My worst fears at that moment seemed realized; for I saw that Almah's associates were worse than mine, and her fate had been more bitter.
And I wondered how it had been possible for her to live among such associates; or, even though she had lived thus far, whether it would be possible for her to endure it longer.
And now there arose a melancholy chant from the old hags around--a dreadful strain, that sounded like a funeral dirge, sung in shrill, discordant voices, led by the nightmare hag, who as she sang waved in her hand a kind of club.

All the time I held Almah in my arms, regardless of those around us, thinking only of her from whom I must soon again be separated, and whom I must leave in this drear abode to meet her fearful fate alone.

The chant continued for some time, and as long as it continued it was sweet to me; for it prolonged the meeting with Almah, and postponed by so much our separation.
At length the chant ceased.

The nightmare hag looked fixedly at us, and spoke these words: "You have embraced for the last time.

Henceforth there is no more sorrow in your love.