Remember, this offering of incense is but a form to which you are forced against your will--you can do penance for it afterwards when I have arranged for both of you to escape the city.

If your God can be angry with you for burning a pinch of dust to save a woman, who at the least has dared much for you, then give me Baal, for he is less cruel." Now Aziel looked towards him who held the bowl of incense.

But Elissa who all this while had stood silent, stepped forward and spoke:-- "Prince Aziel," she said in a calm and quiet voice, "I named you husband to save your life, but with all my strength I pray of you, do not this thing to save mine, which is of little value and perhaps best ended.
Remember, prince Aziel, that being what you are, a Jew, this act of offering, however small it seems, is yet the greatest of sins, and one with which you should not dare to stain your soul for the sake of a woman, who has chanced to love you to your sorrow.

Be guided, therefore, by the true wisdom of Issachar and by my humble prayer.

Make an end of your doubts and let me die, knowing that we do but part a while, since in the Gate of Death I shall wait for you, prince Aziel." Before Aziel could answer, the Shadid, either because his patience was outworn, or because he wished to put him to a sharper trial, uttered a command.