ThesunwasalreadyhighintheheavenswhenAzielawokefromthedeepanddreamlesssleepwhichfollowedontheexcitementsandexhaustionofthepreviousday.Afterhisservantshadwaiteduponhimandrobedhim，bringinghimmilkandfruittoeat，hedismissedthem，andsathimselfdownbythecasementofhischambertothinkawhile.
Belowhimlaythecityofflat—roofedhousesenclosedwithadoublewall，withouttheringofwhichwerethousandsofstrawhuts，shapedlikebee—hives，whereindweltnativesofthecountry，slavesorservantsoftheoccupyingPh？nicianrace.ToAziel’sright，andnotmorethanahundredpacesfromthegovernor’shouseinwhichhewas，rosetheroundandmightybattlementsofthetemple，wherethefollowersofElandBaaltisworshipped，andthegoldrefinerscarriedontheirbusiness.Atintervalsonitsflat—toppedwallsstoodtowersofobservation，alternatingwithpointedmonolithsofgraniteandsoapstonecolumnssupportingvultures，rudelycarvedemblemsofBaaltis.Betweenthesetowersarmedsoldierswalkedcontinually，watchingthecitybelowandtheplainbeyond，forthoughthemissionofthePh？niciansherewasoneofpeacefulgainitwasevidentthattheyconsidereditnecessarytobealwayspreparedforwar.Onthehillsideabovethegreattempletoweredanotherfortressofstone——acitadeldeemedtobeimpregnableevenshouldthetemplefallintothehandsofanenemy——whileonthecrestoftheprecipitousslope，stretchingasfartorightandleftastheeyecouldreach，weremanysmallerdetachedstrongholds.
ThescenethatAzielsawfromhiswindowwasabusyone，forbeneathhimamarketwasbeingheldinanopensquareinthecity.Here，shelteredfromthesunbygrass—thatchedbooths，thePh？nicianmerchantswhohadbeenhiscompanionsintheirlongandperilousjourneyfromthecoastwerealreadyintreatywithnumerouscustomers，hoping，notinvain，torecoupthemselvesamplyforthetoilsanddangerswhichtheyhadsurvived.Beneaththeseboothswerespreadtheirgoods;silksfromCos，bronzeweaponsandcopperrods，oringotsfromtherichminesofCyprus，linensandmuslinsfromEgypt;beads，idols，carvenbowls，knives，glassware，potteryinallshapes，andcharmsmadeofglazedfaienceorEgyptianstone;balesofthefamouspurpleclothofTyre;surgicalinstruments，jewellery，andobjectsoftoilet;scents，potsofrouge，andotherunguentsfortheuseofladiesinlittlealabasterandearthenwarevases;bagsofrefinedsalt，andathousandotherarticlesofcommerceproducedorstoredintheworkshopsofPh？nicia.Thesethechapmenbarteredforrawgoldbyweight，tusksofivory，ostrichfeathers，andgirlsofapprovedbeauty，slavestakeninwar，orinsomeinstancesmaidenswhomtheirunnaturalparentsorrelativesdidnotscrupletosellintobondage.
Inanotherportionofthesquare，provisionsandstock，aliveanddead，werebeingofferedforsale，forthemostpartbynativesofthecountry.Herewerepilesofvegetablesandfruitsgrowninthegardens，sacksofvarioussortsofgrain，bundlesofgreenforagefromtheirrigatedlandswithoutthewalls，calabashesfullofcurdledmilk，thicknativebeerandtrussesofreedforthatching.Hereagainwereoxen，mulesandasses，orgreatbuckssuchaswenowknowaselandorkudoo，carriedinonroughlittersofboughstobedisposedofbypartiesofsavagehuntsmenwhohadshotthemwitharrowsortrappedtheminpitfalls.EveryEasterntribeandnationseemedtoberepresentedinthemotleycrowd.Yonderstalkedsavages，nakedexceptfortheirgirdles，andarmedwithhugespears，whogazedwithbewildermentonthewondersofthismartofthewhiteman;theremovedgrave，long—beardedArabmerchantsorPh？niciansintheirpointedcaps，orbare—headedwhite—robedEgyptians，orhalf—bredmercenariescladinmail.Theirvarietywaswithoutend，whilefromthemcameaverybabelofdifferenttonguesastheycriedtheirwares，bargainedandquarrelled.
Azielgazedatthisnovelsightwithinterest，till，ashewasbeginningtowearyofit，thecrowdpartedtorightandleft，leavingaclearlaneacrossthemarket—placetothenarrowgateofthetemple.
AlongthislaneadvancedaprocessionofthepriestsofElcladinredrobes，withtallredcapsupontheirheads，beneathwhichtheirstraighthairhungdowntotheirshoulders.Intheirhandsweregildedrods，androundtheirneckshunggoldenchains，towhichwereattachedemblemsofthegodtheyworshipped.Theywalkedtwo—and—twotothenumberoffifty，chantingamelancholydirge，onehandofeachpriestrestinguponhisfellow’sshoulder，andastheypassed，withtheexceptionofcertainJews，allthespectatorsuncovered，whilesomeofthemorepiousofthemevenfellupontheirknees.
Afterthepriestscameasecondprocession，thatofthepriestessesofBaaltis.Thesewomen，whonumberedatleastahundred，werecladinwhite，andworeupontheirheadsagauze—likeveilthatfelltotheknees，andwasheldinplacebyagoldenfilletsurmountedwiththesymbolofacrescentmoon.Insteadofthegoldenrods，however，eachofthemheldinherlefthandagrowingstalkofmaize，fromthesheathedcobofwhichhungthebrighttasselofitsbloom.Onherrightwrist，moreover，amilk—whitedovewasfastenedbyawire，bothcornanddovebeingtokensofthatfertilitywhich，undervariousguises，wastherealobjectofworshipofthesepeople.Thesightofthesewhite—veiledwomenaboutwhosecrescent—deckedbrowsthedovesfluttered，wildlystrivingtobefree，wasverystrangeandbeautifulastheyadvancedalsosingingalowandmelancholychant.Azielsearchedtheirfaceswithhiseyeswhiletheypassedslowlytowardshim，andpresentlyhisheartbounded，forthereamongthem，claspingthedovesheboretoherbreast，asthoughtostillitsfrightenedstrugglings，wastheLadyElissa.Henoticed，too，thatasshewentbeneaththepalacewalls，sheglancedatthewindow—placeofhischamber，butwithoutseeinghimforhewasseatedintheshadow.
Presentlythelonglineofpriestesses，followedbyhundredsofworshippers，hadvanishedthroughthetortuousandnarrowentranceofthetemple，andAzielleanedbacktothink.
There，amongtheprincipalvotariesofagoddess，thewickednessofwhoseworshipwasascandalandaby—wordevenintheancientworld，walkedthewomantowhomhefeltsostrangelydrawnandwithwhom，iftherewereanytruthinthevisionsofIssacharandthemysteriouswarningsofhisownsoul，hisfatewasintertwined.Ashethoughtofitasuddenrevulsionfilledhisheart.Shewaswiseandbeautiful，andsheseemedinnocent，butIssacharwasright;thisgirlwastheministerofanabominablecreed;nay，foraughtheknew，shewasherselfdefiledwithitsabominations，andherwisdombutanevilgiftfromtheevilpowerssheserved.Couldhe，aprinceoftheroyalbloodoftheHouseofIsraelandoftheancientPharaohsofKhem，desiretohaveanythingtodowithsuchanone，heachildoftheChosenPeople，aworshipperofthetrueandonlyGod？Yesterdayshehadthrownaspelluponhim，aspellofblackmagic，orthespellofherimperialbeauty，which，itmatterednot，butto—dayhewasthelordofhisownmind，andwouldshakehimselffreeofitandher.
