Then a thought struck him, and he added aloud, "Say, Metem, is it permitted to strangers to witness the rites in yonder temple ?" "Surely," answered the Phoenician; "that is, if they guard their tongues, and do nothing to offend." "Then I desire to see them, Metem, and so doubtless does the prince Aziel.

Therefore, if it is your will, do me the service to enter his chamber in the palace where he is sitting, and bid him to a great ceremony that goes forward in the temple.

And, Metem, if he asks what that ceremony is, I charge you, say only that a dove is to be sacrificed.
"I will wait for you at the gate of the temple, but do not tell him that I send you on this errand.

Metem, you love gain; remember that if you humour me in this and other matters which may arise, doing my bidding faithfully, I have the treasury of Jerusalem to draw upon." "No ill paymaster," replied Metem cheerfully.

"Certainly I will obey you in all things, holy Issachar, as the king commanded me yonder in Judea." "Now," he reflected to himself, as he went upon his message, "I see how the bird flies.