"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.