Inthemarket—placebelow，theLeviteIssacharalsohadwatchedthepassingofthepriestsandpriestessesofElandBaaltis.
\"Tellme，Metem，\"heaskedofthePh？nicianwhostoodbesidehim，hisheadrespectfullyuncovered，\"whatmummeryisthis？\"
\"Itisnomummery，worthyIssachar，butaceremonyofpublicsacrifice，whichistobeofferedinthetempleyonder，fortherecoveryfromhersicknessoftheLadyBaaltis，thehigh—priestess.\"
\"Wherethenistheoffering.Iseenone，unlessitbethosedovesthataretiedtothewristsofthewomen？\"
\"Nay，Issachar，\"answeredMetemsmilingdarkly，\"thegodsasknoblerbloodthanthatofdoves.Theofferingiswithin，anditisthefirst—
bornchildofapriestessofBaaltis.\"
\"OLordofHeaven！\"saidIssacharliftinguphiseyes，\"howlongwillyousufferthatthismurderousandaccursedraceshoulddefilethefaceofearth？\"
\"Softly，friend，\"brokeinMetem，\"IhavereadyourScriptures，andisitnotsetoutinthemthatyourgreatforefatherwascommandedtoofferuphisfirst—borninsuchasacrifice？\"
\"Blasphemenot，\"answeredtheJew.\"Hewascommandedindeed，thathisheartmightbeproved，buthishandwasstayed.HeWhomIworshipdelightsnotinthebloodofchildren.\"
HereIssacharbrokeoff，suddenlyrecognisingtheladyElissaamongthewhite—robedpriestesses.Watchingher，henotedherglanceatthewindowofAziel’schamber，andsawwhatshecouldnotsee，thattheprincewasseatedthere.\"ThisdaughterofSatanspreadshernets，\"hemutteredbetweenhisteeth.Thenathoughtstruckhim，andheaddedaloud，\"Say，Metem，isitpermittedtostrangerstowitnesstheritesinyondertemple？\"
\"Surely，\"answeredthePh？nician;\"thatis，iftheyguardtheirtongues，anddonothingtooffend.\"
\"ThenIdesiretoseethem，Metem，andsodoubtlessdoestheprinceAziel.Therefore，ifitisyourwill，dometheservicetoenterhischamberinthepalacewhereheissitting，andbidhimtoagreatceremonythatgoesforwardinthetemple.And，Metem，ifheaskswhatthatceremonyis，Ichargeyou，sayonlythatadoveistobesacrificed.
\"Iwillwaitforyouatthegateofthetemple，butdonottellhimthatIsendyouonthiserrand.Metem，youlovegain;rememberthatifyouhumourmeinthisandothermatterswhichmayarise，doingmybiddingfaithfully，IhavethetreasuryofJerusalemtodrawupon.\"
\"Noillpaymaster，\"repliedMetemcheerfully.\"CertainlyIwillobeyyouinallthings，holyIssachar，asthekingcommandedmeyonderinJudea.\"
\"Now，\"hereflectedtohimself，ashewentuponhismessage，\"Iseehowthebirdflies.TheprinceAzielisinlovewiththeladyElissa，orfarupontheroadtoit，asathisageitisrightandproperthatheshouldbe，afteratwelvemonths’journeybyseaandlandwithneveraprettyfacetosighfor.TheholyIssachar，ontheotherhand，ismindedthathischargeshallhavenaughttodowithapriestessofBaaltis，as，hisageandcallingconsidered，isalsorightandproper.
ThenthereisthatblacksavageIthobal，whowishestowinthegirl，andthegirlherself，whoafterthefashionofhersex，willprobablyplaythemalloffoneagainsttheother.Well，somuchthebetterforme，sinceIshallbearichermaneventhanIambeforethisaffairisdonewith.Ihavetwohands，andgoldisgoldwhoeverbethegiver，\"
andsmilingcraftilytohimselfMetempassedintothepalace.
CHAPTERV
THEPLACEOFSACRIFICE
SuddenlyAziel，lookingupfromhisreverie，sawthePh？nicianbowingbeforehim，capinhand.
\"MaythePrinceliveforever，\"hesaid，\"yetifhesuffermelancholytoovercomehimthus，hislife，howeverlong，willbebutsad.\"
\"Iwasonlythinking，Metem，\"answeredAzielwithastart.
\"OftheladyElissa，whomyourescued，Prince？Ah！Iguessedasmuch.
Sheisbeautiful，isshenot——Ihaveneverseentheequalofthosedreamyeyesandthatmysterioussmile——andlearnedalso，thoughmyself，inawomanIpreferthebeautywithoutthelearning.Itisapitynowthatsheshouldchancetobeapriestessofourworship，forthatwillnotpleasetheholyIssacharwhom，Ifear，Prince，youfindasternguideforthefeetofyouth.\"
\"Yourbusiness，merchant？\"brokeinAziel.
\"Icraveyourpardon，Prince，\"answeredthePh？nician，spreadingouthishandsindeprecation.\"Istruckagoodbargainformywaresthismorning，anddrankwinetosealit，therefore，letmebeforgivenifI
havespokentoofreelyinyourpresence，Prince.Thisismybusiness：
Yonderinthetempletheycelebrateaservicewhichitislawfulforstrangerstowitness，andastheopportunityisrare，Ithoughtthat，havingheardsomethingofourmysteriesinthegrovelastnight，youmightwishtoseetheoffice.Ifthisbeso，Iamcometoguideyou.\"
\"Aziel’sfirstimpulsewastorefusetogo;indeed，thewordsofdismissalwereonhislipswhenanotherpurposeenteredhismind.ForthisoncehewouldlookupontheseabominationsandlearnwhatpartElissaplayedinthem，andthusbecuredforeverofthelongingsthathadseizedhim.
\"Whatistheceremony？\"heasked.
\"AsacrificefortherecoveryoftheladyBaaltiswhoissick，Prince.\"
\"Andwhatisthesacrifice？\"askedAziel.
\"Adove，asIamtold，\"wastheindifferentanswer.
\"Iwillcomewithyou，Metem.\"
\"Sobeit，Prince.Yourretinueawaitsyouatthegate.\"
AtthemainentrancetothepalaceAzielfoundhisguardandotherservantsgatheredtheretoescorthim.WiththemwasIssachar，whomhegreeted，askinghimifheknewtheerranduponwhichtheywerebent.
