，andIhavegivenyounothing，exceptthatmostcommonofallthings，awoman’slove."
"Thatmostperfectofallthings，"heanswered，"whichIamgladtohavelivedtowin."
"Yes，butnotatthepricethatyouhavepaidforit.Iknowwellwhatitmusthavecostyoutocastthatincenseontheflame，andIpraytoyourGod，whohasbecomemyGod，tovisitthesinofitonmyheadandtoleaveyoursunharmed.Aziel，Aziel！womanorspirit，whileIhavelifeandmemory，Iamyours，andyoursonly;clean—handedIleaveyou，andifwemaymeetagaininthisorinanyotherworld，cleanandfaithfulIshallcometoyouagain.GladamItohavelived，becauseinmylifeIhaveknownyouandyouhaveswornyouloveme.GladshallIbetoliveagainifagainImayknowyouandhearthatoath——ifnot，itissleepIseek;forlifewithoutyoutomewouldbeahell.Yougrowweak，andImustgo.Farewell，andlivingordead，forgetmenot;
swearthatyouwillnotforgetme."
"Iswearit，"heansweredfaintly;"andHeavengrantthatImaydieforyou，notyouforme."
"Thatisnoprayerofmine，"shewhispered;and，bending，kissedhimonthebrow，forhewastooweaktolifthislipstohers.
Thenshewasgone.
CHAPTERXV
ELISSATAKESSANCTUARY
Twomorehourshadpassed，andintheeveninglightaprocessionofpriestessesmightbeseenadvancingslowlytowardstheholytombalonganarrowroadofrockcutinthemountainface.Infrontofthisprocession，wearingablackveiloverherbroideredrobes，walkedElissawithdowncasteyesandhairunboundintokenofgrief，whilebehindhercameMesaandotherpriestessesbearinginbowlsofalabastertheofferingstothedead，foodandwine，andlampsofoil，andvasesfilledwithperfumes.Behindtheseagainmarchedthemourners，womenwhosangafuneraldirgeandfromtimetotimebrokeintoawailofsimulatedgrief.Nor，indeed，wastheirwoeashollowasmightbethought，sincefromthatmountainpaththeycouldseetheoutpostsofthearmyofIthobalupontheplain，andnotewithashudderoffearthespear—headsofhiscountlessthousandsshininginthegorgesoftheopposingheights.ItwasnotforthedeadBaaltisthattheymournedthisday，butforthefatewhichovershadowedthemandtheircityofgold.
"Maythecurseofallthegodsfallonher，"mutteredoneofthepriestessesasshetoiledforwardbeneathherloadofofferings;
"becausesheisbeautifulandpettish，wemustbeputtothespear，orbecomethewivesofsavages，"andshepointedwithherchintoElissa，whowalkedinfront，lostinherownthoughts.
"Havepatience，"answeredMesaatherside，"youknowtheplan——
to—nightthatproudgirlandfalsepriestessshallsleepinthecampofIthobal."
"Willhebesatisfiedwiththat，"askedthewoman，"andleavethecityinpeace？"
"Theysayso，"answeredMesawithalaugh，"thoughitisstrangethatakingshouldexchangespoilandgloryforoneround—eyed，thin—limbedgirlwholoveshisrival.Well，letusthankthegodsthatmademenfoolish，andgaveuswomenwittoprofitbytheirfolly.Ifhewantsher，lethimtakeher，forfewwillbepoorerbyherloss."
"Youatleastwillbericher，"saidtheotherwoman，"andbythecrownofBaaltis.Well，Idonotgrudgeityou，andasforthedaughterofSakon，sheshallbeIthobal’sifItakehertohimlimbbylimb."
"Nay，sister，thatisnotthebargain;remembershemustbedeliveredtohimwithouthurtorblemish;otherwiseweshalldosacrilegeinvain.Besilent，hereisthecave."
Reachingtheplatforminfrontofthetomb，theprocessionofmournersrangedthemselvesaboutitinasemi—circle.Theystoodwiththeirbackstotheedgeofacliffthatrosesheerforsixtyfeetormorefromtheplainbeneath，acrosswhich，butatalittledistancefromthefootoftheprecipicerantheroadfollowedbythecaravansofmerchantsintheirjourneystoandfromthecoast.Then，ahymnhavingbeensunginvokingtheblessingofthegodsonthedeadpriestess，Elissa，astheBaaltis，unlockedthegatesofbronzewithagoldenkeythathungathergirdle，andthebearersofthebowlsofofferingspushedthemintothemouthofthetomb，whosethresholdtheywerenotallowedtopass.Next，withbowedheadsandhandscrosseduponherbreast，Elissaenteredthetomb，andlockingthebronzegatebehindher，tookuptwoofthebowlsandvanishedwiththemintoitsgloomydepths.
"Whydidshelockthegates？"askedapriestessofMesa."Itisnotcustomary."
"Doubtlessbecauseitwasherpleasuretodoso，"answeredMesasharply，thoughshealsowonderedwhyElissahadlockedthegate.
WhenanhourwasgonebyandElissahadnotreturned，herwonderturnedtofearanddoubt.
"CalltotheladyBaaltis，"shesaid，"forherprayersarelong，andI
fearlestsheshouldhavecometoharm."
Sotheycalled，settingheirlipsagainstthebarsofthegatetillpresently，Elissa，holdingalampinherhand，cameandstoodbeforethem.
"Whydoyoudisturbmeinthesanctuary？"sheasked.
"Lady，becausetheysetthenightwatchonthewalls，"answeredMesa，"anditistimetoreturntothetemple."
"Returnthen，"saidElissa，"andleavemeinpeace.What，youcannot，Mesa？Nay，andshallItellyouwhy？Becauseyouhadplottedtodelivermethisnighttothosewhoshouldleadmeasapeace—offeringtoIthobal，andwhenyoucometothemempty—handedtheywillgreetyouwithharshwords.Nay，donottroubletodenyit，Mesa.Ialsohavemyspies，andknowalltheplan;and，therefore，Ihavetakensanctuaryinthisholyplace."
