Then, a hymn having been sung invoking the blessing of the gods on the dead priestess, Elissa, as the Baaltis, unlocked the gates of bronze with a golden key that hung at her girdle, and the bearers of the bowls of offerings pushed them into the mouth of the tomb, whose threshold they were not allowed to pass.

Next, with bowed heads and hands crossed upon her breast, Elissa entered the tomb, and locking the bronze gate behind her, took up two of the bowls and vanished with them into its gloomy depths.
"Why did she lock the gates ?" asked a priestess of Mesa.

"It is not customary." "Doubtless because it was her pleasure to do so," answered Mesa sharply, though she also wondered why Elissa had locked the gate.
When an hour was gone by and Elissa had not returned, her wonder turned to fear and doubt.
"Call to the lady Baaltis," she said, "for her prayers are long, and I fear lest she should have come to harm." So they called, setting heir lips against the bars of the gate till presently, Elissa, holding a lamp in her hand, came and stood before them.
"Why do you disturb me in the sanctuary ?" she asked.
"Lady, because they set the night watch on the walls," answered Mesa, "and it is time to return to the temple." "Return then," said Elissa, "and leave me in peace.

What, you cannot, Mesa?
Nay, and shall I tell you why?
Because you had plotted to deliver me this night to those who should lead me as a peace-offering to Ithobal, and when you come to them empty-handed they will greet you with harsh words.

Nay, do not trouble to deny it, Mesa.