\"Ido，Prince;itistowitnesstheabominationofasacrificeoftheseheathens.\"
\"Willyouthenaccompanymethere，Issachar？\"
\"WheremylordgoesIgo，\"answeredtheLevitegravely.\"Moreover，Prince，ifyouhaveyourreasonsforwishingtoseethisdevil—
worship，Imayhavemine.\"
Thentheysetout，Metemguidingthem.Atthenorthgateofthetemple，whichwasnotmorethanayardinwidth，thePh？nicianspoketotheguardsonduty，whodrewbacktoletthempass.Insinglefile，forthepassagesweretoonarrowtoallowofanyothermeansofprogression，theythreadedthetortuousandmazypathsofthegreatbuilding，passingbetweenhugewallsbuiltofgraniteblockslaidwithoutmortar，tillatlengththeyreachedalargeopenspace.Heretheceremonyhadalreadybegun.Almostinthecentreofthisspace，whichwaspavedwithblocksofgranite，stoodtwoconicaltowers，thelargerofwhichmeasuredthirtyfeetinheightandthesmallerabouthalfasmuch.Thesetowers，alsobuildofblocksofstone，were，asMeteminformedthem，sacredtoandemblematicalofthegodsElandBaaltis.Infrontofthemwasaplatformsurmountedbyastonealtar，andbetweenthem，builtinapitintheground，burnedagreatfurnaceofwood.Allthecentreoftheenclosurewasoccupiedbythemarshalledranksofthepriestsandpriestesses.Withoutthissacredringstoodthecloselypackedmassesofspectators，amongstwhomAzielandhisfollowingweregivenplace，thoughsomeofthemorepiousworshippersmurmuredaudiblyattheadmissionoftheseJews.
Whentheyentered，thecompaniesofpriestsandpriestesseswerefinishingaprayer，thesentencesofwhichtheychantedalternatelywithstrangeeffect.Inpartitwasformal，andinpartanimprovisedsupplicationtotheprotectinggodstorestorehealthtothatwomanorhigh—priestesswhowasknownastheladyBaaltis.Theprayerended，abeautifulbold—facedgirladvancedtoanopenspaceinfrontofthealtar，andwithasuddenmovementthrewoffherwhiterobe，revealingherselftothespectatorsinamany—colouredgarmentofgauze，throughwhichherfairfleshgleamed.
Theblackhairofthiswomanwasadornedwithacoronetofscarletflowersandhunglooseabouther;herfeetandarmswerenaked，andineachhandsheheldaknifeofbronze.Veryslowlyshebegantodance，herpaintedlipspartedasthoughtospeak，andhereyes，brightenedwithpigments，turneduptoheaven.Bydegreeshermovementsgrewmorerapid，tillatlength，asshewhirledround，herlonglocksstreamedoutstraightupontheairandthecrownofflowerslookedlikeascarletring.Suddenlythebronzeknifeinherrighthandflashed，andaspotofredappearedaboveherleftbreast;thentheknifeinthelefthandflashed，andanotherspotappearedovertherightbreast.Ateachstrokethemultitudecried，\"/Ah！/\"aswithonevoice，andthenweresilent.
Nowthemaddeneddancer，ceasingherwhirlings，leapthighintotheair，clashingtheknivesaboveherheadandcrying，\"Hearme，hearme，Baaltis！\"
Againsheleapt，andthistimetheanswerthatcamefromherlipswasspokeninanothervoice，whichsaid，\"Iampresent.Whatseekyou？\"
Athirdtimethepriestessleapt，replyinginherownvoice，\"Healthforthyservantwhoissick.\"Thencametheanswerinthesecondvoice——\"Ihearyou，butIseenosacrifice.\"
\"Whatsacrificewould’stthou，OQueen？Adove？\"
\"Nay.\"
\"Whatthen，Queen？\"
\"Oneonly，thefirst—bornchildofawoman.\"
Asthiscommand，whichtheysupposedtobedivineandfromabove，issuedoutofthelipsofthegashedandbleedingPythoness，themultitudethathithertohadlistenedinperfectsilence，shoutedaloud，whilethegirlherself，utterlyexhausted，felltotheearthswooning.
NowthehighpriestofEl，whowasnamedtheShadid，noneotherindeedthanthehusbandofherwholaysick，sprangupontheplatformandcried：——
\"Thegoddesshasspokenbythemouthofheroracle.Shewhoisthemotherofalldemandsonelifeoutofthemanyshehasgiven，thattheLadyBaaltis，whoisherpriestessuponearth，mayberecoveredofhersickness.Say，whowilllaydownalifeforthehonourofthegoddess，andthatherregentinthislandmaybesavedalive？\"
Now——forallthisscenehadbeencarefullyprepared——awomansteppedforward，wearingtherobeofapriestess，whoboreinherarmsadruggedandsleepingchild.
\"I，father，\"shecriedinashrill，hardvoice，thoughherlipstrembledasshespoke.\"Letthegoddesstakethischild，thefirst—
fruitofmybody，thatourmothertheLadyBaaltismaybecuredofhersickness，andthatI，herdaughter，maybeblessedbythegoddess，andthroughme，allwewhoworshipher.\"Andsheheldoutthelittlevictimtowardshim.
TheShadidstretchedouthisarmstotakeit，butheneverdidtakeit，foratthatmomentappearedupontheplatformthetallandbeardedfigureofIssacharcladinhiswhiterobes.
\"Hold！\"hecriedinaloud，clearvoice，\"andtouchnottheinnocentchild.SpawnofSatan，wouldyoudomurdertoappeasethedevilswhomyouworship？Wellshalltheyrepayyou，peopleofZimboe.Oh！mineeyesareopenandIsee，\"hewenton，shakinghisthinarmsabovehisheadinapropheticfrenzy.\"IseetheswordofthetrueGod，anditflamesabovethiscityofidolatersandabominations.Iseethisplaceofsacrifice，andItellyouthatbeforethemoonisyoungagainitshallrunredwiththebloodofyou，idolworshippers，andofyou，womenofthegroves.Theheathenisatyourgates，yefollowersofdemons，andmyGodsendsthemasHesendsthelocustsofthenorthwindtodevouryoulikegrass，tosweepyouawaylikethedustofthedesert.CrythenuponElandBaaltis，andletElandBaaltissaveyouiftheycan.Doomisuponyou;Azrael，angelofdeath，writeshisnameuponyourforeheads，everyoneofyou，givingyourcitytotheowls，yourbodiestothejackals，andyoursoulstoSatan————\"
ThusfarthepriestsandthespectatorshadlistenedtoIssachar’sdenunciationsinbewilderedamazementnotunmixedwithfear.Nowwitharoarofwraththeyawoke，andsuddenlyhewasdraggedfromtheplatformbyascoreofhandsandstruckdownwithmanyblows.Indeed，hewouldthenandtherehavebeentorntopieceshadnotaguardofsoldiers，knowingthathewasSakon’sguestandinthetrainoftheprinceAziel，snatchedhimfromthemaddenedmultitude，andbornehimswiftlytoaplaceofsafetywithouttheenclosure.
Whilethetumultwasatitsheight，aPh？nician，whohadarrivedinthetemplebreathlesswithhaste，mighthavebeenseentopluckMetembythesleeve.
\"Whatisit？\"Metemaskedoftheman，whowashisservant.
\"This：theladyBaaltisisdead.Iwatchedasyoubademe，and，asshehadpromisedtodo，intokenoftheend，herwomanwavedanapkinfromthecasementofthattowerwhereshelies.\"
\"Doanyknowofthis？\"
\"None.\"
\"Thensaynowordofit，\"andMetemhurriedoffinsearchofAziel.
PresentlyhefoundhimseekingforIssacharincompanywithhisguards.