NowMesapressedherthinlipstogetherandanswered：——
"ThosewhodaretolayhandsuponthepersonofthelivingBaaltiswillnotshrinkfromseekingherinthecompanyofherdeadsisters."
"Iknowit，Mesa;butthegatesarebarred，andhereIhavefoodanddrinkinplenty."
"Gates，howeverstrong，canbebroken，"answeredthepriestess，"so，lady，donotwaittillyouaredraggedhencelikesomediscoveredslave."
"Ay，"repliedElissa，withalittlelaugh，"butwhatifratherthanbethusdishonoured，Ishouldchoosetobreakanothergate，thatofmyownlife？Look，traitress，hereispoisonandhereisbronze，andI
sweartoyouthatshouldanylayahanduponme，byoneorotherofthemIwilldiebeforetheireyes.Then，ifyouwill，bearthesebonestoIthobalandtakehisthanksforthem.Now，begone，andgivethismessagetomyfatherandtoallthosewhohaveplottedwithhim，thatsincetheycannotbribeIthobalwithmybeauty，theywilldowelltobemen，andtofighthimwiththeirswords."
Thensheturnedandleftthem，vanishingintothedarknessofthetomb.
GreatindeedwasthedismayofthecouncillorsofZimboeandofthepriestswhohadplottedwiththemwhen，anhourlater，Mesacame，nottodeliverElissaintotheirhands，buttorepeattothemherthreatsandmessage.InvaindidtheyappealtoSakon，whoonlyshookhisheadandanswered：——
"OfthisIamsure，thatwhatmydaughterhasthreatenedthatshewillcertainlydoifyouforcehertothechoice.Butifyouwillnotbelieveme，goaskherandsatisfyyourselves.Iknowwellwhatshewillansweryou，andIholdthatthisisajudgmentuponus，whofirstmadeherBaaltisagainstherwill，thenthreatenedherwithdeathbecauseoftheprinceAziel，andnowwoulddosacrilegetohersacredofficeandviolencetoherselfbytearingherfromherconsecratedthrone，breakingherbondofmarriageanddeliveringhertoIthobal."
SotheleadersofthecouncillorsvisitedtheholytombandreasonedwithElissathroughthebars.Buttheygotnocomfortfromher，forshespoketothemwiththephialofpoisoninherbosomandthenakeddaggerinherhand，tellingthemwhatshehadtoldMesa——thattheyhadbestgiveuptheirplottingsandfightIthoballikemen，seeingthatevenifshesurrenderedherselftohim，whenhegrewwearyofherthewarmustcomeatlast.
"Forahundredyears，"sheadded，"thisstormhasgathered，andnowitmustburst.Whenithasrolledawayitwillbeknownwhoismasteroftheland——theancientcityofZimboe，orIthobalkingoftheTribes."
Sotheywentbackastheyhadcome，andnextdayatthedawn，withaboldfacebutheavyhearts，receivedthemessengersofkingIthobal，andtoldthemtheirtale.Themessengersheardandlaughed.
"Weareglad，"theyanswered，"sincewe，whoarenotinlovewiththedaughterofSakon，desirewarandnotpeace，holdingaswedothatthetimehascomewhenyouupstartwhitemen——yououtlanders——whohaveusurpedourcountrytosuckawayitswealthshouldbesetbeneathourheel.Nordowethinkthatthetaskwillbedifficultforsurelywehavelittletofearfromacityoflowmoneyseekerswhosecouncillorscannotevenconquerthewillofasinglemaid."
ThenintheirdespairtheeldersofferedothergirlstoIthobalinmarriage，asmanyashewould，andwiththemagreatbribeinmoney.
Buttheenvoystooktheirleave，sayingthatnothingwouldavailsincetheypreferredspear—thruststogold，forwhichtheyhadlittleuse，andIthobal，theirking，hadfixedhisfancyononewomanalone.
Sowithaheavyandforebodingheart，thecityofZimboeprepareditselftoresistattack，forastheyhadguessed，whenhelearnedall，therageofIthobalwasgreat.Norwouldhelistentoanytermsthattheycouldoffersaveonewhichtheyhadnopowertogrant——thatElissashouldbedeliveredunharmedintohishands.Councilsofwarwereheld，andtothese，sosoonashewassufficientlyrecoveredfromhissickness，theprinceAzielwasbidden，forhewasknowntobeaskilledcaptain;therefore，thoughhehadbeenthecauseofmuchoftheirtrouble，theysoughthisaid.Also，shouldthestrugglebeprolonged，theyhopedthroughhimtowinIsrael，andperhapsEgypt，totheircause.
Aziel’scounselwasthattheyshouldsallyoutagainstthearmyofIthobalbynight，sinceheexpectedtoattackandnottobeattacked，buttothatadvicetheywouldnotlisten，fortheytrustedtotheirwalls.Indeed，inthisMetemsupportedthem，andwhentheprincearguedwithhim，heanswered：——
"Yourtacticswouldbegoodenough，Prince，ifyouhadatyourbackthelionsofJudah，orthewildArabhorsemenofthedesert.Buthereyoumustdealwithmenofmyownbreed，andwePh？niciansaretraders，notfightingmen.Likerats，wefightonlywhenthereisnootherchanceforourlives;nordowestrikethefirstblow.Itistruethattherearesomegoodsoldiersinthecity，buttheyareforeignmercenaries;andasfortherest，half—breedsandfreedslaves，theybelongasmuchtoIthobalastoSakon，andarenottobetrusted.No，no;letusstaybehindourwalls，fortheyatleastwerebuiltwhenmenwerehonestandwillnotbetrayus."
NowinZimboewerethreelinesofdefence;first，thatofasinglewallbuiltaboutthehutsoftheslavesupontheplain，thenthatofadoublewallofstonewithaditchbetweenthrownroundthePh？niciancity，andlastly，thegreatfortress—templeandtherockyheightsabove.These，guardedastheywerebymanystrongholdswithinwhosecirclethecattlewereherded，asitwasthought，couldonlybetakenwiththeswordofhunger.
