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