\"Havenofear，Prince，\"Metemsaid，inanswertohiseagerquestions，\"heissafeenough，forthesoldiershavebornethefoolaway.PardonmethatIshouldspeakthusofaholyman，buthehasputallourlivesindanger.\"
\"Idonotpardonyou，\"answeredAzielhotly，\"andIhonourIssacharforhisactandwords.Letusbegonefromthisaccursedplacewhitheryouentrappedme.\"
BeforeMetemcouldreplyavoicecried，\"Closethedoorsofthesanctuary，sothatnonecanpassinorgoout，andletthesacrificebeoffered.\"
\"Listen，Prince，\"saidMetem，\"youmuststayheretilltheceremonyisdone.\"
\"ThenItellyou，Ph？nician，\"answeredAziel，\"thatratherthansufferthatlucklesschildtobebutcheredbeforemyeyesIwillcutmywaytoitwithmyguards，andrescueitalive.\"
\"Toleaveyourselfdeadinplaceofit，\"answeredMetemsarcastically;
\"but，see，awomandesirestospeakwithyou，\"andhepointedtoagirlintherobeofapriestess，whosefacewashiddenwithaveil，andwho，inthetumultandconfusion，hadworkedherwaytoAziel.
\"Prince，\"whisperedtheveiledform，\"IamElissa.Foryourlife’ssakekeepstillandsilent，oryouwillbestabbed，foryourwordshavebeenoverheard，andthepriestsaremadattheinsultthathasbeenputuponthem.\"
\"Awaywithyou，woman，\"answeredAziel;\"whathaveItodowithagirlofthegrovesandamurderessofchildren？\"
Shewincedathisbitterwords，butsaidquietly：——
\"Thenonyourownheadbeyourblood，Prince，whichIhaveriskedmuchtokeepunshed.Butbeforeyoudie，learnthatIknewnothingofthisfoulsacrifice，andthatgladlywouldIgivemyownlifetosavethatofyonderchild.\"
\"Saveit，andIwillbelieveyou，\"answeredtheprince，turningfromher.
Elissaslippedaway，forshesawthatthepriestesses，hercompanions，werereformingtheirranks，andthatshemustnottarry.Whenshehadgoneafewyards，ahandcaughtherbythesleeve，andthevoiceofMetem，whohadoverheardsomethingofthistalk，whisperedinherear：——
\"DaughterofSakon，whatwillyougivemeifIshowyouawaytosavethelifeofthechild，andwithitthatoftheprince，andatthesametimetomakehimthinkwellofyouagain？\"
\"Allmyjewelsandornamentsofgold，andtheyaremany，\"sheansweredeagerly.
\"Good;itisabargain.Nowlisten：TheladyBaaltisisdead;shediedafewminutessince，andnonehereknowitsavemyselfandoneother，myservant，norcananylearnit，forthegatesareshut.Doyoube，therefore，suddenlyinspired——ofthegods——andsayso，forthenthesacrificemustcease，seeingthatsheforwhomitwastobeofferedisdead.Doyouunderstand？\"
\"Iunderstand，\"sheanswered，\"andthoughtheblasphemybringonmethevengeanceofBaaltis，yetitshallbedared.Fearnot，yourpayisgood，\"andshepressedforwardtoherplace，keepingtheveilwrappedaboutherheadtillshereacheditunobserved，forinthegeneralconfusionnonehadnoticedhermovements.
Whenthenoiseofshoutingandangryvoiceshadatlengthdiedaway，andthespectatorsweredrivenbackoutsidethesacredcircle，thepriestupontheplatformcried：——
\"NowthattheJewblasphemerhasgone，letthesacrificebeoffered，asisdecreed.\"
\"Yea，letthesacrificebeoffered，\"answeredthemultitude，andoncemorethewomanwiththesleepingchildsteppedforward.Butbeforethepriestcouldtakeitanotherfigureapproachedhim，thatofElissa，witharmsoutstretchedandeyesupturned.
\"Hold，Opriest！\"shesaid，\"forthegoddess，breathingonmybrow，inspiresme，andIhaveamessagefromthegoddess.\"
\"Drawnear，daughter，andspeakitintheearsofmen，\"thepriestansweredwondering，forhefoundithardtobelieveinsuchinspiration，andindeedwouldhavedeniedherahearinghadhedared.
SoElissaclimbedtheplatform，andstandinguponitstillwithoutstretchedhandsandupturnedface，shesaidinaclearvoice：——
\"Thegoddessrefusesthesacrifice，sinceshehastakentoherselfherforwhomitwastohavebeenoffered——theLadyBaaltisisdead.\"
Atthistidingsagroanwentupfromthepeople，partlyofgriefforthelossofaspiritualdignitarywhowaspopular，andpartlyofdisappointmentbecausenowthesacrificecouldnotbeoffered.ForthePh？nicianslovedthesehorriblespectacles，whichwerenot，however，commonlycelebratedbydaylightandinthepresenceofthepeople.
\"Itisalie，\"criedavoice，\"butnowtheLadyBaaltiswasliving.\"
\"Letthegatesbeopened，andsendtoseewhetherornoIlie，\"saidElissa，quietly.
Thenforawhiletherewassilencewhileapriestwentupontheerrand.Atlengthhewasseenreturning.Pushinghiswaythroughthecrowd，hemountedtheplatform，andsaid：——
\"ThedaughterofSakonspeakstruth;alas！theladyBaaltisisdead.\"
Elissasighedinrelief，forhadhertidingsprovedfalseshecouldscarcelyhavehopedtoescapethefuryofthecrowd.
\"Ay！\"shecried，\"sheisdead，asItoldyou，andbecauseofyoursin，whowouldhaveofferedhumansacrificeinpublic，againstthecustomofourfaithandcityandwithoutthecommandofthegoddess.\"
Theninsullensilencethepriestsandpriestessesreformedtheirranks，anddepartedfromthesanctuary，whencetheywerefollowedbythespectators，themostoftheminnogoodmood，fortheyhadbeenbaulkedofthepromisedspectacle.
CHAPTERVI
THEHALLOFAUDIENCE
WhenElissareachedherchamberafterthebreakupoftheprocession，shethrewherselfuponhercouch，andburstintoapassionoftears.
Wellmightsheweep，forshehadbeenfalsetoheroathasapriestess，utteringasamessagefromthegoddessthatwhichshehadlearntfromthelipsofman.More，shecouldnotridherselfoftheremembranceofthescornandloathingwithwhichthePrinceAzielhadlookeduponher，orofthebitterinsultofhiswordswhenhecalledher，\"agirlofthegroves，andamurderessofchildren.\"
Itchancedthat，sofarasElissawasconcerned，thesechargeswereutterlyuntrue.Nonecouldthrowasluruponher，andasfortheserarehumansacrifices，sheloathedtheverynameofthem，nor，unlessforcedtoit，wouldshehavebeenpresenthadsheguessedthatanysuchofferingwasintended.
Likemostoftheancientreligions，thatofthePh？nicianshadtwosidestoit——aspiritualandamaterialside.Thespiritualsidewasaworshipofthefar—offunknowndivinity，symbolisedbythesun，moonandplanets，andvisibleonlyintheirmajesticmovements，andintheforcesofnature.TothisElissaclung，knowingnotruergod，andfromthoseforcesshestrovetowringtheirsecret，forherheartwasdeep.