Atlastthestormburst，foronthefifthmorningafterElissahadbarredherselfwithinthetomb，Ithobalattackedthenativetown.
Utteringtheirwildbattle—cries，tensofthousandsofhissavagewarriors，armedwithgreatspearsandshieldsofox—hide，andwearingcrestsofplumesupontheirheads，chargeddownupontheouterwall.
Twicetheyweredrivenback，buttheworkwasinbadrepairandtoolongtodefend，sothatatthethirdrushtheyflowedoveritlikelinesofmarchingants，drivingitsdefendersbeforethemtotheinnergates.Inthisbattlesomewerekilled，butthemostoftheslavesthrewdowntheirarmsandwentovertoIthobal，whosparedthem，togetherwiththeirwivesandchildren.
Throughallthenightthatfollowed，thegeneralsofZimboemadereadyfortheonslaughtwhichmustcome.Everywherewithinthecircuitoftheinnerwalltroopswerestationed，whilethedoublesoutherngateway，whereprinceAzielwasthecaptainincommand，wasbuiltupwithlooseblocksofstone.
Awhilebeforethedawn，justastheeasternskygrewgrey，Aziel，watchingfromhispostabovethegateofthewall，heardthefiercewar—songoftheTribesswellsuddenlyfromfiftythousandthroatsandthemeasuredtrampoftheirinnumerablefeet.Thenthedaybroke，andhesawthemadvancinginthreearmiestowardsthethreepointschosenforattack，thelargestofthearmies，headedbyIthobaltheking，directingitsmarchuponthewalledgateofwhichhewasincommand.
Itwasawondrousandafearfulsight，thatofthesehordesofplumedwarriors，theirbroadspearsflashinginthesunrise，andtheirfiercefacesalightwithhereditaryhateandthelustofslaughter.NeverhadAzielseensuchaspectacle，norcouldhelookuponitwithoutdreadingtheissueofthewar，foriftheyweresavages，thesefoeswerebraveasthelionsoftheirownplains，andhadswornbytheheadoftheirkingtodragdowntheshelteringwallsofZimboewiththeirnakedhands，ordietothelastman.
Turninghisheadwithasighofdoubt，AzielfoundMetemstandingathisside.
"Haveyouseenher？"heaskedeagerly.
"No，Prince.HowcouldIseeheratnightwhenshesitsinatomblikeafoxinhisburrow？ButIhaveheardher."
"Whatdidshesay？Quickman，tellme."
"Butlittle，Prince，forthetombiswatchedandIdarednotstaytherelong.Shesentyouhergreetingsandwouldhaveyouknowthatherheartwillbewithyouinthebattle，andherprayersbeseechthethroneofHeavenforyoursafety.Alsoshesaidthatsheiswell，thoughitislonesomethereinthegraveamongthebodiesofthedeadpriestessesofBaaltiswhosespirits，asshevows，hauntherdreams，revilingherbecauseshedesecratestheirsepulchreandhasrenouncedtheirgod."
"Lonesome，indeed，"saidAzielwithashudder;"buttellme，Metem，hadshenootherword？"
"Yes，Prince，butnotofgoodomen，fornowasalwayssheissurethatherdoomisathand，andthatyoutwowillmeetnomore.Stillshebademetellyouthatallyourlifelongherspiritshallcompanionyouthoughitbeunseen，toreceiveyouatthelastonthethresholdoftheunderworld."
Azielturnedhisheadaway，andsaidpresently：——
"Ifthatbeso，mayitreceivemesoon."
"Havenofear，Prince，"repliedMetemwithagrimlaugh，"lookyonder，"andhepointedtotheadvancinghosts.
"Thesewallsarestrongandweshallbeatthemback，"saidAziel.
"Nay，Prince，forstrongwallsdonotavailwithoutstrongheartstoguardthem，andthoseofthewomanishcitizensofZimboeandtheirhiredsoldiersarewhitewithfear.ItellyouthatthepropheciesofIssachartheLevite，madeyonderinthetempleonthedayofthesacrifice，andagaininthehourofhisdeath，havetakenholdofthepeople，andbyeatingouttheirvalour，fulfilthemselves.
"Menhintatthem，thewomenwhispertheminclosets，andtheverychildrencrytheminthestreets.
"More——onemanlastnightpointedtotheskiesandshriekedthatinthemhesawthatfieryswordofdoomofwhichtheprophetspokehangingpointdownwardsabovethecity，whereonallpresentvowedtheysawittoo，though，asIthink，itwasbutacrossofstars.AnothertellshowthathemettheveryspiritofIssacharstalkingthroughthemarket—place，andthatpeeringintotheeyesofthewraith，asinamirror，hesawagreatflamewrappingthetemplewalls，andbythelightofithisowndeadbody.ThismanwasthepriestwhofirststruckdowntheholyLeviteyonderintheplaceofjudgment.
"Again，whentheladyMesadidsacrificelastnightonbehalfoftheBaaltiswhohasfled，thechildtheyoffered，aninfantofsixmonths，stirredonthealtarafteritwasdeadandcriedwithaloudvoicethatbeforethreesunshadset，itsbloodshouldberequiredattheirhands.Thatisthestory，andifIdonotbelieveit，thisatleastistrue，thatthepriestessesfledfastfromthesecretchamberofdeath，forImetthemastheyranshriekingintheirterrorandtearingattheirrobes.Butwhatneedistheretodwellonomens，trueorfalse，whencowardsmanthewalls，andthespearsofIthobalshineyonderlikeallthestarsofheaven？Prince，Itellyouthatthisancientcityisdoomed，andinit，asIfear，wemustendourwanderingsuponearth."
"Sobeit，ifitmustbe，"answeredAziel，"attheleastIwilldiefighting."
