My father whom I loved is dead, and shall I give myself to you for the sake of a city and a Faith that would have betrayed me into your hands ?" "Nay, but for the sake of the man to whom you are dear, you shall do even this, Elissa.

Think: if you refuse, his blood will be upon your head, and what will you have gained ?" "Death, which I seek, for I weary of the struggle of my days." "Then end it in my arms, lady.

Soon this fancy will escape your mind, and you will remain one of the mightiest queens of men." Elissa returned no answer, and for a while there was silence.
"Lady," said Ithobal at length, "the sun rises and my servants yonder await a signal." Then she spoke like one who hesitates.
"Are you not afraid, king Ithobal, to trust your life to a woman won in such a fashion ?" "Nay," answered Ithobal, "for though you say that their fate does not concern you, the lives of all those penned-up thousands are hostages for my own.

Should you by chance find a means to stab me unawares, then to-night fire and sword would rage through the city of Zimboe.

Nor do I fear the future, since I know well that you who think you hate me now, very soon will learn to love me." "You promise, king Ithobal, that if I yield myself you will set the prince Aziel free; but how can I believe you who twice have tried to murder him ?" "Doubt me if you will, Elissa, at least, you cannot doubt your own eyes.
Look, his road to the sea runs beneath this rock.