Lonelyinvocationstothegoddessbeneaththelightofthemoonappealedtoher，forfromthemsheseemedtodrawstrengthandcomfort，buttheoutwardceremoniesofherfaith，orthemoresecretanddarkerofthem，ofwhichinpracticesheknewlittle，werealreadyanabominationinhereyes.AndnowwhatiftheJewprophetspoketruly？Whatifthiscreedofherswerealie，rootandbranch，andtheredidlieintheheavensaboveaLordandFatherwhoheardandansweredtheprayersofmen，andwhodidnotseekofthemthebloodofthechildrenHehadgiven？
AgreatdoubttookholdofElissaandshookherbeing，andwiththedoubtcamehope.Howwasit——ifherfaithweretrue——thatwhenshetookthenameofthegoddessinvain，nothinghadbefallenher？Shedesiredtolearnmoreofthismatter，butwhowastoteachher？TheLeviteturnedfromherwithloathingasfromathingunclean，andthereremained，therefore，buttheprinceAziel，whohadputherfromhimwiththosebitterwordsofscorn.Ah！whydidtheypainherso，piercingherheartaswithaspear？Wasitbecause——because——hehadgrowndeartoher？Yes，thatwasthetruth.Shehadlearneditevenashecursedher;allherquicksouthernbloodwasalightwithanewfire，thelikeofwhichshehadneverknownbefore.Andnotherbloodonly，itwasherspirit——herspiritthatyearnedtohis.Haditnotleaptwithinheratthefirstsightofhimastoonemostdear，onelong—lostandfoundagain？Shelovedhim，andheloathedher，andoh！
herlotwashard.
AsElissalaybroodingthusinherpain，thedooropenedandSakon，herfather，hurriedintothechamber.
\"Whatisitthatchancedyonder？\"heasked，forhehadnotbeenpresentinthesanctuary，\"and，daughter，whydoyouweep？\"
\"Iweep，father，becauseyourguest，theprinceAziel，hascalledme’agirlofthegroves，andamurderessofchildren，’\"shereplied.
\"Then，bymyhead，princethatheis，heshallanswerforittome，\"
saidSakon，graspingathissword—hilt.
\"Nay，father，sincetohimImusthaveseemedtodeservethewords.
Listen.\"Andshetoldhimallthathadpassed，hidingnothing.
\"Nowitseemsthattroubleisheapedupontrouble，\"saidthePh？nicianwhenshehadfinished，\"andtheyweremadwhosufferedtheprinceandthatfierceIssachartobepresentatthesacrifice.Daughter，Itellyouthis：thoughIamaworshipperofElandBaaltis，asmyfatherswerebeforeme，IknowthatJehovahoftheJewsisagreatandpowerfulLord，andthatHisprophetsdonotprophesyfalsely，forI
haveseenitinmyyouth，yonderinthecoastsofSidon.WhatdidIssacharsay？Thatbeforethemoonwasyoungagain，thistempleshouldrunredwithblood？Well，soitmayhappen，forIthobalthreatenswaragainstus，andforyoursake，mydaughter.\"
\"Howformysake，father？\"sheaskedheavily，asonewhoknewwhattheanswerwouldbe.
\"Youknowwell，girl.EversinceyoudancedbeforehimatthegreatwelcomingfeastImadeinhishonouramonthagothemanisbesottedofyou;moreover，heismadwithjealousyofthisnew—comer，theprinceAziel.Hehasdemandedpublicaudienceofmethisafternoon，andIhaveitprivatelythatthenhewillformallyaskyouinmarriagebeforethepeople，andifheisrefusedwilldeclarewaruponthecity，withwhichhehasmanyanancientquarrel.Yes，yes，kingIthobalisthatswordofGodwhichtheJewsaidhesawhangingoverus，andshoulditfallitwillbebecauseofyou，Elissa.\"
\"TheJewdidnotsaythat，father;hesaiditwouldbebecauseofthesinsofthepeopleandtheiridolatries.\"
\"Whatdoesitmatterwhathesaid？\"brokeinSakonhastily.\"HowshallIanswerIthobal？\"
\"Tellhim，\"sherepliedwithastrangesmile，\"thathedoeswiselytobejealousoftheprinceAziel.\"
\"What！Ofthestrangerwhothisverydayreviledyouinwordsofsuchshame，andsosoon？\"askedherfatherastonished.
Elissadidnotspeakinanswer;sheonlylookedstraightbeforeher，andnoddedherhead.
\"Hadevermansuchadaughter？\"Sakonwentoninpetulantdismay.
\"Trulyitisawisesayingwhichtellsthatwomenlovethosebestwhobeatthem，beitwiththetongueorwiththefist.NotbutwhatI
wouldgladlyseeyouweddedtoaprinceofIsraelandofEgyptratherthanofthishalf—bredbarbarian，butthelegionsofSolomonandofPharaoharefaraway，whereasIthobalhasahundredthousandspearsalmostatourgate.\"
\"Thereisnoneedtospeakofsuchthings，father，\"shesaid，turningaside，\"since，evenwereIwilling，theprincewouldhavenoughttodowithme，whoamapriestessofBaaltis.\"
\"Thematterofreligionmightbeovercome，\"suggestedSakon;\"but，no，formanyreasonsitisimpossible.Well，thisbeingso，daughter，I
mayanswerIthobalthatyouwillwedhim.\"
\"I！\"shesaid;\"Iwedthatblack—heartedsavage？Myfather，youmayanswerwhatyouwill，butofthisbesure，thatIwillgotomygravebeforeIpassaswifetotheboardofIthobal.\"
\"Oh！mydaughter，\"pleadedSakon，\"thinkbeforeyousayit.Ashiswifeatleastyou，whoarenotofroyalblood，willbeaqueen，andthemotherofkings.Butifyourefuse，theneitherImustforceyou，whichishatefultome，ortherewillbesuchawarasthecityhasnotknownforgenerations，forIthobalandhistribeshavemanygrievancesagainstus.Bythegiftofyourself，forawhile，atanyrate，youcan，asitchances，makepeacebetweenus，butifthatiswithheld，thenbloodwillruninrivers，andperhapsthiscity，withallwholiveinit，willbedestroyed，orattheleastitstrademustberuinedanditswealthstolenaway.\"
\"Ifitisdecreedthatallthesethingsaretobe，theywillbe，\"
answeredElissacalmly，\"seeingthatthiswarhasthreatenedusformanyyears，andthatawomanmustthinkofherselffirst，andofthefateofcitiesafterwards.OfmyownfreewillIshallnevertakeIthobalforhusband.Father，Ihavesaid.\"
\"Ofthefateofcities，yes;buthowofmyfate，andthatofthosewelove？Arewealltoberuined，andperhapsslaughtered，tosatisfyyourwhim，girl？\"
\"Ididnotsayso，father.IsaidthatofmyownfreewillIwouldnotwedIthobal.Ifyouchoosetogivemetohimyouhavetherighttodoit，butknowthenthatyougivemetomydeath.Perhapsitisbestthatitshouldbethus.\"
Sakonknewhisdaughterwell，anditdidnotneedthatheshouldglanceatherfacetolearnthatshemeantherwords.Alsohelovedher，hisonlychild，moredearlythananythingonearth.