"AndIalsowilldiefighting，Prince，notbecauseIloveit，butbecauseitisbetterthanbeingbutcheredincoldbloodbyasavagewithaspear.Oh！whydidyoueverchancetostumbleupontheladyElissamakingherprayertoBaaltis，andwhatevilspiritwasitwhichfilledyourbrainswiththissuddenmadnessoflovetowardseachother？Thatwasthebeginningofthetrouble，which，butforthoseeyesofhers，wouldhaveheldofflongenoughtoseeussafeatTyre，thoughdoubtlesssoonorlateitmusthavecome.Butsee，yondermarchesIthobalattheheadofhisguard.Givemeabow，theflightislong，butperchanceIcanreachhisblackheartwithanarrow."
"Saveyourstrength，"answeredAziel，"therangeistoogreat，andpresentlyyouwillhaveenoughofshooting，"andheturnedtotalktotheofficersoftheguard.
CHAPTERXVI
THECAGEOFDEATH
Anhourlatertheattackcommencedatchosenpointsofthedoublewall，oneofthembeingthesoutherngate.Infrontoftheadvancingcolumnsofsavagesweredrivenvastnumbersofslaves，manyofwhomhadbeencaptured，orhadsurrenderedintheoutertown.Thesemenwereladenwithfaggotstofilltheditch，rudeladderswherewithtoscalethewalls，andheavytrunksoftreestobeusedinbreachingthem.Forthemostpart，theywereunarmed，andprotectedonlybytheirburdens，whichtheyheldbeforethemasshields，andbythearrowsofthewarriorsofIthobal.Butthesedidlittleharmtothedefenders，whowerehiddenbehindthewalls，whereastheshaftsofthegarrison，rainedonthemfromabove，killedorwoundedtheslavesbyscores，who，poorcreatures，whentheyturnedtofly，weredrivenonwardbythespear—pointsofthesavages，tobeslaininheapslikegameinapitfall.Still，someofthemlived，andrunningundertheshelterofthewall，begantobreachitwiththerudebatteringrams，andtoraisethescalingladderstilldeathfoundthem，ortheywerewornoutwithexcitement，fearandlabour.
Thentherealattackbegan.Withfierceyells，thethreefoldcolumnrushedatthewall，andbegantoworktheramsandscaletheladders，whilethedefendersaboveshoweredspearsandarrowsuponthem，orcrushedthemwithheavystones，orpouredupontheirheadsboilingpitchandwater，heatedingreatcauldronswhichstoodathand.
Timeaftertimetheyweredrivenbackwithheavyloss;and，timeupontime，freshhordesofthemadvancedtotheonslaught.Thrice，atthesoutherngate，weretheladdersraised，andthricethestormersappearedabovethelevelofthewall，tobehurledback，crushedandbleeding，totheearthbeneath.
Thusthelongdayworeonandstillthedefendersheldtheirown.
"Weshallwin，"shoutedAzieltoMetem，asafreshladderwascastdownwithitsweightofmentothedeath—strewnplain.
"Yes，hereweshallwinbecausewefight，"answeredthePh？nician，"butelsewhereitmaybeotherwise."Indeedforawhiletheattackuponthesouthgateslackened.
Anotherhourpassedandpresentlytotheleftofthemroseawildyelloftriumph，andwithitashoutof"Flytothesecondwall.Thefoeisinthefosse！"
Metemlookedandthere，downthegreatditch，300pacestotheirleft，afloodofsavagespouredtowardsthem."Come，"hesaid，"theouterwallislost."ButashespokeoncemoretheladdersroseagainstthegatesandflankingtowersandoncemoreAzielsprangtocastthemdown.Whenthedeedwasdone，helookedbehindhimtofindthathewascutoffandsurrounded.Metemandmostofhismenindeedhadgainedtheinnerwallinsafety，whilehewithtwelveonlyofhisbravestsoldiers，Jewsofhisownfollowing，whohadstayedtohelphimtothrowbacktheladders，wereleftuponthegatewaytower.Norwasescapeanylongerpossible，forboththeplainwithoutandthefossewithinwerefilledwiththemenofIthobalwhoadvancedalsobyhundredsdownthebroadcopingofthecapturedwall.
"Nowthereisbutonethingthatwecando，"saidAziel;"fightbravelytillweareslain."
Ashespokeajavelincastfromthewallbeneathstruckhimuponthebreastplate，andthoughthebronzeturnedtheironpoint，itbroughthimtohisknees.Whenhefoundhisfeetagain，heheardavoicecallinghimbyname，andlookingdown，sawIthobalcladingoldenharnessandsurroundedbyhiscaptains.
"Youcannotescape，princeAziel，"criedtheking;"yieldnowtomymercy."
Azielheard，andsettinganarrowtohisbow，looseditatIthobalbeneath.Hewasastrongandskilfularcher，andtheheavyshaftpiercedthegoldenhelmetoftheking，cuttinghisscalpdowntothebone.
"Thatismyanswer，"criedAziel，asIthobalrolleduponthegroundbeneaththeshockoftheblow.Butverysoonthekingwasupandcryinghiscommandsfrombehindtheshield—hedgeofhiscaptains.
"LettheprinceAziel，andtheJewswithhim，betakenaliveandbroughttome，"heshouted."Iwillgiveagreatrewardincattletothosewhocapturethemunharmed;butifanydothemhurt，theythemselvesshallbeputtodeath."
Thecaptainsbowedandissuedtheirorders，andpresentlyAzielandhiscompanionssawlinesofunarmedmencreepingupladderssetateverysideoftheloftytower.Againandagaintheycastofftheladders，tillatlength，beingsofew，theycouldstirthemnomorebecauseoftheweightuponthem，butmusthackattheheadsofthestormersastheyappearedabovetheparapet，killingthemonebyone.
Inthisfashiontheyslewmany，buttheirarmsgrewwearyatlast，andeverundertheeyeoftheirking，thebravesavagescreptupward，heedlessofdeath，till，withashout，theypouredoverthebattlementsandrushedatthelittlebandofJews.
