Yes, here in her very temple I renounce her, even though she takes my life in vengeance.

Oh! since they made me priestess I have been forced to learn all her worship, which before I never even guessed, and to see sights that would chill your blood to hear of them.

Now I tell you, prince Aziel and Issachar, that I will bear no more.

From El and Baaltis I turn to Him you worship, though, alas! little time is left to me in which to plead for pardon." "Why is little time left ?" broke in Aziel.
"Because my death is very near me, Prince, for if I live, see what a fate is mine.

Either I must remain high-priestess of Baaltis and to her day by day bow the knee, and month by month make sacrifice--of what think you?
Well, to be plain, of the blood of maids and children.