\"Intruthmystraitishard，andIknownotwhichwaytoturn，\"hesaid，coveringhisfacewithhishand.
\"Father，\"shereplied，layingherfingerslightlyonhisshoulder，\"whatneedistheretoanswerhimatonce？Takeamonth，orifhewillnotgiveit，aweek.Muchmayhappeninthattime.\"
\"Thecounseliswise，\"hesaid，catchingatthisstraw.\"Daughter，beinthegreathallofaudiencewithyourattendantsthreehoursafternoon，forthenwemustreceiveIthobalboldlyinallpomp，anddealwithhimasbestwemay.AndnowIgotoaskpeacefortheLevitefromthepriestsofEl，andtodiscoverwhomthesacredcollegesdesiretonominateasthenewBaaltis.DoubtlessitwillbeMesa，thedaughterofherwhoisdead，thoughmanyareagainsther.Oh！iftherewerenopriestsandnowomen，thiscitywouldbeeasiertogovern，\"andwithanimpatientgestureSakonlefttheroom.
****
Itwasthreeo’clockintheafternoon，andthegreathallofaudienceinZimboewascrowdedwithabrilliantassemblage.TheresatSakon，thegovernor，andwithhimhiscouncilofthenotablesofthecity;
therewereprinceAzielandamonghisretinue，Issachartheprophet，fierce—eyedasever，thoughhardlyrecoveredfromtheroughhandlinghehadexperiencedinthetemple.TherewererepresentativesofthecollegeofthepriestsofEl.Thereweremanyladies，wivesanddaughtersofdignitariesandwealthycitizens，andwiththemagreatcrowdofspectatorsofallclassesgatheredinthelowerpartofthehall，forarumourhadspreadaboutthatthefarewellaudiencegivenbySakontoKingIthobalwaslikelytobestormy.
Whenallweregathered，aheraldannouncedthatIthobal，KingoftheTribes，waitedtotakehisleaveofSakon，GovernorofZimboe，beforedepartingtohisownlandonthemorrow.
\"Lethimbeadmitted，\"saidSakon，wholookedwearyandillatease.
Thenastheheraldbowedandleft，heturnedandwhisperedsomethingintotheearofhisdaughterElissa，whostoodbehindhischair，herfaceimmovableasthatofanEgyptianSphinx，butmagnificentlyapparelledingleamingrobesandjewelledornaments——whichMetem，lookingonthem，reflectedwithsatisfactionwerenowhisproperty.
Presently，precededbyaburstofsavagemusic，Ithobalentered.HewasgorgeouslyarrayedinapurpleTyrianrobedeckedwithgoldenchains，whileonthebrow，intokenofhisroyalty，heworeagoldencircletinwhichwassetasingleblood—redstone.Beforehimwalkedasword—bearercarryingaswordofceremony，amagnificentivory—handledweaponencrustedwithroughgemsandinlaidwithgold，whilebehindhim，cladinbarbaricpomp，marchedanumberofcounsellorsandattendants，hugeandhalf—savagemenwhoglaredwonderinglyatthesplendouroftheplaceanditsoccupants.Asthekingcame，Sakonrosefromhischairofstateand，advancingdownthehall，tookhimbythehandandledhimtoasimilarchairplacedatalittledistance.
Ithobalseatedhimselfandlookedaroundthehall.PresentlyhisglancefelluponAziel，andhescowled.
\"Isitcommon，Sakon，\"heasked，\"thattheseatofaprinceshouldbesethigherthanthatofacrownedking？\"AndhepointedtothechairofAziel，whichwasplacedalittleabovehisownupontheda？s.
ThegovernorwasabouttoanswerwhenAzielsaidcoldly：——
\"WhereitwaspointedouttomethatIshouldsit，thereIsat，though，foraughtIcare，thekingIthobalmaytakemyplace.ThegrandsonofPharaohandofSolomondoesnotneedtodisputeforprecedencewiththesavagerulerofsavagetribes.\"
Ithobalsprangtohisfeetandcried，graspinghissword：——
\"Bymyfather’ssoul，youshallanswerforthis，Princelet.\"
\"Youshouldhaveswornbyyourmother’ssoul，KingIthobal，\"repliedAzielquietly，\"fordoubtlessitistheblackbloodinyourveinsthatcausesyoutoforgetyourcourtesy.Fortherest，Ianswertonomansavetomyking.\"
\"Yetthereisoneotherwhowillmakeyouanswer，\"repliedIthobal，inavoicethickwithrage，\"andhereheis，\"andhedrewhisswordandflasheditbeforetheprince’seyes.\"Orifyoufeartofacehim，thenthewandsofmyslavesshallcauseyoutocrymepardon.\"
\"Ifyoudesiretochallengemetocombat，kingIthobal，forthispurposeonlyIamyourservant，thoughthefashionofyourchallengingisnotthatofanynationwhichIknow.\"
BeforeIthobalcouldreply，Sakoncriedoutinaloudvoice：——
\"Enough，enough！Isthisaplaceforbrawling，kingIthobal，andwouldyouseektofixaquarreluponmyguest，theprinceAziel，hereinmycouncilchamber，andtobringuponmethewrathofIsrael，ofTyre，andofEgypt？Besurethattheprinceshallcrossnoswordswithyou;
no，notifIhavetosethimunderguardtokeephimsafe.Toyourbusiness，kingIthobal，orIbreakupthisassemblyandsendyouunderescorttoourgates.\"
NowhiscounsellorspluckedIthobalbythesleeveandwhisperedtohimsomeadvice，whichatlastheseemedtotakewithanillgrace，for，turning，hesaid，\"Sobeit.Thisismybusiness，Sakon：FormanyyearsIandthecountlesstribeswhomIrulehavesufferedmuchatthehandsofyouPh？nicians，whocenturiesagosettledhereinmycountryastraders.Thatyoushouldtradewearecontent，butnotthatyoushouldestablishyourselvesasasovereignpower，pretendingtobemyequalswhoaremyservants.Therefore，inthenameofmynation，I
demandthatthetributewhichyoupaytomefortheuseoftheminesofgoldshallhenceforthbedoubled;thatthedefencesofthiscitybethrowndown;andthatyouceasetoenslavethenativesofthelandtolabourinyourservice.Ihavespoken.\"
Nowasthesearrogantdemandsreachedtheirears，thecompanyassembledinthehallmurmuredwithangerandastonishment，thenturnedtowaitforSakon’sanswer.
\"Andifwerefusethesesmallrequestsofyours，OKing？\"askedthegovernorsarcastically，\"whatthen？Willyoumakewaruponus？\"
\"Firsttellme，Sakon，ifyoudorefusethem？\"
\"InthenameofthecitiesofTyreandSidonwhomIserve，andofHirammymaster，Irefusethemoneandall，\"answeredSakonwithdignity.