Nowratherthanbetaken，Azielsoughttothrowhimselffromthetower，buthiscompanionsheldhim，andthusatlastitcameaboutthathewasseizedandbound.
Astheydraggedhimtothestairwayhelookedacrossthefosseandsawthemercenariesflyingfromtheinnerwall，althoughitwasstillunbreached，andsawthecitizensofZimboestreamingbythousandstothenarrowgatewayofthetemplefortress.
ThenAzielgroanedinhisheartandstrugglednomore，forheknewthatthefateoftheancienttownwassealed，andthattheprophecyofIssacharwouldbefulfilled.
AwhilelaterAzielandthosewithhim，theirhandsboundbehindtheirbacks，wereledbyhideropestiedabouttheirnecksthroughthearmyoftheTribesthatjeeredandspatuponthemastheypassed，toatentofsewnhidesontheplain，abovewhichfloatedthebannerofIthobal.
Intothistenttheprincewasthrustalone，andthereforceduponhiskneesbythesoldierswhoheldhim.BeforehimuponacouchcoveredwithalionskinlaythegreatshapeofIthobal，whilephysicianswashedhiswoundedscalp.
"Greeting，sonofIsraelandPharaoh，"hesaidinamockingvoice;
"trulyyouarewisethustodohomagetothekingoftheworld."
"Apoorjest，"answeredAziel，glancingatthosewhoheldhimdown;
"truehomageisoftheheart，kingIthobal."
"Iknowit，Jew，andthisalsoyoushallgivemewhenyouarehumbler.
Whotaughtyoutheuseofthebow？Youshootwell，"andhepointedtohisblood—stainedhelm，whichwasstilltransfixedbythearrow.
"Nay，"answeredAziel，"Ishotbutill，formyarmwasweary.WhennextIdrawastringagainstyourbreast，kingIthobal，Ipromiseyouastraightershaft."
"Wellsaid，"answeredthekingwithalaugh，"butknow，dogofaJew，thatnowitismyturntodrawthestring——how，Iwillshowyouafterwards.Havetheytoldyouthatthecityhasfallen，andthatmycaptainsholdthegates，whilethecowardsofZimboearepennedlikesheepwithinthetempleandonthecliff—edgedheightabove？Theyhavefledhitherforsafety，butItellyouthattheywouldbemoresafeonyonderplain，forIhavethekeyoftheirstronghold，acertainpassageleadingfromthepalaceoftheBaaltistothetemple;youknowifit，Ithink.Yes，andifIhadnot，verysoonhungerandthirstwouldworkforme.
"Well，Jew，Ihavewon，andwithlesstroublethanIthought，andnowIholdthegreatcityinhostage，tosaveortodestroyasitshallpleaseme，thoughthatarrowofyourswentneartorobbingmeofmycrownofvictory."
"Sobeit，"answeredAziel，indifferently;"Ihaveplayedmypart，nowthingsmustgoasFatemaywill."
"Yes，Jew，youfoughtwelltilltheydesertedyou，andthedoomofcowardsislittletoabraveman.ButwhatoftheladyElissa？Nay，I
knowall;shehastakenrefugeinthetombofBaaltis，hasshenot，withpoisoninherbosomandbronzeathergirdletobeusedagainstherownlife，shouldtheylayhandsonherorgivehertome？Andallthisshedoesfortheloveofyou，princeAziel;fortheloveofyousherefusestobecomemyqueen，rulingoverthatcitywhichIhaveconquered，andallmyunnumberedtribes.
"DoyouguessnowwhyIcausedyoutobetakenliving？Iwilltellyou;thatyoumaybethebaittodrawhertome.Tokillyouwouldbeeasy;buthowwouldthatserve，seeingthatthensheherselfwouldchoosetodie？But，perchance，tosaveyourlifeshewilllivealso——
yes，andgiveherselftome.Atleast，Iwilltryit;shouldtheplanfail——thenyoucanpaythepriceofherpridewithyourblood，princeAziel."
"ThatIwoulddogladly，"answeredAziel，"butoh！whatacross—bredhoundyouarewhothuscanseektotorturetheheartofahelplesswoman！Haveyouthennomanhoodthatyoucanstooptosuchacoward’splot？"
"Fool！itisbecauseofmymanhoodthatIdostooptoit，"saidIthobalangrily."Doubtlessyouthinkthatamadfancyandnaughtelsedrivesmetothedeed，butitisnotso，althoughintruthmyheart——
likeyours——choosesthiswomantobemywifeandnoneother.ThatfondnessImightconquer，butlookyou，ofallthingslivingthisladyalonehasdaredtocrossmywill，sothatto—dayeventhesentriesontheirroundsandthesavagewomeninthekraalstelleachotherofhowIthobal，thegreatkingofanhundredtribes，hasbeenbaffledandmockedatbyagirlwhodespiseshimbecausehisbloodisnotallwhite.ThusIambecomealaughing—stock，andthereforeIwillwinher，costmewhatitmay."
"AndI，kingIthobal，tellyouthatyouwillnotwinher——no，notifyoutorturemetodeathbeforehereyes."
"Thatweshallsee，"saidthekingwithasneer.Thenhecalledtohisguardandadded，"Letthismanandhiscompanionsbetakentotheplacepreparedforthem."
NowAzielwasdraggedfromthetentandthrustintoawoodencage，suchaswereusedforcarryingslavesandwomenfromplacetoplaceuponthebacksofcamels.Hissoldiers，whohadbeentakenwithhim，werethrustalsointocages，and，withhimselfladenuponcamelsthatwerewaiting，twocagestoeachcamel.Thenaclothwasthrownoverthem，and，risingtotheirfeet，thecamelsbegantomarch.
