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