\"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.