WhentheyhadcoveredaleagueormoreofgroundAziellearnedfromthemotionofthecameluponwhichhewassecured，andthesoundoftherepeatedblowsofitsdrivers，thattheywereascendingsomesteepplace.Atlengththeyreachedthetopofit，andwereunloadedfromthebeastslikemerchandise，buthecouldseenothing，forbynowthenighthadfallen.Then，stillinthecages，theywerecarriedtoatent，wherefoodandwaterweregiventhemthroughthebars，afterwhich，sowearywasAzielwithwar，miseryandtheremainsofrecentillness，thathefellasleep.
Atdaybreakheawoke，orratherwasawakened，bythesoundofafamiliarvoice，and，lookingthroughhisbars，perceivedMetemstandingbeforethem，guardedbutunbound，withindignationwrittenonhisface，andtearsinhisquickeyes.
"Alas！"hecried，"thatIshouldhavelivedtoseetheseedofIsraelandPharaohthusfastenedlikeawildbeastinaden，whilebarbariansmakeamockofhim.Oh！Prince，itwerebetterthatyoushoulddieratherthanenduresuchshame."
"Misfortunesarethemasterofman，notmanofhismisfortunes，Metem，"saidAzielquietly，"andinthemisnotruedisgrace.EvenifIhadthemeanstokillmyself，itwouldbeasin;moreover，itmightbringanothertoherdeath.Therefore，Iawaitmydoom，whateveritmaybe，withsuchpatienceasIcan，trustingthatmysufferingsandignominymayexpiatemycrimesinthesightofHimwhomIrenounced.
Buthowcomeyouhere，Metem？"
"Icameunderthesafe—conductofIthobalwhogavemeleavetovisityou，doubtlessforsomeendsofhisown.Haveyouheard，Prince，thatheholdsthegatesofthecity，thoughasyetnoharmhasbeendonetoit，andthatitsinhabitantsarecrowdedwithinthetemple，andupontheheightsabove;alsothatinhisdespairSakonhasfallenonhisswordandslainhimself？"
"Isitso？"answeredAziel."Well，Issacharforetoldasmuch.Ontheirownheadsbethedoomofthesedevil—worshippersandcowards.HaveyouanytidingsoftheladyElissa？"
"Yes，Prince.Shestillsitsyonderinthetomb，resoluteinherpurpose，andgivingnoanswertothosewhocometoreasonwithher."
Ashespoketheguardletfallthefrontofthetentsothatthesunlightflowedintoit，revealingAzielandhistwelvecompanions，eachfastinhisnarrowandshamefulprison."See，"saidMetem，"doyouknowtheplace？"
Theprincestruggledtohisknees，andsawthattheyweresetuponthetopofahill，builtupofgraniteboulders，whichroseeightyfeetormorefromthesurfaceoftheplain.Oppositetothematadistanceofunderahundredpaceswasaprecipiceinthefaceofwhichcouldbeseenacaveclosedwithbarredgatesofbronze，whilebetweentherockyhillandtheprecipiceranaroad.
"Iknowit，Metem;thererunsthepathbywhichwetravelledfromthecoast，andthereisthetombofBaaltis.Whyhavewebeenbroughthere？"
"TheladyElissasitsbehindthebarsofyondertombwhenceherviewofallthathappensuponthismountmustbeverygoodindeed，"
answeredMetemwithmeaning."Now，canyouguesswhyyouwerebroughthere，princeAziel."
"Isitthatshemaywitnessoursufferingsundertorment？"heasked.
Metemnodded.
"Howwilltheydealwithus，Metem？"
"Waitandsee，"heansweredsadly.
AshespokeIthobalhimselfappearedfollowedbycertainevil—lookingsavages.HavinggreetedMetemcourteouslyheturnedtotheHebrewsoldiersinthecagesandaskedthemwhichoftheirnumberwasmostpreparedtodie.
"I，Ithobal，whoamtheirleader，"saidAziel.
"No，Prince，"repliedIthobalwithacruelsmile，"yourtimeisnotyet.Look，thereisamanwhohasbeenwounded;toputhimoutofhispainwillbeakindness.Slaves，bearthatJewtotheedgeoftherock，and——astheprincewillwishtostudyanewmodeofdeath——bringhiscagealso."
Theorderwasobeyed，Azielbeingsetdownupontheveryvergeofthecliff.Closetohimaspurofgranitejuttedouttwentyfeetorsofromtheedge.Attheendofthespuragroovewascutandoverthisgroove，suspendedbyathinchainfromapole，hungawedgeofpurecrystalcarefullyshapedandpolished.WhileAzielwonderedwhatevilpurposethisstonemightserve，theslaveshadfastenedafineropetothecagecontainingthewoundedHebrewsoldierandsecureditsend.
Thentheysettheropeinthegrooveofthegranitespur，andpushedthecageovertheedgeofthecliff，sothatitdangledinmid—air.
"NowIwillexplain，"saidIthobal."ThisisamethodofpunishmentthatIhaveborrowedfromthosefollowersofBaalwhoworshipthesun，bymeansofwhichBaalclaimshisownsacrifice，andnoneareguiltyofthevictim’sblood.Youseeyondercrystal——well，atanyappointedhour，foritcanbehungasyouwill，theraysofthesunshiningthroughitcausethefibresofthegrassropetosmokeandsmouldertillatlengththeypartand——Baaltakeshissacrifice.Shouldacloudhidethesunattheappointedhour，then，Baalhavingsparedhim，thevictimissetfree.But，asyouwillnote，atthisseasonoftheyeartherearenoclouds.
"What，Prince，haveyounothingtosay？"hewenton，forAzielhadlistenedinsilencetothetaleofthisdevilishdevice."Well，learnthatitdependsupontheladyElissayonderwhetherornotthisfateshallbeyours.Sendnowandprayhertosaveyou.Thinkwhatitwillbetohangasatthismomentyourservanthangsoverthatyawninggulfofspace，waitingthroughthelonghourstillatlastyouseethelittlewreathsofsmokebegintocurlfromthetinderofthecord.
Why！beforetheendfoundthemIhaveknownmengomad，and，likewolves，tearwiththeirteethatthewoodenbars.
