CHAPTER IV.
THE DREAM OF ISSACHAR For a moment there was silence, which Aziel broke, saying:-- "It seems to me, Issachar, that you are somewhat over zealous for my welfare." "I think otherwise, Prince," replied the Levite sternly.

"Did not your grandsire give you into my keeping, and shall I not be faithful to my trust, and to a higher duty than any which he could lay upon me ?" "Your meaning, Issachar ?" "It is plain, Prince; but I will set it out.

The great king said to me yonder in the hall of his golden palace at Jerusalem, 'To others, men of war, I have given charge of the body of my grandson to keep him safe.

To you, Issachar the Levite, who have fostered him, I give charge over his soul to keep it safe--a higher task, and more difficult.

Guard him, Issachar, from the temptation of strange doctrines and the whisperings of strange gods, but guard him most of all from the wiles of strange women who bow the knee to Baal, for such are the gate of Gehenna upon earth, and those who enter by it shall find their place in Tophet.'" "Truly my grandsire speaks wisely on this matter as on all others," answered Aziel, "but still I do not understand." "Then I will be more clear, Prince.