In her eyes there seemed even now the look of one who sees death inevitable, and the glance she gave to me was like an eternal farewell.
Almah now spoke, addressing herself to Layelah.
"Death," said she, in a voice of indescribable mournfulness, "is better here than with you.

We would rather die here than go back.

Let us, I pray you, receive the blessing of death here.

Let us be paupers and exiles, and die on Magones." Layelah heard this, and stood for a moment in deep thought.
"No one but a stranger," said she at length, "would ask such a favor as that.

Do you not know that what you ask is among the very highest honors of the Kosekin?
Who am I that I can venture to grant such a request as that?
Ask for anything in my power, and I will be glad to grant it.