"Youwillnot.Then，Metem，doyoupleadforyourfriend.BidtheBaaltislookforthatonehourbeforenoonandseethesightofyonderwretch’sdeath，rememberingthatto—morrowthisfateshallbeherlover’sunlesssheforegoesherpurposeofself—murderandgivesherselftome.Nay，nowords！anescortshallleadyouthroughthelowercitytothegatewayofthetombandtherelistentoyourspeech.
Seethatitdoesnotfailyou，merchant，unlessyoualsoseektohanginyondercage.TelltheladyElissathatto—morrowatsunriseIwillcomeinpersonforheranswer.Ifsheyields，thentheprinceandhiscompanionsshallbesetfreeandwithyou，Metem，toguidethem，bemountedonswiftcamelstocarrythemunharmedtotheirretinuebeyondthemountains.Butifshewillnotyield，then——Baalshalltakehissacrifice.Begone."
So，havingnochoice，Metembowedandwent，leavingthecagedAzielupontheedgeofthecliff，andtheHebrewsoldierhangingfromthespurofrock.
NowAzielrousedhimselffromthehorrorinwhichhissoulwassunk，andstrovetocomforthisdoomedcomrade，prayingwithhimtoHeaven.
Slowlyastheyprayed，thehoursdrewontillatlength，upontheoppositecliff，hesawmenwhomheknewtobeMetemandhisescort，approachthemouthofthetomb，andfaintlyheardhimcallthroughthebarsofthegateway.Turninghimselfinhiscage，Azielglancedattherope，andwatchedthespotoflightbornfromtheburningglassofthecrystalcreeptoitsside.
Nowthefatalmomentwasathand，andAzielsawalittlewreathofsmokeriseinthestillairandbadehiswretchedservantclosehiseyes.Thencametheend.Suddenlythetautrope，eatenthroughbythesun’sfire，flewbackandthecagewiththesoldierinitvanishedfromhissight，while，fromfarbelow，rosethesoundofaheavyfall，andfromthetombofBaaltisrangtheechoofawoman’sshriek.
CHAPTERXVII
"THEREISHOPE"
Itwasdawn.IthobalthekingstoodwithoutthegatesofthetombofBaaltis，thegreylightglimmeringfaintlyonhisharness，andknockeduponthebrazenbarswiththehandleofhissword.
"Whotroublesmenow？"saidavoicewithin.
"Lady，itisI，Ithobal，who，asIpromisedbyMetemthePh？nician，amcometolearnyourwillastothefateofmyprisoner，thePrinceAziel.Alreadyhehangsabovethegulf，andwithinoneshorthour，ifyousodecreeit，hewillfallandbedashedtopieces.Or，ifyousodecreeit，hewillbesetfreetoreturntohisownland."
"Atwhatpricewillhebesetfree，kingIthobal？"
"Lady，youknowtheprice;itisyourself.Oh！Ibeseechyou，bewise！
sparehislifeandyourown.Listen：sparehislife，andIwillsparethiscitywhichliesinthehollowofmyhand，andyoushallruleitwithme."
"Youcannotbribemethus，kingIthobal.MyfatherwhomIlovedisdead，andshallIgivemyselftoyouforthesakeofacityandaFaiththatwouldhavebetrayedmeintoyourhands？"
"Nay，butforthesakeofthemantowhomyouaredear，youshalldoeventhis，Elissa.Think：ifyourefuse，hisbloodwillbeuponyourhead，andwhatwillyouhavegained？"
"Death，whichIseek，forIwearyofthestruggleofmydays."
"Thenenditinmyarms，lady.Soonthisfancywillescapeyourmind，andyouwillremainoneofthemightiestqueensofmen."
Elissareturnednoanswer，andforawhiletherewassilence.
"Lady，"saidIthobalatlength，"thesunrisesandmyservantsyonderawaitasignal."
Thenshespokelikeonewhohesitates.
"Areyounotafraid，kingIthobal，totrustyourlifetoawomanwoninsuchafashion？"
"Nay，"answeredIthobal，"forthoughyousaythattheirfatedoesnotconcernyou，thelivesofallthosepenned—upthousandsarehostagesformyown.Shouldyoubychancefindameanstostabmeunawares，thento—nightfireandswordwouldragethroughthecityofZimboe.
NordoIfearthefuture，sinceIknowwellthatyouwhothinkyouhatemenow，verysoonwilllearntoloveme."
"Youpromise，kingIthobal，thatifIyieldmyselfyouwillsettheprinceAzielfree;buthowcanIbelieveyouwhotwicehavetriedtomurderhim？"
"Doubtmeifyouwill，Elissa，atleast，youcannotdoubtyourowneyes.Look，hisroadtothesearunsbeneaththisrock.Comefromthetombandtakeyourstanduponitandyoushallseehimpass;yes，andshouldyouwish，speakwithhiminfarewellthatyoumaybesurethatitisheandalive.Further，Isweartoyoubymyheadandhonour，thatnofingershallbelaiduponyoutillheisgoneby，andthatnopursuitofhimshallbeattempted.Nowchoose."
Againtherewassilenceforawhile.ThenElissaspokeinabrokenvoice.
"KingIthobal，Ihavechosen.TrustingtoyourroyalwordIwillstandupontherockandwhenIhaveseentheprinceAzielgobyinsafety，then，sinceyoudesireit，youshallputyourarmsaboutmeandbearmewhitheryouwill.Youhaveconqueredme，kingIthobal！Henceforwardtheselipsofmineareyoursandnootherman’s.Givethesignal，I
prayyou，andIwillcastasidethedaggerandthepoisonandcomeoutlivingfromthistomb."
Azielhunginhiscageovertheabyssofair，awaitingdeath，andgladtodie，becausenowhewassurethatElissahadrefusedtopurchasehislifeattheexpenseofherownsurrender.Therehehung，dizzyandsickatheart，makinghisprayertoheavenandwaitingtheend，whiletheeaglesthatwouldpreyuponhisshatteredfleshsweptpasthim.