\"Then，Sakon，Iammindedtobringupahundredthousandmenagainstyouandtosweepyouandyourcityfromthefaceofearth，\"saidIthobal.\"YetIrememberthatIalsohavePh？nicianbloodinmyveinsmixedwiththenoblerandmoreancientbloodatwhichyonderupstartjeers，andthereforeIwouldspareyou.IrememberalsothatforgenerationstherehasbeenpeaceandamitybetweenmyforefathersandtheCouncilofthiscity，andthereforeIwouldspareyou.Behold，then，Ibuildabridgewherebyyoumayescape，askingbutonelittlethingofyouinproofthatyouareindeedmyfriend，anditisthatyougivemeyourdaughter，theladyElissa，whomIseektomakemyqueen.Thinkwellbeforeyouanswer，rememberingthatuponthisanswermayhangthelivesofallwholistentoyou，ay，andofmanythousandothers.\"
Forawhiletherewassilenceintheassemblage，andeveryeyewasfixeduponElissa，whostoodneithermovingnorspeaking，herfacestillsetlikethatofaSphinx，andalmostasunreadable.Azielgazedatherwiththerest，andhiseyesshefeltaloneofallthehundredsthatwerebentuponher.Indeed，sostronglydidtheydrawher，thatagainstherownwillsheturnedherheadandmetthem.Thenrememberingwhathadpassedbetweenherselfandtheprincethatveryday，shecolouredfaintlyandlookeddown，neithertheglancenortheblushescapingthewatchfulIthobal.
PresentlySakonspoke：——
\"KingIthobal，\"hesaid，\"Iamhonouredindeedthatyoushouldseekmydaughterasyourqueen，butsheismyonlychild，whomIlove，andI
havesworntoherthatIwillnotforcehertomarryagainstherwill，whoeverbethesuitor.Therefore，King，takeyouranswerfromherownlips，forwhateveritbeitismyanswer.\"
\"Lady，\"saidIthobal，\"youhaveheardyourfather’swords;bepleasedtosaythatyoulookwithfavouruponmysuit，andthatyouwilldeigntosharemythroneandpower.\"
Elissatookastepforwardontheda？sandcurtseyedlowbeforetheking.
\"OKing！\"shesaid，\"Iamyourhandmaid，andgreatindeedisthefavourthatyouwoulddoyourservant.Yet，King，IPrayofyousearchoutsomefairerwomanofamoreroyalranktoshareyourcrownandsceptre，forIamallunworthyofthem，andtothosewordsonthismatterwhichIhavespokeninpastdaysIhavenonetoadd.\"Thenagainshecurtseyed，adding，\"King，Iamyourservant.\"
Nowamurmurofastonishmentwentupfromtheaudience，forfewofthemthoughtitpossiblethatElissa，who，howeverbeautiful，wasbutthedaughterofanoble，couldrefusetobecomethewifeofaking.
Ithobalalonedidnotseemtobeastonished，forhehadexpectedthisanswer.
\"Lady，\"hesaid，repressingwithaneffortthepassionswhichweresurgingwithinhim，\"IthinkthatIhavesomethingtooffertothewomanofmychoice，andyetyouputmeasideaslightlyasthoughI
hadneithername，norpower，norstation.This，asitseemstome，canbereadinonewayonly，thatyourheartisgivenelsewhere.\"
\"Haveitasyouwill，King，\"answeredElissa，\"myheartisgivenelsewhere.\"
\"Andyet，lady，notfoursunsgoneyousworetomethatyoulovednoman.Sincethenitseemsthatyouhavelearnedtolove，andswiftly，anditisyonderJewwhomyouhavechosen.\"AndhepointedtotheprinceAziel.
AgainElissacoloured，thistimetotheeyes，butsheshowednoothersignofconfusion.
\"Maythekingpardonme，\"shesaid，\"andmaytheprinceAziel，whosenamehasthusbeencoupledwithmine，pardonme.Isaidindeedthatmyheartwasgivenelsewhere，butIdidnotsayitwasgiventoanyman.
Maynottheheartofamortalmaid—priestessbegiventotheEver—
living？\"
Nowforamomentthekingwassilenced，whileamurmurofapplauseatherreadywitwentroundtheaudience.Butbeforeitdiedawayavoiceatthefarendofthehallcalledout：——
\"PerchancetheladydoesnotknowthatyonderinEgypt，andinJerusalemalso，princeAzielisnamedtheEver—living.\"
NowitwasElissa’sturntobeovercome.
\"Nay，Iknewitnot，\"shesaid;\"howshouldIknowit？IspokeofthatDwellerintheheavenswhomIworship————\"
\"Andbehold，thetitlefitsadwellerontheearthwhomyoumustalsoworship，forsuchomensdonotcomebychance，\"criedthesamevoice，butfromanotherquarterofthecrowdedhall.
\"Iaskpardon，\"brokeinAziel，\"andleavetospeak.Itistruethatowingtoacertainbirth—markwhichIbear，amongtheEgyptiansIhavebeengiventhebye—nameoftheEver—living，butitisonewhichthisladycanscarcelyhaveheard，thereforejestnomoreuponachanceaccidentofwords.Moreover，ifyoubemen，ceasetoheapinsultuponawoman.IwhoamalmostastrangerherehavenotdaredtoasktheladyElissaforherfavour.\"
\"Ay，butyouwillaskandshewillgrant，\"answeredthesamevoice，theownerofwhichnonecoulddiscover——forheseemedtospeakfromeverypartofthechamber.
\"Indeed，\"wentonAziel，notheedingtheinterruption，\"thelastwordsbetweenuswerewordsofanger，forwequarrelledonamatterofreligion.\"
\"Whatofthat？\"criedthevoice;\"loveisthehighestofreligions，fordonotthePh？niciansworshipit？\"
\"Seizeyonderknave，\"shoutedSakon，andsearchwasmadebutwithoutavail.Afterwards，however，Azielrememberedthatonce，whentheywereweather—boundontheirjourneyfromthecoast，Metemhadamusedthembymakinghisvoicesoundfromvariousquartersofthehutinwhichtheylay.ThenIthobalroseandsaid：——
\"Enoughofthisfolly;Iamnotheretojugglewithwords，ortolistentosuchplay.WhethertheladyElissaspokeofthegodssheservesorofamanisonetome.Icarenotofwhomshespoke，butforherwordsIdocare.Nowhearken，youcityoftraders：Ifthisistobethyanswer，thenIbreakdownthatbridgewhichIhavebuilt，anditiswarbetweenyouandmyTribes，wartotheend.Butletherchangeherwords，andwhethershelovesmeorlovesmenot，cometobemywife，and，formyday，thebridgeshallstand;foroncethatwearewedIcansurelyteachherlove，orifIcannot，atleastitissheI
seekwithorwithoutherlove.Reflectthen，lady，andreplyagain，rememberinghowmuchhangsuponyourlips.\"
\"Doyouthink，kingIthobal，\"Elissaanswered，lookingathimwithangryeyes，\"thatawomansuchasIamcanbewonbythreats？Ihavespoken，kingIthobal.\"
\"Iknownot，\"hereplied;\"butIdoknowthatshecanbewonbyforce，andthensurely，lady，yourprideshallpaytheprice，foryoushallbemine，butnotmyqueen.\"
Nowoneofthecouncilroseandsaid：——
\"Itseems，Sakon，thatthereismoreinthismatterthanwhetherornothekingIthobalpleasesyourdaughter.Isthecitythentobeplungedintoagreatwar，ofwhichnonecanseetheend，becauseonewomanlooksaskanceuponaman？Betterthatathousandgirlsshouldbeweddedwheretheywouldnotthanthatsuchathingshouldhappen.
