But what need is there to dwell on omens, true or false, when cowards man the walls, and the spears of Ithobal shine yonder like all the stars of heaven?
Prince, I tell you that this ancient city is doomed, and in it, as I fear, we must end our wanderings upon earth." "So be it, if it must be," answered Aziel, "at the least I will die fighting." "And I also will die fighting, Prince, not because I love it, but because it is better than being butchered in cold blood by a savage with a spear.

Oh! why did you ever chance to stumble upon the lady Elissa making her prayer to Baaltis, and what evil spirit was it which filled your brains with this sudden madness of love towards each other?
That was the beginning of the trouble, which, but for those eyes of hers, would have held off long enough to see us safe at Tyre, though doubtless soon or late it must have come.

But see, yonder marches Ithobal at the head of his guard.

Give me a bow, the flight is long, but perchance I can reach his black heart with an arrow." "Save your strength," answered Aziel, "the range is too great, and presently you will have enough of shooting," and he turned to talk to the officers of the guard..