Presently，fromtheopposingcliff，camethesoundofahornblownthrice.Then，whileAzielwonderedwhatthismightmean，thecageinwhichhelaywasdrawningentlyovertheedgeoftheprecipice，andcarrieddownthesteepsofthegranitehillasithadbeencarriedupthem.
Atthefootofthehillitscoveringwastornaside，andhesawbeforehimacaravanofcamels，andseatedoneachcamelacomradeofhisown.Butonecamelhadnorider，andMetemleditbyarope.
TheservantsofIthobaltookhimfromthecageandsethimuponthiscamel，thoughtheydidnotloosenthebondsaboutthewrists.
"Thisisthecommandoftheking，"saidthecaptaintoMetem"thatthearmsoftheprinceAzielshallremainbounduntilyouhavetravelledforsixhours.Begoneinsafety，fearingnothing."
"Whathappensnow，Metem，"askedAziel，asthecamelsstrodeforward，"andwhyamIsetfreewhowasexpectingdeath？Isthissomenewartificeofyours，orhastheladyElissa————"andheceased.
"UponthewordofanhonestmerchantIcannottellyou，Prince.
Yesterday，asIwasforced，IgavethemessageofkingIthobaltotheladyElissayonderinthetomb.Shewouldanswermeonlyonething，whichshewhisperedinmyearthroughthebarsoftheholytomb;thatifwecouldescapeweshoulddoso，moreoverthatyoumusthavenofearforhersinceshealsohadfoundameansofescapefromIthobal，andwouldcertainlyjoinusupontheroad."
AsMetemspoke，thecamelspassedroundthelittlehillontothepaththatranbeneaththetombofBaaltis.There，standingupontherocksomefiftyfeetabovethem，wasElissa，andwithher，butatadistance，Ithobaltheking.
"Halt，princeAziel，"shecalledinaclearvoice，"andhearkentomyfarewell.Ihaveboughtyourlife，andthelivesofyourcompanions，andyouarefree，fortheroadisclearandnothingcanovertakethetwelveswiftestcamelsinZimboe.Go，therefore，andbehappy，forgettingnowordthathaspassedmylips.Forallmywordsaretrue，eventoacertainpromisewhichImadeyoulatelybythemouthofMetem，andwhichInowfulfil——thatIwouldjoinyouonyourroadlestyoushoulddeemmefaithlesstothetrothwhichIhavesooftensworntoyou.
"KingIthobal，thisshapeisyours;comenowandtakeyourprize.
PrinceAziel，mysoulisyours，inlifeitshallcompanionyou，andindeathawaityou.PrinceAziel，Icometoyou."Then，beforehecouldanswerasingleword，withoneswiftandsuddenspringshehurledherselffromthecliffedgetofallcrushedupontheroadbeneath.
Azielsaw.Inhisagonyhestrainedsofiercelyatthebondswhichheldhimthattheyburstlikerushes.HeleaptfromthecamelandkneltbesideElisa.Shewasnotyetdead，forhereyeswereopenandherlipsstirred.
"Ihavekeptfaith，keepitalso，Aziel！thestoryisnotyetdone，"
shegasped.Thenherlifeflickeredout，andherspiritpassed.
Azielrosefrombesidethecorpseandlookedupward.Thereupontheedgeoftherockabovehim，leaningforward，hiseyesblindwithhorror，stoodIthobaltheking.Azielsawhim，andafuryenteredintohisheartbecausethisman，whosejealousrageandevildoinghadbredsuchwoeandcausedthedeathofhisbelovedstilllivedupontheearth.BytheprincewasMetem，who，foronce，hadnowords，andfromhishandhesnatchedabow，setanarrowonthestringandloosed.
Theshaftrushedupwards，itsmoteIthobalbetweenthejointsofhisharnesssothatthepointofitsunkthroughthisneck.
"Thisgift，kingIthobal，fromAzieltheIsraelite，"hecried，asthearrowsped.
Foramomentthegreatmanstoodstill，thenheopenedhisarmswideandofasuddenplungeddownward，fallingwithacrashontheroadway，wherehelaydeadatthesideofdeadElissa.
"Theplayisplayed，andthefatefulfilled，"criedMetem."See，theservantsofthekingspeedyonderwiththeireviltidings;letusawaylestwebideherewiththesetwoforever."
"Thatismydesire，"saidAziel.
"Adesirewhichmaynotbefulfilled，"answeredMetem."Come，Prince，sincewecannotgowithoutyou.Surelyyoudonotwishtosacrificethelivesofallofusasanofferingtothegreatspiritoftheladywhoisdead.Itisonethatshewouldnotseek."
ThenAzielkneltdownandkissedthebrowofthedeadElissa，andwenthisway，sayingnoword.
Thatnight，whenthedarknessfell，theskybehindthesetravellersgrewredwithfire.
"Beholdtheendofthegoldencity！"saidMetem."Zimboeisfoodforflamesanditschildrenforthesword.Issacharwasaprophetindeed，whoforetoldthatitshouldbeso."
Azielbowedhishead，rememberingthatIssacharhadforetoldalsothatforElissaandforhimtherewashopebeyondthegrave.Ashethoughtit，awindbeatuponhisbrowandthroughitasoftvoiceseemedtomurmurtohisheart：——
"Beofgoodcourage：Beloved，/thereishope/."
So，turningfromthedeathbehindhim，thisfarawayforgottenloversethisfacetotheseaofLifeandpassedit，andlongago，athisappointedhour，gaineditsfurthershore，tobewelcomedtherebyherwhowatchedforhim.
Andthus，becauseofthefatefulandpredestinedlovesofAzieltheprince，andElissathepriestessanddaughterofSakon，threethousandsyearsandmoreago，theancientcityofZimboefellatthehandofkingIthobalandhisTribes，sothatto—daythereremainofitnothingbutadesolategreytowerofstone，andbeneath，thecrumblingbonesofmen.