Sakon，accordingtoourancientlawyouhavetherighttogiveyourdaughterinmarriagewhereandwhenyouwill.Wedemand，therefore，thatforthegoodofthecommonwealth，youshouldexercisethisright，andhandovertheladyElissatokingIthobal.\"
Thisspeechwasreceivedwithloudandgeneralshoutsofapproval，fornoPh？nicianaudiencewouldhavebeenwillingtosacrificeitsinterestsforathingsotrivialasthehappinessofawoman.
\"BetweenthedesireofabeloveddaughtertowhomIhavepledgedmywordandmydutytothegreatcityoverwhichIrule，mystraitishardindeed，\"answeredSakon.\"Hearken，kingIthobal，Imusthavetime.Givemeeightdaysfromnowinwhichtoansweryou，forifyouwillnot，Idenyyoursuit.\"
IthobalseemedabouttorefusethedemandofSakon.Thenoncemorehiscounsellorspluckedhimbythesleeve，pointingouttohimthatifhedidthis，itwaslikelythatnoneofthemwouldleavethecityalive.
Atsomesignfromthegovernor，theywhispered，thecaptainsoftheguardwerealreadyhasteningfromthehall.
\"Sobeit，Sakon，\"hesaid.\"To—nightIcampwithoutyourwalls，whicharenolongersafeforonewhohasthreatenedwaragainstthem，andontheeighthdayfromthisseetoitthatyourheraldsbeingmetheLadyElissaandpeace——orImakegoodmythreat.Tillthen，farewell.\"AndplacinghimselfinthemidstofhiscompanykingIthoballeftthehall.
CHAPTERVII
THEBLACKDWARF
Sometwohourshadpassedsincethebreak—upoftheassemblyinthegreathall.PrinceAzielwasseatedinhischamber，whenthekeeperofthedoorannouncedthatawomanwaswithoutwhodesiredtospeakwithhim.Hegaveordersthatsheshouldbeadmitted，andpresentlyaveiledfigureenteredtheroomandbowedbeforehim.
\"Bepleasedtounveil，andtotellmeyourbusiness，\"hesaid.
Withsomereluctancehisvisitorwithdrewthewrappingfromherhead，revealingafacewhichAzielrecognisedasonethathehadseenamongthewaitingwomenwhoattendedonElissa.
\"Mymessageisforyourear，Prince，\"shesaid，glancingatthemanwhohadusheredherintothechamber.
\"Itisnotmycustomtoreceivestrangersthusalone，\"saidtheprince;\"butbeitasyouwill，\"andhemotionedtotheservanttoretirewithoutthedoor.\"Iawaityourpleasure，\"headded，whenthemanhadgone.
\"Itishere，\"sheanswered，anddrewfromherbosomalittlepapyrusroll.
\"Whowrotethis？\"heasked.
\"Iknownot，Prince;itwasgiventometopassontoyou.\"
Thenheopenedtherollandread.Itranthus：\"Thoughwepartedwithbitterwords，stillinmysoredistressIcravethecomfortofyourcounsel.Therefore，sinceIamforbiddentospeakwithyouopenly，meetme，Ibeseechyou，atmoonriseinthepalacegardenundertheshadeofthegreatfigtreewithfiveroots，whereIshallbeaccompaniedonlybyoneItrust.Bringnomanwithyouformysafety’ssake.——Elissa.\"
Azielthrustthescrollintohisrobe，andthoughtawhile.Thenhegavethewaitingladyapieceofgoldandsaid：——
\"TellherwhosentyouthatIobeyherwords.Farewell.\"
Thismessageseemedtopuzzlethewoman，whoopenedherlipstospeak.
Then，changinghermind，sheturnedandwent.
ScarcelyhadshegonewhenthePh？nician，Metem，wasusheredintotheroom.
\"OPrince，\"hesaidmaliciously，\"pardonmeifIcautionyou.Yetintruthifveiledladiesflitthusthroughyourapartmentsinthelightofday，itwillreachtheearsoftheholybutviolentIssachar，ofwhosedoingsIcometospeak.Then，Prince，Itrembleforyou.\"
Azielmadeamovementhalf—impatientandhalf—contemptuous.\"Thewomanisaserving—maid，\"hesaid，\"whobroughtmeamessagethatI
understandbutlittle.Tellme，Metem，foryouknowthisplaceofold，doestherestandinthepalacegardenagreatfigtreewithfiveroots？\"
\"Yes，Prince;atleastsuchatreeusedtogrowtherewhenlastI
visitedthiscountry.Itwasoneofthewondersofthetown，becauseofitssize.Whatofit？\"
\"Little，exceptthatImustbeunderitatmoonrise.Seeandread，sincewhateveryoumaysayofyourself，youare，Ithink，notraitor.\"
\"NotifIamwellpaidtokeepcounsel，Prince，\"Metemansweredwithasmile.Thenhereadthescroll.
\"Iamgladthatthenobleladybringsanattendantwithher，\"hesaidashereturnedit，withabow.\"ThegossipsofZimboearecensorious，andmightmisinterpretthismoonlightmeeting，asindeedwouldSakonandIssachar.Well，doveswillcooandmaidswillwoo，andunlessI
canmakemoneyoutofittheaffairisnoneofmine.\"
\"HaveInottoldyouthatthereisnoquestionofwooing？\"askedtheprinceangrily.\"IgoonlytogiveherwhatcounselIcaninthematterofthesuitofthissavage，Ithobal.TheladyElissaandIhavequarrelledbeyondrepairoverthataccursedsacrifice————\"
\"Whichherreadywitprevented，\"putinMetem.
\"ButIpromisedlastnightthatIwouldhelpherifIcould，\"theprincewenton，\"andIalwayskeepmyword.\"
\"Iunderstand，Prince.Well，sinceyouturnfromthelady，whosenamewithyoursissomuchinmen’smouthsjustnow，doubtlessyouwillgiveherwisecounsel，namely，towedIthobal，andlifttheshadowofwarfromthiscity.Then，indeed，weshallallbegratefultoyou，foritseemsthatnooneelsecanmoveherstubbornness.And，bytheway：
If，whenshehaslistenedtoyourwisdom，thedaughterofSakonshouldchancetoexplaintoyouthatthesightofthisday’sattemptedsacrificefilledherwithhorror，andthatshepartedwitheveryjewelsheownstoputanendtoit——well，herwordswillbetrue.But，sinceyouhavequarrelled，theywillhavenomoreinterestforyou，Prince，thanhasmytalkaboutthem.Sonowtoothermatters.\"AndMetembegantospeakoftheconductofIssacharinthesanctuary，andofthenecessityofguardinghimagainstassassinationatthehandsofthepriestsofElasaconsequenceofhisreligiouszeal.Presentlyhewasgone，leavingAzielsomewhatbewildered.
Coulditbetrue，assheherselfhadtoldhim，andasMetemnowasserted，thatElissahadnotparticipatedwillinglyinthedarkritesinthetemple？Ifsohehadmisjudgedherandbeenunjust;indeed，whatatonementcouldsufficeforsuchwordsashehadusedtowardsher？Well，tosomeextentshemusthaveunderstoodandforgiventhem，otherwiseshewouldscarcelyhavesoughthisaid，thoughheknewnothowhecouldhelpherinherdistress.