Then having sealed the writing he gave it to Metem.
"Your face is sat, Prince," he said, as he hid it in his robe, "but, believe me, you are doing what is right and wise." "It may be so," answered Aziel, "yet I would rather die than do it, and may my curse lie heavy upon the heads of those who have so wrought that it must be done.

Now, I pray you, deliver this scroll into the hands of her you know, and bring me the answer if there be any, betraying it to none, for I will double whatever sum is offered for that treachery." "Have no fear, Prince," said Metem quietly, but without taking offence, "this errand is undertaken for friendship, not for profit.

The risk is mine alone; the gain--or loss--is yours." ***** An hour later the Phoenician stood in the palace of the gods, demanding, under permit from Sakon, governor of the city, to be admitted into the presence of the Baaltis, to whom he desired to sell certain sacred images cunningly fashioned in gold.

Presently it was announced that he was allowed to approach, and the officers of the temple led him through guarded passages, to the private chambers of the priestesses.

Here he found Elissa in a long, low hall, sweet with scented woods, rich with gold, and supported by pillars of cedar.
She was seated alone at the far end of this hall, beneath the window-plate, clad in her white robes of office, richly broidered with emblems of the moon.